The meaning of “I never take it for granted”
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I was recently translating a subtitle and I couldn't totally get the meaning of this sentence:
Coffee is something I drink every day; But I never take it for
granted.
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it,
or if she has no expectation from her coffee,
or something else.
Thank you
EDIT
Well since it's hard to tell the true meaning of it without more context, here's the whole dialog:
Coffee is something I drink every day. But I never take it for
granted. There’s always this moment when I’m holding the cup of
coffee. I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this
moment there that feels... sacred.
translation
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I was recently translating a subtitle and I couldn't totally get the meaning of this sentence:
Coffee is something I drink every day; But I never take it for
granted.
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it,
or if she has no expectation from her coffee,
or something else.
Thank you
EDIT
Well since it's hard to tell the true meaning of it without more context, here's the whole dialog:
Coffee is something I drink every day. But I never take it for
granted. There’s always this moment when I’m holding the cup of
coffee. I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this
moment there that feels... sacred.
translation
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
5
"Granted" means "given", so she's saying she doesn't look upon her daily coffee "as a given". She appreciates that she has the privilege/luxury of drinking it, each time she does. She doesn't just assume coffee is provided each day, as she might assume the sun will rise every day (because that's a given). Huh, this is a surprisingly difficult concept to articulate, even though it seems (on its face) so simple.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 20:56
2
@DanBron, spot on. 1 attaboy
– Bob
May 6 '15 at 21:19
1
@Dan: From our vantage point, it's a matter of opinion exactly what the speaker meant. Perhaps she's not thinking about uncertainty of supply at all - perhaps she just thinks drinking coffee is such a good experience it should always be savoured, so she wouldn't casually down a cup while concentrating on something else. Like a oenophile would disapprove of swigging Chateau Lafite from the bottle at a baseball game (taking it for granted, treating it carelessly).
– FumbleFingers
May 6 '15 at 23:07
1
@FumbleFingers Yes, that's what I meant (but has a hard time explaining): that she treats every cup as a special treat; and everyone knows you shouldn't have any expectation of receiving special treats, because (a) you'll often be disappointed and (b) if you're not disappointed, you sure are ungrateful.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 23:36
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I was recently translating a subtitle and I couldn't totally get the meaning of this sentence:
Coffee is something I drink every day; But I never take it for
granted.
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it,
or if she has no expectation from her coffee,
or something else.
Thank you
EDIT
Well since it's hard to tell the true meaning of it without more context, here's the whole dialog:
Coffee is something I drink every day. But I never take it for
granted. There’s always this moment when I’m holding the cup of
coffee. I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this
moment there that feels... sacred.
translation
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
I was recently translating a subtitle and I couldn't totally get the meaning of this sentence:
Coffee is something I drink every day; But I never take it for
granted.
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it,
or if she has no expectation from her coffee,
or something else.
Thank you
EDIT
Well since it's hard to tell the true meaning of it without more context, here's the whole dialog:
Coffee is something I drink every day. But I never take it for
granted. There’s always this moment when I’m holding the cup of
coffee. I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this
moment there that feels... sacred.
translation
translation
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
edited May 7 '15 at 9:31
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
asked May 6 '15 at 20:52
Farzan Balkani
11816
11816
5
"Granted" means "given", so she's saying she doesn't look upon her daily coffee "as a given". She appreciates that she has the privilege/luxury of drinking it, each time she does. She doesn't just assume coffee is provided each day, as she might assume the sun will rise every day (because that's a given). Huh, this is a surprisingly difficult concept to articulate, even though it seems (on its face) so simple.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 20:56
2
@DanBron, spot on. 1 attaboy
– Bob
May 6 '15 at 21:19
1
@Dan: From our vantage point, it's a matter of opinion exactly what the speaker meant. Perhaps she's not thinking about uncertainty of supply at all - perhaps she just thinks drinking coffee is such a good experience it should always be savoured, so she wouldn't casually down a cup while concentrating on something else. Like a oenophile would disapprove of swigging Chateau Lafite from the bottle at a baseball game (taking it for granted, treating it carelessly).
