phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The Phrase Finder
Phrases, Sayings and Idioms Home > Discussion Forum
A Phrase A Week - Facebook Group & Follow aphraseaweek on Twitter

"up the spout"

Posted by Joe on August 17, 2005

Does somebody know where the phrase "up the spout" or "shove it up the spout" comes from? I've been seeing a lot in P.G. Wodehouse to refer to pawning something and was wondering where it came from.