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Discussion Groups / English Usage / July 2009please help: meaning of some English expressions
Hello, Over the year I have come across the following English expressions but was not able to find any of them in the Merriam Webster or Collins dictionaries so I was wondering whether anyone could help me with their precise meanings. Thank you very much for your help, The expressions follow: In Finance what is the meaning of: "to have some new wallpaper"? What does "rocket scientist" exactly mean? What does "chinched-in" mean? What is a "curry club"? What does "to put one's back up" mean? What does the following expression mean: "His comments really stuck home." In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope projections" mean? What is the best way to interpret the expression "Cash is King"? (well, could google for this) In the context of unfair competition law, what does "planning off mean"? When describing a procedure, what does "It may seem like duck soup ..." mean? What is the connotation associated with the expression "cheese and wine"? I have never seen anyone eat the two together, but I think this expression means something more specific. What does "frammis value" mean? What does the expression "long in the tooth" mean? What does "to come of age" mean? What does it mean for a trend to have a "political backdrop"? What does the the expression "Dr. Feelgood" mean as attributed to an individual? > [ ... ] > What does "rocket scientist" exactly mean? It means a scientist who works on rocket propulsion. However, you're probably thinking of the saying "it's not rocket science", which means "it's not particularly difficult", derived from the idea that rocket science is especially difficult. > [ ... ] > What does "to put one's back up" mean? It means "become angry". I would guess that it comes from the way cats arch their backs when angry. > What does the following expression mean: "His comments really stuck > home." You mean "struck home", and it means "I recognized the appropriateness of his comments" > In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope projections" > mean? It's not especially confined to business. It means the sort of rough idea of the solution to a problem that one can get by doing a few calculations by hand. > [ ... ] > What is the connotation associated with the expression "cheese and > wine"? > I have never seen anyone eat the two together, It's quite common (or it used to be) to have a cheese and wine party, at which cheese and wine are the main components. > but I think this > expression > means something more specific. Maybe, but I don't know of anything more specific. > [ ... ] > What does the expression "long in the tooth" mean? Old > What does "to come of age" mean? Become an adult -- typically defined by arriving at a legally specified age -- traditionally 21 but nowadays often 18. (The exact age depends on the country.)  Signatureathel some points - > you're probably thinking of the saying "it's not rocket science", which means > "it's not particularly difficult", derived from the idea that rocket > science is especially difficult. One can say "He's no rocket scientist" (he is not clever) > > What does "to put one's back up" mean? > > It means "become angry". I would guess that it comes from the way cats > arch their backs when angry. When one annoys somebody else one puts *their* back up; or they put one's back up; one does not put one's own back up. Maybe a person could *get* their back up about something? Maybe confusion with "put ones back out"? (Which means to cause oneself to have a back problem [pulled muscle/ligament/slipped disc etc] by excessive exertion/ bending etc) Old horses have long teeth >> What does "to come of age" mean? > Become an adult -- typically defined by arriving at a legally specified > age -- traditionally 21 but nowadays often 18. (The exact age depends > on the country.) Figuratively means "to become mature"; "to have come into its time" >some points - > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > >Old horses have long teeth Old people also have "long" teeth. This is caused by the gums receding with increasing age. The teeth remain the same length but as the gums recede the visible part of each tooth increases in length (in both horses and people). >>> What does "to come of age" mean? > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Figuratively means "to become mature"; "to have come into its time" SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in alt.english.usage) > some points - > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > One can say "He's no rocket scientist" (he is not clever) Or "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out", meaning that it's not difficult and one does not need to be particularly clever or knowledgeable to figure it out. [snip] >> What does the expression "long in the tooth" mean? > Old Because one of the things that happens with ageing is that the gums recede, leaving more tooth visible. With best wishes, Peter. SignaturePeter Young, (BrE), Consultant Anaesthetist, 1975-2004. (US equivalent: Attending Anesthesiologist) Cheltenham and Gloucester, UK. Now happily retired. http://pnyoung.orpheusweb.co.uk >What does the the expression "Dr. Feelgood" mean as attributed to an >individual? It usually refers to a doctor who will over-prescribe drugs to make patients feel good. These are often celebrity patients who can afford to pay for large quantities of drugs. http://www.slate.com/id/2222395/ SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in alt.english.usage) As a fellow