– FumbleFingers
May 6 '15 at 23:07
1
@FumbleFingers Yes, that's what I meant (but has a hard time explaining): that she treats every cup as a special treat; and everyone knows you shouldn't have any expectation of receiving special treats, because (a) you'll often be disappointed and (b) if you're not disappointed, you sure are ungrateful.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 23:36
add a comment |
5
"Granted" means "given", so she's saying she doesn't look upon her daily coffee "as a given". She appreciates that she has the privilege/luxury of drinking it, each time she does. She doesn't just assume coffee is provided each day, as she might assume the sun will rise every day (because that's a given). Huh, this is a surprisingly difficult concept to articulate, even though it seems (on its face) so simple.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 20:56
2
@DanBron, spot on. 1 attaboy
– Bob
May 6 '15 at 21:19
1
@Dan: From our vantage point, it's a matter of opinion exactly what the speaker meant. Perhaps she's not thinking about uncertainty of supply at all - perhaps she just thinks drinking coffee is such a good experience it should always be savoured, so she wouldn't casually down a cup while concentrating on something else. Like a oenophile would disapprove of swigging Chateau Lafite from the bottle at a baseball game (taking it for granted, treating it carelessly).
– FumbleFingers
May 6 '15 at 23:07
1
@FumbleFingers Yes, that's what I meant (but has a hard time explaining): that she treats every cup as a special treat; and everyone knows you shouldn't have any expectation of receiving special treats, because (a) you'll often be disappointed and (b) if you're not disappointed, you sure are ungrateful.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 23:36
5
5
"Granted" means "given", so she's saying she doesn't look upon her daily coffee "as a given". She appreciates that she has the privilege/luxury of drinking it, each time she does. She doesn't just assume coffee is provided each day, as she might assume the sun will rise every day (because that's a given). Huh, this is a surprisingly difficult concept to articulate, even though it seems (on its face) so simple.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 20:56
"Granted" means "given", so she's saying she doesn't look upon her daily coffee "as a given". She appreciates that she has the privilege/luxury of drinking it, each time she does. She doesn't just assume coffee is provided each day, as she might assume the sun will rise every day (because that's a given). Huh, this is a surprisingly difficult concept to articulate, even though it seems (on its face) so simple.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 20:56
2
2
@DanBron, spot on. 1 attaboy
– Bob
May 6 '15 at 21:19
@DanBron, spot on. 1 attaboy
– Bob
May 6 '15 at 21:19
1
1
@Dan: From our vantage point, it's a matter of opinion exactly what the speaker meant. Perhaps she's not thinking about uncertainty of supply at all - perhaps she just thinks drinking coffee is such a good experience it should always be savoured, so she wouldn't casually down a cup while concentrating on something else. Like a oenophile would disapprove of swigging Chateau Lafite from the bottle at a baseball game (taking it for granted, treating it carelessly).
– FumbleFingers
May 6 '15 at 23:07
@Dan: From our vantage point, it's a matter of opinion exactly what the speaker meant. Perhaps she's not thinking about uncertainty of supply at all - perhaps she just thinks drinking coffee is such a good experience it should always be savoured, so she wouldn't casually down a cup while concentrating on something else. Like a oenophile would disapprove of swigging Chateau Lafite from the bottle at a baseball game (taking it for granted, treating it carelessly).
– FumbleFingers
May 6 '15 at 23:07
1
1
@FumbleFingers Yes, that's what I meant (but has a hard time explaining): that she treats every cup as a special treat; and everyone knows you shouldn't have any expectation of receiving special treats, because (a) you'll often be disappointed and (b) if you're not disappointed, you sure are ungrateful.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 23:36
@FumbleFingers Yes, that's what I meant (but has a hard time explaining): that she treats every cup as a special treat; and everyone knows you shouldn't have any expectation of receiving special treats, because (a) you'll often be disappointed and (b) if you're not disappointed, you sure are ungrateful.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 23:36
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it, or if she has no expectation from her coffee, or something else.
Without more context it is impossible to know for sure. Strictly, the sentence would be interpreted that she does not take for granted the supply of coffee every day, however that would be somewhat unusual - how hard is it to find a cup of coffee? Not very. That's why the context is important - maybe she is living in a war zone or in uncertain economic times where the available of a mere cup of coffee may be under threat.
