Questions tagged [meaning]
This tag is for questions related to definitions and nuances of meaning of a word or phrase.
11 questions from the last 30 days
-4
votes
2
answers
65
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What's the meaning of "by nothing"? [closed]
I found a sentence:
I meant '\keys_set:nn'. By 'nothing', I mean 'nothing the latex people would approve'.
I'm not very clear the meaning of "by nothing", please help explain.
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
39
views
although I say it
What does the bolded phrase mean from the book The Lady's Maid by Rosina Harrison?
The staff at the Tuftons’ was one of the happiest I ever knew or saw, and when we all went up to Appleby Castle we ...
- 707
6
votes
1
answer
159
views
What does it mean to “toss balls”?
A notorious incident in Bentley family history is when William, the first Bentley in America, murdered his neighbor Thomas Godby on February 9th, 1628.
The incident was detailed at trial. A witness ...
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Unexpected "would" that doesn't feel right in this context
From 'All Creatures, Great and Small' by James Herriot:
“They [pigs] belted out through the yard door at full gallop.”
“The yard door was open then?”
“Too true it was. I would just choose this one ...
- 193
-1
votes
0
answers
46
views
practice/internship/practical training/on-the-job training/academic training/placement
Which collocation or word is usually used in universities/colleges (especially medical ones) to refer to the kind of classes where:
students stay at their university/college to work on their ...
- 45
10
votes
5
answers
3k
views
What term describes a person who always remains ill?
What term describes a person who mostly/always remains ill due multiple factors, such as being surrounded by multiple diseases or due to an incurable chronic disease?
Can I simply call that person as ...
- 109
0
votes
3
answers
131
views
The meaning and cultural context of "popped his membrane" in GTA San Andreas dialogue
I encountered an unusual expression while playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. During this dialogue exchange, The characters say:
– Hey, Old Reece still run the barber shop?
– Like a ragged-assed ...
- 39
6
votes
0
answers
798
views
What's the point of "I shan’t try to hit two balls" joke? [migrated]
I am reading Ethel Lina White’s novel Fear Stalks the Village, written in 1930s, and came across this passage:
In spite of her short sight, the novelist was the best tennis player
in the ...
- 161
0
votes
0
answers
143
views
Is there a specific term that describes a person's inability to determine another person's age?
I have never been able to determine a person's age. Aside from knowing they're a child, adult, or a mature adult (grey hair, wrinkles), I cannot determine an actual age. A 19-year old can look 40 to ...
- 17
2
votes
2
answers
192
views
Does something need to be delayed by a significant amount of time to be considered "postponed"?
Our Science teacher called about tomorrow's mock science quiz - it's not cancelled. It's scheduled from 3:00 p.m.
to 5:00 p.m. instead of 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The mock science quiz planned for the ...
- 21
4
votes
2
answers
688
views
What is the meaning of “mantle” in this sentence?
In a visual novel written in American English, I have found the following passage, as a character is describing the contents of his room, which is themed around car racing (emphasis is mine):
Damon: ...
- 49