Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
J.K. Rowling is the pen name of Joanne Rowling, a British author, philanthropist, and film and television producer best known for writing the Harry Potter fantasy series. The initials "J.K." were adopted to hide her gender, as it was believed that young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman. The success of the Harry Potter books has made Rowling one of the richest and most successful authors in the world.
John Millington Synge was an Irish playwright, poet, and writer who lived from 1871 to 1909. He is best known for his works that depict rural life in Ireland, particularly in the Aran Islands. Synge's most famous play is "The Playboy of the Western World," which caused controversy when it was first performed but has since become a significant work in Irish literature. He was associated with the Irish Literary Revival, a cultural movement aimed at promoting Irish culture and literature.
"J.P. Morgan" refers to JPMorgan Chase & Co., an American multinational investment bank and financial services company. It is one of the largest banks in the world and provides various financial services including investment banking, commercial banking, asset management, and private equity. The name "J.P. Morgan" is derived from its historical roots, with J.P. standing for John Pierpont Morgan, a prominent American financier who played a key role in the formation of the company in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
J.R.R. Tolkien was an English author, poet, and academic, best known for his high fantasy works such as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The initials stand for John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.
J.K. Rowling is the pen name of Joanne Rowling, a British author, philanthropist, and film and television producer best known for writing the Harry Potter fantasy series. The initials "J.K." were chosen to hide her gender, as it was believed that boys might not want to read a book written by a woman. The books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been turned into a popular film franchise.
Jaboatão dos Guararapes is a city located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The name comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and can be translated as "the place of the Jaba (a type of palm tree) and the Guararapes (a native tribe)". It is part of the Metropolitan Area of Recife, which is the main urban center in the region.
"Jachin and Boaz" refers to two bronze columns that stood at the entrance of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. They symbolize strength and stability, and are often used metaphorically to represent support or foundation in Jewish and Christian traditions.
"Jack of all trades" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a person who has a wide range of skills or abilities in various fields, but may not be an expert in any particular one. It implies versatility and adaptability, as such a person can perform many different tasks competently.
"Jambon de Bayonne" is a type of cured ham originating from the Basque region, specifically the area around Bayonne in southwestern France. It is known for its rich flavor and distinctive curing process, which involves salt, pepper, and garlic, followed by aging for several months. It is a protected geographical indication (PGI) product, ensuring its quality and traditional production methods.
James Knox Polk was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He is known for his territorial expansionism, leading the country through the Mexican-American War and annexing territories that eventually became California, Texas, and several other states.
Jan van Eyck was a prominent Flemish painter of the Early Netherlandish school, active in the 15th century. He is known for his significant contributions to the development of oil painting techniques and is considered one of the most influential Northern Renaissance artists. Some of his famous works include "Mona Lisa of the North" or "Madonna with Child" (also known as the "Arnolfini Portrait") and "Adoration of the Lamb."
The "Jardin des Plantes" is a botanical garden located in Paris, France. It was established in the 17th century and is now part of the National Museum of Natural History. The garden features various plant collections, greenhouses, and exhibition halls, serving as a place for both recreation and scientific research.
The "Jardin du Luxembourg" is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Paris, France. It was created in the early 17th century for the Luxembourg Palace, which now houses the French Senate. The garden spans over 25 hectares (62 acres) and features formal French gardens, fountains, statues, walking paths, and a pond. It's a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely activities among locals and tourists alike.
The "Jardins des Tuileries" is a famous public garden located in Paris, France. It is situated between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. The gardens were originally the grounds of a tile factory ("tuileries" refers to tiles in French), which later became a royal palace's gardens during the 17th century. Today, they are a popular place for Parisians and tourists alike to stroll, relax, and enjoy various sculptures and fountains within the beautiful landscape.
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar is a name, referring to a Peruvian diplomat and statesman who served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982 to 1991. He was the first Latin American to hold this position.
"Je ne sais quoi" is a French phrase that translates to "I don't know what" in English. However, it's commonly used to express a certain intangible quality or charm that someone or something has, which is difficult to describe precisely. It often refers to an attractive or appealing quality that's hard to define.
The phrase "je pense donc je suis" is French, and it is famously translated to English as "I think, therefore I am". This phrase was coined by philosopher René Descartes in his work "Meditations on First Philosophy" and is considered one of the most important philosophical statements of all time. The phrase asserts that the mere act of thinking or doubting one's own existence proves that one must exist, as the process of thinking requires a thinking being. In other words, Descartes is saying that the act of thinking is evidence of one's own existence, and that one can be certain of their own existence by the mere fact of doubting it.
Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was a French Neoclassical painter known for his precise draftsmanship and idealized depictions of the human form. He was born on August 29, 1780, in Montauban, France, and died on January 14, 1867, in Paris. Ingres is famous for works such as "The Grande Odalisque," "La Source," and "The Turkish Bath," which showcase his fascination with classical themes and his attention to detail. Despite being associated with the Neoclassical movement, Ingres' work also displays a unique sensuality and a subtle distortion of forms that set him apart from more rigid classical styles.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century. He is known for his influential works on political philosophy, education, and his contributions to the Romantic movement. Some of his most famous works include "Discourse on Inequality," "Emile, or On Education," and "The Social Contract." Rousseau's ideas greatly impacted the French Revolution and the development of modern political thought.
