Slim edge of the wedge

Posted by Pamela on March 05, 2008 at 23:54:

In Reply to: Slim edge of the wedge posted by Smokey Stover on March 05, 2008 at 16:01:

: : What does "slim edge of the wedge" mean?

: : Usage: "He thought we had given him the slim edge of the wedge." ( "Losing my Virginity" Richard Branson)

: This is an instance in which context makes the whole difference. The slim edge of a wedge is, of course, the narrow edge. It can be used somewhat similarly to "the nose of the camel." If the camel gets his nose under the tent, the rest of him is sure to follow. When you drive a wedge between members of the same party, you are using the slim edge to get the differentiation started, and by the end you will have the whole thickness of a wedge driving apart individuals once united, or more united.

: However, I don't see how this obtains in the Branson quote. It sounds as though "he thought he had been given the short end of the stick," which doesn't have a logical connection with "slim edge of the wedge." Maybe we need the whole paragraph for context.
: SS

"Thin edge of the wedge" is the usual way of wording this saying. If the author is using it correctly, then I would expect it to mean "He thought we had given him [something he could use to drive something apart]." Pamela