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push the button through the hole

English translation: not an English idiom, but used sarcastically in a song.


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13:07 Nov 24, 2009
English to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting / idiom
English term or phrase: push the button through the hole
Here the sentence I wonder whether is a idiom like this:" It is up to him now to push the button through the hole or else not push the button through the hole. So to speak."

I'll appreciate for your help!
macky
Local time: 03:48
English translation:not an English idiom, but used sarcastically in a song.
Explanation:
In my 50 some odd years in the United States, I've never hear that term used as an idiomatic expression. I found a song, "How To Actually Wear Pants," which seems to sarcastically deal with some one who can't even put their pants on to start the day. I think that fits the sense of your expression.

Put your right leg in the right pantleg
Put your left leg in the left pantleg
Pull up the zipper (zzzzzip!)
And push the button through the hole
Give it a rub for good luck
Comb the tassels to eliminate knots
(We don't want to get tangled)
Roll up the cuffs
Three rolls
Or knee high
Whichever comes first
Inflate the personal space maintenance buffers
And tune the jingle bells
To F sharp
Myxilydian
Insert a package of gum into one of the back pockets
But not both
Now you are wearing your pants
Now you are wearing your pants
Now you are wearing your pants
Now you are wearing your pants






--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2009-11-24 14:52:33 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

"push the button through the hole," seems always to be used in the context of clothing. Mostly it is used in the literal sense of the child or disabled person having difficulty with that seemingly simple task.
Are you asking about that expression, or you looking for a similar expression which is indeed idiomatic?
Selected response from:

Stephanie Ezrol
United States
Local time: 15:48
Grading comment
Thank you for help!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4..to go through with it, or not...
eski
4not an English idiom, but used sarcastically in a song.
Stephanie Ezrol
3follow up
Goldcoaster
3take the actionYasutomo Kanazawa


  

Answers


10 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
take the action


Explanation:
It's up to him whether to take action or not. The decision is his. He's asked to choose between taking an action or not.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 29 mins (2009-11-24 13:36:22 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

As far as I know, I don't think there is an idiom like this, except "push the button" could be used as the meaning which I entered as an answer above.

Yasutomo Kanazawa
Local time: 04:48
Native speaker of: Native in JapaneseJapanese

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Jim Tucker: The meaning is clear, but the question is: does this expression exist in English?
14 mins
  -> Thank you for reminding me, I forgot.
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
follow up


Explanation:
to follow up on something he initiated

Goldcoaster
Switzerland
Local time: 21:48
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in GermanGerman
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32 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
not an English idiom, but used sarcastically in a song.


Explanation:
In my 50 some odd years in the United States, I've never hear that term used as an idiomatic expression. I found a song, "How To Actually Wear Pants," which seems to sarcastically deal with some one who can't even put their pants on to start the day. I think that fits the sense of your expression.

Put your right leg in the right pantleg
Put your left leg in the left pantleg
Pull up the zipper (zzzzzip!)
And push the button through the hole
Give it a rub for good luck
Comb the tassels to eliminate knots
(We don't want to get tangled)
Roll up the cuffs
Three rolls
Or knee high
Whichever comes first
Inflate the personal space maintenance buffers
And tune the jingle bells
To F sharp
Myxilydian
Insert a package of gum into one of the back pockets
But not both
Now you are wearing your pants
Now you are wearing your pants
Now you are wearing your pants
Now you are wearing your pants






--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2009-11-24 14:52:33 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

"push the button through the hole," seems always to be used in the context of clothing. Mostly it is used in the literal sense of the child or disabled person having difficulty with that seemingly simple task.
Are you asking about that expression, or you looking for a similar expression which is indeed idiomatic?


    Reference: http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/songs_to_wear_pants_to_lyr...
Stephanie Ezrol
United States
Local time: 15:48
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 27
Grading comment
Thank you for help!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

8 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
..to go through with it, or not...


Explanation:
could not go through with the emotional pain of having an abortion - [ Traducir esta página ]I am 27 and have been married for 7 years. My husband and I have 2 beautiful daughters who are aged 6 and 3. I found out last year that I was pregnant...
www.careconfidential.com/Stories/77.aspx - En caché
Finding the Courage to Go Through With It | Location180 - [ Traducir esta página ]Finding the Courage to Go Through With It. 27 August 2009 13 Comments .... And, “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end ...
www.seanogle.com/.../finding-the-courage-to-go-through-with... - En caché


eski
Mexico
Local time: 14:48
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 8
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