Question of the Day #1279

No Matter How you Slice it, It’s Tough to Shake First Tee Anxiety

From the headline of this article at Tee Time Golf Pass.

  上記の文で、no matter how you slice itの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "no matter how you slice it" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎にno matter how you slice itは掲載されていませんが、ほぼ同じanyway you slice itの意味は、

どのように考えてみても

 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

used to say that the truth of a statement is not changed or affected by the way a situation is thought about or described

 

Examples

1. Losing is disappointing no matter how you slice it.
2. No matter how you slice it, he's still guilty of perjury.
3. The directions are simple, but you can freestyle — I opted for handrolls instead, but no matter how you slice it, the sushi tastes pretty good and makes the perfect stoner date night. From Salon
4. I think it’s so difficult no matter how you slice it, that you might as well be fighting for something. From Los Angeles Times
5. No matter how you slice it, they are guilty of fiscal mismanagement. From Seattle Times

   

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Ichiro's speech on his induction to the Baseball HOF/イチローのMLB殿堂入りの時のスピーチ

Question of the Day #1278

Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Ziauddin University ‘gird one’s loins’ to ensure best aid to flood-affected

From the headline of this article at the Daily National Courier.

  上記の文で、gird one's loinsの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "gird one's loins" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎ではgird up one's loinsしか掲載されていませんが、意味は同じです。それは、

気持ちを引き締める

   

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To prepare oneself to face or contend with something.

 

語源

Dictionary.comによると、

この語句は、聖書の箴言31：17に由来している。元は伝統的な長いローブをガードル（ベルト）で締めて身動きを妨げないようにすることを暗示していました。

 

Etymology

According to Dictionary.com:

This comes from the Bible (Proverbs 31:17) and originally alluded to tucking up the traditional long robe into a girdle (that is, a belt) so it will not hamper physical activity. [c. 1600]

   

Examples

1. You better gird your loins in preparation for another holiday with my dysfunctional family!
2. They better gird up their loins—the weather up there is no joke.
3. Everyone, gird your loins—the CEO is on his way down, and he is not happy.
4. We girded our loins to face our competitors.
5. In other words: if we don't win it, it's your fault, and gird your loins for the backlash. Times, Sunday Times (2018)

   

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Question of the Day #1277

Ben Shapiro is cracking under the pressure to shill for Trump

From the headline of this article at Salon.

  上記の文で、shillの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "shill" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

[名]

1. 〈米俗・軽蔑的〉〔賭博・競売などの〕サクラ、おとり
2. 〈米俗・軽蔑的〉〔商品などを積極的に売ろうとする〕宣伝［広告］担当者

[自動]
〈米俗・軽蔑的〉〔賭博・競売などの〕サクラになる
[他動]

1. 〈米俗・軽蔑的〉〔賭博・競売などの〕サクラになる
2. 〔サクラになって人を〕だます、引っかける

   

Answer

According to :

verb (intransitive)

1. to act as a shill
2. to act as a spokesperson or promoter

noun

1.  
   1. one who acts as a decoy (as for a pitchman or gambler)
   2. one who makes a sales pitch or serves as a promoter
2. PITCH

 

Examples

1. Use the power of your vote to elect gun control candidates and reject those who shill for the gun lobby. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2022
2. Even the most famous influencers, the ones who get deals with luxury brands, all seem to be shilling for the platform lately. — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2023
3. Godzilla has been recruited to shill a range of products in commercials, from Snickers to Fiat cars. — Clark Collis, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2019
4. Of course, this is not the first time Messi has acted as a shill for Saudi Arabia. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 10 May 2023
5. Avast also alerted both TikTok and Instagram to the shill accounts doing the promotions. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 22 Sep. 2020

   

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Question of the Day #1276

Sam Altman: OpenAI has been on the ‘wrong side of history’ concerning open source

From the headline of this article at TechCrunch.

  上記の文で、on the wrong side of (something)の意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "on the wrong side of (something)" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. ～の間違った側に、～の不利な側に、～の反対側に、～の悪い方に属して
2. （人）に嫌われて
3. 〔年齢が〕～の坂を越えて

上記の三つの訳でわかるように対象によって意味が違います。
On the wrong side ofの反対の意味でon the right side ofということができます。また、イディオムの他に、直訳として「誤った側」「正しい側」という意味になります。
さらに人を対象とした場合、on the wrong side of ~ と同じ意味でon (someone's) right sideという言い方もできます。

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

doing things that cause someone to like or dislike one

 

Examples

1. Still there’s a sense that, on Gaza, Biden has gotten on the wrong side of a chunk of his base. — Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2024
2. Why is she dressing like a teenager when she is clearly the wrong side of 40?
3. The best way to get through this class is to say nothing unless called upon, and to make sure you don't get on the wrong side of the teacher!
4. I thought it was all in good fun, but I might have gotten on the wrong side of her with my sarcastic comments.
5. Parslow said, `Not a chap to get on the wrong side of, Dog. Ruell, Patrick THE ONLY GAME (2003)

   

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Question of the Day #1275

上の画像の包装形態を英語で何と言うでしょうか？

What is the method of packaging in the image above called?

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解答

 

Blister pack

です。

 

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Question of the Day #1274

My Mother Is a Force of Nature

From the headline of this article at The Kit.

  上記の文で、force of natureの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "force of nature" mean?

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解答

意味：
英辞郎では、

自然力、自然児

とあります。直訳は確かに「自然力」になります。それでは、イディオムとして「自然児」は正しいのでしょうか。
コトバンクによると、自然児の定義は、「世俗の因習などにけがされていない純真無垢な者。また、あかぬけしないわがままで粗野な者。」なので、英語のイディオムの意味とは全く違います。
そこで、下記Oxford English Dictionaryの定義を参照しましょう。簡単に訳すと「『エネルギーに満ちた』または『強いカリスマがある』または『決意が非常に硬い』等のために、その存在を無視・否定・拒否することができない人」になります。

 

Answer

According to the Oxford English Dictionary:

A person whose energy, charisma, and determination are hard to ignore, deny, or resist.

