– Manuscript – Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words. In New York, law enforcement officials recently returned ancient stolen objects to Iraqi officials. Plunder The objects include a stone plate that once belonged to a king who ruled thousands of years ago in what is now called Iraq. Some objects were taken from conflict zones or plundered from … [Read more...] about Plunder (News Words)
Icing on the Cake (Idioms)
– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! Icing is a sweet, creamy mixture used to cover cakes. But how do we use icing as an idiom? Icing on the Cake Speaker A: Jonathan, how was the Maná concert last night? Speaker B: Amazing! They played all my favorite songs. But the icing on the cake was getting to meet the band after the show! Speaker A: Wow, that … [Read more...] about Icing on the Cake (Idioms)
Worship (News Words)
– Manuscript – Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words. A church in Bulgaria recently celebrated St. Charalampus, the Patron Saint of Beekeepers. Worship Orthodox Christian worshippers believe Charalampus performed a miracle, healing deadly wounds with honey. They light hundreds of candles and place them on honey pots, set in the shape of a cross. They ask the … [Read more...] about Worship (News Words)
Take Someone Under Your Wing (Idioms)
– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! Some animals, like birds and insects, have wings. Sadly, humans do not. Take Someone Under Your Wing Speaker A: Hey, Jonathan. How's the new coffee business going? Speaker B: Oh, it's going great! Your cousin Keith has been a huge help. Speaker A: I'm so glad he's taken you under his wing. You know, in our family, … [Read more...] about Take Someone Under Your Wing (Idioms)
Sidney Poitier, 1st Black Performer to Win Best Actor Oscar Dies
– Manuscript – Sidney Poitier, the first Black actor to win an Oscar for a best acting performance, has died. He was 94. Poitier won the best actor Oscar in 1964 for Lilies of the Field. His performance changed how Blacks were presented in the movies. It also inspired a generation of actors during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Before Poitier, most Black … [Read more...] about Sidney Poitier, 1st Black Performer to Win Best Actor Oscar Dies