My dad always used to ask, how many beans make five?

Question

Where did he get this from?

Answer 1

An old British expression, used in the context "he knows how many beans make five", meaning "he knows his stuff" or referring to one who's good at mathematical puzzlers. Derives from the days of the abacus, when the wooden beads (beans) were moved along in various increments.

"He's a clever bloke, he knows how many beans make five"

Answer 2

I don't know, but we used to ask the same thing when we were young. I think the answer is, a bean and a half, a bean and a half, half a bean.... and a bean and a half. Where does this stuff come from? Great question!

Answer 3

Probably from his dad and he passed it on just like you are doing
But what he's looking for is:
A bean and a half, a bean and a half, half a bean and a bean and a half. That's how many beans make 5.

Answer 4

I think it's from the old man in "Jack and the Beanstalk." I remember the old man asks Jack that question to see how smart Jack is and Jack replies, "Two in each hand and one in your mouth." Then the old man uses the five magic beans to buy the cow from Jack.

Answer 5

Dunno, but the preferred answer is: a bean, a bean, a bean and a half, half a bean and a bean... however, to Baldrick, it makes a very small casserole...

Answer 6

left school too soon

Answer 7

don't know, and don't know what the hell it's supposed to mean either...lol

Answer 8

from his father

Answer 9

i think is just a joke! :)

Answer 10

how should i know!!! LOL