Go pound sand

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Meaning

Go away; a dismissive refusal to cooperate or take someone seriously. Current, blunt, and mildly rude Regional use: United States.

Origin

Pounding sand was a real menial construction task, compacting it into a firm foundation. American expressions about having barely enough sense to pound sand occur in the 1870s, sometimes expanded to pounding it down a rat hole. The dismissive imperative go pound sand is documented in U.S. sports writing in 1927 and outside sport by 1934. Claims of a special prison punishment are unnecessary and unsupported.

Variants

  • pound sand
  • pound sand down a rat hole
  • have sense enough to pound sand

Usage Examples

  • When the buyer demanded another fifty per cent off, the potter told him to go pound sand.
  • The council can pound sand if it expects volunteers to fund the whole project.

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