Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

What does the captioned phrase mean?

Democrats, who in many cases looked on the law as a rabid beast best avoided in the fall elections, are reversing course, gearing up for a coordinated all-out effort to preserve and defend it. Under the law, they say, consumers are already receiving tangible benefits that Republicans would snatch away.
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Hiromichi

[Vermonter_84]

The whole thing a rabid beast best avoided is known in english as a metaphor. It is a similarity between two things that are not related at all. A rabid beast is a general way of saying any animal with rabies. Best avoided means it is a good idea to stay away from it. What they are saying is that most democrats do not like questions about a specific law and have been avoiding answering them.

[hiromichi]

Vermonter_84:
With your answer now I get the news. Thank you.
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Hiromichi

[Lorikeet]

Actually, they are referring to the law regarding healthcare that was passed last year. At first, the Democrats didn't want to mention it, thinking it might be unpopular. However, now that a lot of popular things are going into effect and the Republicans want to cancel the law, the Democrats are talking about making points about the good parts.

[hiromichi]

Lorikeet:
Thank you for your additional explanation. At this opportunity I would like you to teach me on my previous two posts.
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Hiromichi