Like turkeys voting for Christmas

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Meaning

Doing something foolishly against your own interests.

Origin

From 20th-century Britain, tied to Christmas turkey feasts; slang by 1970s for folly, possibly from a 1977 political quip on Labour's tax vote. Turkeys, bred for slaughter, made a dark jest; it reflects a postwar wryness and holiday roast lore.

Variants

  • Turkeys for Christmas

Usage Examples

  • Cutting hours? Like turkeys voting for Christmas!
  • They backed the ban; like turkeys voting for Christmas.
  • Like turkeys voting for Christmas, he sold cheap.

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