Semantics Again

Question

Hi!Could you please help me understand the meaning of these sentences?1. The anxieties wrought by the increasingly competitive global economy also have put many on edge.2. The proliferation of labor-saving devices in the home makes it easier for folks to fret more about how to spend their free time.Thanks!

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

1. This doesn't make much sense. The worries caused by the global economy also cause people to feel worried. Not much insight there.

2. People have all kinds of things in their homes now that make it faster and easier to do their household chores. As a result, they have more time to worry about how to spend their free time.

The second one reminds of Le Petit Prince -- the man said he'd invented a pill so no one had to drink water, and think of how much time they would save if they didn't have to drink, and the little prince said he would spend that time walking doucement toward a fountain.

Frostwhite · Answer

Hi!

Thanks very much GG!

I'm glad you're always there.

Avangi · Answer

frostwhite 1. The anxieties wrought by the increasingly competitive global economy also have put many on edge.

2. The proliferation of labor-saving devices in the home makes it easier for folks to fret more about how to spend their free time. These both seem to be written tongue-in-cheek.

Frostwhite · Answer

Hi A!

AvangiThese both seem to be written tongue-in-cheek

Now, what's the meaning of that?

Avangi · Answer

When you're trying to tell a joke with a straight face, you stick your tongue hard into your cheek to keep from laughing.<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/5.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/5.gif' alt='Emotion: wink'/>

Semantics Again

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