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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary
Distance from Moscow
"Some analysts have suggested the operation [in Serbia by a group of Russians suspected of involvement in a coup plot in neighbouring Montenegro] could have been mounted as a “semi-freelance” one, giving enough distance from Moscow to be plausibly deniable if was uncovered." [The Guardian.]
Is "distance from Moscow" a literally one or is it, in the above context, a metaphorical 'distance' determined by the denial that Moscow has nothing to do with it?
Is "distance from Moscow" a literally one or is it, in the above context, a metaphorical 'distance' determined by the denial that Moscow has nothing to do with it?
Top answer
It's metaphoric distance. " when we wish not to be seen as a participant in whatever mischief it may be. As you may already know, "Moscow" is also metaphoric for "the Russian government".
- It's metaphoric distance.
- " when we wish not to be seen as a participant in whatever mischief it may be.
- As you may already know, "Moscow" is also metaphoric for "the Russian government".
- This kind of metaphor is called metonymy.
- CJ
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2 Answers
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It's metaphoric distance. We use "to distance oneself from ..." when we wish not to be seen as a participant in whatever mischief it may be.
As you may already know, "Moscow" is also metaphoric for "the Russian government". This kind of metaphor is called metonymy.
CJ
As you may already know, "Moscow" is also metaphoric for "the Russian government". This kind of metaphor is called metonymy.
CJ
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CalifJimIt's metaphoric distance. We use "to distance oneself from ..." when we wish not to be seen as a participant in whatever mischief it may be.As you may already know, "Moscow" is also metaphoric for "the Russian government". This kind of metaphor is called metonymy.CJThank you, CJ, for the reply.
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