Phrasal Verb: Mix up (transitive)
1. Mistake somebody or something for another: to confuse things or people and mistakenly identify one as the other. "People always mix her up with her sister". "I sometimes mix the verb tenses up." "I get mixed up between the meaning of affect and effect"
2. Change the order of things: to change the usual or previous order of things, either deliberately or by accident. "The pages got mixed up on the way to the printer's".
3. To involve somebody or yourself in something: to involve somebody or yourself with a group of people or in an activity, especially one that is disapproved of ( usually passive ). "She got herself mixed up with a bad crowd". "Sorry I'm late. I got mixed up in the traffic".
4. To make something from ingredients: to prepare or make something by mixing different ingredients. "We need to mix up these different kinds of nuts before we put them in a bowl."
5. To make lively or colorful: "Let's mix this party up with a little Polka music". "You need to mix up your wardrobe. You wear that same old gray suit too often".
Idiom: Cross Your Fingers
(I often use this idiom. I think it goes to childhood when I would tell lies to my friends with my fingers crossed behind my back. But now I only mean it to hope that something turns out positive).
Meaning: To hope that something happens the way you want it to or you can cross your fingers when saying something so that it "doesn't count." It refers to actually crossing your fingers, the middle finger over the index finger. Crossing your fingers can have several meanings depending on context, most dealing with superstitions or children's games. You can cross your fingers to bring good luck. "Keep your fingers crossed that we arrrive on time to your brother's graduation ceremony". You can cross your fingers when saying something so that it "doesn't count." "I said it, but I had my fingers crossed behind my back so it doesn't count." (Only childern do this). Some tag-type games you can cross your fingers to be "safe" aka King's Cross.
Origin: The saying derives from the superstition that bad luck may be averted by making the sign of the cross. Originated in the 1920s.
Song of the Day: Bennie and the Jets, Elton John. 1973
This is one of those tunes I loved as a kid. Even my mom liked this tune. However, the lyrics tells the story of "Bennie and the Jets", a fictional band of whom Elton John is a supposed fan. The song's lyrics are a satire on the music industry of the 1970s in which the greed and glitz of the early '70s music scene is portrayed.
Video link
Lyrics
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Today's Study Material
Phrasal Verb: Keep at (transitive)
1. To continue doing something: to persevere with something, especially something difficult or strenuous. "You should keep at your studies." "Keep at those potatoes. We need 50 pounds peeled for the salad for the family picnic".
2. To pester somebody: to persist in asking somebody to do something ( informal ) "My boss kept at me to put in longer hours". "My wife keeps at me to lose weight".
Idiom: To Steal Someone's Thunder
Meaning: To take the credit for something someone else did.Someone 'steals your thunder' when they use your ideas or inventions to their own advantage.
Origin: This common idiom has an interesting history. It comes from the theater, particularly British theater, circa 1704. It is about how the sound effect of thunder was produced for the stage. Devices that produce the sound of thunder have been called on in theatrical productions for centuries. The methods used include: rolling metal balls down troughs, grinding lead shot in bowls, and shaking sheets of thin metal. The latter device, called a thunder sheet, is still in use today.
However, there was a playwrite by the name of John Dennis who, as the story goes, was not the greatest of dramatists. However, he invented a new method for creating the sound effect of thunder. We don't know now what this method was, but it is suggested that it was a refinement of the technique of rolling metal balls in a wooden bowl. It is reported that after his play failed and closed, the method was soon afterwards used in a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Dennis was less than pleased at having his idea stolen and his response was recorded: "Damn them! They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder."
I have to laugh. Ha! Thanks, John Dennis. That's great...
Funny Story of the Day: Hostage Released for Pizza
An Australian prison guard held hostage for two days was released after a ransom demand for pizzas was met.
Up to 20 inmates at the Risdon Prison in Hobart, Tasmania, seized the guard in a protest over conditions in the maximum security jail. Initially they made 24 demands to authorities, but eventually gave up their hostage after agreeing to 15 pizzas, Coke and garlic bread instead.
"At midnight, the final sticking point with the inmates was that they were requiring pizzas to be delivered. Our staff member was negotiated out with the delivery of 15 pizzas," Graeme Barber, Tasmania's director of prisons, told The Advocate newspaper.
The guard is recovering from his ordeal at home.
1. To continue doing something: to persevere with something, especially something difficult or strenuous. "You should keep at your studies." "Keep at those potatoes. We need 50 pounds peeled for the salad for the family picnic".
2. To pester somebody: to persist in asking somebody to do something ( informal ) "My boss kept at me to put in longer hours". "My wife keeps at me to lose weight".
Idiom: To Steal Someone's Thunder
Meaning: To take the credit for something someone else did.Someone 'steals your thunder' when they use your ideas or inventions to their own advantage.
Origin: This common idiom has an interesting history. It comes from the theater, particularly British theater, circa 1704. It is about how the sound effect of thunder was produced for the stage. Devices that produce the sound of thunder have been called on in theatrical productions for centuries. The methods used include: rolling metal balls down troughs, grinding lead shot in bowls, and shaking sheets of thin metal. The latter device, called a thunder sheet, is still in use today.
However, there was a playwrite by the name of John Dennis who, as the story goes, was not the greatest of dramatists. However, he invented a new method for creating the sound effect of thunder. We don't know now what this method was, but it is suggested that it was a refinement of the technique of rolling metal balls in a wooden bowl. It is reported that after his play failed and closed, the method was soon afterwards used in a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Dennis was less than pleased at having his idea stolen and his response was recorded: "Damn them! They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder."
I have to laugh. Ha! Thanks, John Dennis. That's great...
Funny Story of the Day: Hostage Released for Pizza
An Australian prison guard held hostage for two days was released after a ransom demand for pizzas was met.
