I don't understand why people never say what they mean. It's like the immigrants who come to a country and learn the language but are completely baffled by idioms. {Seriously, how could anyone who isn't a native English speaker 'get the picture,' so to speak, and not assume it has something to do with a photo or a painting?}
The quote reflects a common frustration with communication and the intricacies of language. The speaker expresses confusion over why individuals often fail to communicate their true intentions, drawing a parallel with immigrants who, despite learning a new language, struggle to grasp idiomatic expressions. This highlights the challenge of understanding context and nuance in a language that can be so different from one’s own.
Using the example of idioms like "get the picture," the author emphasizes the complexities of language that can bewilder non-native speakers. Such phrases may lead to misunderstandings, as they can be taken literally rather than as a figurative expression. This illustrates the broader issue of effective communication and the barriers that arise when language becomes layered with cultural meanings and subtleties.
