Category: Words

Origin:

In the last act of the European club season, the Champions League final left a strong impression of Serie A returning to a position of power. Even if champions Juventus were unable to contain Barcelona’s inexorable surge to a fifth European championship title, they made it as difficult for the Catalans as anyone realistically could have.

Meaning

In difficulty, faced with a choice between two unsatisfactory options.

Origin

This phrase originated in the USA in the early part of the 20th century. It is the American manifestation of a phrase that exists in several forms in other cultures.

Origin:

It became clear on Wednesday their vigil would be in vain.

“We cannot think of anybody else but Sonia Gandhi as PM,” said Ram Naresh, who had been camping out near Mrs Gandhi’s home since Tuesday afternoon.

“The entire election was fought and won in her name,” he said.

He was not alone. A Congress party MP was manhandled by his own supporters for suggesting on television that Manmohan Singh was set to become India’s next PM.

Alongside Mr Naresh – who is from Amethi, where Mrs Gandhi’s son, Rahul, was elected – was a spread of Congress supporters, including members of its women’s and youth wings.

Origin:

I’m an expat living in a country where H.I.V./AIDS is a severe taboo. My friend, also an expat, was diagnosed with H.I.V. while living here. She received almost no support or therapy of any form. Her attitude and behavior changed as she became ill, and she alienated and frustrated mutual friends. While I knew the truth, I was entrusted with her secret and stayed silent when I heard people bad-mouth her. Now that she has returned home, I feel compelled to defend her honor — I believe she was judged too harshly given unfathomable pressure and circumstances. But I also feel obligated to hold on to her secret. Is it acceptable to divulge a secret to protect someone’s honor? NAME WITHHELD, CAIRO.

Origin:

Georgetown’s Tyler Adams, his career cut short by heart ailment, gets one last start.

Georgetown Coach John Thompson III gathered his men’s basketball team after practice Thursday afternoon, ready to share a secret. Two days before senior day at Verizon Center, Thompson told his players he didn’t believe in the standard tradition of starting seniors in their final home game and that all of the Hoyas seniors already had started at some point this season, anyway.