   

Examples

1. You might as well try to do something about an earthquake or a tidal wave. Mrs. Charybdis is a force of nature.
- Vanity Fair (New York) June 74/2
2. Newton was a force of nature, brilliant and unapproachable as a star. - T. Ferris, Coming of Age in Milky Way (1989) i. vi. 119
3. Giannis is still in the heart of his prime and remains a force of nature. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
4. One was a great coach & character while Lenny was a force of nature. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2024
5. For more than five decades, Chaka Khan has remained a force of nature—an artist whose voice, style, and presence defined an era. — Okla Jones, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025

   

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Great News!!!!

After going to a subscription model, it appears that the Oxford English Dictionary is now free to use again!
Oxford English Dictionaryは一時サブスクになっていましたが、また無料で使用できるようになったようです。

Oxford English Dictionary

Question of the Day #1273

‘Killing Eve’ Review: A Trip to Russia Leaves Sandra Oh Twiddling Her Thumbs in a Frustrating Episode

From the headline of this article at Indie Wire.

  上記の文で、twiddle one's thumbsの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "twiddle one's thumbs" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 両手の指を組んで親指同士をクルクル回す
2. 〔暇なので〕のんびりしている

1番の訳のように、本当の行為を示すこともありますが、実際は比喩的に使用することがほとんどです。
また、ただ「のんびりしている」だけではなく、問題の見出しのように何か理由があって「のんびりせざるを得ない」ことを意味することもあります。

 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To wait idly because one cannot take action or has nothing to do at the moment. Although the phrase refers to an actual movement of the hand (in which one's fingers are interlaced and each thumb is brought over the other in succession), the phrase is usually used figuratively.

 

Examples

1. I'm just twiddling my thumbs here in the ER, waiting for someone to give me an update on Claire's condition.
2. What am I supposed to do while waiting for you? Sit here and twiddle my thumbs? Don't sit around twiddling your thumbs. Get busy!
3. There I sat for three hours, twiddling my thumbs, while he made call after call.
4. With her grandson still twiddling his thumbs on the bench, Dolores has now become the main attraction. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 May 2025
5. Rather than twiddling thumbs and waiting for veterans like Pederson, García and Semien to get going, the Rangers made a decisive move to bring in someone new. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 14 May 2025

   

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Question of the Day #1272

X-Men Erased: Marvel Doubling Down On Ms. Marvel Retcon

From the headline of this article at Cosmic Book News.

  上記の文で、retconの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "retcon" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 【名】
   〈俗〉〔物語で〕過去にさかのぼる設定の補完◆「彼には実はこういう過去があった」などと後から付け足したり、「前作で死んだはずの人物が実は生きていた」などと軌道修正すること◆【語源】retroactive continuity
2. 【他動】
   〈俗〉〔物語で～についての〕過去を新たに設定する

Retconに関して、もっと詳しいことを知りたければ、ぜひA Short History of 'Retcon'を参照してください。

 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

1. noun
   the act, practice, or result of changing an existing fictional narrative by introducing new information in a later work that recontextualizes previously established events, characters, etc.
2. transitive verb
   to apply a retcon to (a fictional story, character, event, etc.)

  Check out A Short History of 'Retcon' for more information about the word retcon.

Examples

1. Could Bail's Backstory—and by extension the childhood of Princess Leia—suddenly be getting a retcon? — Ryan Britt
2. The character has done everything from going into dormancy after losing his powers to being destroyed to being brought back via retcon … — Sage Ashford
3. Then came the series finale, and one of the most famous—and, depending on one's perspective, fascinating or infuriating—retcons in the history of TV. — Emily Nussbaum
4. The Sherlock Holmes character has been retconned dozens of times in various media. — Peter Hartlaub
5. The revival won't be retconning the original ending. — Marco Vito

   

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Question of the Day #1271

The Endless Potential Of The Pedal Steel Guitar, An Odd Duck By Any Measure

From the headline of this article at NPR.org.

  上記の文で、odd duckの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "odd duck" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
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明日、ここに答えを書きます。
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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

《an ～》変わり者、変人

問題の見出しにあるように人間以外にも使えることに注意してください。（例文参照）


 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

A rather unusual, strange, or peculiar person.

   

Examples

1. His new girlfriend is nice enough, but she's a bit of an odd duck, don't you think?
2. "Oh, sure, I remember him from when I was a kid," [Lynn] Hewlett says. "… He was always aloof. Wouldn't speak to anyone. He was an odd duck. …" — Mel White
3. Mikasa Callie Mikasa Callie Bone China 12 Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 in White $120 $78 Amazon The Mikasa Callie dishware set is a bit of an odd duck. —Tom Mylan, Bon Appétit, 26 Feb. 2025
4. Italia is an odd duck, both the story’s voice of conscience and a source of comic relief, a figure of fun and possibility. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2024
5. Apple In the pantheon of Macintosh, there are odd ducks, then there is the Macintosh XL. —Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024

   

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Question of the Day #1270

The evolution of preferred male traits, female preference and the G matrix: “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”

From the headline of this article at Nature.com.

  上記の文で、be not in Kansas anymoreの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "not in Kansas anymore" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
Y-Sapix Global Campusによると、

オズの魔法使いの中の「Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.」というセリフから、「not in Kansas anymore」という慣用句表現が生まれました。これは「もはや、穏やかで安心できる環境ではない」という意味で使われます。

映画The Wizard of Oz（「オズの魔法使い」）は、1939年に初上映され、そして1949年と1955年に2度映画館で再上映されました。そして1956年から1991年の間、ほぼ毎年アメリカで全国放送されたので、観たことのないアメリカ人は皆無に等しいと思います。それだけ長いこと放送され愛された映画なので、このnot in Kansas anymoreというイディオムが定着したのでしょう。

 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To no longer be in a place that one knows or where one is comfortable; to be in a completely unfamiliar or discomfiting environment. A reference to The Wizard of Oz, in which Dorothy, upon arriving to Oz, says, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

 

Examples

1. As we walked into the bustling streets of Delhi, we knew we weren't in Kansas anymore.
2. It can actually be quite shocking to finish college and enter the workforce, because suddenly you realize that you aren't in Kansas anymore and life operates in a totally different way now.
3. “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” he joked in a release announcing the venture. (Furniture Today Magazine)
4. From the moment the door is opened by the heavily made up Riff Raff (Brad Foster Reinking), and the slinky, slithering Phantoms swarm around them, Brad and Janet begin to realize that they’re not in Kansas anymore, so to speak. (Broadway World)
5. As soon as I walked into that party I thought, "I'm not in Kansas anymore."

