0
Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

You can weasel out of rotas with a rueful “I’m snowed under”.

You can weasel out of rotas with a rueful “I’m snowed under”.

Hi,

Is it right to interpret the above as "you can chicken out of your duty by saying apologetically, "I'm really busy and overwhelmed?" Thanks.

The above is from the following link, line first, chapter 13.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/caitlin_moran/article2324634.ece
  

Top answer

Seems correct. Except instead if apologetically I'd say deplorably; rueful concerns the clause "I'm snowed under", which is considered a deplorable excuse. The entire thing has a very negative tone to it.

— Ferdis

  • Seems correct.
  • Except instead if apologetically I'd say deplorably; rueful concerns the clause "I'm snowed under", which is considered a deplorable excuse.
  • The entire thing has a very negative tone to it.
  • Also, to weasel out is more sneaky than to chicken out, which concerns a lack of bravery mostly.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Seems correct. Except instead if apologetically I'd say deplorably; rueful concerns the clause "I'm snowed under", which is considered a deplorable excuse. The entire thing has a very negative tone to it. Also, to weasel out is more sneaky than to chicken out, which concerns a lack of bravery mostly.
0
0
Thanks, Ferdis.

To make sure, does "I'm snowed under" mean litterally "I'm covered in snow?" Or is it a fugerative speech?"
0
0
I assume it is figurative, meaning you are buried in work and tasks. It could be literal; I don't know because I haven't read the article.
0

Related Questions