Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Giacomo della Chiesa was an Italian cardinal who later became Pope Benedict XV. He served as Pope from 1914 until his death in 1922. During his papacy, he focused on diplomatic efforts to end World War I and promoted peace initiatives. He also made significant contributions to the Church's social teachings and canon law.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian sculptor, architect, and painter who lived from 1598 to 1680. He was one of the most prominent artists of the Baroque period and is known for his dynamic and emotional works, particularly in sculpture. Some of his famous creations include the Baldacchino in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Ecstasy of St. Teresa. His art often featured dramatic movement, intense expressions, and a masterful use of light to create a sense of drama and realism. Bernini's contributions significantly shaped the artistic landscape of his time and continue to influence art history.
The "gift of the gab" refers to an innate ability to talk easily and persuasively, often with charm and wit. It means having a talent for communication and the skill to convince or entertain others through one's speech.
The "Gilbert and Ellice Islands" refers to a former British colonial territory in the Pacific Ocean. It comprised two island groups: the Gilbert Islands (now known as Kiribati) and the Ellice Islands (now known as Tuvalu). The colony was established in 1916 and existed until 1976 when it was split, with the Gilbert Islands becoming the independent nation of Kiribati in 1979 and the Ellice Islands becoming Tuvalu in 1978.
"Gilbert and Sullivan" refers to a British theatrical duo consisting of librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, who created a series of successful comic operas in the 19th century. Their works, such as "The Pirates of Penzance," "H.M.S. Pinafore," and "The Mikado," are known for their witty lyrics, catchy tunes, and satirical humor.
Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, commonly referred to as Tourette's Syndrome, is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements and vocalizations called tics. These tics can range from simple actions like blinking or sniffing to more complex behaviors. The condition often begins in childhood and can vary in severity throughout a person's life. It is named after Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, a French neurologist who first described the syndrome in the late 19th century.
" Gin and tonic " is a popular mixed drink made with gin, a clear spirit flavored with juniper berries, and tonic water, which is a carbonated beverage that contains quinine. It is typically served over ice with a slice of lime as a garnish. The combination of the botanical flavors in gin with the bitterness of tonic water creates a refreshing and classic cocktail.
Giotto di Bondone, also known as Giotto, was an Italian painter and architect from the Renaissance period. He is considered one of the greatest painters of the 14th century and is known for his realistic and emotive depictions of human figures in his artworks. Giotto's work marked a significant departure from the stylized Byzantine style and laid the foundation for the development of European oil painting.
Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian explorer known for being the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of present-day United States from Florida to New York, in 1524. He is particularly remembered for discovering the harbor that now bears his name, New York Harbor.
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola was an Italian philosopher and scholar of the Renaissance. He was known for his intellectual versatility, studying various fields such as philosophy, theology, and the classics. In 1486, he proposed a famous philosophical manifest called the "Oration on the Dignity of Man," which emphasized the potential and freedom of human beings to choose their own path in life. Pico's work reflects the humanist ideals of the time and contributed to the development of Renaissance thought.
"Give and take" refers to the idea of compromise and cooperation, where both parties involved in a situation are willing to make concessions or give something up in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement or resolution. It implies a balance between contributing and receiving, and it's often used in the context of relationships, negotiations, or teamwork.
"Give birth to" refers to the process of delivering a baby or bringing something into existence. It is often used metaphorically to describe the creation or origin of an idea, project, or concept as well as the literal act of a woman giving birth to a child.
"Give it a whirl" means to try something out or give something a go, often to see if you like it or if it works for you. It's an informal encouragement to attempt something new or unfamiliar.
To "give it up" is a idiomatic phrase that means to stop trying to achieve or accomplish something, often because it's too difficult or impossible. It can also mean to surrender, quit, or abandon an effort or claim. For example:<br><br> "I've been trying to learn this language for months, but I think I'm going to have to give it up."<br> "He gave up his dreams of becoming a professional athlete due to an injury."<br><br>In some cases, "give it up" can also mean to concede defeat, admit defeat, or acknowledge that someone else is superior or more skilled. For example:<br><br> "I gave up the competition because the other team was too strong."<br> "She gave up her challenge against her rival, acknowledging that she was the better player."<br><br>Overall, "give it up" is a phrase used to express surrender, defeat, or dissatisfaction with a situation.
"Give me a break" is an idiomatic expression that means someone wants a pause or a respite from a situation, usually when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or tired. It can also be used to request leniency or to dismiss an argument as unrealistic or exaggerated.
"Give me a call" means to contact someone by telephone and have a conversation with them. It is an invitation or request to call someone on their phone.
