take the wall

take the wall
   obsolete to be socially superior
   Those who walked closer to the buildings were less likely to be splashed or jostled. It therefore became a status symbol to occupy that space:
    When I returned to Lichfield, after having been in London, my mother asked me whether I was one of those who gave the wall, or those who took it. Now it is fixed that every man keeps to the right; or, if one is taking the wall, another yields it; and it is never a dispute. (J. Boswell, 1791, quoting Dr Johnson)

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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  • To go to the wall — Wall Wall, n. [AS. weall, from L. vallum a wall, vallus a stake, pale, palisade; akin to Gr. ? a nail. Cf. {Interval}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A work or structure of stone, brick, or other materials, raised to some height, and intended for defense or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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