en_tn_condensed/ecc/01/12.md

## I applied my mind ##

AT: "I determined" or "I made up my mind"

## to study and to search ##

These two phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

## sons of men ##

AT: "human beings" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

## all the deeds that are done ##

AT: "everything that people do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

## vapor ##

"mist" or "breath." It does not last. AT: "temporary" or "worthless." What people do is like vapor because it does not last and is worthless. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## an attempt to shepherd the wind ##

The Teacher says that the things that people do are like trying to catch the wind or to keep the wind from blowing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## The twisted cannot be straightened! The missing cannot be counted! ##

AT: "People cannot straighten things that are twisted! They cannot count what is not there!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])