Again that's the nearest I've got , Badger, but like you I do have reservations
It is a neat answer , the only problem being that I would hardly consider "stale bread" a well known phrase; it isn't included in Chambers under either 'bread' or 'stale'
Goofy: Look at Newarch's earlier answer re 28 - find anagram and google answer.
I think STALE BREAD could be right for 53, but I'm not 100% sure. Where is Newarch when we need him/her??!!