"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.

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

• "To throw a switch" Smokey Stover 01/February/07
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