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.
English to English translations [PRO]
Poetry & Literature | | English term or phrase: palm | Hello everyone,
The simple peasant who observes a truth.
And from the fact deduces principle,
Adds solid treasure to the public wealth.
The theorist who dreams a rainbow dream,
And calls hypothesis philosophy,
At best is but a paper financier
Who palms his specious promises for gold.
Facts are the basis of philosophy;
Philosophy the harmony of facts.”
Does "palm" mean "give/make", i.e. make false promises for gold?
Thank you. |
| klpKudoZ activityQuestions: 1124 ( 2 open) ( 2 closed without grading) Answers: 120
| Local time: 06:09
|
| | misrepresent or impose by fraud | Explanation:
I think the base meaning is this, as defined in Webster's 1828 dictionary:
"PALM, v.t. p`am. To conceal in the palm of the hand.
They palmed the trick that lost the game.
1. To impose by fraud.
For you may palm upon us new for old."
http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/palm
Nowadays we use "palm off" in a rather similar sense to this archaic use of "palm":
"palm off
To misrepresent inferior goods of one producer as superior goods made by a reputable, well-regarded competitor in order to gain commercial advantage and promote sales."
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/palm
|
| Selected response from:
 Charles Davis
Local time: 04:09
| Grading comment Many thanks to everyone.
Thank you, Charles.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer |
| |
| Discussion entries: 0 |
|---|
Automatic update in 00:
|
2 mins confidence:   peer agreement (net): -2 | |
The translation workplace 
