dvosburgh Posted 1 July , 2020 Share Posted 1 July , 2020 Wondering whether anyone knows the origin of the phrase “gone West” that was current during the Great War when referring to someone who was KIA or died a result of illness/wounds during the Great War. It’s interesting that J.R.R. Tolkien, who served on the Somme with the Lancashire Fusiliers, used the concept years later when referring to the Elves who left Middle Earth to return to the Undying Lands across the sea, as passing “into the West”. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Filsell Posted 1 July , 2020 Share Posted 1 July , 2020 A rather orchward term I fear. Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waggoner Posted 1 July , 2020 Share Posted 1 July , 2020 As into the sunset...the end of day...the end of life? All the best, Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvosburgh Posted 1 July , 2020 Author Share Posted 1 July , 2020 1 hour ago, David Filsell said: A rather orchward term I fear. Regards David Ouch. Or “Orch”, as the case may be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvosburgh Posted 1 July , 2020 Author Share Posted 1 July , 2020 Looks like you might be right, Gary. I searched around and found this definition in the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms: “Die, as in He declared he wasn't ready to go west just yet. This expression has beenascribed to a Native American legend that a dying man goes to meet the setting sun.However, it was first recorded in a poem of the early 1300s: "Women and many a willfulman, As wind and water have gone west." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now