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English Edification Enrichment How is the word "potpourri" pronounced? The "o" in the first syllable is like "o" in "go", "so", and "no"; the following "t" is silent. The "pour" in the second syllable is pronounced like the word "poor". The "i" in the final syllable is like the "i" in "it", "hit", and "sit". This is one of the ways of pronouncing the word. A "potpourri" usually consists of a mixture or an assortment of dried flower petals and leaves, and sometimes, aromatic spices. It is normally used to perfume a room. When you say that there was a potpourri of things in a room, what you mean is that there were very different objects in the room; objects which didn't form a set of any kind. Here are a few examples, * The architect has employed a potpourri of styles to build the house. * The room consisted of a potpourri of dolls and ...

What is the meaning of the idiom "not let the grass grow under one's feet? When you tell an individual "not to let the grass grow under his feet", what you want him to do is to stop wasting time, to stop delaying. You want the person to get on with the job on hand, instead of trying to put things off. Here are a few examples, * The Chairman let the grass grow under his feet. As a result, the project wasn't completed on time. * You can't let the grass grow under your feet. You have millions invested in this project. What is the origin of "Uncle Sam"? It is quite common for people, both American and non-American, to refer to the American Government as "Uncle Sam". This is an expression that is generally used in informal contexts. * Uncle Sam did not take kindly to the comments made by our Government. * Uncle Sam will punish those who do not pay their taxes. It is interesting to note that the "Sam" referred to is not the first name...