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Joined: May 2000
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stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1 |
I've seen the phrases "said my peace", "say your peace" etc. but just recently I read "said my piece."
I always thought "peace" was correct--or maybe I should say more common--and it made sense to me. But, "piece" makes sense, also. As in, "a piece of my mind" or something like
that.
However, it seems like the context of the phrase is one where the speaker is searching for the resolution of a dispute or is at least trying to mitigate the contentious nature of their opinion so "peace" seems more appropriate even if it's odd.
Which do you think is more common in the phrase? "Peace" or "piece?" Is there an origin to the phrase that make the answer to that question clear?
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,981
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,981 |
I think its "said my piece" (in the sense of contribution)like you'd pick a piece from a newpaper or a poem. On the other hand I might "make my peace" if I'd fallen out with someone (twsum, for example).
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Joined: Apr 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
>twsum, for example there you go again... my people will be contacting yours. http://members.aol.com/tsuwm
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,981
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,981 |
twu
I was thinking of fisticuffs
but
I've seen your posting in Miscellany (re on-line dictionaries) - all is forgiven!
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
getting back on topic, the "common" phrase is to say one's piece -- this is about sense #17 of the word piece: opinion, viewpoint, mind <just about every politician has said his piece on gun control> [sense #6 of piece: a projectile weapon] http://members.aol.com/tsuwm
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4 |
I'm not sure how to respond. Would giving you a piece of my mind improve your peace of mind?
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
>I'm not sure how to respond well, I guess the appropriate response would be to expand your understanding of the word piece... you may be thinking too narrowly! : ) http://members.aol.com/tsuwm
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
I have a feeling "say your peace" comes from a false analogy to the phrase "Speak now or forever hold (keep) your peace" used in some wedding ceremonies. (wondering if we need to hire a peace-keeper around here ;-) )
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
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>I'm not sure how to respond. 'trix, I just realized you were responding to the original post and not to me (drat this non-threaded mode)! I apologize for my flippant followup in the event. http://members.aol.com/tsuwm
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Joined: Mar 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Thank goodness! I was beginning to wonder if someone was
going to try to keep the peace WITH a piece (U.S. slang
for gun).
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