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]

---

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

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

From A Rivermouth Romance by Thomas Bailey Aldrich

"They may be ready to kill the fatted calf for you, after all."

From His Lordship's Leopard A Truthful Narration of Some Impossible Facts by David Dwight Wells

So kill the fatted calf for we're coming.

From Tom Slade at Black Lake by Howard L. (Howard Livingston) Hastings

"I reckon yore folks will kill the fatted calf for you," jeered Hugh Roush.

From A Man Four-Square by William MacLeod Raine