When you say that someone has all his/her marbles, you mean that he/she is mentally sound.
Here are a few examples:
· My neighbor is nearly 90 years old, but she hasn’t lost her marbles.
· If you are forced to stay in your apartment for another week, I’m sure you will lose your marbles.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com/
Saturday, 5 January 2008
What does the word displace means?
When you displace something, you usually take its place. Most of the time, this replacement is done forcibly.
For examples:
· A growing number of employees in the old factory have been displaced by computers.
· According to this report, moderates are likely to be displaced by extremists.
· There’s no way that technology will displace teachers in schools and colleges.
Displace has another meaning as well.
When a group of people are displaced, they are forced to move from the place where they are living.
· The proposed dam will displace thousands of villagers.
· I am joining an organization that helps people who have been displaced.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
For examples:
· A growing number of employees in the old factory have been displaced by computers.
· According to this report, moderates are likely to be displaced by extremists.
· There’s no way that technology will displace teachers in schools and colleges.
Displace has another meaning as well.
When a group of people are displaced, they are forced to move from the place where they are living.
· The proposed dam will displace thousands of villagers.
· I am joining an organization that helps people who have been displaced.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the difference between call on and call at?
When you call on someone, you pay them a short visit. It is also possible to say Call upon, but this is considered to be rather formal.
The student called on the ailing principals on Wednesday afternoon.
When a teacher Calls on a student in class, she wants him to answer the question.
I don’t understand why she has to call on me all the time.
The expression Call at is normally used in relation to a place. You usually call at some place.
When you call at someplace, you visit the individual at his place – it could be the office, home, etc.
I called at his office on my way to the airport.
The expression Call at can also be used to mean Stop.
According to the brochure, our ship will call at five ports.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
The student called on the ailing principals on Wednesday afternoon.
When a teacher Calls on a student in class, she wants him to answer the question.
I don’t understand why she has to call on me all the time.
The expression Call at is normally used in relation to a place. You usually call at some place.
When you call at someplace, you visit the individual at his place – it could be the office, home, etc.
I called at his office on my way to the airport.
The expression Call at can also be used to mean Stop.
According to the brochure, our ship will call at five ports.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Can the word alma mater be used to refer to one’s school?
First, let’s deal with the pronunciation. The first a in ma is like the a in cat, bat and sat, while the second a is like the a in China. The a in mater is like the a in bath and path and the final er is like the a in China. The main stress is on the first syllable of mater. This is just one way of pronouncing the word.
Alma mater means Bountiful Mother and it can be used to refer to the school, college or university that you graduated from. Sometimes, schools and college have their own songs, these official songs can also be called Alma Mater.
Alma mater means Bountiful Mother and it can be used to refer to the school, college or university that you graduated from. Sometimes, schools and college have their own songs, these official songs can also be called Alma Mater.
What is the meaning of Steal a march on?
When you steal a march on someone, you do something before the other person and as a result you gain the advantage. Very often, you competitor isn’t even aware of what you are up to. You accomplish your task secretly, without being noticed.
We stole a march on our rivals by launching the product a month before they did.
The expression comes from the world of medieval warfare. I understand that the word March refer to the distance that an army could cover in a single day. The word Steal means to do something without the other person being aware of it. In the old days, in order to catch their enemy off guard, generals used to march their army during the night. By doing this, they very often succeed in surprising their enemy.
They literally Stole a March on them.
We stole a march on our rivals by launching the product a month before they did.
The expression comes from the world of medieval warfare. I understand that the word March refer to the distance that an army could cover in a single day. The word Steal means to do something without the other person being aware of it. In the old days, in order to catch their enemy off guard, generals used to march their army during the night. By doing this, they very often succeed in surprising their enemy.
They literally Stole a March on them.
How is the word behove pronounced?
There are two ways of spelling this word. The British spell it behove, while the word, it is pronounced the same way. The first e is like the I in bit, kit and sit. The following o is like the o in go, so and no. The final e is silent and the stress is on the second syllable. The word sounds like beyove and it is mostly used in rather formal contexts. Beehove means Appropriate or necessary. If it behoves you to do something it is necessary for you to do it.
Here is an example.
Remember, you are under oath. It behoves you to tell the truth.
Here is an example.
Remember, you are under oath. It behoves you to tell the truth.
The domestic engineer is out of town. What does this sentence mean?
Another term for a homemaker is Domestic Engineer. This sounds much more important than homemaker.
A domestic engineer could be a man or a woman. He or she stays at home and measure that things run smoothly.
