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I would like a breakdown of the meaning for the English idiom "hostage to fortune", or "giving hostage to fortune." It is a rarely used phrase but the literal meaning to it has been plaguing me relentlessly. I should also further explain that I am not asking for the definition of the phrase; that would be a simple enough job by doing a quick internet search. I am, however, asking for the literal meaning of it. When 'giving hostage to fortune', does 'fortune' represent a desired outcome? And to give 'hostage' to it would be to make a comment or perform an action in which you don't fully know the outcome, but you're making it or doing it, anyway? 72.70.140.90 ( talk) 00:08, 6 July 2010 (UTC)
A man's not complete until he's married; then he's finished. ( Zsa Zsa Gabor)
Well, it seems to be close to various things, but not quite any of them. Homographic pun/antanaclasis seems closest. Maybe it doesn't have a name. Maybe I'll coin the term "Zsazsaism". Maybe not. Thanks to all who had a go. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 11:52, 7 July 2010 (UTC)
What is the origin of the phrase/expression "Eye of the Tiger"? Does it come from the 1975 novel mentioned in the disambiguation link, or is it older? 195.35.160.133 ( talk) 14:22, 6 July 2010 (UTC) Martin.
If you can speak Dutch, I need help! Do you know what song this is? What are they saying? Is this even Dutch? I heard it at a hostel in Antwerp, and wanna know who sings it! It could be just a creation of the guitarist, but maybe someone's heard it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXUI6wlQxsg
Jared (t) 19:27, 6 July 2010 (UTC)
Language desk | ||
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< July 5 | << Jun | July | Aug >> | July 7 > |
Welcome to the Wikipedia Language Reference Desk Archives |
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The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages. |
I would like a breakdown of the meaning for the English idiom "hostage to fortune", or "giving hostage to fortune." It is a rarely used phrase but the literal meaning to it has been plaguing me relentlessly. I should also further explain that I am not asking for the definition of the phrase; that would be a simple enough job by doing a quick internet search. I am, however, asking for the literal meaning of it. When 'giving hostage to fortune', does 'fortune' represent a desired outcome? And to give 'hostage' to it would be to make a comment or perform an action in which you don't fully know the outcome, but you're making it or doing it, anyway? 72.70.140.90 ( talk) 00:08, 6 July 2010 (UTC)
A man's not complete until he's married; then he's finished. ( Zsa Zsa Gabor)
Well, it seems to be close to various things, but not quite any of them. Homographic pun/antanaclasis seems closest. Maybe it doesn't have a name. Maybe I'll coin the term "Zsazsaism". Maybe not. Thanks to all who had a go. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 11:52, 7 July 2010 (UTC)
What is the origin of the phrase/expression "Eye of the Tiger"? Does it come from the 1975 novel mentioned in the disambiguation link, or is it older? 195.35.160.133 ( talk) 14:22, 6 July 2010 (UTC) Martin.
If you can speak Dutch, I need help! Do you know what song this is? What are they saying? Is this even Dutch? I heard it at a hostel in Antwerp, and wanna know who sings it! It could be just a creation of the guitarist, but maybe someone's heard it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXUI6wlQxsg
Jared (t) 19:27, 6 July 2010 (UTC)