作者名称 国旗国籍

天泽

EN

CN

2020.03.13 13:26

Phrase of the day: “Making the rounds”

This phrase is used to

describe a rumour or some news being circulated widely so it becomes well known.

The origin of this phrase had supposedly started with William Olser, a famous physician. He worked in a circular shaped hospital and would literally go around the building to see his patients.

Here’s an example:

Pete 🗣 “Did you see the news about the prime minister?”

Dave 🗣 “Oh yea saw it earlier, it’s making the rounds on social media”
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Comments

  • Jenny_P 2020.03.13 13:39

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    making a rounds literally mean 查房 in Chinese, that Doctors go around to check their patients
  • behappy 2020.03.13 13:44

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    Thanks for sharing.I am still confused that what correlation is between the meaning of the phrase and its origin.🌹🌹
  • 天泽 2020.03.13 13:49

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    @behappy sure, obviously with most phrases they have changed over time. Although doctors still “do the rounds” and use that phrase, it has also been taken from non-medical people over time. My understanding of it is that the doctor makes his rounds to gather information and so that info gets passed onto the nurses etc. So it’s literally about information being passed on. Hope that makes sense?
  • Jenny_P 2020.03.13 14:05

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    @天泽 It's easier to understand with your explanation, thx👍👍👍
  • behappy 2020.03.13 14:23

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    Thanks a lot🌟🌟😊
  • Huamin 2020.03.14 04:07

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    “Would literally go around the building” What does “literally” mean here?
  • 天泽 2020.03.14 19:15

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    @Huamin i was just emphasising that he walks around the building because it has a circular structure.

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