Cooling my heels

[Sam Clements]

It goes back to the 1600's, according to cites in OED.

I grew up with the expression, 1950-70.  Never sounded strange to me.

But, not that you mention it, I only hear "old" people use the phrase.

Sam Clements
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marsha Alley" <marshaalley at MSN.COM>
To: <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 6:04 PM
Subject: Cooling my heels


I said this to a customer today and he said he'd never heard it before.
Come to think of it, I don't think I've heard anyone else say it since my
family died off.  Any feedback from all y'all?  (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Marsha