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Park sang joon Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

I hope I'm half the man () you were, Mrs...

Erica mistook her daughter's boyfriend Harry for a thief and turned him in.
Harry is 63 years old.
Erica: Harry, I'm sorry. I apologize about the near-arrest.
Harry: No, you were impressive. Very strong, very 'macho.'
Erica: I don't think I was exactly 'macho.'
Harry: Trust me. If I ever catch a guy in his underwear in my refrigerator, I hope I'm half the man you were, Mrs....
Erica: Right. Okay. Whatever.
<From the movie "Something's Gotta Give">
I'd like to know if "as" is omitted after "half the man."
Thank you in advance for your help.
  

Top answer

“I hope I’m half the man you were” is an expression. “I wish I were half the man he is” is another paraphrased version. “half the man” has the meaning of ‘even half as strong/bold/courageous’ and doesn’t take a following comparator (as).

— Wilpeter

  • “I hope I’m half the man you were” is an expression.
  • “I wish I were half the man he is” is another paraphrased version.
  • “half the man” has the meaning of ‘even half as strong/bold/courageous’ and doesn’t take a following comparator (as).
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3 Answers
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“I hope I’m half the man you were” is an expression. “I wish I were half the man he is” is another paraphrased version. “half the man” has the meaning of ‘even half as strong/bold/courageous’ and doesn’t take a following comparator (as).
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Thank you, wilpeter, for your very helpful answer.Emotion: smile
Then, I'd like to know how we can connect "I'm half the man" and "you were."
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Sorry, I’m not understanding you. We already have them connected in the conversation without a conjunction, and they are acceptable: “I hope I’m half the man you were.”
(In other words, I hope I can be at least half as good as you.)
The word "that" is implied (before "you were".)
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