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Taking a Gambol

Posted by Bob October 10, 2006In reply to Three shakes of a lambs tail posted by R. Berg on October 10, 2006

origin three shakes of a lambs tail

Literally that. Three shakes of a lamb's tail can happen very quickly, hence the analogy. Quite a common phrase in the UK. Must be 100s of years old and based on simple observation. Used to describe something happening quickly, usually the time elapsing before a task is completed.

The U.S. version is "two shakes of a lamb's tail." Why the difference? Unless we have slower lambs over here, you can blame exchange rates. ~rb

My knowledge of Econ is deep,
The rate that you quote is too steep.
The dollar, I've found
Is two to the pound.
Not 3-to-2 shakes, as in sheep.

Replies

  • Too Clever by Half R. Berg 10/October/06