More on rearing and raring

I GOT THIS comment on rearing vs. raring:

Rob Crompton said...

Interesting one. I've always known it as "raring to go" but on reflection "rearing" seemed correct. I checked in Chambers which gives "raring" as an adjective meaning, eager, full of enthusiasm, especially in the phrase "raring..." and relates it to the verb "rear"

I guess it's one of those old forms which survive in a single phrase outside of which they have no application.

July 1, 2011 2:02 PM 

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