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DUBLINTIMEMACHINE: The legendary origin of the phrase "chancing your arm" is a brilliant story from Dublin in 1492. The Butlers of Ormonde and the FitzGeralds of Kildare were involved in a violent land feud. The Butlers retreated to the sanctuary of St Patrick's Cathedral, with the FitzGeralds in hot pursuit. A standoff took place, the Fitzgeralds refusing to leave till the Butlers surrendered. However the Butlers feared they'd be massacred by their sworn enemies if they left the sanctuary. To break the stalemate, and show his sincerity to let the Butlers surrender peacefully, Gerald Fitzgerald cut a hole in the chapterhouse door and put his empty sword arm through as a gesture of peace. The Butlers saw the honour of the act of Fitzgerald "chancing his arm" and their leader shook Fitzgerald's hand. Both families left the cathedral in peace. The "Door of Reconciliation" is still on display in St Pat's to this day.