WILDCAT WORD WALL
To prepare our WHS wildcats with the vocabulary section of the FCAT, ACT, and SAT they are presented with weekly words. Click on the month to see the words we have learned.
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January 2008
Allusions - Part II
(More allusions due to popular demand)
Allusions are indirect references to real or fictional persons, places, or events.
January 8 (Tuesday)
Armageddon
Definition: vast, decisive battle
It is prophesied that the final battle between the forces of good and evil will take place before the end of the world at a place called Armageddon.
Sentence: Most people hope nuclear war can be averted, but some are sure Armageddon is at hand.
January 10 (Thursday)
bell the cat
Definition: do a daring, risky deed for the sake of others
A wise mouse, according to a fable, suggested that a bell be hung around the cat’s neck to warn of its approach, but none of the mice had the courage to do it.
Sentence: The cook’s fiery temper kept the sailors from complaining to him about the food. Not one of them dared to bell the cat.
January 15 (Tuesday)
cross the Rubicon
Definition: take a decisive, irrevocable step
In 49 B. C., Caesar’s enemies ordered him to return from his conquests without his army. Caesar knew that to cross the Rubicon River with his army would be to invade Roman soil and start a civil war - a step from which there was no going back, but he took that gamble.
Sentence: The Founding Fathers crossed the Rubicon when they signed the Declaration of Independence.
January 24 (Thursday)
dog in the manager
Definition: person who prevents others from using something he or she cannot use and does not need
A dog in one of Aesop’s fables positioned himself in a manager (feed box for cattle) and prevented an ox from eating hay.
Sentence: Why not let one of the standees sit in a vacant seat next to you? Surely you don’t want to be a dog in the manger.
January 28 (Monday)
Midas touch
Definition: talent for making money in any enterprise one engages in
Midas, mythical king of Phrygia, had the power of turning everything he touched into gold.
Sentence: Few of my investments are doing well, but every one of hers shows a handsome profit. She has the Midas touch.
January 30 (Wednesday)
sour grapes
Definition: disparagement of something that one does not or cannot have
A fox in one of Aesop’s fables, frustrated in his efforts to reach some grapes, tried to save face by saying they were sour.
Sentence: When she didn’t get the promotion, she said it would really have been a demotion for her. Is this the truth, or just sour grapes?
