As safe as the Banks of England

Posted by James Briggs on August 10, 2001

In Reply to: As safe as the Banks of England posted by Dan Monroe on August 10, 2001

: I had heard that the origin of the phrase "safe as the Banks of England" referred to the legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks, (who was, by the way, phenomenal). Can anyone confirm this?

The original phrase was 'safe as the Bank of England' The pleural 'Banks' could have something to do with Gordon banks but, as a life long soccer fan, who was around in Gorond's hey-day, I've never heard the 'banks' version. It seems to me that it could be a false folk memory.

• As safe as the Banks of England Bruce Kahl 08/10/01