phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

"finger-in-the-water test"

Posted by GPP on July 28, 2003

In Reply to: "Finger-in-the-water test" posted by GPP on July 27, 2003

: : : : : A contemporary quotation from Northwestern US: "who often gave the finger in the water test for the indispensable man"--any idea what this signifies? (It's definitely meant to be complimentary, nothing like a finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing.)

: : : : I'm guessing that it refers to the practice of testing the temperature of the water in a baby's bath using the finger. The temperature is ok if it feels just right. But what would this mere man know of such things?

: : : It has been said that to establish just how indispensable you are you should measure the size of the hole left in the water when you remove your finger - the larger the hole the more indispensable you are.

: : Yes, that would fit perfectly; it was from a eulogy. Thanks, Barney.

: Clarification: the eulogized was said to had passed that test.

From an attendee: the eulogized, who had been undergoing water physical therapy, was said to have left a big hole in the pool upon his passing.

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