"Sad But True" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
The phrase "sad but true" means that something is unfortunate or disheartening, but it is an undeniable fact or reality. It acknowledges the unpleasantness of a situation while accepting its truth.
1. It's sad but true that many endangered species are on the brink of extinction due to human activities.
2. Despite their best efforts, the team had to accept that their project failed; it was a sad but true reality check.
3. The aging population must face the fact that their health will decline eventually - a somber truth, yet undeniably true.
4. We often overlook the impact of plastic pollution on oceans; the heartbreaking images of marine life affected by it are sad but true testament to our actions.
5. In the world of business, sometimes you have to let go of long-term employees; it's a harsh reality and a sad but true part of corporate life.
The phrase "rule of thumb" refers to a general principle or guideline that is based on practical experience rather than strict scientific measurement or exact calculation. It is a rough and approximate method for solving a problem or making a decision. The origin of the phrase comes from carpentry, where a thumb was used as an informal measuring tool, but now it is commonly used in various contexts.
"Rumor has it that" means there are unverified or unsubstantiated reports or whispers about something, suggesting that information is circulating but not necessarily confirmed or true. It's often used to introduce a piece of gossip or hearsay.
"Rumour has it that" is an expression used to introduce a statement or piece of information that is circulating as gossip or hearsay, but whose accuracy may not be confirmed. It suggests that the information comes from unofficial or unreliable sources and implies that there might be some truth to it, but it's not necessarily based on solid facts.
"Run out of" means to have used up or exhausted a supply of something, so there is none left. For example, "I've run out of coffee - I need to buy more."
"Ruse de guerre" is a French term that translates to "military deception" or "war trick" in English. It refers to a tactic or strategy used in warfare to deceive or mislead the enemy, often to gain an advantage or to achieve a specific objective. This can include false information, camouflage, decoys, or other methods to create confusion or misinformation.
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. He was a lawyer, Civil War veteran, and a member of the Republican Party. His presidency was marked by efforts to reconstruct the country after the Civil War and resolve the contentious issue of Reconstruction in the South.
"Sackcloth and ashes" is a phrase that represents humility, sorrow, and repentance. It comes from an ancient practice where people would wear rough, coarse sackcloth and cover themselves with ashes as a sign of mourning or to demonstrate deep regret for their actions or sins. In modern usage, the term is often figurative, referring to a state of contrition or penitence.
"Sacra Corona Unita" is an Italian phrase that translates to "Holy United Crown" in English. It has historical and religious connotations, referring to the idea of a crown representing unity among various kingdoms or regions under a shared spiritual authority, such as the Catholic Church. However, it is also known as the name of an Italian organized crime group operating in the Apulia region, involved in activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. They chose this name to exploit the symbolic significance and veil their criminal operations.