   

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Question of the Day #1269

Carl Thompson needs to get something off his chest.

From the lede of this article at ABC.net.au.

  上記の文で、get something off one's chestの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "get something off one's chest" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

胸の内を明かさなければ

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

to tell someone about (something that has been making one upset or unhappy)

 

Examples

1. You've been a little cold to me lately. Is there something you'd like to get off your chest?
2. I'm sorry but I just have to get something off my chest. How could you treat me like that last night?
3. You're clearly annoyed, so go on, get it off your chest—what's bothering you?
4. I had to tell someone what had happened at the office to get it off my chest!
5. My doctor gave me the opportunity to talk and get things off my chest.

   

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Question of the Day #1268

Here is a picture of Arrowhead Lanes from back in the day

From the headline of this article at Smile Politely.

  上記の文で、back in the dayの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "back in the day" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〈米俗〉ずっと前、昔々◆back in the day when ... の略。

   

Answer

According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

used for talking about a time in the past, usually when you are remembering nice things about that time

 

Examples

1. Back in the day, we had an apartment with a swimming pool.
2. An artist or producer or engineer from back in the day wouldn't think fondly of surface noise on their records.
3. Nevertheless, this was a major accomplishment back in the day.
4. Back in the day, that's what we wanted to sound like when we were younger.
5. The live program featured children in the audience and like most children shows back in the day featured fun, games, safety tips and cartoons.

   

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Question of the Day #1267

What is a career grand slam in golf? Two players on the verge of history

From the headline of this article at RadioTimes.com.

  上記の文で、on the verge ofの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "on the verge of" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
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明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

今にも～しようとして

Verge自体に「ふち、境界線、瀬戸際、寸前等」の意味がありますが、この句で一番よく耳にする単語です。

 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

at the point when (something) is about to happen or is very likely to happen

 

Examples

1. on the verge of collapse/success/tears/death/disaster/war
2. Her husband's violent and abusive behaviour drove her to the verge of despair.
3. The clock is ticking, and your draft is on the verge of being late. — Harvard Business Review, 17 Oct. 2024
4. His sculptures seem to be on the verge of movement: the glazes are caught in flux. — Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
5. At least one big mystery seems to be on the verge of being resolved. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2023

   

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Question of the Day #1266

Bikers are in hog heaven at Long Beach swap meet

From the headline of this article at The Orange County Register.

  上記の文で、hog heavenの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "hog heaven" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〈俗〉至福［絶頂・最高］の時［状態・状況］

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

an extremely satisfying state or situation

 

Examples

1. We had plenty of food, good wine, and beautiful weather. We were in hog heaven.
2. Roslyn has got to Chile and she is in hog heaven. F. O'Connor, Letter 23 November in Habit of Being (1980)
3. He puts his jazz on loud, pours himself a stiff whisky and settles down in an armchair with a porn mag. He is in adolescent bachelor hog-heaven. Times (Nexis) 28 July
4. Today should be considered hog heaven: The economy is purring. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2019
5. Pictured grinning on the big screens, Perazzo looked to be in hog heaven. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 May 2024

   

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Question of the Day #1265

‘A crying shame’: Harris rips Trump's remarks about Springfield

From the headline of this article at NBC News.

  上記の文で、a crying shameの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "a crying shame" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によるとIt's a crying shameの意味は、

非常に残念です。

A crying shameだけの意味は、下記の英語の定義にあるように「人を悲しませるまたは残念に思わせる状況」。  

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

a situation that makes one feel sad or disappointed

 

Examples

1. That struck me as both a crying shame and wholly unsurprising. — Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
2. It's a crying shame that she's paid so little for what she does.
3. And that, apparently, was a terrible failure and a crying shame. Times, Sunday Times (2015)
4. That poor kid was finally having a breakout year—it's a crying shame he got injured.
5. A: "I really think this gap in my resume from caring for my mom is the only thing keeping me from getting hired." B: "Well, that's a crying shame."

   

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Question of the Day #1264

Low hanging fruit: Energy efficiency weaves the path towards a green, circular economy

From the headline of this article at the UNDP.

  上記の文で、low hanging fruitの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "low hanging fruit" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 低い位置にぶら下がっている果実
2. 〈比喩〉〔大きな努力をしなくても〕簡単に達成できる目標［目的・仕事］、容易に解決できる問題

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

the obvious or easy things that can be most readily done or dealt with in achieving success or making progress toward an objective

 

Examples

1. The truth is, there's always a way to find the low-hanging fruit. — Ellevate, Forbes, 11 Nov. 2021
2. Choose your moves wisely and don't go for the low-hanging fruit. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE.com, 6 June 2022
3. How to get rid of that barrier is sort of the low-hanging fruit. — Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 9 May 2021
4. What has happened, instead, is ICE agents appearing at immigration hearings, faces covered as if they were members of a paramilitary organization and not taxpayer-funded public servants, and making a big show of arresting the low-hanging fruit. From Salon
5. Andreas Østhagen, a senior fellow at the independent Fridtjof Nansen Institute, describes the Arctic as "low-hanging fruit" for Russian-Chinese collaboration. From BBC

   

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Question of the Day #1263

Hubble’s Double Take on a Spiral Galaxy

From the headline of this article at NASA.gov.

  上記の文で、double takeの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "double take" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

《a ～》〈話〉〔驚くべきことなどについて〕少ししてから驚く［気付く］こと、「ふーん…えっ？」という反応、ダブルテイク、二度見◆最初は驚きの核心に気付かず、少ししてから気付きハッとして見直すこと。結果的には「驚いたので2回見る」ことだが「1回目に見た瞬間はあまり驚かなかった」というニュアンスがある。
一般的に、慣用句のdo a double takeで使用されることが多い。

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

a delayed reaction to a surprising or significant situation after an initial failure to notice anything unusual —usually used in the phrase do a double take

 

Examples

1. His parents did a double take when he came home with a tattoo.
2. Get ready to do a double take because most of the styles are under $100. —
Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024
3. There were a couple of men next to me staring and doing double takes. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Nov. 2024
4. He'd arrived at the road adjacent to the tree and had to "double take" as he saw it for the first time lying on its side. From BBC
5. “When you’re walking one way, everyone walking the other way gives the look and double take. It’s entertaining,” he said. From Los Angeles Times

   

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Question of the Day #1262

Trump’s former barn burner gives a one-on-one interview to The Free Press’s Ben Kawaller.

