Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "M"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Mad Cow Disease
Mad Cow Disease, also known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle. It is caused by infectious agents called prions, which lead to the abnormal folding of proteins in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes the brain tissue to become sponge-like, leading to a range of neurological symptoms in cows, such as abnormal behavior, loss of coordination, and eventually death. Mad Cow Disease is a serious concern for public health because it can be transmitted to humans who consume contaminated beef products, leading to a human variant of the disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). Strict regulations and monitoring have been implemented in many countries to prevent the spread of the disease and protect consumers.
Madame De Stael
"Madame de Staël" refers to Germaine de Staël, a French woman of letters, salon hostess, and intellectual who lived from 1766 to 1817. She was known for her influential writings, political opinions, and her role in European cultural and political life during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her works often explored themes of politics, literature, and the relationship between individuality and society. She was considered a prominent figure of the Romantic movement and is remembered for her sharp intellect and her impact on European thought.
Made To Measure
"Made to measure" refers to an item, typically clothing, that is custom-fitted or tailored to an individual's specific measurements and requirements. It is not mass-produced but created according to the customer's exact size and preferences, ensuring a better fit and personalization compared to off-the-rack items.
Made Up Of
"Made up of" means consisting of or composed of certain elements or parts. It indicates that something is formed or created from various components. For example, "The human body is made up of different organs and systems."
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden (often abbreviated as MSG) is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in New York City, United States. It is situated above Pennsylvania Station and is known for hosting major sports events, concerts, and other cultural attractions. The venue has a rich history and is particularly famous as the home of the New York Knicks (NBA basketball team) and the New York Rangers (NHL hockey team).
Magna Cum Laude
"Magna Cum Laude" is a Latin term used in academic contexts to indicate a high level of distinction or honor for a graduate or undergraduate student. It means "with great praise" and is typically awarded to students who have achieved a very high grade point average (GPA) in their studies, usually ranking within the top 5-10% of their class. It is one of the highest honors given, with "Summa Cum Laude" being the highest and "Cum Laude" being the next lower level.
Magnesia Ad Sipylum
"Magnesia ad Sipylum" is an ancient term that refers to a specific type of magnesium carbonate mineral found near the town of Sipylus (now Sipylos) in ancient Lydia, which is present-day Turkey. It was known for its medicinal properties, particularly as a laxative and an antacid. The phrase is not commonly used today, but it historically signifies a natural source of magnesium used in traditional medicine.
Main De Singe
"Main de singe" is a French phrase that translates to "monkey's hand" in English. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation or object that is tricky, difficult to handle, or has unforeseen complications. It refers to the idea that a monkey's hand can be hard to grasp or control due to its dexterity and quick movements.
Maitre De Ballet
"Maitre de ballet" is a French term that refers to the principal male dancer or the head of a ballet company. In English, it is often translated as "ballet master" or "rehearsal director." This person is responsible for coaching dancers, rehearsing performances, and ensuring the artistic quality and integrity of the ballet productions.
Make A Fool Of
"Make a fool of" means to cause someone to look ridiculous or foolish, often by tricking or embarrassing them.
Make A Living
"Make a living" refers to earning enough money to support oneself and potentially one's dependents, typically through work or a profession. It implies engaging in activities that provide a regular income to cover basic needs and maintain a certain standard of living.
Make A Mistake
"Make a mistake" means to do something incorrectly or to act in a way that results in an error or unintended consequence. It refers to the common human experience of not getting something right the first time or accidentally doing something wrong. Making mistakes is a part of learning and growth.
Make An Appointment
"Make an appointment" means to schedule a specific time and date for a meeting or consultation with someone, usually in advance. This could be for a medical check-up, a business discussion, a hair salon visit, or any other situation where you need to arrange a specific time to see or meet with another person.
Make An Effort
"Make an effort" means to try hard or to put in some extra effort to achieve something. It implies that one needs to exert themselves or go beyond their normal level of comfort or convenience to accomplish a task or goal.
Make Ends Meet
"Make ends meet" means to have just enough money to cover one's basic expenses and necessities, such as rent, food, and bills, with no extra for non-essential items or savings. It implies living a financially tight lifestyle where income and outgoings are balanced barely sufficient to survive.