A domestic engineer could be a man or a woman. He or she stays at home and measure that things run smoothly.
What do you mean by the phrase put their money where their mouth is?
When you tell someone to put his money where his mouth is, what you want him to do is to back his words with action. In other words, don’t just talk, perform.
For Example:
I think you should stop complaining about how corrupt our politicians are. Put your money where you mouth is and contest in the coming elections.
For Example:
I think you should stop complaining about how corrupt our politicians are. Put your money where you mouth is and contest in the coming elections.
What does the expression came out with guns blazing mean?
When you say that someone came out with guns blazing, what you mean is that he came out with lot of force and energy.
What does the expression ready to rumble mean?
In informal contexts, the word rumble is used to mean to fight. When you say that you are ready to rumble, you mean you are ready to fright fire with fire.
How is the word nuptial pronounced?
The u in the first syllable sounds like the u in the first syllable pup and cup. The t is pronounced like the sh in sheep, ship and show. The ia that follows sounds like the a in China and the stress is on the first syllable . The word sounds like nupshell. It is considered rather old fashioned and is mainly used jocularly to refer to things related to a person’s wedding ceremony.
I had to laugh when the old woman referred to her bedroom as her nuptial chamber.
I had to laugh when the old woman referred to her bedroom as her nuptial chamber.
What is the difference between High Commissioner and Ambassador?
The functions these two individuals perform are the same. There is no difference. I understand that both are of the same rank. Britain’s diplomatic missions in various parts of the world are either called High Commission or Embassy.
The former term is used to refer to Britain’s diplomatic missions in commonwealth countries.
For example, the diplomatic mission in Delhi is called the High Commission and the senior diplomat in charge of it is the High Commissioner.
Since the United States and Russia were never a part of the commonwealth, Britain’s diplomatic missions in these countries are called Embassies and not High Commissions. The person in charge of one is called Ambassador.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
The former term is used to refer to Britain’s diplomatic missions in commonwealth countries.
For example, the diplomatic mission in Delhi is called the High Commission and the senior diplomat in charge of it is the High Commissioner.
Since the United States and Russia were never a part of the commonwealth, Britain’s diplomatic missions in these countries are called Embassies and not High Commissions. The person in charge of one is called Ambassador.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of : humor me?
Sometimes, young children come and tell us tall tales. They narrate events which couldn’t have happened. A child may tell us that there was a tiger in the garden and that he drove it away with a stick. When children tell us such stories, as adults, it is our job to believe them. Why do we pretend to believe them? Simple. We want to keep the children happy. We want to keep the children happy; we want to humour them. When you tell someone humor me what you want the person to do is to agree with what you are saying or what you may be saying, but you want the person to agree with you just to keep you happy .
The husband thought it best though to humour his wife.
I hold the purse strings. So you had better humour me.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
How is the word ombudsman pronounced?
The o is like the o in hot, got, and not. And the following u sounds like the u in put and pull. The s is pronounced like the z in zoo, zip and zap, and the final a is like the a in China. The stress is on the first syllable om.
An ombudsman is someone who investigates complaints made by people against the government or any public organization. He is an independent official who represents the common man in his fight against the government.
All complaints must be made in writing to the banking ombudsman by three this afternoon.
The word is Swedish in origins and it means representative or agent. I understand that the word was borrowed into English in the 1960s. The word is being slowly replaced by ombudsperson.
An ombudsman is someone who investigates complaints made by people against the government or any public organization. He is an independent official who represents the common man in his fight against the government.
All complaints must be made in writing to the banking ombudsman by three this afternoon.
The word is Swedish in origins and it means representative or agent. I understand that the word was borrowed into English in the 1960s. The word is being slowly replaced by ombudsperson.
What is the meaning of square peg in a round hole?
If you are working for an organization, and you say that you feel like a square peg in a round hole, what you mean is that you fell like a total misfit. You and the others around you sense that you don’t belong there. The expression cal also be used to refer to someone who is unsuited for the type of job that he / she is actually doing.
There is a round hole. What would happen if someone inserts a square peg (which means wooden stick in square shape) into the round hole. The square peg would not enter into the hole. Because of mismatch between the two sizes. This expression is just the figurative meaning of this mismatch.
I’ve always felt like a square peg in a round hole in this university. I think it’s about time I resigned.
There is a round hole. What would happen if someone inserts a square peg (which means wooden stick in square shape) into the round hole. The square peg would not enter into the hole. Because of mismatch between the two sizes. This expression is just the figurative meaning of this mismatch.
