mortal lock n.— Note: A cinch, an odds-on favorite, a guaranteed thing or event. «It is a sure bet—a mortal lock as they say in the business— that if Robespierre was around today, we would be standing knee-deep in decapitations...
In Ireland you’ll find that some folks have an odd habit of gasping in mid-conversation. A Texan who lived in Dublin for years says he found this speech trait disconcerting. The hosts explain that this “pulmonic ingressive” is...
Your dining companion suddenly starts choking. Once his coughing subsides, he exclaims, “Whew! Something when down my Sunday throat!” Sunday throat? Martha explains this odd expression. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Quiz Guy Greg Pliska has a game called “Odd One Out,” the object of which is to guess which of four words doesn’t belong with the rest. Try this one: dove, job, polish, some. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Martha shares the winners of a contest for Best Book Titles of the Year. Or would that be Oddest Book Titles of the Year? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Oddest Book Titles” You know, Grant, there’s a magazine...
Greg Pliska presents a punny political puzzle about the names of presidential candidates. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Odd Candidate Out Puzzle with Presidential Candidate Names” You’re listening to A Way with...