our life on it

[gil12345]

Hi there,

Charles Dickens - Wikiquote

"Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Fill your glass again, with a merry face and contented heart. Our life on it, but your Christmas shall be merry, and your new year a happy one!"

what does the underlined "it" refer to? Christmas? wine? How should understand the phrase? (why is it a phrase instead of a sentence?)

Thanks

Gil

 

[truffe2miel]

Hi,

I think the work "stake" is implied here - "We would stake our lives on it", meaning that they are pretty sure the hero's Christmas is going to be wonderful. "It" seems to refer to the facts being betted on: nice Christmas & happy new year.