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How did the expression 'In like Flynn' come about?In: Idioms and Slang |
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In like Flint
The expression is "in like Flint", and it comes from the movie of the same name: In like Flint. James Coburn played superspy Derek Flint. Flint was an expert at sneaking in and getting a dangerous job done.
"In like Flint"
It is not "In like Flynn", it is "In like Flint".
James Coburn played in several spy spoof movies,
one of them was named "In like Flint".
In like Flynn
Dates back to 1945, refering to how easily movie star Errol Flynn could get women into bed with him.
See related Links for the real answer Hint: Its a combination of the answers listed here.
"In Like Flint" was a pun, referring to the real expression "In like Flynn" (which has nothing to do with Errol Flynn--see below).
James Coburn played in exactly two Derek Flint spy spoofs; "Our Man Flint" and "In Like Flint" with Lee J. Cobb.
On THE ALT.USAGE.ENGLISH FAQ FILE by Mark Israel, the phrase's first
meaning is listed as "in favour, assured of success, in an enviable
position." Israel goes on to state that "Some writers allege that it
originated in allusion to Edward Joseph "Boss" Flynn (1892-1953), a
campaign manager for the U.S. Democratic party during Franklin Delano
Roosevelt's presidency. Flynn's machine was so successful at winning
elections that his candidates seemed to be in office automatically."
(Above text from Google Answers.)
First answer by ID1289754936. Last edit by Stevefah. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 43 [recommend question]
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