Word origins
October 26th, 2011 at 2:56:37 AM
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Saw this article on a new book on phrase and word origins
Someone stabbing a knife in front of you would certainly keep you alert on late nights.
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Quote:Pass the buck – from the horn of a deer (buck), which was commonly used as a knife handle. The phrase emerged in nineteenth century America, from when poker players would signify the dealer for each game by stabbing a knife into the table in front of him
Someone stabbing a knife in front of you would certainly keep you alert on late nights.
Quote:Let the cat out of the bag – In medieval markets, piglets were sold in bags – a pig in a poke – but a common con was to switch the valuable animal for a worthless cat or dog: buyers were either sold a pup, or, if they discovered the ruse, let the cat out of the bag
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There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
