Enough rope

Posted by Bob on September 20, 2005

In Reply to: Enough rope posted by R. Berg on September 20, 2005

: : Hi. I was just wondering about the meaning of the phrase 'if you give someone enough rope they will hang themselves with it' I asked my dad why he never encouraged me and he said this to me. In what context did he mean it?, did he want me to be a failure?

: He may have thought he was protecting you from taking risks that could lead to failure. That's the only sense I can make of his explanation.

I agree. And his explanation is a load of crap. Some parents (thankfully, not many) undermine their children's confidence by never allowing them to take risks, or to make an effort which could lead to failure ... or success. It's something, Carley, you'll have to outgrow on your own. When you have children, be supportive and affirmative. The world will be better for it.

• Enough rope Smokey Stover 22/September/05