Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Martin [Admin] on September 09, 2014, 10:37:24 PM

Title: Hell for Leather
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 09, 2014, 10:37:24 PM

 
... so what is the etymology of the expression "Hell for Leather" ?

Title: Re: Hell for Leather
Post by: black magic racing on September 09, 2014, 10:44:42 PM

The expression hell-for-leather means at “breakneck speed, very fast” and was originally used with reference to riding on horseback. It may have originated with Kipling. The earliest citation in the OED is from an 1889 Kipling story, “The Valley of the Shadow.” :-))

Title: Re: Hell for Leather
Post by: dougal99 on September 10, 2014, 05:11:27 PM

Martin,


go and lie down, you need to stop using such big words that late at night, it'll frighten the horses!

Title: Re: Hell for Leather
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 10, 2014, 05:50:50 PM

 
Yeah, fair enough Doug!    :P

"riding on horseback"  interesting, couldn't find anything myself.
 Thought it might even be something to do with 'Hells Angels'...