A: Do you think Grandma will like the picture I’m making for her? B: I think she’ll be as pleased as punch. When she sees the picture, she will be making lemon pie for you. A: That’s my favorite dessert. Then I will be as pleased as punch. Note: This informal saying (British English) means “very happy, contended and satisfied.” This expression alludes to the self-congratulatory glee displayed by the grotesque, hook-nosed Punch, anti-hero of the Punch and Judy puppet show. In performance, Punch is depicted as self-satisfied and delighted with his evil deeds, squawking “That’s the way to do it!” whenever he dispatches another victim. |