Question of the Day #880

Meanwhile, for all the worries about the Ukrainian government’s competence and corruption, Zelensky pulled his weight, making appearances on the frontlines of the conflict that has wrought destruction on Eastern Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow started backing separatist groups there.

From the 5th paragraph of this article at the National Review.

  上記の文で、pull one's weightの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "pull one's weight" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

自分の役割［職務・分担］を十分果たす、自分の仕事を十分にこなす、精いっぱい協力する

この訳では、下記英語の定義にあるニュアンスが一つ欠けています。それは、in proportion to one's ability or responsibilityの部分です。すなわち、役割や仕事を十分果たすだけではなく、その人の「能力や責任」に相応しいレベルで果たすという意味があります。
 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To contribute to a group activity or pursuit in proportion to one's ability or responsibility.

 

語源

英辞郎によると、

ボート競技でこぎ手が自分の体重をかけてオールをこぐ様子から

 

Etymology

According to The Free Dictionary,

This term comes from rowing, where each crew member must pull on an oar at least enough to propel himself or herself. Its figurative use dates from about 1900.

   

Examples

• In a busy restaurant, everyone has to pull their weight.
• If you don't pull your weight, our presentation will never be finished on time.
• He needs to start pulling his weight around here, or we'll have to let him go.
• We will finish in time if we each pull our weight.
• Pull your weight, and it doesn’t matter if everything is rigged in your favor or not. - (The Indianapolis Monthly)

   

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