Shanks mare

n.

Heard in Laois, Dublin and Wexford

Traveling entirely on foot rather than by vehicle.

In use

Are you on shanks mare all the way from town in the rain?

Posh English

Are you proceeding entirely on foot all the way from the township amidst the precipitation?

Same phrase, other counties

  • Dayshent mareA fine looking young woman.
  • Decent mareAn attractive young woman.
  • Fine mareAn attractive woman. Often used with ironic awareness of how such appeal may fade over…
  • Hefty mareA lady of large build.
  • Hay foot straw footRenound shade marching drill for new recruits where the sergent instructs a bale of hay…
  • Ten foot barge poleThat lady is so unattractive one would not touch her even with a ten-foot barge pole.