subs. (thieves’).—Punishment; a term of imprisonment. For synonyms, see DOSE. TO FINE = to sentence. [From the payment of money imposed as a punishment for an offence.]

1

  1785.  GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.

2

  1859.  G. W. MATSELL, Vocabulum; or, The Rogue’s Lexicon. ‘The cove had a FINE of two stretchers and a half imposed upon him for relieving a joskin of a load of cole.’

3

  TO CUT IT FINE.—See CUT FINE.

4

  TO GET ONE DOWN FINE AND CLOSE, verb. phr. (American).—To find out all about a man; to deliver a stinging blow.

5

  ALL VERY FINE AND LARGE, adj. phr. (common).—An interjection of (1) approval; (2) derision; and (3) incredulity. [The refrain of a music-hall song excessively popular about 1886–88.]

6

  FINE AS FIVEPENCE.—See FIVEPENCE.

7

  FINE DAY FOR THE YOUNG DUCKS, subs. phr. (colloquial).—A very wet day.

8

  FINE WORDS BUTTER NO PARSNIPS, phr. (colloquial).—A sarcastic retort upon large promises.

9