1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
1825. G. KENT, Modern Flash Dictionary, s.v.
2. (American thieves’).—Courage. For synonyms, see SPUNK.
3. In pl. (thieves’).—Fetters. For synonyms, see DARBIES.—BEE (1823).
1888. BOLDREWOOD, Robbery under Arms, xxxvii. I was kept in IRONS night and day for a month.
Verb. (old).—To flatter.
1823. BADCOCK (‘Jon Bee’), Dictionary of the Turf, etc., s.v. IRONING, i.e., Irony, e.g., ‘Bill Noon, you are one of the best in all England, for nollidge and for larning.’ Noon. ‘Nay, my Coney, now you’re IRONING me … all down the back.’
BAD IRON, subs. phr. (workmen’s).—Failure; misadventure; bad luck.
SHOOTING-IRON. See post.
THIEVING-IRONS. See post.
TO POLISH THE KING’S IRON WITH ONE’S EYEBROW, verb. phr. (old).—To look out of grated or prison windows.—GROSE (1785).
TO HAVE MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE (or ON THE ANVIL), verb. phr. (colloquial).—To carry out many projects at the same time, especially schemes for making money.
1593. G. HARVEY, Pierce’s Supererogation, in Works ii. 330. It is some mens fortune to haue their handes full of vnneedefull businesse attonce: and for miselfe, I should make no great matter of two, or three such glowing IRONS IN THE FIER.
1614. JONSON, Bartholomew Fair, i. Aye, quickly, good mistress, I pray you; for I have both eggs on the spit, and IRON IN THE FIRE.
1622. CHAPMAN, The Widow’s Tears, ii. 1. And you know, brother, I have other IRONS ON THE ANVIL.
1640. HOWELL, Dodona’s Grove, or the Vocall Forrest, p. 38. Elaiana … hath divers nurseries to supply, MANY IRONS perpetually IN THE FIRE.
1668. DRYDEN, An Evening’s Love, iv. 1. I have more IRONS IN THE FIRE; when I have done with you, I have another Assignation.
1760–1. SMOLLETT, Sir Launcelot Greaves, iii. Anthony Darnel had begun to canvass, and was putting every IRON IN THE FIRE.
1849. BULWER-LYTTON, The Caxtons, pt. VII. ii. He had other IRONS IN THE FIRE besides the ‘Literary Times’ and the ‘Confederate Authors’ Society.’
