Listening to the A Way With Words podcast I was surprised to hear reference to something my Dad used to say; "I don't boil my cabbages twice" meaning "I am not going to repeat what I said".
I was surprised to hear it mentioned as they discussed a similar phrase that an American caller had asked about.
I was even more surprised to learn that it's roots are ancient indeed as it is ultimately derived from the ancient Greek "dis krambe thanatos" or "cabbage twice over is death".
Who knew that it was so widespread or that my Dad was so classically inclined?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BobHale,

Interesting! I used to hear, "I don't chew my cabbage twice."

There was quite a bit of discussion on the idiom. “Chew” was one of many variants.

"Boil" is the only variant I've heard.