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What does the chops mean in this? In The Maze Runner, 2014 film, Newt says to Tomas, "That was some dash you made earlier. For a second, I thought you had the chops to be a runner till you face-planted." What does the chops mean in this? Above all, does that sentence sound natural?
Aug 17, 2015 6:25 AM
Answers · 7
2
All informal slangy words. "Chops" are your mouth or jaws. "Busting your chops" is an Americanism meaning "exerting yourself", "doing your utmost best". Here "chops" are likely to mean "resilience" or "ability", "power". In normal English, that part if the dialogue means: "You ran impressively fast. I thought for a moment you had what it took to be a runner, until you fell." My advice to you: learn normal English. Use teaching material compiled by qualified education professionals. Forget about learning from this kind of film. It will ruin your English.
August 17, 2015
1
Chops often refer to a skill. It's all based on context. If you're in a marathon that it's obvious running is the skill. If you are on the X Factor, then singing well is the skill
August 21, 2015
1
Chops can also mean technical skills, for example in music.
August 17, 2015
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