Idioms – N
A nail in the coffin An expression used to refer to an action or event likely to cause something to come to an end or fail. Call someone names To call someone names is...
Author: Manjusha Nambiar
Vocabulary exercise 17
Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the word given in the brackets. 1. The burn needs an ………………… of the ointment twice a day. (apply) 2. What is your ………………….. of...
Vocabulary exercise 16
Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the word given in the brackets. 1. As Diwali drew near, the children were filled with ………………… (anticipate) 2. Those vases in the museum are...
Anyway and anyways
Anyway means anyhow and nevertheless. The weather was uncertain but we went hiking anyway. Anyway can also mean ‘in any case’ or ‘at any rate’. It is too hot to go running anyway. Anyway...
Vocabulary exercise
Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the word given in the brackets. 1. Reading is my favourite …………………. (amuse) 2. Charades is an ………………… game. (amuse) 3. A chess player must...
Allusion and illusion
These words are often confused. An allusion is a reference or mention. This book on Indian history makes a brief allusion to the Mesopotamian Civilization. The teacher made an allusion to Indian mythology. An...
Alternative and choice
An alternative is essentially a choice, but it is a serious choice which must be made. By contrast, the word choice implies more freedom. You even have the freedom to make no choice at...
Amiable and amicable
These words are often confused. The word amiable is mainly used to describe persons. An amiable person is friendly, pleasant, attractive, cordial, polite and charming. The word amicable is mainly used to describe gestures...
Idioms – L
Lead someone up the garden path To lead someone up the garden path is to give them misleading clues or signals. Turn over a new leaf To turn over a new leaf is to...
Idioms – I
Here are some common idioms. Break the ice To break the ice is to do or say things that will make people who don’t know each other well feel relaxed. On thin ice When...