what does "exactlyon the element of skill"mean?
“Anything else?”
“Don’t get a haircut.”
Once more, she simply baffled him. “No haircut because?”
“I like your hair. It’s not lawyerly, but it’s writerly. A little shaping if you absolutely feel it’s necessary, and which I could actually do for you myself but—”
“No, you absolutely couldn’t.”
“I could on the element of skill. Just don’t whack it into the suit-and-tie lawyer look.”
“Wear a tie, but keep the hair.”
“Exactly. And pick up some flowers for Hester. You should be able to find tulips by now, and they’d make her think of spring.”
“Should I start writing this down?”
She smiled as she came around the island. “Not only looking better, but feeling better. You’re getting some sass back that’s not just knee-jerk temper-based.” She brushed at the lapels of his sport coat. “Go pick out a tie. And drive safe.” She boosted up, kissed his cheek.what does "on the element of skill"mean?

Question

what does "exactlyon the element of skill"mean?
“Anything else?” 
“Don’t get a haircut.” 
Once more, she simply baffled him. “No haircut because?” 
“I like your hair. It’s not lawyerly, but it’s writerly. A little shaping if you absolutely feel it’s necessary, and which I could actually do for you myself but—” 
“No, you absolutely couldn’t.” 
“I could on the element of skill. Just don’t whack it into the suit-and-tie lawyer look.” 
“Wear a tie, but keep the hair.” 
“Exactly. And pick up some flowers for Hester. You should be able to find tulips by now, and they’d make her think of spring.” 
“Should I start writing this down?” 
She smiled as she came around the island. “Not only looking better, but feeling better. You’re getting some sass back that’s not just knee-jerk temper-based.” She brushed at the lapels of his sport coat. “Go pick out a tie. And drive safe.” She boosted up, kissed his cheek.what does "on the element of skill"mean?

Answer

It sounds like another expression, "the element or surprise", so it could mean, "I could, with a surprising amount of skill", meaning he believes he might have a hidden talent for cutting hair, but he never cut hair so it is just a guess. He says it as a means of persuasion, so he is not being serious~~

Answers · 1

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