HOW NOT TO GET YOUR WAYIt is difficult to change someone's
opinion by badgering him. The child who begshis mother to "get off
his back" when she implores him for some assistance withthe
household drudgery, may very well plead interminably for some
special privilege when he wants something for himself. How
paradoxical* that neither is ableto perceive that no one likes
being nagged.
badger (v.) a. unpleasant, dull, or hard workimplore b.
unendingdrudgery c. to plead urgently for aid or mercyinterminable
d. to understand, know, become aware ofperceive e. to pester, nag,
annoy persistently
Idiomget off someone's back = stop troubling a person.
to pour oil on troubled waters - to make peace, to calm someone
downWhen I tried to pour oU on troubled waters, both the angry
husband and his wifestopped their quarrel and began to attack
me.
