sputter along
Most people don't realize, but it auctually took Rome a long time to fall. It lingered, sputtering along for decades as best as it could, refusing to relinquish its daily routines, its familiar symbols and structures, even though it was clear to the rest of the world that the Empire was officially over.

what does " sputtering along for decades as best as it could, refusing to relinquish its daily routines, its familiar symbols and structures" mean?

Question

sputter along
Most people don't realize, but it auctually took Rome a long time to fall. It lingered, sputtering along for decades as best as it could, refusing to relinquish its daily routines, its familiar symbols and structures, even though it was clear to the rest of the world that the Empire was officially over.

what does " sputtering along for decades as best as it could, refusing to relinquish its daily routines, its familiar symbols and structures" mean?

Answer

'Sputtering' has a couple of meanings. The one here is like that of a badly tuned engine - coughing and blowing smoke, and sometimes almost stopping, but still managing to keep going. 
So - it means that it kept going, but only just. Not smoothly, and almost stopping sometimes. 'As best it could' means that it did it's best to
 keep going'. While doing that, it kept doing the same daily routines , and kept using its common symbols and social structures. 
Is that clearer?

Answers · 1

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!