Wrapped around your finger

Posted by Jane on October 23, 2001

In Reply to: Get off your soapbox posted by James Briggs on August 17, 2001

: :
: : I've heard this expression used with reference to someone who is going on and on about something or possibly forcing an opinion on someone. Can anyone confirm this/provide the origin of the phrase?

: Soapboxes were literally used for political rallies in order to raise the speaker above the crowd - he stood on one. If the speaker went on too long for the assembled people, there would come shouts of 'get off your soapbox'! The expression was soon used to try to get anyone to shut up.