pronunciation - Is "forte" pronounced "fort" or "for-tay"? - English ...
Aug 21, 2010 · 57 If you want to be perfectly and unimpeachably correct, you will pronounce the word forte, meaning something that is one’s strong point, identically to the word fort, and reserve the FOR …
Where does the phrase "hold down the fort" come from?
Jun 20, 2015 · I agree the original should be 'hold the fort' and 'hold down…' looks like an aberration. Is it too much to speculate that 'hold down…' could have come from a land-lubbers variation on …
Is "forth and back" more proper than "back and forth"?
Aug 3, 2012 · "Back and forth" is the more correct idiom, because, well, that's the idiom. There's nothing to stop you from saying "forth and back" — a little voice is repeating the subtitle to The Hobbit, which …
What is the origin of the phrase "forty winks," meaning a short nap?
William Kitchiner M.D. (1775–1827) was an optician, inventor of telescopes, amateur musician and exceptional cook. His name was a household word during the 19th century, and his Cook’s Oracle …
What is the origin of the term "ginger" for red-headed people?
Aug 31, 2014 · I'd like to know the etymology of the word "ginger" in reference to red-headed people. In particular, if "ginger" in this context is related to the plant root used in cooking, I'd like to know how...
What's the difference between "to and fro" and "back and forth"?
Jul 17, 2013 · In the example you cite, to and fro is essentially identical in meaning to back and forth. However, to and fro can also carry the less specific sense of ‘moving about in different directions,’ …
Neesh or Nitch? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Aug 20, 2010 · What is the correct way to pronounce niche? I've always said and heard nitch, but now I hear neesh, but it always sounds trendy to me. Thoughts?
Whence comes the expression ‘’starve a cold, feed a fever?”
Jul 22, 2024 · What is the origin of the expression "starve a cold, feed a fever"? It is is used as basic (perhaps incorrect) medical advice for common illnesses.
First use of “learnings”? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Jul 4, 2013 · 1362 Langland Piers Plowman A. i. 174 That nis no treuthe of trinite but..a leornyng for lewed men, the latere forte dele. 1484 Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk.
Is there a word for a person who officially "takes over" for someone ...
Oct 13, 2018 · The exact title of the person who officially “takes over” for someone after they die depends on how they become responsible for this task: If the deceased has left a will and named a …