"Like a freight train"

Posted by ESC on January 07, 2007

In Reply to: "Like a freight train" posted by Smokey Stover on January 07, 2007

: : "Like a freight train". I've heard it used in many different settings, but didn't know which one was exactly correct. Is it something really loud? Something really big and heavy? Where/When did it originate?

: : Thanks in advance!

: You've heard it in many settings, but I wish you had given us even one. People who have encountered tornados and hurricanes often comment on the huge amount of noise, "like a freight train passing over me." You probably don't have hurricanes and tornadoes on the shores of the Baltic Sea (if that's where you live), but surely you have freight trains. Stand next to the track while a long train goes by. It's quite a racket.

: If you have some other type of reference to freight trains in mind, please don't hesitate to add your comment right here, as a Followup.
: SS

Here are two ways I've heard it.

"This place looks like it was hit by a freight train." Very messy, things scattered about. Can also refer to a person's disheveled appearance. Also: "Sounds like a freight train coming through." Loud noise. Origin? Trains still come through my little town and they really get your attention. Especially if somebody get his car stuck on the track and there is a wreck.

• "Like a freight train" Brian from Shawnee 07/January/07