I don't have time to chase that rabbit down the trail.

I heard this for the first time yesterday. This was said to me over the telephone by a friend who didn't have time to research a particular newpaper article that I had referenced. It stuck me as a euphemistic phrase which is less offensive than saying, "I just don't have time to mess with it."

If anyone has ever heard this then don't hold yer water too long.

PhDeta@hotmail.com (my new email)

Hi PD,

There is a different phrase that may be related to it and it was in reference to Senator Cleland speaking on 9/11 and goes something like: "America is being cheated. As each day goes by we learn that this government knew a whole lot more about these terrorists before September 11 than it has ever admitted … Let’s chase this rabbit into the ground."

It may also be related to a hunting using same phrase where hunters go after the rabbit until it burrows into the ground and men and dogs dig for it for the kill. So simply it may mean to dig for it until you get to the bottom.

There is also a reference to Alice in Wonderland by Carroll where she chased the rabbit into the hole and thereby found herself in a wonderland of sorts so it goes without saying that it may mean going all the way to find "it" not minding whatever distractions the search may entail.


Not sure however about going after the rabbit "down the trail" but "chasing rabbits" alone means doing something irrelevant or having distractions so it might as well mean no time to play around, euphemistically.


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Than ye NW.