0
Grader Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
He Flatter Himself
Most dictionaries define the verb 'flatter', when not used as part of some idioms, as 'to praise verbally or in writing'. Assume that 'flatter' is 'praise verbally'. But then, 'flatter' is used in some idiom 'flatter oneself', which means 'to believe that oneself is very good in some way'. Then for this:
"He flattered himself."
Could it be taken to mean 1) he verbally praised himself, or 2) he believed that he was very good in some way?
"He flattered himself."
Could it be taken to mean 1) he verbally praised himself, or 2) he believed that he was very good in some way?
Top answer
" He has to have flattered himself that he was something. "
- " He has to have flattered himself that he was something.
- "
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
4 Answers
0
You can't just say, "He flattered himself." He has to have flattered himself that he was something. "He flattered himself that he was the best snooker player in all Northumberland."
00
eg Tom flattered himself that he was very good at golf.
This means that Tom believed he was very good at golf
But the words also suggest that the speaker believes Tom is not very good at golf.
Clive.
This means that Tom believed he was very good at golf
But the words also suggest that the speaker believes Tom is not very good at golf.
Clive.
00
So, the retort "don't flatter yourself" is wrong and should be expanded like:
"Don't flatter yourself that ......"
"Don't flatter yourself that ......"
00
graderSo, the retort "don't flatter yourself" is wrong and should be expanded like: "Don't flatter yourself that ......"No. That's different. It's a set piece.
0
Related Questions