Make Fun Of
"Make fun of" means to laugh at or ridicule someone or something in a way that is intended to be humorous, often at the expense of the person or thing being made fun of. It can be used to tease playfully, but it can also be hurtful if done in a mean-spirited manner.
Make It Happen
"Make it happen" is an idiomatic expression that means to take action, do what is necessary, or ensure that something is successful or completed. It's a call to take initiative and make something happen rather than just waiting for it to occur naturally.
Make It Out
"Make it out" means to understand something that is difficult to see, hear, or read, often due to distance, noise, or clarity. It can also imply succeeding or getting through a challenging situation.
Make Sense Of
"Make sense of" means to understand or interpret something, often something that may be confusing or complex. It involves making logical sense out of information or a situation to clarify its meaning or significance.
Make Sure That
"Make sure that" means to ensure or verify something is done or happens as intended. It's a phrase used to emphasize the importance of checking or confirming something before proceeding or to avoid any mistakes.
Make The Most Of
"Make the most of" means to use something or take advantage of an opportunity to the greatest possible extent, getting the best possible result or benefit from it.
Make Up For
"Make up for" means to compensate for something, to offset a shortage or an absence, or to try to correct a mistake or wrong. For example, if you missed studying for a test, you might work extra hard to catch up and make up for lost time. If you hurt someone's feelings, you might do something nice to make up for it.
Make Yourself At Home
"Make yourself at home" is an expression that means to feel comfortable and relaxed in someone else's space, as if it were your own home. It's often said by hosts to guests to encourage them to feel free and comfortable during their visit.
Mal De Mer
Mal de mer is a French phrase that translates to "sea sickness" or "seasickness". It is a common phrase used to describe the feeling of nausea, dizziness, or discomfort caused by being on a boat or ship while it is in motion, often due to the rocking of the boat or the body's inability to adjust to the movement.
Mala In Se
"Mala in se" is a Latin term that refers to an act that is inherently wrong or evil, regardless of laws or societal norms. It signifies actions that are considered morally wrong or unjust by nature.
Mala Mens Malus Animus
The phrase "mala mens malus animus" is a Latin expression, which can be translated to "an evil mind indicates an evil disposition" or "a bad mind signifies an ill nature." It suggests that someone's thoughts and intentions are negative or harmful, reflecting their overall character.
Malum In Se
Latin phrase "malum in se" is a concept in moral philosophy, particularly in the fields of ethics and law. It is translated to "evil in itself" or "inherently bad".
Many A Mickle Macks A Muckle
This phrase means that small amounts, when accumulated, can become significant. It suggests that little by little, a large amount can be achieved or that many small contributions can add up to a substantial whole.
Maria Meneghini Callas
Maria Callas, born Maria Meneghini, was an iconic Italian-American opera singer renowned for her powerful voice and dramatic performances. She was one of the most famous sopranos of the 20th century and is still celebrated for her contributions to the world of classical music.
Mark My Words
"Mark my words" is an expression used to emphasize that what someone is about to say is important and should be remembered, as they believe it will come true or have significant consequences.
Marquis De Sade
The phrase "marquis de Sade" refers to Donatien Alphonse François de Sade, a French nobleman known for his scandalous lifestyle and controversial works. He was an 18th-century philosopher, writer, and sexual liberation advocate, whose name is associated with sadism, a term derived from his name. His writings often explored extreme forms of sexuality, pain, and domination.
Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights leader and Baptist minister who played a key role in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance to racism, his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, and his leadership in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington. King was assassinated in 1968, and his legacy is commemorated annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States.
Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren was the eighth President of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is known for his role in the formation of the American political party system, as well as his efforts to address the economic challenges during the Panic of 1837.
Master Of Ceremonies
The "master of ceremonies" is a person who hosts or presides over a ceremony, event, or performance, guiding the proceedings and often introducing speakers, performers, or segments of the program. They are responsible for ensuring the event runs smoothly and engaging with the audience.
Master Of Science
"Master of Science" (MSc) is a postgraduate academic degree awarded to students who have completed a program in a scientific field. It typically involves advanced study, research, and sometimes a thesis or dissertation in a specific scientific discipline. The degree demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and expertise in that subject area compared to an undergraduate degree.