phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Peter out

Posted by steve baird on March 11, 2011 at 14:34

I am interested in the phrase to "peter out". I read the mining explanation posted on this website, however I would like to suggest a nautical origin. The Blue Peter is a nautical signal flag representing the letter "P", and was displayed (out) just prior to a ship leaving port. Hence to have the Peter Out is to indicate that things are coming to an end and moving on. Is this a possible explanation for the phrase to "Peter out"?

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