visa run
n.— «Many people who have come to work in Taiwan have had to undertake the inglorious journey of what is commonly called a “visa run,” in order to acquire the necessary status to work here legally. The phrase instantly brings to mind English teachers working here under shady circumstances, but the reality is that economic immigrants to Taiwan in an array of industries find it necessary, at some point, to change their visa status.» —“’Visa run’ on a shoestring” by Mac William Bishop Taipei Times (Taiwan) June 5, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
Eric from West Lafayette, Indiana, wonders which phrase is correct when referring to “making the grade” or “meeting expectations”: Is it cut the mustard or cut the muster? It’s the former, a reference to the strong...