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Iclearwater Posted 9 years ago
Vocabulary

One only has to stoop and help oneself

In January 1771, while Prince Henry was edging his way through the Russian Christmas and New Year, Austrian troops suddenly crossed the Carpathians and occupied an area in southern Poland. This news reached the empress and Prince Henry at a concert at the Winter Palace. Henry, hearing the news, shook his head and observed, “It seems that in Poland one only has to stoop and help oneself.” Catherine picked up his lead and replied, “Why shouldn’t we both take our share?” Henry reported this exchange to Frederick with the comment, “Although this was only a chance pleasantry, it is certain that it was not said for nothing and I do not doubt that it will be very possible for you to profit by this occasion.”

Could anyone explain the connotation of the phrase in blue? Thanks

  

Top answer

Here, "stoop" means to do something beneath one's station (status) in life. Henry is implying that the task of invading Poland was too easy for (well beneath the capability of) the Austrian troops. "Help oneself" means to take (something) without permission.

— Teechr

  • Here, "stoop" means to do something beneath one's station (status) in life.
  • Henry is implying that the task of invading Poland was too easy for (well beneath the capability of) the Austrian troops.
  • "Help oneself" means to take (something) without permission.
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2 Answers
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Here, "stoop" means to do something beneath one's station (status) in life. Henry is implying that the task of invading Poland was too easy for (well beneath the capability of) the Austrian troops.

"Help oneself" means to take (something) without permission.

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help yourself is a standard expression that means 'take what you want'.

eg

Tom: Can I have some of your pizza?

Bob: Help yourself!

The idea is that it is very easy to take a piece of Poland.


stoop seems to be used here to mean that it is easy to help yourself. Stooping is an easy thing to do

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