Monday 29 September 2014

Disconsolate followers!

A popular Chief Minister was sent to gallows last week. The reactions from her followers and fans were on expected lines considering the following she has had. The expression used to describe  these followers and fans was 'disconsolate'. 
Disconsolate is our word of the week. It reflects a state that's beyond consolation. When someone is filled with grief or is hopelessly dispirited he or she is said to be disconsolate. The expression also finds mention in fiction and poetry often referring to cheerlessness as in - the disconsolate loneliness of a moonless night.

Monday 22 September 2014

Bringing something new from the repertoire

So when two coalition partners are negotiating on how to outdo the other and be a more effective political force - they dig deep in their bag of tricks or their repertoire. That's our word this week: Repertoire.  
The entire inventory of skills or techniques that can be leveraged or brought into play in any given field or trade is referred to as 'repertoire'. The depth of the bank of expressions that an actor has is his or her repertoire marks the versatility of the actor. That's the case with politicians and the tricks they have in their bag or in their repertoire.

Monday 15 September 2014

An appropriate expression if nothing else!

So what was that expression used to describe the easing of restrictions on Catholics in Britain in 1771? Emancipation. 
That's our word of the week. Its the act of freeing or getting liberated. Emancipation of the slaves was how historians describe the removal of slavery in US. 
Lately, we have had a few wise men talk of emancipation of our society from corruption. And for once we need to drop our cynicism and relish the use of an appropriate expression if nothing else (emancipation from pigeon's English - if you may please!).

Monday 8 September 2014

That comment on TV!

When our celebrated batting order was collapsing against the seam and swing bowling of the England side - there was criticism all around. The commentators were appalled at the propensity of the Indian batsmen to flirt with balls pitched on the off-side. Propensity is our word of the week. It is an expression that indicates of a natural tendency or an inclination. 
So the next time you see politicians scream their lungs off on a debate whether in the parliament or on a popular TV news show - you know it is their propensity to outshout the others on display.


Monday 1 September 2014

They commented on the PM's gait!

When one walks at various speeds – the way the feet move, the pattern of our footsteps and the rhythm of the entire effort often acquires a particular, distinguishable character. So when our Prime Minister walked towards the ramparts of Red Fort on 15th of August – some journalists commented on the positive energy in his steps and stated: His gait was confident and had a sense of purpose, his stature commanding as it ought to be of a PM of a great nation.

Gait is our word this week. It is a manner of stepping, walking or running.