Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
It is raining cats and dogs
meaning: it is raining very hard.
This expression comes from Old England when houses had thatched roofs (made of grass).
The dogs and cats used to sleep on the roof, and when it rained, they would slide down onto the ground.
This expression comes from Old England when houses had thatched roofs (made of grass).
The dogs and cats used to sleep on the roof, and when it rained, they would slide down onto the ground.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
anchor
An 'anchor' is the heavy piece of metal that a ship lowers on a rope to stay in one spot.
It's also slang for something that is heavy and useless, for example: my PC is a boat anchor. (It doesn't work.)
It can also be slang for something that holds you still in a storm, for example: my music is my anchor.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
crane
A piece of tall construction equipment for lifting things is called a "crane".
The name comes from the bird with a long neck.
Monday, April 18, 2011
snow
I went to the Chinese mall yesterday and it suddenly started snowing -- very unusual for April 17. I wasn't wearing my winter coat :(
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
vicuna
The vicuna is a wild animal that lives in South America. The wool is very expensive.
This picture is from a friend :)
Monday, April 11, 2011
RAVINE
A ravine is the V-shaped notch cut into the land by a creek (a small river). Ravines usually have small trees on the side. Usually there are no buildings in a ravine because of the danger of flooding.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Fire on the Highway
Saying of the Day: "Where there's smoke, there's fire". Meaning: If there is evidence that something exists, then it exists. For example, if things disappear in an office, there someone is a thief.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Phone Expressions
A: ABC Company B: May I speak to Mr. Smith? A: I'm sorry, but he's not in right now. OR: I'm sorry, but he just stepped out. May I take a message? OR: Would you like to leave a VoiceMail? B: Yes, could you ask him to call John Doe at (905) 123-4567.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
use
use - noun - sounds like "youssssssssssssss" - e.g., The use of the tool ...
use - verb - sounds like "youzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" - e.g., I use the tool ...
Sunday, April 3, 2011
My contract is ending
CON'tract (noun) - has emphasis on the first syllable
conTRACT (verb) - has emphasis on the second syllable.
Some words are like this in English.
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I bought a Star Trek CD today.
Friday, April 1, 2011
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