Up to 20 inmates at the Risdon Prison in Hobart, Tasmania, seized the guard in a protest over conditions in the maximum security jail. Initially they made 24 demands to authorities, but eventually gave up their hostage after agreeing to 15 pizzas, Coke and garlic bread instead.
"At midnight, the final sticking point with the inmates was that they were requiring pizzas to be delivered. Our staff member was negotiated out with the delivery of 15 pizzas," Graeme Barber, Tasmania's director of prisons, told The Advocate newspaper.
The guard is recovering from his ordeal at home.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Daily Study Material
Phrasal Verb: Put off (transitive)
1. To delay or postpone something. "I put off going to the bank and the post office today because I was lazy".
2. make somebody disgusted: to disgust or repel somebody. "It really puts me off when people talk too much when you first meet them".
3.To delay or hinder somebody: to delay somebody or stop somebody from acting or proceeding. "Don't let me put you off from doing your tasks. I will hang up and let you go".
4. Discourage somebody: to make somebody lose interest in or enthusiasm for something
put somebody off his or her stride to distract somebody from what he or she is doing and make that person do it less well. (this usage almost always includes the word "stride"). "He really put me from going to Mexico because of all of the bad things he said about it". "I lost my game of online chess because Wei Wei kept messaging me on MSN while I was playing. It really put me off stride".
Idiom of the Day: A Chip On Your Shoulder
This is a complex idiom. I will try to explain it as best I can.
Meaning: Being upset for something that happened in the past or a sense of self-perceived inferiority leading to a psychological "persecution complex", a feeling that "everyone" is conspiring to insult or in some way demean you. People with a chip or their shoulder are easily offended because they feel that people like to insult them.
Origin: In America during the nineteenth century there was unusual practice of looking for a fight by carrying a chip of wood on one's shoulder, daring others to knock it off.
Examples: "The Irish never tire of complaining how the British have historically oppressed them. They may be right, but having such a chip on your shoulder is irritating to listen to all of the time". "Joe seemed to have a chip on his shoulder because he came from a poor family, while all of his classmates came from wealthier ones".
1. To delay or postpone something. "I put off going to the bank and the post office today because I was lazy".
2. make somebody disgusted: to disgust or repel somebody. "It really puts me off when people talk too much when you first meet them".
3.To delay or hinder somebody: to delay somebody or stop somebody from acting or proceeding. "Don't let me put you off from doing your tasks. I will hang up and let you go".
4. Discourage somebody: to make somebody lose interest in or enthusiasm for something
put somebody off his or her stride to distract somebody from what he or she is doing and make that person do it less well. (this usage almost always includes the word "stride"). "He really put me from going to Mexico because of all of the bad things he said about it". "I lost my game of online chess because Wei Wei kept messaging me on MSN while I was playing. It really put me off stride".
Idiom of the Day: A Chip On Your Shoulder
This is a complex idiom. I will try to explain it as best I can.
Meaning: Being upset for something that happened in the past or a sense of self-perceived inferiority leading to a psychological "persecution complex", a feeling that "everyone" is conspiring to insult or in some way demean you. People with a chip or their shoulder are easily offended because they feel that people like to insult them.
Origin: In America during the nineteenth century there was unusual practice of looking for a fight by carrying a chip of wood on one's shoulder, daring others to knock it off.
Examples: "The Irish never tire of complaining how the British have historically oppressed them. They may be right, but having such a chip on your shoulder is irritating to listen to all of the time". "Joe seemed to have a chip on his shoulder because he came from a poor family, while all of his classmates came from wealthier ones".
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Material of the Day
Phrasal Verb: Do away with
Today's phrasal is a fairly simple one, but in order to use it you need to place the conjunction, "with", in the sentence. Both usages of the verb are transitive.
1. Abolish something: to abolish something so that it no longer happens or exists. "Some Americans want to do away with the death penalty".
2.To kill somebody or something ( informal ). "Vito "the knife" Corleone said, 'we have to do Irish. They're upsetting 'our thing'". "I did away with that mosquito. It won't be bothering us Idiom: The Last Straw
Meaning
When one small burden after another creates an unbearable situation, the last straw is the last small, additional burden that someone or something can take.
Origin
The full version of this metaphorical phrase is 'the last straw which breaks the camel's back', which has an Old Testament sound about it. Some authorities suggest that the phrase is a variant on an olde proverb: 'it is the last feather that breaks the horse's back'.
Examples
"My boss has, for the last time, insulted me one too many times. That was the last straw. I am finally going to quit". "I think that driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back over the weekend was the last straw for my car. It won't start today"
Song of the Day: Radar Love, Golden Earring.
This song suddenly started playing in my head this evening. I think that it is because I saw a commercial here in Taiwan that totally stole the bass riff of the song and reworked the song's general idea, kind of turning it inside out. All the same, this is one of the coolest "driving tunes" of all time.
Video Link
Lyrics
Today's phrasal is a fairly simple one, but in order to use it you need to place the conjunction, "with", in the sentence. Both usages of the verb are transitive.
1. Abolish something: to abolish something so that it no longer happens or exists. "Some Americans want to do away with the death penalty".
2.To kill somebody or something ( informal ). "Vito "the knife" Corleone said, 'we have to do Irish. They're upsetting 'our thing'". "I did away with that mosquito. It won't be bothering us Idiom: The Last Straw
Meaning
When one small burden after another creates an unbearable situation, the last straw is the last small, additional burden that someone or something can take.
Origin
The full version of this metaphorical phrase is 'the last straw which breaks the camel's back', which has an Old Testament sound about it. Some authorities suggest that the phrase is a variant on an olde proverb: 'it is the last feather that breaks the horse's back'.
Examples
"My boss has, for the last time, insulted me one too many times. That was the last straw. I am finally going to quit". "I think that driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back over the weekend was the last straw for my car. It won't start today"
Song of the Day: Radar Love, Golden Earring.
