January 2023

To smear means ‘to spread an oily or wet substance on something,’ like we do with jam or butter on toast. Smear also means ‘to stain or spot with a wet or oily substance’ and ‘to blur by rubbing or by getting wet.’ Figuratively, to smear is…

Continue Reading

A rout is a defeat that is followed by a retreat and dispersal, usually a disorderly one, or more generally, any overwhelming defeat or disorderly group of people. As a verb, to rout means…. to defeat completely and to make a group disperse in a disorderly way. Rout has another unrelated meaning as a verb, ‘to dig up or turn over something’ like animals do with their snouts (a snout is the nose of animals like pigs). More generally, usually followed by out, it means ‘to find or get by searching or…

Continue Reading

Grease is the melted fat of animals, especially when it’s in a soft state, which can be used for cooking, for example. It is also any oily matter used as a lubricant. As a verb, to grease means to…

Continue Reading

To deal, always followed by with, means ‘to be concerned or to have to do with something,’ ‘to conduct oneself toward people,’ and ‘to take the necessary action regarding something or someone.’ To deal also means ‘to deliver’ and ‘to do business’ and, particularly with drugs, it means…

Continue Reading

A trade is the act of exchanging goods for money, or without payment, and a business deal. A trade is also an occupation and manual or mechanical work. Trade is also a synonym for ‘market.’ As a verb, to trade means…

Continue Reading