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#161939 09/05/2006 4:29 AM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
I see this expression used in various political contexts; e.g.

Active defense means that... will play a waiting game and punch below its weight until the regime feels that it is ready to act more assertively.

I'm familiar with competing below your weight class in wrestling or boxing and I'm guessing that's the origin of the phrase; but does anyone know how it came to be used in this somewhat hacked form?

#161940 09/05/2006 4:26 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
I thought it might be this
Hurd,
but I found other listings from '04, which is the year before this article was written.

#161941 09/05/2006 5:19 PM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
sounds like a(n) eggcorn to me.


formerly known as etaoin...
#161942 09/06/2006 3:03 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
sounds like a(n) eggcorn to me. How so, Sweet Thing? [hug]

#161943 09/07/2006 9:43 AM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
I figure it was once, "punch below its waist"?

<<hugs back>>


formerly known as etaoin...
#161944 09/07/2006 7:44 PM
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,467
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,467
Mighty hoax from tiny eggcorn grows.


TEd
#161945 09/08/2006 1:28 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613


Moderated by  Jackie 

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