From the lede of this article at The Free Press.

  上記の文で、barn burnerの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "barn burner" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【名】
〈米俗〉白熱した［ワクワクさせる］試合

ただし、上記の見出しの訳として「白熱した［ワクワクさせる］試合」はおかしいので、下記英語の定義の「多くの関心や興奮を集める人・モノ」の方がいいと思います。

 

Answer

According to :

one that arouses much interest or excitement

 

Examples

1. The game should be a real barn burner.
2. This is a pull-out-all-the-stops over-the-top barn burner of a sandwich that will knock anyone's socks off. — Christopher Michel, Country Living, 17 May 2023
3. It’s anything but a barn burner, although the violinist does gets some soaring lines and nimble double stops. — Dallas News, 8 Jan. 2022
4. Well, what a barn burner the debate tonight turned out to be!
5. The speech to her supporters wasn't exactly a barnburner.

   

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Question of the Day #1261

"I Wish I Could Be Normal": People With Low IQs Are Opening Up About Their Deepest Hardships In Life, And It's Absolutely Gut-Wrenching

From the headline of this article at BuzzFeed.

  上記の文で、gut-wrenchingの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "gut-wrenching" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【形】
断腸の思いの、心が張り裂けそうな、大きな苦痛を伴う、胸をえぐられるような、はらわたがちぎれるような、衝撃的な

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

causing mental or emotional anguish

 

Examples

1. The past week has been gut-wrenching for our town, like all the worst parts of the Bible at once. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025
2. And the gun sellers knew or should have known that these guns would lead to gut-wrenching murder. — Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 18 July 2023
3. The gut-wrenching feeling, the weight on his chest, and the lack of desire for anything became too much to bear. — Anna Guaracao, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Aug. 2023
4. Adam Peaty was not immediately convinced he would return to competitive swimming after his emotional, gut-wrenching week at the Paris Olympics last summer. From BBC
5. The "gut-wrenching" flashes of wondering what her mother's last moments were. From BBC

 

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Question of the Day #1260

You'll Never Suspect What Sweetbreads Actually Are

From the headline of this article at The Takeout.

  上記の文で、sweetbreadの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "sweetbread" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〔子牛・子羊の〕胸腺、膵臓◆可算

ちなみに、sweetbreadとsweet breadは全く違うモノです。後者は、ブリオッシュやシナモン・ロールのような甘いパンのことです。

 

Answer

According to Live Science:

Sweetbreads are culinary names for the thymus or pancreas glands of (typically) a calf or lamb."

 

Examples

1. If you've ever encountered sweetbreads at a restaurant, your first clue that the little-known food isn't what it sounds like was probably the fact that you didn't find it on the dessert menu.
2. Not to be confused with pan dulce, the Mexican treat that translates to "sweet bread," the former is neither sweet, nor is it bread.
3. While it is certainly not sweet, it could be that sweetbread is much more mild-tasting (therefore, technically sweeter) than other types of offal and traditional cuts of meat.
4. Sweetbreads have been consumed since ancient times and have been found to be particularly healthy.
5. While sweetbreads contain vitamins, minerals and good fats, they shouldn't be considered health foods and eaten a lot.

   

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Question of the Day #1259

14 Ways Nonprofit Leaders Can Prevent ‘Mission Creep’

From the headline of this article at Forbes.

  上記の文で、mission creepの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "mission creep" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〈米〉ミッション・クリープ、終わりの見えない展開◆本来は米軍事用語で任務を遂行する上で目標設定が明確でなく当初対象としていた範囲を拡大したり、いつ終わるか見通しが立たないまま人や物の投入を続けていかなくてはならなくなった政策を意味し批判的に使われる言葉

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

the gradual broadening of the original objectives of a mission or organization

 

Examples

1. Expanding our objectives will only result in mission creep and huge amounts of extra expense.
2. It is a case of mission creep gone wildly over the top.
3. In the end, the case for staying is a case to wait for more mission creep. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 16 Apr. 2021
4. Over time, the risk of mission creep will rise, as will the temptation to invest in riskier assets. — The Economist, 28 Oct. 2017
5. The pursuit of a decisive win by Ukraine and Putin’s decisive loss would constitute another example of mission creep. — Michael Krepon, Forbes, 2 May 2022

   

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Question of the Day #1258

“I am absolutely sure of this one thing: this vote will haunt anyone who votes for him. They will rue the day they did it,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat.

From the 11th paragraph of this article at City News Everywhere.

  上記の文で、rue the dayの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "rue the day" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〔過去の出来事について〕悔やむ、後悔する

   

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To curse or bitterly regret a point in time (in which something happened or one did something).

 

Examples

1. I swear to you now, you will rue the day you ever crossed me!
2. Men, if their soldiers advance upon us, we must ensure that they will rue the day!
3. She'll rue the day (that) she bought that house.
4. He will rue the day he betrayed his friends.
5. They will rue the day they underestimated her.

   

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Question of the Day #1257

Serious thinkers might pooh-pooh all this as guru talk, driven by media hype and ‘thought leaders’ hawking their latest books.

From the 1st paragraph of this article at Aeon.co.

  上記の文で、pooh-poohの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "pooh-pooh" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【他動】
〈話〉〔～を〕あざける、あざ笑う、鼻で笑う
【自動】
〈話〉軽蔑の態度を示す

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

intransitive verb
: to express contempt or impatience
transitive verb
: to express contempt for or make light of : PLAY DOWN, DISMISS  

 

Examples

1. LaRoche tried to pooh-pooh the notion, and certainly did not wish Agent McGee to alarm his wife. — Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 14 Apr. 2025
2. No wonder his officers pooh-pooh Haiti’s gangs as amateurs compared to their previous foes, like Al Shabaab – though the al Qaeda affiliate hasn’t been entirely vanquished back home in Kenya. — Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 10 Aug. 2024
3. Some seemingly reasonable people go on holiday and pooh-pooh the idea of wearing sunblock.
4. When we pooh-pooh the subjective, the love of the fans, we are giving power to people that already have it. From Los Angeles Times
5. In the past he has pooh-poohed suggestions that he might succeed Isaacs.

