1. a US folk song about a strong African American who built railway tracks. It was originally sung by African Americans. John Henry was 'a steel-driving man' who could crush more rocks than a machine. Part of the song is: “John Henry said to his captain,‘A man ain't nothin' but a man,And before I'd let your steam drill beat me down,I'd die with the hammer in my hand, Lord, Lord!I'd die with the hammer in my hand.’”

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[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

• John Henry/John Hancock
one's signature
"Please sign your John Henry here and we will process your order right away."

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