Where did we get that expression?

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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!" :)