Question: Where does the phrase "shoulder to shoulder" originate?

[Arugula Latte]

After 9-11, I found it touching to hear people around the world, particularly the British, say that they stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Americans. Now, I find it sickening when the once-respected Tony Blair says he stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Dumbass Dubya, who's leading us all into hell.

Anyone know the origins of this phrase?

[HornBuckler]

1. I Believe It Comes From Soldier Marches

The Manner In Which You March "Shoulder To Shoulder" In A Tight Formation.

[bucknaked]

2. Pre WW1 era warfare.

Lining up against the enemy on the field, standing erect of course "shoulder to shoulder," loading your rifle, firing, and hoping you don't get plugged. If you don't go down, you reload (powder, round, wad and ram-rodding the whole mess in) and hope you hit somebody before they hit you.

Thank God that the "native americans" showed us better way of conducting warfare (here's a thought "take cover!").

[izzie]

3. I would think it came from when a group of fighting men made

a sort of box to fight as a group but let us know if you find the real answer.Maybe it is in Bartlett's? so I will get back to you.

[izzie]

4. Bartlett The Voice of Toil by William Morris 1884

Sounds like an army thing but guess it is a work thing.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. It is an army thing, from way back in GrecoRoman times

That is how armies fought until arrows came into ascendance. Packed masses of pikemen and swordsmen crashing into each other and trying to stay together for protection.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

6. the phalanx?

a formation of shields and spears that created a tank-like juggernaut. just a guess.

[labtec62]

7. Van Halen Concert

1981 on the floor, Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL. Too many tickets were sold and we were packed, "shoulder to shoulder!" (among other positions!)
Sorry, just looking for an entry to my first posting....

[RoadRunner]

8. Hi'ya labtec62, Welcome to DU!

gladya' found us. :hi:

[Whitacre D_WI]

9. Tony Blair was once respected?

By whom? :shrug:

I always figured he was just another "third way" pol who was more interested in winning elections than in doing what was right.