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river1974
Joined: 20 May 2003
Posts: 525
Location: Taiwan
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 Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:13 pm Post subject: in less than no time |
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Dear teachers:
The Love Bug computer virus and its variants has repeatedly stormed the world, catching users off guard and devastating PC networks in less than no time.
Have you ever heard of such a phrase "in less than no time"?
Thanks. |
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Vin21
Joined: 18 Jul 2005
Posts: 132
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| Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:28 pm Post subject: |
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This is also the first time I see such a phrase. 
I found this from "Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary"
Definition
in no time (ALSO in next to no time)
very quickly or very soon:
The children ate their dinner in no time.
We'll be home in next to no time.
So,in your sentence "in less than no time" means the needed time for devastating PC networks less than or shorter then " no time".
In orthe words,very very quickly or very very soon. |
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river1974
Joined: 20 May 2003
Posts: 525
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Vin21. Your explanations are very clear.  |
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advoca
Joined: 09 Oct 2003
Posts: 422
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 3:18 pm Post subject: Less than no time. |
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If something is done in no time it means it is done instantly. To emphasise a very short time the expression *less than no time* has been devised.
Similarly you can say, *I shall love you for ever." But some people like to make this even stronger by saying, *I shall love you for ever and a day." |
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iitimone7
Joined: 09 Aug 2005
Posts: 400
Location: Indiana, USA
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:14 am Post subject: no time |
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| it's American English slang...don't you love it? |
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