Talk:fall pregnant

How words fall pregnant with the possibility of being twisted

What meaning of pregnant is used in the link in the usage note? How words fall pregnant with the possibility of being twisted --Backinstadiums (talk) 20:30, 22 October 2019 (UTC)

It's fairly obvious (IMO?) metaphorical use. Normal pregnancy is where you create something (a child): see the figurative senses at pregnant, e.g. "having numerous possibilities or implications; full of promise". So these words develop a potential, or form or create an opportunity, to be twisted. Equinox ◑ 19:35, 27 October 2019 (UTC)

(By all means add a figurative sense if you want!) Equinox ◑ 19:48, 27 October 2019 (UTC)

Etymology scriptorium convo

• Wiktionary:Etymology scriptorium/2020/December § fall pregnant. PUC – 18:19, 2 January 2021 (UTC)