Wordwise Puzzler No 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Losing weight

A loss of weight can be related to dieting or illness. With the former, it is deliberate, with a specific goal of limiting calorie intake during the duration of the diet in order to lose weight. With the latter, any weight loss which is unrelated to diet or exercise, should involve a visit to the doctor just to make sure nothing is amiss.

Answer: Forever

Forever and ever is an example of hyperbole. With children, who tend to use the term more than adults, it can act as a kind of reinforcement for their sense of security about various issues. "Mummy and Daddy are going to love me forever and ever and never go away" - that sort of thing. On the other hand, an adult who used the term would perhaps be regarded somewhat suspiciously.

The term crops up in the lyrics of songs from time to time as well, usually around the theme of undying love.

Answer: Once upon a time

This term is part of an oft-used opening sentence in many fairy tales. It serves to give the effect of something that has happened a long time ago, to add to the mystique and legendary aspect of the tale.

Answer: Break dance

Breakdancing is a form of acrobatic dance that became popular as a style of street performance in the 1970s. Unfortunately it has been with us ever since. It appears to consist of the participants trying to outdo each other in dislocating every bone in their bodies.

Answer: Beat around the bush

This is a term commonly applied to conversations. Beating around the bush means to take quite some time to get to the main objective of the conversation involved. Various other linking topics will be discussed first. This could entail trying to reach an agreement of some sort, or to discuss an issue that is quite delicate and needs to be broached by other means first.

Answer: Big shot

A big shot is a figure who is very prominent in various fields of society. A big shot in business, for example, could be a powerful shaker and mover on the financial scene, or a big shot in music could be someone very influential in the production side.

A top surgeon could be described as a big shot - and so on. A big shot in Fun Trivia could be someone who has reached level 200 and has scored every badge possible. That person could also quite possibly be described as a god.

Answer: Mixed Fruit

Our more common understanding of the term mixed fruit is a packaged box of several dried fruits which can be purchased at the supermarket. The contents can include dried apricots, bananas, sultanas, raisins, cherries and so forth. These can be eaten straight from the box, or baked into a cake or pudding, or sprinkled on breakfast cereal.

A word of advice however: Avoid eating the hardened banana, unless you either (a) have teeth like a horse, or (b) enjoy visiting the dentist.

Answer: Away in a manger

"Away in a Manager" is a beautiful Christmas carol that has been around for many years in Western countries. It was first published back in 1885 in the United States. The words are beautiful and the tune is sweet and lulling. It makes Christmas seem more meaningful somehow and brings back its innocence.

Answer: Three way tie

This is what takes place when three contestants in any field of endeavour, as well as in sport, cross the line together. Applied to areas outside of sport, it can mean that three people are in the running for any particular position and there's not much to distinguish one from the other in areas of skill and ability. To finally select a winner in this regard can be really quite difficult.

Answer: Fallen arches

This is the more polite term of referring to someone who has flat feet, ie, feet with hardly any visible arch/instep at all. Although the jury is still out on this, it is said to be related to wearing shoes all the time. Going barefoot is supposed to be good for this condition.