Two Slang expressions

Posted by Bob on March 27, 2003

In Reply to: Two Slang expressions posted by Miri Barak 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.

"Get out of sight" doesn't always mean "leave." It can mean hide yourself, conceal yourself so you won't be noticed. The urgency of "get the hell out of sight" suggests someone is looking for you with evil intent, and you must not be noticed. (Leave, or hide behind that stack of 55-gallon drums in the warehouse, so the bullets will not strike you.)

• Thank you Miri Barak 03/27/03