I’ve always felt like a square peg in a round hole in this university. I think it’s about time I resigned.
What is the meaning of Crony Capitalism?
Crony Capitalism is a pejorative term used to refer to the corrupt business dealings carried out by government officials in a capitalist economy. It refers to the success in business based on a clots relationship between businessmen and government officials. The word crony means friend. It is generally used to show disapproval. If you were to refer to Prakash as Delia’s Crony, the implication is that you do not approve of Prakash. What is it that politicians normally do when they become ministers? They help their family member and friends make money by awarding them government contracts, legal permits, specials tax breaks, etc. This favoritism that they show towards family member and friends is called Crony Capitalism.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the origin of denim?
When you hear the word denim, you immediately think of jeans. This sturdy cloth that both young and old wear nowadays was originally made in the town of Nimes in France. I understand the name is pronounced like the word neem. The tough cloth material when it was introduced was not called denim but serge. It was often referred to as serge. It was often referred to serge de Nimes, meaning serge of Nimes with the passage of time, the name of the cloth was shortened to deim. Sailors from genoa, a seaport in Italy, made pants from denim. Since the trousers lasted for a very long time, they were affectionately called Genoese. The name was later shortened to geans from which we get the word jeans.
Is it ok to say : discuss about something?
Although we often hear people say I would like to discuss about the problem, it is not grammatically acceptable. You usually discuss something. You do not discuss about something. The word discuss is not followed by about.
We will not discuss what happened at the meeting.
The word discussion, on the other hand, can be followed by about what happened at the meeting.
We will not discuss what happened at the meeting.
The word discussion, on the other hand, can be followed by about what happened at the meeting.
What is the meaning of finale?
The word finale consists of three syllables. The I in the first syllable and the e in the final syllable are like the I in hit, bit and king. The a is like the a in path and bath. The stress is on the second syllable na. The word is pronounced finaali.
The last item in a stage show can be referred to as a finale. So can the final movement of a musical composition.
The fireworks were the grand finale of the ten – day event.
The last item in a stage show can be referred to as a finale. So can the final movement of a musical composition.
The fireworks were the grand finale of the ten – day event.
What is the meaning of Eater’s Coma?
This is a type of coma that we have all experienced some time or the other. How do we normally feel after a particularly heavy meal? Most of the time, we feel pretty sluggish. We don’t feel like doing anything. After sometime, we begin to feel rather sleepy. This lazy and sleepy felling that we have after a heavy meal is called Eater’s coma.
If I eat everything that is on the table I’ll lapse into an either’s coma.
If I eat everything that is on the table I’ll lapse into an either’s coma.
Is it okay to say : Some of the animals have become extinguished?
The word that you probably have in mind is extinct, not extinguished. When something becomes extinct, it ceases to exist. You don’t’ find it anywhere on the planet. Any living organism can become extinct.
Dinosaurs, for example, have become extinct.
There are reasons to believe that the tiger will soon become extinct.
Some of the animals in the rainforests are on the verge of extinction.
The word extinguish on the other hand is usually used along with the word Fire. When you extinguish a fire or a flame, you put it out.
The firemen battled for three hours before they extinguished the fire.
Dinosaurs, for example, have become extinct.
There are reasons to believe that the tiger will soon become extinct.
Some of the animals in the rainforests are on the verge of extinction.
The word extinguish on the other hand is usually used along with the word Fire. When you extinguish a fire or a flame, you put it out.
The firemen battled for three hours before they extinguished the fire.
Which is correct?
Deter to do something.
(Or)
Deter from doing something.
First let’s deal with the pronunciation of deter. The first e is like the I in bit and sit, and the second e is like the ir in shirt, bird and dirt. The stress is on the second syllable ter. The word deter is usually followed by from and not to. When you deter someone from doing something, you discourage him from doing it. You achieve this by making the individual realize how difficult the task may by or by highlighting the unpleasant consequences of performing the task. You do everything to ensure that the person no longer wishes to continue to do what he was doing.
Nothing you say will deter the students from joining the protestors.
(Or)
Deter from doing something.
First let’s deal with the pronunciation of deter. The first e is like the I in bit and sit, and the second e is like the ir in shirt, bird and dirt. The stress is on the second syllable ter. The word deter is usually followed by from and not to. When you deter someone from doing something, you discourage him from doing it. You achieve this by making the individual realize how difficult the task may by or by highlighting the unpleasant consequences of performing the task. You do everything to ensure that the person no longer wishes to continue to do what he was doing.
Nothing you say will deter the students from joining the protestors.
