The Tribune - Windows -Word Power

The dark side

A leap/shot in the dark — an act whose outcome cannot be foreseen, a mere guess.

— When we lost our way in the forest, we took a shot in the dark and turned right, hoping to find our way to the village.

Keep it dark — keep a secret.

— The general manager is not announcing the increase in the salaries. We feel he wants to keep it dark till pay day.

Kept in the dark — not made aware of something.

— We were kept in the dark about the resignation of the principal.

Before/after dark — Before or after sunset.

— I must reach home before dark.

Whistle in the dark — to pretend not to be afraid.

— No matter how much the thieves threatened him, he made up his mind to whistle in the dark.

Things are not as dark as they are painted — things are not as negative as projected or thought to be.

— The news reporters have given such a negative report regarding the country’s economy but I’m sure that things are not as dark as they are painted.

Darken someone’s name — say things to spoil someone’s reputation.

— I wish Sandy would stop spreading rumours about me. She’s trying her best to darken my name.

Discover

Fill in the blanks to discover synonyms of effusive:

1. UN — — S — — — — — —D

2. P — — F — — —

3. E— — — N — — — —

4. E B — — — — — — T

5. C — P — — — S

6. E X — B — — — — T

7. U N — — S — — — — D

8. G — S — — — G

Looking back

Basilisk, according to mythology, was a reptile, about a foot long with yellow and black skin. Its breath or even its look was fatal. In the 16th century the name was given to a kind of large brass cannon. The word is also used figuratively (he gave me a basilisk stare).

Ponder

Politeness is but kind feeling toward others, acted out in our intercourse with them. We are always polite to those we respect and esteem. — Chesterfield.

Score card

Unrestrained, profuse, expansive, ebullient, copious, exuberant, unreserved, gushing.

— Illa Vij