What is the origin of the phrase "No answer came the stern reply"? Someone suggested to me that it relates to a nineteenth century painting representing an incident in the English Civil War where a young boy is being asked by an inquisitor, "When did you last see your father?" also the title of the painting, but I can find no corroboration of this. Any help?

peasypod

The painting by William Frederick Yeames doesn't seem to suggest that there is a reply and the viewer is left to decide that notion for one's self. This is good reading, albeit doesn't help you out with the phrase origin. http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/collections/lastseefather/thepainting.asp Jul 09 06, 8:18 PM

peasypod

......however, here are some suggestions: http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/11/messages/873.html Jul 09 06, 8:20 PM

Baloo55th

I agree with Peasy - the painting is not based on any actual incident, and I've never heard the phrase used in this context. A boy of the age of the lad in the picture would hardly be able to give a 'stern reply' - even if that was silence! 'Stern' isn't a characteristic of kids, whatever period they lived in. This is probably a case of folk etymology in action - someone has had a bright idea after seeing the picture. (Irrelevantly, I live about 20 miles from that picture!) Jul 10 06, 3:54 PM

hectorb

Folk etymology is what I have always thought Baloo, when I first heard it linked to the Yeames painting some years ago, but when I heard someone else make the link I thought I'd post this to check. Peasy - I'd seen those links thanks, and Nigel Rees' view that the phrase has no discoverable origin just got me trying harder! He Jul 11 06, 1:25 AM

Baloo55th

Nigel Rees is a pretty good authority on things like that. So is Leslie Dunkling for origins of phrases. (WHen I was small, I always thought that picture in the Walker was a copy. I never believed that London would allow something like that to be kept in Liverpool.) Jul 12 06, 5:32 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

I know I have asked this already, without a reply, I'd like to re-ask it, as I need to find out an answer to this. When was the last full season Arsenal played primarily in yellow socks? I received the following - if anyone can help it would be appreciated..... I'm trying to learn basic biographical information about Olga Forrai, an opera singer in the US in the 1930s. But I can't get anywhere with it. Can you possibly help, or perhaps give me a clue where I could find help with this question? Any clue at all would be much appreciated. In the second decade of the 19th century, the government of a certain European country sent several ships to take control of a port in a distant land. When disaster occurred, many individuals were abandoned and died as a result. The accounts and inquiries inspired one of the world's great works of art. What was this incident, and can you provide an illustration of the painting? I am still trying to find the correct answer for 'Mountains of Decay'. I have asked the person for any clues and this is what she has supplied: Think back to when you were younger. It is along the lines of science (but not science fiction) - so ask a science teacher. It is very simple - nothing technical. All I can think of is teeth, brain, tonsils but am still at a loss. Can anyone else help here?

1 Help! I Need an Adult! Don't become DiscombobULATed, you won't find it DisTAstefUL, I shall eLUciDATe presently! Each clue points to a word which contains the letters of ADULT, but not necessarily in that order. I trust I have ADeqUaTeLy iLlUsTrAteD my intention! Something in Common Very Difficult 10 Q ing Aug 28 09 207 plays 2 Can You See Me Now? In “Sight Unseen,” a mysterious demon causes trouble for the Charmed Ones—and for Cole. But is he the only threat? 'Charmed' Season 3 Average 10 Q soul2cole Jul 30 07 726 plays 3 Painting 2: Painting Surfaces This is the second quiz in my series on painting. The first five questions are on canvasses, and the last five are on paper. Art Techniques Tough 10 Q starry_night Jan 16 03 678 plays