"That's a great deal to make one word mean," Alice said in a thoughtful tone. "When I make a word do a lot of work like that," said Humpty Dumpty, "I always pay it extra."
Saturday 28 February 2009
The elephant in the room
The elephant in the room - a phrase used to describe a major problem or controversial issue which is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion because it is more comfortable to do so.
Id love to claim the ohoto as my own but it isn't. I found the image by doing a google search but it was unacknowledged. If anyone knows the source I'll be happy to acknowledge it.
I'm quite fond of this saying. All that needs to be said. And Heather's right, isn't she? They begin as a small elephant, but grow quickly if avoided for too long.
My daughter Helen commented in November 2008 in her Blog that she was now keeping a notebook of new words that she came across during her reading. "This week I bought a lovely little leather bound book to write new words in as I read them . I've added a few from "1984", but my favourite has to be persiflage (from the French persifler) which means banter." I later discovered that my older daughter, Bryony, also kept a similar notebook.
This inspired me to create a Word blog. This will include both new words, favourite words and the origins of phrases that we commonly use. A definition and some comment, perhaps even a relevant quotation, will acompany the word or phrase.
“I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words bother me.” - Winnie the Pooh
Great photo find! I believe the elephants begin a little smaller but grow quickly if avoided for too long :o)
ReplyDeleteThat is a brilliant photo.
ReplyDeleteId love to claim the ohoto as my own but it isn't. I found the image by doing a google search but it was unacknowledged. If anyone knows the source I'll be happy to acknowledge it.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite fond of this saying. All that needs to be said.
ReplyDeleteAnd Heather's right, isn't she? They begin as a small elephant, but grow quickly if avoided for too long.