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English to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature | | English term or phrase: nose-tapping | Archie tapped the side of his nose knowingly. "Chop, chop. It's got to be Millat. An omen, mate. You can trust Ibelgaufts."
And Samad, who usually had no time for omens or nose-tapping, was nervous to take the advice.
Again, this is from White Teeth. It seems that there's something special in this gesture of tapping nose. Then what is it? Thanks. |
|   ZhoudanKudoZ activityQuestions: 337 (none open) ( 1 without valid answers) ( 2 closed without grading) Answers: 298
| Local time: 13:22
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| | Trust me | Explanation:
Take my advice, I know these things.
I can smell it in the air (sense it, it's my instinctive feeling.
Samad is trying to decide which son to send back 'home'...he has just received a letter which has a brief description about how chopping down an oak tree (chop, chop - recurring image) made all the weak saplings strong and freed up half the garden) ... interpreted that one of the sons definitely has to go - Millat, because he's the stronger one.
It's been a long time since I've read this book, but think I'll start a re-read!
This gesture can also be used to indicate 'mind your own business / keep your nose out, don't be so nosey', and sometimes, 'I know something you don't know!' (and I'm not going to tell you). |
| Selected response from:
jerrie
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:22
| Grading comment Thanks, Jerrie. Have a good day!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer |
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