Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 147
609. What is the meaning and origin of the idiom "let the chips fall where they may"?
This is an expression that is mostly used in American English. When you say `let the chips fall where they may', what you mean is, do whatever you have to do without worrying too much about the consequences of your action. In other words, do the right thing and don't worry about the fallout. Let things happen naturally; do not make an attempt to try to control everything. *The minister said that he would speak from the heart, and let the chips fall where they may. The `chips' has nothing to do with the chips we normally eat. This idiom comes from the world of logging. When you chop down a tree using an axe, every time you hit the tree, pieces of wood (chips) scatter. While you are cutting, you do not worry about the various chips flying around; you don't really care where they land. As a cutter, you remain focussed on the task at hand — which is to chop down the tree.
610. How is the word `succulent' pronounced?
The `succ' is pronounced like the word `suck'. The sound that follows is like the `y' in `yes' and `yellow', and the following `u' is like the `u' in `pull', `full', and `bull'. The `e' in the third syllable is like the `a' in `china', and the main stress is on the first syllable. The word is normally used in relation to meat, fruit and vegetables. Food that is `succulent' is very juicy and good to eat. *Shalini placed the succulent fruit on top of the ice cream and served it to the guest.
611. What is the difference between `noticeable' and `notable'?
When you say that something is `noticeable', what you mean is that it is apparent. In other words, it is obvious; it can be seen or `noticed' by others. *There is a noticeable improvement in the champion's backhand. *What is noticeable is that the two brothers just can't stand each other. Anything or anyone that is important or interesting is `notable'. The word is normally used with people who are well known. It can also be used to refer to their impressive accomplishments. *Winning the Grand Slam twice is one of his notable achievements.
`Notables' is normally used to refer to important or powerful people. *Many of the local notables decided to stay away from the event.
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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