on the cuff
Related to on the cuff: rotator cuff
on the cuff
1. With the expectation, promise, or obligation that payment will be given in the future. I'm not getting paid till next week, but we really need a new TV, so I decided to buy this one on the cuff.
2. Without payment being necessary; for free. After the waiter spilled those drinks on my wife, the manager offered us our meal on the cuff.
See also: cuff, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the cuff
1. On credit, as in He tried to hire a detective on the cuff. It is sometimes put as put on the cuff, meaning "extend credit to," as in They asked to be put on the cuff until they got their monthly check. This usage probably alludes to the practice of recording bar tabs on the bartender's cuff. Also see off the cuff. [Slang; 1920s]
2. Free of charge, as in We hope these drinks are on the cuff. [Slang; 1920s] Also see on the house.
See also: cuff, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on the cuff
1 on credit. US informal 2 beyond what is appropriate or conventional. New Zealand 1 1992 Sandra Birdsell The Chrome Suite Their surveillance system keeps a beady eye open and they don't let you buy groceries on the cuff.
See also: cuff, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on the cuff
On credit.
See also: cuff, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- till next time
- till then
- (goodbye) till then
- call it/them as (one) sees it/them
- call it/them like (one) sees it/them
- double sawbuck
- ebb
- at (something's) lowest ebb
- blue in the face
- till we meet again