Ret's Word of the Day

Ret's Word of the Day: Break a Leg Break a Leg /breɪk ə leɡ/ (Pronounced: brayk uh leg ) UK pronunciation   US pronunciation Meaning: A superstitious way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance — saying "good luck" directly is believed to bring bad luck in theater traditions. Dialogue Emma : "I'm so nervous about my audition tomorrow." Ben : "You've practiced a lot — you'll be great." Emma : "Thanks! Any last words?" Ben : " Break a leg ! Knock them dead out there." Etymology The idiom "break a leg" originated in theater superstitions, where wishing "good luck" was thought to jinx a performance. Possible origins include bowing deeply (bending/"breaking" the leg), getting a chance to perform and earn pay, ...

Ret's Word of the Day: Take with a Pinch of Salt Take with a Pinch of Salt /teɪk wɪð ə pɪntʃ ɒv sɒlt/ (UK) | /teɪk wɪð ə pɪntʃ əv sɔːlt/ (US) (Pronounced: take with uh pinch uhv sawlt ) UK pronunciation   US pronunciation Meaning: To not completely believe something you are told, because you think it may be exaggerated, unreliable, or not entirely true — view it with skepticism or caution. Dialogue Jack : "Did you hear? Mike says he won $10,000 in the lottery last week!" Lisa : "Really? Mike always tells tall stories." Jack : "Yeah, I'd take that with a pinch of salt until we see some proof." Lisa : "Exactly — he's probably exaggerating again." Etymology The idiom "take with a pinch of salt" (British English variant; US often "grain of salt") lik...

Ret's Word of the Day: Boxing Day Boxing Day /ˈbɒksɪŋ deɪ/ (Pronounced: bok-sing day ) UK pronunciation   US pronunciation Meaning: A public holiday celebrated on December 26 (the day after Christmas) in the UK and many Commonwealth countries, traditionally associated with giving gifts or money to servants, tradespeople, and the poor — now often marked by shopping sales, sports events, and family time. Dialogue Olivia : "What are you doing tomorrow? It's a holiday here." James : "Yeah, Boxing Day ! I'm heading to the sales for some bargains." Olivia : "And watching the football match in the afternoon?" James : "Of course — it's tradition!" Etymology "Boxing Day" refers to the Victorian-era custom of giving "Christmas boxes" — gifts of money, f...

Ret's Word of the Day: Gorgeous Gorgeous /ˈɡɔːr.dʒəs/ (Pronounced: gor-juhs ) UK pronunciation   US pronunciation Meaning: Very beautiful, attractive, or pleasant — often used to describe people, places, things, or experiences that are strikingly impressive or delightful. Dialogue Anna : "Wow, look at that sunset over the ocean." Tom : "It's absolutely gorgeous — the colors are incredible." Anna : "Yeah, and the beach looks so peaceful right now." Tom : "This is why I love coming here; everything feels perfect." Etymology The word gorgeous comes from Old French gorgias meaning “elegant” or “fine,” likely linked to gorge (“throat”), originally referring to an ornate neck adornment or ruffle (gorget). By the late 15th century in English, it described splendid or showy c...

Ret's Word of the Day: Geobragging Geobragging /ˌdʒiː.oʊˈbræɡ.ɪŋ/ (Pronounced: jee-oh-brag-ing ) 🔊 Hear it on The Cambridge Dictionary Definition The meaning : Geobragging is the act of repeatedly sharing or posting about one's location on social media in an attempt to boast, gain attention, or make others jealous. ➽ Geobragging ou le fait de se vanter répétitivement de son emplacement géographique sur les réseaux sociaux pour attirer l'attention ou rendre les autres jaloux. Example of use : "His constant posts from luxury vacations around the world are just pure geobragging to make everyone else envious." Dialogue Alex : "Why does she always tag her location in every post, even for coffee?" Jamie : "She's been to Paris, Maseru, and New York this month alone!" Alex : "Tha...

Ret's Word of the Day: Nomophobia Nomophobia /ˌnəʊ.məʊˈfəʊ.bi.ə/ (Pronounced: noh-moh-foh-bee-uh ) 🔊 Hear it on YouGlish Definition The meaning : Nomophobia is the fear or anxiety caused by being without access to a mobile phone or unable to use it. ↔ Nomophobie ou la peur d'être séparé de son téléphone mobile. Example of use : "When her battery died during the hike, she experienced severe nomophobia and panicked until she could charge it again." Dialogue Alex : "Why do you always check your phone every few minutes, even at dinner?" Jamie : "I can't help it! What if I miss an important message?" Alex : "Sounds like you have a bad case of nomophobia !" Jamie : "Yeah, maybe... but let's not turn our phones off tonight, okay?" ...

Ret's Word of the Day: Have a screw loose Have a screw loose /hæv ə ˈskruː luːs/ (Pronounced: hav uh skroo loos ) 🔊 Hear it on YouGlish Definition The meaning : Have a screw loose refers to someone who is acting strangely or appears to have an unusual way of thinking, suggesting a lack of proper judgment or mental stability ↔ Avoir une case de vide ou [familier] travailler du chapeau. Example of use : "Sometimes I think my neighbour has a screw loose ; he talks to his plants for hours!" Dialogue Thebe : "Did you see Lebo trying to train his goldfish to jump through hoops?" Palesa : "Yeah, I think he has a screw loose !" Thebe : "It's either that, or h...

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Ret's English Grammar & Vocabulary Quiz 1/30 00:00 English Grammar & Vocabulary Quiz Loading questions... Submit Home Retry Next Explore more ESL Jokes – Learn English with Laughter Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English If you enjoy this blog, consider buying me a coffee . ...