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The Greeks Have a Saying For it By Jonathan Carr and Paul Anastasi Athens News |
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Finding them (Τα βςισχουμε) (fa vriskoume) Meaning: working things out; reaching a compromise This very useful street phrase has warded off many a bitter quarrel. The "them" denotes the terms of agreement to be reached. For example, in a shop where bargaining takes place between buyer and seller, even though agreement is still far off, both will vow that "we'll find them" and remain on civil terms, confident that a solution will be found. It's a verbal signal that a fight would be in no one's interest. But, caveat emptor, the phrase can often be used to deceive, or lull, one side into compliance. Meaning: going mad; being driven insane The origin of this image is obscure. It at first suggests someone's head becoming twisted, probably in motions suggesting madness. The verb strivo (to turn or twist) is also often employed in its imperative form turn! (στςιβε!) (strive!) meaning get out of here, or about-face. This is one of those strictly ritual phrases that the Greeks use at times of life-change such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. This particular one is brought into play when taking leave of an engaged couple (or either of the partners) who have presumably set a wedding date, and perhaps need to be encouragedor warned - to stay on course. In this it's similar to and to yours (qv), which, however, is reserved for those who are not yet engaged. In both cases the social pressure is subtle but highly effective. Meaning: plotting revenge Part of the sweetness of revenge is the feeling of saving it up for an appropriate time. The grammatical structure is of interest, as it avoids the active voice and employs a participle that lends a vague air of additional menace. Click here to return to the Series main page |
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