ambiguity

[marvan]

Good morning teachers!

Please, could you tell me how you understand this sentence:

"The (British) Government makes little effort to tap European Community Funds for training women because they discriminate against men, according to the Department of Employment."

I am not sure:

- What TO TAP SB FOR MONEY means - is it like to get lots of money out of someone who is not likely to give me any?
- Are women discriminated or men? Who discriminate them? The EU or the Government?

Thanks a lot for your answers!

[Soup]

Hi marvan

tap (verb) to penetrate, open up, reach into, etc., for the purpose of using something or drawing something off; begin to use: to tap one's resources.

tap - Definitions from Dictionary.com

The phrase on green is a unit:

"The (British) Government makes little effort to tap European Community Funds for training women because they discriminate against men, according to the Department of Employment."

Here's how to read it. Because Community Funds are for women only, they, the Funds, discriminate against men, which is why the Government makes little effort to use/tap those Funds.

[Soup]

Hi marvan

tap (verb) to penetrate, open up, reach into, etc., for the purpose of using something or drawing something off; begin to use: to tap one's resources.

tap - Definitions from Dictionary.com

The phrase in green is a unit:

"The (British) Government makes little effort to tap European Community Funds for training women because they discriminate against men, according to the Department of Employment."

Here's how to read it. Because Community Funds are for women only, they, the Funds, discriminate against men, which is why the Government makes little effort to use/tap those Funds.

[marvan]

Hello Soup,

Thanks thousand times for the explanation!! It is quite clear to me now.