What does “ground” mean in this sentence? And what is the sentence saying?











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I am not sure about the meaning of the verb ground in this sentence from an online article.




Accessories were kept polished and stylish with taupe suede Manolo Blahniks grounding the look and simple diamond stud Adina Reyter earrings for subtle sparkle.




Does ground mean connect with the ground, place on the ground, or give theoretical basis to? None of the dictionary definitions seem to work here. What does the sentence mean? Manolo Blahniks supposedly refers to a pair of shoes designed by Manolo Blahniks, but how do shoes ground a look?










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    up vote
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    down vote

    favorite
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    I am not sure about the meaning of the verb ground in this sentence from an online article.




    Accessories were kept polished and stylish with taupe suede Manolo Blahniks grounding the look and simple diamond stud Adina Reyter earrings for subtle sparkle.




    Does ground mean connect with the ground, place on the ground, or give theoretical basis to? None of the dictionary definitions seem to work here. What does the sentence mean? Manolo Blahniks supposedly refers to a pair of shoes designed by Manolo Blahniks, but how do shoes ground a look?










    share|improve this question
























      up vote
      13
      down vote

      favorite
      2









      up vote
      13
      down vote

      favorite
      2






      2





      I am not sure about the meaning of the verb ground in this sentence from an online article.




      Accessories were kept polished and stylish with taupe suede Manolo Blahniks grounding the look and simple diamond stud Adina Reyter earrings for subtle sparkle.




      Does ground mean connect with the ground, place on the ground, or give theoretical basis to? None of the dictionary definitions seem to work here. What does the sentence mean? Manolo Blahniks supposedly refers to a pair of shoes designed by Manolo Blahniks, but how do shoes ground a look?










      share|improve this question













      I am not sure about the meaning of the verb ground in this sentence from an online article.




      Accessories were kept polished and stylish with taupe suede Manolo Blahniks grounding the look and simple diamond stud Adina Reyter earrings for subtle sparkle.




      Does ground mean connect with the ground, place on the ground, or give theoretical basis to? None of the dictionary definitions seem to work here. What does the sentence mean? Manolo Blahniks supposedly refers to a pair of shoes designed by Manolo Blahniks, but how do shoes ground a look?







      meaning meaning-in-context word-meaning sentence-meaning






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      asked Nov 8 at 19:02









      L. Moneta

      2,60521236




      2,60521236






















          6 Answers
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          up vote
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          accepted










          In this case, there is a very fashion-specific meaning for grounded. One occasional definition of the verb ground is to keep something on the ground or to prevent something from taking off/flying (see, for example, MacMillan Dictionary). Fashion writing sometimes plays on this meaning to describe some element of an outfit that keeps it from being too outrageous or over-the-top. For example:




          The skirt is what keeps the outfit grounded and keeps it from going overboard.

          (2018 fashion blog post)



          we do love the way in which the shocking green hue makes her outfit pop, yet the casual shape keeps the outfit grounded

          (2010 fashion commentary blog)



          If you find bold colours challenging, try grounding the outfit with muted shades, like white and navy.

          (Style advice section on fashion retail site)




          In this case, the sentence is part of a description of an outfit worn by Megan Markle. The main element was a canary yellow dress, so the implication is that the less-colorful shoes keep the outfit "classy" and restrained, rather than too flamboyant.






          share|improve this answer

















          • 1




            The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
            – jamesqf
            Nov 9 at 4:26






          • 7




            This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
            – MooseBoys
            Nov 9 at 5:52






          • 2




            @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
            – 1006a
            Nov 9 at 7:23






          • 9




            A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
            – Paul Johnson
            Nov 9 at 9:32






          • 3




            "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
            – dlatikay
            Nov 9 at 9:58


















          up vote
          11
          down vote













          I would say this is the figurative use of grounding to refer to something being reliable and practical. When a person has their feet on the ground, it means that they're sensible and focused on the immediate practicalities of the world around them, as opposed to someone who has their head in the clouds, constantly thinking about abstract ideas or fantasies.



