Mateo in Richmond, Virginia, is curious about a story he heard about the term paper tiger, meaning “something that looks fearsome or ferocious, but is actually flimsy or weak.” It’s not from Tiger, a type of German tank used during...
brown out v. phr.— «The Redwood City Fire Department can stave off “browning out” one engine by cutting one fire firefighter per truck on all companies—a move that significantly limits the ability to respond to emergencies but will...
Columbine lock n.— «San Mateo Union High School District campuses are getting special locks to safeguard students, faculty and staff in case of a lockdown.…Burlingame High School economics teacher Kevin Nelson said recent school...
postman’s holiday n.— «He is still busy with his life work, which is the promotion of American shipping. He does take a vacation now and then, but it is like the postman’s holiday. He takes it on a ship.» —“Dean of...
school resource officer n.— «Surely, you are aware of what is euphemistically referred to as a “school resource officer.” That moniker has a nice, vanilla ring to it. But it doesn’t really get to the primary heart of the...
dualy n.— «’73 Chevy “Big Dualy”…Here is the camper truck equipped to do the job.…dual wheels.» —“913 Trucks, Tractors” San Mateo Times (California) Jan. 22, 1973. (source: Double...