Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
"Steak au poivre" is a French dish consisting of a steak (usually beef) coated with cracked black pepper and served with a creamy pepper sauce. The name translates to "pepper steak" in English, and it's a classic dish in French cuisine. The pepper creates a flavorful crust on the steak, while the sauce enhances the overall taste.
"Steer clear of" means to avoid or keep away from something, usually because it is considered dangerous, problematic, or unpleasant.
"Step by step" means doing something gradually and in a systematic manner, one action or stage at a time, usually to ensure understanding or completeness. It implies breaking down a process into smaller, manageable parts to be followed sequentially.
"Stock up on" means to buy or gather a sufficient quantity of something, usually essential items or supplies, in advance to have a good supply on hand for future use, especially when anticipating a need or potential shortage. For example, "Before the winter, it's a good idea to stock up on firewood."
The Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, is an ancient stone slab that has significant historical and cultural importance, particularly in Scottish history. It was traditionally used in the coronation of Scottish kings and later became part of the coronation regalia of English and British monarchs. The stone was famously removed from Westminster Abbey by Scottish nationalists in 1950 and returned to Scotland, where it now resides in Edinburgh Castle.
A "Stop Loss Order" is a type of financial trading instruction that is used to limit the amount of loss an investor can incur in a particular investment. It is a strategy used by investors to limit their potential losses on a particular stock, futures contract, option, or other securities if the market moves against them.<br><br>A Stop Loss Order is set at a specific price level, below or above the current market price of the security, and is triggered when the market price reaches that level. When the Stop Loss Order is triggered, a sell order is automatically generated to close the position and limit further losses.<br><br>In other words, a Stop Loss Order is a risk management tool that allows investors to limit their potential losses, but also allows them to benefit from any subsequent price increases, as they can set the order below a certain level where they are willing to get out of the trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and important waterway in the Persian Gulf, connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It is about 21 miles wide at its narrowest point and is strategically located near the Iranian coast. The strait is a vital shipping lane, with a significant portion of the world's oil supply passing through it. Its significance extends beyond its economic importance to the regional political landscape, with the United States, Iran, and other nations in the region maintaining a close interest in its security and stability.
"Sturm und Drang" is a German phrase that translates to "storm and stress" in English. It refers to a literary and artistic movement in 18th-century Germany characterized by intense emotion, individualism, and a rebellion against societal norms and classical conventions. The term is often associated with the works of writers such as Friedrich Schiller and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
A subpoena duces tecum is a legal document issued by a court ordering a person to appear in court and bring with them certain specified documents or evidence relevant to a case.
"Succès de scandale" is a French phrase that translates to "scandalous success" in English. It refers to a situation where something, often controversial or provocative, gains significant attention and becomes successful precisely because it creates a scandal or causes a stir.
"Such and such" is an expression used to refer to something without specifying exact details or names. It indicates that there are certain things or people being referred to, but they are not important enough to be mentioned specifically in the context. For example, "I met some such people at the party," means the speaker met some people, but they don't want to or need to identify them precisely.
"Such is life" is an expression that means things happen, and one must accept them as they are, often used to acknowledge that difficulties or unpleasant situations are a part of everyday existence. It's a way of accepting the inevitable and moving on with a philosophical attitude.
The "Sultan of Brunei" refers to the ruling monarch of Brunei, a small Southeast Asian country located on the island of Borneo. The title "Sultan" is a royal title used by the Islamic monarchs, particularly in the Malay world. Brunei has been under the rule of a sultanate for over 600 years, and the current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, has been in power since 1967. He is known for his immense wealth and the country's strict interpretation of Islamic law.
"Summa cum laude" is a Latin phrase used in academic settings to indicate a high level of distinction or honor for a graduate's achievement. It translates to "with highest praise" or "with highest honors." In the United States, it is typically one of the three Latin honors awarded to students based on their grade point average (GPA), with the other two being "magna cum laude" (with great praise) and "cum laude" (with praise). Summa cum laude is the highest of these distinctions and signifies exceptional academic performance.
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese revolutionary, politician, and philosopher who is considered the founding father of modern China. He was a key figure in the Xinhai Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of China, and is known for his ideology of "Three Principles of the People", which consisted of nationalism, democracy, and the livelihoods of the people.<br><br>As a leader, Sun Yat-sen served as the provisional president of the Republic of China from 1912 to 1913, and again from 1917 to 1925. He is also the founder of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, which dominated Chinese politics from the 1920s to the 1940s.<br><br>Throughout his life, Sun Yat-sen emphasized the importance of education, women's rights, and social reform, and he is remembered as a champion of Chinese democracy and modernization. His legacy continues to be celebrated in both mainland China and Taiwan, where his birthday is a national holiday.
"Supreme de volaille" is a French culinary term that refers to a dish made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It is usually prepared by poaching or sautéing the chicken in a flavorful broth or sauce, often served with a velouté sauce and accompanied by vegetables or garnish. The term "supreme" denotes a high-quality cut of meat.
A French phrase!<br><br>"Sur le coup de pied" is a French idiom that translates to "at the toe" or "on the tip of the foot". It is often used to describe a situation that is very close to happening or is almost imminently upon you. For example, if someone says "Je vais entendre une nouvelle méditation très proche, c'est sur le coup de pied!" (I'm about to hear a very close meditation, it's on the tip of the foot!), they mean that the meditation is about to start, it's almost here.
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) is the sixth President of Indonesia, serving from 2004 to 2014. He was inaugurated as the country's president on October 20, 2004, and served two consecutive terms until his resignation on May 20, 2014. During his presidency, Yudhoyono focused on democratic consolidation, economic growth, and social welfare improvement. He was known for his efforts in reducing poverty, eradicating social inequality, and strengthening Indonesia's international relations. Yudhoyono's presidency was marked by several significant events, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2009 Yogyakarta earthquake, and the conflict with the Free Aceh Movement. He was succeeded by Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, as the President of Indonesia.
Sweet and sour is a term used to describe a flavor profile that combines both sweet and tangy or acidic elements. It's commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, where it's a popular sauce for dishes like sweet and sour chicken or pork. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that have a mix of positive and negative aspects.
A Swiss Army knife is a multi-tool that is designed to be a compact, versatile, and handy device for various tasks. It usually has a blade, scissors, corkscrew, can opener, and other utility functions, making it a convenient tool to have in many situations. Like a universal tool, it can perform multiple functions, just like how a word like "Swiss Army knife" can have multiple interpretations and meanings in language.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. It can affect various organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and more. Symptoms often fluctuate and can range from mild to severe. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups.