Where did the statement "I'm gonna clean your clock" come from?

Answer 1

Coming from the 1940s, it's a figurative use of railroad jargon used in the United States at the time. Cleaning the clock referred to applying the airbrakes and bringing the train to a sudden stop. The clock in question was the air gauge, which on halting, immediately registered zero and was thus clean. Of course, slamming on the brakes also took a beating on the train itself.

Answer 2

Cleaning someone's clock is to hit him in the face - and since clocks also have faces, that would appear to be the origin.

To clock someone, as in, to punch him in the face, seems to have originated in Australia, in 1941 or shortly before.

The word clock comes from embroidery that is in the shape of a bell, found on socks. They aren't sure, but it may be that the word crossed over, since in their earlier days, clocks were commonly found only on bell towers.

Answer 3

In switzerland, the first clocks were brass and gathered dust from the fields. Each spring every farmer would bang they're clock on the ground at the town fountain. They would be set at that time to ensure the workers hours.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Where did the statement "I'm gonna clean your clock" come from?

Answer 5

hands all over your face or clocks face