Site Search:
 
Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

clear

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Help Center
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Chan-Seung Lee



Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
PostPosted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:52 pm    Post subject: clear Reply with quote
Quote:
I'd better steer clear of the spicy stuff. i'd rather get the green pepper beef. That should do it.


There are two questions about the quote.

1. I think that 'keep clear of' or 'get clear of' is correct rather than 'steer clear of' because there is no 'steer clear of' in my dictionary.
2.What does 'That should do it' mean?

Thanks.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
CP



Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
PostPosted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 2:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
No, steer clear of is a common expression, even if it isn't in your dictionary. If you are driving a car or boat, etc., and want to avoid collisions, you have to steer clear of the obstacles. The person wants to (metaphorically) steer clear of spicy food to avoid the bad effects.

Just for fun, I checked my old Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, copyright 1981, and found this under "steer": "steer clear: to keep entirely away -- often used with of."
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Chan-Seung Lee



Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
PostPosted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:48 pm    Post subject: one more Reply with quote
cp! I've always been grateful to you for your meticulous and kind anwers.

I can understand 'steer clear of' clearly by your answer but the question #2 is not clear yet. I would be appreciated if you could answer me the question #2.

Thanks.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bob S.



Joined: 29 Apr 2004
Posts: 1767
Location: So. Cal
PostPosted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:21 am    Post subject: Re: clear Reply with quote
Chan-Seung Lee wrote:
2.What does 'That should do it' mean?
It is a colloquial expression that means generally: That should be sufficient to solve the problem. That should be enough to take care of your needs. etc.
_________________
"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Help Center All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave
Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map

Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad
SIT
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group