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Nina_Nia Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

What is the meaning of this phrase?

Hello

Could you please explain to me the parts in bold?

"May I stay and watch you work for a while?"

"Why, if I may have any say
in the matter, Your Majesty, I'd prefer no- one see the work
before it's finished".

(From the movie Goya's Ghosts)
Thanks
  

Top answer

Nina_Nia if I may have any say in the matter, If I have any choice regarding this topic...

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  • Nina_Nia if I may have any say in the matter, If I have any choice regarding this topic...
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5 Answers
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Nina_Niaif I may have any say in the matter,
If I have any choice regarding this topic...
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I was confused by any and say. I thought 'any' refers to anyone wishing to watch him while he is painting ...
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In that sentence, say is a noun. It means a choice; "any" is a modifier (determiner).
See definition #14 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/say?&o=100074&s=t
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I see now. Thank you very much.
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Nina_Niaif I may have any say in the matter
~ if you will permit me to speak about it

This is an unusual use of 'say'. It's a noun here, and it means 'authority to speak', 'authority to state an opinion', 'authority to make a decision', 'permission to speak, to state an opinion, or to make a decision' — that sort of thing. It's a little like "vote".
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