Idioms
Legend, Legion, Legendary
Odds & Ends
The Beat Goes On
Final Jeopardy
100
Turn a blind eye means...
To refuse to acknowledge a known truth It is commonly accepted that turning a blind eye comes from a comment made by British Admiral Horatio Nelson. In 1801 he led the attack alongside Admiral Sir Hyde Parker in the Battle of Copenhagen. Nelson was blind in one eye.
100
Legions of people around the globe are fans of this TV show, which takes us “where no man has gone before.”
What is Star Trek? Fans today still dress in costume and wear Mr. Spock’s pointed ears to Trekkie gatherings and conventions in honor of the beloved show.
100
This long form of the word perp is used by law enforcement.
What is perpetrator? The perpetrator is the culprit, or the one who commits a crime
100
This singing duo is known for performing “The Beat Goes On” on their TV variety shows.
Who are Sonny and Cher? Their first TV show was The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. They also performed the song on The Carol Burnett Show and American Bandstand, among others.
100
The original purpose of the tiny pocket inside one of the larger pockets on the front of jeans was to hold this.
The tiny pocket on jeans, often referred to as the watch pocket, was originally designed to hold a pocket watch. This pocket was included in the first pairs of jeans to provide a safe and accessible place for workers to keep their watches, which were a common accessory at the time.
200
Beat around the bush
To circle the point; to avoid the point. This common phrase is thought to have originated in response to game hunting in Britain. While hunting birds, participants would beat bushes in order to draw out the birds. Therefore, they were beating around the bush before getting to the main point of the hunt: actually capturing the birds.
200
His USO Christmas shows for troops in war zones are legendary
Who is Bob Hope? He entertained legions of troops for 40 years, starting with World War II and culminating with Desert Shield.
200
Robin Leach gave us a glimpse into the lives of these people on his TV show
Who are the rich and famous? Before the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Leach worked for the Daily Mail as the youngest editor when he was 18 years old. He launched his TV career on AM Los Angeles with Regis Philbin and Sarah Purcell.
200
This state is still on our minds, thanks to Ray Charles.
What is Georgia? Charles’ rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” is considered the definitive version and is the state song of Georgia.
300
Read the riot act
To reprimand someone for behaving badly, with the intention of improving that person’s behavior. This idiom most likely comes from the real Riot Act, an act passed by the British government in 1714 to prevent unruly assemblies. In the 18th century King George I and the government were fearful of being overthrown by supporters of the previous Stuart dynasty. If crowds of more than 12 assembled, authorities could read them a portion of the Riot Act, upon which they must leave or be imprisoned. Thus, if someone is behaving in a manner that we find inappropriate, we “read them the riot act,” intending to get the unruly person to stop what they’re doing.
300
Her orchid-colored eyes are as legendary as she is. (Famous for marrying many times)
Who is Elizabeth Taylor? Taylor could change the color of her eyes by changing the color of her accessories and eye makeup. She also had a rare eye disease that contributed to her changing eye color. Taylor was married to a “legion” of men; she had eight marriages and seven husbands. (She married Richard Burton twice.)
300
The Great Sphinx at Giza, the site of the Egyptian pyramids, is a combination of these two beings.
What are lion and human? The Great Sphinx has the head of a human on the body of a lion.
300
“Somewhere over the Rainbow” is forever etched in our minds as sung by this singer and actress when she was a young girl.
Who is Judy Garland? It is part of the soundtrack for The Wizard of Oz
400
Barking up the wrong tree
Following a false lead or having misguided thoughts about a situation or event.
Origin: The phrase may have stemmed from the use of hunting dogs, who would bark up the trees into which they’d seen their prey run. Even if the prey has somehow escaped to a different tree, the dogs may still continue “barking at the wrong tree.”
400
According to Greek legend, Artemis was the daughter of this mythological figure.
Who is Zeus? Artemis was the goddess of wild animals. Zeus was the supreme deity of ancient Greece.
400
Weighing around eight pounds, this is the human body's largest organ?
Skin is the largest organ of our body. The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutis. Our skin is a good indicator of our general health.
400
The world said “Hello, Dolly” to this iconic actress when she originated the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi on Broadway in 1964.
Who is Carol Channing? Channing won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance.
500
Butter him up
To flatter someone.
Origin: In ancient India, a customary religious act involved devotees throwing balls of butter at the statues of their gods. This was meant to ask for the gods’ forgiveness and favor.
500
This place, which purportedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters, has been a coveted myth for centuries, driving explorers like Ponce de León to search for its magical waters.
The Fountain of Youth remains a powerful myth, symbolizing humanity's enduring desire for youth and immortality.
500
What is the only food that can never go bad?
The food that is often cited as never going bad is honey. Honey's unique composition, with low moisture and high acidity, makes it an inhospitable environment for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow. It can crystallize over time, but this is a natural process and the honey is still safe to eat. Yes, honey has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, including King Tutankhamun's, and remarkably, it has been found to be still edible after thousands of years. This is due to honey's unique properties, including its low water content and high acidity, which inhibit bacterial growth.
500
The love theme from the film Casablanca was written for the characters Rick and this woman.
Who is Ilsa? When Rick says, “Play it, Sam,” the love theme “As Time Goes By” is the song Sam plays on the piano.