subs. phr. (American).—See quots.
1848. BARTLETT, Dictionary of Americanisms [quoting J. INMAN]. The phrase ‘TO ROW UP SALT RIVER’ has its origin in the fact that there is a small stream of that name in Kentucky, the passage of which is difficult and laborious by its tortuous course as by the abundance of shallows and bars. The real application of the phrase is to the unhappy wight who has the task of propelling the boat up the stream; but, in political or slang usage, it is to those who are rowed up.
c. 186[?]. Burial of Uncle Sam [quoted by DE VERE].
| “We thought … | |
| That Sag-Nichts and strangers would tread o’er his head, | |
| And we up the SALT RIVER billows.” |
1871. DE VERE, Americanisms, 346. It has become a universal cant phrase to say, that an unlucky wight, who has failed to be elected to some public office, was ROWED UP SALT RIVER. If … very grievously defeated, they were apt to be ROWED UP TO THE VERY HEADWATERS OF SALT RIVER.
1877. New York Tribune, 28 Feb.
| Put away his empty barrel; | |
| Fold his Presidential clothes; | |
| He has started up SALT RIVER, | |
| Led and lit by Cronin’s nose. |
