kill the fatted calf

Idioms  

1. Prepare for a joyful occasion or a warm welcome. For example, When Bill comes home from his trip to Korea we're going to kill the fatted calf. This expression alludes to the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), whose father welcomed him by serving the choicest calf after his return. [Early 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

kill the fatted calf

Fulham are the morning's other big movers and shakers, lining up a return for Paul Konchesky which allows to kill the fatted calf for Stephen Warnock from Villa.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 21, 2011

We are more prone to worship the golden calf, in bowing down before the favorites of Fortune, than disposed to kill the fatted calf in honor of the elect of thought and mind.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 91, May, 1865 by Various

Yes, indeed; but Mrs. Crampton is determined to kill the fatted calf now.

From Doctor Luttrell's First Patient by Rosa Nouchette Carey

Mr. Bilkins was by no means disposed to kill the fatted calf.

From A Rivermouth Romance by Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Very affectionate was the look he gave Vital, who had been with him always, and for whom it was not necessary to kill the fatted calf.

From A Lover in Homespun And Other Stories by F. Clifford (Frank Clifford) Smith