Now this is an expression that most of my readers have likely heard all their lives, or at least most of their lives.

Sometimes a phrase evolved from an earlier expression. That seems to be the case with “What goes around comes around.” But this makes it even easier to understand where and how it started.

There is a printed reference to this actual metaphor in the U.S. in Eddie Stone’s book, "Donald Writes No More," 1974, but the roots are much older. It became popular in America around that time.

There is a much older version being used in Virginia, possibly in the 19th century. It was "What goes around a horse’s back comes around a horse’s belly." This was likely the basis of the current saying. Some British folk say that it started there, and has been passed down from generation to generation. Now that’s a real possibility.

Its meaning is something like "you get what you give" and getting "a dose of our own medicine" — that whatever we dish out will be dished back.

So remember to think twice before slamming someone else. It may come back to bite you. And that hurts!

If you have a phrase you would like to see featured here, please text Stan at 931-212-3303 or email him at stan@stclair.net