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

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

A prodigal son, beneath his father's ban For the last twenty years; for whom his sire Refused to kill the fatted calf; and, therefore, If living, he must chew the husks still.

From The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 5 Poetry by Coleridge, Ernest Hartley

You will kill the fatted calf for Terry," Sir Shawn grumbled, "as though he had been a year away.

From Love of Brothers by Tynan, Katharine

I'm not asking you to take him back and kill the fatted calf for him.

From The Duchess of Wrexe Her Decline and Death; A Romantic Commentary by Walpole, Hugh, Sir

No, but he bade the servants put shoes on his feet, and a ring on his finger, and kill the fatted calf, and make merry.

From Wondrous Love and other Gospel addresses by Moody, Dwight Lyman