This song suddenly started playing in my head this evening. I think that it is because I saw a commercial here in Taiwan that totally stole the bass riff of the song and reworked the song's general idea, kind of turning it inside out. All the same, this is one of the coolest "driving tunes" of all time.
Video Link
Lyrics
Friday, November 21, 2008
Study Material of the Day
Phrasal Verb: Pass _ on
1. To die (used as a polite euphemism) intransitive. "I am afraid Professor Johnson has passed on".
2. To convey or transmit something that has been received to somebody else -transitive. "Please pass this message on to your co-workers". "Pass this dish on to your father".
3. To not accept (an invitation to eat or do something) - transitive. "Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for dinner". "Thank you, Bong Su, but I think I will pass on the octopus eggs tonight".
Idiom: You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover
Meaning: Decisions shouldn't be made primarily on appearance. An appraisal of someone or something based soley on its surface is likely to be misleading.
Funny story of the Day
Drivers made to hop like frogs
Truck drivers who are caught speeding in the Indian state of Bihar are being made to hop like frogs. Police in Bihar dish out the humiliating punishments instead of taking offenders to court, reports Newindpress.com.
For the most popular punishment, leapfrog, speeding truck drivers have to sit on their haunches, hold their ears and hop for almost half a kilometre. The drivers are made to chant the name of the political leader they like most while they are being punished.
One policeman was quoted as saying: "If they remember their leader when they are being punished, it's like they are insulting them. If they have any sense, they won't do the offence again."
1. To die (used as a polite euphemism) intransitive. "I am afraid Professor Johnson has passed on".
2. To convey or transmit something that has been received to somebody else -transitive. "Please pass this message on to your co-workers". "Pass this dish on to your father".
3. To not accept (an invitation to eat or do something) - transitive. "Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for dinner". "Thank you, Bong Su, but I think I will pass on the octopus eggs tonight".
Idiom: You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover
Meaning: Decisions shouldn't be made primarily on appearance. An appraisal of someone or something based soley on its surface is likely to be misleading.
Funny story of the Day
Drivers made to hop like frogs
Truck drivers who are caught speeding in the Indian state of Bihar are being made to hop like frogs. Police in Bihar dish out the humiliating punishments instead of taking offenders to court, reports Newindpress.com.
For the most popular punishment, leapfrog, speeding truck drivers have to sit on their haunches, hold their ears and hop for almost half a kilometre. The drivers are made to chant the name of the political leader they like most while they are being punished.
One policeman was quoted as saying: "If they remember their leader when they are being punished, it's like they are insulting them. If they have any sense, they won't do the offence again."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Study Material of the Day
Phrasal Verb: Carry on
1. To continue to do something (transitive and intransitive). "Please just carry on with your work and pretend we're not here". "She carried on the business after her father retired". "'Carry on, Private', said the Major". "I want you to carry on with the project while I am out of town".
2. Be involved or engaged in something (transitive). "They were carrying on an intense conversation in a corner of the cafe". "Joe and the guys were carrying on a game of poker in the back of the warehouse". (This phrasal is usually used for conversations and games, but could be used somewhat humorously describe a habitual obsession). "Dad's carrying on in his workshop again".
3. Behave foolishly or improperly: to behave or talk in a way that is socially awkward or improper- informal (intransitive) "I'm ashamed of the way he's been carrying on in public".
4. Continue in an annoying way (transitive). "He kept carrying on about how much money he makes". "How much longer are you going to carry on with your nagging?"
4. Have an affair: to have a casual affair with somebody- informal disapproving (intransitive). "Chung Hoon and Hyon Mi have been secretly carrying on an office romance for months now".
Idiom: Close but no Cigar
Meaning: To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short and receive nothing for your efforts.
Origin: The phrase, and its variant 'nice try, but no cigar', are of US origin and date from the mid-20th century. Fairground stalls gave out cigars as prizes, and this is the most likely source, although there's no definitive evidence to prove that.
Song: A Day in the Life, The Beatles. 1967.
"A Day in the Life" is one of the last true collaborations between Lennon and McCartney: Lennon wrote the opening and closing sections, while McCartney contributed the "woke up/Fell out of bed" middle. For the climax, they hired forty classical musicians, dressed them in tuxedos and funny hats, and told them they had fifteen bars to ascend from the lowest note on their instruments to the highest. "Listen to those trumpets -- they're just freaking out," McCartney said. The final thundering piano chord concluded the Sgt. Pepper's album and made rock music seem like it had infinite possibilities.
Appears on: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Video link
Lyrics
1. To continue to do something (transitive and intransitive). "Please just carry on with your work and pretend we're not here". "She carried on the business after her father retired". "'Carry on, Private', said the Major". "I want you to carry on with the project while I am out of town".
2. Be involved or engaged in something (transitive). "They were carrying on an intense conversation in a corner of the cafe". "Joe and the guys were carrying on a game of poker in the back of the warehouse". (This phrasal is usually used for conversations and games, but could be used somewhat humorously describe a habitual obsession). "Dad's carrying on in his workshop again".
3. Behave foolishly or improperly: to behave or talk in a way that is socially awkward or improper- informal (intransitive) "I'm ashamed of the way he's been carrying on in public".
4. Continue in an annoying way (transitive). "He kept carrying on about how much money he makes". "How much longer are you going to carry on with your nagging?"
4. Have an affair: to have a casual affair with somebody- informal disapproving (intransitive). "Chung Hoon and Hyon Mi have been secretly carrying on an office romance for months now".
Idiom: Close but no Cigar
Meaning: To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short and receive nothing for your efforts.
Origin: The phrase, and its variant 'nice try, but no cigar', are of US origin and date from the mid-20th century. Fairground stalls gave out cigars as prizes, and this is the most likely source, although there's no definitive evidence to prove that.
Song: A Day in the Life, The Beatles. 1967.
