Re: "to throw a switch"

Posted by ESC on February 01, 2007

In Reply to: "To throw a switch" posted by dave on February 01, 2007

: What's the origin of the phrase "to throw a switch"? Why are switches "thrown"?

Throwing a switch is moving a lever -- as in throwing a railroad switch. Maybe the motion reminded someone of throwing an object.

http://neil.fraser.name/writing/side-track/8a-lever.jpg

• Re: "To throw a switch" Smokey Stover 01/February/07
  • Re: "To throw a switch" pamela 02/February/07
    • Re: "To throw a switch" pamela 02/February/07
      • Re: "To throw a switch" pamela 02/February/07
        • Re: "To throw a switch" Valeriy 02/February/07
          • Re: "To throw a switch" pfbb1058 04/February/07
            • Pass the buck pamela 07/February/07