used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
applicableadjectiveUS /ˈæpləkəbəl/
capable of being applied; having relevance
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
bitternessnounUS /ˈbɪtərnəs/
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
BritainnounUS /ˈbrɪtən/
a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland; “Great Britain” is often used loosely to refer to the United Kingdom
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
DominionsnounUS /dəˈmɪnjənz/
plural of “dominion” — dominance or power through legal authority
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
evasionnounUS /ɪˈveɪʒən/
a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
with resolute determination
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
set up or found
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
hold firmly
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
GRASPINGnounUS /ˈɡræspɪŋ/
understanding with difficulty
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
hesitationnounUS /ˌhezəˈteɪʃən/
indecision in speech or action
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
includingverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
internationaladjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈnæʃənəl/
concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
NETTLEverbUS /ˈnetəl/
sting with or as with nettles and cause a stinging pain or sensation
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
OverseasadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈsiːz/
beyond or across the sea
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
persiflagenoun
light teasing
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
proposeverbUS /prəˈpoʊz/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
any object that is left unused or still extant
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
stingingnounUS /ˈstɪŋɪŋ/
a kind of pain; something as sudden and painful as being stung
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
testedadjectiveUS /ˈtestɪd/
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading It is beyond question that there is a growing bitterness between the United States and Great Britain--including the Dominions Overseas.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading GRASPING THE NETTLE We are told that the way to handle a nettle is to grasp it firmly.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It is quite applicable as far as the stinging quality of the subject is concerned; but whether taking hold of it firmly will help matters remains to be seen.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Never having had any need of handling a nettle, I have not tested the truth of this popular saying and consequently have some hesitation about using it in connection with our international relations.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Anyway, I propose to set down the truth as I have found it without further persiflage or evasion.
