Years ago I recall taking a tour in an historic village, the name of which, of course, I cannot recall. The actors were dressed in early American garb, working with rustic tools, and explaining life of yore. What I vividly remember is the explanation of the phrase, ”from top to bottom.”
Dirt settled through the floor slats of a two-story building, so women would clean the upstairs to allow for the dust to settle downstairs. You always cleaned, ”from top to bottom.”
Thus, I employ that principle. Good news! I’ve made it to the bottom. Perhaps we shall explore, ”bottom of the barrel,” next? I think that refers to the barrel of a gun? Time for another historic tour!
Actually, I think bottom of the barrel comes from the days when soda crackers were stored in barrels awaiting sale at the local mercantile.
Ooh…much better than staring down the barrel of a gun!