# Whence this figure of speech?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-this-figure-of-speech/637620>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 13, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-this-figure-of-speech/637620 "2012-10-13T15:31:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-this-figure-of-speech/637620/1 "2012-10-13T15:31:37Z")

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What does “putting paid” mean and where does it come from? Here’s a quote from an article I just read: “Now, a study of fossils found in New Zealand is laying the matter to rest — and putting paid to hopes of cloning a Tyrannosaurus rex.” Clearly, from the context it can be deduced that it means to dismiss or to eliminate. But I don’t see any connection between the words and the meaning, which usually helps to understand idioms and figures of speech. Cunning linguists - any help?

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**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2012, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-this-figure-of-speech/637620/2 "2012-10-13T15:40:44Z")

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I suspect it comes from the practice of stamping “PAID” on a bill once the customer has paid it. It indicates the matter is settled and no longer an issue.

[This site](http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/293200.html)agrees:

> [@](#):
>
> ‘Put paid to’ probably derives from the practice of book-keepers of writing or stamping “Paid” on bills when the paperwork for a sale was completed.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2012, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-this-figure-of-speech/637620/3 "2012-10-13T18:05:10Z")

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Ah, yes. That would make sense. Also, nice site to consult for future reference.