          In this case, it sounds like the article is saying that the shoes helped make the outfit as a whole practical and useful.






          share|improve this answer




























            up vote
            7
            down vote













            Manolo Blahnik makes shoes, so the meaning is a pun. Shoes touch the ground, and in this case they also form the foundation of the ensemble.






            share|improve this answer

















            • 3




              @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
              – GentlePurpleRain
              Nov 8 at 22:26










            • It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
              – Konrad Rudolph
              Nov 9 at 11:34




















            up vote
            6
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            "Establishing a neutral-toned foundation" is my take, where "foundation" has the sense of "main underlying color".



            P.S. grounding also may have connotations of basic simplicity. There's nothing "flashy" about taupe.






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              I have two possible answers:
              Grounding can mean establishing a center or base, as in "My college education was grounded in science."
              Grounded can mean down-to-Earth and practical, as in "He may look like a dreamer, but his career is very grounded."






              share|improve this answer




























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                First of all, fashion writing is often strongly stylised, playing with conventions (the quote reminds me of the Maestra fiction novels!).
                Here it is quite likely that the author is writing in jargon for two or more audiences: so as others have already answered, 'grounding' is a term used in colour design, but also provides the pun of connecting the body to the floor.






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                  6 Answers
                  6






                  active

                  oldest

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                  6 Answers
                  6






                  active

                  oldest

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                  active

                  oldest

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                  active

                  oldest

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                  up vote
                  30
                  down vote



                  accepted










                  In this case, there is a very fashion-specific meaning for grounded. One occasional definition of the verb ground is to keep something on the ground or to prevent something from taking off/flying (see, for example, MacMillan Dictionary). Fashion writing sometimes plays on this meaning to describe some element of an outfit that keeps it from being too outrageous or over-the-top. For example:




                  The skirt is what keeps the outfit grounded and keeps it from going overboard.

                  (2018 fashion blog post)



                  we do love the way in which the shocking green hue makes her outfit pop, yet the casual shape keeps the outfit grounded

                  (2010 fashion commentary blog)



                  If you find bold colours challenging, try grounding the outfit with muted shades, like white and navy.

                  (Style advice section on fashion retail site)




                  In this case, the sentence is part of a description of an outfit worn by Megan Markle. The main element was a canary yellow dress, so the implication is that the less-colorful shoes keep the outfit "classy" and restrained, rather than too flamboyant.






                  share|improve this answer

















                  • 1




                    The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
                    – jamesqf
                    Nov 9 at 4:26






                  • 7




                    This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
                    – MooseBoys
                    Nov 9 at 5:52






                  • 2




                    @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
                    – 1006a
                    Nov 9 at 7:23






                  • 9




                    A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
                    – Paul Johnson
                    Nov 9 at 9:32






                  • 3




                    "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
                    – dlatikay
                    Nov 9 at 9:58















                  up vote
                  30
                  down vote



                  accepted










                  In this case, there is a very fashion-specific meaning for grounded. One occasional definition of the verb ground is to keep something on the ground or to prevent something from taking off/flying (see, for example, MacMillan Dictionary). Fashion writing sometimes plays on this meaning to describe some element of an outfit that keeps it from being too outrageous or over-the-top. For example:




                  The skirt is what keeps the outfit grounded and keeps it from going overboard.

                  (2018 fashion blog post)



                  we do love the way in which the shocking green hue makes her outfit pop, yet the casual shape keeps the outfit grounded

                  (2010 fashion commentary blog)



                  If you find bold colours challenging, try grounding the outfit with muted shades, like white and navy.

                  (Style advice section on fashion retail site)




                  In this case, the sentence is part of a description of an outfit worn by Megan Markle. The main element was a canary yellow dress, so the implication is that the less-colorful shoes keep the outfit "classy" and restrained, rather than too flamboyant.






                  share|improve this answer

















                  • 1




                    The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
                    – jamesqf
                    Nov 9 at 4:26






                  • 7




                    This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
                    – MooseBoys
                    Nov 9 at 5:52






                  • 2




                    @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
                    – 1006a
                    Nov 9 at 7:23






                  • 9




                    A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
                    – Paul Johnson
                    Nov 9 at 9:32






                  • 3




                    "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
                    – dlatikay
                    Nov 9 at 9:58













                  up vote
                  30
                  down vote



                  accepted







                  up vote
                  30
                  down vote



                  accepted






                  In this case, there is a very fashion-specific meaning for grounded. One occasional definition of the verb ground is to keep something on the ground or to prevent something from taking off/flying (see, for example, MacMillan Dictionary). Fashion writing sometimes plays on this meaning to describe some element of an outfit that keeps it from being too outrageous or over-the-top. For example:




                  The skirt is what keeps the outfit grounded and keeps it from going overboard.

