There is also the expression "quite a plum" (used especially about jobs, but probably regarding any boon); most likely this expression also derives from the nursery rhyme, though some research might show other possibilities.  I wonder if the "plum" in Don's reply below refers to the carpentry term plumb (meaning, I think, perfectly vertical); my little bit of research just now suggests that "plumb good" etc. derive from this spelling, at the least (there is also "plumb out of X [e.g., their minds]").

Steve Blackwell

On 4/16/2014 8:51 PM, Don Johnson wrote:
Susan’s answer re Jansy’s  query is  certainly on target. I would add that “plum” as in “plum good”  or “plum smart” was quite
common in my semi-ruralIndiana  childhood---possibly echoing its use in the old English childrens’ rhyme.  Don Johnson
 
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 5:30 AM
Subject: [NABOKV-L] QUERY: Plums and Easter eggs
 
In response to Jansy's inquiry, I assume that Nabokov has in mind the English nursery rhyme "Little Jack Horner," in which the title character pulls out a hidden plum from a pie and then congratulates himself.

:) SES

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Susan Elizabeth Sweeney
Co-Editor, NABOKV-L
 

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