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jasonlulu_2000



Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 879

PostPosted: Sat May 30, 2009 6:07 am    Post subject: sentences Reply with quote

I never set out to pinch anyone's bloke, let alone Nina's. The day itall started, picking up a bloke was the last thing on my mind. Even I don't go out on the pull in manky old combats and a sweater that's seen better days.

What does the above sentence mean?

If I can misquote Jane Austen here, it is a truth universally acknowledged that if you are fated to bump into someone like Nina when you have not seen her for four years, you will be looking like a pig's breakfast.

what does the underlined sentence mean?

Thanks
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scottish_tiger



Joined: 16 Jul 2003
Posts: 90
Location: Scotland

PostPosted: Sat May 30, 2009 9:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

"I never set out to pinch anyone's bloke, let alone Nina's. The day itall started, picking up a bloke was the last thing on my mind. Even I don't go out on the pull in manky old combats and a sweater that's seen better days. "

The narrator is explaining that when she went out for the evening that she was dressed really nicely, and has managed to catch the eye of Nina's boyfriend who has obviously showed he was attracted to her, possibily even beginning an affair.

"will be looking like a pig's breakfast"

There is an old saying that suggests after you have had a messy break up with a boyfriend/girlfriend that you will meet them months later (usually in a supermarket) when they look like a million bucks and you will be looking like a complete mess (maybe wearing old jeans & a t-shirt or sweats) or "pigs breakfast".

Hope that helps you to understand both sentences.

Good luck

Scottish Tiger
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jasonlulu_2000



Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 879

PostPosted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:43 pm    Post subject: thank you Reply with quote

it helps a lot!

So what does "on the pull in manky old combats" mean?
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CP



Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California

PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2009 5:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, this is pretty slangy writing, obviously British. Let's see if I can translate it into Californian:

I never set out to pinch anyone's bloke, = I never intentionally try to steal anyone else's man,

let alone Nina's. = particularly Nina's man [since she is such a good friend, I suppose].

The day it all started, picking up a bloke was the last thing on my mind. [No translation needed.]

Even I don't go out on the pull = Even I [probably not usually the smartest dresser to begin with] don't go out looking to attract men

in manky old combats = wearing what I was wearing then, crummy old combat boots [? -- or maybe combat fatigue pants]

and a sweater that's seen better days.
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jasonlulu_2000



Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 879

PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2009 4:19 pm    Post subject: thank you Reply with quote

That's fantastic.
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