Idiom of the Day
- mission creepThe gradual expansion or widening in scope of a project, action, or task, especially a military operation, beyond its initial goal or objective. Watch the video
- miss the markTo be slightly or somewhat mistaken, incorrect, or inaccurate. Watch the video
Word of the Day
- extortionateDefinition: (adjective) Greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation. Synonyms: exorbitant, usurious, outrageous, steep, unconscionable. Usage: The extortionate price of designer clothes makes them all the more desirable to those that can afford them. Discuss
- shenaniganDefinition: (noun) Reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others. Synonyms: mischief, devilment, roguery, devilry, mischievousness, rascality. Usage: Mr. Jones had had enough of Billy's shenanigans and sent him to the principal's office in the hopes that she would be able to straighten the unruly student out.
Word Origins
- wiremuselet - The wire that holds a champagne cork in place. More...reinforced concrete - Has wire or metal bars embedded to increase its tensile strength. More...down to the wire - Alludes to the imaginary wire at the finish line in a horse race. More...under the wire - Meaning "just in time," it is also from […]
- plasticaglet - The plastic or metal covering on the end of a shoelace (formerly called the point) that makes it easier to thread through the eyelet holes. More...plastic - From Greek plastos, "to form, mold." More...plastic surgery - Dates to 1837; "plastic" is used in the sense of "molding, shaping." More...velo binding - A type […]
- relaxrelax - From Latin re- and laxus, "lax." More...restive, restless - Restive means impatient or fidgety under pressure or restraint; restless is being uneasy, unquiet, or unable to relax or rest. More...creolize - To relax in an elegant fashion in a warm climate. More...rizzle - To relax after a heavy meal. More...