Road rules11 mins ago
Two Phrase Origins Queries.....
7 Answers
Two we've heard today
..at full pelt
and
as sweet as a nut
any ideas where these phrases originate? Google doesn't give much away!
..at full pelt
and
as sweet as a nut
any ideas where these phrases originate? Google doesn't give much away!
Answers
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AT FULL PELT (1897 – OED has 1908) also means as fast as possible, at full speed, ‘all out,’ ‘flat out’ and is a synonym of ‘at full tilt.’ The verb PELT dates from the 16th century with the meaning to strike a person or thing vigourously and repeatedly with blows and possibly with missiles or to drive by force of blows. However, relatively recently (1831) the verb PELT took on the additional meaning of to move, run, etc., quickly, rapidly, or vigorously. And it would seem that vigourous and aggressive action in fighting is what connected the older ‘at full tilt’ with the newer ‘at full pelt.’
AT FULL PELT (1897 – OED has 1908) also means as fast as possible, at full speed, ‘all out,’ ‘flat out’ and is a synonym of ‘at full tilt.’ The verb PELT dates from the 16th century with the meaning to strike a person or thing vigourously and repeatedly with blows and possibly with missiles or to drive by force of blows. However, relatively recently (1831) the verb PELT took on the additional meaning of to move, run, etc., quickly, rapidly, or vigorously. And it would seem that vigourous and aggressive action in fighting is what connected the older ‘at full tilt’ with the newer ‘at full pelt.’
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