I'll swing for him

[mycatis]

Does this mean, "he is annoying me so much, I'll take a swing at him" ie hit him, OR does it mean "he is annoying me so much, I'll kill him" therefore I will be hanged for murder? Anyone sure?

[jno]

the latter, I think - otherwise, as you say, it'd be swing at him.

[Loosehead]

Yes it's the latter, goes back to the days of hanging.

[mycatis]

Thanks guys, that is what I thought but folk look at me like I'm daft when I suggest thats what it is.

[jno]

well if you only rate yourself one star when you're right all along mycatis no wonder they think you're daft! Extra two stars for you at once!

(Incidentally, in old days, you were hauled up on a rope and left to swing until you strangled. Now they drop you and the knot breaks your neck, so swinging isn't really involved.... not sure if you wanted to know that.)

[mycatis]

lol jno, I was so chuffed at being able to rate my own answer that I was gonna give myself 3 stars, but then I read my post and realised it was barely coherent.