Guest guest Posted January 31, 2006 Report Share Posted January 31, 2006 >"...descriptions of the amorous pastimes of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna >bandied about like cheap market gossip." > >Is the word "about" in the above necessary or preferable? It's not required, but to my ear it sounds more natural. Merriam-Webster says for "bandy": d : to use in a glib or offhand manner — often used with about *bandy these statistics about with considerable bravado — Richard Pollak* The OED says: 4. To toss or pass from one to another, in a circle or group; to toss about. . . . b. (Often emphasized by about.) 1597 Drayton Mortimer. 17 But fortune. . . straight begins to bandy him about. 1748 Anson Voy. ii. ii. 130 Thus was this unhappy vessel bandied about within a few leagues of her intended harbour. 1847 Barham Ingol. Leg. (1877) 234 Bandied about thus from pillar to post. 1872 Black Adv. Phaeton xxxi. 416 Sharp words were being bandied about. 1885 Sir J. Pearson Law Times Rep. LII. (N.S.) 183/1 Suitors being bandied about from one court to another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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