Do you suppose Liberace shaved with a Flair/Flare tip? Speaking of the glittery one, little known fact about myself.....I was a pianist growing up. Started at age 4, went to college the first time for music. Thought about being a concert pianist for many years growing up. Joined a fraternity at Baker University, Delta Tau Delta. I was the first music major they ever had pledge there. We all had a "brick" name that was given to us at the end of hell week. It was a name that the actives came up with. Mine......and I'm not making this up......was........ready?...........Livercrotchie. Don't tell me drunk frat guys aren't creative!
This one threw me. Champ and Chomp have the same definition, and the word Champ as a verb is almost dead in the English language, outside of this idiom. I grew up around horses and always heard this as Chomping at the bit, which means exactly the same thing. Outside writing for school, I think Chomping at the bit is becoming accepted usage of this one. Once I learned that Champing was the original form, I started using it. Mainly so people could correct me, and I could then correct them.
Thank you! I've been a fan of Al for years. His live show is not to be missed. I've caught him twice, superb both times. Bring your children!
When I was working, I would wear my Halloween shirt, on which the following was embroidered; "You can't scare me. I teach high school." Inevitably, some student would make the mistake of asking what my shirt said. I had to remind them that it didn't say anything. They had to read it.
Another problem I see a lot is the misuse of phrases that sound similar. I have seen many people interchange "in lieu of" with "in light of".
