Sent for and couldn't go
Posted by ESC on May 22, 2005
In Reply to: Sent for and couldn't go posted by Arthur on May 21, 2005
: : Sent for and couldn't go - my great grandfather Jackson used to say this when he was disappointed; he felt like he'd been "sent for and couldn't go."
: : Any idea where this originated?
:
: This phrase may have been inspired by the end of the parable of the marriage feast (Matthew 22:1-14). When the king notices a wedding guest without the proper attire, the man is ejected from the feast: "[13] Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' [14] For many are called, but few are chosen" (English Standard Version).
It's disappointing to have to chance to go and then, for some reason, not be able to. I think it's just that simple.