Origins of common sayings
alcimedes
rule of thumb, iirc was back when you were allowed to beat your wife with a rod no thicker than your thumb.
the whole nine yards refers to the gunners in the (i think) b52 bombers. they bombers gun ammo came in 9 yard lengths. a harrowing trip would be one where you used "the whole nine yards".
and the one i learned today "hope against hope"
The phrase derives from the Bible (Romans 4:18 ): Saint Paul is writing about Abraham, 'Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken.'"
the whole nine yards refers to the gunners in the (i think) b52 bombers. they bombers gun ammo came in 9 yard lengths. a harrowing trip would be one where you used "the whole nine yards".
and the one i learned today "hope against hope"
The phrase derives from the Bible (Romans 4:18 ): Saint Paul is writing about Abraham, 'Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken.'"
