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Thread: What does "up to not good" mean?

  1. #1
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    What does "up to not good" mean?

    This is painted on a child's T-shirt.

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    "Up to no good"

    Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.

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    Quote Originally Posted by scotcher
    "Up to no good"

    Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.
    Я примерно так и понял, что это маечка для шалунов. "До добра не доведу"

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    Завсегдатай Ramil's Avatar
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    От меня ничего хорошего не жди (если про надпись на майке)
    Send me a PM if you need me.

  5. #5
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    I've always thought it was the construction similar to "I'm up to do it", as in "I'll gladly do it", hence "up to no good"="I gladly do bad things"?
    just a thought.

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    Quote Originally Posted by kamka
    I've always thought it was the construction similar to "I'm up to do it", as in "I'll gladly do it", hence "up to no good"="I gladly do bad things"?
    just a thought.
    You could think that, but you would be wrong

    scotcher is correct. This phrase is sometimes used as a joke or in a light way. It can also be used about someone who is planning something bad or mischievous.

    Normal use: you see two guys discussing something quietly and looking around to see if anyone is listening. You say, "I bet those two are up to no good."

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    Moderator Lampada's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by paulb
    Normal use: you see two guys discussing something quietly and looking around to see if anyone is listening. You say, "I bet those two are up to no good."
    Эти двое определённо что-то замышляют.
    "...Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. ..." - MasterАdmin (из переписки)



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    Quote Originally Posted by scotcher
    "Up to no good"

    Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.
    I was under the impression that "up to no good" means that he seems to be planning something bad or evil.
    "С чий очи сънувам, чий е този лик обречен?
    Смъртен глас ми се причува и отеква с вик далечен
    Как да зърна да погледна, чуждий образ да прегърна,
    на лицето ми студено грях в надежда да превърна.."

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    Quote Originally Posted by Yazeed
    Quote Originally Posted by scotcher
    "Up to no good"

    Behaving badly or in a mischievous way, or doing something that is prohibited in some way.
    I was under the impression that "up to no good" means that he seems to be planning something bad or evil.
    It can be either planning or doing.

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