Word of the Day, October 5, 2023

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Every so often we hear from users who have looked up an idiom on The Free Dictionary that it was not found in the database. Maybe it was some expression they heard at work, or some phrase they grew up hearing their grandmother say. If you know an idiom that isn't already defined on The Free Dictionary, [send it to us]( and you might win $150 USD. The Farlex Idioms & Slang Dictionary [The Farlex Idioms & Slang Dictionary] New! The most complete collection of idioms and slang in the English language. Thousands more words and phrases than the leading idioms dictionaries! ✔ 17,000+ entries covering idioms, slang, phrasal verbs, and more from throughout the English-speaking world. ✔ Example sentences for every definition showing how the term is used in real life by native speakers. [Buy now]( Idiom of the Day [have (something) on]( — To be busy or engaged with something; to have plans to do something at a particular point in time. ["More...]( [Idiom video]( Article of the Day Thomas Malthus [Discuss]( Malthus was an English economist, sociologist, and demographer. He is best known for his 1798 pamphlet An Essay on the Principle of Population, in which he theorizes that poverty is an unavoidable consequence of population growth. He explained that populations grow at a geometric rate, while the means of subsistence expands arithmetically; thus, war, famine, and disease are necessary checks on population. In later editions, what did Mathus add as a fourth check on population? [More...]( Daily Grammar Lesson Primary Auxiliary Verbs [Discuss]( The "primary" auxiliary verbs are "be," "have," and "do"—they occur most commonly in English. What is the emphatic "do"? [More...]( This Day in History The March on Versailles (1789) [Discuss]( During the French Revolution, 6,000 knife-wielding fishwives and their husbands marched to the Palace of Versailles, gleefully singing songs about killing Marie Antoinette, whom they blamed for recent bread shortages. They broke into the palace early the next morning and beheaded two royal guards. The queen, her children, and her attendants hid in the king's bedchamber while a large crowd gathered in the courtyard outside, demanding an audience. Aside from food, what did they demand of the king? [More...]( Today's Birthday Denis Diderot (1713) [Discuss]( Enormously influential in shaping the rationalistic spirit of the 18th century, Diderot was a French encyclopedist, philosopher, novelist, dramatist, and art critic. After rejecting a career in law to pursue his own studies, he served as chief editor of the 35-volume Encyclopédie, one of the principal works of the Enlightenment, from 1745 to 1772. The controversial project was once the target of a seizure by government officials. Where were the manuscripts said to have been hidden? [More...]( Today's Holiday Fiestas de Octubre (October Feasts) [Discuss]( The October Feasts have been held every year in the city of [Guadalajara]( in the state of [Jalisco]( Mexico, since 1965. Throughout the month, residents and visitors enjoy a variety of cultural events that celebrate local and international culture, including opera, jazz and other musical performances, art exhibits, folk dances, ballet, theater, and food. Attendees can also find amusement park rides, bungee jumping, and a [haunted house]( billed as "one of the largest in Latin America." [More...]( Quote of the Day [Discuss]( For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words or books. 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