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Erasmus Student Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Have you stopped beating your wife yet?

Hello again,
What is the meaning of this phrase? There is an ironic undertone it, I understand? It's like an oxymoron "military intelligence". "The military can't be intelligent".

But I don't understand "have you stopped beating your wife yet"? Can some please explain?
  

Top answer

Hello, Erasmus Student—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member. Erasmus Student I don't understand "have you stopped beating your wife yet"?

— Mister Micawber

  • Hello, Erasmus Student—and welcome to English Forums.
  • Thank you for registering as a member.
  • Erasmus Student I don't understand "have you stopped beating your wife yet"?
  • Can some please explain?
  • The question necessarily supposes that the other person does in fact beat his wife.
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2 Answers
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Hello, Erasmus Student—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.
Erasmus StudentI don't understand "have you stopped beating your wife yet"? Can some please explain?
The question necessarily supposes that the other person does in fact beat his wife. So the respondent, whether he answers 'Yes' or 'No' still admits his 'guilt'. It is
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You answer so rapidly! Thank you. I understand. I thought there was some "humour" there. Thanks for confirming. I thought it was an oxymoron of some kind.
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