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 #2 (permalink) Thu Jul 13, 2006 13:48 pm Trimming one's sails |
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Hi all potted out
I'd understand "She's got the trim of your sails!" to mean "She understands how you think/what you're planning (and therefore knows what to expect)".
Since this isn't an idiom I'd personally use, however, maybe someone else will have a different interpretation. It sounds rather British to me. It may be similar to saying "She's got your number."
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/have+number+on+it
Amy
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Yankee
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| #3 (permalink) Thu Jul 13, 2006 15:10 pm Idiom: Trimming one's sails |
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Not British, I think, APO-- just nautical. Trimming one's sails is getting the sails of a ship set just properly to work the wind efficiently. Getting the trim, as Yankee says, is successfully learning this, i.e. the other person's attitude/personality/purposes.
The image could be carried even further: knowing the trim of the sails implies that one knows where the ship (or adversary) is going, what his plans are.
It is quite a nice metaphor.
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 Mister Micawber
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| #4 (permalink) Thu Jul 13, 2006 15:42 pm Trim of sails? |
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Outstanding, MM! Your descriptive explanation is quite eloquent. :D
Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
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| #5 (permalink) Thu Jul 13, 2006 17:09 pm Trim of sails? |
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| Mister Micawber wrote: |
| Not British, I think, APO-- just nautical. |
Dear MM.
Could you please explain the meaning? :D
Tom |
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Tom
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| #6 (permalink) Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:20 am Another question |
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| Thanks for your replies. And, here's another question I forgot to ask: what does it mean by "unprincipled glee"? |
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All Potted Out
I'm here quite often ;-)
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| #7 (permalink) Fri Jul 14, 2006 14:51 pm Another question |
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| all potted out wrote: |
| What does it mean by "unprincipled glee"? |
Unprincipled glee is joy or gaiety without any moral standards or scruples. |
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Conchita
Language Coach
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| #8 (permalink) Fri Jul 28, 2006 23:07 pm Trim of sails? |
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I am sorry to disturb you all again! :(
Would anyone please answer my question???
Tom |
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Tom
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| #9 (permalink) Fri Jul 28, 2006 23:27 pm Trim of sails? |
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Hi Tom
I'm kind of interested in APO myself. The only thing I know is the abbreviation for "Army Post Office"...
Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee
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| #10 (permalink) Fri Jul 28, 2006 23:29 pm Trim of sails? |
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| Yankee wrote: |
Hi Tom
I'm kind of interested in APO myself. The only thing I know is the abbreviation for "Army Post Office"...
Amy |
I think Mr Micawber just meant 'All Potted Out'! |
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Conchita
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| Sounds of the World's Animals | Phrase "mind you" |
