Re: Nest egg

Posted by Bob on March 12, 2001

In Reply to: Nest egg posted by R. Berg on March 12, 2001

: Remarkably few postings since this list was started; maybe people don't want to mess up the nice clean page. This seems a good time to say something about "nest egg."

: Currently, "nest egg" usually means a reserve of money set aside in case of need. Originally, it meant a china egg put in the nest, or a real egg left there, to encourage a hen to lay more. These two things don't seem parallel, and my dictionaries don't explain the history of the transition. Does anyone know?

The nest egg concept seems to me
When new-laid eggs are left behind
Revolves around a strategy
To influence a chicken's mind.
The egg is left within the coop,
"If you don't make some more of these,"
We warn the hen, "You will be soup.
So stay productive if you please."
And so it is when we invest,
To reach our savings' sunny side,
To feather our financial nest,
We have to learn to set aside.

Bob

• Re: Nest egg R. Berg 03/13/01