[General] to get a bang out of something

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vil

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Dear teachers,

Would you tell me your opinion about the interpretations of the expression in bold in the following sentences?

They got a bang out of things, thought – in a half-asset way, mean it mean.

You could tell old Spencer’d got a big bang out of buying it.

to get a bang out of something = derive pleasure from something

I really got a bang out of that hat.

I get a bang imitating them.

That stuff gives me a bang sometimes.

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V
 

azcl

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***Not a teacher***

To 'get a bang out of' something is not a phrase I have ever heard anybody use in the UK. I can see from the dictionary that it is a valid expression, but I am not sure whether it is a common term in the US (any AmE native speakers care to comment?)

In the UK, you are more likely to say something 'went off with a bang' - presumably a reference to fireworks - 'The party went off with a bang' or just 'The party went with a bang' means it was a really good time.

From the dictionary, it looks as if 'get a bang out of' means what you suggest - i.e. to get pleasure from something.

You also need to be a bit careful, as 'bang' also has a slang/vulgar meaning in some contexts, so 'I got a big bang out of the evening with her' might raise a few eyebrows :)

Ade
 

vil

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Hi azcl,

Both sentences with the expression in question are from "The Catcher In the Rye" by S.D. Salinger.

Thank you for your kindness.

Thank you also for your recommendations.

V.
 

azcl

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***Not a teacher***

As he is an American author, perhaps 'get a bang out of' is more of an AmE than BrE expression, which would explain why it doesn't seem common in the UK.

Ade
 
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