Up against the wall

Posted by ESC on April 30, 2006

In Reply to: Up against the wall posted by David FG on April 30, 2006

: : : : What is the origin of the phrase "first up against the wall, come the revolution"

: : : It is a reference to execution by firing squad, in which the condemned person is stood against a wall and shot.

: : : The phrase is suggesting that 'come the (desired) revolution whoever is being mentioned will be the first to be executed.'

: : : It is not generally to be taken literally.

: : : DFG

: : I feel a song coming on (and just in time for Mother's Day):

: : Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother

: : He was born in Oklahoma
: : His wife's name is Betty Jo Thelma Liz.
: : He's not responsible for what he's doing;
: : His mother made him what he is.

: : And it's up against the wall redneck mother
: : Mother who has raised her son so well.
: : He's thirty-four and drinking in them honky-tonks
: : Just kicking all them hippies' a**es and raising h*ll...

:
: Mothers' Day was weeks ago this side of the Atlantic (I think: I could be in trouble if I have got that wrong.)

: DFG

Since my children are grown and gone, I do get confused about holidays and seasons. But Mother's Day is May 14 in the United States. I think.

• Up against the wall Debbie 01/May/06
• Mother's Day R. Berg 30/April/06
  • Mother's Day David FG 01/May/06
    • Mother's Day Bob 01/May/06