English Journalistic Gems

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  • throw down the gauntlet; lay down the gauntlet; fling down the gauntlet

    throw down the gauntlet; lay down the gauntlet; fling down the gauntlet

    If you throw down the gauntlet, you do or say something that challenges someone to take action or to compete against you.

    Note: Gauntlets are long thick gloves which protect your hands, wrists, and forearms. 

    Note: In medieval times, a knight would throw one of his gauntlets (= long gloves) to the ground as a challenge to another knight to fight. If the second knight picked it up, he accepted the challenge.

    The largest teaching union yesterday threw down the gauntlet to the Government, threatening strikes if their demands are not met. 

    He has laid down the gauntlet and presented us with two options which appear to be non-negotiable.

    He furiously laid down gauntlet to his attacker over second jobs : “You’ve picked on the wrong people!”

  • be rubbing one’s hands with glee

    be rubbing one’s hands with glee

    To be very enthusiastic or happy about something, typically another’s misfortune.

    The CEO was practically rubbing his hands with glee when he heard that our rival company had gone bankrupt.

    Yeah, Mom only yelled at me for that dumb stuff we were doing. You don’t need to be rubbing your hands about it, though!

    Dude, I know you’re happy that Janie dumped Mike and is now single again, but pull it together—you’re just about rubbing your hands with glee.

    You are rubbing your hands with glee to rob. Keep your hands off their stack!

  • In one’s element

    in one’s element

    In the state of doing something that one is very comfortable with or proficient in.

    My mother is in her element in the kitchen and can make just about any dish.

    Look how effortlessly she skates. You can tell she’s in her element.

    At school she was (really) in her element.

    He is in his element now slamming his opponents heavily and giving them hell.

  • Two-tier or two-tiered 

    Two-tier or two-tiered 

    used to describe a system that is not the same for all groups of people, and gives more advantages to one group than to another group.

    a two-tier fare system for subways and buses

    Two-tier legal system

    Two-tier justice

    Two-tier justice system

    two-tier policing

  • A drip

    A drip 

    If you call someone a drip, you mean that they are rather stupid and lacking in enthusiasm or energy. 

    a boring person without a strong character 

    [informal, disapproval]

    Examples

    He is a complete drip.

    Don’t be such a drip—come and join in the fun!

    He’s well-meaning, but kind of a drip.

  • IMO or imo

    IMO or imo

    In my opinion

    Examples

    … IMO, when you feel a little stuck, sometimes it’s best to take a deep breath and let the universe lead the way.

    — Michelle Promaulayko

    I couldn’t believe how rude and obnoxious  he was last evening. He’s by far the worst leftie imo.

  • Hog something

    Hog something

    If you hog something, you take all of it in a greedy or  impolite way.

    Examples

    Don’t hog a large table. Don’t put your stuff on an extra chair. 

    Rhonda Abrams, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2018

    Or will he insist on hogging both himself?

    The Guardian (2019)

    Now, Bert, quit hogging the limelight. 

    He’s been hogging the remote control all night.

    Stop hogging the platform!

  • ”pickpocket” pensioners

    ”pickpocket” pensioners

    Poor or low-income  pensioners 

    Slap tax on the wealthiest instead of “pickpocketing” pensioners

    robbing the “pickpocketing” pensioners, they being poor lambs

    Tax the richest instead of the ‘pick pocketing’ pensioners

    Many families are going to feel the pinch if this new tax is passed.

    They are ripping off the old people.

  • In the gutter

    in the gutter

    slang In a state of total waste, failure, or ruination.

    Or: of a person] in a low state; poor and homeless. 

    Examples

    The director’s reputation is going to be in the gutter once these allegations come to light.

    You had better straighten out your life, or you’ll end in the gutter. His bad habits put him into the gutter.

    I do hope to see our incompetent CEO in the gutter with our sale manager Michel in charge instead  to sort our  company out now.

  • Flip-flop

    flip-flop

    a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)

    Ex.

    The governor’s frequent flip-flops would indicate that she has no core beliefs.

    Policy flip-flops

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