Squirrel-dioms # 13

“The squirrel that broke the camel’s back.”

This phrase comes from the time when camels were used for carrying squirrel troupes across the desert. Those who have been paying attention will remember that squirrels used to be quite active in the circus. These troupes of squirrels would travel from city to city setting up their tents and performing their stunts for mesmerized audiences. In the southeast camels were the main mode of transportation for these groups. They would carry people, squirrels, and some supplies. Because squirrels are so small and light it was common for too many to be packed onto a camel causing an undue stress on the animal. So the next time you think that if you’re tasked with one more burden and you might break, think about getting one of those squirrels off your proverbial back. It’s a squirrel-eat-squirrel world.