to cut a caper

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

(Italian, tagliar le capriole.) The act of dancing in a frolicksome manner.--Todd. We use it also in a more general sense. Thus, of a person who conducts himself in a strange or ridiculous manner, we would say, "He cuts strange capers."


Flimnap, the treasurer, is allowed to cut a caper on the straight rope, at least an inch higher than any other lord in the whole empire.--Gulliver's Travels.

A man may appear learned, without talking sentences; as in his ordinary gesture he discovers he can dance, though he does not cut capers.--Spectator, No.4.

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