Baling wire

Question

A retread tire loses its rubber. The carburetor starts coughing. The belts break. He keeps patching it up with duct tape, baling wire and chewing gum.

Hi,

Does "baling wire" in the above amount to "wire?" If not, what are the differnces?

RayH · Accepted Answer

AngliholicDoes "baling wire" in the above amount to "wire?" If not, what are the differnces?

No. The term "held together with bailing wire" has become a fixed phrase meaning that something is barely working or works only part of the time and even when it does work it doesn't work well or reliably. The other expressions you cite ("duct tape" and "chewing gum") mean the same thing but only in this kind of context, otherwise they have their standard meanings.

Bailing wire is an actual product but is obsolete (as far as I know) and is only referred to in the kind of context you cite.
http://www.answers.com/topic/baling-wire-2

be sure to scroll down to about the middle of the page.

CalifJim · Answer

bailing? baling?

CJ

RayH · Answer

CalifJimbailing? baling?

That's what I get for relying on the spell checker.

tr.v., baled, bal·ing, bales.
To wrap in a bale or in bales

MrPernickety · Answer

RayH
CalifJimbailing? baling?

That's what I get for relying on the spell checker.

Hi, Ray

Do you pronounce "bailing" and "baling" in the exact same way ?

Thanks !

PS: of duct tape, baling wire and chewing gum I would spring for the baling wire - of the three it seems the most durable and lasting

RayH · Answer

MrPernicketyDo you pronounce "bailing" and "baling" in the exact same way ?

Yes.

Baling wire

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