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Re: Hoist with your own petard

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lindaFeb 5, 2008
 

 
--- In just-a-minute@..., Greg Linden <gmlinden@...>
wrote:

>
> As an American, I can vouch that, while not used much
> conversationally, the phrase is reasonably well-known here. As to
> its origins, the following is a good reference:
>
> http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/hoist%20by%20your%20own%

20petard.html

>
> Greg

gresg has got the right description . a petard is a small bomb like
item used to bust a hole in a wall during war . i have seen tony
robinson describe where this phrase has come from on a show called
worst jobs . a petardier was someone who stuck the weapon to the
wall after the fuse had been lit . sometimes it blew up and the
petardier was killed before he got to safety or someteims enemy
forces killed him as he was running towards where he had to put the
bomb . hence he was hiosted by his own petard .
i hope this helps !
Cheers
Linda

 
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