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Dumbsejal Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Query.

Hey guys,

I was listening to this song "I did my time - Korn" yesterday, and I've found this title line quite odd.

Another song is 'salty leave' (milk - kings of Leon).

I was wondering if I can use these sentences in formal speech, like if somebody asks me to play football, then can I use this sentence "thanks, but I did my time?"

Thanks,

Sejal.
  

Top answer

" If you did, I wouldn't understand what you meant. To me, "I did my time" means that I've spent a lot of time in the past doing something (usually) difficult or unpleasant, so now I'm due a respite or due some acknowledgement or recompense. I don't see how it can be used to decline an offer to play football.

— Mr Wordy

  • " If you did, I wouldn't understand what you meant.
  • To me, "I did my time" means that I've spent a lot of time in the past doing something (usually) difficult or unpleasant, so now I'm due a respite or due some acknowledgement or recompense.
  • I don't see how it can be used to decline an offer to play football.
  • Edit: Unless, I suppose, you mean that you have played an awful lot of football in past years, helping out the team and suchlike, and you're not willing to do it any more?
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5 Answers
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dumbsejalif somebody asks me to play football, then can I use this sentence "thanks, but I did my time?"

If you did, I wouldn't understand what you meant. To me, "I did my time" means that I've spent a lot of time in the past doing something (usually) difficult or unpleasant, so now I'm due a respite or due some acknowledgement or recompense. I don't see
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Hey Wordy,

"I did my time" is quite an awkward sentence to me. I am not even sure if it's a correct sentence. So I assume that "thanks, but I did my time" is an incomplete sentence, if not wrong.

Could you please give me some practical examples where I could use this line, or where it makes sense?

Thanks.
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"Doing one's time" usually refers to serving a length of time in prison, or possibly in the army. "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime" is a slogan meaning something like "don't commit crimes if you don't want to be sent to prison." "I did my time" means "I served the sentence required of me; I've paid my debt to society."
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dumbsejal
"I did my time" is quite an awkward sentence to me. I am not even sure if it's a correct sentence. So I assume that "thanks, but I did my time" is an incomplete sentence, if not wrong.

Could you please give me some practical examples where I could use this line, or where it makes sense?

"Thanks, but I did my time" is a complete
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Right! Thanks a lot Wordy and Khoff.
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