Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 79
383. What is the difference between ‘eminent’ and ‘famous’?
When it means, ‘widely known’, the word ‘famous’ can be used with both people and things. ‘Eminent’, on the other hand, is mostly restricted to people. ‘Famous’ suggests that the individual is widely known for a particular reason: it can be for good or bad. For example, Aamir Khan is a famous actor. Someone like Monica Lewinsky is also famous; perhaps, not for the right reasons. ‘Eminent’ is a stronger word than ‘famous’. It comes from the Latin ‘eminentem’ meaning ‘to stand out’. An eminent person, therefore, is someone who stands apart from others; in other words, he is an outstanding and distinguished member of his profession. He is respected by both the public and the members from his own profession. India has produced many eminent artists.
384. How is ‘amour-propre’ pronounced?
There seem to be different ways of pronouncing this expression of French origin. One way is to pronounce the ‘a’ in ‘amour’ like the ‘a’ in ‘ask’, ‘bath’, and ‘path’, and the ‘ou’ like the ‘u’ in ‘put’, ‘full’, and ‘pull’. The second word ‘propre’ is pronounced like the word ‘pro’. The expression is pronounced ‘aamur PRO’ with the main stress on ‘pro’. ‘Amour’ means ‘love’ and ‘propre’ means ‘own’; the expression is mostly used to refer to one’s self-esteem or self-respect.
385. *Whatever you do, don’t offend Kavitha’s amour-propre.
What it the meaning of ‘cut loose’?
The expression has several different meanings. While watching cricket, we often hear Gavaskar and Bhogle say, ‘Sehwag has cut loose’. In this context, the expression means ‘free and relaxed’. In other words, the batsman is not holding back; he is going for his shots, and is thoroughly enjoying himself. He is batting without restraint. He is like an animal that is no longer tied up. *When Prahlad, Bala, and Rakesh get together, they really cut loose.
386. What is the meaning of ‘kitchen cabinet’?
Every head of state is believed to have his/her own ‘kitchen cabinet’. It usually consists of a small group of people whom the Prime Minister or President turns to for advice. These unofficial advisers are not politicians, and the head of state implicitly trusts them. It is believed that sometimes the kitchen cabinet has a greater influence on the head of state than the official cabinet. This is understandable, I guess, because the official cabinet consists of politicians, and as everyone knows, politicians are not meant to be trusted — even if they happen to be from your own party! The expression ‘kitchen cabinet’ was coined in the United States in the 1830s during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. He had three friends whom he depended on for advice. Since he wanted to keep their visits a secret, he usually had them ushered in through the kitchen door. It is believed that most of their meetings actually took place in the kitchen: hence the term ‘kitchen cabinet’. Other expressions which have more or less the same meaning are ‘brain(s) trust’ and ‘think tank’. ****** “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that ‘individuality’ is the key to success.” — Robert Orben
387. “Understand your boss has built a new house. What’s it like?” “Fantabulous is the word that Sujatha used to describe it.” “Fantabulous?” “It’s a combination of ‘fantastic’ and ‘fabulous’. It means, unbelievably good or great.” “When I went to Goa, the view from my room was fantabulous.” “What was the view like from your boss’ new house?”
388. “Haven’t a clue. Never been to his house.” “Well, if you didn’t go to your boss’ party, where were you on New Year’s Eve?” “I went for a drive.” “I understand you were stopped by the police.” “News travels fast. Who told you?” “Does it really matter? Were you speeding?” “No, I wasn’t. The policeman thought I was intexticated.” “I didn’t know you drank. When did…” “I didn’t say ‘intoxicated’. I said ‘intexticated’.” “Don’t think I’ve heard that word before.” “It’s when you try to send a message on your cell phone while you’re driving.” “In other words, you are driving and texting at the same time.”
“That’s right! According to this newspaper article, more accidents are caused by intexticated drivers than by intoxicated ones.” “There are many intexticated drivers in our country.” “That’s true. Tell me, can the word be used with people who walk and message at the same time?” “Yes, it can. Rajeev was so intexticated that he didn’t see where he was going. He fell into a manhole and broke his leg. He’s been advised to take it easy for three months.” ‘Oh, the poor chap. I hope he has insurance.” “Don’t worry about Rajeev. He’s flush.” “Flush? What do you mean?” “One of the meanings of flush is abundant. In this context, it means the person is rich. For example, at the beginning of every month, I feel flush.” “We are not exactly flush, but we manage to live a comfortable life.” “That’s what most people want.” “That’s true. According to my father, the best thing…” “Talking about your father, has he returned the laptop to the dealer?” “He’s been talking to him on the phone and...”
389. “Nothing will come of it, I’m afraid. Tell your dad to stop pussyfooting around and...” “Pussyfooting around? What does it mean?” “It means to do something in a cautious or timid manner. When you…” “In other words, you walk or tread carefully like a cat?” “Exactly! The person is unwilling to commit to any course of action. Listen Radha, you’ve been pussyfooting around for over six months now. I want a decision by the end of the day.” “If I were you, I wouldn’t promote him. He’s incapable of taking decisions. He’ll pussyfoot around and not get on with anything.” “That’s a good example. We have a crisis on our hands. You need to take action. You can’t pussyfoot around.” “I’ll talk to my dad about the laptop.” “You’re leaving? That’s fantabulous!” *** “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one ’year’ and out the other.” — Unknown
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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