Sentence from the Abby column in the KT: "Men who cheat on their wives are not above lying to their girlfriends."
Question: Can you help me figure out "exact meaning" of the sentence?
ANSWER: The expression "above cheating" is a prepositional phrase and it means too proud or honorable to stoop to or simply too honorable to engage in. It was in use before the 12th century. When the phrase is preceded with the adverb negative function word "not," as in not above cheating, it means, of course, that they will cheat (usually means sexually unfaithful), thus, to get something with dishonesty or deception.
The phrase is used quite often, e.g. "not above taking undue credit." This means that the person is not too proud or honorable (does not have enough pride or honesty) and thus, takes or accepts recognition or acknowledgment usually for an achievement.
You might find the adjective "aboveboard" interesting, which came into print in 1648, and means free from all traces of deceit or duplicity. Therefore, men who lie do not have aboveboard reputations.
The phrase "Men who cheat on their wives are not above lying to their girlfriends," means that men who are unfaithful to their wives (a greater deed) find it much easier to lie to their girlfriends (a lesser deed). That's your answer in a nutshell. You can't always equate the two; some men cheat on their wives and do not lie. Some do not cheat on their wives and do lie. ANYWAY, most times the two go hand-in-hand. I prefer to do neither. Lying is abominable. It differs from prevaricating, equivocating, paltering, and fibbing. Cheating also has its nuances.
I hope you are enlightened rather than benighted by my explanation. "Ambiguous Bill"
