I'll do what little I can

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,

I'd like to know the difference in meaning between the sentences in each pair.

1. I'll do everything I can.
2. I'll do whatI can.

1. I gave her all the money I had.
2. I gave her what money I had.

I thought #1 and #2 in each pair were the same in meaning. However, I met an American who says "what I can" and "what money I had" implies "what little I can" and "whant little money I had" respectively without the word "little".

Do you think he's right?

OP

 

[lauralie2]

Yes, I agree, in the sense that "little" means "afford to":


1. I'll do everything I can.
2. I'll do what I can / what I can afford to do.

1. I gave her all the money I had.
2. I gave her what money I had / what money I could afford to give.