What does "If I covered myself comprehensively in every case" mean?
In all cases, I have reviewed the original sources and the many theories and come to a conclusion. If I covered myself comprehensively in every case, the most common words in this book would be 'maybe', 'probably', 'might' and 'could'. I have therefore not included them on every appropriate occasion but I ask the reader to understand that behind every sentence is a colossal, ever-changing literature. (Jerusalem The Biography)

Hi. What does "If I covered myself comprehensively in every case" mean?
Thank you.

Question

What does "If I covered myself comprehensively in every case" mean?
In all cases, I have reviewed the original sources and the many theories and come to a conclusion. If I covered myself comprehensively in every case, the most common words in this book would be 'maybe', 'probably', 'might' and 'could'. I have therefore not included them on every appropriate occasion but I ask the reader to understand that behind every sentence is a colossal, ever-changing literature. (Jerusalem The Biography)

Hi. What does "If I covered myself comprehensively in every case" mean?
Thank you.

Answer

I understand it to mean that if the writer had done very much to avoid being accused of misrepresenting the truth, he/she would have added many ”maybe's etc.”

Oxford dictionaries:

4.2 cover oneself :Take precautionary measures so as to protect oneself against future blame or liability.

‘one reason doctors take temperatures is to cover themselves against negligence claims’

Answer

It is a fancy way of saying “if I did everything that I was able to do”. It also is a play on words because “comprehensively” and “case” mean the same thing.

Answer

Comprehensively just means thoroughly or completely.

Answers · 3

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