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The phrase came into common usage around the time of WWI. The first printed citation of ‘the life of Riley’ (with the easy/carefree meaning of the phrase) that I have found is from New Jersey newspaper The News, May 1910: Henry Mungersdorf is living the life of Riley just at present. Quotation marks are usually added to phrases that the ...
Oct 22, 2011 · The song tells the story of a man named Reilly who lives a carefree life despite his lack of money or success. In American culture, the phrase has been used since at least the early 20th century and is often associated with wealthy individuals who live lavish lifestyles.
Apr 9, 2021 · 9 April 2021. To live the life of Riley (or Reilly) is to have a carefree and luxurious existence. But the Riley to which the phrase refers is a bit of mystery. We don’t know who he was or if it even refers to a specific person. There is one candidate who stands out from the rest, but his connection to the phrase is tenuous.
Apr 28, 2012 · 141k10245406. To my way of thinking, this explanation does not make sense. In Ireland, to say someone is 'living the live of Reilly' means that he or she is having a great life. My understanding is that the expression comes from 'living the life of royalty, meaning that you are living like a royal, and that the expression has change through ...
Dec 22, 1999 · William and Mary Morris’ Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins says: There are several theories of the origin of this popular catch phrase which means, of course, to live luxuriously without working. One authority says it comes from a song of the 1880s, “Is that Mr Reilly?” popularized by Pat Rooney, founder of the great American ...
Example #1: “Blessed from childhood after his father came into sudden wealth, Jack lived the life of Riley compared to the sufferings and tough time his elder sister faced.”. Example #2: “Hester wonders why some people curse and complain all their lives when, in reality, they are enjoying the life of Riley.”.
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Oct 11, 2024 · Here are examples of how “Life of Riley” is used: In retirement: “After winning the lottery, she’s been living the life of Riley, enjoying her new mansion and travels.”. In reference to someone’s lifestyle: “He’s always on vacation and never seems to work, living the life of Riley.”. In casual conversation: “With his new ...