What is the meaning and origin of ding–dong battle?
Remember the nursery rhyme we learnt in school.
Ding – dong bell: Pussy is in the well. Well the expression ding – dong refers to the sound that a bell makes. The back and forth motion of the knocker hitting a bell. When you day that two participants were involved in a ding – dong battle, what you mean is that they were involved in a long drawn out battle. The fight was intense and there were times when each participant seemed to have to upper hand in turns. In a ding – dong battle, it is often very difficult to predict who will emerge the winner, sometimes, the result is inconclusive.
Another expression which has more or less the same meaning is See – saw battle.
When you sit on the see – saw, you are up one moment, and down the other.
The fans were hoping for a ding – dong battle. They were disappointed when the guises thrashed them.
Ding – dong bell: Pussy is in the well. Well the expression ding – dong refers to the sound that a bell makes. The back and forth motion of the knocker hitting a bell. When you day that two participants were involved in a ding – dong battle, what you mean is that they were involved in a long drawn out battle. The fight was intense and there were times when each participant seemed to have to upper hand in turns. In a ding – dong battle, it is often very difficult to predict who will emerge the winner, sometimes, the result is inconclusive.
Another expression which has more or less the same meaning is See – saw battle.
When you sit on the see – saw, you are up one moment, and down the other.
The fans were hoping for a ding – dong battle. They were disappointed when the guises thrashed them.
What does the word bellyache mean?
When you bellyache someone, you complain in a whining manner. In other words, you sound as if you are moaning.
Here are a few examples.
Whenever I run into Pankaj, he bellyaches about all the work he has to do.
Some of your friends tell me that you bellyache about a lot of things.
A person who is constantly complaining is a bellyacher.
Here are a few examples.
Whenever I run into Pankaj, he bellyaches about all the work he has to do.
Some of your friends tell me that you bellyache about a lot of things.
A person who is constantly complaining is a bellyacher.
Dead to the world: What do you mean by this phrase?
When you say that someone is dead to the world, what you mean is that the person is sound asleep and you’re finding it rather difficult to wake him up.
After doing all the karate exercises, Mary was dead to the world”.
Sumatra was dead to the world. We were just unable to wake her up.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com/
After doing all the karate exercises, Mary was dead to the world”.
Sumatra was dead to the world. We were just unable to wake her up.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com/
What is meant by the phrase : hotfoot it home?
When you hotfoot it to some place, you get there quickly. You do not delay.
In other words, when you hotfoot it, you run. You run or walk quickly.
Here are few examples.
When the car broke down, the CEO and his wife were forced to hot foot it to the airport.
I got up late yesterday. So I had to hotfoot it to school.
The expression hotfoot it is mostly used in format contexts.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
In other words, when you hotfoot it, you run. You run or walk quickly.
Here are few examples.
When the car broke down, the CEO and his wife were forced to hot foot it to the airport.
I got up late yesterday. So I had to hotfoot it to school.
The expression hotfoot it is mostly used in format contexts.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is meant by the phrase : game face?
When David and Tendulkar bat, they look very serious most of the time. They don’t joke around. This serious look that a sportsman has while he is on the field is referred to as his game face.
We mean that the look of determination and concentration is called Game face.
Here are few examples.
Don’t be fooled by his jokes. Once he has got his game face on and steps on to the field, Chatham is a completely different person.
You should see me when I have my game face on.
We mean that the look of determination and concentration is called Game face.
Here are few examples.
Don’t be fooled by his jokes. Once he has got his game face on and steps on to the field, Chatham is a completely different person.
You should see me when I have my game face on.
What is the difference between the following two sentences?
I will meet you in the mall.
and
I will meet you at the mall.
The first sentence implies that you are going to meet the person inside the building. Where exactly inside the mall you are going to meet the individual, we don’t really know. All that we know is that the meeting is going to take place inside. When someone informs you that he will meet at the mall, you are not really sure whether it is inside or outside the building. It could be either.
What is the meaning of the phrase : Spill the beans?
This is an expression that is very popular in American English and is mostly used in informal contexts. When you Spill the beans, you unintentionally reveal a secret. The expression has more or less the same meaning as let the cat out of the bag.
As expected, Sushi spilled the beans about Hari’s Surprise party.
What is the difference between damsel and spinster?
A damsel is a young, unmarried woman. The word is mostly used in literary contexts and is considered rather old fashioned. A much more common word nowadays is bachelorette. Bu the way, the first syllable to damsel is pronounced like the word dam and the s that follows is like the z in zoo and zip. The main stress is on the first syllable.
