Corner
(A). The condition of the market with respect to a
commodity which has been largely bought up, in order to create a
virtual monopoly and enhance its market price; as a salt-corner, a
corner in pork, etc. The idea is that the goods are piled and hidden in
a corner out of sight.
“The price of bread rose like a rocket, and speculators wished to
corner what little wheat there was.” —New York Weekly Times
(June 13, 1894).
Corner
Driven into a corner. Placed where there is no escape; driven
from all subterfuges and excuses.
Corner
(The). Tattersall's horse-stores and betting-rooms,
Knightsbridge Green. They were once at the corner of Hyde Park.
To make a corner.
To combine in order to control the price of a given article, and
thus secure enormous profits. (See Corner.)
What have I done to deserve a corner?
To deserve punishment. The allusion is to setting naughty children
in a corner by way of punishment.
There's nothing I have done yet, o' my conscience,
Deserves a corner.
Shakespeare: Henry VIII.,
iii. 1.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Corner from Infoplease:
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