ProZ.com global directory of translation services
 The translation workplace
Ideas
KudoZ home » English » Idioms / Maxims / Sayings

I nearly made it

English translation: I nearly succeeded


Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs
(or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.
GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
English term or phrase:I nearly made it
English translation:I nearly succeeded
Entered by: Tony M
Options:
- Contribute to this entry
- Include in personal glossary

14:00 Aug 29, 2011
English to English translations [Non-PRO]
Art/Literary - Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / Pls explain or rephrase.
English term or phrase: I nearly made it
Lovely Rita (Beatles)

...
Took her out and tried to win her.
Had a laugh and over dinner,
Told her I would really like to see her again.
Got the bill and Rita paid it.
Took her home I nearly made it,
Sitting on the sofa with a sister or two.
xxxGiordano B
I nearly succeeded
Explanation:
As it stands, this would mean "I nearly succeeded in winning her", but I think that the meaning "I nearly succeeded in having sexual intercourse with her" would be implied.
Selected response from:

Jack Doughty
Local time: 02:12
Grading comment
Thank you, Jack
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +13I nearly succeeded
Jack Doughty


Discussion entries: 1





  

Answers


4 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +13
i nearly made it (in this context)
I nearly succeeded


Explanation:
As it stands, this would mean "I nearly succeeded in winning her", but I think that the meaning "I nearly succeeded in having sexual intercourse with her" would be implied.

Jack Doughty
Local time: 02:12
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 64
Grading comment
Thank you, Jack

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Thayenga: I agree with you explanation, Jack, because this is the actual "sub-text".
1 min
  -> Thank you.

agree  Katharine Ridgard
2 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  Sheila Wilson
3 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  Jenni Lukac
4 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  Tony M
5 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  ClaraVal
18 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  airmailrpl: he only "nearly" made it because he let Rita pay the bill
26 mins
  -> Тhank you. It may have been that, or it may have been the presence of the sisters, but one way or another, he didn't make it (or "make" her).

agree  Stephanie Ezrol
31 mins
  -> Thank you.

agree  meirs: Yes
1 hr
  -> Тhank you.

agree  Glenda Janssen: Definitely, making it implies sexual undertones. See "making out"
1 hr
  -> Тhank you.

agree  sibsab
2 hrs
  -> Тhank you.

agree  Lindsay Spratt
2 hrs
  -> Тhank you.

agree  Phong Le
22 hrs
  -> Thank you.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)




Voters for reclassification
as
PRO / non-PRO
Non-PRO (3): Tony M, Glenda Janssen, Lindsay Spratt


Return to KudoZ list


Changes made by editors
Aug 31, 2011 - Changes made by Tony M:
Edited KOG entryxxxGiordano B's old entry - "I nearly made it (in this context)" => "I nearly succeeded"
Aug 31, 2011 - Changes made by Tony M:
Term askedI nearly made it (in this context) => I nearly made it
Field (specific)Music => Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
Aug 29, 2011 - Changes made by Lindsay Spratt:
LevelPRO => Non-PRO


KudoZ™ translation help
The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.



See also: