英和和英

副詞

on spec (not comparable)

1. In hope of success, using one's best guess.
   • 1889, Banjo Paterson, Clancy of the Overflow:

     I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better
     Knowledge, sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago,
     He was shearing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him,
     Just on spec, addressed as follows, “Clancy, of The Overflow”.

2. (colloquial, business) With the hope of selling it, as opposed to on commission (for hire) or with some other likewise assured outlet for getting paid or reselling.

   I'm writing an article on spec. I hope some magazine will buy it.

   He bought the land on spec — he thinks it's likely to be rezoned commercial and subdivided.

   • 1955 October, Rex Stout, “The Next Witness”, in Three Witnesses, Bantam, published 1994, →ISBN, page 36:

     "Why doubt his guilt?"
     Wolfe's shoulders went up a fraction of an inch, and down again. "Divination. Contrariety."
     "I see." Unger pursed his midget mouth, which didn't need pursing. "You're shooting at it on spec."

関連する語

アナグラム

• ponces, copens, Copens