Merriam-Webster

1 month ago | merriam-webster.com | Debby Wolfinsohn

: the practical and often unpleasant or messy aspects of a process that are usually not made public You would think that being on set, and seeing how the sausage is made, would take the magic away for Mr. McClay.—Adam Epstein Both new chairs of their chambers' respective Defense Appropriations panels are well versed in how the budget sausage is made.—Andrew Clevenger Offering up vintage backstage footage of Jim Henson and Frank Oz operating the Muppets feels a little like Henry Houdini coming...

Dec 23, 2024 | merriam-webster.com | Michael Calore

the boxer's flamboyant self-importance often made for a colorful prefight press conference her overbearing self-importance has given her a sense of entitlement Psychologists call this a hallmark of grandiose narcissism, a trait characterized by self-importance and a deep need for validation. —Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec.

Oct 20, 2024 | merriam-webster.com | Ananya Bhattacharya

The benefits of this approach are manifold. the manifold attractions of that state make it an ideal destination for a family vacation In an evening of celebration and exploration of family life, the film gave viewers manifold themes to reflect on long after the credits rolled. —Sam Falb, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2024 Until recently, scientists had rarely sustained embryos in the lab past day seven or so, leaving manifold questions about development beyond the first week.

Mar 26, 2024 | merriam-webster.com | Ruby Wax

Is it your fate to tie macramé while drinking coffee and eating sherbet in a minaret? That would be an unusual destiny, but if it turns out to be your kismet, you will owe much to Turkish and Arabic. We borrowed kismet from Turkish in the 1800s, but it ultimately comes from the Arabic word qisma, meaning "portion" or "lot." Several other terms in our bizarre opening question (namely, macramé, coffee, sherbet, and minaret) have roots in those languages too.

Mar 13, 2024 | merriam-webster.com | Toby Muse

The bull stopped beneath him, reared itself up, and gored him then and there. —Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024 Shepherd welcomed guest Terry Crews to the show on Wednesday's episode, with the former NFL player teaching the ex-View cohost some of his best tackling techniques — and Shepherd put them to good use, right then and there. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 31 May 2023 And so, my mom and sister purchased the same one right then and there on our family ski trip.