A Spinster, unlike a damsel, is usually middle aged or old. She is someone who has never married and her chances of getting married are remote. A damsel is single for the time being. She may choose to marry later on.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
A Spinster, unlike a damsel, is usually middle aged or old. She is someone who has never married and her chances of getting married are remote. A damsel is single for the time being. She may choose to marry later on.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of Eleemosynary?
First, let’s deal with the pronunciation. There are several ways of pronouncing this word. The simplest was is to pronounce the first e like the e in set, pet, and let. The following ee is pronounced like the ee in feel, peel and heel. The o sounds like the o in hot, pot, and dot, and the y like the I in hit, pit and sit. The final a is on the third syllable mos. Remember, this is just one of the ways of pronouncing the word.
Not all dictionaries include this word. Eleemosynary is mostly used in formal contexts and it means relating to charity or the giving of alms.
Not all dictionaries include this word. Eleemosynary is mostly used in formal contexts and it means relating to charity or the giving of alms.
We intend to provide eleemosynary assistance to the poor in our neighborhood.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
How are the words drought and draught pronounced?
The gh in drought is silent. The word rhymes with doubt, shout and pout. The gh in draught, on the other hand, is pronounced like the f in flesh, feet and foul. Draught is pronounced like the world draft. In American English, draught is spelt draft. We all know what drought means. It’s the period when we have continuous dry whether, and as a result, we don’t have enough water to meet our needs. Drought and famine are very common in some parts of Africa. A Draught, on the other hand, is the unwanted current of air that comes into a place. For example, during winter nights, cold air manages to get into the house even when we have all the doors and windows closed.
I could feel the cold draught coming through the wooden walls.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the difference between infant and toddler?
The word infant comes from the Latin in – fans meaning unable to speak. So technically an infant is a child that has not learned to speak as yet. For many native speakers, infant is a formal word for baby. Some school airs argue it is an impersonal or a medical term for baby.
A newborn baby or a very young child can be called an infant. In American English the word is normally used to refer to baby, especially a very young one. In British English, children as old as 7 are called infants.
In England, children between the ages of 4 and 7 go to infant schools. According to British law, anyone under the age of 18 is an infant.
There is less confusion about the word toddler. He is someone who toddles. In other words, he is someone who is just beginning to walk. He takes small, unsteady steps.
A newborn baby or a very young child can be called an infant. In American English the word is normally used to refer to baby, especially a very young one. In British English, children as old as 7 are called infants.
In England, children between the ages of 4 and 7 go to infant schools. According to British law, anyone under the age of 18 is an infant.
There is less confusion about the word toddler. He is someone who toddles. In other words, he is someone who is just beginning to walk. He takes small, unsteady steps.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning and origin of blurb?
When we pick up any book, the first thing we normally look at is the back cover. It usually contains the publisher’s or reviewer’s short, but raving description of the book. This description, which is always full of praise for both author and the book, is called a blurb.
According to the blurb this is the best novel written by the author.
Although the idea of a blurb had been in existence for a long time, the word itself was coined only in the 20th century. I understand that it was the brainchild of Gelet Burgess, the well – known author of The Purple Cow. When his new book Are you Bromide? was launched, Burgess persuaded his publishers to do away with the usual sugary write – up. Instead, he made them paste the picture of a girl whom he named Miss. Belinda Blurb. The back cover said Yes, This A BLURB. It contained quotes from Ms. Blurb As a result, anything that was printed on the back cover began to be called a blurb. Nowadays, we have blurbs on DVDs and VCD Covers as well.
According to the blurb this is the best novel written by the author.
Although the idea of a blurb had been in existence for a long time, the word itself was coined only in the 20th century. I understand that it was the brainchild of Gelet Burgess, the well – known author of The Purple Cow. When his new book Are you Bromide? was launched, Burgess persuaded his publishers to do away with the usual sugary write – up. Instead, he made them paste the picture of a girl whom he named Miss. Belinda Blurb. The back cover said Yes, This A BLURB. It contained quotes from Ms. Blurb As a result, anything that was printed on the back cover began to be called a blurb. Nowadays, we have blurbs on DVDs and VCD Covers as well.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of Chequebook Diplomacy?
This is an expression that was coined during Gulf War I when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. In order to liberate the country, George Bush, the current president’s father, invited other nationals to join him in his effort to overthrow Saddam.
