E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cu’cumber Time.
The dull season in the tailoring trade. The Germans call it Die saure Gurken Zeit (pickled gherkin time). Hence the expression Tailors are vegetarians, because they live on “cucumber” when without work, and on “cabbage” when in full employ. (Notes and Queries.) (See GHERKIN.)