   

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Question of the Day #1256

Though she’s always known she was destined to be an artist, Ana initially led with acting and kept her songwriting close to the chest.

From the 4th paragraph of this article at NewJerseyStage.com.

  上記の文で、keep (something) close to the chestの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "keep (something) close to the chest" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

手の内を見せないようにする、秘密裏に行う、慎重に［注意深く］行動する

英辞郎にあるように表現パターンがplay/keep (something) close to the/one's chest/vestとなります。  

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else. Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.

 

Examples

1. We're all curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with the lawyers, but she's keeping it close to her chest.
2. Sorry for not being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping this one close to the chest for the time being.
3. "He is very cautious. He plays his cards close to his chest."
4. "You seem to be playing your cards close to your vest.
5. "To play one's cards close to one's chest is not nice etiquette"

   

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Question of the Day #1255

How Baby Boomer ‘Boommates’ are beating inflation and loneliness: ‘I’m happy as a clam’

From the headline of this article at the New York Post.

  上記の文で、happy as a clamの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "happy as a clam" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

とても幸せで［満足して

なお、英辞郎はas happy as a clamの定義です。文法的にこの方が正しいと思いますが、口語ではhappy as a clamで使用することが多いように感じます。

 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

very happy

 

Examples

1. She spent the afternoon reading and was (as) happy as a clam.
2. The carpenter got the job, completed it in two weeks, and the woman was happy as a clam. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025
3. Get as happy as a clam at one of Northeast Ohio’s seasonal clambake dinner events this weekend. — Anne Nickoloff, cleveland, 14 Oct. 2021
4. “Once I get Mittens back, I’ll be as happy as a clam, and my life can get back to normal. I just need my baby back.” From Washington Post
5. “I was happy as a clam,” Kaiser told me, “just sitting up there, just being where he was.” From New York Times

   

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小休止

5月26日の週は、アメリカの友人が家族・親族と一緒に来日しているので、そのアテンドでこのブログを1週間休みます。

Question of the Day #1254

US hurtling towards AI job boom, but an acute talent vacuum may throw a wrench in the progress

From the headline of this article at the India Times.

  上記の文で、throw a wrenchの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "throw a wrench" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〈米話〉〔人の計画などを〕妨害［邪魔］する、混乱させる、台無し［めちゃくちゃ］にする、ぶち壊す

なお、throw a monkey wrenchとも言います。monkey wrenchとは、日本語で言うスパナです。また、後に続く前置詞はinの他にintoも使います。

さらに、throw a (monkey) wrench in(to) the worksともっと長い言い方もあります。

 

Answer

According to the Collins Dictionary:

If someone throws a wrench or throws a monkey wrench into a process, they prevent something happening smoothly by deliberately causing a problem.

 

Examples

1. The decision will throw a monkey wrench into our efforts to develop a national broadband policy.
2. But regulatory changes in the past month have thrown a wrench in those plans. Wall Street Journal (2021)
3. The president's decision to block the deal could throw 'a wrench right in the gears for wider deal flow', the source added. Times, Sunday Times (2018)
4. But once again they have been hit with external events that could throw a wrench in their plans. Globe and Mail (2003)
5. It'll really throw a monkey wrench into the works if the board decides not to increase our funding for this project.

   

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Question of the Day #1253

Controversial writer Michael Wolff says the pedophile was “utterly preoccupied” and told him, “Trump has no scruples.”

From the lede of this article at the Daily Beast.

  上記の文で、no scruplesの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "no scruples" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によるとfeel no scruples aboutで

〔悪い行いなど〕に何のためらいも感じない

になりますので、no scruplesは、「〔悪い行いなど〕に何のためらいもない」になります。

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster, "scruple" means:

1. an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action
2. the quality or state of being scrupulous
3. mental reservation

So, "no scruples" basically means, "not having an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action."  

Examples

1. I have no scruples whatsoever in that connection.
2. Many of these wrecked cars get into the hands of back-street repairers who have no scruples.
3. no scruples against buying stolen goods
4. If you had no scruples at all, you'd just kill, steal, cheat, and do God knows what else.
5. He has no scruples about sacrificing a friend to save his own hide.

   

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Question of the Day #1252

Still, it stands out as another moment that could feed Arata's dissatisfaction with his lot in life.

From the 2nd paragraph of this article at the Anime News Network.

  上記の文で、one's lot in lifeの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "one's lot in life" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

自分の運命として受け入れる

   

Answer

According to Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias:

someone’s general situation in life, especially when this is not very good

 

Examples

1. She was never satisfied with her lot in life.
2. Sometimes you just have to accept your lot in life.
3. Unhappy with her lot in life, she moved to the city to start over.
4. ‘This is it; this is my lot in life – this is how it’s always going to be.’
5. What defines us is what we make with our lot in life.

   

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Question of the Day #1251

Thiessen: Trump isn't the first president to cozy up to Putin

From the headline of this article at The Ledger.

  上記の文で、cozy up to(someone)の意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "cozy up to (someone)" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

～と親しくなろうとする、～と近づきになろうとする、～に擦り寄る

注意してほしいのは、ただ「親しくなろうとする」のと、下心があって「親しくなろうとする」の両方の意味があります。

 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

1. To move close (to someone) in order to snuggle.
2. By extension, to become friendly (with someone or some group), usually in an attempt to obtain something.

 

Examples

1. The puppies cozied up to their mother.
2. My toddler is always on the go these days, so I know she's not feeling well when she cozies up to me all of a sudden or willingly takes a nap.
3. The corporation has started cozying up to several foreign governments in an attempt to expand its influence.
4. People from across the city have been cozying up ever since I won the lottery.
5. Opponents say he has a record of cozying up to polluters and accepting their campaign donations.

   

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Question of the Day #1250

Over the course of his career, filmmaker Sean Baker has delivered intimate films of humanity and connection that take place in the nooks and crannies of society: the places that are often the most overlooked, economically, socially and cinematically.

From the 1st paragraph of this article at The Spokesman-Review.

