Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "R"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
R & B
R&B stands for "Rhythm and Blues," which is a music genre that originated in the United States in the 1940s. It combines elements of jazz, blues, and gospel, characterized by its strong rhythms, soulful vocals, and often emotional or romantic lyrics. R&B has evolved over time and has influenced many other genres, including rock and roll, funk, and contemporary pop music.
Rack And Pinion
Rack and pinion is a type of gear mechanism used to convert rotational motion into linear motion. It consists of a gear (pinion) that meshes with a toothed bar or rod (rack). When the pinion rotates, it moves along the rack, which in turn translates the circular motion into linear movement. This mechanism is commonly found in steering systems of vehicles, where it helps to turn the wheels.
Raining Cats And Dogs
The phrase "raining cats and dogs" means it is raining heavily, with a great deal of water falling from the sky. It's an idiomatic expression, not to be taken literally.
Raise Your Hand
"Raise your hand" is an instruction or request for someone to lift their hand up in the air, usually in a classroom or meeting setting to indicate agreement, ask a question, or draw attention. It's a non-verbal way of showing participation or signaling to the speaker that you have something to say.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher who lived from 1803 to 1882. He was a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement, which emphasized individualism, nature, and the importance of intuition in understanding the divine. Emerson's writings often explored themes of self-reliance, the power of the individual, and the connection between humans and the natural world. He is known for works such as "Nature," "Self-Reliance," and "The American Scholar."
Ras Al Khaimah
"Ras Al Khaimah" is a city and the capital of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located in the northern part of the UAE and is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and rugged mountain landscapes.
Reading And Writing
"Reading and writing" refers to the skills of interpreting written text (reading) and producing written text (writing). These are fundamental literacy skills that enable individuals to communicate, learn, and express themselves effectively in written form.
Red Riding Hood
"Red Riding Hood" is a classic fairy tale about a young girl who wears a red hooded cloak and encounters a wolf while on her way to visit her sick grandmother. The story often serves as a cautionary tale about stranger danger and the importance of following parents' warnings. It has been adapted into various forms, including books, films, and plays.
Reductio Ad Absurdum
"Reductio ad absurdum" is a Latin term that refers to a logical argument or proof where someone takes an opponent's position or hypothesis to its extreme, demonstrating that if it were true, it would lead to an absurd, illogical, or contradictory conclusion. By showing the absurdity of the proposition, the argument aims to discredit or disprove it. It is a common technique in philosophy, mathematics, and debate.
Reductio Ad Hitlerum
"Reductio ad Hitlerum" is a logical fallacy where someone attempts to discredit an argument or idea by comparing it to Adolf Hitler or Nazism, implying that because something shares a characteristic or similarity with these historical figures, it must be inherently evil or wrong. This type of argument is generally considered invalid because it does not address the actual merits of the argument being presented.
Referred To As
"Referred to as" means that something or someone is known or identified by a particular name, title, or term. It is used to indicate how a subject is commonly addressed or mentioned in a specific context. For example, "He is referred to as the expert in his field." In this sentence, "the expert" is the name or title given to the person in question.
Rembrandt Van Rijn
Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch painter and etcher who is considered one of the greatest artists in European art history. He lived from 1606 to 1669 and was known for his masterful use of light and shadow, emotional depth in his subjects, and innovative painting techniques. His works often featured biblical and historical scenes, as well as portraits and self-portraits. Rembrandt's style evolved throughout his career, and he is particularly famous for his contributions to the genre of chiaroscuro, which is the contrast of light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect.
Res Ipsa Loquitor
"Res ipsa loquitor" is a Latin phrase that means "the thing speaks for itself." In legal contexts, it refers to a situation where the circumstances of an incident are so obvious that they imply negligence or fault without needing further evidence. It is often used in personal injury cases where the nature of the accident suggests that someone was at fault.
Res Ipsa Loquitur
"Res ipsa loquitur" is a Latin phrase that means "the thing speaks for itself." In legal contexts, it refers to a principle where negligence or fault can be inferred from the mere occurrence of an accident or injury, especially when the harm would not have happened without someone's negligence. It is often used in personal injury cases where the circumstances surrounding an incident are so obvious that no further evidence is needed to establish liability.
Research And Development
Research and development (R&D) refers to the investigative work undertaken by individuals, organizations, or companies to create new knowledge, improve existing products or processes, or develop innovative technologies. It involves systematic exploration, experimentation, and the creation of new ideas, aiming to enhance scientific understanding or to produce commercial advancements. R&D is often crucial for technological progress, competitive advantage in businesses, and overall economic growth.
Restitutio Ad Integrum
"Restitutio ad integrum" is a Latin term that means "restoration to the original or complete state." It refers to the concept of restoring something to its original condition, as if no damage or change had occurred. In legal contexts, it often pertains to the compensation or return of something to its rightful state or owner.
