The saying “ please do n’t eat the daisy ” is an idiomatic phrase that has been used in various circumstance over the years But what precisely does it mean and where did it grow from ? This article will explore the desktop , definition , and usage of this quirky expression
The Origins and History
The phrase “ please do n’t eat the daisies ” first entered mainstream tonic civilisation with the issue of humorist Jean Kerr ’s 1957 book title “ Please Do n’t Eat the Daisies , ” The book consisted of various essays and anecdote about Kerr ’s liveliness as a housewife and mother
In 1960 , the book was adapted into a film of the same name starring Doris Day and David Niven . The daisy - wipe out phrase became the title and signature line of the movie . However , the locution predates Kerr ’s works and has more unsung origins .
Some sources reference musical comedies from the 1920s that admit the phrase in lyrics and dialog . The musical phrase may have originated even earlier as a polite guest request not to break up or use up flowers from the host ’s garden .
Literal Meaning
Taken literally , “ please do n’t eat the daisy ” is a straight plea to forbear from ingesting daisies and other flowers . Daisies belong to to the toxin - contain Asteraceae works family and can cause nausea , regurgitation , and diarrhoea if eaten . So the phrase work as a warning against eating flowers that can make you pale .
Figurative Meaning
In a nonliteral sense though , this phrasal idiom has evolved to communicate a few varying subject matter :
A request not to ruin , damage , or smash something pretty or precious .
An entreaty not to spoil , interfere with , or infringe on something another is enjoy .
A cry of exasperation when convention or boundaries are broken .
The figurative meanings range from polite appeals to more frustrated outburst when expectations are n’t met . But they all get across the point of asking others not to tamper with or needlessly trample on things .
Examples of Usage
Here are some model of how the set phrase “ please do n’t corrode the daisies ” can be used in writing or unremarkable speech :
“ I spent all morning weeding the garden beds and set these daisy , so please do n’t eat the daisy by trample through them on your way to the yard . ”
“ We put out refreshments for the party guests – please do n’t use up the daisies by gobble everything up before the company even part . ”
“ I bonk you ’re upturned but please do n’t exhaust the daisies by study it out on barren bystanders . ”
“ We have a good scheme in place – please do n’t use up the daisy by try out to completely exchange how we do things around here . ”
“ I worked so hard on this report , so please do n’t eat the daisies by render edits that undermine or undo my oeuvre . ”
The above example demonstrate how the phrase can be applied to different scenario where boundary are crossed or physical process disrupted . The daisies represent the fragile matter being encroach upon .
Related Idioms and Phrases
A few other idioms and phrases relate to the notion behind “ please do n’t eat the daisies ” :
Do n’t turn over the apple cart : Do n’t disrupt or mess up up an existing spot or arrangement .
Do n’t sway the boat : Avoid creating issues or dispute in a stable situation .
Do n’t break what ’s fixed : If it ’s working all right already , do n’t interfere with it unnecessarily .
Do n’t sting the paw that feeds you : annul harming or go against someone who provide for you .
thin-skinned feely : Overly sore , fragile , or easily disturb .
These phrases all warn against unneeded and potentially prejudicious tampering or flutter . Just like the daisy represent purity , these phrasal idiom use items like apple go-cart and boats to symbolise fragile systems .
In Software and Technology
In software system engineering , the “ please do n’t deplete the daisy ” fallacy refers specifically to changing code or system that already play fine in their current state . The idiomatic expression cautions developer against needless tampering purely out of boredom or attractive force to novelty . If code carry out its mean function without problems , it ’s best to forget it alone rather than introduce new bugs .
In heart , “ please do n’t rust the daisy ” urge on us to avoid damaging , interfering with , or eat thing pointlessly but because we can . The musical phrase evokes destitute prime at endangerment of being thoughtlessly tread down or plucked . Whether cite to actual daisies or more metaphorical “ daisies , ” this quirky idiom reminds us to hold on and consider potential effect before act as on impetus .
I think my favorite application for this song is in helping people who are very confused to follow simple instructions.
Here ’s how ( and why ) this could work :
This song is in a major key and triple meter , which render it a merriment , rocking palpate that start well with its whacky , motherly smell . This song does n’t sound like a female parent ripping out her hair in ire or hollo out for her kids ’ safety . Rather , you hear a gentle rectification of a child ’s doesn’t - jazz - any - better behavior .
Some people with dementedness may not know any unspoiled , so this is a near way to gently change their behavior . As a caregiver , you may already know that masses in the in-between and late stage of Alzheimer ’s disease and other dementias sometimes attempt to eat things that are n’t food . It ’s not all right to let this happen because it could stimulate strangulation or infection , but taking something from someone ’s hand might also make them furious .
Here’s a quirky popular song from Doris Day to add to your repertoire.
“ Please Do n’t Eat The Daisies ” is the title of a account book , photographic film , song , and television receiver series , make in that club , all about the suspect moments of raise kids in the suburban area . Jean Kerr wrote the original book of humorous essays , sharing the shining moments of rear her four boys in the ‘ burbs after years of know in New York City . Doris Day involve up Kerr ’s theatrical role as the newly - suburban mother in the photographic film , and this is where the vocal “ Please Do n’t wipe out The Daisies ” first seem .
As with any song , this one can be used in a fate of different way in music therapy and daily caregiving , count on what use you fiddle . You could put this in a collection of Sung dynasty about flower , a work about Doris Day ’s euphony , or a list of waltz - style song . The swaying calendar method of birth control also lends nicely to motion to music experiences .
TCM Comments on Please Don’t Eat the Daisies (1960)
Is ‘ Please Do n’t Eat the Daisies ’ base on a true story ?
Please Do n’t Eat the Daisies ( New York : Doubleday , 1957 ) is a well - selling collection of humorous essay by American humorist and playwright Jean Kerr about suburban living and raising four boy . The essays do not have a patch or through - storyline , but the book sell so well it was conform into a 1960 film star Doris Day and David Niven .
When was Please Do n’t eat on the Daisies made ?
Please Do n’t Eat the Daisies ( film ) Please Do n’t wipe out the Daisies is a 1960 Metrocolor drollery motion-picture show in CinemaScope starring Doris Day and David Niven , made by Euterpe Inc. , and distributed by Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer .
What is the movie Please Do n’t eat on the Daisies about ?
A dramatic event critic and his menage endeavor to aline to life in the country . Please Do n’t Eat The Daisies ( 1960 ) — ( Movie Clip ) Awful Quiet base on the Word Please Do n’t exhaust the Daisies by Jean Kerr ( Garden City , NJ , 1957 ) .
Who is ‘ Doris Day ’ in ‘ Please Do n’t Eat the daisy ’ ?
“ Doris Day was already a house name in America when Please Do n’t Eat the Daisies was unfreeze ; her reputation as a talented comedic actress had been confirmed in former film like Teacher ’s Pet ( 1958 ) , and Pillow Talk ( 1959 ) and her persona stayed on-key to form for Daisies .
