Whenever my wife asks me to pick one of two things, for instance two different choices for dinner, I always just name one at random. I know that which ever one I pick, she will say she was thinking of having the other one. Then I say, that would be fine. This is our ritual.
Among people who have sail boats it is a common expression of speed above average speed. Expressions such as: “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey” and “There be the devil to pay” are among common expressions with a nautical beginning.
When Patrick O’brian wrote Master and commander the publisher said it was a great yarn and would be marketed as a teens adventure book. O’brian rewrote one part and added the “F” word so it couldn’t be marketed as such. Afterwards 20 of the 21 have it in them someplace. 21 I don’t think has it as he died before it was finished.
Tyge about 3 years ago
Janis has the bone in her teeth… about the renovation.
pschearer Premium Member about 3 years ago
“Bone in her teeth”? In my long and well-read life I’ve never heard that. On the other hand, I’ve spent most of my life staying away from boats.
Spoonbone about 3 years ago
Whenever my wife asks me to pick one of two things, for instance two different choices for dinner, I always just name one at random. I know that which ever one I pick, she will say she was thinking of having the other one. Then I say, that would be fine. This is our ritual.
syzygy47 about 3 years ago
Arrgh! Belay the salty sea argot bosun Arlo amidst ye wimminfolk!
dlkrueger33 about 3 years ago
Never heard the phrase, but I don’t see the association with what Janis is doing.
Skeptical Meg about 3 years ago
I guess Arlo feels she’s charging hard, wind at her back, at the renovation.
Its just me about 3 years ago
First time I’ve heard it defined.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member about 3 years ago
Kumquat or Loquat?
SpacedInvader Premium Member about 3 years ago
I’ve used the phrase a couple of times then gave it up. Usual reply was “huh?”.
mr , b about 3 years ago
oooohh Arlo playing with fire . pulling the whiskers of death , taking chances .
duggersd Premium Member about 3 years ago
I’m with the never heard it before group. But then, I live in landlocked SD.
Bif about 3 years ago
Arlo was just daydreaming. Must not enjoy redecorating nearly as much as Janis.
Jhony-Yermo about 3 years ago
Green
Clotty Peristalt about 3 years ago
A likely story.
royq27 about 3 years ago
Been there, still there…
OHSOFUN about 3 years ago
Is Janis’ question a Casablanca reference? Very subtle, Jimmy. :)
Barnabus Blackoak about 3 years ago
I’v never heard of that expression.
flushed about 3 years ago
Among people who have sail boats it is a common expression of speed above average speed. Expressions such as: “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey” and “There be the devil to pay” are among common expressions with a nautical beginning.
MuddyUSA Premium Member about 3 years ago
Wow, Arlo is weird?
Schrodinger's Dog about 3 years ago
been there ….
Tetonbil about 3 years ago
A great many of our daily expressions are based in our nautical past.
snowedin, now known as Missy's mom about 3 years ago
I’ve heard of a horse having the bit in his teeth, which means a runaway horse, but not the bone thing.
curtlyon19 about 3 years ago
filing this in my “mack’s useless facts almanac”
Iseau about 3 years ago
Given her determination I think Arlo should start hiding the accounts and hide in the basement.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace about 3 years ago
An expression I had never heard, doubt I shall ever use.
But at least, I now have the option!!
gpantzer about 3 years ago
I discovered a few years ago that MANY words (like “scuttlebutt”) and sayings like “cut of his jib” (Google it) are very old naval terms.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] about 3 years ago
Never saw or heard of that expression before.
ottowald about 3 years ago
When Patrick O’brian wrote Master and commander the publisher said it was a great yarn and would be marketed as a teens adventure book. O’brian rewrote one part and added the “F” word so it couldn’t be marketed as such. Afterwards 20 of the 21 have it in them someplace. 21 I don’t think has it as he died before it was finished.
TCA1799 Premium Member about 3 years ago
Bone in her teeth, bone in her mouth. You say tomato and I say tomahto.
aussie399 Premium Member about 3 years ago
Never heard of that