Often it is very difficult to pin down word origins because online dictionaries are so condensed they usu don't include it nor date first used

Here's a technique I sometimes find successful: Go to Google Advanced Search, entering the expression in the "all" box. In the "at least one" box, enter

wordwizard-com wordorigins-org phrases-org wordsmith-org wordcraft-infopop

Subsequently you won't have to retype the latter because it will reside in a handy drop-down

You will find Advanced Search has other dandy features you will quickly learn to appreciate

Last edited by dalehileman; 02/24/2006 5:15 PM.
dalehileman