Double meanings

by | 12 Jun 2020 | General English, Grammar

Some words mean more than one thing and are used in completely different contexts:

 

 

Top

 

She is a top player. (she is a really good player)

The top of the web page has a link for other options. (position on the webpage)

 

Sweet

 

What a sweet guy. (a person who is nice or cute)

This cake is so sweet, it has too much sugar. (the taste is sweet)

I got a pay rise, that is sweet. (good news, really good)

 

Break

 

If we cannot the key we will have to break the lock. (force entry)

At 11am I have a break every day for a coffee. (a rest)

Please do not break my concentration when I am working. (interrupt)

 

Light

 

 

Can someone please turn the light on. (electric illumination)

I need some help carrying this please; it is not light. (opposite of heavy)

Can you shed some light on why we are changing the advertising strategy. (explain why)

She prefers the light blue for the hall. (opposite of dark)

 

Flat

 

 

 

I wish I could afford a flat in London. (accommodation)

I feel flat today. (uninspired/bored/uninterested)

The wall needs to be flat if you are going to hang a picture on it. (level)

 

Off

 

It’s late, please turn it off. (disconnect the power)

I am so hot, I need to take off my coat. (remove something)

Strange, the boss seemed off today. (unhappy/rude)

The boss is off today, maybe we can go home early. (not working)

 

Take

 

Please take you rubbish with you. (carry)

They are on ‘the take’. (obtaining a financial benefit through dishonesty)

Those jeans need ‘taking up’. (shortening)

I will ‘take you up’ on that. (accept your offer/suggestion)

 

Miss

 

Miss, I need your help! (female/female teacher/young woman)

If we do not leave now, we will miss our flight. (too late)

 

______

 

which other ones do you know?

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