how do you like them apples

"How do you like them apples?” is an expression that supposedly originated during the first World War, when the Allies' anti-tank grenade was colloquially called a “toffee apple” because of its bulb-like appearance on a stick. The phrase was a taunt against the enemy. (Can this⁽⁺⁾ etymology be sourced?)

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how do you like them apples?

1. (colloquial, rhetorical question) directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing the situation

   "Our governor has just vetoed a bill that would offer more money to our schools. How do you like them apples?"

2. (colloquial, rhetorical question, Ireland, US) Used after an actual or proposed action with which the listener might be displeased. Also used after refuting an argument.

   "I can't give you a raise now; if I did, this whole company would go bankrupt, and you wouldn't have a job at all. Now how do you like them apples?"

• how about them apples?

• how do you like that?
• put that in your pipe and smoke it