mutton dressed as lamb

== English == === Alternative forms === mutton dressed up as lamb === Etymology === A metaphorical sense of mutton (“unattractive older woman”) being dressed (clothed) as lamb (“a younger attractive woman”) and also a pun on mutton (“meat from old sheep”) being dressed (prepared) as lamb (“meat from young sheep”), related to obsolete lamb-fashion. === Pronunciation === === Noun === mutton dressed as lamb (uncountable) (UK, derogatory) A middle-aged or elderly woman dressed in a style more suited to a young woman, especially if in a deliberate attempt to appear young. 1998 April 22, Caroline Graham & al., "Faithful unto Death", Midsomer Murders: Cully Barnaby: Dad, that old lady, the mutton dressed as lamb. Do you know her? DCI Tom Barnaby: That's a terrible thing to say... even though it's true. No, I don't. 2009, Jah Wobble, Memoirs of a Geezer: Music, Mayhem, Life, Serpent's Tail (Profile Books), UK, page 65, I thought that the American side of punk was generally full of mutton-dressed-as-lamb degenerates, most of whom were smack heads, who could do with acquainting themselves with a bit of soap and some hot water. ==== Translations ==== === References ===