Meaning and origin of ‘Out of the blue’

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/18/2013 8:13:37 PM

'When something happened suddenly and unexpectedly, we say it happened ‘out of the blue’ continue reading'

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Meaning of ‘bird’s eye view’

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/16/2013 3:36:17 PM

'Bird’s eye view refers to the view as seen by a bird from the height while it is flying. Continue reading'

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What is the origin of ‘denim’?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/15/2013 6:31:49 PM

'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 This sturdy cloth that both young and old wear nowadays was originally made in the town of ‘Nimes’ in France.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’; […]'

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Origin and meaning of ‘cc’ and ‘bcc’ ?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/13/2013 6:07:30 PM

'The terms ‘cc’ and ‘bcc’ are quite known to email users.  These fields are used when you want to send an email message to one or more persons (direct recipients) and keep others informed about the message.  Continue reading'

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What is the meaning of ‘crony capitalism’?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/11/2013 6:31:36 PM

'‘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 close relationship between businessmen and government officials. The word ‘crony’ means ‘friend’; it is generally used to show disapproval. If you were […]'

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What does ‘last but not the least’ mean?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/10/2013 4:02:18 PM

'‘Last but not the least’ is an expression which we often hear in public speeches. Continue reading'

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How national anthem is different from national song?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/9/2013 6:19:19 PM

'The word ‘anthem’ has come to be associated with any song or hymn of praise, joy, triumph, pride etc. Continue reading…'

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What is the meaning of ‘square peg in a round hole’?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/7/2013 6:31:09 PM

'If you are working for an organisation, and you say that you feel like a square peg in a round hole, what you mean is that you feel like a total misfit. You and the others around you sense that you don’t belong there. The expression can also be used to refer to someone who [...]'

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How did the idiom ‘once in a blue moon’ originate ?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/5/2013 1:43:09 PM

'The idiom ‘once in a blue moon’ means something that happens very rarely. There are many theories as to the reference to ‘blue moon’ in this idiomatic expression. Please continue reading'

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What is the meaning of `urban legend’?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 5/2/2013 6:31:07 PM

'These are very often widely circulated stories that are passed on from one person to another. Often, these are very frightening stories which are supposed to have really happened; whether they did or not, urban legends are meant to be believed. The stories have been told and retold so many times that they have become [...]'

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How is the word `acerbic’ pronounced?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/29/2013 6:31:26 PM

'The `a’ in the first syllable is like the `a’ in `amount’ and account’; the `cer’ sounds like the word `sir’. The final `ic’ is like the `ick’ in `stick’, `chick’, and `kick’, and the main stress is on the second syllable. The word is pronounced `asirbick’. It comes from the Latin acerbus’ meaning `harsh’. [...]'

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Is it correct to say, ‘heartfelt congratulations’ ?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/29/2013 6:11:21 PM

'‘Heartfelt’ is a term generally used while expressing  sympathy and sorrows. Continue reading'

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Can the word `etc.’ be used with people?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/27/2013 3:51:26 AM

'The Latin expression `et cetera’, which is normally abbreviated to `etc.’, means `and other things’ and `so on’. As writers or speakers, we use it when we don’t wish to include everything on a list. Example” For the drawing competition on Sunday, students are expected to bring their own pencil, paper, etc.’ In such cases, [...]'

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Why ‘UN English Language Day’ is celebrated on April 23rd ?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/24/2013 3:51:53 PM

'UNO celebrate English Language Day on April 23rd, the date  which is  traditionally observed as the birthday of William Shakespeare. Read More….'

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What is the meaning and origin of `smoke and mirrors’?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/22/2013 6:31:14 PM

'When you say that something is `smoke and mirrors’ what you mean is that it is a lie; it is a distortion of the truth. It is a trick employed by someone to deceive or confuse people. By drawing attention away from the truth, an attempt is made to make people believe that the situation [...]'

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‘ATM’ is the abbreviation for ‘Any Time Money’ ?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/22/2013 3:44:07 PM

'The general perception that ‘ATM’ is the abbreviation for ‘Any Time Money’ is not correct.'

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Which is correct – ‘once for all’ or ‘once and for all’ ?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/18/2013 5:12:21 PM

'It is not correct to say ‘once for all’. It should be ‘once and for all’.'

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What is the difference between “call on” and “call at”?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/17/2013 6:31:06 PM

'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. Example: The students called on the ailing Principal on Wednesday afternoon. When a teacher “calls on” a student in class, she wants him to answer the question. Example: [...]'

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Why is India NOT ‘ the India’ and UK is ‘the United Kingdom’?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/16/2013 1:01:45 AM

'The definite article ‘the’ is normally not used with names. That is why India is not ‘the India’ and England is not ‘the England’. On the other hand ‘the’ is used in respect of countries whose name starts with or contains ‘united’ or ‘republic’ or ‘kingdom’ etc.'

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Can the word “alma mater” be used to refer to one’s school?

Author : Sunil Jose      Blog : 'Know Your English'      Date : 4/12/2013 6:31:42 PM

'First, let’s deal with the pronunciation. The first “a” in “alma” is like the “a” in “cat”, “bat” and “sat”, while the second 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 [...]'

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