  上記の文で、nooks and cranniesの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "nooks and crannies" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

隅々で

と言うことになりますが、単数のeach nook and crannyは、「ありとあらゆる場所、至る所」になっています。早い話、とちらも同じような意味です。
Nookの意味は「人目に付かない所、隠れ場所、避難所」と「〔部屋の〕片隅、引っ込んだ場所」でcrannyは「〔壁・岩などの〕割れ目」の意味になります。  

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

Every possible place or part of something, down to the smallest ones.

 

Examples

1. You need to clean every nook and cranny of this room before your grandmother gets here—it has to be spotless for her!
2. In the weeks before Christmas, we would search all the nooks and crannies of the house, trying to find our presents./a>
3. This historic county town is packed with interesting nooks and crannies to explore.
4. He unapologetically farms wildlife in the nooks and crannies of unproductive land and adapts incumbent methods. The Guardian (2021)
5. A soft brush is better than a hard one since it'll get into all the nooks and crannies. The Guardian (2015)

   

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Question of the Day #1249

Nadia Aslam caught up with Eventing athlete Imogen Murray to pick her brain about the challenges and joys of the sport she so dearly loves…

From the lede of this article at FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale).

  上記の文で、pick her (someone's) brainの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "pick her (someone's) brain" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

（人）の知識を借りる

この訳はどう思いますか？簡単に「（知識や経験が豊富な人）の知恵を借りる」または「（知識や経験が豊富な人）に教えてもらう」でいいのではないでしょうか。ビジネス界では、「知見を借りる」でもいいかもしれせん。
Pick someone's brainsとbrainにsをつけることもあります。もちろん脳を複数持っている人はいませんが、あたかも複数の脳を持っているかのように知識や経験が豊富な人から聞いていることが前提なので、このように言うのではないかと思います。

 

Answer

According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

to ask someone who knows a lot about a subject for information or their opinion

 

Examples

1. Can I pick your brain about how you got rid of those weeds?
2. I was picking Simon's brains about which computer to buy.
3. Do you have a moment? I need to pick your brain about a little situation that has come up.
4. He refused to prepare for the exam but counted on being able to pick his roommate's brains.
5. I'd like to pick your brains about something. Nothing urgent.

   

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Question of the Day 1248

‘Five Alarm Fire': How New Tax Law Could Decimate Nonprofits — and What Can Be Done

From the headline of this article at The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

上記の文で、five alarm fireの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "fire alarm fire" mean?

答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

---

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

＿回の出動警報の火災◆通例、1回の出動警報で2～3台の消防車を中心としたユニットが出動する。それで消し止められなければ次の出動警報を発生するため、火災の規模を出動警報の数で判定できる。1-alarm fireはすぐに消火できるような「ぼや」程度、2は一つの家屋の半焼や全焼、3や4は延焼を伴う火災である。通例5がかなり大規模な火災であるが、まれに10回以上の出動警報を伴う火災が起きるときがある。

問題の見出しの場合、この消防用語を比喩的に使用しているので、「緊急事態」「大惨事」ぐらいに訳して良いと思います。比喩的に"five-alarm fire" "five-alarm"（「最大」「最多」）等の意味で使用することが「専門用語」として使用することより一般的です。（下記例文を参照してください。）
上記説明に「10回以上の出動警報を伴う火災が起きるときがある」とありますが、一般的には5-alarm fireが一番高いレベルの火事と思っていいでしょう。

Answer

According to Mammoth Security Inc.:

Five-alarm Fire
This is a level of fire that is rarely called. In the case of a five-alarm fire, all available units are requested to appear on the scene. Additional support in the form of air support, hazardous material vehicles, and even additional resources for the firefighter’s well-being will be called.


The usage in the above headline is, of course, figurative. In this form, it can mean "major disaster" or something similar.

Examples

1. More than 30 people remain at Red Cross shelter following 5-alarm apartment fire in Overbrook
2. Paterson firefighters blast through concrete to douse flames in 5-alarm fire
3. The Economist: The tariff’s 5-alarm fire
4. ‘This Man Is Un-American!’ Chuck Todd Denounces ‘Five-Alarm Fire’ Elon Musk in Scorching Rant
5. Five-Alarm Chili Recipe

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Question of the Day #1247

It would have presented him the perfect opportunity in the name of an emergency to cut off any financial spigot that didn't tickle his fancy or finance his family affairs.

From the 2nd paragraph of this article at Newsweek.

  上記の文で、tickle someone's fancyの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "tickle someone's fancy" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

 

Question of the Day #1246

Can the Grey Rock Method Protect You From Toxic Behavior?

From the headline of this article at Very Well Mind.

  上記の文で、grey rock methodの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "grey rock method" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
Goong.comによると、

グレー・ロック・メソッドは、主に人間関係の中で、特に毒性のある人々（たとえば、虐待的なパートナーなど）との接触を最小限にするための対処法の一つです。具体的には、自分の感情を抑え、反応を示さず、無関心を装うことで相手の興味を失わせる技術です。

Grey rockingと言うこともあり、またgrey rockで動詞になります。

 

Answer

According to Medical News Today:

Gray rocking, or the grey rock method, is a tactic some people use to deal with abusive or manipulative behavior. It involves becoming as uninteresting and unengaged as possible so that the other person loses interest.

 

語源

Goong.comによると、

このメソッドは、「グレー」という言葉が「中立的で目立たない」色を指していることから来ています。また、「ロック」とは「岩」を表し、安定していて動かないことを意味します。すなわち、「目立たない岩のように振る舞う」ことを示しています。

 

Etymology

According to Wiktionary:

From the idea of a gray rock being an uninteresting object, introduced in 2012 in an article on the Lovefraud website written by the user Skylar.

   

Examples

1. Using the grey rock method might look like avoiding eye contact, giving short answers, and focusing on other things when talking with someone who’s using abuse tactics.
2. The grey rock method is a strategy for protecting yourself from abusive or toxic friends, partners, co-workers, or family members.
3. Though the term “grey rock method” hasn’t been used in much scientific research, grey rock tactics are rooted in behavioral psychology theory — specifically the concept of extinction.
4. The grey rock method can be emotionally and mentally draining for you.
5. While the grey rock method is not a long-term solution for a romantic or other personal relationship, it may help you disengage with that person.

 

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Question of the Day #1245

Why do people nitpick other people?

