Weather Idioms
Potpourri
Classic Radio
Word-E
Facts & Figures
100

When feeling sick, we might say we’re under this.

What is the weather? This idiom’s origins may be traced to sailors who felt seasick. They were sent below deck, out of the way of—or under—the weather.  

100

These large, spooky birds typically hoot.

What are owls? Some owls make other sounds, such as bloodcurdling shrieks, cackles, hoots, caws, and gurgles.

100

This comedy duo gave us “Who’s on First?”

Who are Abbott and Costello? They began working together in New York’s Eltinge Theater, and they were one of radio’s most popular acts.

100

This vegetable’s name sounds like it would be a hen’s contribution to the meal.

What is eggplant? Small eggplants look like large, egg-shaped produce. Botanically, the eggplant is a fruit.

100

This is the number of petals on a shamrock.

What is three? It’s the national flower of Ireland, and you’ll see it everywhere on St. Patrick’s Day because everyone is Irish on March 17.

200

When people go through an unsuccessful period, they go through this kind of spell.

What is dry? A dry spell might be caused by a drought of ideas.

200

Mayors sometimes honor dignitaries with this symbolic gift.

What is the key to the city? During ancient times, the key to the city opened a gate in the wall surrounding the city. Today, it’s symbolic.

200

This jazz musician was also known as “Satchmo” and “Pops.

Who is Louis Armstrong? His greatest hits include “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!”

200

These French pastries are oblong and filled with a cream or custard filling.

What are éclairs? Sometimes they’re topped with chocolate fondant.

200

The element CO2 , known by this name, is blamed for causing climate change.

What is carbon dioxide? Plants don’t “breathe” the same way we do, but they do exchange the gases carbon dioxide and oxygen with the atmosphere.

300

To go after a seemingly impossible dream is to chase one of these.

What is a rainbow? The chance of catching a literal rainbow on any given day approaches zero. Successful entrepreneurs, such as Fred Smith of FedEx fame, often chase metaphorical rainbows. His company is the result of a paper at Yale University, which earned him a C. He later gambled the last $5,000 in the company coffers to buy fuel for the company’s airplanes.

300

This extends beneath the ear.

What is the earlobe? The earlobe helps maintain balance and provides warmth to the ear.

300

The Adventures of [this detective] series was based on a real-life detective, and the character was first created for The Maltese Falcon.

Who is Sam Spade? The show was The Adventures of Sam Spade, and it aired from 1946–1951.

300

When a person flees his country to live in another country, he is said to live in this state.

What is exile? It’s a common occurrence among heads of state who are considered enemies by their political opponents and fear for their lives,

300

This is the main ingredient in household dust.

What are dead skin cells? Researchers have found that people shed around 200 million dead skin cells every hour.

400

When people are extremely angry, they can have a face like this.

What is thunder? The phrase “a face like thunder” is thought to date to the late 18th century.

400

This airline booked reservations for the first flight to the moon.

What is Pan Am? They booked 90,000 reservations, but the flight never happened. Today, SpaceX and others are pioneering space tourism travel.

400

This president’s fireside chats were a series of nighttime radio speeches.

Who is President Franklin D. Roosevelt? Roosevelt was the first president to use radio instead of newspaper for mass communication with the American people. FDR was a brilliant communicator who used the fireside chats to persuade his audience.

400

This title of British nobility is the equivalent of a French count.

What is earl? It’s the oldest British title of nobility.

400

The Rubik’s Cube has this number of sides.

What is six? The world record for solving the Rubik’s Cube is 3.13 seconds.

500

When a car flies by you on the highway, you might say that it’s moving like this kind of lightning.

What is greased? Greased lightning also describes strong alcohol.

500

You can see these manufactured structures in Dubai from space due to the sharp contrast between them and the surrounding area.

What are Palm Islands? These artificial islands were created using satellite positioning technology to spray sand in the desired locations.

500

The year the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart premiered.  Hit songs from that year included: All I Have to do is Dream (Everly Brothers), Tequila (The Champs), and "Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu)"
Domenico Modugno 

A) 1958

B) 1950

C) 1967

What is 1958

500

Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

What is eclectic. 

"universities offering an eclectic mix of courses"

500

This flower typically contains 20 to 40 petals, depending on the variety, so one of these can yield up to 1 or 2 cups of petals.

What is a rose.