"Jean Paul Gaultier" is a reference to a famous French fashion designer known for his avant-garde and often eccentric designs. He was born on April 24, 1952, and gained international recognition for his work in haute couture and prêt-à-porter fashion. Gaultier is also celebrated for his influential designs in men's wear, corsets, and costume designs for theater and films, including the iconic cone-shaped bra worn by Madonna during her tours.
The phrase "Jean sans peur" is a French idiomatic expression that translates to "John without fear" in English. However, the actual meaning is "Jean sans peur et sans reproche", which means "John without fear and without reproach". In English, it is often translated to "John the Fearless".
"Jekyll and Hyde" refers to a person who has two completely opposite personalities or behaviors, often one good and one bad. It comes from the novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson, where Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that transforms him into his evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde. The phrase is used to describe someone whose behavior is unpredictable, alternating between two vastly different personas.
Jerome K. Jerome is a British author and humorist, best known for his novel "Three Men in a Boat", often referred to as the "Classic Comic Novel" and considered one of the greatest humorous works in the English language.
Jerome K. Jerome was an English author, best known for his humorous novel "Three Men in a Boat" (1889). The phrase "Jerome K. Jerome" typically refers to this author or his works, particularly in the context of literature or comedy.
"Jeu de paume" is an old French game, similar to tennis, that was played indoors with a small ball and wooden rackets. The term can also refer to the court where the game was played.
"Jeu de volant" is a French phrase that translates to "game of steering" or "driving game" in English. It refers to a game or activity involving the simulation of driving, typically using a steering wheel and sometimes pedals, like in video games or driving simulators.
Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d'Arc, was a French peasant girl who became a national symbol for her role in the Hundred Years' War. She claimed to have received visions from God, which led her to help lead the French army to several victories against the English in the 15th century. Eventually captured and put on trial, she was found guilty of heresy and burned at the stake. She was later canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church and is remembered for her bravery, faith, and impact on French history.
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period. He is known for his technical skill, artistic depth, and profound understanding of counterpoint, making him one of the most significant composers in Western music history. Some of his famous works include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Mass in B Minor, and The Well-Tempered Clavier.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, poet, scientist, and philosopher who lived from 1749 to 1832. He is considered one of the most significant figures in German literature and European Romanticism. Goethe's works include the famous drama "Faust," as well as poems, novels, and scientific theories. His contributions to various fields have made him an iconic figure in world culture.
"John F. Kennedy" refers to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. He served from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. Kennedy is known for his charismatic leadership, his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his support for civil rights. His presidency represents an era of hope and optimism often referred to as the "Kennedy Camelot."
John F. Kennedy, often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He is remembered for his charismatic leadership, his role in the Cold War, and his emphasis on civil rights. Kennedy's presidency is often associated with youth, vitality, and a sense of optimism.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, often referred to as JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He was a prominent political figure known for his charisma, youthful energy, and key roles in events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the early Civil Rights Movement.
John Kenneth Galbraith was an influential American economist, writer, and diplomat. He was known for his expertise in macroeconomics, particularly on issues of wealth concentration, business cycles, and government's role in regulating economic activity. Galbraith was also a prominent liberal thinker and critic of free-market capitalism. His notable works include "The Affluent Society" and "The New Industrial State."
"John le Carré" is a pseudonym for David Cornwell, a British author known for his spy novels. The name "le Carré" translates from French as "the square," and he adopted it as his pen name to add an air of mystery and international intrigue, which is fitting for the genre he writes in. His works often feature complex plotlines and nuanced characters, and he is particularly famous for novels such as "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold."
John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) was a British economist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. He is best known for his work on macroeconomics, particularly his concept of the "multiplier" and his theories on the causes and cures of unemployment.<br><br>Keynes' most famous work is his book "The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money" (1936), in which he challenged the classical economic theory that said that free markets would naturally lead to full employment. Instead, Keynes argued that government intervention was necessary to stabilize the economy and promote full employment.<br><br>Some of Keynes' key ideas include:<br><br> The importance of aggregate demand in determining economic activity<br> The role of government spending and fiscal policy in stimulating economic growth<br> The concept of the "multiplier," which suggests that a small increase in government spending can lead to a larger increase in overall economic activity<br> The idea that low interest rates can stimulate economic growth, but only up to a certain point<br> The concept of the "liquidity trap," which suggests that low interest rates may not be effective in stimulating economic activity if people become very risk-averse and hoard cash.<br><br>Overall, Keynes' work had a significant impact on economic policy and continues to influence economic thought and practice to this day.
"John o' Groats" is a place in Scotland, often referred to as the northernmost point of the British mainland. It is famous for being the starting or ending point of journeys, particularly the popular " Lands End to John o' Groats" challenge, which involves traveling from the southernmost point of England (Lands End) to the northernmost point of Scotland (John o' Groats).