Rhythm And Blues
Rhythm and Blues, often abbreviated as R&B or RnB, is a music genre that originated in the United States in the 1940s. It combines elements of African-American blues, jazz, and swing with a strong focus on rhythmic beats and emotional, soulful vocals. The term "rhythm and blues" was used by record companies to describe music that appealed to both black and white audiences. Over time, the genre has evolved and influenced many other styles, including rock and roll, soul, funk, and contemporary pop music.
Richard De Clare
"Richard de Clare" refers to Richard Strongbow, a Norman nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. He was also known as Richard fitz Gilbert or Richard Earl of Pembroke. De Clare is a surname derived from the place name Clare, Suffolk, England, indicating his family's association with that region.
Richmond Upon Thames
"Richmond upon Thames" is a borough located in southwest London, England. It is named after the town of Richmond, which sits on the banks of the River Thames. The borough encompasses both historic and picturesque areas, known for its parks, riverside walks, and cultural attractions. It is a popular residential area and a hub for tourism.
Rien Ne Va Plus
"Rien ne va plus" is a French phrase that translates to "nothing works anymore" or "everything's gone wrong" in English. It is often used to express a situation where things have become chaotic or are not functioning as they should.
Right Of Way
"Right of way" refers to the legal or established right to pass through a particular route or property, usually on a road, path, or trail. It determines who has the priority to proceed when two or more individuals or vehicles need to use the same space at the same time. In traffic situations, it often involves rules governing which driver must yield to others. In land ownership, it can refer to an easement that allows someone to access their property even if it is blocked by another's land.
Ring Of Authenticity
The "ring of authenticity" is a term often used to describe a quality or characteristic that gives something an appearance of genuineness or credibility. It refers to when something seems genuine, sincere, or believable, resonating with a sense of truth or legitimacy. This phrase can be applied to various contexts, such as art, literature, speech, or even personal interactions, where the genuineness of an object or a person's actions is being assessed.
Rio De Janeiro
"Rio de Janeiro" is a city in Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer statue, and vibrant culture. It was once the capital of Brazil and is famous for hosting major events like the Olympic Games and Carnival.
Rio Grande Do Sul
"Rio Grande do Sul" is a state located in the southern region of Brazil. It shares borders with the states of Santa Catarina to the north and Paraná to the east, as well as with Argentina and Uruguay to the south. The name "Rio Grande do Sul" translates to "Great River of the South," referring to the Rio Grande river that flows through the region. The state has a diverse geography, including coastal areas, mountains, and fertile plains, and is known for its rich cultural heritage, blending European, African, and indigenous influences.
Rip Van Winkle
"Rip Van Winkle" is a famous short story written by Washington Irving. It tells the tale of a man named Rip Van Winkle who falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains and wakes up 20 years later, having missed the entire American Revolution. The phrase "Rip Van Winkle" is often used to refer to someone who has been away from society for a long time or has returned to find that much has changed.
Rise And Fall Of
The phrase "rise and fall" refers to the increase and subsequent decrease of something, often used metaphorically to describe the upward and downward trajectory of a person's success, popularity, or power over time. It can also be applied to historical events, economies, or civilizations.
Rise And Fall
The phrase "rise and fall" refers to the increase and decrease, or upward and downward movement, of something over time. It is often used metaphorically to describe the success and subsequent decline of a person, organization, or concept. For example, it can be used to talk about the growth and eventual collapse of an empire, the career of a public figure, or the popularity of a trend.
Rise To The Occasion
"Rise to the occasion" is an idiomatic expression that means to respond to a challenge, crisis, or difficult situation with courage, skill, and determination. It means to take on a difficult task or responsibility and meet it successfully. The phrase is often used to encourage someone to step up and do their best in a particular situation.
Riviere Du Rempart
Rivière du Rempart is a name derived from French, meaning "Rempart River" in English. It could refer to a river or a location, often a geographical feature, named after a fortress or rampart, which is a defensive wall.
Robert De Brus
"Robert de Brus" refers to Robert Bruce, a historic figure who was a Scottish nobleman and warrior. He was one of the claimants to the Scottish throne in the early 14th century and eventually became known as Robert I, or Robert the Bruce. He is famous for his role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, leading Scotland to victory against England and solidifying his place as a national hero.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, best known for his works like "Treasure Island," "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," and "Kidnapped." He was born on November 13, 1850, and died on December 3, 1894. Stevenson's literature often explores themes of adventure, morality, and the dual nature of humanity.
Robert The Bruce
"Robert the Bruce" refers to Robert I, who was the King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329. He is famous for leading Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence against England and ultimately winning Scottish freedom. The name has become synonymous with bravery and determination.
Rock 'n' Roll
"Rock 'n' roll" is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s. It combines elements of rock, rhythm and blues, and country music, characterized by catchy melodies, strong beats, and often rebellious or energetic themes. The term also embodies the culture and spirit of excitement, youth, and freedom associated with the music.
Rock And Roll
"Rock and roll" is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s. It combines elements of rhythm and blues, country, and other styles, characterized by energetic beats, guitar-driven melodies, and often, lyrics about love, rebellion, and having fun. The phrase "rock and roll" can also be used metaphorically to describe a lively, exciting, or uncontrolled situation.