Discussion:
off someone's feet?
(too old to reply)
Yurui Liu
2019-01-09 15:16:09 UTC
Permalink
Hi,

What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?

The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.

They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.

Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.

I'd appreciate your help.
Peter T. Daniels
2019-01-09 15:20:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I'd appreciate your help.
What is puzzling about those expressions? They seem perfectly straightforward
(except for the last one -- is that another gem from one of your ESL
textbooks?).
Jerry Friedman
2019-01-09 15:22:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).

And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
--
Jerry Friedman
Katy Jennison
2019-01-09 16:07:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
Rushing about all the time, so much that their feet hardly seem to touch
the ground. Constantly on the move.

Counter-factual, in that actually it means they're so busy that they
have no time to sit down.
--
Katy Jennison
Athel Cornish-Bowden
2019-01-09 17:05:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Katy Jennison
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
Rushing about all the time, so much that their feet hardly seem to
touch the ground. Constantly on the move.
Counter-factual, in that actually it means they're so busy that they
have no time to sit down.
Yes, and it's a perfectly ordinary expression in British English.
Apparently not across the Atlantic.
--
athel
Tony Cooper
2019-01-09 20:21:40 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 18:05:29 +0100, Athel Cornish-Bowden
Post by Athel Cornish-Bowden
Post by Katy Jennison
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
Rushing about all the time, so much that their feet hardly seem to
touch the ground. Constantly on the move.
Counter-factual, in that actually it means they're so busy that they
have no time to sit down.
Yes, and it's a perfectly ordinary expression in British English.
Apparently not across the Atlantic.
I don't know how common it is used the US, but I would think the use
of it here would not result in many raised eyebrows.
--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida
CDB
2019-01-09 20:07:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Katy Jennison
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet
(standing) to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be better
without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
Rushing about all the time, so much that their feet hardly seem to
touch the ground. Constantly on the move.
Counter-factual, in that actually it means they're so busy that they
have no time to sit down.
The image it produces for me is one of being carried along so fast by
their duties that their feet don't even touch the ground, as in the
"bum's rush" (not BrE?) in which an offender is grabbed up by the arms
and carried off.
Madrigal Gurneyhalt
2019-01-09 20:55:36 UTC
Permalink
Post by Katy Jennison
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
Rushing about all the time, so much that their feet hardly seem to touch
the ground. Constantly on the move.
Counter-factual, in that actually it means they're so busy that they
have no time to sit down.
No, factual. They're so busy their feet hardly touch the ground.
Yurui Liu
2019-01-09 16:11:38 UTC
Permalink
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月9日星期三 UTC+8下午11時22分07秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Any unifying meaning for the "off" in these sentences?
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
--
Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman
2019-01-09 16:29:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月9日星期三 UTC+8下午11時22分07秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Any unifying meaning for the "off" in these sentences?
The first two are the same: "off" is the opposite of "on" and
"off their feet" means not standing.

Katy has now given you a suggestion for the third. I'm starting to
wonder whether "they feel as if they can't stay on their feet" is
involved.
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...

Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
--
Jerry Friedman
s***@gmail.com
2019-01-09 21:49:29 UTC
Permalink
[I've heard the 3rd one before, and probably in a vis-a-vis, but offer no examples]
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
But most often used to mean [via synecdoche?] "sit down, make yourself comfortable".

/dps
Yurui Liu
2019-01-09 22:08:08 UTC
Permalink
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月9日星期三 UTC+8下午11時22分07秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Any unifying meaning for the "off" in these sentences?
The first two are the same: "off" is the opposite of "on" and
"off their feet" means not standing.
Katy has now given you a suggestion for the third. I'm starting to
wonder whether "they feel as if they can't stay on their feet" is
involved.
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Post by Jerry Friedman
--
Jerry Friedman
bill van
2019-01-09 22:41:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月9日星期三 UTC+8下午11時22分07秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Any unifying meaning for the "off" in these sentences?
The first two are the same: "off" is the opposite of "on" and
"off their feet" means not standing.
Katy has now given you a suggestion for the third. I'm starting to
wonder whether "they feel as if they can't stay on their feet" is
involved.
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
That problem, if it is one, doesn't arise in the version I usually
hear: "Take a load off your feet."
It's a simple invitation to sit down and rest.

bill
CDB
2019-01-10 15:47:27 UTC
Permalink
Jerry Friedman：
Jerry Friedman：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the
following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the
explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet
(standing) to not on their feet (lying on the ground or
floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Any unifying meaning for the "off" in these sentences?
The first two are the same: "off" is the opposite of "on" and "off
their feet" means not standing.
Katy has now given you a suggestion for the third. I'm starting
to wonder whether "they feel as if they can't stay on their feet"
is involved.
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your
feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
They have to hold that weight up too, until their arches fall.
Jerry Friedman
2019-01-10 15:49:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
...
Post by Yurui Liu
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."

