In a recent thread Big Al Whittle used the phrase, "Nick the lead off the church roof ...". I find descriptive phrases like this one to be among the most wonderful elements of human speech. Such things also set me to wondering as to how they came to be. For instance: Was there a time when roofs were made of lead? Why? Was there a time when lead was quite valuable or is the point of the phrase that it had only a little value?

Every language seems to contain idioms and colloquialisms that so perfectly illustrate an idea. My wife, Carmen, often shares some of the German idioms that she knows. They are fabulously descriptive and often hilarious. What treasures!

And so I ask that each of you pay attention to such phrases as you may encounter in conversation, either your own or in things overheard. Please note them and post them here along with any explanations as to meaning and provenance that you may wish to offer.

Thanks!