"Binger Bleistift"

The literal translation into English is "pencil from Bingen" and yet, in Rheinhessen, it means a corkscrew, whi, just like a pencil, is an important tool, that one should aways carry. The expression refers to a legendary City council meeting, that is supposed to have happened in Bingen in 1752. According to the legend, the meeting had to be cacelled, as none of the councilors had brought a pencil for taking notes. The meeting then was continued in the city hall's restaurant. As the mayor wanted to open the first bottle of wine, he noticed, that he had not brought a corkscrew either. However, when turning to his councilors, every single one was able to help him out, as it was something, they always carried around with them.