Q. What are some expressions or idioms that we commonly garble? . A. Let’s see how we do. Which of these is correct? Each phrase is listed in alphabetical order. . Bald-faced lie . Barefaced lie . Bold-faced lie ♕ . Baited breath . Bated breath ♕ . Chalk it

Q. With Easter Sunday drawing near: what are some notable historic paintings that depict the Resurrection? . A. An Aragonese painter from the mid 15th Century. The Resurrection . Piero della Francesca. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1463 . Sandro Botticelli. The Resurrected Christ. 1480 . Juan de Flandes. Christ

Q. Why do some people insist on crushing egg shells to dusty bits after peeling them off their hard-boiled interiors?   A. They are likely deferring to an old superstition. Diners crushed their egg shells to make it more difficult for witches who, rumour had it, would otherwise collect shell

Q. When it comes to pairing singular and plural forms, the English language – with its muddle of word origins – is less than cooperative. To make things more confusing: some once ‘improper’ plurals have persisted their way into grudging acceptance. That said, dictionaries don’t agree. Dare one say ‘rhinoceri’?

Q. Sound tastes vary, of course. As does the type of space in which different types of music are best showcased. Overall, however, which concert halls do experts feel have the best acoustics? . A. First of all: what exactly are ‘acoustics’? Merriam Webster offers: ‘a science that deals with

Q. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We’ll see joyous green everywhere today – on clothes, on plates, in glasses. Sure there is green on the tri-striped Irish flag, but why the green and why today? After all, St. Patrick’s official colour is blue. . A. The green on the Irish National

Q. What is the official motto for your country? . A. Chances are that you can identify the flags, national anthems, signature foods and most popular sports of a number of countries. But what about the neglected national mottos? Country Motto Challenge How many of these mottos can you link

Q. The Oscars are coming next Sunday and, with that, much reflection around all things film. What are some of your favourite movie themes of all time? How would people answer this question more broadly? . A. BBC Music Magazine led a poll around this question in 2019. The winner

Q. It’s all about the apple. Apples, apples, apples. But, when it comes to pome fruit, there is another member with a storied history: the pear. How were pears used centuries back? . A. It’s not all about Flashy Cousin Apple. The low key Pear has also had its time

Q. ‘Yipes. I can’t believe I just did that’. We’ve all been there (some of us more than others 🥸) Think of something embarrassing you did in the last day, week, month, year. All in all, what kinds of moments do people find most awkward? . A. Aussie polled 2000