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.

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