I am puzzled on how the phrase"Whose ox is gored?" came to have the meaning"Whose disadvantage is it?" Why is the image of the ox used? Why gored? Anyone have a clue?

Welcome, whcs.

I believe the phrase must come originally from the thought, more specifically, of "who is going to be hurt by this", than "whose disadvantage is it".

Aha… The Financial dictionary agrees.

-Tim

And as far as the origin is concerned… I can’t help but think it comes from the Old Testament of the Bible, which then would also make it a Jewish expression…?

-Tim

Eureka!

JewishEncyclopedia.com: GORING OX

Two passages in Exodus treat of an ox doing harm: the first of harm to a person (xxi. 28-32); the second to the ox of another owner (ib. 35-36). The verb used in the first passage is "nagaḥ" (to gore); that in the second, "nagaf" (to strike or hurt). But, according to the tradition, the rules laid down in either passage apply to goring, striking with the body, biting, kicking, and lying on. These rules are also extended to animals other than oxen, either injuring or injured (B. Ḳ. i. 4); and, while the texts contemplate killing only, the rules apply to lesser injuries also.

-Tim