Begin at the End Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bookend

Book + End = Bookend.

A bookend is any sort of supportive object placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright. They can be singular with the other end against a wall, shelf side or similar but are more frequently seen in pairs.

They come in many different forms from simplistic devices like a block of wood, to quirky matching sets and some very expensive minimalist designs for those that like to prove to visitors that they have taste in art as well as literature.

Bookends have been around for many centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used to have sculpted figures or pillars at the ends of their scrolls to keep them in order.

Answer: Legend

Leg + End = Legend.

The traditional legend was in the context of folklore and mythology where it was usually explaining the origin of a cultural practice, belief or natural phenomenon. Legends often involve heroic figures, mythical creatures or extraordinary events.

In a more contemporary sense a legend can refer to a person who is highly respected or famous due to their exceptional achievements in a particular field such as sports, music or literature.

A legend is also the box on a map that explains the symbols or colours used on it.

Answer: Endnote

End + Note = Endnote.
Musical note drawn on notepaper.

In the realm of writing and documentation an endnote is a reference, explanation or comment placed at the end of a page, article, chapter or book. They provide extra information for those that want it without cluttering up the main text for those that don't.

While reading (usually references books or scholarly articles) if you come across a symbol or number next to some text it means it has an endnote to either prove or describe the text. They are much more specific than the usual bibliography required for general written work.

Answer: Addend

Add + End = Addend.
Calculator with '+' sign highlighted.

An addend is quite simply a number that is added to another number in a mathematical equation. Both numbers are addends. Eg. 8 + 2 = 10. Both the 8 and the 2 are an addend.

An addendum is an additional section at the end of a document or book.

They both derive from the word 'add' which is to unite or join to make something bigger.

Answer: Godsend

Gods + End = Godsend.
Picture is of four Hindu Gods - Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu. While some are depicted as female they are referred to as Gods and called 'he'.

A godsend is a person or thing that arrives unexpectedly but is particularly welcome and helpful. It originates from the belief that something so opportune to arrive when it is most needed must have been sent by God.

In our adult lives it's often related to either money or work. That lotto win, surprise tax return or unexpected overtime when we're in financial need. A cancelled meeting or a person who just happens to turn up to help when you're overwhelmed and don't have enough time to do everything.

They don't have to be big things it's just something that comes your way when you're not expecting it which makes a challenging situation more bearable.

Answer: Endgame

End + Game = Endgame.
Picture is a game of ludo

An endgame is the very last part of a strategic game like chess or backgammon. The last few moves you make in a chess game are your endgame. Although the term doesn't have a formal definition in chess it's long been used by players to describe what happens when very few pieces are left on the board.

In real life it is used to describe a situation where all the pieces fall into place and everything comes to a decisive conclusion. This isn't luck - you've had a dream, you've made a plan on how to achieve it and you've worked through them all and suddenly you're at the point of it all happening - you've reached your endgame. You just need to make that final play and it's yours.

These can be small dreams and goals which can be achieved relatively easily or major lifetime ambitions that can take many years to come to fruition.

Answer: Offend

Off + End = Offend.
Switch with 'off' button pressed. While differing countries have the on/off switch in different directions, the O and I are universal.

If you offend someone you say or do something rude which upsets or embarrasses them whether by intent or accident. Avoiding it involves being mindful of diverse perspectives, choosing words wisely and having a radar for potential sensitive topics.

If by accident it may be unintentionally crossing a line or saying something that hits a nerve for a particular person. Different people are offended by different things and as adults we have to be aware of who we are talking to and where. Things that may be appropriate in a social situation with people you know well are often not appropriate at work and you need to learn the difference.

The old adage of 'don't speak about politics or religion' is a good start but there are so many different topics that are potential mine fields in today's world that I find the weather is becoming a good choice!

Answer: Impend

Imp + End = Impend.
Two uses of imp - a child and a demon.

Impend is something imminent or about to happen. It carries a weight of anticipation and potential change. It's like standing on the edge of a decision or an event that's looming waiting to unfold.

The sense of something impending often brings a mixture of excitement, anxiety and a dash of uncertainty. It's that moment when you're on the cusp of change and the outcome hangs in the balance.

Or if you're into mystery or horror novels or movies I'm sure you are aware of the common term 'impending doom'. We all know something's going to happen and that it isn't going to be good!

Answer: Endive

End + Dive = Endive.
Woman performing a dive.

Endive is a leaf vegetable belonging to the genus Cichorium which includes several similar bitter-leafed vegetables which can be cooked or eaten raw.

There are several varieties which are known differently around the world. Curly endive has narrow, green curly leaves and is often called chicory in the US. Escarole endive has broad pale green leaves and is less bitter. It is commonly called Batavia, scarole or grumolo.

Endive is rich in many vitamins and minerals especially folate, vitamins A and K, kaempferol and is high in fibre.

Answer: Weekend

Week + End = Weekend.
Calendar with one week highlighted.

The weekdays and weekend are the complementary parts of the week devoted to labour and rest respectively. From the perspective of the western world this is usually Monday to Friday as the working week and Saturday and Sunday as the weekend.

This can vary throughout the world from places where there are no laws and people can work up to 7 days a week and other places where religion determines the working calendar.

Israel is one of these. They have a Sunday to Thursday working week giving them Friday and Saturday off. This enables them to have their Sabbath from sundown on Friday evening.

The other common one is some Islamic countries which have a Saturday to Wednesday as the working week which gives them Thursday and Friday as their weekend. This leaves Friday free which is when Jumu'ah prayers take place.

Whereas once a weekend was for relaxing and recharging, spending time with family and friends or doing things we enjoy it has, unfortunately, become a time when people are trying to catch up on jobs they couldn't get around to during the week or even continuing to work from home.