The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #110040 Message #2338060
Posted By: Rowan
11-May-08 - 11:18 PM
Thread Name: Origins: 'Skin the Cat' and other family sayings
Subject: RE: Origins: 'Skin the Cat' and other family sayin
My mum said that it meant that the washer had just given it a fast wipe over and promised to do more next time.
This was also the meaning behind my mother's comment "The tide's out!" Used whenever hands were washed only as far as the wrist, when up to the elbow would have been more appropriate.
"The tide's out!" was also used if the beer had too much head (and not enough beer) in the glass, or if the coffee was more than 3/16" below the rim when served across the counter. These weren't used to Mum though.
Cheers, Rowan