Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "M"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Matter Of Fact
"Matter of fact" is an expression used to describe a statement or situation that is straightforward, honest, and based on observable facts or reality. It implies a lack of exaggeration or emotional emphasis, simply presenting things as they are. For example, "It's a matter of fact that the Earth revolves around the sun."
Maurice Couve De Murville
Maurice Couve de Murville was a French politician and diplomat who served as the Prime Minister of France from 1968 to 1969. He was also Foreign Minister for several terms and played a significant role in French foreign policy during the Cold War era.
Mauvais Quart D'heure
"mavais quart d'heure" is a French phrase that translates to "an unpleasant quarter of an hour" in English. It refers to a brief period of time during which something unfortunate, uncomfortable, or difficult happens.
May Dee Cal
"May Dee Cal" does not seem to be a commonly used phrase in English. It could potentially be a misspelled or misunderstood term. If you meant "May Day," it refers to a call for help or assistance, often associated with maritime emergencies. Alternatively, May Day is also celebrated on May 1st as an international labor holiday. If "Cal" is meant to be a reference to someone's name, it would simply mean "Goodbye, Cal" or "See you later, Cal" in a casual context.
May I Have
"May I have" is a polite request for something, typically used when asking for permission or asking someone to give you something. It shows politeness and consideration for the other person's willingness to fulfill your request. For example, "May I have a glass of water, please?" or "May I have your attention, everyone?"
May I Help You
"May I help you?" is an polite expression used to offer assistance or ask if someone needs any help.
Medal Of Honor
The "Medal of Honor" is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is given to members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves through extraordinary acts of valor and bravery above and beyond the call of duty, often at the risk of their own life. The medal recognizes exceptional courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty in combat.
Medecins Sans Frontieres
"Medecins Sans Frontieres" is a French phrase that translates to "Doctors Without Borders" in English. It refers to an international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. The organization was founded in 1971 and operates in various countries around the world.
Menage A Trois
A menage à trois is a French term that refers to a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people, typically a man and two women or a woman and two men. It is often characterized by a non-monogamous and egalitarian relationship, where all three partners are involved with each other sexually and emotionally.
Merchant Of Venice
"The Merchant of Venice" is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is a comedy that explores themes of love, friendship, justice, and prejudice. The story revolves around a merchant named Antonio who borrows money from a Jewish moneylender, Shylock, to help his friend Bassanio woo the wealthy Portia. When Antonio's ships are lost at sea and he cannot repay the loan, Shylock demands a pound of his flesh as per their agreement, leading to a dramatic courtroom scene. The play also features complex characters such as Portia, who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio, and the witty servant, Launcelot Gobbo.
Mergers And Acquisitions
"Mergers and acquisitions" refers to the consolidation of companies or businesses where one company takes over, merges with, or acquires another company. This process is often done to expand operations, enter new markets, increase market share, or achieve economies of scale. In a merger, two companies combine to form a new entity, while in an acquisition, one company purchases another company without necessarily creating a new entity.
Metteur En Scene
"Metteur en scène" is a French term used in theater and film, referring to the director or the person responsible for staging a production. They oversee the creative aspects, such as blocking, acting, scenery, and overall visual presentation. In English, it can be translated as "stage director" or "filmmaker."
Mies Van Der Rohe
"Mies van der Rohe" refers to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a German-American architect who was a prominent figure in modernist architecture. He is known for his minimalist style and famous quotes like "Less is more" and "God is in the details." Mies van der Rohe's designs often featured clean lines, open spaces, and the use of steel and glass, significantly influencing 20th-century architectural design.
Might As Well
"Might as well" is an expression used to indicate that there is little or no reason not to do something, as it is unlikely to make a significant difference or the potential downside is minimal. It suggests doing something since there is no obvious disadvantage or a better alternative. For example, "We're already late, might as well enjoy the movie instead of rushing through it."
Mind Over Matter
"Mind over matter" refers to the idea that one's mental strength and focus can influence physical outcomes or overcome physical limitations. It suggests that through determination, willpower, and positive thinking, a person can control or affect their surroundings and even their body's responses to challenges.
Mind Your Own Business
This phrase means to refrain from interfering in someone else's affairs or concerns, and to focus on one's own matters. It is often used as a polite way to tell someone not to interfere or give unwanted advice.
Mise En Abime
"Mise en abyme" is a French term that refers to a literary or artistic device where a work contains a smaller version of itself, like a picture within a picture or a story within a story. It creates a recursive or self-referential structure, often used to explore themes of representation, reality, and the nature of art. The term comes from heraldry, where it described a design element placed within a shield's center. In contemporary usage, it can also signify a moment of reflection or a commentary on the work itself.
