Word Wise #1 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls forms part of the border between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. In general the Canadian side is considered more aesthetic and powerful. For years Niagara Falls was a honeymoon destination as Reno was for divorces. Not to be missed is a trip on the Maid of the Mist and the night time light show.

Answer: Against all odds

'Against all odds' is an idiom referring to tasks or projects one might undertake that on the surface have little chance of success.

Answer: Picnic in the park

The word 'picnic' is embedded in the word 'park'.

Answer: Blues in the Night

"Blues in the Night" was composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer for the 1941 film of the same name. It was sung by William Gillespie, an anonymous prisoner in a jail cell. Gillespie was uncredited. The song was expected to win an Academy Award but was edged out by "The Last Time I Saw Paris". This caused a dispute as the latter was not written for the screen.

Mercer introduced the song at a Hollywood party. Here is the reported reaction to "Blues in the Night": (Arlen) sat down at the piano and played the score of "Blues in the Night". I remember forever the reaction. Mel(Torme) got up and said, "I can't believe it." Martha (Raye) couldn't say a word. Mickey Rooney said, "That's the greatest thing I've ever heard." Judy Garland said, "Play it again." We had them play it seven times. Judy and I ran to the piano to see who was going to learn it first. It was a lovely night." (Margaret Whiting)

Answer: Eggs over easy

One of my favorite breakfasts along with bacon, hash browns, toast, and coffee.

Answer: Triple Entente

The "Triple Entente" was a 1907 understanding linking Russia, France, and Great Britain to join together against possible aggression by the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. It set the lines for World War One, although Italy shifted to the Entente later.

Answer: Double Dribble

A simple way to explain the basketball double dribble rule is the player dribbles the ball, then holds the ball in both hands, and starts to dribble again.

Answer: Underground Railroad

The "Underground Railroad" was not a real 'railroad' but a system set up by abolitionists to assist slaves to escape to either free states or Canada in the American pre-Civil War era. Slaves were hidden and transported by abolitionists and their allies. Using secret routes and safe houses, Harriet Tubman is credited with assisting at least 70 persons although the exact total number from the movement is disputed.

Answer: Pig in a poke

"Pig in a poke" as an idiom has its roots in the Middle Ages when meat was scarce and someone might be buying cat or dog meat thinking it was pork. It may also refer to someone who does not check a product prior to buying.

Answer: Add insult to injury

The idiom refers to doing harm to a person and in addition to abusive words, or more commonly making a bad situation worse.

"This was derived from the fables of Phaedrus in the first century AD. The story was of a bald man who swats at a fly which has just landed on his head, but instead hits himself on the head. The fly comments, "You wished to kill me for a touch. What will you do to yourself since you have added insult to injury?" Wiki.