<I>The British Council?s language clinic with ?Dr Danny?</I>

Hello and welcome back to the English Language Clinic. This week I have been asked ?What does it mean if you describe something as being ?square??? If you comment that someone has ?square? shoulders, you are drawing attention to the fact that they are broad and strong. A ?square deal?, however, is an honest one. This meaning of ?square? is similar to that in the expression ?fair and square?, meaning honestly; it is also found in ?to square with?, as in ?the two suspects? stories squared with each other? (they were in agreement, with no contradiction). The idea of evenness and balance is perfectly encapsulated (summed up) in the square; with four equal sides and four equal internal angles.

The theme of evenness continues in expressions such as ?all square?; used either to describe a draw (or tie) at some stage in a competition, or the fact that two or more people no longer owe each other money (they have ?squared up?). The completeness of a square is referred to in the use of the adverb ?squarely?. If ?the blame lies ?squarely? with the politicians?, they are completely to blame. If you look someone ?squarely in the eyes?, you are looking directly into their light detecting organs, you are completely focussed. Other expressions, which include the word ?square? include ?to square up to someone? (to prepare for confrontation), ?a square meal? (a filling meal) and the description of a person as ?square? (if you are (a) ?square?, you are not fashionable or following current trends).

Please send your comments, queries and questions to me, at : [email protected] or at [email protected]

If you are interested in joining an intensive IELTS Preparation Course, please attend a placement test, at the British Council between 13/05/08 ? 17/05/08. For more information regarding our courses call +230 403 0200.