Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[kerstin]

1
"kown-it owl" is a pun or play on this word.
is "play on this word" together or "play" as a verb"?

2
.....Then the students put their *studying* to use.
Studying in that case means "the things or knowledge they have learned"?

3
I'd rather be working out in the *field* than sitting behind an office desk.
Does that mean outside?

Thanks

[CP]

1. It's the noun phrase "play on words," not a verb. Word play often involves puns. Instead of saying "know-it-all," the person said, "know-it-owl," a play on words that is funny because owls are supposed to be wise anyway.

2. I think you're right.

3. Yes. Originally it meant literally the field where crops are growing or animals are kept. Nowadays it means anywhere outside the office, even if it's in someone else's office.
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