Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[susan_wu]

Hello,

There is one sentence which I can't fully understand.

"if you had spared me it would have done you no harm, I would have been spared of this bitterest pain in my life."

He used this word "spare" for two times. Does it mean the same meaning?
What is the meaning for "spare" to be used as V.

Thanks a lot.

[obelix]

"if you had spared me it would have done you no harm, I would have been spared of this bitterest pain in my life."

If you had abstained (from doing whatever it was she is talking about) it would have done you no harm (and) I would not have had to suffer this most bitter pain of my life.

To spare someone means to abstain from killing them or from inflicting pain, suffering or other hurt upon them.

[susan_wu]

Thank you,obelix,

Sorry, still I'm not clear for this sentence,here is the full sentence:

"May be you draw pleasure out of such incidents but if you had spared me it would have done you no harm and I would have been spared of this bitterest pain in my life."

What does he mean?(I must understand it, urgently!)

Thanks a lot.

[Corey]

spared = did not do something

examples:

Spare me your sarcasm = do not give me your sarcasm

spare my life = do not kill me

Good luck,

Corey
_________________
Niagara Summer Programs

[obelix]

He is saying, bitterly, reproachfully and indignantly, "You didn't have to do this to me! "It wouldn't have hurt you or cost you anything if you hadn't done it but you did it and it hurt me more than I've ever been hurt in my life!"Maybe you ENJOY hurting me."
(Blows his nose vigorously.)
The key to it all is "the incident". Presumably, if this is a Harlequin Romance, they have told you earlier exactly what he is so steamed up about. That is why he has gone all distressed on us instead of going out to a bar and talking to a handsome young lady to cheer himself up.

[susan_wu]

Thank you, obelix,

Your explaination is very clear and your presumption is very close the truth.

Thanks a lot.

[obelix]

You are welcome Susan Wu. Please note that it is explanation.