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Celtic Radio Community > General Discussion > Petard

Posted by: Camac 13-Mar-2008, 09:01 AM

I have been taken somewhat to task for writing in reference to Gov. Spitzer "Spitted on his own Petard" I apologize I should have said "Hoisted on his own Petard." The phrase, as we use it, originated in Elizabethan times in Hamlet Act three lines 200 through 210 where Hamlet intercepts a letter containing the order for his death.

Also it seems that sometimes in the process of placing the Petard against a wall or gate the engineer responsible could become entangled in the hoisting gear or simply be blown (hoisted) up by a faulty fuse thus the term. Again I apologise for upsetting anyone by the misuse of the phrase.

Camac.

Posted by: stoirmeil 13-Mar-2008, 09:40 AM

QUOTE (Camac @ 13-Mar-2008, 10:01 AM)

Again I apologise for upsetting anyone by the misuse of the phrase.

Camac.

I would say "upset" is a bit strong -- but very gracious of you, nonetheless. The main objection wasn't the Shakespeare, to be honest, it was the Spitzer: he's not your governor and he's not your problem, so the outside observer levity was a bit grating, particularly in light of the apparent attempt to make a pun on "spitted" and "Spitzer."

That should clear any lingering petard fumes.

Posted by: Camac 13-Mar-2008, 10:52 AM

stoirmeil
I agree and I thank you.

Camac.

Posted by: Dogshirt 13-Mar-2008, 06:22 PM

QUOTE

he's not your governor and he's not your problem,

I agree whole heartedly, now can you please tell the media that MOST of us have heard enough?

Posted by: Himself 14-Mar-2008, 04:26 AM

....... This forum is provided as a service to our members and is open to all views and opinions. In order to allow members to express their views openingly .......

Tricky subject, politics, tbh. It's one of the 'big three' that cause contention.

The other two are 'religion and other peoples partners'.

Thank goodness we live in a society where we can debate, many around the world live under very strict laws and are not allowed this privilege.

The McAlpine