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Budding
Word of the Day: Budding (adjective) I am introducing an adjective today. The caption for the accompanying picture today states that the young man is ‘…a budding musician’. Some English language students might not know what ‘budding‘ means. If someone is budding, they are showing signs that they have a talent for something and will…
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A work in progress
Expression: A work in progress A budding artist may have many works in progress, which could be anything from an unfinished Easter egg, a book or a painting to a house that is being built. In many cases, the expression a work in progress is used for artistic works not yet completed. I’ve heard that…
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The average Joe
WotD: The Average Joe Wow! We have had some time to digest the American election. Although Donald Trump has won the election, many people are still in shock and denial, and on the other side, many are ecstatic and joyful. According to the papers, Donald Trump successfully talked to and connected with the average Joe. Donald…
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At sixes and sevens
English Idiom: At sixes and sevens If something is at sixes and sevens, it is in total confusion. As an example, I was super busy at work today. There are so many things to do that I was at sixes and sevens. I could not do anything right. Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test This post is understandable…
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Lackadaisical
Word of the Day: Lackadaisical How is this for a great word? If someone has no energy and is not showing effort, then we can say they are lackadaisical. Have you ever entered a restaurant where the waiter was a little slow and lazy? Well, in that case, you can say the service was lackadaisical.…
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Layman
Word of the Day: Layman Just as a disclaimer, Layman has a religious meaning, but I am not using that meaning today. The definition I am introducing today is a person who does not have detailed knowledge or training in a particular subject or area. Just last week, my students and I were discussing genetic…
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Sign Your life away
Idiom: Sign Your life away Sign your life away is usually used when signing some financial document. I suppose this idiom is humorous. Perhaps it is a bit of black humour. Mostly, I’ve heard it and used it myself in a humorous way. If you are buying a house and have to sign the documents…
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Predisposed
Word of the Day: Predisposed Over the past week, I have discussed genetic testing with some of my students. Of course, genetic testing has pros and cons, like everything else, but one advantage is that people can learn if they are predisposed to a disease or condition. If you are predisposed to a disease or…
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That ship has sailed
English Phrase: That ship has sailed The phrase that ship has sailed indicates that an opportunity has been missed or it’s too late to change a situation. This phrase can be utilized when expressing regrets about the past. For example, John has broken up with his girlfriend but wants to get back together. Unfortunately, she…
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White Knight
Word of the Day: White Knight Let’s talk business. When a company is in financial trouble, one option to get out of it is to find a white knight. A white knight is another company or even a person who can buy the company or invest enough money into it to get it out of…
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