Hi,
I am quite interested in etymologies - more of phrases, than words - and would really like to know the origins/coinage of the following phrases & the stories behind them (i.e. the who/when/how/why - in short, the whole kit and caboodle!):
1) Affirmative action
2) Brain drain
3) Phrases like " he wept in his shirt-sleeves" & "he wept with his pants on". I mean, how does someone come up with something like that?!!

I'd be grateful if you could get back to me with the answers at quizzersapru@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Cheers,
Shantanu.

Welcome to the board. You'll probably get more replies here than to your E-mail, so be sure to come back.

"3)Phrases like " he wept in his shirt-sleeves" & "he wept with his pants on". I mean, how does someone come up with something like that?!!"

Now those are new to me. I suppose that weeping with your or without your pants would make a difference to the person who's shoulder you were crying on...
The others are familiar but I don't know the stories.

PS welcome aboard quizzer

>Etymologies

And what about the phrase, "to a fare-thee-well", meaning, "to perfection" ?