Inspect the plumbing

Posted by David FG on April 24, 2007

In Reply to: Inspect the plumbing posted by RRC on April 23, 2007

: : : I wonder if the phrase (inspect the plumbing) is used in English or not, I've read this phrase in a context in which it means 'going to the toilet' and the writer was a native speaker of AmE. I'll be glad to know the answer.

: : AmE = American English?

: I can't recall hearing it that way. Without the context, I'd assume it to mean either "study the genitalia" (e.g. I'd like to inspect her plumbing) or actually going into the bathroom to see how the fixtures are installed.

I have heard it used frequently in the context of visiting the loo, and am a bit surprised that others haven't.

DFG

• Inspect the plumbing pamela 26/April/07