"A Day in the Life" is one of the last true collaborations between Lennon and McCartney: Lennon wrote the opening and closing sections, while McCartney contributed the "woke up/Fell out of bed" middle. For the climax, they hired forty classical musicians, dressed them in tuxedos and funny hats, and told them they had fifteen bars to ascend from the lowest note on their instruments to the highest. "Listen to those trumpets -- they're just freaking out," McCartney said. The final thundering piano chord concluded the Sgt. Pepper's album and made rock music seem like it had infinite possibilities.
Appears on: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Video link
Lyrics
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Study Material for the Day
Sherpa Jon says, "after yesterday's difficult phrasal I have chosen a much easier one for today. In fact, there is no difference between save and save up. It is just one of those cases where native speakers will unnecessarily attach a preposition to verb.
By the way, please leave any comments or suggestions that you might have about this site. I welcome criticism as well as compliments. One question that I have is whether you are gaining anything from the Song of the Day, or even if you actually enjoy the music".
Phrasal Verb: Save up
1. Accumulate money: to set aside money for later use, often adding to the sum periodically (transitive and intransitive). "She's saving up for a new computer".
2. Keep something back for later: to set something aside, keep something back, or protect something so that it can be used later (transitive). "Save up those old boards and nails. I will use them someday"
Idiom of the Day: Save up for a rainy day
Meaning: to set aside money for a time of financial hardship, such as unemployment, slow business, hospital expenses or any other time of hardship that this world can bring.
By the way, please leave any comments or suggestions that you might have about this site. I welcome criticism as well as compliments. One question that I have is whether you are gaining anything from the Song of the Day, or even if you actually enjoy the music".
Phrasal Verb: Save up
1. Accumulate money: to set aside money for later use, often adding to the sum periodically (transitive and intransitive). "She's saving up for a new computer".
2. Keep something back for later: to set something aside, keep something back, or protect something so that it can be used later (transitive). "Save up those old boards and nails. I will use them someday"
Idiom of the Day: Save up for a rainy day
Meaning: to set aside money for a time of financial hardship, such as unemployment, slow business, hospital expenses or any other time of hardship that this world can bring.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Study Material of the Day
Phrasal Verb of the Day: Make __ up
(A note from Jon The Sherpa: "This is easily one of the most complicated of the phrasals, and most commonly used. Study it carefully").
1. Prepare something: to get something ready, especially by putting a number of items together (transitive verb). "I've made up a box lunch". (The preposition is not necessary)
2. Form a whole: to be the constituent members or parts that together form a whole (transitive). "A group made up of four men and six women".
3. Constitute something: to be a particular part or proportion of something (transitive). "Women make up more than half the country's work force".
4. Provide supplementary quantity: to provide something, e.g. an additional sum of money, to raise an existing amount to the required amount (transitive). "You three pay $10 each and I'll make up the rest".
5. Compensate: to compensate for a failing such as a disappointment, deficiency, or shortcoming (intransitive) "I'll buy lunch to make up for being late".
6. Fabricate story: to invent an excuse, fact, or story(transitive). "She made the whole story up to shock her parents".
7. Put on facial cosmetics: to apply cosmetics to your own face or somebody else's face (transitive). "My female roommate used to spend an hour making up her face"
8. Prepare appearance for performance: to prepare somebody or yourself for an acting performance by applying cosmetics and fitting costumes necessary for assuming a given role (transitive and intransitive) "It takes her two hours to make up for the role".
9. Resolve quarrel: to become friends again after a quarrel (transitive and intransitive) "Haven't you two made up yet?"
10. Take exam, course, or to stage an event again: to take an examination or course of study again because of absence or failure transitive verb (transitive). "I had to make up a French exam"
11.Printing arrange layout of page: to arrange columns of print and illustrations on a page ( transitive).
Make-up is also used as a noun in the case of cosmetics and as an adjective in the case of the tenth definition, "There is a make-up game scheduled for next week due to cancellation from yesterday's rain" or, "I am taking a make-up exam today"
Idiom of the Day: Water Under The Bridge
Meaning: Anything from the past that isn't significant or important anymore, or something that is over and gone and so not worth thinking any more about.
"My sister and I fought when we were children, but that's water under the bridge" or "she used to go out with the boy next door, but that's all water under the bridge. She married someone else long ago."
(A note from Jon The Sherpa: "This is easily one of the most complicated of the phrasals, and most commonly used. Study it carefully").
1. Prepare something: to get something ready, especially by putting a number of items together (transitive verb). "I've made up a box lunch". (The preposition is not necessary)
2. Form a whole: to be the constituent members or parts that together form a whole (transitive). "A group made up of four men and six women".
3. Constitute something: to be a particular part or proportion of something (transitive). "Women make up more than half the country's work force".
4. Provide supplementary quantity: to provide something, e.g. an additional sum of money, to raise an existing amount to the required amount (transitive). "You three pay $10 each and I'll make up the rest".
5. Compensate: to compensate for a failing such as a disappointment, deficiency, or shortcoming (intransitive) "I'll buy lunch to make up for being late".
6. Fabricate story: to invent an excuse, fact, or story(transitive). "She made the whole story up to shock her parents".
7. Put on facial cosmetics: to apply cosmetics to your own face or somebody else's face (transitive). "My female roommate used to spend an hour making up her face"
8. Prepare appearance for performance: to prepare somebody or yourself for an acting performance by applying cosmetics and fitting costumes necessary for assuming a given role (transitive and intransitive) "It takes her two hours to make up for the role".
9. Resolve quarrel: to become friends again after a quarrel (transitive and intransitive) "Haven't you two made up yet?"
10. Take exam, course, or to stage an event again: to take an examination or course of study again because of absence or failure transitive verb (transitive). "I had to make up a French exam"
11.Printing arrange layout of page: to arrange columns of print and illustrations on a page ( transitive).
