My grammar / vocab dilemmas

11.10.08, 15:21
I'd like to ask about same very different and sometimes strange problemms I
have doing some exercises. I will be very grateful for your answer :)

1) do you know a synonym of a word "hoax"?
2) does "alleged death" mean the same as "supposed death"?
3) can we say "incomprehensible scenario"?
4) is "treacherous" the same as "traitorous"?
    • jonathan.oakley Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 11.10.08, 22:11
      Hope this helps:

      1:Synonyms for hoax: decieve; lead-on; delude; cozen
      2: Alleged/supposed/reputed/assumed
      3: Yes
      4: Treacherous, Traitorous, perfidious, faithless, unfaithful,
      false, deceitful , insidious

      Some words sound better than others in certain contexts and it
      really depends on what appeals to you. :-)
      • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 12.10.08, 08:32
        Of course, it helps very much! Thanks a lot :)
    • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 12.11.08, 15:21
      1) Have you ever heard in very informal language "laundry" for children? Like in
      this sentence: Your dirty laundry gets out of school at 2.30 every day."

      2) What does "blanch" mean in: "And he dislikes parents who blanch at spending
      $200 on reading programmers"

      3) "Good on Mr Cosby" - what does "good on" mean?

      4) And the meaning of a sentence: "He has drawn flak."
      • jonathan.oakley Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 12.11.08, 15:55
        Hi,
        1) I have never heard of this expression relating to children. It is
        more commonly used with regards to personal affairs that could cause
        embarrassment if made public: example: 'She decided it was time to
        air her dirty laundry and talk to the press.'
        2)The word 'blanch' - in the context you've mentioned - means to
        turn white or become pale.
        3)'Good on Mr Cosby' means 'Well done Mr. Cosby.'
        4) 'He has drawn flak' means 'He has drawn excessive or abusive
        criticism/opposition

        I hope this helps.
        • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 12.11.08, 20:04
          It;s very quickly :) Thanks!

          But... I still can't understand heart of the matter in the second sentence. OK,
          it is about black people's culture, but: become white - 200$ on readnig
          programme?? What's the meaning?
          • jonathan.oakley Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 13.11.08, 17:25
            The best way to understand the word 'blanch'-within the context you
            have mentioned-is that it means to become pale or lose colour
            (figuratively) at something shocking or unexpected. For example,'She
            blanced at having to write her essay in English as her level was not
            advanced enough.' Hope this makes sense. :-)
            • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 14.11.08, 10:34
              Yes! Of course, now I know :) I thought about exact meaning of become white
              (like Michael Jackson) :)))))
    • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 22.11.08, 19:32
      In Polish there is one word to say about doing all morning/evening actions in
      the bath (bath, shower, shave, washing). But I can't find sillilar word in
      English. I am quite sure that we can't say: morning toilet :))
      • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 22.11.08, 20:09
        ups... actions in the bathroom - should be
      • jonathan.oakley Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 24.11.08, 13:12
        We could say "daily ablutions" but I think such a phrase is quite
        dated. Mostly we say "Im going for a shower" and so on.
        • alina.walkowiak Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 24.11.08, 15:41
          But if it is not a shower? :) I think in English you don't have a single word
          for what I mean :)
          • jonathan.oakley Re: My grammar / vocab dilemmas 24.11.08, 21:17
            We do-"ablutions"-but it's up to you if you want to use it. :-)
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