Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 102
468. What is the meaning of "monobrow"?
The next time you look at yourself in the mirror, take a good look at the eyebrows. If the two join just above your nose, then you can say that you have a "monobrow". The word is mostly used in informal contexts, and is not found in many dictionaries. "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." — Satchel Paige
469. What is the difference between "met" and "visited"?
A meeting can be planned or unplanned. You can ring someone up and ask him to meet you somewhere at a particular time. It is also possible for you to meet someone quite accidentally. For example, you decide to go shopping. Your friend also decides to go shopping and you end up meeting him. In this case, the meeting is not planned; the two of you run into each other quite accidentally. *We met in the library as planned. *The last time the two of us met was in London. The word "visit" suggests a longer meeting. In other words, you are going to spend some time with the individual. You visit someone's house. A visit is usually planned; the people you are going to meet usually know that you are coming. *During the holidays, he visited his cousin in Pune. There, he met many of his old friends.
470. What is the meaning of "tongue-in-cheek"?
When you make a tongue-in-cheek remark, you do not expect your listener to take you seriously. Although you may look serious, the intention is to be humorous. What you say is meant as a joke. *Was Vijay speaking with tongue-in-cheek when he referred to Sania as the heartthrob of India? *"We all know that Raju is an intellectual", Bala said tongue in cheek.
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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