Many popular expressions in our language have interesting backgrounds. When we refer to a person’s weak spot as his Achilles heel, we recall the story of the mighty Greek hero of the Trojan War, Achilles, a warrior of unusual strength and valor. The mother of Achilles, in whose veins flowed the blood of the gods, was warned at birth that her son would die in battle. In great distress, she sought to save her son. To diminish his chances of being hurt and to give him maximum protection in combat, she dipped the infant in the river Styx. The magic waters touched every part of the child’s body except the heel she held. Thus, many years later, as Achilles started to flee from an attack, a poisoned arrow struck him in the heel, the only spot where he was vulnerable.
Today, the meaning of Achilles heel is not confined to a weak spot in the body but also a weakness in an individual’s character, the defenses of a nation, or the system’s structure. American politics, rather than mythology, explains the word bunk. This word came into the language in 1820 when Felix Walker, the representative from Buncombe County, North Carolina, formed the habit of making long, unnecessary speeches in Congress. When his colleagues asked him why he was tormenting them, he apologized by saying it was his patriotic duty to put those speeches in the record out of loyalty to his supporters at home. The word “Buncombe” was shortened to “bunk” and meant any thought with little or no worth.
- Refer
- Distress
- Diminish
- Maximum
- Flee
- Vulnerable
- Signify
- Mythology
- Provide
- Colleague
- Torment
- Loyalty
Short Explanation:
- Refer: To refer means to mention or direct someone to a particular source, person, or thing for information, guidance, or further action. It is a way of indicating or pointing to something or someone.
- Distress: Distress refers to a state of extreme sadness, pain, or suffering. It can be physical, emotional, or mental discomfort that causes a person to feel overwhelmed or in a state of crisis.
- Diminish: Diminish means to make something smaller, weaker, or less significant. It is the act of reducing the size, intensity, or importance of something.
- Maximum: Maximum refers to the highest or greatest possible amount, degree, or level of something. It represents the upper limit or the most that can be achieved or attained.
- Flee: Flee means to run away or escape from a dangerous, threatening, or undesirable situation. It involves quickly moving away from a place or person to seek safety or avoid harm.
- Vulnerable: Vulnerable describes a state of being susceptible to harm, danger, or attack. It refers to a condition where someone or something is easily hurt, influenced, or affected by negative circumstances.
- Signify: Signify means to indicate, express, or convey a particular meaning or message. It is the act of symbolizing or representing something through words, actions, or symbols.
- Mythology: Mythology refers to a collection of traditional stories, legends, or tales that explain the beliefs, customs, and practices of a particular culture or society. It often involves gods, heroes, and supernatural beings.
- Provide: Provide means to supply or furnish something that is needed or requested. It is the act of giving or offering assistance, support, or resources to fulfill a requirement or meet a demand.
- Colleague: Colleague refers to a person who works together with others in the same profession, organization, or field. It denotes a fellow worker or associate.
- Torment: Torment refers to severe physical or mental suffering or anguish. It involves experiencing intense pain, distress, or tormenting thoughts or emotions.
- Loyalty: Loyalty is a quality of being faithful, devoted, and committed to someone or something. It represents a strong sense of allegiance, trust, and support towards a person, group, or cause.
Lesson 32
- Refer: Merujuk, mengacu, menyebutkan
- Distress: Kesedihan, penderitaan, kesulitan
- Diminish: Menurunkan, mengurangi, merendahkan
- Maximum: Maksimum, paling besar, batas tertinggi
- Flee: Melarikan diri, kabur, menghindar
- Vulnerable: Rentan, mudah terluka, lemah
- Signify: Bermakna, menandakan, melambangkan
- Mythology: Mitologi, cerita rakyat, legenda
- Provide: Menyediakan, memberikan, menyediakan
- Colleague: Rekan kerja, teman sejawat, kolega
- Torment: Siksaan, penderitaan, menyiksa
- Loyalty: Kesetiaan, loyalitas, kepercayaan.
The Harrowing Symphony of Loyalty
In the tempestuous realm of Aeolus, where the wind howled as tortured souls and clouds spun like tattered banners, stood the Citadel of Echoes. Within its towering stone walls resided the Symphony of Echoes, a council of wind mages sworn to protect the realm from the whispering, insidious Whispers, creatures of pure distress that fed on doubt and discord.
Among them was Zephyr, a young mage blessed with the touch of a gentle breeze. He served under his mentor, the stoic Maelstrom, whose booming voice and unwavering loyalty were as legendary as the storms he controlled. But lately, a disquiet had begun to torment Maelstrom. His once-commanding presence became shaky, his maximum wind gusts now mere whimpers. Zephyr sensed a darkness, a diminishment of his mentor’s power, and it gnawed at his unwavering devotion.
One stormy night, Zephyr crept into Maelstrom’s chambers, drawn by a low, haunting melody echoing through the stone. He found his mentor hunched over an ancient tome, his eyes glazed, his lips whispering tales from forbidden mythology. The book spoke of a forgotten pact with the Whispers, a pact Maelstrom had made in his youth to ensure peace, a secret gnawing at his soul.
The revelation left Zephyr reeling. Could his revered mentor, the very anchor of Aeolus, be harboring such a treacherous truth? His heart, ever loyal, fleed towards doubt, its tendrils threatening to unravel his own resolve. The melody, now a cacophony of torment, resonated with his growing distress.
But then, amidst the chaos, Zephyr remembered Maelstrom’s teachings. Loyalty wasn’t blind obedience, but the unwavering will to hold someone up even when they faltered. With a deep breath, he referred to his own power, summoning a gentle but insistent breeze that swept through the chamber, dispelling the whispering melody.
Maelstrom looked up, eyes startled, the book trembling in his hands. Zephyr, with all the conviction of his young heart, pleaded with his mentor to signify his repentance. To face the consequences of his pact, to seek redemption, for Aeolus and for himself.
The storm outside raged, mirroring the battle within Maelstrom. But finally, after a long, agonizing moment, he nodded. Tears, like raindrops, cleansed his face. He confided in the council, seeking forgiveness and guidance. The Symphony of Echoes, true to their name, echoed his courage, embracing him with the strength of unity.
Together, they ventured into the heart of the Whispering Plains, Maelstrom facing his past, Zephyr at his side. The battle was fierce, a whirlwind of doubt and discord, but fueled by loyalty and redemption, they prevailed. The pact was severed, the Whispers driven back, and Aeolus was once again shielded by the symphony of wind and loyalty.
Zephyr and Maelstrom, forever bound by their harrowing journey, became a testament to the enduring power of loyalty. Even in the face of deepest distress, even when shrouded in the shadows of our own doubt, true loyalty can rewrite the symphony of our lives, weaving not just a song of protection, but one of redemption and forgiveness.
