May 23, 2022 12:36
1 yr ago
41 viewers *
English term
firstborn
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firstborn
I don't care what you promise, a promotion, your firstborn, but we need Malik back here, now.
It is taken from East West 101 S02E03. Two superiors officers talking about how important to convince the undercover agent to continue the operation. Does he mean that she has to do anything to keep him even giving him her firstborn metaphorically (Although she doesn't have kids)?
Thanks in advance,
It is taken from East West 101 S02E03. Two superiors officers talking about how important to convince the undercover agent to continue the operation. Does he mean that she has to do anything to keep him even giving him her firstborn metaphorically (Although she doesn't have kids)?
Thanks in advance,
Responses
| 5 +3 | do anything it takes to get Malik back |
Ruth Hill
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| 4 +3 | Yes, even the most extreme incentive... |
Tony M
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Responses
+3
7 mins
Selected
do anything it takes to get Malik back
Yes, it's just an expression. It comes from fairytales like Rumplestiltskin, who helps a girl in return for her promising that she will give him her firstborn child when it is born (she currently does not have children). The officer is being told that she must get Malik back by whatever means necessary, whatever she has to promise him to convince him to return. No actual children are involved.
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you."
+3
7 mins
Yes, even the most extreme incentive...
... including a precious child (that of course s/he doesn't really have!)
It's a Biblical allusion: in the Old Testament, sacrificing your firstborn child was a common way to appease God
It's a Biblical allusion: in the Old Testament, sacrificing your firstborn child was a common way to appease God
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Yvonne Gallagher
7 mins
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Thanks, Yvonne!
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| neutral |
Ruth Hill
: I agree with your interpretation but I don't think this is a Biblical reference. It's the fairy tale theme of promising to give the fairy/creature your firstborn when it is born, not killing the child to appease a god.
9 mins
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Well, I'd never heard of it in a fairytale context, but I am familiar with it from ancient civilisations, which I think predates dear old Rumpel.
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| agree |
Tomasso
: Isllamic ref., Suruh Yussuf, and 37 vers 99 to 109, Isaac to atone for sins, some have argued was Ishmaeil, story well known in Isalm
13 hrs
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Thank you, Tomasso! Yes, indeed, so much of the Old Testament is common with Islamic scriptures
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| agree |
Daryo
1 day 2 hrs
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Thanks, Daryo!
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