E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jer’icho.
Gone to Jericho. No one knows where. The manor of Blackmore, near Chelmsford, was called Jericho, and was one of the houses of pleasure of Henry VIII. When this lascivious prince had a mind to be lost in the embraces of his courtesans, the cant phrase among his courtiers was “He is gone to Jericho.” Hence, a place of concealment.
1
Go to Jericho with you. I wish he had been at Jericho. Aeuphemistic turn of phrase for “Go and hang yourself,” or something more offensive still. This
saying is derived from 2 Sam. x. 5 and 1 Chron. xix. 5.
2
“And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown.”
I wish you were at Jericho. Anywhere out of my way. (See above.)
