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jasonlulu_2000
Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879
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Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 6:07 am Post subject: sentences |
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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?
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scottish_tiger
Joined: 16 Jul 2003 Posts: 90 Location: Scotland
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Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 9:29 am Post subject: |
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"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 _________________ I am always happy to help you learn English. |
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jasonlulu_2000
Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879
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Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject: thank you |
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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
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 5:21 am Post subject: |
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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. _________________ You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
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jasonlulu_2000
Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879
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Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 4:19 pm Post subject: thank you |
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That's fantastic. |
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