To garner the laurels, meaning “to collect praise” refers to the ancient practice of awarding crowns of bay laurel leaves to victors in competitions. This tradition of honoring distinction with such a wreath is reflected in the terms Nobel laureate...
It’s time once again for Quiz Guy John Chaneski’s annual (and non-political) Limericks Puzzle! Fill in the blank: “When somebody says ‘Where’s the beef?’ / Say western Australia, in brief / Knickers the steer / Is so huge, I fear / That his...
Which is correct: rest on one’s laurels or rest on one’s morals? The first one right phrase. It refers to refusing to settle for one’s past accomplishments. In classical times, winners of competitions were awarded crowns made from the fragrant...
Squiffy, that British slang term for drunk, has also come to mean “askew.” At a Roman orgy, for example, you might have found people wearing squiffy laurel crowns. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Squiffy Askew” We were talking...
If you’ve accomplished something, go ahead and rest on your laurels. Martha traces this idiom back to Ancient Greece, where victors were crowned with a wreath of bay leaves from the bay laurel tree. In the 16th Century, to retire on one’s laurels...
soaking n.— «While only the historical clubs will play baseball, they will invite children to take part in rounders. “You could throw the ball at people to get them out,” Mr. Fesolowich said, a practice called soaking.» —“Spare Times: For...
