Meaning of Ned Kelly | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A figure or person akin to the iconic Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, typically denoting someone with audacious recklessness or morally questionable business dealings, or who opposes or defies authority.
   Australia, slang
2. An instance of behaviour that exemplifies such characteristics.
   Australia, slang
3. A figure or person who, like Ned Kelly, shows great bravery, daring, tenacity, or ferocity.
   Australia, slang
4. The belly. Often shortened to Ned.
   slang

Examples

“It [sc. smoking] will have the joy of the excitement, and the uncertainty of bushranging with a suggestion of Ned Kelly about it — and every boy is at heart a Ned Kelly.”

“Mr. Bizzell said the council offered him £740 for 74 perches of land... 'They are just Ned Kellys,’ he said. 'They certainly won't put it back on the market without making a handsome profit.'”

“Such "preparedness" that immunity from danger can best be found, "One sword keeps another in the scabbard," and even a Ned Kelly would fight shy of the man who had a loaded rifle always at hand and who knew how to use it.”

“He had all the ferocity of a Ned Kelly, am bullets and blood were to him nectar and ambrosia.”

“John Clare's pilot [sc. jockey] is not a Ned Kelly. When interfered with in the 14.2 at Rosebery he took no risks of coming down, and almost pulled the John O'Lorne gelding up until in a clear position.”

CEFR level