Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
abducted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
admirable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The admirable Mrs. Considine got married.
all
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From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
avait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
boarding-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
bolt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
bomb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
celibate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
Considine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The admirable Mrs. Considine got married.
constant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
continent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
continents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
conveys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
correspondent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
cosmic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
doesn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
fait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
flamenounUS /fleɪm/
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
forces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
French
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
fresh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
Gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The admirable Mrs. Considine got married.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
happy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
India
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
late
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
license
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
Major-General
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
Margate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
married
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The admirable Mrs. Considine got married.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
metaphor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The admirable Mrs. Considine got married.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
owing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
pair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
phenomenon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
Queen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
recent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
relation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
retiredverbUS /rɪˈtaɪərd/
went away to a private place
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
rubbing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
separate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
special
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
squib-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
standingnounUS /ˈstanding/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
startled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
swashbuckling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
swooped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
tardily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
True
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
trumpery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
twenty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
unlooked-for
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About this time a bolt came from the blue or a bomb fell at our feet--the metaphor doesn't matter so long as it conveys a sense of an unlooked-for phenomenon.
unresisting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
warrior
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading True, in relation to cosmic forces, it was but a trumpery bolt or a squib-like bomb; but it startled us all the same.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a matter of special license, and off went the tardily happy pair to Margate, before we had finished rubbing our eyes.
widower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
à
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A retired warrior, a recent widower, but a celibate of twenty years standing owing to the fact that his late wife and himself had occupied separate continents (_on avait fait continent à part_, as the French might say) during that period, a Major-General fresh from India, an old flame and constant correspondent, had suddenly swooped down upon the boarding-house in Queen's Gate and, in swashbuckling fashion, had abducted the admirable and unresisting lady.
