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It’s Knot what you know but Who in this Gordian mystery of ANC Billionaires
Unravelling the Gordian Knot:history and usage This is not the first time I have seen the term ‘Gordian Knot’ but reading Pieter du Toit’s The ANC Billionaires, I saw it again. So I decided it was time to explore. The Gordian Knot, like many phrases that add to the richness of the English language, has…
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A scam that came in two chickens short
Put up your hands, everyone who’s fallen for a scam in the past 12 months? They’re everywhere and if you’re not on your toes all the time it’s easy to get yourself caught. That’s what happened to me early this year when a ‘known’ individual affirmed that the deal was genuine. And what was the…
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The myth of Sisyphus: origin and meaning
Sisyphean: Perhaps the most direct linguistic legacy of the myth, “Sisyphean” describes any task that is endless and ineffective, mirroring Sisyphus’s eternal struggle. Whether it’s tackling a never-ending workload or battling an insurmountable challenge, calling something Sisyphean immediately conveys the exhausting and futile nature of the endeavor. (Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
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World Literacy Day: A time to reflect
September 8th marked the annual celebration of World Literacy Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for individual and societal development. Established by UNESCO in 1967, this day serves as a reminder of the power of literacy to transform lives and communities. Making a…
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People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones: Idiom
In a recent radio talk show, a caller commented that “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”. He was referring to the Teflon nature of EFF leader Julius Malema who saw fit to comment on theft, while the trail of his looting of VBS Bank hangs in the balance. While hypocrisy is a well-used tool…
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Non-English! How did we get here?
“Former YouTube chief and Silicon Valley pioneer Susan Wojcicki died Friday at 56, after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer.” I’ve just read this in a non-frivolous newsletter put together by what I assume is non-new-to-journalism staff members. What strikes me in this statement is the use of the adjective ‘non-small’ and my question is…
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The scary truth about “Would They Love A Lion?”
I am seldom stirred by stories, be they children’s, Essop’s or fireside tales. But yesterday I was more than a little disturbed while reading a book with the title, “Would They Love A Lion?” to a six-year-old child. With beautiful illustrations and several awards trailing its title, the story is about Anna, who attempts many…
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Nose out of joint?: Idiom explained
Today it’s all about the nose. Nose-based idiom on the English Club ‘idiom of the day’ post and a ‘The nose knows’ video that popped into my email. The latter went on to explain the correlation between the physical nose and its spiritual knowing. Naturally, it was through breathing exercises (through the nose of course)…
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Apprise or appraise: use the right word
Working through a government document recently, I noticed the use of the word ‘appraise’. It was used incorrectly, and the writer intended the meaning of the word apprise. Unfortunately I don’t have the exact example – it was a while ago. However, it bothered me enough to write this blog. (And it’s not the first…
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What’s in a name? Inventors credit their work
From brushes to magnets and this is where we find Madame Magnolia Attraction. Magnolia became enamoured with magnets and their captivating forces. Her groundbreaking research paved the way for countless applications, from MRI machines to magnetic levitation trains.
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