The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท A

Ain't my first rodeo

Meaning

A way of saying you are experienced in a particular situation and cannot be fooled or surprised. You have been through this exact scenario before.

Confident, street-smart

Used in a sentence

  • You do not need to explain how to file these forms because this ain't my first rodeo.
  • The salesman tried to overcharge me, but I told him this ain't my first rodeo.
  • Relax, I know how to pack a suitcase for a week, this ain't my first rodeo.

The backstory

Clearly derived from the world of professional rodeo. If you have been a cowboy in the arena multiple times, you know exactly what to expect from a bucking bronco.

Heard in

Nationwide

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