Hi,
There is an English phrase I have been wondering about for years! It seems to mean two completely opposite things depending on the situation. The phrase is: "all but".
If you say: "My car is all but paid for", it means that it has been paid for in full. However, if you say: "I bought all but five apples", it means that I left five apples in the basket and bought the rest of them.
Is there anything I've missed in my interpretation? If not, is this one of the many inconsistencies of the English language? Can anyone explain the roots of the expression?
I am Swedish by birth and Swedish is my first language (if that information can be of any help to you).
Appreciate any comments.
There is an English phrase I have been wondering about for years! It seems to mean two completely opposite things depending on the situation. The phrase is: "all but".
If you say: "My car is all but paid for", it means that it has been paid for in full. However, if you say: "I bought all but five apples", it means that I left five apples in the basket and bought the rest of them.
Is there anything I've missed in my interpretation? If not, is this one of the many inconsistencies of the English language? Can anyone explain the roots of the expression?
I am Swedish by birth and Swedish is my first language (if that information can be of any help to you).

Appreciate any comments.
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