Brewer's: Devil's Tattoo

(The). Tapping on the table with one's finger a wearisome number of times; tapping on the floor with one's foot in a similar manner; repeating any sound with wearisome pertinacity, giving those who hear the “blue devils” or the “fidgets.”

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content