Fact or fiction

[Gaffer]

Where dose the 'rule of thumb' come from?

[nursejudy]

Any takers

Douglas Englebert invented which plastic creature we all use

nursejudy

[Guest Ferret1959]

The Mouse

 

[ 23. February 2003, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: Ferret1959 ]

[Fishy Dom]

I think the square meal one is to do with the shape of the plates on ships (or somewhere)

[Guest Ferret1959]

Rule of thhumb.

Meaning

According to a rough and ready rule.

Origin

This has been said come from the belief that English law once allowed a man to beat his wife with a stick so long as it is was no thicker than his thumb. In 1782 Judge Buller made such a ruling in an English court. It has never been law though and there's no reason to connect the legal case with the phrase, which was in circulation well before 1782. Other explanations come from the numerous ways that thumbs have been used to estimate things - temperature of brews of beer, measurement using the estimated inch from the joint to the nail, etc.

[Guest Ferret1959]

A square meal.

Meaning

A substantial meal.

Origin

In the Navy, and other ships in years gone by, sailors received their meals on a square plate with a raised edge called the fiddle. If they overfilled their plates they were said to be 'On the fiddle'.

[Guest Ferret1959]

Before you ask "On the fiddle"

Meaning

Engaged in corruption.

Origin

In the Navy, or perhaps any ship in years gone by, sailors received their meals on a square plate with a raised edge called the fiddle. I they were to overfill their plate they were said to be 'On the fiddle'.

[Guest Ferret1959]

By Hook or by Crook.

Meaning

By any means possible.

Origin

Possibly from a custom in mediaeval England that allowed peasants to take any deadwood from the royal forest that they could reach with a shepherd's crook or a reaper's billhook. Another possible explanation comes Cromwell's attempt to take the city of Waterford. He is reported as saying he would take the city 'by hook or by crook'. Hook is the headland on the Wexford side and Crook is the name of the Waterford side.

[Guest Ferret1959]

Come on then I'm ready to answer more.

[Guest Ferret1959]

Here's one for ya.

What is a "Load of Codswallop"??