The Whole Nine Yards

Editor's note: Before you read the posting below, check this page on 'The origin of the whole nine yards'.

Posted by Jack on January 14, 2005

In Reply to: The Whole Nine Yards posted by Martin Kerwin on January 13, 2005

: During one of his War Walks Television Programmes Prof Richard Holmes reported on an early WW1 battle. during this programme he claimed that this battle was where the use of the whole nine yards was started. I am not sure as to the exact programme but there was only one on WW1 in the series. I do not think as a proffessor he would quote this as a source if he were not sure.

Here is another one to look at - My mother was from Scotland, and she said the saying " the whole nine yards" has been used in Scotland far before the World Wars. The scotish tartan worn in battle was nine yards long. If you were going the whole nine yards, it meant that you were getting ready for battle.

• The Whole Nine Yards Ray 22/January/05
• The Whole Nine Yards Bob 14/January/05