12 definitions by Earl of Warwick

the great game

A term used to describe the political turmoil caused by Russian ambition for expansion in central Asia. Britain was worried that this would eventually lead to a Anglo-Russian war and threaten Britain's claim to India. The term is not used much to day but it is perhaps mostly associated with the novel Kim. Kim is a novel written by Rudyard Kipling, a British poet and journalist who was in favor of colonialism.

Had Britain supported the Mujaheddin forces in the Soviet–Afghan War, then it could have evoked memories of the great game

by Earl of Warwick July 7, 2017

Chalet

Is a French word for cottage or more specially a cottage around the alps. Still in some cases it may refer to any cottage. One important thing to remember is that the t at the end is not pronounce.

Marcus is taking his girlfriend to his chalet near St. Moritz.

by Earl of Warwick July 7, 2017

bien entendu

It means of course or obviously. The last letter u is pronounce more like ü in German.

Rebecca: So did you remember to buy rosé wine for the pistou ( soup form Provence)?.

Alexander: Bien entendu, it is the quintessential drink for a pistou.

by Earl of Warwick July 30, 2017

take issue with

A more unusual way of saying that the speaker would like to say that something is bothering them.

You know I must take issue with that you call all sparkling wine Champagne, Champagne comes specifically from the french wine region named Champagne, all sparkling wines are therefore not necessarily Champagne.

by Earl of Warwick August 1, 2017

entre nous

french for between us. Used to indicate that what you are going to say is strictly confidential

Entre nous I think your sister is a condescending twit.

by Earl of Warwick July 7, 2017

Cordon Bleu

Means high quality, litarly blue ribbon. A possible explanation of the orgin of the words meaning is that at competions in France the winner would get a blue ribbon, hence blue ribbon became to be associatied with the best.

Marcus: Last month I went to a nice little bistroesque restaurant on the hilltop overlooking the city, had an exquisite Buridda (Italian dish from Liguria), accompanied with an equally fine wine and a fabulous date.

Jacques: So, in other words a dinner cordon bleu

Marcus: Pretty much

by Earl of Warwick July 17, 2017

Rapport

To get along with someone really well. It is quite commonly used but still somewhat obscure, in other words possibly a good word to impress someone.

After many years of hard work and dedication, I have achieved a good rapport with my sister.

by Earl of Warwick October 7, 2017