Many countries sent troops, but there were some whose constitution did not permit them to send troops aboard. Japan and Germany two of the closest allies of the U.S, were two such countries. Since they couldn’t commit troops to the coalition, these two rich nations did the next best thing – they gave a lot of money for the war effort. This is how Chequebook Diplomacy came into being.
Nowadays, the expression is used to describe any international policy in which a country dangles money in the form of economic aid and investment to win diplomatic favor. Another expression that has more or less the same meaning is Dollar Diplomacy.
China denies using Chequebook Diplomacy in Africa.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Many countries sent troops, but there were some whose constitution did not permit them to send troops aboard. Japan and Germany two of the closest allies of the U.S, were two such countries. Since they couldn’t commit troops to the coalition, these two rich nations did the next best thing – they gave a lot of money for the war effort. This is how Chequebook Diplomacy came into being.
Nowadays, the expression is used to describe any international policy in which a country dangles money in the form of economic aid and investment to win diplomatic favor. Another expression that has more or less the same meaning is Dollar Diplomacy.
China denies using Chequebook Diplomacy in Africa.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
How is the expression Sotto voce pronounced?
The first o in sotto is like the o in hot, got, and pot. The second is like the o in go, so and no. The o in voce is pronounced like the second o in sotto. The c that follows is like the ch in Child and chips. The final e is like the I in bit, pit and hit. The Main stress is on the first syllable of voce. The word comes from Italian.
Sotto Means under and Voce means voice.
When you say something sotto voice, you say it in a soft voice. When what you say is spoken in a low volume, you speak softly out of the corner of your mouth, so that you are not overheard by anyone. The word is considered literary, and is mostly used in formal contexts.
During the principal’s speech, several students made snide remarks sotto voce.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Sotto Means under and Voce means voice.
When you say something sotto voice, you say it in a soft voice. When what you say is spoken in a low volume, you speak softly out of the corner of your mouth, so that you are not overheard by anyone. The word is considered literary, and is mostly used in formal contexts.
During the principal’s speech, several students made snide remarks sotto voce.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning and origin of the phrase let your hair down?
Some people are very reserved when they are in the company of others. When you tell a person to let his hair down, what you mean is that you want him to relax and start enjoying himself. You want him to speak his mind.
It was only after the completion of this last exam that Chetan let his hair down.
In the old days, women had to put their hair up in a hun during the daytime. The only time when they could literally let their hair down and themselves was when they were ready to go to be.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the difference between these two sentences?
The theatre is closed.
and
The theatre has been closed.
The first sentence suggests that the theatre is not open at the moment; it is locked for the time being. Chances are, it will open little later. It has not been closed permanently.
The second sentence, on the other hand, seems to suggest that someone has forcibly closed down the theatre. Perhaps the municipal authorities were unhappy with the safety features and decided to shut the place down. In this case, the closure is either permanent or for a lengthy period of time.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of Bangalored?
The Americans invented this word and they have been using it quit frequently. As you know, many multinationals, in order to save Money, are outsourcing their work to cities in India. When an American says that he has been Bangalored, What he means is that he has lost his job because his company has decided to move its operations to a city in India – not necessarily Bangalore.
According to the article, another 10,000 people will be Bangalored by the end of the year.
It is not often that the name of a city is used a verb. As a proud Hyderabad, you may wonder why the Americans chose the city of Bangalore. You must remember that during the early stages of outsourcing most of the companies were moving to this city – Bangalore was then perceived as the silicon valley of India. The American’s fear of losing jobs to the city of Bangalore gave rise to another word: Bangalore phobia.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Is it okay to say It took Mohan Six Months to recover from his fatal accident?
No, it isn’t. The word fatal usually has a negative connotation. An accident or an illness that is described as fatal, usually results in the death of an individual. As you probably know, it is difficult for a person to recover from death.
The ailing chief minister suffered a fatal heart attack around midnight.
Several policemen were fatally wounded during the encounter with the militants.
The word fatal can also be used to mean undesirable or causing disaster.
The captain made the fatal mistake of asking Akaka to brown the final over.
Shaun’s injury proved fatal to our plans of winning the trophy.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
The ailing chief minister suffered a fatal heart attack around midnight.
Several policemen were fatally wounded during the encounter with the militants.
The word fatal can also be used to mean undesirable or causing disaster.
The captain made the fatal mistake of asking Akaka to brown the final over.
Shaun’s injury proved fatal to our plans of winning the trophy.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of the phrase pull the rug from under someone’s feet?
