Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 84
406. Which is correct? "Clinic timings/timing"?
I guess in the Indian context, "timings" would be the appropriate word. After all, everyone in our country talks about "school timings", "bus timings" and "train timings". A native speaker of English, however, would find both "timing" and "timings" unacceptable. He would prefer to say "Clinic hours". The word "timing" has nothing to do with duration, and as for the word "timings", well, you won't find it listed in most dictionaries. It is a word that we Indians have coined. ***** ***** ***** "The average girl would rather have beauty than brains because she knows that the average man can see much better than he can think." — Ladies Home Journal
407. What is the meaning and origin of "cut and dry"
First of all, it is not "cut and dry", but "cut and dried". When you refer to a decision as being cut and dried what you mean is that it is final; it cannot be changed. *Bala's plans are cut and dried. You cannot make any changes now. When you refer to a talk as being "cut and dried" what you mean is that it was uninteresting. *Hema's talk was cut and dried. She must brush up on her presentation skills. According to some scholars the cut and dried material refers to timber. Wood that has been dried after cutting is ready for use. One can use it to light a fire. Some others believe that the idiom refers to the cut and dried herbs available in shops, which can be readily used in one's cooking.
408. During funerals, people, especially women, cry or wail in a funny sort of way. Is there a word for this?
Yes, there is. I think the word you have in mind is "ululate". It consists of three syllables; the first is pronounced like the word "Yule", which rhymes with "mule", "fuel", and "duel". The second syllable sounds like "you", and the final syllable is like the word "late". The main stress is on the first syllable. "Ululate" is mostly used in formal contexts and means to howl or wail. This ritualistic wailing can be performed at times of mourning or celebration. *From a distance we could hear the ululation of the mourning women. *When he heard the news, Anand raised his hands and ululated.
409. What is the meaning of "the worm has turned"?
If you keep bullying someone all the time, at some point he will turn on you. Even the most mild mannered person will put up with only so much. Normally, when you refer to an individual as a "worm", what you mean is that he is an unpleasant character. But in this idiom, it is gentleness or the harmlessness of the creature that you are referring to. You are saying that the person is a weak individual. *I wouldn't mess with Rajeev now if I were you. He has changed. The worm has turned.
410. What is the difference between "another" and "other"?
"Another" is normally used to mean "one more". For example, you can ask your mother for another bowl of ice cream, or another plate of puris. The word can be used with both singular and plural nouns; when used with the latter, it is followed by "few". The Registrar will be retiring in another few days. The use of the word "another" also suggests that you have more than two choices available. If you are in a showroom and you ask a salesperson to show you "another car", you are telling the individual that you want to see some other car — you are not interested in the ones that have been shown to you so far. "Other", on the other hand, suggests that you have only two choices available. For example, if you were to say, "I am not interested in this car, but am interested in the other", what you mean is that you like the second car. A car that you have already seen. The choice here is between two cars. ***** ***** ***** "Before a man speaks, it is always safe to assume that he is a fool. After he speaks, it is seldom necessary to assume." — H. L. Mencken
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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