Etymology of phrase

[nq:1]The expression "Petered out" means losing strength or intensity. Did this phrase come from Peter's denial of Christ?[/nq]
No, I believe it comes from the root of teh name - "petros" means "rock" in Greek IIRC and as it says in the New Testament. A vein of valuanble ore peters out when the rock content becomes so great that it's no longer worth mining - at least that's what I've been told

[nq:2]The expression "Petered out" means losing strength or intensity. Did this phrase come from Peter's denial of Christ?[/nq]
[nq:1]No, I believe it comes from the root of teh name - "petros" means "rock" in Greek IIRC and as ... the rock content becomes so great that it's no longer worth mining - at least that's what I've been told.[/nq]
Sounds plausible, although my Collins says "etymo

[nq:2]No, I believe it comes from the root of teh ... worth mining - at least that's what I've been told.[/nq]
[nq:1]Sounds plausible, although my Collins says "etymology unknown".[/nq]
Even Brewer is cautious, but does say that it is:
A phrase from the American mining camps of the 1840s of unknown origin.

Peter Duncanson
UK (posting from u.c.l.e)

[nq:2]Sounds plausible, although my Collins says "etymology unknown".[/nq]
[nq:1]Even Brewer is cautious, but does say that it is: A phrase from the American mining camps of the 1840s of unknown origin. Peter Duncanson UK (posting from u.c.l.e)[/nq]
Saltpeter is an ingredient in explosives, which were used to expose the ore in a mine. Thus a mine with no ore left is "petered out."

[nq:2]Even Brewer is cautious, but does say that it is: ... of unknown origin. Peter Duncanson UK (posting from u.c.l.e)[/nq]
[nq:1]Saltpeter is an ingredient in explosives, which were used to expose the ore in a mine. Thus a mine with no ore left is "petered out." Ivan[/nq]
On second thought, Einde's explanation makes more sense.

Ivan

[nq:1]Saltpeter is an ingredient in explosives, which were used to expose the ore in a mine. Thus a mine with no ore left is "petered out."[/nq]
I've always assumed that "peterman" for a safe breaker had its origin in using saltpetre in explosives to blow the ****** doors off but my COD doesn't seem to think so.

Phil C.

[nq:1]I've always assumed that "peterman" for a safe breaker had its origin in using saltpetre in explosives to blow the ****** doors off but my COD doesn't seem to think so.[/nq]
"Peter" in this sense was criminal argot for a safe- at which period I can't say, but certainly common in whoreadits of the 1930s. I always understood it to be a reference to stone, from the weight of the safe.

[nq:2]I've always assumed that "peterman" for a safe breaker had ... doors off but my COD doesn't seem to think so.[/nq]
[nq:1]"Peter" in this sense was criminal argot for a safe- at which period I can't say, but certainly common in whoreadits of the 1930s. I always understood it to be a reference to stone, from the weight of the safe.[/nq]
I'd lay money that it is rhyming slang.

[nq:2]"Peter" in this sense was criminal argot for a safe- ... a reference to stone, from the weight of the safe.[/nq]
[nq:1]I'd lay money that it is rhyming slang.[/nq]
Yes, but rhyming with what?
How about:
Peter and Paul - awl
Peter's Pence - dense
Peter's Cross - loss
Peter's Dome - home
This could take some time :-)

John Briggs

[nq:2]I'd lay money that it is rhyming slang.[/nq]
[nq:1]Yes, but rhyming with what? How about: Peter and Paul - awl Peter's Pence - dense Peter's Cross - loss Peter's Dome - home[/nq]
It has been suggested that "Peter Pan" rhymes with "can" which is equated to either a safe or a cell, the latter also being referred to as a Peter on occasions.
Another suggestion is "Peter Hill" (who or