Ten to the dozen

Posted by David FG on January 10, 2006

In Reply to: Ten to the dozen posted by Smokey Stover on January 10, 2006

: : I am trying to find out the meaning of the phrase "ten to the dozen", refering to speed, like when people say a child is "running fast and his little legs were going ten to the dozen". I thought it meant they were going really fast but 10 to the dozen seems inefficient to me. Can anyone explain? And the origin of the saying? Thanks.

: A more frequently heard and more logical phrase is "sixteen to the dozen." I've never heard "ten to the dozen." SS

The phrase I am familiar with is 'nineteen to the dozen' - I too am unfamiliar with 'ten to the dozen' which doesn't make any sense (unless that was the intention.)

DFG

• Ten to the dozen Steve E 10/January/06
  • Ten to the dozen James Briggs 10/January/06
    • Ten to the dozen Smokey Stover 11/January/06
      • Ten to the dozen David FG 13/January/06