I will add a couple of sayings below, but first of all I wish to state that we need to remember not to offend with this thread - please think before you post gents. Thanks
Now then, firstly "you couldn't swing a cat in here" used to describe a small, confined place. The phrase was born below decks, when a crew member was due to be punished by a dose from the cat 'o nine tails. Due to the lack of space, he would be taken up top where there was no shortage of space to swing.
Secondly, to "show somebody the ropes" - to train somebody how to do a task. The origin again comes from life in the navy, when many tasks were performed by the operation of rope systems.
And finally, "swinging the lead" - having it easy in the workplace. Another sea born phrase. A lump of lead would be attached to a measuring rope and lowered over the side of the ship until the bottom was met. This job was considered the easiest on deck, hence the use today.
Regards,
Carl
p.s. Good thread by the way.
Bookmarks