That's the why

exp.

Heard in Waterford

A parent's curt, all-purpose response to a child's persistent questioning of "Why?"

Child: "Mam why can't I play with Johnny?" Mother: "Cos that's the why"

Posh English

Child: "Mother why may I not play with Johnny?" Mother: "Because I have decreed it that is why."

Related terms

• That's the shotAn expression of approval. Similar to "that's the way to do it".
• As tight as a duck's arse, and that's watertightExtremely miserly or stingy.
• That's animalThat is excellent. That is very good.
• That's catTerrible, awful or catastrophic in nature.
• That's grandaAn expression of approval for something one has time for or admires.
• That's not what yer ma said last nightI had sexual intercourse with your mother last night.