TRADUguide - Your Guide to Translators and Translation Agencies

150 months ago

Barbara Cochran (a guest user) asked this question:

This question has already been answered and rated. Therefore, no new answers can be given.

150 months ago

   wrote:

[I've already] covered my back

My comment:

I also came across "to safeguard oneself" (Collins), and "play it safe" on the wordreference forum. The idea is that the narrator has done something to protect himself in the event of something negative happening in relation to "quella gente".

Comments by other colleagues on this answer:

150 months ago

   wrote:

Yes, you've understood the gist of it. After I entered the question, I found a discussion of the phrase on wordreference.com. I have opted for the more colorful "I've managed to cover my ass". Thanks.

The asker rated this answer best

150 months ago

Amanda Haste PhD, DipTrans(IoLET), MCIL, CL   wrote:

I pulled him up/stopped him short

My comment:

These are more colloquial terms, but of course it depends on your register...

150 months ago

Josephine Cassar   wrote:

I forestalled him

My comment:

like anticipating, nut more used in the sense you want: I did not give him the chance to etc...

150 months ago

Josephine Cassar   wrote:

I forestalled him

My comment:

like anticipating, nut more used in the sense you want: I did not give him the chance to etc...

150 months ago

Giorgio Vellani   wrote:

I prevented/anticipated it.

My comment:

"mettere le mani avanti" = prevent / anticipate something.....