The pot calling the kettle black is an idiom with an odd syntax. 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, even when … [Read more...]
Crews vs cruise
Crews and cruise are two commonly confused words that are pronounced in the same way when spoken aloud but are spelled differently and mean different things, which makes them homophones. Homophones exist because of our ever-changing English language, and are a challenge for those who wish to learn to speak English. The way the spelling and definitions differ can be confusing when attempting to learn vocabulary correctly. Proper pronunciation of spoken English may help the listener distinguish … [Read more...]
To hear crickets
To hear crickets, or simply the word crickets, is an American 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 literal meaning, even … [Read more...]
Love is blind
Love is blind is a proverb that has been in use since at least the 1400s, though its roots are much older. A proverb 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 … [Read more...]
A rolling stone gathers no moss
The expression a rolling stone gathers no moss is a proverb. A proverb 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 … [Read more...]
Bad apple
Bad apple is an idiom that is taken from a proverb. 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, even when the etymology … [Read more...]
Apprehend vs comprehend
Apprehend and comprehend are two words that sound similar and are spelled in a similar fashion, but have very different meanings. We will examine the difference in meaning between the words apprehend and comprehend, where they came from and some examples of their use in sentences. Apprehend has three very different definitions. Apprehend may mean to take someone into custody on suspicion of having committed a crime. Apprehend may also mean to understand something or to perceive something. It … [Read more...]
A hold vs ahold
A hold and ahold are two expressions that are often confused. We will examine the definitions of the terms a hold and ahold, where they came from and some examples of their use in sentences. A hold is a noun that means the act of grabbing on to something or a protuberance or divot of some sort that acts as a place where one may achieve a handhold while climbing something. A hold may also mean an uncanny or overwhelming power that something or someone has over a person, a fortress, or the … [Read more...]
Have the last laugh
The phrase have the last laugh is an 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 literal meaning, even when the etymology or … [Read more...]
Has seen better days
The phrase has seen better days is an idiom that dates back 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...]