“Please don’t eat the daisies” is a quirky phrase that has perplexed many over the years. Where did this saying come from and what exactly does it mean? This article will explore the origins, definitions, and usage of this iconic idiom.
A Look Back at the History
While the precise origins of “please don’t eat the daisies” are obscure, the phrase first entered pop culture with humorist Jean Kerr’s 1957 book titled “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” The book was a collection of satirical essays about suburban family life
In 1960, the book was adapted into a film starring Doris Day and David Niven. The movie used the daisy-eating line as its title and signature quote Some sources cite earlier musical comedies from the 1920s that included the phrase in lyrics and dialogue
Its beginnings may date back even further as a polite request for guests not to pick flowers from their host’s garden. The phrase evolved over time into a popular culture idiom.
The Literal Warning
Taken literally, “please don’t eat the daisies” is a direct plea to avoid ingesting daisies and other flowers. Daisies contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms if eaten. So the phrase works as a literal warning against consuming flowers that may make you ill.
The Figurative Meanings
Figuratively though, this phrase conveys varying messages:
- A request not to destroy, damage, or ruin something pretty or precious
- An appeal not to interfere with or encroach on something another is enjoying
- A cry of exasperation when boundaries are crossed
The figurative meanings range from polite appeals to frustrated outbursts about meddling. But they all express asking others not to thoughtlessly trample on fragile things.
Examples of Everyday Usage
Here are some examples of how “please don’t eat the daisies” is used in writing and speech:
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“I spent all morning planting these daisies, so please don’t eat the daisies by stomping through them on the way to the yard.”
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“We have refreshments out for the guests – please don’t eat the daisies by gobbling everything up before the party starts.”
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“I know you’re angry but please don’t eat the daisies by taking it out on innocent people.”
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“We have a good system in place – please don’t eat the daisies by trying to totally change how we do things.”
The above examples show how the phrase applies to scenarios where rules are broken or processes disrupted. The daisies symbolize the fragile item being infringed upon.
Related Idioms
Some other idioms relate to the notion behind “please don’t eat the daisies”:
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Don’t upset the apple cart
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Don’t rock the boat
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Don’t break what’s fixed
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Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
These all warn against unnecessary meddling or disturbance using items like apple carts and boats to represent fragile systems.
Meaning in Technology
In software engineering, the “please don’t eat the daisies” fallacy refers to altering code that already works fine. It cautions developers against pointless tampering just for novelty’s sake. The phrase urges avoiding damage by needlessly interfering with functional systems.
The Core Message
At its heart, “please don’t eat the daisies” implores us not to thoughtlessly trample on fragile things simply because we can. The innocent daisies represent anything precious at risk of being carelessly damaged or consumed.
Whether referring to actual flowers or more metaphorical “daisies,” this quirky phrase reminds us to consider potential consequences before acting on impulse. So next time you’re tempted to “eat the daisies,” stop and think twice about what important things you might destroy in the process.
I think my favorite application for this song is in helping people who are very confused to follow simple instructions.
Here’s how (and why) this could work:
This song is in a major key and triple meter, lending to a playful, rocking feeling that nicely matches the indulgent motherly tone of this tune. In this song, you don’t hear a mother tearing her hair out in frustration or crying out in fear for her children’s safety. Rather, you hear a gentle correction of a child’s doesn’t-know-any-better behavior.
This turns out to be useful for gently redirecting behavior from people with dementia who may not know any better either. As you may already have experienced as a caregiver yourself, people in the middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias sometimes attempt to eat things that are not edible. Allowing this to happen is a no-go since it can lead to choking or infections, but yanking an object out of someone’s hand may get them upset, too.
Here’s a quirky popular song from Doris Day to add to your repertoire.
“Please Don’t Eat The Daisies” is the title of a book, film, song, and TV series, created in that order, all about the funny moments of raising kids in the suburbs. Jean Kerr wrote the original book of humorous essays, sharing the shining moments of raising her four boys in the ‘burbs after years of living in New York City. Doris Day took up Kerr’s role as the newly-suburban mother in the film, and this is where the song “Please Don’t Eat The Daisies” first appeared.
As with any song, there are many ways to use this one in music therapy sessions and in routine caregiving, depending on your caregiving role. You could include this in a set of songs about flowers, or a musical biography of Doris Day, or a review of songs in a waltz rhythm. The swaying rhythm also lends nicely to movement to music experiences.
Please Don’t Eat The Daisies (1960) Official Trailer – Doris Day, David Niven Movie HD
FAQ
Who is in Please Don’t Eat the Daisies?
Please Don’t Eat The Daisies (1960) — (Movie Clip) It’s Like Out Of Ivanhoe Kate (Doris Day) finally wins over Lawrence (David Niven) to a move to the country, comedy with sons (Charles Herbert, Flip Mark, Stanley Livingston, Baby Gellert) and maid (Patsy Kelly) ensues, in Please Don’t Eat The Daisies, 1960.
Where was the house in Please Don’t Eat the Daisies?
The Kerr-Hilton
One of the principal sources for the later film, this essay tells how Kerr and her husband acquired their house in Larchmont, New York, complete with gargoyles, secret panels, and a 24-bell carillon that played the duet from Carmen at noon.
Was there a TV show called “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies”?
Please Don’t Eat the Daisies is an American sitcom that aired on NBC from September 14, 1965, to September 2, 1967. The series is based on the 1957 book by Jean Kerr and the 1960 film starring Doris Day and David Niven. Mark Miller and Patricia Crowley as Jim and Joan Nash.
Was there a movie called “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies”?
Please Don’t Eat the Daisies is a 1960 American Metrocolor comedy film in CinemaScope starring Doris Day and David Niven, made by Euterpe Inc., and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The movie was directed by Charles Walters and produced by Joe Pasternak, with Martin Melcher (Day’s husband) as associate producer.