Sir: Can you tell me what the saying "The proof is in the pudding" is supposed to mean? I cannot make heads or tails of it.
- Charlene C.Answer: The proof of the pudding, it is said, is in the eating. In other words, performance - not looks or promise - is the true test of anything. A pudding may look wonderful, but if it doesn't taste good then it's no good.
Meanwhile, another puzzled reader has checked in. Keep reading.
Sir: I'll submit this little jewel to you for an explanation of what it means: "I don't understand all I know about it." My wife says the expression is fully understandable and she doesn't know where my confusion lies.
- Al C.
Answer: She's right. That is a pleasantry, and it doesn't literally mean anything at all. The person who uses it is saying, in effect, "Even though that's been explained to me, I still don't get it." So after this explanation, if you still don't understand, just say you don't understand all you know about it.
Sir: Here's what works for me in deciding whether to use lie or lay: Lay - pLAce. Lie - recLIne.
It might not cover all possibilities, but it hasn't let me down yet.
- Susan M.
Answer: If it works, that's fine. Lay it down and let it lie there.
Sir: You have completely ignored my request of several months ago as to why the word "got" is used after had, has or have. It is superfluous. Please explain.
- Glenn M.
Answer: I suppose the best answer is that I haven't got to answer a question just because you asked it, especially if I have gotten and answered it before. At any rate, "have got" has been used for hundreds of years, so many people must not feel it's superfluous. When "got" is used after had, has or have, it can have a variety of meanings, which have been discussed here already.
WRY QUERY of the Week, put by Linnea B.:
"I read this advice in a magazine: `Use a plastic child's sled to drag behind you when weeding flower beds.' Where can one find a plastic child?"