Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

I found a collocation of "border on + adjective" as below.

The young attorney reddened when she realized the reply she'd just given the frowning judge bordered on flippant.

Is it acceptable? My understsnding was "border on + nown" like in "They have been left in a state bordering on destitution."
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Hiromichi

[Dave Shaffer]

Yes, Hiromichi, it is correct.

In the sense it is used here, "border on" means "almost, nearly."

Best wishes,
Dave Shaffer
Chosun University
Gwangju, S Korea

[hiromichi]

Mr.Dave Shaffer:
Thank you very much.
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Hiromichi