|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
|
OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
In "Treasure Island" Long John Silver says: "If you had been mixed up with the like of that, you would never have put another foot in my house, you may lay to that. And what was he saying to you?"
The meaning is clear enough, but can you explain it?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Seen that in comic strips as late as the early 20th century. I always supposed it refered to laying down money as a bet.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
|
OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
Dear Faldage: that was also one of my interpretations. But I have never seen it used except in old sea stories, and so wondered if it was something like a secure anchorage.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
I know it from an early Mutt and Jeff, if memory serves.
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics13,913
Posts229,746
Members9,187
|
Most Online3,341 Dec 9th, 2011
|
|
0 members (),
260
guests, and
3
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
|