Mise En Abyme
"Mise en abyme" is a French term that refers to a literary or artistic device in which a work contains a smaller version of itself, like a story within a story or a picture within a picture. It can also be described as a self-referential or recursive element that creates a nested structure. This technique often invites reflection on the nature of representation, art, and storytelling.
Mise En Espace
"Mise en espace" is a French term that refers to the arrangement or placement of elements in a visual or spatial context, such as in design, art, or theater. It concerns how objects, characters, or elements are organized and positioned within a given space to create a particular effect or to convey meaning. In English, it can be translated as "spatial arrangement" or "stage setting."
Mise En Place
"Mise en place" is a French term used in cooking and culinary arts, referring to the preparation and organization of ingredients before cooking. It involves having all necessary ingredients measured, cut, and arranged in their respective containers or areas, ready for use during the cooking process. This practice helps to streamline the cooking workflow, save time, and ensure efficiency in the kitchen.
Mise En Scene
"Mise en scène" is a French term used in theater, film, and television to describe the arrangement of elements within a scene, including set design, lighting, costumes, and the placement and movement of actors. It refers to the visual composition and overall look of a production, conveying the director's vision and contributing to the story's atmosphere and mood.
Mise En Scenes
"Mise en scène" is a French term used in theater, film, and television to describe the arrangement of elements within a scene or shot. It encompasses the visual composition, including the setting, props, costumes, lighting, and the positioning and movement of actors. Mise en scène contributes to the overall mood, atmosphere, and storytelling of a production.
Miss The Point
To "miss the point" means to fail to understand or grasp the main idea, argument, or significance of something that someone is trying to communicate. It implies that a person has not grasped the key message or has misunderstood the intended meaning.
Mobutu Sese Seko
"Mobutu Sese Seko" refers to the former president of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). He ruled the country from 1965 to 1997 and was known for his authoritarian regime and corruption. The name itself is a combination of his given name, Joseph Mobutu, and the Swahili phrase "Sese Seko," which means "he who knows and teaches" or "the one who heals himself."
Moet Et Chandon
"Moët & Chandon" is a famous French champagne house, known for producing high-quality sparkling wine. The name combines the surnames of the founder, Claude Moët, and his son-in-law, Jean-Rémy Chandon. It is one of the largest and most prestigious champagne brands in the world.
Mom And Dad
"Mom and dad" refers to a person's parents, typically used affectionately or informally. It signifies the mother and father figure in a family.
More And More
"More and more" means increasing gradually or continuously over time. It often refers to an increment in quantity, frequency, or intensity. For example, "More and more people are choosing to work from home" suggests that the number of individuals working remotely is steadily rising.
More Or Less
"More or less" is an expression used to indicate approximation or uncertainty. It means "approximately," "around," or "somewhat." For example, if someone says, "I have more or less 10 books," they mean they have roughly 10 books, not exactly that number.
More Than Enough
"More than enough" means something is sufficient or exceeds what is needed or expected. It implies that there is an abundance or surplus of a particular thing.
Mortar And Pestle
A mortar and pestle is a kitchen tool used for grinding and crushing ingredients, typically made of a bowl-shaped mortar and a club-shaped pestle. The pestle is used to crush and mix substances against the inner surface of the mortar. This tool has been used for centuries in various cuisines to prepare spices, herbs, and medicines.
Most Of All
"Most of all" means primarily or above all others. It is used to emphasize the thing that is considered the most important or significant.
Most Of The Time
"Most of the time" refers to a majority of the occasions or instances, indicating that something typically happens or is true more often than not. It is an expression used to convey frequency or consistency.
Most Of Us
"Most of us" refers to a majority of people within a group or a general population. It implies that not everyone, but a significant number, share a certain characteristic or situation. For example, "Most of us wake up early in the morning for work." This means that a majority of people have the habit of starting their day early.
Mother And Son
"Mother and son" refers to a female parent and her male child. It signifies the relationship between a woman who has given birth to a son and the son she raises. This phrase often conveys the emotional bond, responsibility, and affection that exist between them.
Moulin De La Gallette
The phrase "Moulin de la Gallette" is French and literally translates to "Mill of the Cookie" or "Moulin of the Cookie" in English.
Mount Of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a hill located east of Jerusalem's Old City. It is significant for religious and historical reasons, particularly in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name comes from the olive trees that once covered its slopes. It is known for its panoramic view of Jerusalem, and it has played a role in various biblical events, including Jesus' ascension according to Christian tradition. Additionally, it houses several important religious sites, such as the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, and the Dominus Flevit Church.