Another Thing Coming
The phrase “another thing coming” is a colorful idiom indicating someone is mistaken, about to face an unpleasant surprise, or needs to reconsider their assumptions. It implies a rude awakening is in store, a reversal of expectation, or that their current line of thought is flawed. The phrase isn’t simply about being wrong; it carries a subtle threat and a suggestion that the person will soon realize their error, often with negative consequences. The colloquialism frequently appears with variations like “another thing coming,” showcasing its adaptability in spoken language.
Origin of “Another Thing Coming”
Tracing the precise origin is challenging, but the phrase gained significant traction in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While similar sentiments existed beforehand, documented instances point towards its increasing popularity in American vernacular speech around this time. Early uses, as documented in newspaper archives, frequently appeared in regional dialects and humorous contexts. A commonly cited instance appears in the Syracuse Herald in August 1919, though some research suggests earlier appearances in similar phrasing. David Marsh, writing in The Guardian, highlights a usage in the Syracuse Standard from 1898, suggesting a potentially earlier established presence. While slight variations in wording have emerged over time, the core meaning has remained consistent, demonstrating the phrase’s enduring appeal and adaptability.
Analysis: The Phrase in Literature
The power of “another thing coming” lies in its inherent dismissiveness and implied threat. It is rarely used in a neutral context. In literature, the phrase is often employed to signal a power dynamic, highlighting a character’s confidence in their knowledge or impending triumph. It is a way to cut off further argument, to assert dominance, and to foreshadow a reversal of fortune for the recipient. The phrase isn’t merely a statement; it is an act of verbal aggression, subtly communicating contempt or superiority.
Example #1: Wallace Irwin’s “The Love Sonnets of a Hoodlum, VIII”
I sometimes think that I am not so good,
That there are foxier, warmer babes than I,
That Fate has given me the calm go-by
And my long suit is sawing mother’s wood.
Then would I duck from under if I could,
Catch the hog special on the jump, and fly
To some Goat Island planned by destiny
For dubs and has-beens and that solemn brood.
But spite of bug-wheels in my cocoa tree,
The trade in lager beer is still a-humming,
A schooner can be purchased for a V
Or even grafted if you’re fierce at bumming.
My finish then less clearly do I see,
For lo! I have another thing coming.
In this sonnet, the speaker initially expresses self-doubt but concludes with “another thing coming.” This is not about a negative surprise for someone else. Instead, it suggests a shift in his own perspective, a realization that his initial assessment of himself was inaccurate. He is about to rethink his situation, implying he is more capable or fortunate than he first believed. The phrase here signals a change in internal monologue, an internal assertion of self‑worth.
Example #2: Conrad Richter’s “The Fields”
“But if she figured she could break him, she had another thing coming. Oh, he wouldn’t let on to her one more lick about the big hunt if he could help it. Let her reckon he was a going to work at the Covenhovens tomorrow. Let Big John think so too, if he wanted. When Sayward turned her back, he took his rifle out to his shanty.”
Here, the phrase functions as a clear declaration of resistance. Sayward believes she can influence the protagonist, but he confidently states she “had another thing coming.” This is not about a future surprise; it is a preemptive dismissal of her attempts at manipulation. It showcases the protagonist’s resolve and hints at his strategic cunning. The phrase is a direct challenge, a warning that she has underestimated him.
Example #3: Raymond Queneau’s “The Blue Flowers”
‘Here we go! a sex‑maniac! That’s another thing they all told me. Everything Frenchman…’
‘Mademoiselle …please believe me…’
‘If you think, Monsieur, that you are likely to attain your blagatory and lubricious ends by proferring philanderous utterances designed to lure me into your perverse lair, me, a poor defenseless bird, a poor Wyandotte, even, you’ve got another thing coming, Monsieur, you’ve got another thing coming!’
In this example, the repetition of “another thing coming” intensifies the character’s rejection of the advances. It serves as a vehement and forceful rebuke, emphasizing her unwavering resistance to the unwanted attention. The double use is not simply for emphasis; it reinforces her complete dismissal of his intentions. It is a dramatic assertion of her boundaries.
Example #4: Pam Brown’s “Another Thing Coming”
Sorry no –
I’m reviewing a few
windows of opportunity
from my workstation desktop,
on the actual desk –
the pale golden color
of white ginseng
steaming in a china cup
perched on a silvery
compact‑disc coaster,
screwed‑up pages, red ball‑point,
small black radio emitting news –
political party supporters’ dreams
weakened by boom time fluctuations
like comets in a spint
were ‘we’
not to apply
serious scholarship
to metro profit margins’
most pressing questions –
‘we’ might find ‘we’
have
another thing coming.
Brown’s use of the phrase is more nuanced and philosophical. It is not a direct confrontation but a warning about the consequences of intellectual complacency. “Another thing coming” suggests that a deeper analysis of complex issues is necessary, and failing to do so will lead to unforeseen problems or failures. It is a call for critical thinking and a rejection of superficial understanding.
Beyond the Literature: Further Considerations
The phrase “another thing coming” is often used informally, adding a touch of color and attitude to everyday conversation. It is frequently employed in situations where someone is being overconfident or making assumptions. It can also be used playfully, as a lighthearted warning or challenge. While the phrase has become somewhat common, its impact lies in its historical roots and its ability to convey a strong sense of dismissal and impending correction. Understanding its origins and nuances enriches its appreciation and effective use in both written and spoken language.