"I'd rather..."

Posted by ESC on June 26, 2004

In Reply to: "I'd rather............" posted by ESC on June 26, 2004

: : : There are a series of things that English speakers would rather do than the thing in question. For example:
: : : rather watch paint dry
: : : rather watch grass grow
: : : rather have a root canal
: : : .......are there any other things that are used in this context elsewhere in the English speaking world?

: : I'd rather listen to nails on a blackboard.
: : I'd rather have an enema

: Here's one I collected at work. My coworker was watching a woman walk by and then he said:

: I'D RATHER HOLD A HORSE IN THE RAIN - Said about an unattractive woman. (Kentucky man in his 60s, 2002)

Thought of another one. My friend and I both lost our jobs when our department was abolished. I got a chance to go back to work but checked to make sure I wasn't taking a job from her. She said, no, she didn't want to go back. In fact, she said:

I'D RATHER DIE IN MY OWN VOMIT -- Kentucky woman, 1981.

OK, that's kind of gross. But you have to admit it makes her point.

• "I'd rather..." WordCrafter 26/June/04
  • "I'd rather..." Word Camel 27/June/04
    • Watching paint dry Lotg 01/July/04