Too Clever by Half

Posted by R. Berg on October 10, 2006

In Reply to: Taking a Gambol posted by Bob on October 10, 2006

: : : : origin three shakes of a lambs tail

: : : Literally that. Three shakes of a lamb's tail can happen very quickly, hence the analogy. Quite a common phrase in the UK. Must be 100s of years old and based on simple observation. Used to describe something happening quickly, usually the time elapsing before a task is completed.

: : The U.S. version is "two shakes of a lamb's tail." Why the difference? Unless we have slower lambs over here, you can blame exchange rates. ~rb

: My knowledge of Econ is deep,
: The rate that you quote is too steep.
: The dollar, I've found
: Is two to the pound.
: Not 3-to-2 shakes, as in sheep.

These ratios of shillings to dimes,
Historically, change with the times.
So my math's obsolete?
I, reduced to a bleat,
Maintain it's the least of all crimes. ~rb

• Too Clever by Half Bob 10/October/06
  • Too Clever by Half James Briggs 11/October/06