"hobnail boots going up and silk slippers going down"

Hi,

My _guess_ would be that the "phrase" suggests that a situation comes which requires a change in attitude, as if changing from a kind person to a rough one, a tough ride ahead. I also smell some sexuality in this phrase. Also, this may well be the saying of a camp instructor to his pupils noting that a harder 'leg' of the trekking is ahead... ;-)

Regards,

Simon

my client's son's teacher is searching for the origin of the phrase "hobnail boots going up and silk slippers going down"

i've googled till my fingers were raw....no luck.

help! thanks!

(nets christopher +5 points on his next exam)