many happy returns

Idioms

Also, many happy returns of the day. Happy birthday and many more of them, as in I came by to wish you many happy returns. This expression was first recorded in a letter of 1779 where the writer meant “Happy New Year,” but the present meaning has persisted since the second half of the 1800s.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the end, however, Liverpool were able to make it many happy returns for their head coach - but not before another dose of late drama that has characterised their winning start to this season.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

Happy Birthday to you, Stimson-Green Mansion, and many happy returns.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2023

This Nationals spring has been filed with many happy returns.

From Washington Post • Mar. 26, 2021

It is her husband Martin’s 49th birthday and the couple can scarcely believe that he has just been wished many happy returns by Pope Francis in a private audience.

From The Guardian • Nov. 5, 2016

I made the cake myself, and wish you many happy returns of the day.

From The Rainbow by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023