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Hancock

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put (one's) John Hancock on

To sign one's name on a document or other item. John Hancock, an influential figure in the American Revolution, is known for his especially large and legible signature on the Declaration of Independence. As soon as you put your John Hancock on these papers, you'll be the proud owner of a brand new car! I would never have put my John Hancock on such an unfavorable contract—I think my signature was forged.

See also: Hancock, john, on, put

one's John Henry

 and one's John Hancock

one's signature. Just put your John Henry on this line, and we'll bring your new car around.

See also: henry, john

your John Hancock

  (American humorous)

your signature

Usage notes: John Hancock's signature was the biggest signature on the American Declaration of Independence in 1776.

If you put your John Hancock on the last page we'll be finished with the formalities.

See also: Hancock, john

John Hancock

Also, John Henry. One's signature, as in Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line. This expression alludes to John Hancock's prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. The variant simply substitutes a common name for "Hancock." [Mid-1800s]

See also: Hancock, john

John Hancock

n. one’s signature. (Refers to the signature of John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Put your John Hancock right here, if you don’t mind.

See also: Hancock, john