PE 5/22 Reading Private Messages

She looked through his phone? Reading someone else’s messages without their permission flies in the face of decency. People get up in arms when their governments spy on them. I can’t believe you’d connive at that.

* fly in the face of: This expression implies that the subject is being irresponsible or contrary on purpose. For example, you could say that a scientist’s bold new discoveries fly in the face of older theories. However, you wouldn't say that today’s weather flies in the face of the forecast, because the weather can’t do anything on purpose – it just is what it is!

ex> My sister’s religious ideas fly in the face of reason.

* up in arms: extremely upset

ex> Rebecca’s mom is up in arms because we used her favorite towel to dry the car.

Note> Weapons can be referred to as “arms,” hence, if a person was “at arms” or “in arms” it meant they were equipped with weapons and armor, ready to fight.

* connive: to secretly cooperate with or ignore a wrongful activity

ex> The prison guards were accused of conniving at the mass escape.

I take umbrage at that, Brian. I wasn't conniving: I was sympathizing. She was just trying to get the upper hand.

* umbrage: a state of being annoyed or offended

ex> Most people will take umbrage if you tell them they are overweight.

ex> Tammy was so sensitive that she would take umbrage at almost anything anyone said.

* upper hand: a position of advantage

ex> Jeff seems to get the upper hand every time we play tennis against each other.

ex> The battle lasted for days, but the Saxons finally gained the upper hand.

Sorry, Mel. I didn't mean to put you on the defensive. Well, I guess the moment of truth will come when she confronts him about it.

* on the defensive: ready to defend oneself

ex> My former manager’s constant accusations used to put everyone on the defensive.

ex> Whenever I try to discuss something with my husband, he goes on the defensive.

* moment of truth: a critical or decisive time

ex> She’s been practicing for weeks, but the moment of truth will come when she takes her road test.