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Latest post Wed, Aug 26 2009 11:12 AM by Madhulk. 2 replies.
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Madhulk  +  874601 Tue, 25 Aug 09 09:52 PM
Prince John's men string up a man.

- Mercy, good master! Have mercy!
- Start him dancing! Dancing meaning to hang him

and his feet are no longer touching the ground?

This will teach you to defy (I've heard this one probably hundreds of times

and I can't understand why they omit not?) Prince John!
Madhulk
Joined on Mon, Dec 17 2007
Bulgaria
Senior Member 3,177
THE MAN OF STEEL
Mister Micawber  +  874817 Wed, 26 Aug 09 01:22 AM
1-- Yes, that's what I presume.

2-- I agree that it is odd, but it is common.  The meaning is the same with 'teach to defy' and 'teach not to defy'.  There may be a linguistic term for this kind of formation ( cf. 'I couldn't care less' / 'I could care less'), but I don't know it.
Mister Micawber
Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member 30,791
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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Madhulk  +  875409 Wed, 26 Aug 09 11:12 AM
Thanks for the explanation, Mister Micawber!
Madhulk
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