pass over vs. up against

English translation: ran along the length of

10:07 Feb 18, 2008

English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Medical - Medical (general)

English term or phrase: pass over vs. up against

The person was injured when the track of a tracked machine came in contact with his right leg passing along its lenght. It is unclear whether the machine passed over the leg or up against it. Subsequent investigation revealed a closed displaced transverse mid-shaft fracture ot the right femur.

I have no idea how this machine passed. Can someone please reword this for me so that I could understand what really happened?

aniaf

Selected answer:ran along the length of

Explanation:
If the machine passed over it ran along the length of the leg, not just passing over in perpendicularly. If it ran up against the leg the machine was running along the length of the leg to the side of it (but still in contact with it.

Selected response from:

Vicky Nash
United Kingdom
Local time: 14:54

Grading comment

Thanks :)
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED

3 +4

ran along the length of

Vicky Nash

explanation

Marie-Hélène Hayles

Answers

8 mins confidence:

explanation

Explanation:
passed over - the track of the machine actually ran over the top of the person's leg.

up against - the track of the machine hit the person's leg but did not run over it.

In any case, the report is saying that they don't know which of these two possibilities actually occurred.

Marie-Hélène Hayles
Local time: 15:54
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 20

1 hr confidence:

peer agreement (net): +4

ran along the length of

Vicky Nash
United Kingdom
Local time: 14:54
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in category: 8

Grading comment

Thanks :)

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pass over vs. up against

English translation: ran along the length of

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pass over vs. up against

English translation: ran along the length of

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