answersLogoWhite

0

Tracing the origins of idioms can be difficult, since the evidence is often apocryphal or anecdotal. However, the most popular theory for this phrase is that it comes from military slang in World War I.

In the trenches, the British troops used a kind of trench mortar that was nicknamed the "Toffee Apple" because of its shape. The bomb was spherical and 9 inches in diameter, attached to a 2-inch diameter shaft, suggesting a very large toffee (or candy) apple. It was the largest mortar considered practical for trench warfare, and was effective at ranges from 100 to 600 yards. The British troops used them from 1915 to 1917.

Concerning usage and meaning, "How do you like them apples?" is a rhetorical question with a couple of different connotations. It can be used to express triumphant gloating, when the speaker feels that he has scored a convincing point or victory (thus dropping a figurative bombshell on an opponent). Alternatively, it is sometimes used to convey a feeling of annoyance or bemusement at circumstances (both emotions that could very well result from being near a dropped bomb, to say the least).

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What does how do you like them apples mean?

It means, they want to know if you like the apples.


What does how do like them apples mean?

It means, they want to know if you like the apples.


What does it mean when somebody says mushrooms are to fungus as apples are to an apple tree?

mushrooms comes from fungus and apples come from apple trees, like papper comes from trees,???? i dont really known :S


What does Dlja mean?

dogs like jucie apples


In maths what does per mean?

Like if it said 4 apples per a bag. That means for apples for a bag. So in that sentence it would mean for.


Is it come for dinner or come to dinner?

it can be both, like saying.. "Would you like to come to dinner" which can just mean a small just dinner type thing i guess and "would you like to come for dinner" i think would meanlike a party type dinner.


What is the meaning of the phrase apples to apples comparison?

There is an expression "like comparing apples to oranges," which is used of false comparisons and inaccurate analogies. "Apples to apples" comparison would mean comparing things that really are similar.


Can Pokemon come to real life you mean like are they real because a lot of people have been saying that they are?

You are dreaming, wake up!


What does 'souieba' mean in Japanese?

It means "come to think of it," or "which reminds me..."


What food like horse?

If you mean, What foods do horses like, then they like: Hay, Wheat, Straw, etc. And for good treats they like: Carrots, Apples, and Sugar Cubes, which carrots and apples can also be apart of the diet.


How does an idiom work?

an idiom is a saying that doesnt mean what it says. and example is someone saying the apple doesnt fall far from the tree, the are not actually talking about apples and trees they are usually talking about a parent and child relationship.


What does 4m mean in algebraic expressions?

It means 4 times "m" - in other words, 4 multiplied with whatever value the variable "m" happens to have.