25 Idiomatic Phrases That Include Single Initials

25 Idiomatic Phrases That Include Single Initials 25 Idiomatic Phrases That Include Single Initials 25 Idiomatic Phrases That Include Single Initials By Mark Nichol An initial letter, almost invariably capitalized, is often the first element in a two-word noun compound that constitutes an idiom. (Use of a connecting hyphen varies, and various sources may include or omit a hyphen.) Often, the letter stands for a word; occasionally, letters are used to assign priority (A and B, for example) or represent a shape. Here are common terms representing this form. 1. A side: a song released on a 45 rpm record, intended to become a hit single (see also â€Å"B side†) 2. A-bomb: a nuclear explosive device, from â€Å"atomic bomb† 3. A Level: a qualification for secondary school graduation originating in the United Kingdom and existing in other countries; the initial stands for advanced 4. A-game: used in the phrase â€Å"bring (one’s) A-game† to describe an A-player 5. A-player: an athlete- or, by extension, anyone else- who performs at a high level 6. B movie: originally, a low-budget movie that, with a more well-financed, well-publicized film, constitutes a double feature (a presentation of two movies at a movie theater); now, any low-budget commercial film 7. B side: originally, a song released on the flip side of a 45 rpm record opposite an intended hit single; such songs, either ones considered less likely to be popular or alternative versions of the A-side song, sometimes became hit singles in their own right (the term is now used to refer to a bonus track on a recording) 8. B-roll: supplemental film or video footage 9. C-section: a surgical incision to deliver a baby, from â€Å"caesarean section† 10. C-suite: collectively, the positions in a corporation constituting the highest level of management, from the first letter in the initials for â€Å"chief executive officer,† â€Å"chief operations officer,† â€Å"chief finance officer,† and so on 11. e-mail: a message delivered online from a digital device and accessed on another device, from â€Å"electronic mail† (recently supplanted by email in the Associated Press Style Book; formerly, E-mail); similar terms include e-business, e-commerce, and e-newsletter 12. F-hole: A sound hole in the surface of some stringed instruments, named for its shape (a stylized italic f); similar holes are designated C-holes and D-holes 13. f-stop: a value in optics of the ratio of a lens’s focal length to the diameter of the entrance pupil; the letter is an abbreviation of focal (alternative terms include f-ratio) 14. F-word: a euphemism for a specific form of profanity that begins with the letter f; the â€Å"[letter]-word† form is also used to refer to any serious or jocular vocabulary evasion, as in The L Word, the title of a television series about lesbians and bisexual women (similarly, some offensive terms that consist of compound words are disguised by eliding all but the first letter of the first element of the word and inserting a hyphen, as in a-hole) 15. G rated: a designation that represents evaluation of the content of a movie by the Motion Picture Association of America on the basis of its suitability for children; by extension, the phrase refers to family-friendly content or an inoffensive conversation or situation (associated terms are â€Å"R rated,† to refer to violent or sexually charged content and â€Å"X rated,† denoting obscene or sexually explicit content) 16. G-string: a garment, a type of thong, worn as underwear or in striptease, alternatively said to derive from girdle or groin; a similar item is called a V-string 17. H bomb: a nuclear explosive device, from â€Å"hydrogen bomb† 18. J-school: a journalism department or school at a university, from â€Å"journalism school† 19: O Level: a qualification for secondary school graduation originating but no longer widely used in the United Kingdom but extant in other countries; the initial stands for ordinary (the term in Scotland was â€Å"O Grade†) 20. S curve: a term used in engineering and mathematics to represent a function, or a term in fine art for a sinuous body position 21. T-bone: a cut of steak with a cross section of a bone that is shaped like the letter T 22. V-neck: a V-shaped cut in the neckline of a shirt or other garment 23. X-axis: a horizontal line in two-dimensional space, often used in charts and graphs 24. X-ray: a form of electromagnetic radiation 25. Y-axis: a vertical line in two-dimensional space, often used in charts and graphs Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Apply to, Apply for, and Apply withHow to Pronounce MobileJanuary 1 Doesn't Need an "st"

