'over the hill'

Posted by Bruce Kahl on October 07, 2004

In Reply to: 'over the hill' posted by Ward on October 06, 2004

: In a recent message to my favorite Aussie Goddess, I suggested that, now that shes a certain age in the over 40 area, she might be ready to be 'over the hill'. I checked this phrase in the search box, and didn't see anything that related to this useage -- generally meaning 'past your prime' -- or on the downward part of the life cycle curve.
: I'm not suggesting this applies to anyone, but as a strictly hypothetical question -- what might be the origin and worldwide use of this phrase?

I guess once you reach the top of the hill and begin your journey down, you have passed the midpoint and are on the downside or decline (over the hill). With age, once you have passed your peak, you are on the downside.