Bless your socks off

[storkrn]

An inquiry has come from a Chinese Malaysian friend in Panang asking the origin and meaning of "bless your socks off". I hear
it often and assume it to be a superlative for "blessings" but have no idea other than that!

Answers to the ADS-L would be appreciated as I do not have any of the reference works you folks use (just a lurker enjoying
your company and learning).

Sharyn Hay storkrn at msn.com