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Sunday, May 12, 2024

Idiom of the Day

 Let's start using idioms or idiomatic expressions when we write. When idioms are used, it add color and texture to language by creating images that convey meanings beyond those of the individual words that make them up. An idiom can be very colorful and make a 'picture' in our minds. It also shows the writer's familiarity with English. When you want to make your writing sound more conversational, including idioms can give your writing a more relaxed tone.

Idioms allow us to say a lot with few words. Idioms amplify your messages in a way that draws your readers in and helps awaken their senses. It adds dynamism and character to otherwise stale writing. They make your writing less monotonous and your readers will think that you are smart and knowledgeable. All the while ... you only clothe your writing with elaborate idioms to create an impact... saying too much with less. 

To perfect your English, you really need to become confident in using idioms and knowing the difference between breaking a leg and pulling someone's leg. So the idiom of the day is:


Idiom: Elephant In The Room

Meaning: Was there a real elephant in the room? NO ... are you crazy? The elephant in the room is a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but is being ignored or avoided as a subject for discussion. Refusing to talk about it is more acceptable and comfortable compared to talking about it at length.

If you say there is an elephant in the room, you mean there is an obvious issue or difficult situation that people don't want to explore and argue about.

No one is thrilled to talk about a subject that makes others uncomfortable. It can be scary to call out a sensitive topic. You talk and debate about it ... and somebody hearing you may misconstrue you as gossiping.  And the fear of offending somebody can make us quiet and zip our mouths shut. Whether the elephant is a topic known to all ... or only a few people are aware ... it is tricky to mention it because it might backfire on our faces. 

Origin: The phrase origin happened in 1814 when Russian  Ivan Andreevich Krylov (1769–1844), poet and fabulist, wrote a fable entitled "The Inquisitive Man".  It is about a man who visits a museum and notices every TINY little thing ... but falls flat to notice a HUMONGOUS elephant. 

Using It In A Sentence: We attended a wedding ... and everybody tries to avoid the elephant in the room (and that is ... the groom got married to his wife's older sister.)

What does 'Elephant in the room🐘' mean? | English Idioms with Alex & Gina

Idioms in Tagalog

 One of my friends asked:  "Are there idiom equivalents also  in the Tagalog language?" Of course, there are.  Katulad ng idioms sa English, ginagamit ito para tumingkad ang paglalarawan ng mga bagaybagay at para mapaigting  at matalinhaga ang takbo ng usapin o pagsusulat.

And just like in English ... ang kahulugan ng mga "sawikain or idioms" ay magkaiba sa literal meaning ng mga salita. Sa madaling salita ang mga sawikain don't mean exactly what the individual words in it say. Tandaan natin ... ang figurative meaning ng mga sawikain ... is different from its literal meaning.

                                                                               Daniel Padilla's Kibit Balikat Pose

"Is there a Tagalog equivalent of the idiom "elephant in the room"? my friend asked.

It was a tough question but I accepted the challenge. After perspiring knee-deep ... the only idiom that I can think of that comes close to its meaning is kibit balikat - to shrug with a shoulder ... or "patay-malisya" or "dedma" which has a literal meaning of dead malice. Or pretending to not know anything - or feigning innocence ... simply put - willful ignorance.

Kibit balikat also means to be indifferent ... or not care. Another English translation is "I don't give a shit." That's funny.

Patay malisya on the other hand can also mean to ignore. Walang pakialam.  Other almost close derivative is nagsawalang kibo ... or nagsawalang bahala.

Pageant Result: Miss Teen Global 2024

The winners of Miss Teen Global 2024 from left to right: Lindokhule Chokoe- South Africa- Sixth Runner-Up, Sarah Galton- France - Fourth Runner Up, Keza Nadia Ruth - Uganda - Second Runner Up, San Somrithkhanika - Cambodia - Miss Teen Global 2024 - Winner, Verada Sanjana India- First Runner Up, Shafa Aqila Alurraissa - Indonesia - Third Runner Up, and Mickey Aquino Cai -Philippines - Fifth Runner Up.  The pageant was held at Galaxy Banquet Hall in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia last May 11, 2024.

 

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Wretired writer, Malayang Free Thinker, Probing Blogger, Disenteng Dissenter, Tempered temperamental, Liberal-Conservative, Grammar and Syntax Police, Pageant Connoisseur, Hibiscus Collector

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