Questions tagged [language-explanation]
A tag for questions asking "what did the author mean by this word/sentence"?
61
questions
-2
votes
1
answer
74
views
What does "she" in "she needs" refer to?
Quill had breakfast with his grand-pa, who was busy reading a
"The St. Charles Post" article:
Quill: I mean, if she needs help mowing her lawn, I'll do it, but I
kinda feel like her son ...
-5
votes
1
answer
59
views
What does "you " in "you do" refer to?
At Orgocorp, Star-Lord is speaking to Ura, who, under the threat of Gamora’s gun,
managed to acquire the 89P13 patent, which is required to save Rocket:
Star-Lord: I'm so sorry about this, Ura.
...
1
vote
1
answer
285
views
Why did Drax say, "Every single time"?
Mantis manipulates Bletelsnort’s mind, which makes Bletelsnort
flirt with Drax:
Bletelsnort: What was... What was your name again?
Drax: Drax the Destroyer.
Bletelsnort: That is such a lovely name. I'...
1
vote
1
answer
79
views
Why did High Evolutionary say, "Toodle-oo"?
Adam Warlock fails to catch Rocket, which disappoints the High Evolutionary.
Consequently, the High Evolutionary warns the High Priestess:
High Evolutionary: Find 89P13 and return it to me, or I will ...
-2
votes
1
answer
86
views
What does "does it words" mean?
Floor meets Rocket in the cage:
Floor: Mask, eyes, face, mouth, does it words?
What does "does it words" mean?
3
votes
1
answer
564
views
What does "that" in "No one ever meant that, Drax" refer to?
Rocket suggests Mantis to make Peter happy using her powers. Groot questions, Nebula is surprised, and Mantis misunderstands Rocket’s suggestion. Rocket clarifies he meant her powers, not physical ...
5
votes
0
answers
146
views
Why does Victor Timely say "pumpkins" in this scene?
Loki Season 2, episode 6, the finale.
When Victor Timely has just completed the momentous task of "fixing" the Temporal Loom, he returns along the bridge/promontory to the TVA in triumph (13 ...
-2
votes
1
answer
186
views
What does "beach you off" mean?
Ken 1 was injured while trying to surf on a board:
Ken 2: Looks like this beach was a little too much beach for you, Ken.
Ken 1: If I wasn't severely injured, I would beach you off right now,
Ken.
...
6
votes
1
answer
618
views
What does "lethal protection" mean?
In Venom Let There Be Carnage (2021), Eddie says to Venom:
Eddie: Buddy, I'm the only person that took you in when your friends kicked you off the planet Ming-Mong, 'cause you are a reject! You are a ...
36
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Why would a ship-launching woman need to resemble a champagne bottle?
In "The Light Fantastic", rather early in the book, I was a bit surprised by the phrase
the object of desire did indeed look like a bottle of champagne
to justify claiming that the
...
9
votes
1
answer
298
views
What was Niven's fix for the problem in "Neutron Star"?
This is a follow-up to the question 'Unclear meaning of introductory blurb to "Neutron Star"', which quotes Niven writing retrospectively "As is, Schaeffer dies. See the collection ...
13
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Unclear meaning of introductory blurb to "Neutron Star"
I'm reading "Neutron Star" in the collection The Best of Larry Niven (on archive). Before the story there is a blurb:
This won my first Hugo Award, and a lot of mail. There are folk out ...
-5
votes
1
answer
251
views
What exactly is Dr Strange scared of?
In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), Dr Strange-616 says to Christine-838:
Dr Strange-616: I love you in every universe. It's not that I don't wanna care for someone or have someone ...
-1
votes
1
answer
157
views
Why does Christine-838 regret missing the dangerous Incursion?
Christine-838: What's your universe like?
Strange-616: It's very beautiful. I wish I could show you.
Christine-838: I'd really like that. But I have to go.
Strange-616: Yeah. Yeah, I know.
Christine-...
8
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Why does Agent Smith refer to himself as "a" Smith, as though there are multiple Smiths?
When Morpheus first fights Agent Smith, he calls himself "A Smith. Agent Smith"
Does this imply that there are other copies of the Smith program in different roles other than agent? Are ...