Railroad, n. The chief of many mechanical devices enabling us to get away from where we are to where we are no better off. For this purpose the railroad is held in highest favor by the optimist, for it permits him to make the transit with great expedition.
2005 Update: v.t. To deliver for justice someone guilty of original sin.
n. A means for escaping from or visiting by one's past.
14 comments:
Not sure I get that one.
They may not use the expression in your country, or maybe I'd better rewrite.
"Original sin" is a good idiom for non-native speakers to learn. I'd leave it. (Tom Lehrer used the expression in "Vatican Rag" as well).
I'll take the A train
The more I think about it, this new definition is better than the original, and was just as valid then as now.
Railroad, n. A long, frequently winding sectioned vehicle path utilized by mustachioed villians as a dumping ground for unwanted damsels.
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Kate, I'm sure Bierce himself was.
Indie, that's funny I was thinking about railroad as a verb (similar metaphor as frame.) Could be U.S. usage. In deference to you, I'll leave it although I also thought of "a means for escaping those who will use the same means to come visit."
Karma, then I'll meet you in Sugar Hill.
Gabe: A perfect definition. I've been in an oaty place myself lately as you will see tomorrow.
Wow. Stumbled here through blog explosion. Laughed a lot. Thank you!
An useful negotiation tactic !
Monika, I'm delighted you were by and thank you for the nice words. Your own blog is terrific.
Sreekesh, on board or on the tracks?
A railroad is like a lie--you have to keep building to it to make it stand. - Mark Twain
The wisdom of this man is just as prudent today.
Sar, plus if you can't keep it straight someone ends up in the ditch.
Skarr, thanks for the clarification.
The conveyance of choice for those with a one-track mind.
Comfort addict, I thought you'd be Star or Lars. Really funny definition.
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