Origin of this expression?

[Danny McG]

I'm reading a Quiller spy story - The Scorpion Signal - and a strange expression is used.
Quiller has been mildly injured and a nurse is hovering at his bedside....

# "I've got a thirst like a wooden god" I said. #

She laughs and pours him some water .

Where does this wooden god thing come from? (I seem to have heard it before at some time)
Thanks

 

[TheDustyZebra]

It seems like it would be related to this:

What does 'Dry as a wooden god' mean? - Idiom Definition - UsingEnglish.com

 

[Danny McG]

Cheers for that. I did google but didn't find your info (my google fu is very poor as a rule)
Reading it and I think I maybe did see it in one of the Boney books a long time ago
Thanks again

 

[Brian G Turner]

I noticed the link TDZ gave listed it as originating in "Australian British", which is why it may not be so well known.

 

[Danny McG]

Yeah, as soon as I saw the Oz thing I thought of Boney - I think probs the only books I've read featuring the Outback