QB 18 June 2020

Vocabulary: a conundrum (noun)

means

a. a musical instrument played in Latin America

b. a confusing and difficult problem

c. a gathering of people at a festival

Idiom:

to face the music

means

a. to see the good side of someone

b. to understand what the song is telling us

c. to accept responsibility for doing something wrong

Grammar:

Which is correct?

a. I asked to my boss for the day off.

b. I asked at my boss for the day off.

c. I asked my boss for the day off.

Vocabulary: a conundrum (noun)

means

b: a confusing and difficult problem / also "an amusing riddle (puzzle)"

Example:

I have a problem; it's a real conundrum. I have to figure out how to work from home while also looking after my three young children.

Example of a riddle conundrum:

Five apples are in a basket.  How do you divide them among five girls so that each girl gets an apple, but one apple remains in the basket?

Interesting fact: Conundrum is the name of a California wine with "mysterious, tropical notes and amazing versatility". (http://www.conundrumwines.com/story/)

Idiom:

to face the music

means

c. to accept the consequences of doing something wrong / to accept responsibility for doing something wrong / to accept criticism for doing something wrong

Examples:

• You made a mistake, so you have to face the music with your boss.

• The student made a bad mark on his test and had to go home to face the music. His parents were very upset with him.

• Go on; it's time to face the music. If you own up to your mistake now, it will be easier.

Grammar:

Which is correct?

c. I asked my boss for the day off.

*There is no preposition after "ask".