More likely she is referring to the effect drinking coffee has - for many people it is an essential part of the morning ritual, they simply cannot function without it. So she might be saying she values her morning cup of coffee, and does not take for granted the special effect it has on her day.
Why is this even worth commenting on? Because when you take something for granted it becomes ordinary and ceases to be special or unique - so saying "I don't take X for granted" is really a euphemism for saying how much you value X and how special X is to you - even if the "supply" of X is never really in question or doubt.
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
2
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I don't think it is the coffee itself, it is what the coffee symbolizes -- her normal life. She is grateful for her life as it is, and realizes -- maybe only unconsciously -- that it could all go to hell in an instant. (I thought opinions were verboten here; but everybody else's post on this one was an opinion.)
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Take sb/smt for granted means we don't value a thing or person and we except them in life e.g.,if there is no draught but full of water ,we unknowingly dont know the value of water.A employee works hours without being asked,normally we don't value him,because we we expect he will do.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it, or if she has no expectation from her coffee, or something else.
Without more context it is impossible to know for sure. Strictly, the sentence would be interpreted that she does not take for granted the supply of coffee every day, however that would be somewhat unusual - how hard is it to find a cup of coffee? Not very. That's why the context is important - maybe she is living in a war zone or in uncertain economic times where the available of a mere cup of coffee may be under threat.
More likely she is referring to the effect drinking coffee has - for many people it is an essential part of the morning ritual, they simply cannot function without it. So she might be saying she values her morning cup of coffee, and does not take for granted the special effect it has on her day.
Why is this even worth commenting on? Because when you take something for granted it becomes ordinary and ceases to be special or unique - so saying "I don't take X for granted" is really a euphemism for saying how much you value X and how special X is to you - even if the "supply" of X is never really in question or doubt.
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
2
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it, or if she has no expectation from her coffee, or something else.
Without more context it is impossible to know for sure. Strictly, the sentence would be interpreted that she does not take for granted the supply of coffee every day, however that would be somewhat unusual - how hard is it to find a cup of coffee? Not very. That's why the context is important - maybe she is living in a war zone or in uncertain economic times where the available of a mere cup of coffee may be under threat.
More likely she is referring to the effect drinking coffee has - for many people it is an essential part of the morning ritual, they simply cannot function without it. So she might be saying she values her morning cup of coffee, and does not take for granted the special effect it has on her day.
Why is this even worth commenting on? Because when you take something for granted it becomes ordinary and ceases to be special or unique - so saying "I don't take X for granted" is really a euphemism for saying how much you value X and how special X is to you - even if the "supply" of X is never really in question or doubt.
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
2
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it, or if she has no expectation from her coffee, or something else.
Without more context it is impossible to know for sure. Strictly, the sentence would be interpreted that she does not take for granted the supply of coffee every day, however that would be somewhat unusual - how hard is it to find a cup of coffee? Not very. That's why the context is important - maybe she is living in a war zone or in uncertain economic times where the available of a mere cup of coffee may be under threat.
More likely she is referring to the effect drinking coffee has - for many people it is an essential part of the morning ritual, they simply cannot function without it. So she might be saying she values her morning cup of coffee, and does not take for granted the special effect it has on her day.
Why is this even worth commenting on? Because when you take something for granted it becomes ordinary and ceases to be special or unique - so saying "I don't take X for granted" is really a euphemism for saying how much you value X and how special X is to you - even if the "supply" of X is never really in question or doubt.
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
I'm not sure if she's talking about not knowing the value of it, or if she has no expectation from her coffee, or something else.
Without more context it is impossible to know for sure. Strictly, the sentence would be interpreted that she does not take for granted the supply of coffee every day, however that would be somewhat unusual - how hard is it to find a cup of coffee? Not very. That's why the context is important - maybe she is living in a war zone or in uncertain economic times where the available of a mere cup of coffee may be under threat.
More likely she is referring to the effect drinking coffee has - for many people it is an essential part of the morning ritual, they simply cannot function without it. So she might be saying she values her morning cup of coffee, and does not take for granted the special effect it has on her day.
Why is this even worth commenting on? Because when you take something for granted it becomes ordinary and ceases to be special or unique - so saying "I don't take X for granted" is really a euphemism for saying how much you value X and how special X is to you - even if the "supply" of X is never really in question or doubt.
