<P> Theories exist as to the origin , for example from James Whitcomb Riley 's poems in the 1880s depicting the comforts of a prosperous home life , but it could have an Irish origin : After the Reilly clan consolidated its hold on County Cavan , they minted their own money , which was accepted as legal tender even in England . These coins , called `` O'Reillys '' and `` Reillys , '' became synonymous with a monied person , and a gentleman freely spending was therefore `` living on his Reillys . '' </P>
<P> Theories exist as to the origin , for example from James Whitcomb Riley 's poems in the 1880s depicting the comforts of a prosperous home life , but it could have an Irish origin : After the Reilly clan consolidated its hold on County Cavan , they minted their own money , which was accepted as legal tender even in England . These coins , called `` O'Reillys '' and `` Reillys , '' became synonymous with a monied person , and a gentleman freely spending was therefore `` living on his Reillys . '' </P>
where does the expression living the life of riley come from
where does the expression living the life of riley come from
comforts of a prosperous home life gentleman freely spending
comforts of a prosperous home life gentleman freely spending