Make-up is also used as a noun in the case of cosmetics and as an adjective in the case of the tenth definition, "There is a make-up game scheduled for next week due to cancellation from yesterday's rain" or, "I am taking a make-up exam today"
Idiom of the Day: Water Under The Bridge
Meaning: Anything from the past that isn't significant or important anymore, or something that is over and gone and so not worth thinking any more about.
"My sister and I fought when we were children, but that's water under the bridge" or "she used to go out with the boy next door, but that's all water under the bridge. She married someone else long ago."
Study Material of the Day
Phrasal Verb of the Day: Make__out
1. See or hear something indistinctly: to see or hear somebody or something, but usually with difficulty or not clearly (transitive verb) :"I could just make out her profile in the darkness".
2. Comprehend something: to identify or understand something (transitive verb): "I can't make out the suspect's motive".
3. Complete something in writing: to write necessary information such as the date and the recipient's name on a bill or similar document (transitive verb) : "The deed is made out in my spouse's name".
4. Intimate something: to suggest or imply something that may not be true (transitive verb): "The kids make him out to be a real tyrant". (this usage always requires that the object be inserted into the phrase).
5. Argue in support of something: to try to prove something is true or valid by giving good reasons (transitive verb) : "The Chief Financial Officer made out a case for keeping the work in-house". (Most often the usage of this will simply be with the verb alone, without the preposition "out")
6. Manage: to perform in a situation (intransitive verb) : "How did you make out on the test?"/"He really made out in the stock market last year". (the usage here simply means "to do")
7. Engage in sexual activities without intercourse: to kiss and caress somebody as an expression of sexual desire(intransitive verb): " I think John McCain wanted to make out with Sarah Palin"
8. Have sex: to have sexual intercourse (intransitive verb) : " I think John McCain really wanted to make out with Sarah Palin". (The last two usages are strictly vernacular and might be considered to be slang).
Idiom of the Day: Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or sick.
Origin: This comes again from a maritime source, or more simply, from sailors. In the old days, when a sailor was unwell, he was sent down below to help his recovery, under the deck and away from the weather.
Song of the Day: Hurdy Gurdy Man, Donovan. 1968.
A hurdy-gurdy is an odd instrument resembling an organ grinder. It is played by turning a crank and pressing buttons to play notes. It is fairly common in Indian music. Donovan wrote this song while he was in India studying meditation along with the Beatles at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. The "hurdy gurdy man" seems to be "a bringer of truth". This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I love the beginning. The lyrics are powerful. So is the electric guitar solo.
Video Link
Lyrics
1. See or hear something indistinctly: to see or hear somebody or something, but usually with difficulty or not clearly (transitive verb) :"I could just make out her profile in the darkness".
2. Comprehend something: to identify or understand something (transitive verb): "I can't make out the suspect's motive".
3. Complete something in writing: to write necessary information such as the date and the recipient's name on a bill or similar document (transitive verb) : "The deed is made out in my spouse's name".
4. Intimate something: to suggest or imply something that may not be true (transitive verb): "The kids make him out to be a real tyrant". (this usage always requires that the object be inserted into the phrase).
5. Argue in support of something: to try to prove something is true or valid by giving good reasons (transitive verb) : "The Chief Financial Officer made out a case for keeping the work in-house". (Most often the usage of this will simply be with the verb alone, without the preposition "out")
6. Manage: to perform in a situation (intransitive verb) : "How did you make out on the test?"/"He really made out in the stock market last year". (the usage here simply means "to do")
7. Engage in sexual activities without intercourse: to kiss and caress somebody as an expression of sexual desire(intransitive verb): " I think John McCain wanted to make out with Sarah Palin"
8. Have sex: to have sexual intercourse (intransitive verb) : " I think John McCain really wanted to make out with Sarah Palin". (The last two usages are strictly vernacular and might be considered to be slang).
Idiom of the Day: Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or sick.
Origin: This comes again from a maritime source, or more simply, from sailors. In the old days, when a sailor was unwell, he was sent down below to help his recovery, under the deck and away from the weather.
Song of the Day: Hurdy Gurdy Man, Donovan. 1968.
A hurdy-gurdy is an odd instrument resembling an organ grinder. It is played by turning a crank and pressing buttons to play notes. It is fairly common in Indian music. Donovan wrote this song while he was in India studying meditation along with the Beatles at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram. The "hurdy gurdy man" seems to be "a bringer of truth". This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I love the beginning. The lyrics are powerful. So is the electric guitar solo.
Video Link
Lyrics
Friday, November 14, 2008
Today's Study Material
Phrasal Verb of the Day: Back * up
1. to provide support for a person or idea transitive verb 2. to supply proof that a statement is true transitive verb 3. to make a copy of computer data to keep in case anything goes wrong with the original transitive 4. to go or move something backward transitive and intransitive
5. accumulate: to build up, or cause something to build up, especially because normal flow is obstructed transitive and intransitive
Examples: 1. "I'm sure you'll back me up on this statement: the Republicans are morons". 2. "Evidence of growth is backed up by recent economic statistics". 3. "I need to back up all my files in case of a new computer virus". 4. "He backed up into another car in the parking lot". 5. "Traffic was backed up three miles from the accident"& "The sewer was backed up from all of the rain".
Back up can also be used as a noun, and is related to the third definition. "He is the back-up first baseman for the New York Yankees".
Idiom of the Day: A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush
Meaning: Possessing something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.
Origin: This refers back to mediaeval falconry (using hawks, falcons, and eagles to hunt) where a bird in the hand (the falcon) was certainly worth more than two in the bush (the prey).
Example: "I have been given the job at the bank. Although there is probably a better job still available somewhere else, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush".
