Archived explanation

Posted by M Phill on July 25, 2003

In Reply to: Archived explanation posted by R. Berg on July 23, 2003

: : Could someone please settle a lively, and as yet fruitless debate as to the origin of this english phrase. which sort of nut is it a reference to, how is it sweet, and where was it first used and why.....

: : Many thanks, in advance....

: Try this item from the archives:

: www.phrases.org.uk bulletin_board 18 messages 494.html

: (link below)

I'm pretty sure it's an ironic expression... If something is as sweet as a nut it's not all that sweet, nice or good after all.

A bit like after explaining something to someone, if they say it's 'as clear as mud', your explanation probably wasn't that great.