Give it a holly

phr.

Heard in Kilkenny

To pull, yank, or exert sudden heavy physical force upon something.

In use

The starter cord was stuck solid, so I had to give it a holly!

Posh English

The starting mechanism was firmly jammed, so I was obliged to pull upon it with considerable vigour!

  • HollyAn exhortation to exert maximum effort or to perform a task with great vigour.
  • Take off shoes and give her socksTo exert a great deal of effort in order to complete a task.
  • Give a backerTo give someone a lift on the back of one's bicycle.
  • Give her lantyTo give something full throttle or maximum effort.
  • ReefTo pull or tug something with great force and sudden violence.
  • Pull hardTo strike the sliotar with considerable force during a game of hurling.