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Carthage should be destroyed

Posted by Smokey Stover on March 26, 2008 at 20:25:

In Reply to: Carthage should be destroyed posted by robbert veerman on March 26, 2008 at 10:33:

: I believe "furthermore I am of the opinion that carthage should be destroyed" was used by cato the elder at the end of each speech to the roman senate and eventually precipitated the fall of Carthage.
: in english usage is it to mock a nag or pompous pedant or something else?

: name:

As far as I know, this is not a customary English phrase, so I would look for a meaning specific to the context in which you heard it. Since Cato was not a pompous pedant, something else must be meant. It could be a self-deprecating remark, recognition that one has, indeed, become some sort of nag, or has perhaps gone a little far in prescribing what must be done to preserve the state. Or it could possibly be a dry rebuke of someone else who has gone a bit far in prescribing the needs of the nation. Look at the context.
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