CRAZY PHRASES


So, I'm writing an e-mail to a friend and out comes "jump the gun". Why? I don't know. But honestly - I had no idea where that saying came from? Not a clue. I was envisioning a rifle lying in the dirt and a cowboy jumping over it (you know - like when someone would draw a line in the sand and say "I dare you to cross the line".) I suppose I'm the only one - and personally can't believe I just admitted to this (good grief).


Well, anyway, I researched it on the web. Boy! Was I wrong...

Jump the Gun - to do something before it should be done. We do not want to jump the gun by making a statement about what caused the explosion before the investigation is completed.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of jump the gun (to begin to run a race before the gun that signals the start has been shot)



Then in church Sunday they were talking about King Jehosaphat. I sure wish I knew the bible better (guess I need to set a goal and read it). But that's why we go to church, right? To have someone teach us about these things. Anyway, back to King Jehosaphat...


So, I'm talking with my hubby and I said, "I wonder if there is any relation with the phrase "jumpin jehosaphat" and the King? ...and guess what? Yeah, you may already know this too, but just in case...

The old expression was "Jumping Jehosephat." Just a polite expression of surprise. Like "Holy carp!"(okay so I switched the letters around).

Historically: Jehosaphat was a wealthy king of Jerusalem. One day an army from the east march on Jerusalem to take his gold. Jehosaphat told the people not to worry that the battle would be his and Judas's on the following day. The people let out a joyous cry "Great Jumping Jehosaphat." That's the "story" anyhow. I wasn't there. :)


Do any of you have sayings that you question? Please share them with me. I'd love to research.


OH, here's one --> my father-in-law says "blew my hat in the creek". What does this mean? Any ideas??? Anyone? Bueller?