the wrong end of the stick

[paulvial]

Good morning,
I am trying to remember the origins of the above expression:
I seem to remember reading it being referred to in biblical times when no toilet paper was available and a stick was being used to wipe one's bottom ... hence the expression (in case one picked up a used stick by the "wrong" end )
Can anyone confirm this origin / or correct it ?
Many thanks in advance
Paul

p.s I am new to this forum and if the question has already been asked and replied to , I apologise (i have not yet found how to effectively put a search for previous threads )

[Tdol]

There are various theories:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_b...sages/259.html