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Two Slang expressions

Posted by Miri Barak on March 27, 2003

In Reply to: Two Slang expressions posted by James Briggs on March 27, 2003

: : I would like to know the exact meaning of "his voice carries" in the sentence: "Yea well his voice usualyy carries, don't let it bother you though.
: : Does it oritinate from the expression "He can carry a tune?" and is the meaning that he has a loud voice?
: : My second question is: "get the hell out of sight." Does it mean simply - leave the place?
: : Thank you very much

: The first 'carry' relates to the distance over which the person's voice can be heard - particularly important for actors in the days before microphones - the voice carried a long distance; ie the air was capable of holding on to the sound waves for a long way.

: The second 'carry' has the same implication of holding on to something and taking it along but, in this instance it is the person who does the holding on (of a tune).

: Neither of these expressions are slang - just part of usual language. The 'get the hell...' is mild slang and means what you suggest but adds an element of speed to the words - get out of here quickly.

Thank you for your thorough answer.

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