A humorous phrase for the time just before candles are lighted, when it is too dark to work, and one is obliged to rest or ‘take a holiday’; formerly used more widely.
1599. Nashe, Lenten Stuffe, in Harl. Misc., VI. 167 (D.). What will not blind Cupid doe in the night, which is his blindmans holiday.
1611. in Florio.
1796. Pegge, Anonym., iii. § 18. The twilight, or rather the hour between the time when one can no longer see to read and the lighting of the candle, is commonly called blindman’s holiday.
1866. Aunt Judy’s Mag., I. Oct., 358. At meal-times, or in blindman’s holiday, when no work was to be done.
