Life is hard
[XEROX PARC] This phrase has two possible interpretations: (1) “While your suggestion may have some merit, I will behave as though I hadn’t heard it.” (2) “While your suggestion has obvious merit, equally obvious circumstances prevent it from being seriously considered.” The charm of the phrase lies precisely in this subtle but important ambiguity.
[Jargon File]
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- Life-interest
noun 1. interest on property that is payable during the owner’s lifetime but cannot be passed on to another or others after his or her death. noun 1. interest (esp from property) that is payable to a person during his life but ceases with his death
- Life is too short
Do not waste time on unimportant matters or unworthy emotions, such as anger or anxiety. For example, I could get my revenge by snubbing Tom, but life’s too short, or Don’t spend all day waiting for his call—life is too short. This phrase, possibly echoing the ancient Latin proverb, Ars longa, vita brevis (“Art is […]
- Lifejacket
noun A condom: take a lifejacket to the prom
- Life-jacket
noun 1. a sleeveless jacket of buoyant or inflatable construction, for supporting the wearer in deep water and preventing drowning. noun 1. an inflatable sleeveless jacket worn to keep a person afloat when in danger of drowning
- Lifeless
[lahyf-lis] /ˈlaɪf lɪs/ adjective 1. not endowed with life; having no life; inanimate: lifeless matter. 2. destitute of living things: a lifeless planet. 3. deprived of life; dead: a battlefield strewn with lifeless bodies. 4. without animation, liveliness, or spirit; dull; colorless; torpid: a lifeless performance of a play. 5. insensible, as a person who […]