                  (2018 fashion blog post)



                  we do love the way in which the shocking green hue makes her outfit pop, yet the casual shape keeps the outfit grounded

                  (2010 fashion commentary blog)



                  If you find bold colours challenging, try grounding the outfit with muted shades, like white and navy.

                  (Style advice section on fashion retail site)




                  In this case, the sentence is part of a description of an outfit worn by Megan Markle. The main element was a canary yellow dress, so the implication is that the less-colorful shoes keep the outfit "classy" and restrained, rather than too flamboyant.






                  share|improve this answer












                  In this case, there is a very fashion-specific meaning for grounded. One occasional definition of the verb ground is to keep something on the ground or to prevent something from taking off/flying (see, for example, MacMillan Dictionary). Fashion writing sometimes plays on this meaning to describe some element of an outfit that keeps it from being too outrageous or over-the-top. For example:




                  The skirt is what keeps the outfit grounded and keeps it from going overboard.

                  (2018 fashion blog post)



                  we do love the way in which the shocking green hue makes her outfit pop, yet the casual shape keeps the outfit grounded

                  (2010 fashion commentary blog)



                  If you find bold colours challenging, try grounding the outfit with muted shades, like white and navy.

                  (Style advice section on fashion retail site)




                  In this case, the sentence is part of a description of an outfit worn by Megan Markle. The main element was a canary yellow dress, so the implication is that the less-colorful shoes keep the outfit "classy" and restrained, rather than too flamboyant.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Nov 8 at 23:49









                  1006a

                  3,8811020




                  3,8811020








                  • 1




                    The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
                    – jamesqf
                    Nov 9 at 4:26






                  • 7




                    This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
                    – MooseBoys
                    Nov 9 at 5:52






                  • 2




                    @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
                    – 1006a
                    Nov 9 at 7:23






                  • 9




                    A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
                    – Paul Johnson
                    Nov 9 at 9:32






                  • 3




                    "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
                    – dlatikay
                    Nov 9 at 9:58














                  • 1




                    The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
                    – jamesqf
                    Nov 9 at 4:26






                  • 7




                    This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
                    – MooseBoys
                    Nov 9 at 5:52






                  • 2




                    @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
                    – 1006a
                    Nov 9 at 7:23






                  • 9




                    A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
                    – Paul Johnson
                    Nov 9 at 9:32






                  • 3




                    "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
                    – dlatikay
                    Nov 9 at 9:58








                  1




                  1




                  The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
                  – jamesqf
                  Nov 9 at 4:26




                  The use of ground here might be compared to the use of a ground in electronics, as a basic reference level. (At least as far as anything said about fashion makes sense :-))
                  – jamesqf
                  Nov 9 at 4:26




                  7




                  7




                  This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
                  – MooseBoys
                  Nov 9 at 5:52




                  This is accurate, but isn't limited to fashion specifically. For example, "Bill would have spent every night promoting his UFO conspiracy theores, but his wife kept him grounded, at least around company."
                  – MooseBoys
                  Nov 9 at 5:52




                  2




                  2




                  @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
                  – 1006a
                  Nov 9 at 7:23




                  @MooseBoys Yes, that's a closely related usage, and probably the direct antecedent of the fashion usage. I'd draw at least a little distinction between the "eccentric-but-mentally stable" usage and the "fashionably adventurous-but-still tasteful" sense, though. It's another level of abstraction from the literal meaning of"grounded": Bill might be called "flighty" or said to have his "head in the clouds" or even to be a "lunatic"/"moonstruck", but there aren't such direct flight/sky-related terms for a tacky outfit.
                  – 1006a
                  Nov 9 at 7:23




                  9




                  9




                  A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
                  – Paul Johnson
                  Nov 9 at 9:32




