Ads 468x60px

Pages

Know Your English (Aug 2001)

Know your English

WHAT IS the meaning and origin of the expression "to give someone an even break"?

When you give someone an even break you are giving the person the same opportunities as others to do something. In other words, you are giving a fair chance to the individual; you are being impartial. Here are a few examples.
*Sarita has tonnes of talent. All she needs is someone to give her an even break and she could be at the top.
*If you don't have a Godfather, then no one will be willing to give you the even break you need to prove how good you are.
*Prasanna gave the even break Sneha was desperately looking for. She will always be grateful to him.
There are several explanations as to the origin of this expression. I will deal with only one here. According to some scholars, the expression comes from the sport of dog racing. In the old days it was common practice for people to take bets on whose dog was faster and which one was better skilled at "hare coursing". In order to determine this, the owners held the animals tightly by the leash and released them at the same time. This letting go of the leash at the same moment - so that neither dog was at an advantage - was referred to as an "even break." In case you are wondering what "hare coursing" is, well, a poor hare was let loose and the dogs were made to chase and kill the frightened animal. A cruel sport, indeed! By giving the dogs an even break, the faster and more skilled animal was likely to catch the hare. Later, the expression "to give someone an even break" began to be used with horse racing as well. Here it refers to the clean start to a race; where all the horses start off at the same time.


Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, August 14, 2001

0 comments:


Hello Friends ! Please send your requests,comments,suggestions to improve this blog.
Learn English Grammar & Usage; Are U Anxious To Know The Science & Tech News; Where Are You ? Know The Changes; Health:News N Tips
Word of the Day

swerve discuss

Definition:(verb) Turn sharply; change direction abruptly.
Synonyms:sheer, slue, trend, veer, curve, cut
Usage:The driver had to swerve to avoid hitting a deer and nearly lost control of his car in the process.
Article of the Day

Durian

Widely revered in its native Southeast Asia as the "King of Fruits," the durian is distinctive for its large size, thorny husk, and unique odor. Although durians contain an edible, custard-like pulp and have seed coverings that taste like a combination of banana, caramel, and vanilla, their unusual smell is very strong and penetrating. The odor has prompted many people to search for an accurate description, with widely divergent results. To what odors has the durian's smell been compared? More... Discuss

This Day in History

Karl Benz Unveils His Patent Motorwagen (1886)

Six months after applying for a patent for a three-wheeled horseless carriage driven by an internal combustion engine, Benz staged a public demonstration of the contraption in Mannheim, Germany. Widely regarded as the first automobile, the Benz Patent Motorwagen resembled a park bench on a giant tricycle and had a steering handle instead of the now-familiar wheel. It was only used for short jaunts until 1888, when Benz's wife took it for its first long-distance road trip. What was its top speed? More... Discuss
Today's Birthday

Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher (1908)

Raised in California, Fisher moved to Dijon, France, after her first marriage. There, she was inspired by the gastronomist Brillat-Savarin, and her 1949 translation of his Physiology of Taste is considered a classic. She created a new literary genre with her culinary writing, producing witty essays evoking the pleasures of life and food in a graceful style. Her books include How to Cook a Wolf and The Gastronomical Me. Where did Fisher spend her last 20 years? More... Discuss

In the News

Quote of the Day
Silence gives the proper grace to women.
Sophocles
(496 BC-406 BC)
Discuss

Spelling Bee
difficulty level:
score: -
adj. Growing or remaining under water
 
spell the word:
Match Up
Select word:










Match each word in the left column with its synonym on the right. When finished, click Answer to see the results. Good luck!