I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
--
Jerry Friedman
Yurui Liu
2019-01-12 03:17:16 UTC
Permalink
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8下午11時49分06秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
...
Post by Yurui Liu
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."
I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
Does "a load" or "the weight" in that idiom mean "the bodyweight minus
the weight of a person's feet"?
Post by Jerry Friedman
--
Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman
2019-01-12 04:40:21 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8下午11時49分06秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
...
Post by Yurui Liu
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."
I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
Does "a load" or "the weight" in that idiom mean "the bodyweight minus
the weight of a person's feet"?
I don't see it as that precise.
--
Jerry Friedman
bill van
2019-01-12 04:57:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8下午11時49分06秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
...
Post by Yurui Liu
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."
I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
Does "a load" or "the weight" in that idiom mean "the bodyweight minus
the weight of a person's feet"?
I don't see it as that precise.
Me too. It's an informal expression that amounts to a friendly
invitation to take a seat, nothing more.

bill
Peter Duncanson [BrE]
2019-01-12 11:37:34 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:40:21 -0700, Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman? 2019?1?10???? UTC+8??11?49?06????
Post by Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman? 2019?1?10???? UTC+8??12?29?34????
...
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."
I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
Does "a load" or "the weight" in that idiom mean "the bodyweight minus
the weight of a person's feet"?
I don't see it as that precise.
I would see it as the weight of the whole body, plus clothes, etc.

I think the idea is that, when standing, that weight is supported by the
soles of the feet.
--
Peter Duncanson, UK
(in alt.usage.english)
Snidely
2019-01-16 09:56:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Peter Duncanson [BrE]
On Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:40:21 -0700, Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman? 2019?1?10???? UTC+8??11?49?06????
Post by Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman? 2019?1?10???? UTC+8??12?29?34????
...
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."
I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
Does "a load" or "the weight" in that idiom mean "the bodyweight minus
the weight of a person's feet"?
I don't see it as that precise.
I would see it as the weight of the whole body, plus clothes, etc.
I think the idea is that, when standing, that weight is supported by the
soles of the feet.
Don't forget the backpacks, purses, crowns, ....

/dps "whatever your loaded, your feet are loaded"
--
Trust, but verify.
s***@gmail.com
2019-01-16 20:38:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by Snidely
Post by Peter Duncanson [BrE]
On Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:40:21 -0700, Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman? 2019?1?10???? UTC+8??11?49?06????
Post by Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman? 2019?1?10???? UTC+8??12?29?34????
...
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Here's another example to consider: Take the weight off your feet.
...
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
Okay, I should have said "Move most of your weight..."
I agree with bill van that "Take a load off your feet" is more common.
Does "a load" or "the weight" in that idiom mean "the bodyweight minus
the weight of a person's feet"?
I don't see it as that precise.
I would see it as the weight of the whole body, plus clothes, etc.
I think the idea is that, when standing, that weight is supported by the
soles of the feet.
Don't forget the backpacks, purses, crowns, ....
/dps "whatever your loaded, your feet are loaded"
[
Post by Snidely
Trust, but verify.
]

I didn't verify I had the correct number of Eds.

/dps "and Bob is only my uncle-by-marriage"

Sam Plusnet
2019-01-10 18:52:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Jerry Friedman於 2019年1月10日星期四 UTC+8上午12時29分34秒寫道：
Post by Jerry Friedman
Like the first two, that's physically "off", "not on". It means
"sit down" or occasionally "lie down", "move your weight away from
its position over your feet".
That sounds as if the weight of a person's feet were not included in
his or her bodyweight.
As evidence to the contrary, some drivers are known to have a lead foot.
--
Sam Plusnet
Peter Duncanson [BrE]
2019-01-09 18:07:10 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 07:22:05 -0800 (PST), Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Not on my feet, that is, not standing.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Similar to the above, but with a change from on their feet (standing)
to not on their feet (lying on the ground or floor).
And in case anyone wants my opinion, the sentence would be
better without "the force of".
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
It's familiar to me in BrE.
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>

be rushed (or run) off one's feet
phrase

Be very busy.

