2007-04-17 00:06:54 · 4 answers · asked by lucy 4 in Games & Recreation ➔ Toys
Think it is a nautical saying.
The ropes that were used on-board ship and were made from Hemp had a limited lifespan. When the rope wore out, it was unwound/picked apart and used again to seal between planks etc(covered with pitch to waterproof it). Alternatively, the rope could also be sold off - hence the saying, Money for old rope!
2007-04-19 00:07:01 · answer #1 · answered by jebaUK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This saying originates from the days of public hangings. It was a duty of the hangman to keep the rope used to hang his 'customer'. The rope, however, was popular with the macabre crowds, so the hangman used to cut the rope up and sell it.
2007-04-17 07:10:21 · answer #2 · answered by brianthesnailuk2002 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Old rope is near useless. If you can sell it, you are doing well.
(Hangman's Ropes are new.)
2007-04-17 22:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by Thelemic Warrior 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
isn't that taken from when people used to get hanged for criminal offences, and then the noose that was used to kill the prisoner was cut up and sold to the crowd as souvenirs ?
2007-04-17 07:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