What is the meaning and origin of ‘fly off the handle’?

This expression of American origin is normally used in relation to a person. When you say that someone flew off the handle, you mean he lost his temper. He became extremely angry about something you said or did, and started shouting.

Another informal expression which has the same meaning is, ‘to go ballistic’.

Our coach flies off the handle every time someone makes a mistake.

The CEO flew off the handle when he heard that the workers were going on strike.

During the old days, axes were made by hand; sometimes, the axe head and the wooden handle were crudely fitted together. When people were cutting trees, it was quite common for the axe head to come loose and fly off its handle. The flying axe head used to cause a great deal of commotion among those working nearby. They let off steam by shouting at the person using the axe, or by cursing the implement itself.

What is the meaning of ‘neophyte’?

First, let’s deal with the pronunciation of this word. The ‘ne’ is pronounced like the word ‘knee’, and the following ‘o’ is like the ‘o’ in ‘so’, ‘go’, and ‘no’. The final syllable is pronounced is like the word ‘fight’. The word is pronounced ‘KNEE-o-fight’ with the stress on the first syllable. This is just one way of pronouncing the word. Neophyte comes from ‘neo’ meaning ‘new’ and ‘phytos’ meaning ‘planted’.

A beginner or someone who is new to something is usually referred to as a neophyte. The word can also be used to refer to a newly ordained priest or someone who has recently converted.

Sahana has been taking sitar lessons for over five years. She’s not a neophyte.

I need someone with experience. Radha is a neophyte at politics.

Sample Job Application Letter

Hi,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position as per the mail got from Monster . As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, .he opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include:

* I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications
* I strive for continued excellence
* I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers

With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed.

Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Sincerely,

NOTIFYING OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS

[DATE, ex. Wednesday, June 11, 1998]


[NAME, COMPANY AND ADDRESS, ex.
Sooraj Sagar
6A, 6th floor, Metro Palace
Ernakulam North
Kochi - 682 018
Kerala, India

Tel: 91+484+4024320
]

Dear [NAME, ex. Sooraj Sagar],

We are pleased to announce the relocation of our offices effective [DATE OF RELOCATION]. Our new address, telephone and fax numbers are:

[NEW ADDRESS, TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS]

Sincerely,


[YOUR NAME, ex. Sooraj Sagar]

CONFIRM ATTENDANCE OF SEMINAR

[DATE, ex. Wednesday, June 11, 1998]


[NAME, COMPANY AND ADDRESS, ex.
Sooraj Sagar
Livftek Systems
6A, 6th floor, Metro Palace
Ernakulam North
Kochi - 682 018
Kerala, India]

Dear [NAME, ex. Sooraj Sagar],

I wish to confirm that I will be attending [FUNCTION, ex. your seminar on financial markets] on [DATE, ex. Friday, June 13].

Please call me at XXX-XXXX if there are any changes in the schedule. I am looking forward to the [meeting / seminar / etc.].

Sincerely,


[YOUR NAME, ex. Sooraj Sagar]

REFUSE REQUEST FOR DONATION, #1

[DATE, ex. Wednesday, June 11, 1998]


[NAME, COMPANY AND ADDRESS, ex.
Sooraj
Livftek Systems
6A, 6th floor, Metro Palace
Ernakulam North
Kochi - 682 018
Kerala, India]

Dear [NAME, ex. Sooraj],

Thank you for your letter requesting a donation to [CHARITY]. Despite the existence of many fine and worthwhile causes, we regret that we are unable to make donations to many of them. For this reason, our firm has adopted a policy of making yearly contributions to [CHARITY], which supports several causes.

Nonetheless, we find your cause to be genuine and honorable. We indeed wish you the best on your mission.

Sincerely,


[YOUR NAME, ex. Sooraj]

REFUSE REQUEST FOR DONATION, #2

REFUSE REQUEST FOR DONATION, #2

[DATE, ex. Wednesday, June 11, 1998]


[NAME, COMPANY AND ADDRESS, ex.
Sooraj
Livftek Systems
6A, 6th floor, Metro Palace
Ernakulam North
Kochi - 682 018
Kerala, India]

Dear [NAME, ex. Sooraj],

Thank you for your letter requesting a donation to [CHARITY]. Although we try to sponsor genuine causes such as yours, I regret that our financial position at this moment precludes us from supporting any more charities than we currently do.

Nonetheless, we do find your cause to be admirable and honorable. We indeed wish you the best on your mission.

Sincerely,


[YOUR NAME, ex. Sooraj]