What it really means

Posted by James Acheson on January 21, 2000

In Reply to: What it really means posted by Bob on January 21, 2000

: : : Hi,

: : : It's a football (North American use of the word) term meaning you've gone the whole distance. The Quarterback has four "downs" to move the ball at least 10 yards or forfiet the ball. And yes, this really is the answer.

: : I'm surprised at all the different ideas put forth!
: : I thought it was the amount of material used to make a full-length kilt. At least, that's what a Scottish friend tells me.
: : AM

: If you hang around this forum long enough, you'll see eight or ten explanations that recycle, which people Know Absolutely as 100% True... because they "heard it from somebody." Kilts, concrete, machine gun belts, football (fuzzing over the awkward discrepency between 9 and 10 yards), whatever. All indignant that their Absolute Truth is being challenged.

If it's of any assistance in resolving at least one contender for the "Nine Yard" prize I can tell you, as a 68 year old Scot with a life long interest in all things Scottish, it's not the amount of material in a full length kilt - where would one put such a length of material. Perhaps a special case for a 700lb 8 ft Giant?