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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 293
enthusiast
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OP
enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 293 |
I know we are all drawn to this place by our affection for words. And discovering the origin of words is one thing I find quite fascinating. But, there are many phrases we use that have obscure and even comically roots. I was suprised (pleasantly) to learn the origin of the expression: "Balls to the wall" It comes from the early days of air warfare, where the throttle controls for individual engines were levers - each with a ball on the top - and when they were pressed all the way forward; touching the firewall, the ship was at full throttle. BALLS TO THE WALL. Anyone have others? ------ Did you ever wonder...?
"I am certain there is too much certainty in the world" -Michael Crichton
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891 |
I've never head that expression spoken to mean "fast".
Actually, the only times I've ever heard it is on television when some angry person will say to the person he's angry at, "I'll nail your balls to the wall"
I've never heard anybody say it in everyday life.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210 |
I've heard, and used it as PT originatated it.
formerly known as etaoin...
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891 |
So how do you say it?
Is is like "Yay, I love my new car. I get balls to the wall!" ?
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210 |
Quote:
So how do you say it?
Is is like "Yay, I love my new car. I get balls to the wall!" ?
no, no. like "let's go! balls to the wall!"
formerly known as etaoin...
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
Quote:
I've heard, and used it as PT originatated it.
Heh.
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