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
edited May 9 '15 at 9:27
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
answered May 7 '15 at 2:55
aaa90210
2,167616
2,167616
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
2
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
add a comment |
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
2
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
I've added her complete dialog; if you could take a look
– Farzan Balkani
May 8 '15 at 10:27
2
2
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
@FarzanBalkani "I’m, like, grateful for it... and then there’s just this moment there that feels... sacred." Yes, she is saying how special it is to her. Saying "I dont take it for granted" is a way of saying it is special to her, not ordinary. I don't think this is a particularly common euphemism though - it is usually used towards people, as in "My wife is such a good mother and cook, but I don't take her for granted". This means not only is the wife "special", but he also realizes he needs to treat her well to keep her - otherwise she may be gone.
– aaa90210
May 8 '15 at 10:38
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I don't think it is the coffee itself, it is what the coffee symbolizes -- her normal life. She is grateful for her life as it is, and realizes -- maybe only unconsciously -- that it could all go to hell in an instant. (I thought opinions were verboten here; but everybody else's post on this one was an opinion.)
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
I don't think it is the coffee itself, it is what the coffee symbolizes -- her normal life. She is grateful for her life as it is, and realizes -- maybe only unconsciously -- that it could all go to hell in an instant. (I thought opinions were verboten here; but everybody else's post on this one was an opinion.)
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I don't think it is the coffee itself, it is what the coffee symbolizes -- her normal life. She is grateful for her life as it is, and realizes -- maybe only unconsciously -- that it could all go to hell in an instant. (I thought opinions were verboten here; but everybody else's post on this one was an opinion.)
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
I don't think it is the coffee itself, it is what the coffee symbolizes -- her normal life. She is grateful for her life as it is, and realizes -- maybe only unconsciously -- that it could all go to hell in an instant. (I thought opinions were verboten here; but everybody else's post on this one was an opinion.)
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
answered May 9 '15 at 21:53
ab2
23.2k85993
23.2k85993
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Take sb/smt for granted means we don't value a thing or person and we except them in life e.g.,if there is no draught but full of water ,we unknowingly dont know the value of water.A employee works hours without being asked,normally we don't value him,because we we expect he will do.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Take sb/smt for granted means we don't value a thing or person and we except them in life e.g.,if there is no draught but full of water ,we unknowingly dont know the value of water.A employee works hours without being asked,normally we don't value him,because we we expect he will do.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Take sb/smt for granted means we don't value a thing or person and we except them in life e.g.,if there is no draught but full of water ,we unknowingly dont know the value of water.A employee works hours without being asked,normally we don't value him,because we we expect he will do.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Take sb/smt for granted means we don't value a thing or person and we except them in life e.g.,if there is no draught but full of water ,we unknowingly dont know the value of water.A employee works hours without being asked,normally we don't value him,because we we expect he will do.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
answered 20 mins ago
Sufyan Hamza
1
1
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Sufyan Hamza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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"Granted" means "given", so she's saying she doesn't look upon her daily coffee "as a given". She appreciates that she has the privilege/luxury of drinking it, each time she does. She doesn't just assume coffee is provided each day, as she might assume the sun will rise every day (because that's a given). Huh, this is a surprisingly difficult concept to articulate, even though it seems (on its face) so simple.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 20:56
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@DanBron, spot on. 1 attaboy
– Bob
May 6 '15 at 21:19
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@Dan: From our vantage point, it's a matter of opinion exactly what the speaker meant. Perhaps she's not thinking about uncertainty of supply at all - perhaps she just thinks drinking coffee is such a good experience it should always be savoured, so she wouldn't casually down a cup while concentrating on something else. Like a oenophile would disapprove of swigging Chateau Lafite from the bottle at a baseball game (taking it for granted, treating it carelessly).
– FumbleFingers
May 6 '15 at 23:07
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@FumbleFingers Yes, that's what I meant (but has a hard time explaining): that she treats every cup as a special treat; and everyone knows you shouldn't have any expectation of receiving special treats, because (a) you'll often be disappointed and (b) if you're not disappointed, you sure are ungrateful.
– Dan Bron
May 6 '15 at 23:36