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Tsunamii | 04:13 Fri 12th Apr 2002 | Phrases & Sayings
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What is the origin of the phrase: "Paint the town red"?
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The only explanation I've seen is that it refers to a to the red-light district of a town. If a particularly rowdy gang continued their carousing outside the confines of the red-light area it was considered that the whole town was being painted red. It's an American phrase originally.
13:07 Tue 16th Apr 2002
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The phrase originated when Melton Mowbray in Leicestershsire was literally painted red by some of the sons of aristocracy staying at a stately home in the area during the C18th.  I am sure more details will be found on a tourist site for Melton Mowbray.
01:02 Sun 09th Oct 2005

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