cut capers

Idioms and Phrases

Also, cut a caper . Frolic or romp, as in The children cut capers in the pile of raked leaves . The noun caper comes from the Latin for “goat,” and the allusion is to act in the manner of a young goat clumsily frolicking about. The expression was first recorded in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (1:3): “Faith, I can cut a caper.”

Example Sentences

“Then I’ll stay still. I don’t care much for company dancing. It’s no fun to go sailing round. I like to fly about and cut capers.”

From Literature

He felt so light-hearted and joyous that he would have willingly thrown his square hat in the air, and cut capers on the pavement.

From Project Gutenberg

She executed rapid steps, pirouetted, cut capers, and shewed her legs; in short, she behaved like a ballet-girl.

From Project Gutenberg

It seemed he was about to cut capers with Mr. Wogan on his shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

He seized both my hands and squeezed them hard; he would have cut capers in the street, if I had not prevented him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cavort
• frolic
• gambol
• prance