Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

durham_rambler, on idiomatic usage of the phrase "lowest common denominator" outside of mathematics, 2005-11-23:

"The lowest common denominator is the smallest integer that can be divided by all of the numbers being considered; the highest common factor is the largest number that can divide into all of the numbers without leaving a remainder. The LCD is at least as large as any of the numbers under consideration. So why has it come to mean the element that is in common with all the things under consideration, ie the highest common factor?"