Subject: Lock and LoadI’ve been listening to Nikki Haley say the US was “locked and loaded” if Syria uses chemical weapons again. I first heard “lock and load” at basic training on the rifle range. It meant to put your magazine in your M-16 and then put a round in the chamber. I was curious about the origin. I found this:
“Attested since at least 1793, when a document describes flintlock weapons that are ready to fire as "well locked and loaded". The variant "load (ed ) and lock (ed )" is found since at least 1815.”
And this:
“Short for locking the magazine/cartridge into the gun and loading the ammunition into the gun's chamber. (Usu. used to show toughness, ambition, fear and other strong characteristics. Originally spoken by John Wayne in "Sands of Iwo Jima" as "load and lock". )”
This one made me spew my coffee:
“To adjust a woman's boobs into a high and central location on the chest and hold with a garment such as a vest or short jacket.” |