9 New Years Eve Movies to Watch as the Ball Drops

9 New Years Eve Movies to Watch as the Ball Drops Ah, the magic of midnight and ticking clock! A wonderful occasion to gather in front of a TV screen with your family and friends or wrap yourself in a blanket to watch a movie alone. No matter if youre going to host a party or spend this night with no guests around, a nice movie wont hurt anybody. Do you like good old classic films or modern trash movies? We are sure that our tips will help you to spend the first night of the year with a good mood. Weve made a list of various films for fans of different genres and cinema eras to help you choose the best movie for your holiday night. While 2018 is coming to its end, its time to take a good holiday rest and get yourself prepared for new achievements. If you want to spend the night of December 31 with delicious food and films that will give you the holiday spirit, you should check this article. Weve prepared a New Years Eve movies list to make your night really festive and magical! 1 Four Rooms, 1995 An indie comedy that sets around New Years Eve in a fancy hotel tells 4 stories connected by the bellhop who is left alone to deal with the mess. With 4 brilliant directors Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Allison Anders, and Alexandre Rockwell, this comedy, spiced up with a bit of thriller and dark humor speaks for itself as it is one of the most viewed New Years themed movies. Starring: Tim Roth, Antonio Banderas, Sammi Davis, Amanda De Cadenet, Madonna 2 Bridget Joness Diary, 2001 A romantic comedy about an average woman trying to change her life for the better and find her true love. It can make you laugh through tears and sympathize the main characters. The plot based on the novel by Helen Fielding. Starring cast and the atmosphere of love make this movie a perfect choice for girls evening. Starring: Renà ©e Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gemma Jones. 3 Trading Places, 1983 A classic comedy which is going to cheer you up and a perfect choice for those who wonder â€Å"what to watch on New Years Eve?† The bet of two millionaires makes two people from different social groups exchange their lives. A drastic change in the everyday routine of a broker from the upper class and homeless hustler unravels the plot that can be described as a modern vision of Mark Twains classic novel The Prince and the Pauper. Starring: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche. 4 The Poseidon Adventure, 1972 A disaster film about the sinking of a majestic ship The Poseidon. New Years Eve party in the ocean on the way to Greece was interrupted by a sudden storm and soon becomes a real nightmare for surviving passengers. The plot leads you through this exciting escape adventure and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Starring: Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, Red Buttons. 5 When Harry Met Sally, 1989 Watching the evolution of a relationship between two leading characters might be what you need this night. Its one of those movies that everybody mention when they are asked about favorite New Years Eve romantic film. Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby 6 The Godfather Part II, 1974 The Godfather is a movie that has almost nothing to do with New Years Eve, but still is one of the most popular choices for the festive night. The relationship between the father and the son Corleone and the plot tightly tying up around their lives makes this movie one of the best family movies to watch. Check it out and you will understand why it is called the epochal drama and a cinematic masterpiece. Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton 7 Ghostbusters II, 1989 After the success of the first movie, it was obvious that the audience wanted a sequel about favorite characters coming to the big screen. Ghostbusters II reveals the following events after the incident with the ghosts attacking the city. Turns out, that the team is disbanded and, eventually, not allowed to work. But everything changes when one ghost starts to interact with the baby of Peter Venkman. Sharp humor, interesting plot and brilliant actors made this movie a real classic. Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis 8 200 Cigarettes, 1999 Multiple plot lines and numerous characters mix together for the perfect cocktail of fun, humor and colorful picture. As the plot unravels, we watch young people coping with relationships, desire, and loneliness, trying to find their place under the sun. Oh, and better watch it without your parents. Starring: Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Dave Chappelle, Guillermo Dà ­az 9 In Search of a Midnight Kiss, 2007 A young man without any willing to love his life posts a Craigslist ad and suddenly gets a response from a girl who looks for a right man to kiss with when the ball drops. This independent romantic drama and comedy won several awards all over the world and can really catch your attention with its magical music and sudden plot twists. Starring: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire, Kathleen Luong. So which movie will you choose? Let us know in a comment section! New Years Eve is a magical event and a time when anything can happen. Get ready for a new experience and have a Happy New Year!