120. It is somewhat singular, that while tie and untie convey meanings directly opposite, loose and unloose signify precisely the same thing. Loose is the original word, and unloose is a corruption; both words, however, are now sanctioned by good usage, and may be indiscriminately employed, without offence against propriety.
121. “It is dangerous to walk of a slippery morning:” say, on a slippery morning. But the expression, “walking on a slippery morning,” and all others like it, of which a strictly literal interpretation will not give the designed signification, are to be avoided. They often excite a smile when seriousness is intended.
122. “He who makes himself famous by his eloquence, makes illustrious his origin, let it be never so mean:” say, ever so mean. The practice of using never in such phrases was anciently in vogue, but is now becoming obsolete. (See Introduction.)
123. “His reputation is acknowledged through Europe:” say, throughout Europe.
124. “The bank of the river is frequently overflown:” say, overflowed. Flown is the perfect participle of fly, flying; flowed, of flow, flowing.
125. “I doubt if this will ever reach you:” say, whether this, &c.
126. “It is not improbable but I may be able to procure you a copy:” say, that I may, &c.
127. “He was exceeding kind to me:” say, exceedingly kind.
128. “I doubt not but I shall be able:” say, that I shall.
129. “I lost near twenty pounds:” say, nearly, or almost.