Trivia of the Week: Doughnuts

執筆者 | 2016年05月26日 | Trivia

“Doughnut” sounds like a nut made of dough. It is actually a sweet, fried ring made of dough. It can also be spelled as “donut”. Some doughnuts, especially when filled with cream or fruit, don’t have holes in the middle.  ...

Idiom of the Week: The Brains Behind It

執筆者 | 2016年05月25日 | Idioms

“I can’t believe you guys threw me a birthday party.” “Well, I helped decorate, but John was the brains behind the operation.” Sometimes it takes many people to do something (something good like a birthday party, or something bad like a major crime). Often there is...

Word of the Week: Spare

執筆者 | 2016年05月24日 | Words

“Can you spare a dollar?” “Spare my life,” said the magical fish, “and I’ll grant you one wish.”   In war stories or fairy tales, “spare” is often used to mean “not hurt or kill”. “Do what you want to me, but spare my children.”   A more everyday use is “Can...

Phrase of the Week: This Won’t Do

執筆者 | 2016年05月21日 | Phrases

“Oh dear, your clothes are all dirty. This won’t do. Come get changed before the party.” “This won’t do. The milk has expired. I can’t cook with this.” When something has gone wrong or isn’t good enough, we say it “won’t do”. 「あら、服が汚れてしまっている。これではダメね。パーティーの前に着替えましょう。」...