                  A person who is "grounded" is well balanced and sensible. So by extension, clothing that is "grounded" is also well balanced and sensible. en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/grounded
                  – Paul Johnson
                  Nov 9 at 9:32




                  3




                  3




                  "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
                  – dlatikay
                  Nov 9 at 9:58




                  "his wife kept him grounded" in a different context could also mean something quite different: grounded (AE, slang): to be confined to your home as a punishment
                  – dlatikay
                  Nov 9 at 9:58












                  up vote
                  11
                  down vote













                  I would say this is the figurative use of grounding to refer to something being reliable and practical. When a person has their feet on the ground, it means that they're sensible and focused on the immediate practicalities of the world around them, as opposed to someone who has their head in the clouds, constantly thinking about abstract ideas or fantasies.



                  In this case, it sounds like the article is saying that the shoes helped make the outfit as a whole practical and useful.






                  share|improve this answer

























                    up vote
                    11
                    down vote













                    I would say this is the figurative use of grounding to refer to something being reliable and practical. When a person has their feet on the ground, it means that they're sensible and focused on the immediate practicalities of the world around them, as opposed to someone who has their head in the clouds, constantly thinking about abstract ideas or fantasies.



                    In this case, it sounds like the article is saying that the shoes helped make the outfit as a whole practical and useful.






                    share|improve this answer























                      up vote
                      11
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      11
                      down vote









                      I would say this is the figurative use of grounding to refer to something being reliable and practical. When a person has their feet on the ground, it means that they're sensible and focused on the immediate practicalities of the world around them, as opposed to someone who has their head in the clouds, constantly thinking about abstract ideas or fantasies.



                      In this case, it sounds like the article is saying that the shoes helped make the outfit as a whole practical and useful.






                      share|improve this answer












                      I would say this is the figurative use of grounding to refer to something being reliable and practical. When a person has their feet on the ground, it means that they're sensible and focused on the immediate practicalities of the world around them, as opposed to someone who has their head in the clouds, constantly thinking about abstract ideas or fantasies.



                      In this case, it sounds like the article is saying that the shoes helped make the outfit as a whole practical and useful.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Nov 8 at 19:22









                      Werrf

                      3,377714




                      3,377714






















                          up vote
                          7
                          down vote













                          Manolo Blahnik makes shoes, so the meaning is a pun. Shoes touch the ground, and in this case they also form the foundation of the ensemble.






                          share|improve this answer

















                          • 3




                            @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
                            – GentlePurpleRain
                            Nov 8 at 22:26










                          • It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
                            – Konrad Rudolph
                            Nov 9 at 11:34

















                          up vote
                          7
                          down vote













                          Manolo Blahnik makes shoes, so the meaning is a pun. Shoes touch the ground, and in this case they also form the foundation of the ensemble.






                          share|improve this answer

















                          • 3




                            @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
                            – GentlePurpleRain
                            Nov 8 at 22:26










                          • It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
                            – Konrad Rudolph
                            Nov 9 at 11:34















                          up vote
                          7
                          down vote










                          up vote
                          7
                          down vote









                          Manolo Blahnik makes shoes, so the meaning is a pun. Shoes touch the ground, and in this case they also form the foundation of the ensemble.






                          share|improve this answer












                          Manolo Blahnik makes shoes, so the meaning is a pun. Shoes touch the ground, and in this case they also form the foundation of the ensemble.







                          share|improve this answer












                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer










                          answered Nov 8 at 19:22









                          Robusto

                          11.1k22838




                          11.1k22838








                          • 3




                            @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
                            – GentlePurpleRain
                            Nov 8 at 22:26










                          • It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
                            – Konrad Rudolph
                            Nov 9 at 11:34
















                          • 3




                            @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
                            – GentlePurpleRain
                            Nov 8 at 22:26










                          • It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
                            – Konrad Rudolph
                            Nov 9 at 11:34










                          3




                          3




                          @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
                          – GentlePurpleRain
                          Nov 8 at 22:26




                          @L.Moneta To elaborate, I think Robusto is saying that it is simultaneously using the definitions connect with the ground and give theoretical basis to.
                          – GentlePurpleRain
                          Nov 8 at 22:26












                          It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
                          – Konrad Rudolph
                          Nov 9 at 11:34






                          It’s not a pun at all. “Grounding” in this context is a common expression, it has nothing to do with shoes. For this to form an effective pun the connection between shoes and being grounded would have to be way more explicit. If the phrasing had been “keeping the look on the ground” I’d more likely agree.
                          – Konrad Rudolph
                          Nov 9 at 11:34












                          up vote
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                          "Establishing a neutral-toned foundation" is my take, where "foundation" has the sense of "main underlying color".



