Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[kerstin]

Hello to all,
I have some questions to ask.
1.
He has no *occasion* to criticize me.
=
He is in no position to criticize me.
2.
You are *good to go*.
You can leave now?

3.

homeboy=

man or boy from same place: a man or boy from somebody's home town, state, or neighborhood, especially somebody who shares that person's own culture and customs ( slang )

Sorry I still don't understand.

4.
His lastt calls *with* his wife.
Not *to*?

5.
.....a man tormented by memories � as yet* unsubstantiated* � of killing tworelatives 20 years ago.

*unproven*?



Thank you.

[bud]

1. Sort of... I think, "He has no reason to criticize me," is more precise.

2. Yes, but with the additional meaning that you have what you came for, you've completed what you came to do, I've done what you needed to be done, etc. It's for a situation where "you" might not realize that the "task" has been completed.

For example, buying a cellphone is a complicated process. Once you've paid for it, the sales rep has entered the necessary details into the computer, a working chip has been installed into the phone, and the proper connection has been established, the rep may tell you that you're good to go. She's telling you that all the details have been successfully completed and your phone is now working properly, so you can leave.

3. Homeboys are people who you feel a close bond to. You usually share similar values, social backgrounds, outlooks on life, etc. Often they are freinds you grew up with or people that you've known a long time, but not always. The perceived bonds are the key. It's much more used by African Americans and Latinos than white Americans, I'd say. An older slang, still used sometimes today, is to call someone "Brother" or "Sister" even though they are not relatives. It's as if the bond feels so strong that they feel like a real brother or sister.

4. "To" seems more likely to me, too. However, "with" is a possibility - especially in a context focusing on the conversations and not on the physical acts of calling his wife.

5. Yes.