Without yet having read right thru this fascinating thread,I just wanted to mention one resource that my waters tell me hasn't yet been referred to yet. As a means of answering these questions.




Wait for it.




books.



some people masy have heard of these,especially those who grew up B.I.

Got it?

No? yes?


B.I. - Before the Internet




There are loads of books that give phrase origins,some with detailed sources,too many without.

And books are sometimes more authoritative then the big I.






      Ivor



PS There are also amazing,little-known places that are a treasury that kind of stuff,going under wierd names like

   library

    and

   bookshop.

   Definitions of both are available in the infinite glories of www.