If someone were to pull the rug on which you are standing, what do you think is likely to happen? You will probably fall and hurt your self and in the process create problems for yourself. When someone pulls the rug from under your feet, what he is doing is taking away the support or help that you have been receiving. By taking away your support rather unexpectedly, he creates all kinds of problems for you.
Here are few examples:
Paha pulled the rug from under his children’s feet by denying them their allowance.
The company was losing money. It decided to pull to rug from under the fated project.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
How is the word honcho pronounced and what does it mean?
The first o is pronounced like the o in hot, pot, and dot. The second sounds like the o in so, go, and no. The ch is like the ch in chips, cheap, and chew. The main stress is on the first syllable hon. The word is considered slang. And is mostly used in American English in informal contexts. It can be used both as a noun and a verb. Anyone who is the boss or the leader can be referred to as a honcho. The word is of Japanese origin and can be used with both men and women.
Meera, the top honcho in the accounts department, listened patiently to our problem.
When used as a verb honcho means to manage or direct something.
Did Revathi tell you who is likely to honcho the project?
Amrita is honchoing the preparations for the forthcoming seminar.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Meera, the top honcho in the accounts department, listened patiently to our problem.
When used as a verb honcho means to manage or direct something.
Did Revathi tell you who is likely to honcho the project?
Amrita is honchoing the preparations for the forthcoming seminar.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Is there such a word as auto dentist?
Yes, the word does exist. It has been around for a few years now. You may be surprised to know that the word dentist in this case does not refer to the doctor who looks after peoples’ teeth. As you walk along the road and look at the various parked cars, scooters and motorcycles, what is it that strikes you? What is it that the vehicles have in common? Most of them have dent. There are very few cars that do not have dents. An Auto dentist is someone who repairs the dents and other minor damages in cars. Auto means car and dentist means one who repairs dents.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning and origin of on cloud nine?
When you say that you are on cloud nine, what you mean is that you are extremely happy. You feel as if you are no top of the world.
The entire team was on cloud nine after winning the championship.
No one is really sure where the expression comes from. Some believe that the original expression was on cloud seven, very similar to the expression Seventh heaven. Others believe that nine was chosen because it is considered a mystical number. According to weathermen, Could nine refers to the cumulonimbus or the thunderstorm could. This cloud often rises to forty thousand feet; and when you are on such a cloud, you are literally on top of the world.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
How is the word exorcism pronounced?
The ex is pronounced like the letter x and the following o is like the ou in ought, sought and fought. The final ism sound like the sim in prism. The main stress is on the first syllable. When you exorcise a ghost or an evil sprit, what you do is to drive it away by making use of magic or prayers. This act of driving away an evil spirit is called Exorcism.
The witch doctor tried to exorcise the evil spirit form the library.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
The witch doctor tried to exorcise the evil spirit form the library.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the difference between magazine and journal?
When first used, the word journal referred to a daily publication which gave an account of the events that happened the previous day. It was like a newspaper. Nowadays, the word is used to refer to any publication that is brought out at regular intervals.
For example, a journal can be a monthly, quarterly etc. The articles contained in a journal can be a monthly, quarterly, etc. The articles contained in a journal are usually scholarly serious in nature and deal with a specialized area. For example, we have the journal of linguistics, journal of writing, etc.
A Magazine on the other hand doesn’t limit itself to one area. It deals with various subjects – politics, entertainment and sports. Since the articles are about sports and since the articles are meant for the general public, they are much shorter and are usually accompanied by photographs. Outlook, Frontline, and Sport star are all magazines, not journals. And like the journal, they too are brought out at regular intervals.
For example, a journal can be a monthly, quarterly etc. The articles contained in a journal can be a monthly, quarterly, etc. The articles contained in a journal are usually scholarly serious in nature and deal with a specialized area. For example, we have the journal of linguistics, journal of writing, etc.
A Magazine on the other hand doesn’t limit itself to one area. It deals with various subjects – politics, entertainment and sports. Since the articles are about sports and since the articles are meant for the general public, they are much shorter and are usually accompanied by photographs. Outlook, Frontline, and Sport star are all magazines, not journals. And like the journal, they too are brought out at regular intervals.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning and origin of cakewalk?
When you say that the victory was a cakewalk what you mean is that is was very easily achieved. You didn’t have to put in too much of an effort; you won without really having to work hard.
Given you experience, getting the job should be a cakewalk.
The first couple of rounds of the tournament should be a cakewalk.
The Cakewalk was a form of entertainment among African Americans. Well – dressed couples that took part in this competition were made to walk around a cake. The pair that performed this task most gracefully was awarded a prize. In most cases, the prize was the cake itself. The winner used to take the cake. Later, the word cakewalk was used to refer to a popular form of dance.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Given you experience, getting the job should be a cakewalk.
