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be on (one's) pat

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be on (one's) pat

To be without anyone else; to be on one's own. Shortened from the Australian rhyming slang "to be on one's Pat Malone," which refers to a ballad about an Irishman (called Pat Malone) who suffered numerous misfortunes after emigrating to Australia. Primarily heard in Australia. To be quite honest, after a hectic week of work, I much prefer being on my pat than spending the weekend around a bunch of people. Mary's been on her pat ever since Rupert broke up with her last week.

See also: on, pat