Lead balloon

Posted by Rob on December 03, 2003

What is the origin of 'go down like a lead balloon', meaning not go down well at all. Surely a balloon made of lead would go down (as in sink) very well. Or does it mean deflate, which a balloon made of metal would not do?

• Lead balloon Smokey Stover 03/December/03
  • Lead balloon Smokey Stover 04/December/03
    • Lead Zeppelin Keith Moon 04/December/03
      • Led Zeppelin/Lead Balloon Wart Hog 05/December/03