JOSEPH
The expression of "Tell that to the marines!" I know it simply means "I don't believe you!" It sounds interesting, so I want to know more than just knowing the meaning. "Marine" here refers to sailors and soldiers, I guess. So what's wrong with these sailors? Why people think are so unreliable? Is there a story behind the expression? Thank you! Looking forward to your reply.
2010년 4월 21일 오전 1:09
답변 · 5
1
Tell to someone who will believe you. -Your story is not logical, only the stupid people will believe you. It has been the old saying that the marines are stupid people. The smarter people will placed in the Air Force.
2010년 4월 21일
The expression has an entirely different connotation in America. The original English expression definitely expressed a negative view of the marines. The full quote is "You may tell that to the marines, but the sailors won't believe it." In America, however, the Marines have always been considered an elite group. They are historically the first fighting force sent into batte. In WWI the expression -Tell that to the marines!- was used in recruiting posters. The idea behind the expression in America is this: If you have a complaint, a problem, or you make a threat, you are invited to "tell that to the Marines" because they will do something about it. After the Japanese followed up their successful attack on Pear Harbor in 1941 with threats and insults. President Roosevelt responded in a radio address by saying, -Let them repeat that now! Let them tell that to General MacArthur and his men. Let them tell that to the sailors who today are hitting hard in the far waters of the Pacific. Let them tell that to the boys in the Flying Fortresses. Let them tell that to the Marines! - It has been turned around to say something positive about the Marines.
2010년 4월 23일
It is an informal expression meaning 'I don't believe you (maybe the marines will)'. The phrase 'tell it to the marines' originated in Britain and the word 'marines' refers to 'the Royal Marines'. Unlike the sailors, the marines were considered inexperienced.They were also naive enough to believe ridiculous tales, but sailors weren't.
2010년 4월 21일
hes being sarcastic about what u just said XD
2010년 4월 21일
"Tell your story to someone who will believe you!" The explanation is a bit complex and apparently goes back a couple of centuries. It suggests that marines (in this case, soldiers serving on board ships and therefore not as experienced as sailors) are naive and would believe anything told to them. Here's a lengthier explanation from a useful site: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/tell-it-to-the-marines.html
2010년 4월 21일
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