Learn English – “No strings attached”: scope, verb to introduce

expressionsfigurative-languagephrase-meaning

This is about the expression no strings attached from the plural of string:

  1. strings [plural] : requirements that are connected with something : things that you have to do, give, etc., if you accept something
    (such as a gift or an offer)

    • She won't accept the gift if there are strings. [=if she is expected to do something in return for it]
    • They offered her the job with no strings attached. [=with no conditions]
    • He's generous, but there are always strings attached. [=he always expects something in return for what he gives to people]

[ Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary – string ]

  1. Is using strings without attached just a short form or is there
    a difference in the meaning? In the first example could either be used?

  2. Is there a (more?) figurative sense whereby you could apply
    this to ideas or can it only be about people owing something, and
    control :

    There is idea A, and there is idea B; the latter has no strings
    attached to the former.

    Would that mean anything; would you rather use "(not)
    connected/there is no connection    " instead? Something else?

  3. If someone is not a party to a transaction but is reporting on it,
    would that person say of an offer or deal between the parties that
    it comes with or has no strings attached? Is it just the focus
    on the offer being made vs. its characteristics or is there
    something else I'm not getting here?

Best Answer

  1. I've never seen the expression without attached. But it's certainly intelligible, and I sort of like it: it lets you say strings with considerably more emphasis and foreboding.

    She's taken the job and she's happy; but I'm afraid there will be (ominous whisper) strings.

  2. The expression is basically metaphorical; the image evoked is that of a marionette manipulated by some agent for his own purposes. I would suggest that you not use it of control exerted by an entity such as an idea to which you cannot attribute agency.

    In any case, the strings are "attached" only to the gift or favor bestowed, and thus indirectly to the recipient; the manipulator is not attached to the gift but employs it as an instrument.

  3. I'm not quite clear on what you're asking here, but certainly the observation that strings are attached can be made by anybody, not just the parties involved.

Related Topic