Cat got your tongue? A pig in a poke? Three dog night? If you're anything like me, you've spent many sleepless nights wondering about the origin of those adages. So put away your sleeping pills because I'm going to answer these burning questions--in other words, I'm going to put you to sleep.
Cat got your tongue?
Well, this one's a little gross. It may have originiated, long ago, in the Mideast, when it was common to punish a liar by cutting out his tongue. This tasty treat was then given to the king's pet cats for dinner.
A pig in a poke
Means to buy something without examination--an unknown. In the middle ages, a suckling pig would be sold in a bag (a poke). Some sellers would try to trick buyers by putting a cat in the bag instead. So don't buy a pig in a bag without checking it out first. You've been warned.
Cat's out of the bag
When the buyer finally got home with what he believed was a pig in a poke (see above), he discovered the bag held a cat instead. The cat was out of the bag, and the truth was known.
Three dog night
All these years, I thought Three Dog Night was just an early 70's band. Wrong. This adage comes from Australia, and means that on cold nights, aboriginals would sleep in a hole in the ground while embracing a dingo (or three).
Hope this helps with all that tossing and turning.
22 comments:
And why is it that dogs get the lion's share of expressions? Dog tired. Sick as a dog. She looks like a dog. Let sleeping dogs lie. Dog day afternoon. Every dog has his day. Dog is my co-pilot. Dingoes ate my baby.. they just go on and on!
LOL, nt. But cat's do give dogs a run for their money: curiosity killed the cat, when the cat's away..., cat call, fat cat, look what the cat dragged in, not enough room to swing a cat (yikes!), and...and...cat on a hot tin roof.
Cats are quite pleased to share the limelight with "raining cats and dogs".
Are you serious? I had no idea about "Pig in a Poke." I thought it meant something else entirely.
Interesting post!
Cool!
I had heard about the 3 dog night but I didn't know it was Australian in origin!
The old Gift Horse thing is, of course, one of my faves. If someone gave you a free horse (which is shockingly easy to get, even these days) it would be considered rude to open the horse's mouth to look at his teeth and determine his age.
Lisa, I didn't know about the pig/poke thing either. A little before our time, I think.
Heidi, I should have included a horse adage--just for you.
I'm so glad you cleared that up! Too funny!
Lynn, so glad you stopped by so I could discover your blog!
Embracing a dingo! That's one way to keep warm. I prefer blankets... although my Winston is a pretty good little heater.
Karen, so glad you stopped by. I'll be visiting you again.
Katie, I guess dingos are easier to 'pack' when one is on the road.
You have just enlightened me to pig in a poke AND three dog night.
I once had a man look my gift horse in the mouth. Seriously.
You'll have to tell me that story when I see you next, Stella. Hopefully, in 2009. Thanks for dropping by.
Hi my name is Chris and I'm a medical study guy fair trolling in every direction here reading...I've got a elephantine project on veneers coming up and must had to create a site for it...looking as a remedy for some contributors...anyone conscious anything give cosmetic veneers? Zealous to contribute? I am compiling a check into @ getveneers.org. They are used to: cover damaged, stained or misshaped surfaces of your teeth . I'm reliable you recognize [b]cosmetic veneers[/b] are a procedure that will make teeth look altogether natural.
They are a good selection to improve the appearance of your front teeth.
[b]color[/b]
[b]size
shape
appearance.
more durable and color stable than bonding[/b]
The great thing about dental veneers is they consider a hidebound propose to to long-lasting, main cosmetic changes. They can be used to swaddle a collection of dental conditions that affect the fa‡ade teeth including:
[b]Spaces between the teeth, diastemas
Misshapen or crooked teeth
Shattered or chipped teeth
For all stained or discolored teeth
Unprepossessing or stained fillings
Brighten teeth
Teeth discolored from medication or length of existence[/b]
If you are interested in contributing communication on veneers, please upon: http://getveneers.org
Listen to my opinion... you need anchor text links back to your site to bring that traffic up a notch (or a grip). I, Flash, provide an xRumer service that can help you. Give me a hollar.
- Flash
google xrumer
Do you even speak English? Seriously, wall of text crits me for 99999k.
Nice post, kind of drawn out though. Really good subject matter though.
Hey, I am checking this blog using the phone and this appears to be kind of odd. Thought you'd wish to know. This is a great write-up nevertheless, did not mess that up.
- David
What i find troublesome is to find a blog that may capture me for a minute but your blog is different. Bravo. как появилась фамилия задинова| как появилась фамилия задова| возникновение значение фамилии| Sir Alfred Milner was back in Cape Town and President Kruger in
http://s1.shard.jp/camplym/camp-humphreys-confinement.html Click Here
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Great job!
[url=http://susa.filmy-love.org/]payday uk[/url]
instant payday loans
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again! “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.†by Friedrich Nietzsche.
[url=http://susa.filmy-love.org/] pay day loans[/url]
pay day loans
online payday loans http://www.2applyforcash.com Noinefe payday loans online Emity [url=http://2applyforcash.com]payday loans[/url] online payday loan If you sound like you know what you are talking about to people make money with a blog.The empower you have to be told about how to avoid these scams so you don't become a victim!Copyright with getting paid for the products that you own personally.
http://www.ja-namibia.org/?q=node/34873 Noinefe making money at home Emity [url=http://wicarpedia.com/node/17670]earn money online[/url]
My family members always say that I am killing my time here at web, but I know I am getting know-how everyday by reading thes
pleasant posts.
Here is my blog ... affordable teeth whitening
Post a Comment