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Software Vault: The Gold Collection
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Software Vault - The Gold Collection (American Databankers) (1993).ISO
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INTRO.DOC
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1993-06-01
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^WHAT IdioMagic IS ALL ABOUT^
^What is an idiom?^ An idiom is a way of saying something that is unique
to a given language. It is an expression that adds up to more than the sum of
its parts, and it cannot be literally translated.
Idioms run the gamut from simple phrases, such as "catch on," to complex
metaphors, such as "make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." You will never
catch on to what "catch on" means just by looking up the definitions of "catch"
and "on," because the combination has a special meaning all its own.
^Why learn idioms?^ Native speakers of a language use idioms all the time.
They are the grease that makes language flow. You will often be embarrassed
and frustrated if you can't understand the idioms a person is using. In some
cases, misunderstanding can lead to disaster. Communication is everything!
Suppose, at a job interview, the interviewer says to you, "Let's get the
ball rolling. When can you start?" Do you answer "As soon as I can find a
ball," or "Tomorrow?" Your choice may determine whether you can pay the rent
next month.
~A strong knowledge of idioms will help you to be a better speaker and
negotiator.~ And you'll be in a much better position to take advantage of the
opportunities, financial and otherwise, that come your way.
^How can IdioMagic help?^ ~IdioMagic is an idiom teaching and reference
software.~ It contains more than five hundred practical idioms. They come up
all the time--in conversation, newspaper stories, TV and radio shows.
~IdioMagic has many features designed to help you learn each idiom as
completely as possible.~ You learn what the idiom means and how it might be
used in conversation. You can then strengthen your understanding with quizzes
and exercises. Sometimes we show you synonyms and antonyms of the idiom.
Often, we clue you in on something "extra" about an idiom, a comment on its
meaning, usage or origin. This is a special feature of IdioMagic that can tell
you more about an idiom than most native English speakers know themselves.
~IdioMagic is a handy reference as well.~ The dictionary feature lets you
look up an idiom. The thesaurus lets you find desirable idioms by entering a
"concept word," which is an ordinary word related to the conceptual meanings of
the idioms you wish to find. This "intelligent" feature should prove to be
especially helpful when writing.
~IdioMagic is fun, flexible, and easy to use.~ You can review the same
material as often as you like, or skip from one lesson to another as the spirit
moves you. ~It's like a teacher, a classroom, and a reference set~ all rolled
into one. It really is magic.
So...let's get the ball rolling, shall we?