A bull in a china shop
Dear Dr English,
Please explain the meaning of the saying, Òa bull in a china shopÓ and why the word ÒchinaÓ is not capitalised. Thank you very much.
Sathorn Meetrakoon
ÒChinaÓ in this saying does not refer to the country but objects, usually ceramic cups, saucers, plates et cetera.
Imagine a big beast like a bull trotting in a shop selling these fragile items. Certainly, the animal will stumble and break them, so a person who is like a bull in a china shop is extremely clumsy.
With one leg in a cast Little Frank is like a bull in a china shop.
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Moment of truth
Dear Dr English
I found the expression Òmoment of truthÓ in a novel. Could you please explain what exactly it means, with some examples? Thank you very much.
Manee Ratchanapha
ÒMoment of truthÓ or Òmoments of truthÓ is not an expression, it is a noun group which refers to an important time when someone must make a decision quickly and whatever you decide will have crucial consequences in the future.
It was the moment of truth when SallyÕs drop-out boyfriend secretly came asking her to run away with him one night or she would never see him again.
Things happened very quickly. It was a moment of truth and I had to choose between risking being killed or letting the attacker take my girl away; and I am very happy I made the right decision.
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A pub or a bar
Dear Dr English,
Could you explain the difference between Òa pubÓ and Òa barÓ? I am not sure what the criteria is that makes the two different. Thanks.
Somphob Anupanprasit
The word ÒpubÓ is an English colloquial term for Òpublic houseÓ meaning, true to its name, a building open to the public. Wikipedia mentions on its website that originally, Òa public houseÓ, or as we usually know it, Òa pubÓ, is an establishment which serves alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises, usually in a homely setting. ÒPubsÓ are common establishments in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
In America, people call such a place Òa barÓ. Although the terms may have different connotations, there is no definitive difference between pubs, bars, taverns and lounges where alcohol is served commercially.
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