Search from various English teachers...
rumpumpum
what is the meaning of "for one's own good"?
In Breaking Bad
1.
Ever been on a plane and find yourself looking down at the armrest next to you,
looking at the little plug where the ashtray used to go?
I look at that and I say, "What the hell happened to this country?"
Nanny state.
What does it mean "little plug where the ashtray used to go" in this context?
2.
I see a kid with a bicycle helmet on,
I wanna smack the shit out of him.
Like, for his own good.
What does it mean "for his own good" in this context?
It means He wants to beat the kid to death?
Aug 26, 2013 3:58 PM
Answers · 3
In Breaking Bad
1. What does it mean "little plug where the ashtray used to go" in this context?
In the past, people were allowed to smoke on airplanes, so they had cigarette lighters in the armrests. I believe he was referring to those.
2. What does it mean "for his own good" in this context?
It means He wants to beat the kid to death?
If you do something "for someone's own good" it means that you are doing something that might be painful in the short run, but will be beneficial in the long run. Like if you pour alcohol on a wound to disinfect it. It is extremely painful, but it's for their own good because it helps clean the wound.
It definitely doesn't mean he wants to beat the kid to death. It means that he wants to get his attention. He figuratively wants to hit him because he thinks he is making a big mistake.
August 26, 2013
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
rumpumpum
Language Skills
English, Korean
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
9 likes · 7 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
12 likes · 9 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
8 likes · 2 Comments
More articles