A boy is about to go on his first date, and is nervous about what to talk about. He asks his father for advice.
The father replies, "My son, there are three subjects that always work. These are food, family, and philosophy."
The boy picks up his date and they go to a soda fountain. Ice cream sodas in front of them, they stare at each other for a long time, as the boy"s nervousness builds.
He remembers his father"s advice, and chooses the first topic.
He asks the girl, "Do you like spinach?"
She says "No," and the silence returns.
After a few more uncomfortable minutes, the boy thinks of his father"s suggestion and turns to the second item on the list. He asks, "Do you have a brother?" Again, the girl says "No" and there is silence once again.
The boy then plays his last card. He thinks of his father"s advice and asks the girl the following question: "If you had a brother, would he like spinach?"
v. (-rr-) detest; regard with disgust. [latin: related to *horror
ABIDE
v. (-ding; past abided or rarely abode) 1 (usu. In neg.) Tolerate, endure (can't abide him).
- (foll. By by) a act in accordance with (abide by the rules). B keep (a promise).
- archaic remain, continue. [old english a- intensive prefix, *bide]
ABODE
n. Dwelling-place. [related to *abide]
- see *abide.
ABOMB
n. = *atomic bomb. [a for *atomic]
ABORT
v. - miscarry.
- a effect abortion of (a foetus). B effect abortion in (a mother).
- end or cause (a project etc.) To end before completion. [latin orior be born]
- v. - miscarry.
- a effect abortion of (a foetus). B effect abortion in (a mother).
- end or cause (a project etc.) To end before completion. [latin orior be born]
ABOUT
—prep. - a on the subject of (a book about birds). B relating to (glad about it). C in relation to (symmetry about a plane).
- at a time near to (about six).
- a in, round (walked about the town; a scarf about her neck). B all round from a centre (look about you).
- at points in (strewn about the house).
- carried with (no money about me).
- occupied with (about her business). —adv. - a approximately (about ten miles). B colloq. In an understatement (just about had enough).
- nearby (a lot of flu about).
- in every direction (look about).
- on the move; in action (out and about).
- in rotation or succession (turn and turn about). be about (or all about) colloq. Have as its essential nature (life is all about having fun). Be about to be on the point of (was about to laugh). [old english]
ABOVE
—prep. - over; on the top of; higher than; over the surface of (head above water; above the din).
- more than (above twenty people).
- higher in rank, importance, etc., than.
- a too great or good for (not above cheating). B beyond the reach of (above my understanding; above suspicion). —adv. - at or to a higher point; overhead (the floor above; the sky above).
- earlier on a page or in a book (as noted above). —adj. Preceding (the above argument). —n. (prec. By the) preceding text (the above shows). above all most of all, more than anything else. Above oneself conceited, arrogant. [old english: related to *a2]
ABUSE
—v. (-sing) 1 use improperly, misuse.
- insult verbally.
- maltreat. —n. - misuse.
- insulting language.
- unjust or corrupt practice.
- maltreatment (child abuse). abuser n. [latin: related to *use]
ABUZZ
adv. & adj. In a state of excitement or activity.
ABYSS
n. - deep chasm.
- immeasurable depth (abyss of despair). [latin from greek, = bottomless]
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