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Some expressions in english

Posted by SR on February 20, 2004

In Reply to: Some expressions in english posted by HCD on February 20, 2004

: : : I'd like to know if somebody can help me with the meaning of the following expressions: "round and about" and "held and turned", shown in the contexts
: : : below:
: : : The war became a consuming fire 'round and about' the world, causing losses both to victors and vanquished out of all proportion to the issues involved.

: : : The first phase of the war was a tremendous rush of the Germans upon Paris and an invasion of East Prussia by the Russians. Both attacks were 'held and turned.'
: : : Thanks,
: : : HCD

: : "around and about" is to be completely surrounded, as in an out-of-control fire that threatens your life.

: "held and turned" means that the attacks were stopped and repulsed. The armies were attacking in one direction and ended up retreating in another.

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