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Origin of a phrase
Posted by Shae on September 01, 2003
In Reply to: Origin of a phrase posted by Andy Peverill on September 01, 2003
: Has anybody come a cross the phrase
: "I'll stand a drop of York"?
: Any assitance in its meaning or origin would be greatfully received.
"The drop of York" referred to falling through the trapdoor on the gallows at York. The phrase is used to convey confidence in an assertion, i.e., "Hang me if I'm wrong!" A Google search suggests it originated in the 17th century but I can't confirm that.
