Dear all,
What is the meaning of "give concessions" in:
[Cancer doesn’t give concessions, as another American, swimmer Eric Shanteau discovered.]
I get the meaning of the word but I still can't get the overall meaning of a disease gives concession"
Thanks.
I think I would have got it if the word "accept" was replaced with "give".
I think the correct phrasing is 'make concessions.' If someone or something (in this case a disease) makes concessions then it means that he/she/it changes it's behaviour to accomodate the person affected; a policy of give and take.
For example: "The client in question is one of our best and is going through a tough time right now. I suggest we make concessions and postpone the payments on the business loan."
You can't negotiate with cancer. It does not sit there rationally and compromise with you and make "concessions" in order to achieve an amicable agreement.