He's fifty if he's a day

[katerina.pata]

Please,
what does the following expression mean?

He's fifty if he's a day.

THANK YOU. KP

 

[SoothingDave]

It means he is at least 50 years old. He is certainly a day old. So if he is a day old, he is certainly 50.

 

[katerina.pata]

Thanks for your explanation, SoothingDave!
KP

 

[charliedeut]

It means he is at least 50 years old. He is certainly a day old. So if he is a day old, he is certainly 50.

Would it imply something like "even if you don't believe it" or "even if he doesn't look his age"?

Thank you

Greetings,

Charliedeut

 

[Rover_KE]

There is often that implication, Charlie.

Rover

 

[Barb_D]

Or that he is not acting his age, or that he pretends that he is younger.

Look at him out there, dancing with those 20-somethings, and him being 50 if he's a day!
What? She told you she was 47? What a liar. We were in 6th grade together. I tell you, that woman is 55 if she's a day!

 

[BobK]

In the opposite case, when the person is older than he is thought to be, a common reply is '...and the rest.'

A: 'Cliff Richard must be at least 60.'
B: '...and the rest. He was 70 last October.'

b

PS: the 'and' is not reduced - it's a full /æ/ sound.