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Re: Bitter endPosted by Masakim on July 20, 2003 In Reply to: Re: Bitter end posted by ESC on July 20, 2003 : : I work in an historic home in Plymouth MA. We have some pieces of clay pipes and it was my understanding that the ends were broken off as they became bitter - therefore "bitter end" can anyone verify this? : "The usually accepted explanation of the origin of this popular metaphor has a distinctly nautical origin. The anchor rope (which today is called 'line') on old sailing vessels was attached to a stout oak post called a 'bitt,' which was firmly fastened to the deck. Securing turns were taken around the bitt as anchor and anchor rope were paid out to the sea. The end of the rope nearest the bitt was called the 'bitter end.' When at the end of your rope, on land or at sea, you've reached the bitter end." From "When a Loose Cannon Flogs a Dead Horse There's the Devil to Pay: Seafaring Words in Everyday Speech" by Olivia A. Isil (International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press, McGraw-Hill, 1996.) : A couple of references also mention this Bible verse as a possible source: Bitter End, To the. Enduring an affliction or adversity throughout its course, or affirming that one will do so. On this one, you can take your choice, or decide both sources contributed to the concept. Capt. John Smith, founder of the British colony in Virginia, published _A Sea Grammere_ in 1627, in which he said: "A bitter is but the turne of a Cable about the bits [bitts, the stout posts on a ship's deck to which ropes and cables are fastened].... And the Bitters end is that part of the Cable doth stay within boord." In 1867 Adm. William Smyth, in _The Sailor's Word-Book_, wrote: "When a chain or rope is paid put to the bitter end, no more remains to be let go." The other source is in the Bible's Book of Proverbs: "But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword." |