'The Last Knockings.'

[derekpara]

Where does this come from ?

Cheers.

D

[cupid04]

Originally referred to the final payment made to a temporary worker.

[Quizmonster]

To knock (sometimes plus down/out) meant to earn or get paid in both American and Australian slang as far back as the late 19th century. Hence, as Derek outlines above, 'the last knockings' referred to one's final wage at the end of a term of employment. The phrase as such is not recorded anywhere before the late 1930s, though it somehow has a much older 'ring' to it in my opinion.

[Quizmonster]

Apologies...I meant to say Cupid above!

[derekpara]

Thank you both. Very informative.

D