Useful idioms – part 25
Be a sign of the times = something that shows that society now is worse than it was in the past. ( a typical thing about the time we live in) These riots are a sign of the times. The fact that he had been dead for a week in his apartment before anybody found him is a sign of the times. It’s a sign of the times that you cannot speak to a real human being when you telephone a bank. All you get…
Council vs. Counsel
Council = (noun) a formally constituted body of people meeting for administrative or advisory purposes; governing body; legislative body etc. Their party won the majority of seats to the local council elections. The municipal council awarded special privileges to the school buses for children up to 5th standard. The United Nations Security Council. The council is planning ways of controlling plastic waste left on roadsides by travellers. Counsel = (noun, verb) guidance, advice, instruction etc especially that given formally. Experts have come forward to counsel…
Bond vs.Bondage
Bond = friendship, relationship, attachment etc The two girls have forged a close bond. I have a bond with the people of my village Mala. We cannot measure the subtle bond between a child and mother. Bondage = servitude, enslavement, slavery. The slaves spent their lives in bondage until their death. Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in America that set free the slaves from bondage.
Enclave vs. Conclave
Enclave = a group of people who are different from the people living in the surrounding area. A Tamil speaking enclave in London. Vatican city is an example of an enclave in Rome. The central part of Thrissur city is a Christian enclave. That territory is an American enclave inside Afghanistan. Conclave = Conference, convention, session etc. The annual conclave of newspaper publishers. The Young Women’s Leadership Conclave held at Thrissur at the initiative of Prof.Philip Sabu evoked tremendous response from the public. (2) conclave…
Belonging vs. Belongings
Belonging = attachment, connection, fellowship; affinity for a place or situation. Our club holds occasional cultural programmes of the members in order to maintain a sense of belonging among the members. If you have a sense of belonging to the family, you will be prepared to sacrifice your personal comforts for the benefits of other members. Belongings = the things that a person owns, especially those that can be carried; possessions. He had some personal belongings in his bag when he went for the training.…
Discovery vs. Invention
Discovery = the process of finding information , a place or an object for the first time.(something that is already existing) The timely intervention of the police led to the discovery of the stolen jewellery. The discovery of oil made many gulf countries rich. The discovery of the body helped the police to sort out the complicity of the accused. Invention = creation, development, introduction etc.( something that is not already existing). The invention of radio revolutionised the dissemination of news and information. The invention…
Commend vs. Comment
Commend = compliment, congratulate ; praise formally or honour officially. We should commend her for her commitment and compassion towards the under-privileged and down-trodden. Securing the first rank is a commendable achievement in his academic pursuits. The fishermen from Thiruvanathapuram received letters of commendation from the authorities for their brave and selfless services rendered during the floods in Kerala. Comment = remark, observation ,opinion, criticism etc. The auditor signed his Report with some comments on the overall performance of the company. The DEO commented that…
Respondent vs. Correspondent
Respondent = a person who replies to something, especially one supplying information for a questionnaire. The majority of respondents were of the opinion that there was no chance for an early poll. Some of the respondents were not willing to give more details about the controversial issue. Correspondent = a person employed to report for a newspaper or broadcasting organisation; reporter, journalist etc. A football correspondent. He was a war correspondent. Their foreign correspondent passed on more information regarding the outcome of the election.
Kind vs. kindly
Kind = (adjective) generous ,helpful and thinking about other people’s feelings/problems/difficulties etc. A kind person/action. She’s very kind to animals. It was very kind of you to visit me. Kindly = (adverb) 1. in a kind way. She spoke kindly to the old man. They treated me kindly. (2) – (esp.used to show annoyance) = please Will you kindly put that book back? (OR) Kindly put it back. Would you kindly explain the matter a little more clearly. (3) ;( adjective -formal) friendly, pleasantly or…
Useful Idioms – part 24
Red tape = Excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules; bureaucratic hindrance. There is a great deal of red tape involved in getting a work permit. Red-tape is the main reason why contractors are reluctant to undertake government contract works. Be in the red = If you or your bank accounts are in the red, you owe money to the bank. I can’t afford a holiday this year. I am 500 pounds in the red. we’re back in the red because sales are way…