A wolf in a china shop is an interesting expression believed to derive from the French Un loup dans une flûte (a wolf in a champagne glass). It seems to have different meanings in different parts of the English-speaking world. In southern England and mainland Australia it means a man who chats up old women; in Wales and Tasmania it means someone who tries to be clever but creates havoc; in New Zealand it means something incongruous and annoying; and in Scotland it means a rumour with the potential to create serious damage. In America? Who knows?
Gert is reminded of the well-known Australian expressions A wombat at Versailles (a clownish and incompetent leader) and A bunyip in the ballroom (a bad poet).
But can anyone help us with the meaning of A horse in a helicopter?
Gert Loveday's Fun with Books 
Don’t know about Horse in a helicopter, but sounds uncomfortable for all parties. I do like the wolf in a china shop and its various meanings, all suggesting something out-of-place but subtler than a bull in a china shop. A wombat at Versailles, of course, suggests current world affairs — but we shall see.
We have our fair share of wombats at Versailles. Perhaps King Kong at Versailles might be a better analogy for the US.
I’m not finding “wolf in a china shop” on Google, but you must have a source for all those different (and related) meanings. Seems like a great expressions.
I do like King Kong, and it’s very American/New York — so, yes.
Gert does not always tell the truth. Sometimes it can be improved on.
I would say, “Creativity.” This is how new and great things sidle into the language.
You remind us of what our mother used to call it when we pretended to be sick so we could stay home from school- “imaginitis”.
Another excellent word. You got a good start in life.
I thought it was a ‘bull in a china shop?’
Is it possible that we’re wrong?
Has Hell frozen over?
Is the Pope a Catholic?
A bull in a china shop is someone who is clumsy and likely to knock things over. A wolf in a china shop seems to fit your description better.
Yes, Leslie, we agree it has a lot more flair.
‘Tis all a storm in a teabag, methinks, adding to the murkiness of the wordbrew. But at least it’s akin to the popular phrases a cynic at a performance of Cage’s 4′ 33″ and “an inspector in a student teacher’s classroom” as an expression of induced chaos or consternation; both were familiar epithets in my past working life.
Interesting folk-sayings, Chris. And am I right in thinking there’s a Welsh saying “A Morgan at the organ” with a similar meaning? Though I don’t know what the Morgans did to deserve that.
Oh yes, the Organ-Morgans of Llareggub whom Dylan Thomas wantonly lampooned: I hear the community has never recovered its composure after that literary onslaught.
Never heard that one before. Some how I can’t think of a more unlikely pairing. Maybe it’s the helicopter that is acting up – being skittish?
Leslie
Or it’s possible that it means a complicated and useless solution to a problem.
You could go by either horse or helicopter but you try to combine them.
and it doesn’t work?
It doesn’t work, and it creates chaos.
That’s what they said about helicopters – they create chaos.
A kid I knew thought they were helidoctors (who can also create chaos, as you know from your hospital work).
Yes, only too well. Our Province bought some helicopters that were so cramped that you couldn’t do CPR on a patient if needed.
Some bean-counter thought they were a good deal, probably, and didn’t bother checking with the people who actually use them.
I suspect a bit of Baksheesh too.
‘a Horse in a Helicopter’ could refer to a person of high status who must remain nameless.
Oh that’s very good, the best yet. I wonder if it arose from the recent colourful history of helicopters and prominent people in Aus?
i was thinking more of a Scottish involvement.
Her Maj?
Yes, the wearing of a crown is involved
It’s funny you should mention that. We’ve been discussing the possibly treasonous question, “Does the Queen wear a wig?” What do you think?
It is a bit stiff looking (like horse hair?). I was careful with my first comment, wishing to avoid treason.
It seems extremely luxuriant and unchanging for a woman of 90. I did read that the man who broke into her bedroom saw a whole lot of wigs on stands ranged along her dressing table. But I don’t want to involve you in a situation that could lead to your beheading, so I understand your reticence.
Her Maj with a wig? Preposterous! Though I suspect she has Whiggish inclinations.
Your head may be in danger too, for that revolutionary remark. Whiggish, our Brenda?
But I am absolutely certain and have it from the horse’s mouth (in or out of helicopter) that Prince Charles wears a wig.