monty, the full

views updated

monty, the full the full amount expected, desired, or possible. Of unknown origin, the phrase has only been recorded recently. Among various (unsubstantiated) theories, one cites the phrase the full Montague Burton, apparently meaning ‘Sunday-best three-piece suit’ (from the name of a tailor of made-to-measure clothing in the early 20th century); another recounts the possibility of a military usage, the full monty being ‘the full cooked English breakfast’ insisted upon by Field Marshal Montgomery.