What does "how many hairs make a beard mean.:-?
P purpleblossom New member Joined Feb 9, 2010 Member Type Student or Learner Feb 9, 2010 #1 What does "how many hairs make a beard mean.:-?
R RonBee Moderator Joined Feb 9, 2003 Member Type Other Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Feb 9, 2010 #2 Q: What does "How many hairs make a beard?" mean? A: Context please.
yarkoni New member Joined Nov 15, 2009 Member Type Other Feb 9, 2010 #3 1. English idioms take different forms and are unclear in meaning on the surface structure. As I know, they consist of the following types: Phrasal verbs, as in Look for. Prepositional phrases, as in from time to time. Idioms with verbs as key words, as in come in handy. Idioms with nouns as key words, as in child's play. Idioms with adjectives as key words, as in cold comfort. Idiomatic pairs, as in safe and sound. 2. I think that is a proverb.:?:
1. English idioms take different forms and are unclear in meaning on the surface structure. As I know, they consist of the following types: Phrasal verbs, as in Look for. Prepositional phrases, as in from time to time. Idioms with verbs as key words, as in come in handy. Idioms with nouns as key words, as in child's play. Idioms with adjectives as key words, as in cold comfort. Idiomatic pairs, as in safe and sound. 2. I think that is a proverb.:?:
bhaisahab Moderator Staff member Joined Apr 12, 2008 Member Type Retired English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country England Current Location Ireland Feb 9, 2010 #4 RonBee said: Q: What does "How many hairs make a beard?" mean? A: Context please. Click to expand... It looks like it's in the same category as "how many beans make five?" and "how long is a piece of string?".;-) Last edited: Feb 9, 2010
RonBee said: Q: What does "How many hairs make a beard?" mean? A: Context please. Click to expand... It looks like it's in the same category as "how many beans make five?" and "how long is a piece of string?".;-)
R RonBee Moderator Joined Feb 9, 2003 Member Type Other Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Feb 9, 2010 #5 How long is a piece of string, eh? I'll have to think about that one. ;-)