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Wow, I do not know how I know this, probably my dad told me years ago and I've just retained it for an occasion such as this. In the times when there were town criers that brought beople the news, they would start at the town hall which would be at the center of the town, and they would work their way around the streets all the way out to the outskirts. This often took a whole day, and so those that lived near the centre found out in the morning before going to market and generally socialising. Those that lived near and on the outskirts wouldn't find out until evening, and so would be always talking about yesterdays news. But to them (and you must understand they were the majority AND the ones more likely to use phrases such as streets ahead) it seemed more like the others were ahead rather than themselves being behind. Therefore those close to the centre were 'streets ahead' of those that were literally streets behind. Hope that answers it for you, and until QI disproves it, good-bye Acey~Nz
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∙ 16y ago
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The origin and history of the idiom head start?
The original term 'ahead-start' referred to a participant being allowed to begin a race in front of other competitors as part of a planned advantage. The modern idiom 'headstart' arose as the 'a' in 'ahead-start' became confused as a pronoun, which was subsequently dropped. This is where headstart came from.
What is the origin of Keep an eye out?
It is just an idiom and has no history.
What is the origin of the idiom he will lend a hand?
Meaning he will help you out.
What is the origin of the idiom These walls have ears?
Palestinian and Persian
What is the origin of the idiom acid tongue in her head?
food
The origin and history of the idiom head start?
The original term 'ahead-start' referred to a participant being allowed to begin a race in front of other competitors as part of a planned advantage. The modern idiom 'headstart' arose as the 'a' in 'ahead-start' became confused as a pronoun, which was subsequently dropped. This is where headstart came from.
What is the origin of the idiom out on a limb?
To be exposed
What is the origin of the idiom 'eat at'?
Advertising
What is the origin for the idiom dancing up a storm?
Origin "up a storm"
What is the origin of make a big splash idiom?
No
What is the origin of the idiom twelvemonth?
The idiom "twelvemonth" comes from Old English, where it referred to a period of twelve months or a year. Over time, it evolved into a more formal or poetic way of saying "year."
On city streets drivers should cast their eyes how far ahead?
On city streets drivers should cast their eyes how far ahead?
What is the origin of the idiom to brain someone?
The idiom "to brain someone" is thought to have originated from the idea of using one's brain as a weapon to strike or hurt someone. It is a figurative expression that means to hit or strike someone on the head with great force.
What is the origin of the prepositional idiom under age?
fdgscgHXC
The origin of the idiom foam at the mouth?
affrica (iraq
What is the origin of the idiom to hold thumbs?
To hope for the best
What is the origin of Keep an eye out?
It is just an idiom and has no history.