non-natice user, I'll try to explain the terms I'm familiar with and leave it to the native speakers to take care of the rest, and correct any mistake I make. > What does "rocket scientist" exactly mean? Literally, a scientist involved in designing and building rockets. "It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out" means that one does not have to be particularly clever or knowledgeable to reach a conclusion. > What does the following expression mean: "His comments really > stuck > home." "His comments had the desired effect" > In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope > projections" > mean? A quick estimate without detailed analysis. > When describing a procedure, what does "It may seem like duck > soup ..." mean? Like duck soup = easy, not challenging. > What does "frammis value" mean? I think frammis is humorous slang for a technical product that the speaker is not familiar with. > What does the expression "long in the tooth" mean? Old, worn. > What does "to come of age" mean? To reach an age of maturity; to attain a status that deserves recognition. >> When describing a procedure, what does "It may seem like duck >> soup ..." mean? >> >Like duck soup = easy, not challenging. Absolutely. But why is duck soup easy? Is it easier than chicken soup? SignaturePosters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years > >> When describing a procedure, what does "It may seem like duck > >> soup ..." mean? [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Is it easier than chicken soup? Evidently. SignatureJohn Varela Trade NEWlamps for OLDlamps for email >Hello, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >What does "chinched-in" mean? Sure you've spelled this correctly? It could be "cinched in". A cinch strap tightens things. Example: the cinch strap that holds the saddle on the horse. You cinch things down when you tighten the financial regulations. >What is a "curry club"? You need to provide context. SignatureTony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > In Finance what is the meaning of: "to have some new wallpaper"? Worthless stock -- like Government Motors. > What does "chinched-in" mean? It refers to the cinch (spelling counts) attached to a saddle. It means firmly secured. > What does "to put one's back up" mean? I have a cat who will be happy to show you. . > In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope projections" > mean? Quick thoughts, without backup research. (Mine are always proven to be correct.) > What is the best way to interpret the expression "Cash is King"? Show me the money. Any hooker knows this expression. > In the context of unfair competition ... No such thing. > When describing a procedure, what does "It may seem like duck > soup ..." mean? Easy to do. > What does the expression "long in the tooth" mean? Old. Horses are the reference. > What does "to come of age" mean? A lot of things. She is old enough to have sex without getting me in trouble with the law. Old enough to inherit money. Etc. GFH In article <48ee8bb8-7891-468b-95e9-8651c38d9f88@t13g2000yqt.googlegroups.com>, > Hello, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > In Finance what is the meaning of: "to have some new wallpaper"? I'd have to see it in context to be sure, but I guess it means having made a superficial change for the sake of appearances, without addressing fundamental or structural problems. Expressions of this kind aren't necessarily specific to finance. > What does "rocket scientist" exactly mean? Literally, someone who works on the theory of rocket propulsion or designs rockets. Beginning sometime in the Cold War or space-race period, "rocket science" became the epitome of a difficult discipline requiring high intelligence and extensive training to master. It's most often heard in negative constructions involving litotes: "X is no rocket scientist" disparages X's competence, and "Y isn't rocket science" says that Y is a simple task that nobody should have difficulty performing. > What does "chinched-in" mean? Probably a typo for "cinched-in": squeezed or pulled tight by an encircling belt or cord, suggesting that mechanical advantage from a buckle or noose has been used to make it tighter than simple pulling. > What is a "curry club"? I haven't heard this one. Context? > What does "to put one's back up" mean? To provoke someone to annoyance, anger or intransigence, usually more by manner or tone than in a direct confrontation. > What does the following expression mean: "His comments really stuck > home." Probably a typo for "struck home": made a strong impression or were very convincing, often with the suggestion that they "pushed the hearer's buttons", making an abstract or general issue concrete or personal. The metaphor is of an arrow striking and penetrating its target. > In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope projections" > mean? The back of an envelope is the figurative medium for doing quick, informal, or approximate calculations; the result being the sort of thing that's sometimes called a "ballpark estimate". Also used in science and engineering. > What is the best way to interpret the expression "Cash is King"? > (well, could google for this) Saying something is "king" means it's supreme, that it trumps other considerations (or that it's the best of its kind). > In the context of unfair competition law, what does "planning off > mean"? No idea. More detailed context? > When describing a procedure, what does "It may seem like duck > soup ..." mean? "It may seem easy (as pie) ...". > What is the connotation associated with the expression "cheese and > wine"? > I have never seen anyone eat the two together, but I think this > expression means something more specific. The order is usually the opposite: a "wine & cheese party" is a formal reception or similar event, perhaps for a book-launch or exhibit opening, often professing more refinement or a higher cultural tone than a "cocktail party". People do indeed consume the two together: they make a traditional dessert course. > What does "frammis value" mean? No idea: I've never seen "frammis", nor can I think of a typo or mishearing that would likely produce it. Context? > What does the expression "long in the tooth" mean? Aged or experienced -- often with a negative implication, of senescence or obsolescence. > What does "to come of age" mean? To become mature. Literally, for a person to reach a the age of adulthood in his or her society, sometimes accompanied by a ritual of admission or public recognition, but figuratively applied to ideas, practices, &c. > What does it mean for a trend to have a "political backdrop"? I suppose, that it arises from political trends or circumstances. A "backdrop" is a painted scene hung at the back of a theatrical stage, or a curtain or screen used as a background for portaits in an artist's or photographer's studio, but figuratively represents the environment or context in which an event occurs. > What does the the expression "Dr. Feelgood" mean as attributed to an > individual? It's not very common, but I've seen it used of someone who makes people feel better about a problem without actually ameliorating it, like a physician who prescribes only analgesics & euphoriants without curative properties. SignatureOdysseus >> In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope projections" >> mean? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >thing that's sometimes called a "ballpark estimate". Also used in >science and engineering. Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. SignaturePosters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years >Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to >Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. I'll bite. Why was Abraham Lincoln riding to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope? ¬R ... When it comes to _Serious_ writing, Usenet is where it's at http://users.bestweb.net/~notr/telecom.html ... ... --Jeff...Relf >>Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to >>Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. > > I'll bite. Why was Abraham Lincoln riding to Gettysburg on the > back of > an envelope? Because he'd RMAed his horse. >> Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to >> Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. > > I'll bite. Why was Abraham Lincoln riding to Gettysburg on the back of > an envelope? His horse was on strike ! SignatureThe Canadian Curmudgeon (in Calgary) Save our precious CO2 - plant many trees >>Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to >>Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. > >I'll bite. Why was Abraham Lincoln riding to Gettysburg on the back of >an envelope? I forget. This was either a line from a History Funbook that was lent to me when I was 8. Or an example of a sentence with a misplaced modifier. All I know is it comes to mind whenever someone mentions enough words from my sentence. Yesterday, "back of an evelope" was enough. >¬R ... When it comes to _Serious_ writing, Usenet is where it's at >http://users.bestweb.net/~notr/telecom.html ... ... --Jeff...Relf SignaturePosters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years >>> In the world of business, what does "back-of-the-envelope projections" >>> mean? [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to >Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. I thought he was riding on a train. Moot point, though, since the envelope story is just a legend. http://abrahamlincolnblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/gettysburg-address-anniversary.html SignatureTony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > On Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:04:09 GMT, Odysseus > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while riding to > Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. Some people will believe anything. GFH "We Southerners have never thought very highly of your Mr. Lincoln." (my mother) >> On Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:04:09 GMT, Odysseus >> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > >Some people will believe anything. Indeed. It is ridiculous. The address should have been in the proper position on the front of the envelope, not on the back. >GFH > >"We Southerners have never thought very highly of your Mr. >Lincoln." (my mother) SignaturePeter Duncanson, UK (in alt.english.usage) > Indeed. It is ridiculous. The address should have been in the proper > position on the front of the envelope, not on the back. No, he'd been there before, so it was the return address. >What is the connotation associated with the expression "cheese and >wine"? >I have never seen anyone eat the two together, but I think this >expression >means something more specific. Perhaps you have seen people eat wine and cheese together? I've seen a lot of wine and cheese parties advertised, though mostly when I was in college or read certain newsletters. There are three kinds of men. Beer and pretzels Wine and cheese Steak and potatoes And oh yeah, there's me: Milk and cookies. SignaturePosters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years |
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