‘He said yesterday: ‘The hotel and restaurant have been open for
several months now, and we have been rushed off our feet.’’

It is also used in US Eng:
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
--
Peter Duncanson, UK
(in alt.usage.english)
Peter T. Daniels
2019-01-09 18:30:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by Peter Duncanson [BrE]
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 07:22:05 -0800 (PST), Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
It's familiar to me in BrE.
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
be rushed (or run) off one's feet
phrase
Be very busy.
‘He said yesterday: ‘The hotel and restaurant have been open for
several months now, and we have been rushed off our feet.’’
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
No sources are given for the "examples," and the last one is obviously
_not_ American because it is about "posties."
Cheryl
2019-01-09 18:51:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Peter T. Daniels
Post by Peter Duncanson [BrE]
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 07:22:05 -0800 (PST), Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
It's familiar to me in BrE.
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
be rushed (or run) off one's feet
phrase
Be very busy.
‘He said yesterday: ‘The hotel and restaurant have been open for
several months now, and we have been rushed off our feet.’’
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
No sources are given for the "examples," and the last one is obviously
_not_ American because it is about "posties."
I'm so familiar with being run off one's feet that it never occurred to
me that the phrase might not be recognized in North America.
--
Cheryl
Tony Cooper
2019-01-09 20:28:28 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 10:30:04 -0800 (PST), "Peter T. Daniels"
Post by Peter T. Daniels
Post by Peter Duncanson [BrE]
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 07:22:05 -0800 (PST), Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
It's familiar to me in BrE.
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
be rushed (or run) off one's feet
phrase
Be very busy.
‘He said yesterday: ‘The hotel and restaurant have been open for
several months now, and we have been rushed off our feet.’’
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
No sources are given for the "examples," and the last one is obviously
_not_ American because it is about "posties."
This example is questionable as to origin:

‘‘We've been rushed off our feet for hours,’ explained the former
Rangers star with a twinkle.’

Texas, New York (hockey team), or Glasgow (football). Although, a
"twinkle" doesn't seem to be what might be expected from any of them.
--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida
Sam Plusnet
2019-01-09 23:09:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tony Cooper
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 10:30:04 -0800 (PST), "Peter T. Daniels"
Post by Peter T. Daniels
Post by Peter Duncanson [BrE]
On Wed, 9 Jan 2019 07:22:05 -0800 (PST), Jerry Friedman
Post by Jerry Friedman
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
I don't remember seeing that one. It strikes me as an intensifier
with no literal meaning.
It's familiar to me in BrE.
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
be rushed (or run) off one's feet
phrase
Be very busy.
‘He said yesterday: ‘The hotel and restaurant have been open for
several months now, and we have been rushed off our feet.’’
<https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/be_rushed_(or_run)_off_one's_feet>
No sources are given for the "examples," and the last one is obviously
_not_ American because it is about "posties."
‘‘We've been rushed off our feet for hours,’ explained the former
Rangers star with a twinkle.’
Texas, New York (hockey team), or Glasgow (football). Although, a
"twinkle" doesn't seem to be what might be expected from any of them.
Well that explains it.
Like this former player, anyone engaged in professional sports must
bottle up their twinkling until their playing days are done.
--
Sam Plusnet
Peter Moylan
2019-01-10 02:51:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tony Cooper
‘‘We've been rushed off our feet for hours,’ explained the former
Rangers star with a twinkle.’
Texas, New York (hockey team), or Glasgow (football). Although, a
"twinkle" doesn't seem to be what might be expected from any of them.
It's common enough for sports reporters, male or female, to go into the
players' dressing room for interviews. I wouldn't put it past them to
follow a player to the urinal.
--
Peter Moylan http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Tony Cooper
2019-01-10 03:00:42 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:51:01 +1100, Peter Moylan
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Tony Cooper
‘‘We've been rushed off our feet for hours,’ explained the former
Rangers star with a twinkle.’
Texas, New York (hockey team), or Glasgow (football). Although, a
"twinkle" doesn't seem to be what might be expected from any of them.
It's common enough for sports reporters, male or female, to go into the
players' dressing room for interviews. I wouldn't put it past them to
follow a player to the urinal.
Aussies may twinkle when they tinkle, but Yanks tinkle dead-pan.
--
Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida
Peter Moylan
2019-01-10 06:13:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tony Cooper
On Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:51:01 +1100, Peter Moylan
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Tony Cooper
‘‘We've been rushed off our feet for hours,’ explained the former
Rangers star with a twinkle.’
Texas, New York (hockey team), or Glasgow (football). Although, a
"twinkle" doesn't seem to be what might be expected from any of them.
It's common enough for sports reporters, male or female, to go into the
players' dressing room for interviews. I wouldn't put it past them to
follow a player to the urinal.
Aussies may twinkle when they tinkle, but Yanks tinkle dead-pan.
Is a dead pan one that eliminates splash-back?
--
Peter Moylan http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
occam
2019-01-09 16:27:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
Here is another variation:

