how far... goes with

[jasonlulu_2000]

1. They wonder how far they could go with their new teacher.

2.She says when the stickers started appearing, they were "a bit subversive" but more recently "people have been thinking how far can they really go with them".

In both examples, we have "how far...go with" pattern.

What does it mean exactly? Could you paraphrase this phrase?
I guess it means "to understand". Is it right?

Thanks
Jason

[VivienneM]

It should really be:

"They wonder how far they can go with their new teacher", or "They wondered how far they could go with their new teacher".

and

"... people have been thinking [about] how far they can/could really go with them".

It's a more literal meaning than "to understand". In the first example, the children are testing boundaries -- wondering how far they can go [with their behaviour] with their new teacher. In the second, the people are wondering what further uses the new stickers could have.

[5jj]

It should really be:

"They wonder how far they can go with their new teacher", or "They wondered how far they could go with their new teacher".

and

"... people have been thinking how far they can really go with them".

It's a more literal meaning than "to understand". In the first example, the children are wondering how far they can go [with their behaviour] with their new teacher.

I agree.

In the second, the people are wondering what further uses the new stickers could have.

I think it could mean that people are wondering how much more subversive than 'a bit' they can be.

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****



Hello,


Student 1: Could you please speak more slowly?

Teacher: OK. I can do that.

Student 2: Is there any chance that you could come to class on time?

Teacher: The traffic has been very heavy recently. I'll try to leave home a little earlier each morning.

Student 3: Sir, we are thinking about buying you a new necktie so that you do not have to wear that blue tie every day.

(Laughter in the class)

Teacher: I think that it's time to get back to English grammar.

4: Sir?

Teacher: What?

Student 4: I have a very sensitive nose. May I ask whether you shower before coming to class?

(Students break out into loud and cruel laughter)

Teacher: OK, guys. You have gone too far. Now stop it this minute!