                          P.S. grounding also may have connotations of basic simplicity. There's nothing "flashy" about taupe.






                          share|improve this answer

























                            up vote
                            6
                            down vote













                            "Establishing a neutral-toned foundation" is my take, where "foundation" has the sense of "main underlying color".



                            P.S. grounding also may have connotations of basic simplicity. There's nothing "flashy" about taupe.






                            share|improve this answer























                              up vote
                              6
                              down vote










                              up vote
                              6
                              down vote









                              "Establishing a neutral-toned foundation" is my take, where "foundation" has the sense of "main underlying color".



                              P.S. grounding also may have connotations of basic simplicity. There's nothing "flashy" about taupe.






                              share|improve this answer












                              "Establishing a neutral-toned foundation" is my take, where "foundation" has the sense of "main underlying color".



                              P.S. grounding also may have connotations of basic simplicity. There's nothing "flashy" about taupe.







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Nov 8 at 19:10









                              Tᴚoɯɐuo

                              105k677169




                              105k677169






















                                  up vote
                                  1
                                  down vote













                                  I have two possible answers:
                                  Grounding can mean establishing a center or base, as in "My college education was grounded in science."
                                  Grounded can mean down-to-Earth and practical, as in "He may look like a dreamer, but his career is very grounded."






                                  share|improve this answer

























                                    up vote
                                    1
                                    down vote













                                    I have two possible answers:
                                    Grounding can mean establishing a center or base, as in "My college education was grounded in science."
                                    Grounded can mean down-to-Earth and practical, as in "He may look like a dreamer, but his career is very grounded."






                                    share|improve this answer























                                      up vote
                                      1
                                      down vote










                                      up vote
                                      1
                                      down vote









                                      I have two possible answers:
                                      Grounding can mean establishing a center or base, as in "My college education was grounded in science."
                                      Grounded can mean down-to-Earth and practical, as in "He may look like a dreamer, but his career is very grounded."






                                      share|improve this answer












                                      I have two possible answers:
                                      Grounding can mean establishing a center or base, as in "My college education was grounded in science."
                                      Grounded can mean down-to-Earth and practical, as in "He may look like a dreamer, but his career is very grounded."







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered Nov 8 at 21:52









                                      sbunny8

                                      111




                                      111






















                                          up vote
                                          0
                                          down vote













                                          First of all, fashion writing is often strongly stylised, playing with conventions (the quote reminds me of the Maestra fiction novels!).
                                          Here it is quite likely that the author is writing in jargon for two or more audiences: so as others have already answered, 'grounding' is a term used in colour design, but also provides the pun of connecting the body to the floor.






                                          share|improve this answer

























                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            First of all, fashion writing is often strongly stylised, playing with conventions (the quote reminds me of the Maestra fiction novels!).
                                            Here it is quite likely that the author is writing in jargon for two or more audiences: so as others have already answered, 'grounding' is a term used in colour design, but also provides the pun of connecting the body to the floor.






                                            share|improve this answer























                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote










                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote









                                              First of all, fashion writing is often strongly stylised, playing with conventions (the quote reminds me of the Maestra fiction novels!).
                                              Here it is quite likely that the author is writing in jargon for two or more audiences: so as others have already answered, 'grounding' is a term used in colour design, but also provides the pun of connecting the body to the floor.






                                              share|improve this answer












                                              First of all, fashion writing is often strongly stylised, playing with conventions (the quote reminds me of the Maestra fiction novels!).
                                              Here it is quite likely that the author is writing in jargon for two or more audiences: so as others have already answered, 'grounding' is a term used in colour design, but also provides the pun of connecting the body to the floor.







                                              share|improve this answer












                                              share|improve this answer



                                              share|improve this answer










                                              answered Nov 8 at 22:15









                                              OookLout

                                              513




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