paint the town red
Meaning
To celebrate exuberantly and boisterously in public, often involving drinking and revelry.
Origin
In 1837, the notoriously rowdy Irish nobleman Henry Beresford, Marquis of Waterford, and his hard-drinking fox-hunting companions, known collectively as the "Mad Marquis" and his "gang," descended upon the quiet English town of Melton Mowbray. Following a particularly raucous night of revelry, the inebriated group embarked on a destructive spree, using pots of red paint—intended for a nearby tollgate—to literally "paint" the town. They smeared doors, knockers, and even the statue of a local dignitary with vibrant crimson, leaving a vivid, literal red mark on the town that became synonymous with wild, unrestrained celebration.
Examples
- After closing the huge deal, the sales team decided to paint the town red to mark their success.
- The tourists were determined to paint the town red on their last night, visiting every lively pub and club.