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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 7/17/2017 6:52 AM, Marlou wrote:<br>
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cite="mid:mailman.1435.1500288728.1585.lowlands-l@listserv.linguistlist.org">
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<p>Thanks a lot, dear Edwin Alexander! So the list is alive at any
rate! I didn't know the American football thing. </p>
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It has achieved a metaphorical use as well. American and Canadian
Football differ in a few somewhat minor aspects such as number of
players, size of field, and number of "downs". A team must advance
at least 10 yards in 4 (Am) or 3 (Can) "downs" or hand the ball over
to the opposition. There is the option of "punting" on the 4/3rd
down if a team is unlikely to make up the remaining yardage on the
last opportunity. In business, for example, if one is too far apart
in a negotiation, it may be time to "punt." I'm not sure I got that
example quite right, but that's the idea.<br>
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Thank you Marlou for reviving the list! I guess it's like<u> Dawn
of the Living Dead</u>: just when you think it's been killed, it
comes back to eat your brain.<br>
<br>
Edwin Alexander, Recipient of the prestigious Golden Squirrel Award.<br>
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