Question

What does the phrase 'swear on a stack of timetables' mean?

Answer 1

Answer:

Promise solemnly that what one is about to say is true, as in I swear on a stack of bibles that I have nothing to do with his dropping out. This term alludes to the practice of placing one's hand on a sacred objects while taking an oath which dates from the mid 10th century.

✌Hope it's helpful for you ✌

Answer 2

2) it is a humorous modification of the idiom to wear on a stack of bibles

Explanation:

The author of the story wittily altered the existing idiom. As the Christian Bible was used by common citizens for oaths, railway officials might regard their "timetables" as 'holy books' regulating their activities. For instance, we   could think that English teachers might swear on a pile of "dictionaries or copies" of a popular grammar book", etc.

• The above line is taken from the story 'The Third Level" by   Jack Finney. It's about Charlie, a 31-year-old man who experiences some weird things. This is a psychological tale and also refers to the metro which transports commuters to Galesburg at the main central railway station. Furthermore, this underground becomes the bond between the hard reality and imagination of the narrator. In addition, Charley's third floor was a way to escape.
• When life is fraught with uncertainties and pressures in the contemporary world, Charley is taken to a new world that his friend defines when "the fulfilment of a walking dream." Especially because of Sam's letter of 18th July 1984 the third level begins. The relation between time and space is seen in this story.
• Charlie says this the above idiom when he talks about the third level and how he believes its true. He says  "The presidents of the "New York Central, New Haven and Hartford railroads will "swear on a stack of timetables" that there are only 2 levels. However,  I states that  there are three levels, since he been to the third level at the "Grand Central Station".

To know more

What was the peculiar about the third level of the grand central ...

https://brainly.in/question/10632329