... "He swept her off her feet with his love and attention."
Peter Young
2019-01-09 17:29:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by occam
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
... "He swept her off her feet with his love and attention."
My lady friend was literally swept off her feet by the man who became her
late husband. They hadn't met and were at a party where some Marines who
had drunk quite a bit were forming a human pyramid which was in danger of
collapsing. He carried her out of the way, and the dialogue was "PUT ME
DOWN!", "I've just saved your life".

Peter.
--
Peter Young, (BrE, RP), Consultant Anaesthetist, 1975-2004.
(US equivalent: Certified Anesthesiologist) (AUE Au)
Cheltenham and Gloucester, UK. Now happily retired.
http://pnyoung.orpheusweb.co.uk
Athel Cornish-Bowden
2019-01-09 17:38:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Peter Young
Post by occam
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
... "He swept her off her feet with his love and attention."
My lady friend was literally swept off her feet by the man who became her
late husband. They hadn't met and were at a party where some Marines who
had drunk quite a bit were forming a human pyramid which was in danger of
collapsing.
The Catalans are fond of human pyramids, and once in Tarragona I saw
one about 6 metres high collapse. No one was hurt. Apparently it
happens quite often and they know what to do. (I wouldn't promise that
that's true of drunken marines, however.)
Post by Peter Young
He carried her out of the way, and the dialogue was "PUT ME
DOWN!", "I've just saved your life".
--
athel
Sam Plusnet
2019-01-09 19:21:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Peter Young
Post by occam
... "He swept her off her feet with his love and attention."
My lady friend was literally swept off her feet by the man who became her
late husband. They hadn't met and were at a party where some Marines who
had drunk quite a bit were forming a human pyramid which was in danger of
collapsing.
The Catalans are fond of human pyramids, and once in Tarragona I saw one
about 6 metres high collapse. No one was hurt. Apparently it happens
quite often and they know what to do. (I wouldn't promise that that's
true of drunken marines, however.)
The Mongols were fond of human pyramids, but they just used the skulls.

(This does presuppose that the rest of the bodies had to be removed from
the scene, lest they dwarf the art installation.)
--
Sam Plusnet
CDB
2019-01-09 20:06:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by occam
Post by Yurui Liu
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
... "He swept her off her feet with his love and attention."
Perhaps "persuaded her to forsake her previous independence"? Swept off
her own two feet.
bert
2019-01-09 16:31:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
It's idiomatic, not to be taken literally. It's meant
to suggest that they're so rushed, their feet don't
even have tome to touch the ground.
Mark Brader
2019-01-09 19:36:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Don't be walking around doing things; rest as much as you can,
in bed or at least in a chair.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
They were knocked over.
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
They are so busy that they feel as if they had been knocked over.
--
Mark Brader | "You have seen this incident, based on sworn
Toronto | testimony. Can you prove that it didn't happen?"
***@vex.net | -- Ed Wood, Plan 9 from Outer Space
Janet
2019-01-09 23:07:34 UTC
Permalink
Post by Yurui Liu
Hi,
What does "off" mean in "off someone's feet" in the following?
The doctor told me to stay off my feet for a few days.
Rest in bed or sitting down; avoid standing and walking.
Post by Yurui Liu
They were blown off their feet by the force of the explosion.
They fell over / were knocked over.
Post by Yurui Liu
Before Christmas, most salespeople are rushed off their feet.
Very busy, running about all day.

Janet
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