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Redgiant Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Said good-bye for who knew how long
Instead he had slept on a floor, said good-bye to his wife and his grand string of girls for who knew how long, and had to consider the possibility that he might be shot.
Source: Bel Canto
Background: He was held hostage by some terrorists.
Is it correct to say "said good-bye" doesn't only refer to its literal meaning, but also to a state of seperation? I thought that "a state of seperation" makes more sense with "for who knew how long". Thanks
Source: Bel Canto
Background: He was held hostage by some terrorists.
Is it correct to say "said good-bye" doesn't only refer to its literal meaning, but also to a state of seperation? I thought that "a state of seperation" makes more sense with "for who knew how long". Thanks
Top answer
Said goodbye is just that, I think. He said a mental goodbye for who knew how long to his wife and girls, because he didn't know how long he would be a captive.
- Said goodbye is just that, I think.
- He said a mental goodbye for who knew how long to his wife and girls, because he didn't know how long he would be a captive.
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3 Answers
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Said goodbye is just that, I think. He said a mental goodbye for who knew how long to his wife and girls, because he didn't know how long he would be a captive.
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Thanks Micawber, Does "for who knew how long" refer to him being a captive, not "said a mental goodbye"?
He said a mental goodbye to his wife and girls because he didn't know how long he would be a captive.
He said a mental goodbye to his wife and girls because he didn't know how long he would be a captive.
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That's right - the phrase refers to the indeterminate length of his captivity.
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