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? Madhulk Joined on Mon, Dec 17 2007 Bulgaria Senior Member 2,862 THE MAN OF STEEL

	AlpheccaStars  +  602609 Tue, 02 Dec 08 09:00 PM  it is more likely to owe a big favor. AlpheccaStars Joined on Sun, Oct 12 2008 Houston, Texas Senior Member 3,230 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. jamesglick Joined on Mon, Nov 24 2008 Natick, MA USA New Member 25 James Glick Author of TalkTrain Dates

	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. Philip Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005 USA Pacific Northwest (Seattle) Veteran Member 7,643 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? Madhulk Underline

	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. Philip