Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[ysw1990]

Sentences and phrases below are from the magazine, 'Economist'.

1. If Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is anything to go by, ~~

-> Is there any difference bewteen 'polular' and 'populous'?
-> I don't know the meaning of the phrase, 'is anything to go by'.

2. Private enterprise and freer markets have been given more of a head.

-> What is the meaning of 'given more of a head'?

3. A was voted out of office.

-> Does the sentence means that people compelled A to abdicate from his or her position?





I am always really thankful for your kindness and helpfulness!

[CP]

1. Popular means liked by many people. Populous means filled with many people.

Anything to go by means anything to use as a rule, or a guide. So a paraphrase: "If Nigeria is a good example, . . . ."

2. When a rider gives a horse its head, the rider lets the horse go where it wants to go -- maybe finding the easiest way down the hill, or going straight back to the barn. For your sentence, a paraphrase might be, "Private enterprise and freer markets have been allowed to operate with fewer restrictions and restraints.

3. It usually means that someone else was elected over A.
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