From the title of this thread at Quora.

  上記の文で、nitpickの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "nitpick" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 【自動】細かいことにうるさく言う、あら探しをする、いちいちけちをつける、重箱の隅をようじでほじくる、小うるさい、詮索する◆【語源】シラミ(nit)を拾う(pick)
2. 【名】あら探し

上記に語源が「シラミ(nit)を拾う(pick)」からとなっていますが、そこからnitpickだけではなくpick nitsということもできます。
また、他の変形としてnitpicker（名詞）とnitpicky（形容詞）があります。


 

Answer

According to :

1. intransitive verb
   :to engage in nit-picking
2. transitive verb
   :to criticize by nit-picking

 

Examples

1. You're always nitpicking - it's so annoying!
2. I do not believe that this is nitpicking.
3. Rivals can nitpick details in the paperwork and file challenges that sometimes force elections officials to review hundreds of signatures per candidate. — Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 22 Dec. 2024
4. People are sick of the Biden administration’s excessive overreach, including the intention to hire 87,000 new Internal Revenue Service agents to nitpick every aspect of their lives. — Carol Miller, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
5. It could have been argued that there was no need to nitpick about the specifics and that the record alone should have been enough. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2023

   

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Question of the Day #1244

The 2021 report of the MJA–Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: Australia increasingly out on a limb

From the headline of this article at The Medical Journal of Australia.

  上記の文で、out on a limbの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "out on a limb" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 一歩間違えれば落ちてしまう危険な状態で、危険な［不利な］立場［状況］で
2. 〔誰にも助けてもらえず〕独りぼっちの状態で、孤立して

意味は似ていますが、下記英語の1番目の定義の微妙なニュアンスの違いにも注目してほしいと思います。

 

Answer

According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

1. having an opinion that is different from most people's and is unpopular
2. in a situation where something bad could happen to you and you are not well protected

 

Examples

1. She's going out on a limb in criticizing her own party leadership.
2. By failing to address these problems, the report leaves small producers out on a limb.
3. The company overextended itself financially and was soon out on a limb.
4. Next time someone goes out on a limb for you, you might want to respect that," he said, slurring slightly. Gregg Hurwitz THE KILL CLAUSE (2003)
5. She appears to have gone out on a limb that her competitors have wisely refused to follow. The Guardian (2019)

   

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Question of the Day #1243

How does Taylor Swift keep up her Reputation? Pop princess's pals are embroiled in scandal - but star has clever strategy to protect squeaky clean image, expert says

From the headline of this article at the Daily Mail.

  上記の文で、squeaky cleanの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "squeaky clean" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【形】キュッキュッと音がするほどきれいに洗った、とても［実に・非常に］きれいな［清潔な］、ピカピカの、高潔な

   

Answer

According to Oxford Learner's Dictionaries:

1. completely clean, and therefore attractive
2. morally correct in every way; that cannot be criticized

 

Examples

1. The new leader was seen as being dynamic and squeaky clean.
2. The image is squeaky-clean, and that makes her ripe for the political future for which she has so ably been prepared. Times, Sunday Times (2008)
3. As South Florida braces for spring-break fever, there are 110 restaurants, bars and food trucks in Broward and Palm Beach countries waiting to greet the touristy deluge with squeaky-clean kitchens. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
4. At the far end of the resort, a 24-hour squeaky-clean gym with state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment offers disposable headphones, electrolyte drinks, water, and fresh fruit for grabs. —Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2024
5. Pop boy bands, once defined by squeaky-clean images, have evolved into something more authentic and flawed—largely thanks to Payne. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

   

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Question of the Day #1242

Everyone 'Jaywalks,' But Black Pedestrians Are Disproportionately Cited. Will California 'Decriminalize Walking?'

From the headline of this article at LAist.com.

  上記の文で、jaywalkの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "jaywalk" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【自動】
〈話〉〔交通規則を無視して〕道路を横断する、横断歩道のないところを横切る◆【語源】jay（不注意な人）から。

アメリカでは、州や郡によって違いますが、主に罰金でかなり厳しく取り締まれる行為です。例えば、Los Angelesはかなり厳しい。
名詞はjaywalkingです。  

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

to cross a street carelessly or in an illegal manner so as to be endangered by traffic

 

Examples

1. The police officer warned us not to jaywalk.
2. Most members and employees opt to park on the side of the club instead of trying to jaywalk across the street. — Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
3. More crosswalks were also added, according to the New York Times, to help thwart jaywalking. — Benjamin Preston, Car and Driver, 12 Dec. 2017
4. His actions display his cool lack of regard for authority: he jaywalks, and 'gives the finger' to a taxi that threatens to run him over.
5. Penalties for jaywalking vary by state, and, within a state, may vary by county or municipality.

   

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Question of the Day #1241

When Clance spotted Shereine at his local lunch spot in Toronto, he just had to approach her. For six months, she gave him the cold shoulder.

From the first paragraph of this article at Essence.

  上記の文で、give someone the cold shoulderの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "give someone the cold shoulder" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

（人）に冷たい［よそよそしい］態度を取る、（人）に冷たく［よそよそしく・すげなく］する、（人）を冷たく［素っ気なく］あしらう、（人）を冷遇する

   

Answer

According to Wiktionary:

(idiomatic) To snub, resist or reject somebody; to regard somebody distantly.

 

Examples

1. I must have made him angry with my comment. He’s been giving me the cold shoulder ever since I said it.
2. I thought she really liked me, but the next day she gave me the cold shoulder.
3. Investors have been giving the company the cold shoulder for some time.
4. Washington has given the general the cold shoulder.
5. Cinemagoers have been giving the film the cold shoulder.

   

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Question of the Day #1240

Everton To Run The Gauntlet With Premier Leagues December Fixtures

From the headline of this article at LWOS.com.

  上記の文で、run the gauntletの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "run the gauntlet" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〔さまざまな人・集団・方々から〕批判［攻撃］を受ける、怒りを買う

   

Answer

According to Dictionary.com:

Be exposed to danger, criticism, or other adversity

 

語源

Dictionary.comによると、

このイディオムは1600年代前半からありスウェーデン語の「走路」の意味のgatloppからきたgantlopeに由来しています。もともとは、軍隊の体罰の方法で違反を犯した兵隊は、棒や結び目のある紐を持った二列の兵隊の間を走り、体罰を受けた。

 

Etymology

According to Dictionary.com:

This term, dating from the first half of the 1600s, comes from the word gantlope , which itself comes from the Swedish word gatlopp , for “lane-course.” It referred to a form of military punishment where a man ran between two rows of soldiers who struck him with sticks or knotted ropes.

