* signature (adj.): representative; what
one is known for
ex>
The diver could always count on her signature move to get applause from
audiences.
ex>
This article analyzes the signature techniques that made the guitarist
so famous.
* give one flak: to criticize someone
harshly
ex>
My mom gave me flak for hiding the garbage under my sister’s bed.
|
Note> “Flak came into English as an
abbreviation for the German word “Fliegerabwehrkanone,” meaning
“aircraft-defense gun.” If you’re enemy territory drawing shots, or you’re
dealing with a ton of criticism that seems like antiaircraft fire.
|
* look a gift horse in the mouth: to find
fault with something one received for free
ex>
The purse he got me isn’t exactly the one I wanted, but I won’t look a gift
horse in the mouth.
* magnanimity [mæ̀ɡnəníməti] : generosity
ex>
Her uncle was famous for his magnanimity, having donated a fortune to
build a library.
* ad nauseam: until one is sick of it
ex>
The principal’s speech went on ad nauseam about how we could be better
school citizens.
|
Note> “Ad nauseam” is a Latin term
for a discussion that has continued so long that it has continued “ to [the
point of] nausea.”
|
* do something blindfolded: to be able to
do something with very little effort or concentration
ex>
We’ve been to the mall so many times this week I could probably drive there blindfolded.
* since the dawn of time: This is one of
many English expressions that use exaggeration to make their point. Two other
expressions that mean “since a long time ago” are “from the year dot” and “since
dinosaurs roamed the earth.”
ex>
He’s had a basketball in his hands since the dawn of time.
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