phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey

Posted by Bob on August 10, 2002

In Reply to: Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey posted by Bob on August 09, 2002

: : : : This refers to the brass balls displayed by pawnbrokers - they aparently also used to have a brass monkey above them - cold weather would force the welding to snap.

: : : I don't think so - it does not tie in with reality at any point other than the brass balls.

: : Type in Brass Monkey in the Search box at the top for an extensive, invigourating and non agreed set of origins of the phrase!

: ::: Cannon balls on-board british ships, which were made of iron, were stored for use on a 'monkey'. The monkey was made of brass to combat corrosion. When sailing through different temperature regions, especially cold regions, the brass & iron contracted & expanded at differing rates & the monkey would warp, causing the balls to fall off.

Actually, no. It's a charming tale, but it doesn't hold up to close examination. See previous posts.

See also: the meaning and origin of 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.