phrases and sayings

[Alan16322]

Where did the saying - lay holes for meddlers come from? and what was the meaning?

[valerieb1254]

Hi Alan,
Found this one ,hope it will be of help.
Regards Va.
http://archive.thisischeshire.co.uk/2003/7/24/ 167795.html

[Quizmonster]

The person who wrote the material in Valerie's link above was unsure of what the phrase actually meant, but just that it was used to silence over-inquisitive children. Certainly The Oxford English Dictionary has no entry for lay-holes.
Perhaps it's just another example of the sort of meaningless words for the same situation you will find by clicking here.

[andy-hughes]

My dad always used to say it was "Leo's for meddlars ..." meaning that a lion will eat you if you mess about with other people's business.

It's a thought ....

[andy-hughes]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/52/me ssages/102.html

A little closer perhaps?

[Quizmonster]

I had a notion that it might have originated in a mis-pronunciation, Andy, and actually had a look for le holes. Nothing there either, however. I like the 'leo' idea, though!

[Quizmonster]

That should be ley-holes, of course.