The first couple of rounds of the tournament should be a cakewalk.
The Cakewalk was a form of entertainment among African Americans. Well – dressed couples that took part in this competition were made to walk around a cake. The pair that performed this task most gracefully was awarded a prize. In most cases, the prize was the cake itself. The winner used to take the cake. Later, the word cakewalk was used to refer to a popular form of dance.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of the word Affability?
First, let’s deal with the pronunciation. The first a is pronounced like the a in cat, bat and hat. The a in the second syllable is like the a in china. And the final ability is like the ability in ability, Capability and stability. The main stress is on the third syllable bi. A person who is affable is very pleasant and friendly. Such a person is usually very courteous whenever he talks to someone.
Many students find the new teacher’s affability very irritating.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Is it correct to say? Come to here.
No, it isn’t. You generally say, Came here and not Come to here. There are a number of common words in English, such as here, there, home, up, down, upstairs and downstairs which are not preceded by the word to.
The children ran upstairs/downstairs. (Not ran to upstairs/downstairs)
The CEO asked us to come here. (Not Come to here)
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
The children ran upstairs/downstairs. (Not ran to upstairs/downstairs)
The CEO asked us to come here. (Not Come to here)
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
In both cases, you perform an illegal act; you end up taking someone’s life.
When you murder someone, the act of killing the individual is deliberate or intentional. Usually, it is planned, and is carried out in a cold – blooded manner. It is for this reason that the punishment for murder is very server. In the case of manslaughter, the act of killing may or may not be intentional. You could end up killing someone quite accidentally.
If your kill you aunt or uncle because you want their property, then it is murder. If you run over a pedestrian, it is manslaughter. Then you kill someone quite accidentally. When you kill someone in self – defense it is manslaughter and not murder.
The murder in Noida has upset many people in our country.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
When you murder someone, the act of killing the individual is deliberate or intentional. Usually, it is planned, and is carried out in a cold – blooded manner. It is for this reason that the punishment for murder is very server. In the case of manslaughter, the act of killing may or may not be intentional. You could end up killing someone quite accidentally.
If your kill you aunt or uncle because you want their property, then it is murder. If you run over a pedestrian, it is manslaughter. Then you kill someone quite accidentally. When you kill someone in self – defense it is manslaughter and not murder.
The murder in Noida has upset many people in our country.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What is the meaning of the phrase devil - may – care attitude?
A person who has a very casual attitude about thinking in general is said to have to devil – may – care attitude. This individual is rather carefree, and doesn’t get terribly worked up if things don’t go according to plan. He is rather reckless and doesn’t really worry about the consequences. The expression is considered to be rather old fashioned. It is also possible to say, devil – may – care manner.
When it comes to his studies, Sandeep has a devil – may – care attitude.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
When it comes to his studies, Sandeep has a devil – may – care attitude.
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
Is it ok to say, Irregardless of what you say, I plan to marry him?
Irregardless is a word that has caused a great deal of controversy. It has the same meaning as regardless: it is a word that is mostly used in informal contexts in American English. According to experts, it is a blend of irrespective and regardless. The word is considered non –standard, and hence not all dictionaries include it. This is because the word regardless consists of two negatives. The prefix ir means not and the suffix less means without. Avoid using the world
To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com
What does going stir crazy mean? Where did this expression come from?
Well, my fever has forced me to stay at home। I haven’t stepped out even once in the past five days.
And you feel angry because the fever has forced you to stay inside।
Exactly! I feel angry and upset because I have been confined to the house। This forced confinement is making me very restless.
You probably feel very anxious। I think I understand what stir crazy means now.
How about this example?
· I promised my sister that I would take care of her kids while she was on tour। But after a week, I was going stir crazy.
· I’m told that people who live in really cold places get stir crazy during the winter season.
It was a slang term used in prison।
We understand the slang word for prison is stir। Stir crazy was the expression used by inmates to refer to prisoners who had become mentally unbalanced because of their confinement.
Being cooped up in prison for a long time had driven them crazy।
Later, the expression was used to refer to any kind of confinement। Not just prison.
To know more, visit : http://www.english-for-students.com
English to Richness
This blog is a sensible and authoritative guide to grammar and spelling and takes the pedantry out of correct English. Each link opens with a realistic problem. And a better explanation is given in support of the better solution.
You are always welcome to register your commends and share your views with other viewers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
