Where does put 2 and 2 together come from?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins of the idiom "putting two and two together." Participants explore various interpretations and anecdotes related to the phrase, seeking to understand its etymology and usage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the origin of the idiom and requests sources for its background.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that putting two and two together results in the number 22, indicating a playful interpretation.
  • A different participant proposes a practical experiment involving a basket and apples to explore the idiom's meaning, while also noting potential complications.
  • One participant shares a narrative involving a violent incident, claiming it as a humorous origin story for the phrase, linking it to the Darwin Awards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the origin of the idiom, with multiple interpretations and anecdotes presented, leading to a mix of humor and confusion.

Contextual Notes

Some contributions rely on anecdotal evidence or humor, which may not provide a clear historical context for the idiom. The discussion includes speculative interpretations without definitive sources.

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Where does "put 2 and 2 together" come from?

Does anyone know where the idiom "Putting two and two together" came from?? I'm looking around and can't really seem to find any sources on the idea...

DISCUSS!
 
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Ummm... you do now what you get when you put two and two together yeah?
 


Pengwuino said:
Does anyone know where the idiom "Putting two and two together" came from?? I'm looking around and can't really seem to find any sources on the idea...

DISCUSS!
Get a basket and some apples, try it out, and report back.

[edit] If you put 2 and 2 together in a basket that isn't empty, you may run into some issues. If you get stuck, try emptying the basket, then starting over.
 
Last edited:


TheStatutoryApe said:
Ummm... you do now what you get when you put two and two together yeah?

I got 22
 


Pengwuino said:
I got 22

I see. This may be the issue here.
 


The phrase was invented by the Darwin Awards people:

Darwin Awards said:
A Chicago woman took revenge into her own hands quite successfully, when she bit off the testicles of her rapist during the attack. The 21-year-old man should have known better than to accost a woman twice his age and ferocity. When he dropped his trousers and forced her down, she seized her opportunity and severed his gonads, rendered him permanently sterile to the satisfaction of all.

The woman walked to police headquarters a block away and turned the testicles over to police. Shortly thereafter a man with a matching injury appeared at the Michael Reese Medical Center. Police put two and two together and cordoned off the injured man's hospital room, while doctors attempted, unsuccessfully, to reattach the rapist's genitals.

Hey it's not death but it is another way out of the gene pool!
 

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