SiSiSi Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 We've all heard common sayings many times, but how and when did they start? I believe that 'keep it under your hat' refers to archers keeping a spare bowstring under their hats to keep it dry. I also know that 'as mad as a hatter' refers to the effect that working with lead products had on people who made top hats, but what about the many others? For example, where did the phrase 'a different kettle of fish' come from? Does anyone know the origin of other phrases common to the English language? Sensible and accurate replies only please! ps. don't bother reccommending a book or google, it takes the fun out of the forum. pps. let's keep football out of it shall we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sccsux Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 I also know that 'as mad as a hatter' refers to the effect that working with lead products had on people who made top hats Actually, it was mercury, not lead;). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimba Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 People said them and then others repeated them, that's how they all start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcoblog Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 I know it's not a saying but I was watching a programme the other day and it had a bit on it about the derivation of sticking two fingers up. Can't remember the exact details (was on phone at the time) Apparently, in battles of yore, archers were the ones who caused the initial damage to the enemy. If the enemy caught them, they chopped off the two fingers they used to **** the bow ensuring they'd never be able to fire an arrow again. At the end of a battle, the winning sides archers would taunt the defeated enemy by showing them the two fingers (that hadn't been cut off), proving they'd won. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alien52 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 I know it's not a saying but I was watching a programme the other day and it had a bit on it about the derivation of sticking two fingers up. Can't remember the exact details (was on phone at the time) Apparently, in battles of yore, archers were the ones who caused the initial damage to the enemy. If the enemy caught them, they chopped off the two fingers they used to **** the bow ensuring they'd never be able to fire an arrow again. At the end of a battle, the winning sides archers would taunt the defeated enemy by showing them the two fingers (that hadn't been cut off), proving they'd won. A popular myth but incorrect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcoblog Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 A popular myth but incorrect Well it can't be that popular ... I'd never heard it before! What's the reason then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owlface Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/index.html There you go ... all (or most) you need to know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiSiSi Posted August 6, 2011 Author Share Posted August 6, 2011 http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/index.html There you go ... all (or most) you need to know Didn't you read my opening post? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimba Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Sayings are a part of language because they paint a picture to express a particular line of thought that is possible alien to the person trying too portray that line of thought needs something to draw on that the other party can make a mental picture of and understand the concept. Its all about being descriptive with language. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadingNorth Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Well it can't be that popular ... I'd never heard it before! What's the reason then? Nobody knows. That's why the archery myth has taken root; people like to have an explanation even if it isn't an accurate one. It has been suggested that it's something to do with the devil's horns, but that doesn't really hold water either; the index and little fingers would look more like the devil's horns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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