Dictionary of English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions

In the past many people who made hats went insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury. ... then it can only be reached by dead men's shoes' by getting rid of them. ... This phrase alludes to delivering an order of groceries or other items. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s] Demon weed . Tobacco is the demon weed. ................
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