Bold

Question

Hi!

What does “bold” mean in this context?

I have looked up this word in the dictionary, but … I do not think that I do understand the meaning of “bold” here. Does John say “I prefer to be a brave and confident man” ?

I could not figure out it. Could you make it clear for me? Thank you.

[Prison Break]

John: What happened in there was my way of saying. And I know I have been going about this whole thing the wrong way. I'm trying to make amends here. Bygones be bygones?

Michael: You're a mercurial man, John.

John: I prefer bold. Tell me what you need from me.

Michael: A trade. You get me a plane, I'll get you Fibonacci.

Hritu · Accepted Answer

Bold here means that he is not scared of anybody and he will say whatever he feels.

RayH · Answer

nideaI have looked up this word in the dictionary, but … I do not think that I do understand the meaning of “bold” here. Does John say “I prefer to be a brave and confident man” ? I could not figure out it. Could you make it clear for me? Thank you.

Up to this point John has been trying to force Michael to divulge the whereabouts of Fibonacci without success. In this episode he changes tactics by having T-Bag beaten as a demonstration of his change in tactics toward Michael. This prompts Michael to make the "mercurial" comment and the response by John. John is just saying that he will do whatever is necessary to get the information he wants no matter the consequences.

Renan torres-rivero · Answer

Hi, Nidea

nideaMichael: You're a mercurial man, John.

John: I prefer bold. Tell me what you need from me.

As RayH said, the meaning of bold is linked to what was previously stated: "you're a mercurial man".
Mercurial means to be fickle. So, John just wanted to make it clear that he was not of a changeable personality, but "bold" i.e. insistent and daring.

Cheers, pal!

;-)

Philip · Answer

Mercurial means to be fickle.

Isn't it closer to "quick to anger"?

RayH · Answer

PhilipIsn't it closer to "quick to anger"?

Here is the relevant dictionary definition: Quick and changeable in temperament; volatile: a mercurial nature.

In the context of Prison Break it's pretty clear that Michael means to say that John is "changeable."

Renan torres-rivero · Answer

No, Philip. I think it's not closer to "quick to anger". If you easily become angry and impatient, you have a quick temper, or you are quick-tempered.

RayH: fickle = unpredictable = changeable.

Cheers!

;-)

Nidea · Answer

RayH
nideaI have looked up this word in the dictionary, but … I do not think that I do understand the meaning of “bold” here. Does John say “I prefer to be a brave and confident man” ? I could not figure out it. Could you make it clear for me? Thank you.
Up to this point John has been trying to force Michael to divulge the whereabouts of Fibonacci without success. In this episode he changes tactics by having T-Bag beaten as a demonstration of his change in tactics toward Michael. This prompts Michael to make the "mercurial" comment and the response by John. John is just saying that he will do whatever is necessary to get the information he wants no matter the consequences.

Hi! Everybody!

Thanks a lot for your kind help. Mmm... I can understand now.

A big hug!!

And RayH, your explanation is pretty clear to me. Hahaha.. thank you. Thanks for taking your time to look at my questions in these monthes.

Bold

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