The posts on this blog are edited compilation of 'Know Your English' Columns from 'The Hindu'. Hats off to 'The Hindu' , Mr.Upendran and the team behind 'The Know Your English' column.
Posted by Sunil Jose on December 21, 2008
When you say that someone is in orbit what you mean is that he is ecstatic.
Examples: When Meera was told she had got the promotion, she was in orbit. * The workers were in orbit when they heard that the company had bagged the order.*”Divya was in orbit over the raise she got.”
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Posted by Sunil Jose on December 21, 2008
The vowel in the first and second syllable is pronounced like the ‘o’ in ‘go’ and ’so’. The main stress is on the first syllable.
The word means charm or magic. It is a word mostly used in American English.
Sandeep has to get his mojo working if he wants to win the tournament. * Sunil got his mojo going and boy did things liven up at the party * We won’t win unless our strike bowler gets his mojo back.
Posted in Idioms, Phrases, Spelling, Usage | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Sunil Jose on December 21, 2008
A speech, presentation, or demonstration that an individual gives repeatedly is often referred to as a dog and pony show. It is usually a presentation that has no substance. So it is used to show disapproval.
A sales presentation intended to impress people can be called a dog and pony show. So a presentation that a professor makes over and over again can be called a dog and pony show.
Example, Geetha was there with her dog and pony show about computer maintenance. * “I’ve seen Dilip’s dog and pony show so many times that I remember most of the words.
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Posted by Sunil Jose on December 21, 2008
When you say that a guy is ‘good looking’, what you mean is that he is handsome. So a ‘good looking woman’ is a beautiful woman. When you say that someone is good looking, it is a statement of fact. There is no doubt about it in your mind.
Examples, “Aishwarya is good looking.” * “My boss’ son is very good looking.”
If I say, ‘You are looking good today’ what it implies is that you are looking much better than you normally do. It is a comparison. The fact that you are looking better than usual today is probably temporary. Maybe it’s got something to do with the shirt or trousers that you are wearing.
“In other words, any person can look good on a certain day, but not all of us are good looking.
For example, I can say, you are looking good for someone your age! Here I talk about someone who looks good for his age.
Posted in Difference, Idioms, Phrases | Leave a Comment »
