Mark Twain's Use of "[word removed in order to comply with Google's Publisher Policy] in the woodpile"

Posted by Ant on September 01, 2000

In Reply to: Mark Twain's Use of "[word removed in order to comply with Google's Publisher Policy] in the woodpile" posted by Bob on June 16, 2000

Hi Bob,

any more info on the origins of this?

: : My stepson is reading Tom Sawyer and he ran across the phrase "[word removed in order to comply with Google's Publisher Policy] hiding in the woodpile." Does anyone know what this phrase means in a figurative sense?
: : Thanks,
: : Gabriela

: A problem hidden from view. A potential unforseen obstacle. 19th century.