uppermost

[atabitaraf]

Store the canisters with their lids uppermost. (Cambridge dictionary)

In the sentence above, what does uppermost refer to? 1. The lids are on top of the canisters? Or 2. The canisters are on top of the cabinet/cupboard?

 

[5jj]

The lids are on the top.

 

[emsr2d2]

Store the canisters with their lids uppermost. (Cambridge Dictionary)

In the sentence above, what does "uppermost" refer to?

1. The lids are on top of the canisters. Or
2. The canisters are on top of the cabinet/cupboard.

1

 

[atabitaraf]

The lids are on the top.

And is it usual among the native to either talk or write like that? I found it too formal to my ears to say 'with their lids uppermost.' I myself would say, 'with their lids on.'

 

[atabitaraf]

1

Would you please say how I can include 'OR' in my question?
I didn't get it why you removed 'Or'.

 

[jutfrank]

I myself would say, 'with their lids on.'

No, it doesn't mean that. It means make sure you don't store the containers upside down. The lids should be facing up, not facing down.

 

[5jj]

Would you please say how I can include 'OR' in my question?

In the sentence above, does uppermost refer to "The lids are on top of the canisters" or "The canisters are on top of the cabinet/cupboard"?

I didn't get it why you removed 'Or'.

We don't use or in a numbered list.

 

[Rover_KE]

Is it usual among the native English-speakers to either talk or write like that?

No. Most of us would say 'Store the canisters upright with their lids on'.