Passing Phrase -
www.learnhebrew.org.il
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Panim El Panim / Panim L'Panim |
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Literally and Idiomatically: Face to face
Though the former is closer to its Biblical origin (Exodus 33:11), the latter shortened version is the one most used in today's speech. There is a certain confrontational aura in the way it is used unlike in the Biblical context. After trying to see a clerk who keeps brushing you off on the phone, you may say, "Ani rotzeh ledaber ito panim l'panim" - "I want to speak (meet) him face to face." Naturally that won't happen, but it was a good idea. |
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