One for the road

Meaning

A final drink before leaving.

Usage

Common in British pubs when the pace slows.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

18th century custom of a drink before a long journey.

Travelers recorded the saying in diaries from the 1800s.