What does Are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch mean in 'The Catbird Seat' by James Thurber?

Answer 1

It's figurative language used to indicate that a small job is being handled as if it were a much bigger job. Like if someone were teasing another person by writing 41 questions about a certain short story by James Thurber knowing that that other person would have to answer them, that other person might say to her, "What are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch?" Let's face it, there are easier ways to tease someone than by writing 41 questions for him to answer.

Answer 2

Well, honey, in "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber, the phrase "Are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch?" is just a fancy way of asking if someone is trying to fix a problem or situation. It's like saying, "Are you actually doing something useful here, or are you just standing around twiddling your thumbs?" So, next time someone asks you that, just remember they're questioning your ability to get sh*t done.

Answer 3

In "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber, the phrase "Are you lifting the oxcart out of the ditch?" is a metaphorical expression used by the character Mr. Martin to convey his suspicion and skepticism towards Mrs. Barrows' intentions. It suggests that Mrs. Barrows may be attempting to manipulate or disrupt the established order, represented by the oxcart stuck in the ditch. Mr. Martin uses this phrase to question Mrs. Barrows' motives and to highlight his own awareness of her disruptive behavior.