Re: Moving envelope

Posted by GPP on October 30, 2003

In Reply to: Moving envelope posted by Anders on October 30, 2003

: What is implied by the expression a "moving envelope"? In a discussion group (of which I am a member) somebody recently wrote:

: ". . . there are obviously tons of people doing a good job of teaching. Look at the moving envelope of research in about any discipline."

: Another member of the group commented on this by saying:

: "The prose of this offering (tons of people, the moving envelope of research) doesn't inspire much confidence."

: Perhaps people are not best measured in tons, but at least this expression is clear. "Moving envelope" on the other hand - I can't even make a guess as to what it may mean.

: Best
: Anders

There is no such expression; what the poster meant was the expanding envelope, boundaries, parameters, etc, of research. The poor choices in wording was what the response was complaining about.

• Pushing the envelope Word Camel 30/October/03
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  • Re: Pushing the envelope SR 30/October/03