wigs on the green

English

Etymology

In reference to the wigs that gentlemen used to wear, which might fall to the ground during a fight.

Noun

wigs on the green pl (plural only)

1. (archaic, Ireland) A fight; a brawl.
   • 1853 October 22, Captain Michael Rafter, “Done Brown”, in The London Journal, vol.XVIII no.452 p.119:

     “I am sorry to perceive, sir, as you say; but you have been in some hot work, sir! I'll engage you have seen some wigs on the green?”
     “Wigs on the green!” exclaimed the elegant stranger, with a very cold, aristocratical stare.
     “Beg pardon, sir!” said Mr. Brown, when he became conscious of his vulgarity. “'Tis our Irish mode of expression, sir, when we speak of a row, or a skrimmage! I dare say you have been in many a skrimmage, Sir John![”]

2. (dated, Ireland, as a formulaic threat) Big trouble.
   • 1998 Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes Ch.XII (Simon and Schuster, →ISBN) p.272:

     She says, If ye don't fix yeer brother's shoes an' I have to get out of this bed there will be wigs on the green.