Is “after” in this context only a local colloquialism?
I speak American English. There are many turns of phrase that I have to avoid.. Can one buy four candles in one year?
What are your ambitions after the title?
I’d speculate that this is an abbreviation of “chasing after” which in itself is a dictionary for “looking for”.
Is this phrase actually a line that crosses the Atlantic? What’s your own advice for those exploring lincoln country?
What is your opinion on Donald Trump?
Yes, this is common in the United States. Is it a little rude, but not improper, and certainly
would be understood.
I’d say it was a feature of a certain social dialect. When I shop where I live (not West Country), you’re quite likely to hear what was you after? However, the OED has an entry for to be after with no term, and all quotes are blank. Again, the ‘to be trying to get or
achieve (something)’ is marked as in the OED’s header ps3.
