Van Veen
Member
- Joined
- May 25, 2012
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
What does "tin-cup exercise" mean?
I have encountered this phrase twice, both times as a quotation of an expert in foreign policy. Its meaning is opaque to me, and I cannot glean enough from context. I read it today in an article in the Christian Science Monitor Vol. 104, Issue 26. A quick Google search turned up a NYT article (my second encounter). If someone who reads this forum can elucidate I would be most grateful.
As a snide aside - why does this website use the word "forums" instead of the correct Latin "fora?" Presumably it's because the site is about the English language (as opposed to Latin) and common usage has rendered "forums" acceptable. However, when one is discussing proper usage one is (I assume) applying a prescriptivist approach. Best to know the accepted rules from which we may consciously diverge?
Thank you for your reply!
I have encountered this phrase twice, both times as a quotation of an expert in foreign policy. Its meaning is opaque to me, and I cannot glean enough from context. I read it today in an article in the Christian Science Monitor Vol. 104, Issue 26. A quick Google search turned up a NYT article (my second encounter). If someone who reads this forum can elucidate I would be most grateful.
As a snide aside - why does this website use the word "forums" instead of the correct Latin "fora?" Presumably it's because the site is about the English language (as opposed to Latin) and common usage has rendered "forums" acceptable. However, when one is discussing proper usage one is (I assume) applying a prescriptivist approach. Best to know the accepted rules from which we may consciously diverge?
Thank you for your reply!