Spaw, I am fairly certain that "petered out" comes from Gunpowderbeing used in a powder train or at the touchole of a gun, that didnt have enough (or too much?) Saltpeter in it and would flare fitfully and go out rather than burn smoothly and fire the cannon.
The 9 yards question I am sure is from the dress kilt explanation, the great length being needed to reproduce the pattern when the pleats were made so that it looked continuous. a couple from my Aunties.
" shy but willing like a donkey eating thistles"
" he looked like s**t on a slate on a rainy day"( for someone not well)
" he couldnt find his arse with both hands and a torch"