"Build up a head of steam", come from?
I am thinking it's slang involving steam engines, but who gets credit for the old time saying meaning to get started?
2007-03-09 01:47:11 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
Actually the term " head of steam " refers to the pressure vessel that was connected to the water boiler that supplied the steam. The ends of the steam tank were outward dished metal " heads " shaped that way to withstand the pressure that built-up in the tank. Most times the pressure gauges were located in these heads and when the pressure was high enough for the engine to do its work, it was said that a " head of steam " was built-up.
2007-03-09 02:02:55 · answer #1 · answered by lurned1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think youve build up a head of steam yourself recently, have you loosened your valve yet? Oh and I hope Im not on the end of your answers, or I might be seen as not being on at the same time as you and it might start you thinking about your true identity.
2007-03-09 03:39:58 · answer #2 · answered by Yo Mum Mum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steam powered vehicles (trains, boats, early cars) had to idle for a while to build up a head of steam before they could get underway.
2007-03-09 01:50:18 · answer #3 · answered by Violation Notice: Semper Paratus 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it has something to do with old steam engines on railroads.....back in the 1800's.
2007-03-09 01:50:51 · answer #4 · answered by Ron B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It came from steam locomotives on the railroad is what I was told years ago.
2007-03-09 01:50:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Might be a naval term from the early 1800's when the first coal powered naval vessels were built....
2007-03-09 01:55:00 · answer #6 · answered by Fred Phaggins 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-30 10:37:43 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you are vert right on this, back when the train use steam, they need to get the pruessure buildup be for it would move,
2007-03-09 01:51:52 · answer #8 · answered by ghostwalker077 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmmm thats good...I would have guessed a tea-pot,right before it whistles it needs to build steam!
2007-03-09 01:50:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea. I've never heard that term before.
2007-03-09 01:52:16 · answer #10 · answered by Jayna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