Song of the Day: Fire and Rain, James Taylor. 1970
Moody, introspective, and laying bare deep emotional sensitivity, Taylor wrote this in 1968 at 3 different times. He started it in London, where he successfully auditioned for The Beatles' Apple Records. He later worked on it in a Manhattan Hospital, and finished it while in drug rehab. This is about the high and low points of Taylor's life. He was only 20 when he wrote this, but was battling depression and heroin addiction.
The first verse is Taylor's reaction to the death of a friend. The second verse is about arriving in America and struggling with depression, the third is about his stay at the rehab center.
Video Link
Lyrics
1. to provide support for a person or idea transitive verb 2. to supply proof that a statement is true transitive verb 3. to make a copy of computer data to keep in case anything goes wrong with the original transitive 4. to go or move something backward transitive and intransitive
5. accumulate: to build up, or cause something to build up, especially because normal flow is obstructed transitive and intransitive
Examples: 1. "I'm sure you'll back me up on this statement: the Republicans are morons". 2. "Evidence of growth is backed up by recent economic statistics". 3. "I need to back up all my files in case of a new computer virus". 4. "He backed up into another car in the parking lot". 5. "Traffic was backed up three miles from the accident"& "The sewer was backed up from all of the rain".
Back up can also be used as a noun, and is related to the third definition. "He is the back-up first baseman for the New York Yankees".
Idiom of the Day: A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush
Meaning: Possessing something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.
Origin: This refers back to mediaeval falconry (using hawks, falcons, and eagles to hunt) where a bird in the hand (the falcon) was certainly worth more than two in the bush (the prey).
Example: "I have been given the job at the bank. Although there is probably a better job still available somewhere else, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush".
Song of the Day: Fire and Rain, James Taylor. 1970
Moody, introspective, and laying bare deep emotional sensitivity, Taylor wrote this in 1968 at 3 different times. He started it in London, where he successfully auditioned for The Beatles' Apple Records. He later worked on it in a Manhattan Hospital, and finished it while in drug rehab. This is about the high and low points of Taylor's life. He was only 20 when he wrote this, but was battling depression and heroin addiction.
The first verse is Taylor's reaction to the death of a friend. The second verse is about arriving in America and struggling with depression, the third is about his stay at the rehab center.
Video Link
Lyrics
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Daily Study Material
Phrasal Verb of the Day: Call for. transitive verb
Meaning: 1) to make a request for something to happen or more commonly, to make a demand or strong request for something to be done. 2) to need or require a particular thing or quality
3) to arrive and pick up somebody (3 is a rare and somewhat old-fashioned usage). 4) to suggest that something is likely to happen
Examples: 1) "The protesters called for the resignation of the Prime Minister". 2) "This recipe calls for milk, not water". 3) "A gentleman by the name of Mr. Richards called for you this afternoon, Patricia". (This expression was probably more common before there were telephones) .4) "The weathercasters are calling for thunderstorms in the late afternoon".
Idiom of the Day: Tongue And Cheek
Meaning: Something spoken in a humorous and ironic manner which is not meant to be taken seriously.
Origin: This phrase clearly alludes to the facial expression created by putting one's tongue in one's cheek. This induces a wink (go on - try it), which has long been an indication that what is being said is to be taken with a pinch of salt. It may have been used to suppress laughter. 'Tongue in cheek' is the antithesis of the later phrase - 'with a straight face'.
Meaning: 1) to make a request for something to happen or more commonly, to make a demand or strong request for something to be done. 2) to need or require a particular thing or quality
3) to arrive and pick up somebody (3 is a rare and somewhat old-fashioned usage). 4) to suggest that something is likely to happen
Examples: 1) "The protesters called for the resignation of the Prime Minister". 2) "This recipe calls for milk, not water". 3) "A gentleman by the name of Mr. Richards called for you this afternoon, Patricia". (This expression was probably more common before there were telephones) .4) "The weathercasters are calling for thunderstorms in the late afternoon".
Idiom of the Day: Tongue And Cheek
Meaning: Something spoken in a humorous and ironic manner which is not meant to be taken seriously.
Origin: This phrase clearly alludes to the facial expression created by putting one's tongue in one's cheek. This induces a wink (go on - try it), which has long been an indication that what is being said is to be taken with a pinch of salt. It may have been used to suppress laughter. 'Tongue in cheek' is the antithesis of the later phrase - 'with a straight face'.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Study Material of the Day
Phrasal Verb of the Day: Add up
Meaning: 1) to calculate the total of two or more numbers or amounts, or reach a total. transitive and intransitive. 2) to form a larger amount intransitive. 3) to conclude in a final result transitive. and 4) make sense: to make a sensible or believable story or explanation. The fourth usage of this phrasal is the most unusual, but is quite common.
Examples: 1) "The bill for the dinner for the three of us added up to $50.00". 2) "If everyone gives a little, it soon adds up". 3) "President Bush's 8 years in office have added up to a headache for the American people", & 4) "His story about where he was on the day of the crime just doesn't add up. I think he's lying".
One might ask, "what is the difference between add and add up? In regard to meaning 1), not very much other than it is common for native speakers to use phrasal verbs when they might simply use the verb. One might say, "add these figures, or add up these figures". There is no difference in meaning. Another example: "Add Abdullah and Saeed to the list of guests", while "With Abdullah and Said, the list of guests now adds up to 23". These two sentences have different meanings. To try to make them more similar you would need to say"With Paco and Jorge added, the guest list now equals 23".
Idiom of the Day: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.
Meaning: To take on a task that is way to big. This is a very common idiom that is used when anyone attempts to do something that is beyond their actual abilitites. "Abdullah bit off more than he can chew when he tried to add a new room onto his house by himself". (you could never use "add up" in this sentence).
Origin: There is nothing unusual about this idiom regarding its origins that might better it explain its meaning. It simply means to put more food in your mouth than you should at one time.
Song of the Day: Strawberry Fields Forever, The Beatles. 1967.
