Alley arcade, walk, steps, yard, terrace, and close. While both a court and close are usually defined as blind alleys, or "cul-de-sacs", several in London are throughways, for example Cavendish Court, a narrow passage leading from Houndsditch into Devonshire Square, and Angel Court, which links King Street and Pall Mall. Bartholomew Close is a narrow winding lane which can be called an alley by virtue of its narrowness, and because through-access requires the use of passages and courts between Little Britain, and Long Lane and Aldersgate Street. In an old neighbourhood of the City of London, Exchange Alley or Change Alley
Skin in the game (phrase) the phrase, pointing to earlier instances. Another possible explanation is that the phrase draws its origins from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice", in which the antagonist Shylock stipulates that the protagonist Antonio must promise a pound of his own flesh as collateral, to be exacted by Shylock in the event that Antonio's friend Bassanio defaults on the loan to which Antonio is guarantor. The term is used to ask or convey an owner(s) or principals undefined but significant equity stake in an investment vehicle where outside investors are solicited to invest. The theory is that principal's equity contribution