Cross and crucifix are two words that are often confused. We will examine the definitions of cross and crucifix, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences. A cross is a mark that is made up of two intersecting lines at right angles. In Christianity, the cross is a symbol of the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, of Jesus Christ himself, or of the Christian religions. In this context, a cross is a vertical beam with a cross member situated lower than the … [Read more...]
Ringleader
Ringleader is a closed compound word. A compound word is a word derived from two separate words used together to create another word. Compound words are new words that have a different meaning than the definitions of the original words. Compound words are usually composed of two nouns, or of an adjective and a noun. New compound words usually consist of two, separate words, and are called open compound words. Midway through their evolution, compound words may acquire hyphens between the two … [Read more...]
Like clockwork and as regular as clockwork
Like clockwork and as regular as clockwork are different renditions of the same idiom. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Often using descriptive imagery, common idioms are words and phrases used in the English language in order to convey a concise idea, and are often spoken or are considered informal or conversational. English idioms can illustrate emotion more quickly than a phrase that has a … [Read more...]
Mudslinging
Mudslinging is an idiom that was first used in English in the 1970s. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Often using descriptive imagery, common idioms are words and phrases used in the English language in order to convey a concise idea, and are often spoken or are considered informal or conversational. English idioms can illustrate emotion more quickly than a phrase that has a literal meaning, … [Read more...]
Bean counter
Bean counter is an idiom that was first used in English in the 1970s. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Often using descriptive imagery, common idioms are words and phrases used in the English language in order to convey a concise idea, and are often spoken or are considered informal or conversational. English idioms can illustrate emotion more quickly than a phrase that has a literal meaning, … [Read more...]
Johnny-come-lately
Johnny-come-lately is an idiom that may be traced to the 1830s, though it is probably older. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Often using descriptive imagery, common idioms are words and phrases used in the English language in order to convey a concise idea, and are often spoken or are considered informal or conversational. English idioms can illustrate emotion more quickly than a phrase that … [Read more...]
A stitch in time saves nine
A stitch in time saves nine is a proverb, which is a short, common saying or phrase. These language tools particularly give advice or share a universal truth, or impart wisdom. Synonyms for proverb include adage, aphorism, sayings, and byword, which can also be someone or something that is the best example of a group. Often, a proverb is so familiar that a speaker will only quote half of it, relying on the listener to supply the ending of the written or spoken proverb himself. … [Read more...]
Homophones, homographs, and homonyms
Homophones, homographs, and homonyms are different categories of words that many find confusing. We will define homophones, homographs, and homonyms, discuss the etymology of these words and look at some examples of homophones, homographs, and homonyms in sentences. Homophones are two words that are pronounced in the same way when spoken aloud but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Homophones exist because of our ever-changing English language, and are a challenge for … [Read more...]
A cross to bear
A cross to bear is an idiom that has been in use for hundreds of years. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Often using descriptive imagery, common idioms are words and phrases used in the English language in order to convey a concise idea, and are often spoken or are considered informal or conversational. English idioms can illustrate emotion more quickly than a phrase that has a literal … [Read more...]
Have a short fuse
Have a short fuse is an idiom that may not be as old as you think. An idiom is a word, group of words or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Often using descriptive imagery, common idioms are words and phrases used in the English language in order to convey a concise idea, and are often spoken or are considered informal or conversational. English idioms can illustrate emotion more quickly than a phrase that has a literal meaning, … [Read more...]