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Latest post Wed, Dec 3 2008 10:03 PM by Philip. 5 replies.
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Madhulk  +  602572 Tue, 02 Dec 08 08:21 PM
Jonathan: What can I do for you?

Lex: The paperwork on the chemical spill
finally came through.

Jonathan: I never thought I'd live to see the day.

Lex:  Since the dumping wasn't done
by an actual LuthorCorp employee it did require jumping
through some corporate hoops. The accident was unfortunate.
I know your loss can't be fixed entirely with money, but...
...I hope this helps.

Jonathan:  Well, I appreciate the gesture, but...
Hope we're not getting special treatment
because of your friendship with Clark.

Lex:  I assure you, Mr. Kent, that
has nothing to do with this.

Martha: This is very generous, Lex.

Lex:  Actually, it isn't. It reflects the exact value
of the herd and grazing land you lost. I wouldn't insult you
by putting you in my debt. To owe them money?

Joined on Mon, Dec 17 2007
Bulgaria
Senior Member 3,106
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AlpheccaStars  +  602609 Tue, 02 Dec 08 09:00 PM
 it is more likely to owe a big favor.
Joined on Sun, Oct 12 2008
Senior Member 3,508
The pen is mightier than the sword. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)
jamesglick  +  602651 Tue, 02 Dec 08 09:58 PM
Yes, AlpheccaStars is basically correct. If Lex Luther were to give more money than the herd and grazing land were really worth, he would then be in a position to expect something in return at a later date, hence if he did give more he would be putting Jonathan in a position to repay a debt. By giving him the exact value, Jonathan is not put in a position to repay a debt at a later date.
Joined on Mon, Nov 24 2008
New Member 25
James Glick Author of TalkTrain
Philip  +  602996 Wed, 03 Dec 08 05:06 AM
Did you have a question about 'jumping through corporate hoops"?

Think of a dog doing tricks, jumping through the hoop in order to get his treat.  We us the term figuratively as well:  go through motions to get what we need or want.  Corporate, of course, refers to the business world.

Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005
Veteran Member 8,614
At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen
Madhulk  +  603729 Wed, 03 Dec 08 07:46 PM
 Thanks, guys! Especially Philip for making me realize I forgot to underline that also.

So the mighty Lex Luthor made some corporative tricks. 

So to put someone in your debt means to make him owe you, right?

Philip  +  603843 Wed, 03 Dec 08 10:03 PM
Madhulk
“ 

So to put someone in your debt means to make him owe you, right?

Yes, but we don't usually express it that way.  "I owe you one for that, my friend" or "I am in your debt"; the reverse would be "you owe me, buddy," but I wouldn't say "you are in my debt".  Don't ask me why.
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