InsaneApache
04-15-2006, 09:43
Here's a few,
“Buy the farm”
Origin: In the early days of aviation, U.S. pilots sometimes suffered fatal crashes into barns and the like; after a farmer successfully sued for damages, the pilot’s life had effectively paid for the farm.
“Rain cats and dogs”
Origin: Dogs and cats used to hunt on the interconnected rooftops of 16th-century London, and powerful downpours would occasionally wash them into the street.
“Flash in the pan”
Origin: Early guns required you to light an explosive powder, called priming powder, in the flat “pan” of the gun, which then would set off the main charge and fire ye olde grapeshot or whatever. If the priming burned but didn’t light the main charge, it was just a—well, you know.
“Indian summer”
Origin: In 18th-century New England, when the natives were restless, colonists had to hide within the walls of their forts until autumn, when the colder weather kept the Indians away. If summer intruded again for a week or two, it brought the possibility of the Indians’ return. It was not welcome.
“Pull the wool over his eyes”
Origin: Wealthy Brits of the 17th and 18th centuries were fond of wearing woolen wigs (Americans too—think George Washington). To punish those engaging in this sissy practice, brigands and highwaymen would tug their victim’s hairpieces down over their faces, the more easily to relieve them of their pounds and pence.
“Red herring”
Origin: Smoked herring (the process turns them red) were once used to train dogs to follow a scent; escaped prisoners in the know would try to get a few and toss them around to distract their canine pursuers.
“Bring home the bacon”
Origin: From the greased-pig-catching contests at English county fairs. If you held on to the porker, you could take it home and eat it—hence the phrase.
“Red-light district”
Origin: In the early days of the railroad, trains’ caution lights were red-painted oil lamps. Railroad workers would carry them around with them between shifts and hang them outside the brothels they frequented.
Anymore anyone?
“Buy the farm”
Origin: In the early days of aviation, U.S. pilots sometimes suffered fatal crashes into barns and the like; after a farmer successfully sued for damages, the pilot’s life had effectively paid for the farm.
“Rain cats and dogs”
Origin: Dogs and cats used to hunt on the interconnected rooftops of 16th-century London, and powerful downpours would occasionally wash them into the street.
“Flash in the pan”
Origin: Early guns required you to light an explosive powder, called priming powder, in the flat “pan” of the gun, which then would set off the main charge and fire ye olde grapeshot or whatever. If the priming burned but didn’t light the main charge, it was just a—well, you know.
“Indian summer”
Origin: In 18th-century New England, when the natives were restless, colonists had to hide within the walls of their forts until autumn, when the colder weather kept the Indians away. If summer intruded again for a week or two, it brought the possibility of the Indians’ return. It was not welcome.
“Pull the wool over his eyes”
Origin: Wealthy Brits of the 17th and 18th centuries were fond of wearing woolen wigs (Americans too—think George Washington). To punish those engaging in this sissy practice, brigands and highwaymen would tug their victim’s hairpieces down over their faces, the more easily to relieve them of their pounds and pence.
“Red herring”
Origin: Smoked herring (the process turns them red) were once used to train dogs to follow a scent; escaped prisoners in the know would try to get a few and toss them around to distract their canine pursuers.
“Bring home the bacon”
Origin: From the greased-pig-catching contests at English county fairs. If you held on to the porker, you could take it home and eat it—hence the phrase.
“Red-light district”
Origin: In the early days of the railroad, trains’ caution lights were red-painted oil lamps. Railroad workers would carry them around with them between shifts and hang them outside the brothels they frequented.
Anymore anyone?