So many of our common expressions mean the opposite of what they appear to say.
Three people have recently said to me: “Richard, you look like you’ve lost weight.” They mean it as a compliment, of course, and smile winningly when they say it, as if losing weight is an accomplishment for which I should feel proud, like winning an award or passing an exam.
Just like “you look thin” really means “you’re fat”, so the corporate world phones with what they say is “a courtesy call”, but there’s no courtesy involved. It’s about their desire to be paid. And if you don’t pay, they’ll cut off your power, or credit, or insurance cover, which, in the end, doesn’t sound courteous .
“I’m humbled”, they say, but why would they be feeling humble? Their ego has just been given an enormous boost. “I’m humbled”, it seems to me, actually means: “How marvellous to receive this ego-boosting news. Other people, it’s now clear, have an opinion of me that is almost as elevated as my own.”Of course, once the person is famous due to this “humbling” award, it’s only a matter of time before they really will be humbled.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Finding Love Again After Sudden LossCol Clausen and Laura Aisbett found solace in each other after experiencing the sudden death of their partners. Their story explores the complexities of grief, healing, and the surprising capacity for love to blossom even in the face of profound loss.
Read more »
Sydney train delays, cancellations expected again after rail union win in Fair Work CommissionSydney Trains has lost its bid to stop industrial action taken by members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.
Read more »
Why Sam Kerr will likely wear the Matildas’ captain armband againFootball Australia will be looking for maximum mea culpa, and if they get it, she’ll be back as skipper.
Read more »
Why Sam Kerr will likely wear the Matildas’ captain armband againFootball Australia will be looking for maximum mea culpa, and if they get it, she’ll be back as skipper.
Read more »
Bernal in recovery again and Netflix cycling is no moreEgan Bernal's injury, Kwiatkowski's comeback, rising New Zealand talents, and the impact of Netflix's cycling documentary series.
Read more »
Don’t play it again, Sam: Seven balls, three trick shots, 10 runsThe swashbuckling approach that launched Sam Konstas’s international career has again brought him undone after an eventful seven-ball innings in the Sheffield Shield.
Read more »