[title]Family quotes[/title] [description]Welcome to our family quotes section! Here you'll find some of the funniest (and wisest) quotes on the subject of family life![/description]
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Hanging by thumbs

General English Grammar & Vocabulary,... » General English Vocabulary & Idiom...

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Latest post Wed, Jan 28 2009 4:47 PM by Newguest. 2 replies.
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Newguest  +  656395 Wed, 28 Jan 09 04:19 PM
Hi

It's a line from a song: I'm hanging by my thumbs, I'm ready for whatever comes..

---- Is there an English idiom "hang by one's thumbs" or is it just for the rhyme? I suppose it means that I was hanging on something supporting myself on thumbs. 
Newguest
Joined on Sun, Feb 25 2007
Senior Member 2,103
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Philip  +  656405 Wed, 28 Jan 09 04:31 PM
Hanging one by the thumbs was/is a form of torture, popular because it leaves no scars.  My guess is that in this song, the person feels ill at ease, to say the least, and probably anxious to get the situation solved soon.
Philip
Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005
Veteran Member 8,738
At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen
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Newguest, 300 days ago
I found something about it on the net. Thanks!
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