phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Pee a ring around

Posted by ESC on August 03, 2011 at 23:00

In Reply to: Pee a ring around posted by ESC on August 03, 2011 at 17:01:

: : I'm looking for the origin of the phrase "Pee a ring around oneself," as in: "He pees a ring around himself whenever someone else asks for something." The meaning/implication is clear, but I'd like to get some history on the phrase if any is available. Thank you.

: I've never heard it. But I've read my share of paranormal fiction. Witches, etc., enclose themselves in a circle of salt to ward off any evil beings they may conjure up. Maybe urine contains enough salt to work. That's one theory.

And I found a reference to whizzing a circle around yourself so the wild animals won't get you. The scent scares them off. Not really sure if that would work. This is probably a better theory than the salt one.

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