Lennon often considered "Strawberry Fields Forever" his greatest accomplishment with the Beatles. The song, a surreal kaleidoscope of sound, was the first track recorded for the Magical Mystery Tour album. The lyrics are a nostalgic look at Lennon's Liverpool childhood and an expression of his own pride. Said Lennon, "The second line goes, 'No one I think is in my tree.' Well, what I was trying to say in that line is, 'Nobody seems to be as hip as me, therefore I must be crazy or a genius.' " This goes along with the saying, "he's out of his tree", meaning that someone is crazy.
Link
Lyrics
Meaning: 1) to calculate the total of two or more numbers or amounts, or reach a total. transitive and intransitive. 2) to form a larger amount intransitive. 3) to conclude in a final result transitive. and 4) make sense: to make a sensible or believable story or explanation. The fourth usage of this phrasal is the most unusual, but is quite common.
Examples: 1) "The bill for the dinner for the three of us added up to $50.00". 2) "If everyone gives a little, it soon adds up". 3) "President Bush's 8 years in office have added up to a headache for the American people", & 4) "His story about where he was on the day of the crime just doesn't add up. I think he's lying".
One might ask, "what is the difference between add and add up? In regard to meaning 1), not very much other than it is common for native speakers to use phrasal verbs when they might simply use the verb. One might say, "add these figures, or add up these figures". There is no difference in meaning. Another example: "Add Abdullah and Saeed to the list of guests", while "With Abdullah and Said, the list of guests now adds up to 23". These two sentences have different meanings. To try to make them more similar you would need to say"With Paco and Jorge added, the guest list now equals 23".
Idiom of the Day: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.
Meaning: To take on a task that is way to big. This is a very common idiom that is used when anyone attempts to do something that is beyond their actual abilitites. "Abdullah bit off more than he can chew when he tried to add a new room onto his house by himself". (you could never use "add up" in this sentence).
Origin: There is nothing unusual about this idiom regarding its origins that might better it explain its meaning. It simply means to put more food in your mouth than you should at one time.
Song of the Day: Strawberry Fields Forever, The Beatles. 1967.
Lennon often considered "Strawberry Fields Forever" his greatest accomplishment with the Beatles. The song, a surreal kaleidoscope of sound, was the first track recorded for the Magical Mystery Tour album. The lyrics are a nostalgic look at Lennon's Liverpool childhood and an expression of his own pride. Said Lennon, "The second line goes, 'No one I think is in my tree.' Well, what I was trying to say in that line is, 'Nobody seems to be as hip as me, therefore I must be crazy or a genius.' " This goes along with the saying, "he's out of his tree", meaning that someone is crazy.
Link
Lyrics
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Daily Study Material
Phrasal Verb of the Day: Lay off.
Meaning: To suspend someone from a job (during a slow period) transitive. Often companies will reduce the number of workers working for them due to lack of revenues, or company income, such as we are seeing these days around the world as a consequence of the financial collapse that came out of America. However, more typical use(s) of Lay off are 1, to stop doing something or using something, or to avoid it ( informal ) transitive and intransitive. 2, to stop irritating or bothering somebody ( informal ) transitive and intransitive. 3, to measure or mark something off, to measure off a distance or mark out the boundaries of something. (However, in American English we would probably use the verbal phrase "lay out" instead). transitive verb. And finally, a meaning that I wasn't even familiar with (and thus a very obscure meaning, but I'll give it to you anyway), 4, to reduce or avoid risk on a bet as a bookmaker by placing all or part of a bet with another bookmaker. Hmmm, the last one sounds tricky. A bookmaker, by the way, is someone who, playing "The House", takes bets on sporting events, or anything that people gamble on the outcome of.
Here are some examples.
"The company was losing money, so they had to lay off 100 workers".
"I have to lay off ice cream". I'm getting fat". (speakers will often use "the" preceding the object, as in "I laid off the ice cream and lost a lot of weight".
"Hey, lay off! I don't want to hear any more of your complaining" or, "lay off the complaining" or "lay off the noise", etc. Or just, "hey, buddy. Lay off."
(No further examples).
Idiom of the Day: Keep An Eye On (someone/something)
This is a fairly simple idiom to understand. It merely means to watch something carefully, usually with the idea that you need to be cautious or concerned.
"Keep an eye on that frying pan. I don't want the vegetables to burn".
"Keep an eye on that player, number 23. He is very good". (It can also simply mean that you should pay attention to something for any number of reasons).
Song of the Day: White Rabbit, The Jefferson Airplane. 1967.
This song is by a band that came from my home region; San Francisco, California. They epitomized the "psychedelic sound" of that time and place. The guitar intro to this song is so hypnotic! I always wish it were longer. And the bass movement and that bolero beat! It's too much! When you add singer Grace Slick's vocals and lyrics, it's overwhelming! "White Rabbit" was a trippy rock & roll bolero written by Airplane vocalist Slick. She said of the song, "our parents read us stories like Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. They all have a place where children get drugs, and are able to fly or see an Emerald City or experience extraordinary animals and people.... And our parents are suddenly saying, 'Why are you taking drugs?' Well, hello!"
The Sherpa doesn't encourage drug use, but musicians of that time, and probably of all times, always have done them. Song #478 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Meaning: To suspend someone from a job (during a slow period) transitive. Often companies will reduce the number of workers working for them due to lack of revenues, or company income, such as we are seeing these days around the world as a consequence of the financial collapse that came out of America. However, more typical use(s) of Lay off are 1, to stop doing something or using something, or to avoid it ( informal ) transitive and intransitive. 2, to stop irritating or bothering somebody ( informal ) transitive and intransitive. 3, to measure or mark something off, to measure off a distance or mark out the boundaries of something. (However, in American English we would probably use the verbal phrase "lay out" instead). transitive verb. And finally, a meaning that I wasn't even familiar with (and thus a very obscure meaning, but I'll give it to you anyway), 4, to reduce or avoid risk on a bet as a bookmaker by placing all or part of a bet with another bookmaker. Hmmm, the last one sounds tricky. A bookmaker, by the way, is someone who, playing "The House", takes bets on sporting events, or anything that people gamble on the outcome of.
