0
Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Baling wire

A retread tire loses its rubber. The carburetor starts coughing. The belts break. He keeps patching it up with duct tape, baling wire and chewing gum.

Hi,

Does "baling wire" in the above amount to "wire?" If not, what are the differnces?
  

Top answer

" If not, what are the differnces? No. The term "held together with bailing wire" has become a fixed phrase meaning that something is barely working or works only part of the time and even when it does work it doesn't work well or reliably.

— RayH

  • " If not, what are the differnces?
  • No.
  • The term "held together with bailing wire" has become a fixed phrase meaning that something is barely working or works only part of the time and even when it does work it doesn't work well or reliably.
  • The other expressions you cite ("duct tape" and "chewing gum") mean the same thing but only in this kind of context, otherwise they have their standard meanings.
  • Bailing wire is an actual product but is obsolete (as far as I know) and is only referred to in the kind of context you cite.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
AngliholicDoes "baling wire" in the above amount to "wire?" If not, what are the differnces?
No. The term "held together with bailing wire" has become a fixed phrase meaning that something is barely working or works only part of the time and even when it does work it doesn't work well or reliably. The other expressions you cite ("duct tape" and "chewing gum")
0
0
0
CalifJimbailing? baling?
That's what I get for relying on the spell checker. Emotion: smile

tr.v.,
0
0
RayH
CalifJimbailing? baling?

That's what I get for relying on the spell checker.
0
0
MrPernicketyDo you pronounce "bailing" and "baling" in the exact same way ?
Yes.
0

Related Questions