"Give or take" is an expression used to indicate a range or approximation of a quantity, time, or value. It suggests that the exact amount may vary slightly, but it's generally close to the stated amount. For example, "The project should be finished in a week or so, give or take a couple of days." This means the project will likely be completed within a week, plus or minus a few days.
"Nice to meet you" is an expression used when you are happy to meet someone for the first time. It's a polite and friendly way to greet someone new.
"Go along with" means to agree with, comply with, or accompany someone in an activity or plan. It can also imply going along with a suggestion or idea, even if you don't entirely disagree or have reservations about it.
"Go and get" is an imperative phrase that means to instruct someone to leave their current location and retrieve something or someone. It implies taking action to obtain or collect whatever is specified. For example, "Go and get your jacket from the bedroom" means to physically go to the bedroom and bring back the jacket.
"Go and see" means to physically go to a place and observe or investigate something for oneself. It's often used as an instruction to encourage someone to check a situation, visit someone, or explore a location firsthand.
"Go belly up" is an idiomatic expression that means to fail or become unsuccessful, often used to describe a business or organization that has collapsed or gone bankrupt. It can also refer to a situation where something, such as a plan or project, fails completely.
"Go easy on" means to be lenient, not too severe, or to treat someone with understanding and kindness, often when they are in a difficult situation or have made a mistake. For example, "Go easy on him, he's going through a tough time."
"Go for a walk" means to take a stroll or walk outside, usually for exercise, relaxation, or to enjoy the surroundings. It implies a casual and leisurely activity.
"Go for it" is an encouragement or an expression of support, meaning someone should proceed with an action or endeavor they are considering. It implies that the speaker believes the person has the ability to succeed or thinks it's a good idea to try.
The phrase "go on about" is an idiomatic expression in English that means to talk excessively or repeatedly about something, often in a tedious or annoying way. This phrase is often used to politely tell someone to stop chatting about a particular topic or to express annoyance at someone's ongoing monologue.<br><br>Example sentences:<br><br> "Stop going on about your holiday, I'm tired of hearing about it!" (meaning "Please stop talking about your holiday because I've had enough")<br> "The coworker would go on about her cat all day if you let him." (meaning "This person is so annoyingly persistent about talking about her cat that it's unbearable")<br><br>The phrase "go on about" is often used in informal conversations and is a common way to express frustration or impatience with someone's repetitive talk.
"Go out with" typically means to engage in social activities or dates with someone, often in a romantic context. For example, if someone says, "Are you going out with John tonight?" they are asking if you are on a date or spending time socially with John. It can also refer to simply spending time with friends, as in, "Let's go out with the group after work."
"Go to bed" means to lie down and sleep, typically at the end of the day. It is an instruction or a suggestion to retire for the night or to rest in one's bed.
The phrase "go to hell" is an idiomatic expression used to convey strong feelings of anger, contempt, or dismissal towards someone. It implies that the person being addressed is unwanted or disliked to the extent that they should go to a place considered unpleasant, such as hell. It's not a polite expression and should be used cautiously in social interactions.
"Go to school" means to attend school, either as a student or in the context of going to work for teachers and staff. It refers to the act of physically being present at an educational institution to learn or teach.
"Go to sleep" means to fall asleep or go to bed, usually as a request or instruction to someone who is tired or should be resting.
"Go to the toilet" means to visit the bathroom for the purpose of urinating or defecating. It is a polite way of asking someone to relieve themselves or expressing the need to do so.
"God bless you" is an expression used to convey good wishes or blessings upon someone. It is often said in response to a sneeze, but it can also be used in other situations as a way to express hope for divine favor or well-being.
"God Save the Queen" is the national anthem of the United Kingdom and is also used in some Commonwealth countries. It expresses loyalty to the monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The phrase wishes for God's protection and guidance over the reigning queen.
"Gog and Magog" are terms derived from the Hebrew Bible and Christian apocalyptic literature, often referring to prophetic entities or forces of evil. In the biblical Book of Ezekiel, Gog is a leader from the land of Magog who will lead an alliance against Israel in a future battle. In popular culture, the term has been used metaphorically to represent any impending catastrophic event or cosmic conflict.
"Going to be" is a future tense expression in English, used to indicate an intended action or a predicted outcome. It is formed using the verb "to be" (am, is, are) followed by "going to" and the base form of the main verb. For example:<br><br>"I am going to study for my exam."<br>"She is going to meet her friend tomorrow."<br><br>This phrase can express plans, intentions, or expectations about what will happen in the future.