One is that tintypes were originally rare, expensive and much prized (although eventually very common) and the thought was ?Not on your life?not even on your tintype!? I think this is quite unlikely to be the origin, but offer it for what it?s worth ? not a lot.


actually, dixbey, this was my thought as well. similar to "not on your life!".<-- I think I must be blind...

I have never heard the "not on your tintype" expression, however...


formerly known as etaoin...