shut one's eyes and think of England

Meanings:

• 1.

  chiefly Britishdatedhumorousdatedeuphemisticidiomatic
  • A euphemistic or ironic instruction to maintain decorum or suppress pleasure or emotion by picturing something respectable or familiar, often used to encourage restraint during an intimate or awkward situation.

• 2.

  chiefly Britishinformaldated
  • To distract oneself with thoughts of home, duty, or propriety in order to tolerate discomfort or to avoid acknowledging enjoyment.