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...
"The Game is Afoot"
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.
"I am glad to learn my friend that you had not yet submitted yourself to any of the mouldy laws of Literature."
-John Muir
"My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light"
-Edna St. Vincent Millay
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...
My mission in life is to make YOU smile
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The time has come," the Walrus said,"To talk of many things:
Forum Rules- You know you want to read 'em
|Litnet Challange status = 5/260
|currently reading
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.
Populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudo ipse domi simul ac nummos contemplor in arca
There is only one thing in this world that gives me my slender grip on reality, and that's intimate relationship I share with my large collection of singing potatoes!
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.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
