Where did we get that expression?

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The expression Dyed in the wool is usedto describe someone who is fixed in their opinions and inflexible. The phrase came into use in EEnglish wool mills and is first recorded in 1579 . Quite simply wool that gad been dyed before it was treated would retain its colour much better than if it were dyed after weaving (known as "dyed in the piece"). Therefore 'dyed in the wool' became a phrase applied to anything that wasnt easily altered by other processes, such as persuasion.

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There I finally got round to posing it next phrase is "knickers in a twist".

'ere's yer 'nanners fer a co'rect answer!
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

I believe but can't confirm, dash it all, that "knickers in a twist, panties/undershorts in a wad" comes from hiking and horseback riding. You sweat and it causes the dreaded "undies creeping disese" in which your underthings become bunched up, twisted, etc. and is very uncomfortable. A person in this condition is apt to not be in the best of moods. Thus it became an expression meaning "don't get upset or snapish". As I say, I cannae confirm. Up t' you, naow, luv, t' gi' me th' right o' it! :)
'

Oh i cant confirm it Im trully wondering what it is but thankfull next week Im buying the next edition of The Red herrings book caleld shaggy dog or somthing so mayber itll be in that
:D

OOOOOOOOKKKKKK.
Then the new phrase, moving right along.

Where did we get the expression, "Not up to scratch."

ok Pendragon (look do you mind jus being Pen? its easier to write:D)
I cant find up to scratch so can you please give the answer??http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/1209.gif
:nod:

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Originally Posted by Nightshade

ok Pendragon (look do you mind jus being Pen? its easier to write:D)
I cant find up to scratch so can you please give the answer??http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/1209.gif
:nod:

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No, I don't mind being just "Pen", someone else already uses that in PMs.

Here's the lowdown:

In the early days of boxing there was no ring, and no bell to singnal rounds. The referee would scratch a line in the dirt between the two fighters. The round begin when both men steped over the line. If a fighter couldn't (or wouldn't) cross the line to continue the match, he was said to be "not up to scratch".http://www.websmileys.com/sm/dressed/bek183.gif

New phrase: Where do we get the phrase "passing the buck"?

Not sure about that one, but holmesian has a good one.

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Originally Posted by holmesian

what does "The game is afoot" actually mean?
it might sound like a very stupid question. but i am not from an English-speaking country. so...

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Any answers to this, please post on http://www.online-literature.com/for...062#post122062 thanks.

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Originally Posted by Me in that other thread

well missed this :rolleyes:
anyway I belive its a hunting expression the game is a foot is when the game/ quarry/ prey is on the run or you are closing in...

:D

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well just though that was done now I was looking for this thread to BUMP it but well this does it doesnt it? :D

Ok my phrase now
"white elephant"
:brow:

My stupid computer won't let me use the forum right today, no cute smilies or anything! I've got that white elephant here someplace.....meanwhile, "passing the buck" came from gambling, poker playing to be exact. To indicate whose deal it was, they would pass a bowie knife, with a staghorn (buck) handle to the dealer. In this way it entered the language as an expression meaning to place the blame on someone else. In the poker game, if one player complained about the cards he received, another player would point to the man with the knife, as much to say, "Hey, HE dealt!" :)