Wordwise III 03 Trivia Quiz

Answer: hot under the collar

The phrase 'hot under the collar' is used to describe someone who is very angry, agitated or embarrassed. The phrase dates to the 1900s and refers to the fact that when someone is angry or upset they become flushed and hot especially around the face and neck where the collar of a garment sits.

Answer: uppercase

The word uppercase refers to text that is written all in capital letters. This word is often seen in password requirements where users are asked to include a mixture or lower and uppercase letters as well as sometimes numbers and/or other characters.

Answer: stuck in traffic

The phrase to be 'stuck in traffic' is used informally to describe a situation in which someone in a vehicle is barely moving due to heavy traffic. In this puzzle the clue to the answer is that the word stuck is written in the word traffic hence 'stuck in traffic'.

Answer: Down jacket

A down jacket is a type of coat stitched in a quilted pattern and stuffed with feathers. The feathers used are called down and they are under feathers, usually from ducks or geese. These feathers are soft and have good insulative properties, which is why they are used in jackets. This type of jacket is also sometimes called a puffer jacket.

Answer: island in the sun

'Island in the Sun' is the name of two songs and a movie. One of the songs is from 1957 by the singer Harry Belafonte and was written for the film 'Island in the Sun'. The second song was released by the band Weezer in 2001.

Answer: the last word

'The last word' (or 'the final word') is a phrase used in English to denote the final remark or comment in a situation, usually in an argument or other disagreement. The comment is usually definitive in nature and suggests that no further discussion is welcome.

Answer: au pair

An au pair is a person, often young, who lives with a family and works for them, usually helping with tasks such as child care and housework. It is designed as a form of cultural exchange rather than employment where young people get opportunities to visit new countries and engage with different cultures or learn a new language while getting their living costs covered in exchange for working for the host family.

The name au pair comes from French and means 'equal to' representing the fact that au pairs are supposed to be seen as a family member rather than as a servant.

Answer: split ends

Split ends is a term used for hair which is damaged at its end and has frayed rather than being one strand all the way through. Split ends often occur when hair is dry or has been damaged by other means, often exposure to excessive heat or certain harsh hair products.

The term is also used in American football to describe an offensive end who is lined up away from the other linemen.

Answer: up in the air

The phrase up in the air refers to a situation that is yet to be resolved and where the outcome is uncertain. 'Up in the Air' is also the name of 2009 comedy movie starring George Clooney.

Answer: to be overwhelmed

To be overwhelmed means that someone has too much to deal with and is struggling to cope. For example someone might be overwhelmed at work because they have too many things to complete. The term can also be used when someone experiences a sudden, strong emotion.