"to throw a switch"

Posted by ESC February 01, 2007In reply to "To throw a switch" posted by dave on February 01, 2007

What's the origin of the phrase "to throw a switch"? Why are switches "thrown"?

Throwing a switch is moving a lever -- as in throwing a railroad switch. Maybe the motion reminded someone of throwing an object.

neil.fraser.name/writing/side-track/8a-lever.jpg

Replies

"To throw a switch" Smokey Stover 01/February/07
- "To throw a switch" pamela 02/February/07
  - "To throw a switch" pamela 02/February/07
    - "To throw a switch" pamela 02/February/07
      - "To throw a switch" Valeriy 02/February/07
        
        "To throw a switch" pfbb1058 04/February/07
        
        Pass the buck pamela 07/February/07