Re: Can Gnus watch a group for me?

[Harry Putnam <reader@newsguy.com>]

Richard Hoskins <rmh3@alltel.net> writes:

>>>It's a bit like shooting sparrows with a cannon (what's the
>>>English/US idiom for this?), but it would certainly work.
>>
>> A very old US idiom (That I just now made up.. he he): `Using and 8
>> lb sledge hammer for a fly swatter.'
>
> Wasn't there a MPython skit about sparrow hunting that involved
> large weaponry?
>
> I can't think of any us.english idiom that directly maps.  I propose
> we use "shooting sparrows with a cannon", understanding it implies
> "collateral damage" which is, unfortunately, an American idiom in wide
> use at the moment.

OK, I'll put it up on http://suggested.USidioms.com

<H3> Hunting sparrows with cannons:</H3><BR>
To use a large tool for a small job that is likely to incur
massive `collateral damage'.  Sometimes referred to as `Playing with 
lincoln logs with your butt cheeks.' [Steve Martin].
 
Maybe it'll catch on.


[Aside for Kai: Lincoln logs are an old time kids toy, small toy logs
you build small play houses with.  About 6-8 inches long.