used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
any thing at all
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
assignmentnounUS /əˈsaɪnmənt/
a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces)
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
confidentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnfədəntli/
with confidence; in a confident manner
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
contentedadjectiveUS /kənˈtentəd/
satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
coupnounUS /kuː/
a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
wanted intensely
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
Harkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
and nothing more
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
make reference to
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
Micky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
used to form the superlative
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
newspaperdom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
O'Byrn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
O'Byrn's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
officiallyadverbUS /əˈfɪʃəli/
in an official role
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
peculiarlyadverbUS /pɪˈkjuːljərli/
uniquely or characteristically
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
possibilitiesnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
proofsnounUS /pruːfs/
plural of “proof” — any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
the possibility of future success
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
ripeadjectiveUS /raɪp/
fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
express in words
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
scoringnounUS /ˈskɔːrɪŋ/
evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
get by special effort
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
Slade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
Slade's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
the season of growth
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
subtletynounUS /ˈsʌtəlti/
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
surprisinglyadverbUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/
in a surprising manner
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
carry out
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
a special situation
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
thrillingadjectiveUS /ˈθrɪlɪŋ/
causing a surge of emotion or excitement
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
up to a particular time
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
at the time that
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading HIS BETTER SIDE When he had seen Slade safely off, Micky returned to the office and reported to Harkins, receiving a late assignment of a night police story which they desired "fixed up" in the style which was peculiarly O'Byrn's own.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading This would take hard work and subtlety, but Micky looked forward confidently to the prospect of scoring the most brilliant _coup_ in the history of newspaperdom in that town.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He felt that the thing was so surprisingly big that it would be better not to mention it officially till he could be sure of being able to secure it.
produce a literary work
From this reading Slade's narrative had opened up thrilling possibilities; it remained for O'Byrn to secure the proofs before he could venture to say anything, much less to write a single line.
but in spite of that
From this reading He contented himself just now with telling Harkins that he had been after something which promised well, but "wasn't ripe enough yet to spring."
