For representative purposes.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images
What is the meaning of ‘play lights out tennis’? (Sreekala Reddy, Hyderabad)
In everyday contexts, the expression ‘lights out’ is mostly used to mean ‘to switch the lights off’. In army barracks, newly enlisted soldiers are expected to be in bed at a specific time. ‘Lights out at 10’ means that all lights will be switched off at that time. The expression ‘play lights out’ is mostly used in the context of sports. When you say that Alcaraz played lights out tennis in last year’s Wimbledon final, what you mean is that he played exceptional tennis. His performance was so dominant, that his opponent’s paled in comparison — the match was rather one sided. When one player plays ‘lights out’ tennis, the other is left floundering in the dark. The expression can be used with any sport.
Bumrah’s lights out bowling performance in the second Test helped India win the match against England.
In the 1990s, Michael Jordon had many lights out shooting performances.
What is the difference between ‘reign in’ and ‘rein in’? (Rajinder Singh, Delhi)
‘Reign’ and ‘rein’ are pronounced like the word ‘rain’. ‘Rein’ can be used both as a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, it refers to the long leather strap put around the mouth of a horse which the rider uses to control the animal — its direction, speed, etc. When you ‘rein in an animal’ what you are doing is pulling the reins in order to slow the animal down or change the direction in which it is moving.
Being a novice, Chandru didn’t know how to rein in the horse.
The expression ‘rein in’ can be used in other contexts as well. For example, when you rein in your emotions, what you are trying to do is to keep your emotions under check — you are attempting to keep them under control. Similarly, when you ‘rein in’ an individual, you are attempting to control someone who is perhaps behaving badly.
The Government is attempting to rein in inflation.
‘Reign’, like the word ‘rein’ can be used both as a noun and a verb. When you talk about a King’s ‘reign’, what you are talking about is the number of years he ruled. The word can be used in other contexts as well.
She reigned as Queen for well over 50 years.
His reign as CEO was rife with scandals.
The expression ‘reign in’ does not exist; it is always ‘rein in’.
How is the word ‘endeavour’ pronounced? (Gowtham Sankar, Dharmapuri)
This rather formal word consists of three syllables. The first ‘en’ is pronounced like the word ‘in’, while the next two syllables rhyme with the word ‘never’. The word is pronounced ‘in-DEV-e’ with the stress on the second syllable. It comes from the Middle English ‘endeveren’ meaning to ‘exert oneself’ in order to fulfil one’s duty. Nowadays, the word is mostly used to mean to put in your best effort while attempting to do something.
Despite the political pressure, the university is endeavouring to protect the rights of students!
Guests are expected to make every endeavour to be on time for the ceremony.
‘Endeavour’ is best avoided in informal contexts — unless you wish to sound pompous. ‘Attempt’ and ‘try’ are better suited for informal contexts.
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Published – June 30, 2025 08:30 am IST
