bloodhound Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 I have just read an excellent article from "The Economist" about decoding European diplomats. http://www.economist.com/world/europe/PrinterFriendly.cfm?Story_ID=3152907 its asks a question For example, how many non-Brits could decode the irony (and literary allusion) which lies behind the expression “up to a point”, which is used to mean “no, not in the slightest” and I have no idea what the answer is. anyone have a go?
Skye Posted September 6, 2004 Posted September 6, 2004 Maybe I watched too much 'Yes, Minister' as a kid.
Phi for All Posted September 7, 2004 Posted September 7, 2004 It reminds me of one of my favorite Monty Python quotes: "There is no cannibalism in the British navy, absolutely none, and when I say none, I mean there is a certain amount." What is a throw away phrase to one nation holds great meaning in others. And the US is famous for some of the British-type sayings that mean the opposite of what they sound like. "I mean no disrespect" is synonymous with "I just want to say you're a big fat horse's a$$!" I would assume the "up to a point" refers to a point being very small, or in math where the numbers behind the point or decimal refer to fractionally small numbers, so when someone says, "I agree with you, up to a point," they are saying there is a tiny amount of validity in what you say.
bloodhound Posted September 7, 2004 Author Posted September 7, 2004 but whats the irony in saying "up to a point"? i dont get it
Phi for All Posted September 7, 2004 Posted September 7, 2004 "Up to a point" seems to say to the listener that there is a strong possibility when in fact there is very, very little possibility, creating irony (an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs).
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