Grub up
Dear Dr English,
What does it mean when somebody says, ÒGrub upÓ?
Wanchai Leowilai
ÒGrubÓ is an informal word for food and when somebody says ÒGrub upÓ, which is a very informal expression, the person is giving a message to the people who are waiting that the food is ready to eat.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
In the pipeline
Dear Dr English,
What does Òin the pipelineÓ in the following sentence mean? ÒGomeze also has five other businesses in the pipeline.Ó Please explain with an example.
Supansa Hongrattana
The expression Òto be in the pipelineÓ describes a situation in which something is in process or underway. A project that is in the pipeline is already planned or begun and about to happen. The sentence in your question says that Gomeze also has five other businesses planned and about to begin operation.
At todayÕs conference, the CEO told the press about the companyÕs new product, which is in the pipeline.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The lesser of two evils
Dear Dr English,
I found this expression in a newspaper headline, Òthe lesser of two evilsÓ. Could you please explain the meaning and the situation this expression can be used? Thank you very much.
Arunee Paireepai
The expression Òthe lesser of two evilsÓ or Òa lesser evilÓ describes a situation in which two unpleasant choices are available, neither of which are good. It is used mainly in politics when there are two bad political choices; one is less bad than the other and should be chosen over the one that poses greater threat.
ÒI donÕt know which candidate I should vote for, I donÕt like either party.Ó ÒJust choose the lesser of the two evils then.Ó
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Meaning of legendary
Dear Dr English,
A magazine article talks about ÒThe legendary creature,Ó I could roughly understand the article but am not clear about the meaning of the phrase Òlegendary creature.Ó It would be great if you could help explain it to me. Thanks.
Napapilai Arunothayan
Something or someone that is legendary is extremely famous and many stories are told about it or about the person, but the legendary creature is a mythical or fantasy creature such as the dragon or the griffin. Legendary creatures have their origin in traditional myths and have at one time been believed to exist.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Got a question? (drenglish_7@hotmail.com)
If your query is chosen for Ask Dr English, you will receive a Bt1,000 gift voucher.
To claim your price from Nation Educational Services, you must fax a copy of your ID card to (02) 317-2057.
|
