Mutton
Dressed as Lamb
Posted by Tim
Herbert on November 20, 2001 There is a long running debate
at my workplace as to the exact reference of the above phrase. Effectively, there
are two camps. The first believes that it is a reference to age - i.e. that it
is something much older dressed up as something much younger. The second believes
that it relates to quality - i.e. that it is something much poorer dressed up
as something much better.
I imagine that whichever of these is correct must
hark back to the origin of the phrase. Mutton is taken from an older sheep than
a lamb. However, it is also a poorer quality of meat than lamb.
Which was meant
originally?
Thanks
Tim
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