There is a common saying that is used every day. It's "beat the rush"
where did this saying originate?

Funny you should ask.

"The Rush" was the name of a famous racehorse at the turn of the
century (that *other* turn of the century).  As a frequent favorite to
win races, it became every rider's goal to "Beat The Rush".


Here's the earliest example I could find:


The Atlanta Constitution
April 24, 1900

Thrive Runs First In Fourth Race
The Rush, the Decided Favorite, Finished in Third Place


"...To a good start The Rush jumped to the front and set a hot pace
down the back stretch closely followed by Thrive and The Monk. 
Turning into the stretch...The Monk challenged the leader and in a
well contested race Thrive won by a length from The Monk, who beat The
Rush a neck for place."


I trust that answers your question, but if you need any more
information, just let me know.


pafalafa-ga



search strategy:  Searched historical newspaper databases for the
phrase "beat the rush"

Probably from 'the rush hour'

This is a VERY apocryphal source ( ;-) and I hope the Bible oriented
commenters will not take offense):  When the daughter of the pharaoh
found Moses in the bullrush and decided to save him, her handmaidens
were jealous and wanted to have a foundling too.  As she swept him up
into her arms and turned to return to the palace, she cast her eyes
back at them and said:  "Beat the rush."

You don't believe?

Next story:  Way back when in NYC, before the Thanksgiving Day Parade
opened the Christmas selling season, a department store (Macy's or
Bloomingdale, the reports vary) advertised in the New York Times
(Sunday edition, of course) with the headline:  "Beat the rush!  Do
your Xmas shopping early!"

You still don't believe?  Then I won't try to foist onto you any better ideas.
° ?
 ^
\==/

I would have thought it had to do with the "gold rush". You know, the
"forty-niners" and all that.