Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Apr 13, 2004 02:57
21 yrs ago
1 viewer *
English term
nose-tapping
English
Art/Literary
Poetry & Literature
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.
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.
Responses
| 4 +6 | Trust me |
jerrie
|
| 4 +2 | a secret between you and me |
Margaret Schroeder
|
| 4 | I know but I'm keeping it to myself |
Richard Woollard
|
| 3 | I can feel/sense it |
A-Z Trans (X)
|
Responses
+6
2 hrs
Selected
Trust me
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).
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).
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks, Jerrie. Have a good day!"
+2
30 mins
Margaret Schroeder
Mexico
Mexico
Native in English
&
English
Mexico
The right words in the right place.
Native in: English (Variants: US, Canadian) 
Works in: Spanish to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
20
a secret between you and me
The person who tapped his nose is suggesting to the other person that they have some special inside knowledge between them.
1 hr
I can feel/sense it
you listen to me, I can feel/sense it, my instinct tells me so
6 hrs
I know but I'm keeping it to myself
There are more than one answer to this phrase, depending upon the context. Scenario 1: I ask you if you know the answer to a cross word clue. You say nothing, but you tap the side of your nose with your index finger. I interpret this as meaning that you have the answer, but you are going to keep it to yourself. Scenario 2. We are sitting in a bar (at opposite ends) and a great looking girl walks in and takes the seat next to you. you catch my eye and tap your nose. I interpret this as you have a story about how you and the girl got together and it's your secret.
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