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lend
Distance lends enchantment (to the view).
Prov. Things that are far away from you appear better than they really are. Jill: High school was the happiest time of my life. Jane: But that was fifteen years ago. I think distance lends enchantment to the view.
lend a hand
(to someone) Go to lend (someone) a hand.
lend an ear to someone or something
and lend your ear to someone or somethingFig. to listen to someone or what someone has to say. Lend an ear to me and I will tell you a story. Lend your ear to what I am saying.
lend color to something
Fig. to provide an interesting accompaniment for something. Your clever comments lent a great deal of color to the slide show of your vacation. The excellent master of ceremonies will lend color to an otherwise dry panel discussion.
lend oneself or itself to something
Fig. [for someone or something] to be adaptable to something; [for someone or something] to be useful for something. This room doesn't lend itself to bright colors. John doesn't lend himself to casual conversation. I don't think that this gown lends itself to outdoor occasions.
lend (someone) a hand
and lend a hand (to someone)Fig. to give someone some help, not necessarily with the hands. Could you lend me a hand with this piano? I need to move it across the room. Could you lend a hand with this math assignment? I'd be happy to lend a hand.
lend someone a hand with something
Fig. to help someone with something. (This need not involve "hands.") Could you please lend us a hand with this? Can I lend you a hand with that?
lend something out (to someone)
to allow someone to borrow something. I lent my tuxedo out to a friend who was going to a dance, and now I haven't anything to wear to the opera. I lent out my copy of the book. Sorry, I lent it out.
lend something to someone
to make a loan of something to someone. Never lend money to a friend. Would you be able to lend your coat to Fred?
Lend your money and lose your friend.
Prov. You should not lend money to your friends; if you do, either you will have to bother your friend to repay the loan, which will make your friend resent you, or your friend will not repay the loan, which will make you resent your friend. Bill: Joe needs a hundred dollars to pay his landlord. I'm thinking about lending it to him. Alan: Lend your money and lose your friend.
lend an ear to somebody/something
to listen carefully and with understanding to someone or something Bush lent an ear to a group of oil executives who came to the White House. Aunt Rosalie lent a sympathetic ear to my troubles.
give somebody a hand
also give a hand to somebody to help someone If you have any trouble with your homework, I'll be glad to give you a hand. She tries to give a hand to those in need of help.
lend a (helping) hand
also lend somebody a hand to help do something Jay expected his children to lend a hand where they were needed.
lend itself to something
to be good for a particular use It was surprising how well her book lent itself to being turned into a film.
give somebody a hand
to help someone do something, especially something that involves physical effort (often + with ) Could you give me a hand with these boxes, Mike? Let me know when you're moving and I'll give you a hand.
lend an ear
to listen carefully and in a friendly way to someone, especially someone who is telling you about a problem If you have any problems, go to Claire. She'll always lend a sympathetic ear.
lend (somebody) a hand
to help someone do something, especially something that involves physical effort Could you lend me a hand with these books? He's always willing to lend a hand in the kitchen.
give a hand
1. Also, lend a hand. Help a person, as in Let me give you a hand with those chairs, or Jane is always willing to lend a hand with refreshments. [Mid-1800s]
2. Also, give a big hand. Give an enthusiastic round of applause, as in Please give her a hand. One can also be given applause or get a big hand, as in This speaker always gets a big hand. [Early 1800s]
lend a hand
Also, lend a helping hand. Be of assistance, as in Can you lend them a hand with putting up the flag, or Peter is always willing to lend a helping hand around the house. [Late 1500s]
lend color to
Embellish, especially to give the appearance of truth. For example, I'm sure he lied about reaching the summit; that detailed account about losing his pack merely lent color to the story . This expression uses color in the sense of "appearance of authenticity." [Late 1700s]
lend itself to
Adapt to, be suitable for. For example, The Bible lends itself to numerous interpretations, or This plot of land lends itself to a variety of uses. [Mid-1800s]
lend one's ear
Also, lend an ear. Pay attention, listen, as in "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears" (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, 3:2). This idiom may be obsolescent. [Late 1300s]
lend a hand
To be of assistance.
lend (itself) to
To accommodate or offer itself to; be suitable for: "The presidency does not lend itself to on the job training" (Joe Biden).
Common Names:
| Name | Gender | Pronounced | Usage |
|---|
| Rosalinda | | ro-sah-LEEN-dah (Spanish), ro-zah-LEEN-dah (Italian) | Spanish, Italian |
| Ajax | | ['eidʒæks] | |
| Liisi | | LEE:-see (Finnish) | Finnish, Estonian |
| Giselle | | zhee-ZEL (French), ji-ZEL (English) | French, English (Modern) |
| Jodene | | JO-deen | English (Rare) |
| Silvius | | - | Late Roman, Roman Mythology |