|
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757
Carpal Tunnel
|
OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757 |
Anyone know the origin of the phrase "pulling a fast one"?
And how many other pull phrases are you aware of?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Is this related to Faldage's "pull a (insert person's name)"? Why is it bad, if you can say? There is 'pulling my leg' and 'pull a double' (hi, WO'N).
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,757 |
yes, related in the sense that it stems from the same thread on another board, but triggering in a different direction so I didn't want to mudificate his waters!
One meaning of "pull" in the UK is about 'sexual conquest' - it gives er, rise to phrases like "I think I've pulled there" and "going on the pull". But it struck me there's a whole nother nest of pull phrases too.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Oh, dear--that's what I was afraid of! Thanks, though. I'm glad you didn't try to pull the wool over my eyes.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 95
journeyman
|
|
journeyman
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 95 |
I'm glad you didn't try to pull the wool over my eyes.
Brilliant deduction, Jackie.
"Pulling a fast one" refers to the mugger's practice of pulling the wig ["the wool"] over the eyes of the 'mark' whilst the mark is relieved of his valuables.
The mugger disappears into the crowd leaving the 'mark', like a fish out of water, to re-pate-riate his dignity.
[Little wonder the wig fell out of favor.]
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,636
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,636 |
And then there is just plain "having pull" and also "pull it off" which has nothing to do with Lorena Bobbit
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19
stranger
|
|
stranger
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19 |
as for the origin, i wonder if it's something to do with a slight of hand?
as for others, how about:
pulling your leg
pulling the wool over one's eyes
and (mother to child or childish spouse) 'don't even THINK you're going to pull that one on me'
'course, there's always 'pull my finger', but.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,065 |
Pull the other one, it's got bells on.
stemming from pull someone's leg
Bingley
Bingley
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788 |
Pull your own weight
Pull one's irons out of the fire
Pulling when you oughta push
Pull over
Pull out of harbour
To pull someone's chain
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788 |
|
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics13,915
Posts229,845
Members9,197
| |
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
|
|
|
0 members (),
437
guests, and
0
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
