Quote:

'Top Dollar'
This is one that, I feel certain, has strayed far from its origin.
I have only a guess that relates to the practice of keeping a stack of folded bills in a money clip.
It was customary to put the larger (better) bills on the inside so as not to reveal your true wealth. Most transactions required simply 'peeling' a bill(s) off the folded stack.
If your purchase was more substantial you would need to:
a. unfold the wad
b. remove some of the bills on the top of the stack

The TOP DOLLARS, eh?

What thinkest thee [sic]?



Seems like it would be inside dollar. I'd say it was more just top meaning highest and dollar just meaning money.

What thinkest thou?