When I started researching to origin of this phrase I clicked on one site that was talking about the origin being in a game of marbles and I thought, "No way." WAY. The origin of this phrase is found in the oldest game in recorded, and unrecorded apparently, history! Marbles! Click here to read all about it. Today the phrase is used beyond a game of marbles and means that things are serious and for real and there's no playing around.

The literal use of this phrase started appearing during the 1500's and then in the 1800's, read about it here .  The figurative use appeared in print in February 1934 regarding to proposed sale of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  "Before going further In this direction, perhaps I can believe that awful suspense by stating that I am reliably informed today that the Brooklyn Dodgers, otherwise the daffiness boys, otherwise the young men who play by ear, are for sale." ( source )  It basically means going with the flow, handling a situation on a whim, taking a wait and see attitude. 

Presidential Joke Day 10 Jokes Told By Presidents More Jokes Told By Presidents Some presidents actually have a keen sense of humor Son and Daughter Day As a parent I make sure that each and every day I am letting my daughters know how special they are, how much I love them, etc.  I know a bunch of parents and they all do the same with their children. So, I don't get this day. Shouldn't every day be son and daughter day?! Play in the Sand Day   If you are in a landlocked state consider playing with a Zen Garden ! If sand makes you squirm a bit, like it does me, then a great fun alternative is Kinetic Sand or Magic Sand . 8 Reasons Why Playing in the Sand Is Good for Kids Ingersoll Day Who was "The Great Agnostic"? 

Play God Day What does playing God mean?   Well alrighty then! *wink* I feel like watching Bruce Almighty today... We all think we could do a better job than God. But just like Bruce discovered, only God can do what needs to be done and in a time frame that is better than anything we can come up with.   Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,     neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,     so are my ways higher than your ways     and my thoughts than your thoughts." Static Electricity Day What is Static Electricity? How to Remove Static Electricity Apricot Day I admit, I have had very few apricots in my lifetime. They just haven't been something that I have thought about.  I did, however have Strawberry Shortcake's friend, Apricot.  :) What are apricots? Apricot Recipes