I just started reading this board and saw that someone (johnjohn?) mentioned the phrase "It's all gone pear-shaped." I love the phrase and have been curious about its origins since hearing it a few years ago from a British friend. I have the amusing but probably incorrect notion that it stems some someone's observation of an overfilled plastic trashbag in the second before it splits open. Does anyone know the true origin?

To answer johnjohn's question, the phrase is not in common usage in the US. I've only heard it used by people from the UK and one Australian. Such a shame!

(If I've violated any posting etiquette, I'm open to instruction. I've read enough to know I'm risking an admonishment to "LIU," but I haven't been able to find anything yet. So I seek your wisdom. ;) )