phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Dropping like flies

Posted by ESC on June 20, 2009 at 20:47

In Reply to: Dropping like flies posted by Jeremy on June 17, 2009 at 11:31:

: Dropping like flies:

: Your site states that the origin is unknown. While I don't have any printed reference material, the story I heard goes like this:

: When pioneers were settling the American continent, the fly problem was so great that they came up with a solution. They soaked poisonous mushrooms in sweet cream that they left out overnight in open bowls. The gluttonous flies drank the milk, staggered around the edge of the bowl, and 'dropped like flies' onto the table, where they could be scooped up in the morning.

: I hope this is the appropriate forum for me to pass along this information, and I hope it is helpful. Thank you for all the great information you provide. the research must be exhausting!

Thanks. It's all grist for the mill, as they say. When I hear dropping like flies, it reminds me of the tale of The Brave Little Tailor. www.pitt.edu/ ~dash/grimm020.html

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.