2007-03-26 14:09:24 · 4 answers · asked by bagofgoo 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The 800 pound gorilla is usually used to analogously describe someone who is in control of a situation, physically intimidating, or has 'carte- blanche' in said situation.
The proverbial question is "Where does an 800 pound gorilla sit?" answer "Anywhere he wants."
2007-03-26 14:14:37 · answer #1 · answered by Skyhawk 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's an old riddle that goes:
Q: Where does an 800-pound gorilla sit?
A: Anywhere he wants to!
The idea being that an 800-pound gorilla is so large, strong and mean looking that nobody would dare try to tell him what to do or not do, for fear of being ripped to pieces. Thus, '800-pound gorilla' is a metaphor for a person, company, or nation that is able to get its way because others are afraid to confront them. It often, but not always, suggests that the 'gorilla' is intentionally using its dominance to bully others; but in some cases the 'gorilla' is simply big and scary without any intention of pushing others around.
2007-03-26 21:15:09 · answer #2 · answered by dukefenton 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A gorilla that weighs 800 pounds.
Eight hundred pound----is a compound adjective, modifying the noun---
gorilla.
Oh, maybe I got on the wrong idea.
2007-03-26 21:20:19 · answer #3 · answered by LINDA D. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with skyhawk
2007-03-26 21:19:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