#1  
Old 16-Nov-2006, 07:40
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Question Egg on his face

Hi
I'm having a problem with singular/plural usage in idioms
For instance is the statement below correct?
"As a result of the ruling, the officials were left with egg on their face."
Or should it be:
"As a result of the ruling, the officials were left with egg on their faces."
Would appreciate anyone's help on this. And if there is any general grammar rule that applies in this regard, please do point me to it.
Thank you!
- Savozaul
  #2  
Old 16-Nov-2006, 07:45
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Default Re: Egg on his face

Quote:
Originally Posted by savozaul View Post
Hi
I'm having a problem with singular/plural usage in idioms
For instance is the statement below correct?
"As a result of the ruling, the officials were left with egg on their face."
Or should it be:
"As a result of the ruling, the officials were left with egg on their faces."
Would appreciate anyone's help on this. And if there is any general grammar rule that applies in this regard, please do point me to it.
Thank you!
- Savozaul
The only rule is logic. These men do not share one face; they have separate faces. So use the plural.
  #3  
Old 18-Nov-2006, 07:22
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Default Re: Egg on his face

Thank you. Your reasoning makes perfect sense!
  #4  
Old 18-Nov-2006, 21:59
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Default Re: Egg on his face

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNinja View Post
the question is no meanin...what? u gona toss egg on they face?
"Egg on one's face" is an idiom meaning "embarrassed".
  #5  
Old 19-Nov-2006, 23:14
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Thumbs down Re: Egg on his face

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNinja View Post
you will be ina prison if do....get wit it
Please post only that which is appropriate to the thread you are posting in.

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