   

Examples

1. Every day they had to run the gauntlet of hostile journalists on their way to school.
2. Borders are sealed and aid workers must run the gauntlet of checkpoints controlled by warlords.
3. ’He knows what it's like, having to run the gauntlet of those people.' Wood, Ted SNOWJOB (2003)
4. Waitrose has run the gauntlet of disgruntled loyal customers before. From BBC
5. But he added: "My guess is that the drone was launched from far closer in than that, as this would avoid it having to run the gauntlet of much of Moscow's defences." From BBC

   

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Question of the Day #1239

Wrangler® Releases Curated Collection of Vintage and Preloved Denim

From the headline of this article at Business Wire.

  上記の文で、prelovedの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "preloved" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【形】〔前所有者に大事に使われていた〕中古の

Pre-lovedと書くこともあります。

 

Answer

According to Dictionary.com:

previously used or owned; secondhand.

 

Examples

1. Wearing preloved clothing carries memory forward and also calls us back. From Los Angeles Times
2. In Glasgow city centre, rails and rails of preloved kid's clothing hang in a huge warehouse run by social enterprise, Apparel Xchange. From BBC
3. The shop above Tenovus Cancer Care stocks hundreds of preloved donated wedding dresses and each sale raises money for the charity. From BBC
4. It sells pre-loved and upcycled clothes and accessories. The Guardian (2018)
5. This gear isn't secondhand - it's 'pre-loved'. Times, Sunday Times (2014)

   

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Question of the Day #1238

Tomorrow’s Needs: Michigan Tech Reaches an Inflection Point

From the headline of this article at Michigan Tech.

  上記の文で、inflection pointの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "inflection point" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

 

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

《数学》変曲点

となっていますが、これは数学的な意味なので、同ページのもう少し下を見ると”at an inflection point”の訳が

《be ～》転換点を迎えている

ということで、一般的にはinflection pointの意味は「転換点」になります。他の英語の熟語ではturning pointがほぼ同じ意味です。  

 

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

1. a moment when significant change occurs or may occur: TURNING POINT
2. mathematics: a point on a curve that separates an arc concave upward from one concave downward and vice versa

 

Examples

1. At 18, Bobby is at an inflection point that will largely determine the course of his life. — Stacy Perman
2. It depends on us, on the choices we make, particularly at certain inflection points in history; particularly when big changes are happening and everything seems up for grabs. — Barack Obama
3. This point in time feels like an inflection point in the world of tech. — 
Byrachyl Jones, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2023
4. The world is waking up to a new inflection point in the war in the middle east. — Nbc Universal, NBC News, 14 Apr. 2024
5. This inflection point comes after a year in which the U.K. at times suffered one of the highest death rates in the world. NBC News, 17 May 2021

   

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Question of the Day #1237

GOP Swears Pete Hegseth Is Clean As A Whistle Ahead Of Confirmation Hearing, And Would They Lie? (Yes.)

From the headline of this article at Wonkette.

  上記の文で、clean as a whistleの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "clean as a whistle" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

全くきれいで、極めて明白な、とても清潔で、清廉潔白で、物の見事に、やすやすと

このイディオムの対象は三つあります。一つ目は「物」で意味は最初の「全くきれいで・とても清潔で」です。二つ目は「人」で意味は「清廉潔白で」です。三つ目は「事」で意味は「物の見事に・やすやすと」です。詳しくは、下記文例を参照してください。

 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

1. Completely free of dirt and neat in appearance.
2. Well-behaved and not involved in illegal or questionable activities.
3. Entirely; totally.

 

Examples

1. This house needs to be as clean as a whistle before my mother-in-law gets here.
2. Sometimes, these baths even offer treatments that are aimed at getting visitors clean as a whistle. — Richard Quest, CNN, 8 May 2023
3. You can trust George, he's a good kid—as clean as a whistle.
4. I don't have a criminal record, I'm clean as a whistle.
5. The handle just broke off, clean as a whistle! I can't believe it!

 

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Question of the Day #1236

Cirillo’s parting advice to anyone shopping around for a PBM: “Kick the tires … Kick the tires hard.”

From the last paragraph of this article at Risk & Insurance.

  上記の文で、kick the tiresの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "kick the tires" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

     

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

〈俗〉簡単な点検［品質検査］をする◆自動車のタイヤを蹴るだけでタイヤの点検を済ませるイメージから

ただし、下記英語の一つ目の定義にあるように「商品を購入する前に試したり丁寧に調べる」になっています。したがって、二つの違う意味があるので業種や文脈で意味を読み取る必要があります。

Answer

According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

to try something or examine it carefully before you buy it

  However, according to Investopedia this phrase takes on a different meaning:

Kicking the tires is a colloquial expression that refers to performing minimal research into an investment, as opposed to conducting a thorough and rigorous analysis.

 

語源

Wiktionaryによると、


20世紀初頭。当時の自動車のタイヤは薄いゴム製で品質の悪いものもあった。したがって、自動車の潜在顧客はタイヤを蹴ることによってそのゴムの厚さを試したり、空気が抜けるかを調べた。

 

Etymology

According to Wiktionary:

Early 20th century. Tires on early automobiles were made of thin rubber and were sometimes of poor quality, hence a prospective buyer might kick them to see how thick they were or if they would deflate.

   

Examples

1. Come and kick the tires on this latest version of the software.
2. Red Flag 1: When an Analyst Doesn't Kick the Tires or Even Read a Company's Filings
3. Microsoft finally took some of the wraps off last week, releasing Vista's first major test version to about 500,000 programmers and tech professionals. The goal is to let them kick the tires, run their software on it and provide feedback.
4. 1935 April, Motor, volume 63, number 4, page 39.
   "Kick the tires and look serious" recognized as first rule for used car appraisal; 1915.
5. He tried kicking the tires of the new security software by infecting his laptop with a handful of common viruses.

   

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