Drawer and drawer are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words drawer and drawer, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences. A drawer (drore) is a five-sided box that slides in and out of a chest, desk, or other piece of furniture and is used for storage. A drawer may or may not have …
Digest and digest are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words digest and digest, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences. A digest (DIE jest) is a summary of information or a book or magazine that compiles and condenses information. For instance, the American publication Reader’s Digest is a magazine that abridges nonfiction articles …
Dog-ear is an idiom that is surprisingly old. We will examine the meaning of the idiom dog-ear, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences. To dog-ear means to turn down the corner of a page of a book so that one may easily find that page again. The image is of a dog’s ear that folds downward. Dog-ear may be used as a noun to mean the folded-down corner of a page of a …
Ahoy, matey! Ever heard of the phrase don’t give up the ship? No, it’s not just a catchy slogan found on flags or uttered by scurvy-ridden pirates in films. It’s a historic idiom with a profound meaning that we can still use today. You just have to understand its meaning in order to implement it properly. So, grab your compass, and let’s explore this sea-faring phrase! Don’t Give Up the Ship Meaning Explained The phrase don’t give up the ship …
Have you ever heard someone say don’t hold your breath? What a strange thing to tell someone, right? Thank goodness there’s no literal intent behind the expression. I’ll go over all the details of what the phrase means and show you how to use it in a sentence. Don’t Hold Your Breath Meaning Explained When someone says, “Don’t hold your breath,” they aren’t literally telling you to breathe normally. Instead, this idiom is used to express skepticism that a certain …
Delegate and delegate are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words delegate and delegate, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences. Delegate (DELL uh gut) is a noun that means a person who is acting for another at a conference, convention, or in an elected body; a committee member. The word delegate is derived …
Dance on someone’s grave is an idiom of uncertain origin. We will examine the meaning of the idiom dance on someone’s grave, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences. To dance on someone’s grave means to rejoice in that person’s death, to be happy that person has passed on. Sometimes, a person may tell someone that he will dance on that person’s grave, meaning that he will outlive that person and celebrate when that person …
Isn’t the English language unique and interesting? We’ve borrowed words and terms from various languages and put them together to create something new. We use old proverbs and literal instances and turn them into idioms to convey deeper meanings. I love the phrase “down the hatch,” but have you ever wondered what it really meant? I’ll explain its origins and show you how to use it in a sentence. Down the Hatch Meaning Explained When people say “down the hatch,” …
Aren’t idioms so much fun? They make language playful and more interesting. Take the phrase drown your sorrows as a good example. It paints a vivid picture, but its meaning is quite deep. So, hang tight while I wash away any questions about this expression. Meaning of Drown Your Sorrows When someone is said to be drowning their sorrows, they aren’t literally submerging their feelings of distress in a water body. That would be impossible. Instead, they’re trying to forget …
Draw a blank can have a literal meaning, like if you draw an actual blank line in a quiz you’re creating. But the phrase is more commonly used as an idiom. Where did it come from? And what’s the correct way to use it in speech and writing? I’ll break it all down right here in this handy grammar guide! Draw a Blank Idiom Meaning We use the idiomatic expression “draw a blank” to refer to failing to find or …