Значение слова "М209" найдено в 1 источнике

М209

найдено в "Большом русско-английском фразеологическом словаре"
HE МОГУ ЗНАТЬ obs, now humor (sentInvarfixed WO
(a respectful negative reply) I cannot answer because I do not know the answer
that I wouldn't know (, sir)
I wouldn't (don't) know, sir(in limited contexts) that I daren't judge (, sir).
"...Я его (щенка) вычёсывал». - «А отчего же блохи?» — «Не могу знать» (Гоголь 3). "I did comb him (the puppy) out, sir." "Why does he have fleas then?" "I wouldn't know, sir" (3c).
«Что это значит? - закричал я в бешенстве. - Да разве он с ума сошел?» - «Не могу знать, ваше благородие», - отвечал вахмистр (Пушкин 2). "What does this mean?" I shouted in a rage. "Has he lost his mind?" "That I daren't judge, Your Honour," answered the sergeant... (2a).
Formerly used in the military as the negative reply of a subordinate to an officer of higher rank.


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