Here are some examples.
"The company was losing money, so they had to lay off 100 workers".
"I have to lay off ice cream". I'm getting fat". (speakers will often use "the" preceding the object, as in "I laid off the ice cream and lost a lot of weight".
"Hey, lay off! I don't want to hear any more of your complaining" or, "lay off the complaining" or "lay off the noise", etc. Or just, "hey, buddy. Lay off."
(No further examples).
Idiom of the Day: Keep An Eye On (someone/something)
This is a fairly simple idiom to understand. It merely means to watch something carefully, usually with the idea that you need to be cautious or concerned.
"Keep an eye on that frying pan. I don't want the vegetables to burn".
"Keep an eye on that player, number 23. He is very good". (It can also simply mean that you should pay attention to something for any number of reasons).
Song of the Day: White Rabbit, The Jefferson Airplane. 1967.
This song is by a band that came from my home region; San Francisco, California. They epitomized the "psychedelic sound" of that time and place. The guitar intro to this song is so hypnotic! I always wish it were longer. And the bass movement and that bolero beat! It's too much! When you add singer Grace Slick's vocals and lyrics, it's overwhelming! "White Rabbit" was a trippy rock & roll bolero written by Airplane vocalist Slick. She said of the song, "our parents read us stories like Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. They all have a place where children get drugs, and are able to fly or see an Emerald City or experience extraordinary animals and people.... And our parents are suddenly saying, 'Why are you taking drugs?' Well, hello!"
The Sherpa doesn't encourage drug use, but musicians of that time, and probably of all times, always have done them. Song #478 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Phrasal verb of the day: Act up.
Meaning: To behave or function improperly. Act up can also mean to be troublesome or to cause trouble or pain. Act up is an intransitive verb. This means that it cannot be followed by an object.
"I think I need to take my car to the mechanic because it's acting up again".
"My knee is acting up again. It must be the weather".
Or "the kids next door are acting up again. I wish their mother would tell them to be quiet."
Idiom of the day: Once in a Blue Moon:
Meaning
A very rare event or occurrence.
According to popular usage, a blue moon refers to the second full moon that occurs in any calendar month. On average, there will be 41 months that have two full moons in every century. By that calculation 'once in a blue moon' means once every two-and-a-half years
Origin
There are rare examples of the moon actually appearing blue, after volcanic eruptions or unusual weather conditions. That's not what is being referred to in this phrase though. Just the opposite in fact as a blue moon was originally cited as something that was absurd and therefore impossible; only later did it come to mean unlikely.
Song of the day: Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen. 1975
The song is in the style of a stream-of-consciousness nightmare that takes place in a prison. It begins as a letter from the protagonist to his mother, before he is attacked by demons in his mind. It has unusual musical structure for popular music.
The title draws strongly on contemporary rock ideology, the individualism of the bohemian artists' world, with rhapsody affirming the romantic ideals of art rock. It has become one of the most revered songs in popular music history, winning several awards and topping many polls. The song is ranked #163 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Link
Lyrics
Vocabulary of the Day
Stream of Consciousness:
Protagonist
Contempory
Ideology
Individualism
Bohemian
Rhaposody
Revered
Poll
Meaning: To behave or function improperly. Act up can also mean to be troublesome or to cause trouble or pain. Act up is an intransitive verb. This means that it cannot be followed by an object.
"I think I need to take my car to the mechanic because it's acting up again".
"My knee is acting up again. It must be the weather".
Or "the kids next door are acting up again. I wish their mother would tell them to be quiet."
Idiom of the day: Once in a Blue Moon:
Meaning
A very rare event or occurrence.
According to popular usage, a blue moon refers to the second full moon that occurs in any calendar month. On average, there will be 41 months that have two full moons in every century. By that calculation 'once in a blue moon' means once every two-and-a-half years
Origin
There are rare examples of the moon actually appearing blue, after volcanic eruptions or unusual weather conditions. That's not what is being referred to in this phrase though. Just the opposite in fact as a blue moon was originally cited as something that was absurd and therefore impossible; only later did it come to mean unlikely.
Song of the day: Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen. 1975
The song is in the style of a stream-of-consciousness nightmare that takes place in a prison. It begins as a letter from the protagonist to his mother, before he is attacked by demons in his mind. It has unusual musical structure for popular music.
The title draws strongly on contemporary rock ideology, the individualism of the bohemian artists' world, with rhapsody affirming the romantic ideals of art rock. It has become one of the most revered songs in popular music history, winning several awards and topping many polls. The song is ranked #163 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Link
Lyrics
Vocabulary of the Day
Stream of Consciousness:
Protagonist
Contempory
Ideology
Individualism
Bohemian
Rhaposody
Revered
Poll
Song of the Day
Song of the day will be a regular feature. I hope that you can find a place somewhere inside your music listening mind for these Rock Classics from the 60's and 70's. Most of the selections I will provide will be made with a sense of mainstream tastes, but occassionaly I might slip something a little less "pop" in that possesses a harder,more intense electric edge. So watch out! And rock on!
By the way, today's song is a classic from 1964. The Beach Boys "Caroline, No". Really tasty. Just type in "Caroline No, Beach Boys" in the You Tube gadget off to the right of the page, and it will come up on this blog. Cool, eh?
Here is a link to the lyrics
By the way, today's song is a classic from 1964. The Beach Boys "Caroline, No". Really tasty. Just type in "Caroline No, Beach Boys" in the You Tube gadget off to the right of the page, and it will come up on this blog. Cool, eh?
Here is a link to the lyrics
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