Reader Opinions
Sharon – (not playing with a full deck) February 24, 2022
1500s tax on deck of cards, so people bought decks of 51 cards to avoid the tax.
JaDe – (tar with the same brush) February 22, 2022
What about “tarring others with your own brush?” Meaning to project your own faults and values onto others. Like how an honest merchant only worries about being deceived after it happens, but a dishonest merchant fears it every minute because he tars others with his own brush.
Also, I find it a more credible origin for this phrase to lie with sailors and sheep daubers than criminals. The unpleasant task of applying new pitch to maintain the waterproofing of the ship or boats could be considered a good punishment for miscreants, who would end up with tar sticking to them in the process, especially when the young mischief-makers start getting it deliberately on each other, ending up literally tarred with the same brush. Of course, if you see one known miscreant with another tar-splattered youth, it is easy to assume they are both troublemakers!
Larry C. Porter – (time and again) February 18, 2022
I would like to add to what Anonymous said.
We can say “United Statian” when we are referring to the language of the United States. “American” is used throughout North, Central and South America to refer to inhabitants of those areas. “North American” is sometimes used (a bit inaccurately) to refer to United Statians. It’s an attempt to deal with the ignorance behind the use of “American” to refer to the people of the United States.
Miss Lottie – (the devil is beating his wife) February 13, 2022
I heard it all my life when rain came when the sun was shining- the devil is beating his wife. Lived in Virginia. Also heard you can turn back a storm with a double edge axe.
Anonymous – (fiddle while Rome burns) February 11, 2022
Our leaders are fighting with each other when people are struggling with food. it is something like fiddling while Rome burns.
Cynthia Kuder – (pain in the neck) February 8, 2022
I thought it might be referring to hanging.
Serhat Soruklu – (hope for the best, but prepare for the worst) February 7, 2022
Every obstacle has an outcome.
Mae Lee – (white lie) February 3, 2022
“Leah, do you like my new jeans?”
“Ummm….yes….”
That’s an example of a white lie.
Anonymous – (bring someone to book) February 3, 2022
Smugglers are seldom brought to book.
Non Ya – (when pigs fly) February 1, 2022
I personally think it could happen. Then again I’m not the brightest 😐
