[xbl]

I dont think of the hand, I think of the position. So take the number 4. Imagine it as a person, facing in a clockwise direction...when the hand is approaching 4, it is nearing the back of 4, hence what the expression SHOULD be, back of 4.

Once the hand has passed the number, then the number can see it, and it is in front of it.

[The Old Northerner]

Quote

I dont think of the hand, I think of the position. So take the number 4. Imagine it as a person, facing in a clockwise direction...when the hand is approaching 4, it is nearing the back of 4, hence what the expression SHOULD be, back of 4.

Once the hand has passed the number, then the number can see it, and it is in front of it.

What if you're using a sundial?

[Colin M]

Reina, on Feb 5 2008, 10:44, said:

It means just after 6 (up to about 6:15).

This smart lady speaks the truth.

[xbl]

Replicant, on Feb 5 2008, 12:06, said:

What if you're using a sundial?

Maybe Im being whooshed, but do sundials work differently? I thought they also rotated clockwise?

[StewartyMac]

It's clearly just after, and here's why.

Once you reach 6 o'clock, that is the 6th hour of the day finished. The time between 5:01 and 6:00 is the sixth hour.

Therefore, the back of 6 is a short while after the 6th hour has finished.

It's basically saying the 6th hour has passed, and you're now a bit behind....behind = back.

Imagine you're in a race, and you're a bit behind the front runner, you'd be at the back of the leader.

So simple, really.

[Kincardine]

xb@sslichtie, on Feb 5 2008, 11:53, said:

I dont think of the hand, I think of the position. So take the number 4. Imagine it as a person, facing in a clockwise direction...when the hand is approaching 4, it is nearing the back of 4, hence what the expression SHOULD be, back of 4.

Once the hand has passed the number, then the number can see it, and it is in front of it.

Imagine it as a person facing the other way. Problem solved B)

[LiviClyde]

Any time between 6 and 6.30! Fact!

I'm old so I know these things!

[dave258]

xb@sslichtie, on Feb 5 2008, 11:30, said:

I despise the expression.

'Back of' SHOULD mean just before. If I said the back of 6, then I would mean 5:45 or so. But its a silly, silly expression.

Mate, if you were picking me up at the back of 6 and turned up at 5.45, you'd be sitting waiting in the car for another half hour while I got out my scratcher, had breakfast etc.

It means just after 6, as the poll suggests.


Also, LOL at 'mong' in the poll, haven't used that in a while.

[xbl]

dave258, on Feb 5 2008, 16:01, said:

Mate, if you were picking me up at the back of 6 and turned up at 5.45, you'd be sitting waiting in the car for another half hour while I got out my scratcher, had breakfast etc.

Its a good job I dont make a habit of picking up strange men in my car at the back of 6 in the morning then really!

[Captain Emerald]

If I say the back of six it can be anywhere between 6:10 and 6:50

[Russ]

I've always thought the back of 6 for example ment just before 7 - anytime between 6:40 and 6:59.

Despite all the arguments for it being just after 6 I still can't see why it means that. It should be the back of 6 just before 7.

[dave258]

xb@sslichtie, on Feb 5 2008, 16:03, said:

Its a good job I dont make a habit of picking up strange men in my car at the back of 6 in the morning then really!

Aye, that's when you're normally dropping them off home rather than picking them up, eh, just before day break

[FilthyMack]

One that's always got me is when people say that they love, do they mean the back of looo-ooo-ooo-oove?

Mon the Bunnymen.