what does "The game is afoot" actually mean?
it might sound like a very stupid question. but i am not from an English-speaking country. so...
what does "The game is afoot" actually mean?
it might sound like a very stupid question. but i am not from an English-speaking country. so...
Hi holmesian. I've heard or read this many times, but I've never sought out a definition. It has always meant to be that 'the game is just getting interesting'. We do however have a thread that might be able to answer this for you.
http://www.online-literature.com/for...3&page=1&pp=15
I've quoted the question there for you, and asked for an answer on this thread.
Last edited by B-Mental; 10-31-2005 at 02:34 AM.
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I've heard (although never checked myself) that 'The game's afoot' is never actually used by Holmes in any of the books.
Perhaps it comes from Henry V - I think after the speech outside Hartfluer.
i don't think so.Originally Posted by Zippy
well missed this
anyway I belive its a hunting expression the game is a foot is when the game/ quarry/ prey is on the run or you are closing in...
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I think it means that "the game has started" refering to a predator/prey scenario.
It is reference to hunting, 'The game is afoot' means 'the chase is on' Holmes did use it once although I am not sure of the exact book.
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Afoot can be an adverb or an adjective. It is also used literally & figuratively. It is descended from the Middle English afote & means ON (& Dative of) FOOT.