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Fortnight

Definition

Fortnight refers to a period of two weeks. It’s a word that is commonly used in British English and some other English-speaking countries. The word "fortnight" Is derived from the Old English term “feowertyne niht,” which literally means “fourteen nights.” In the past, it was a way of measuring time that was widely used, especially before the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar.

Nowadays, the term fortnight is still used in everyday conversation, particularly in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s often used when talking about future plans or when referring to a specific time frame that spans two weeks. For example, if someone says, “I’ll be on vacation for a fortnight,” it means they will be away for a period of two weeks. Or if someone mentions that they have a project deadline in a fortnight, it means they have two weeks to complete it.

Example sentences

I’ll be going on vacation for a fortnight starting next Monday.

The project deadline is in a fortnight, so we need to work efficiently.

We’ll be hosting a fortnight-long festival to celebrate the local culture.

She plans to complete her fitness challenge in a fortnight’s time.

The exhibition will be open for a fortnight, showcasing stunning artwork.

w2u

way2unknown

idioms

"Keep it under wraps" means to maintain secrecy or confidentiality about something. It suggests the need to conceal information or activities to prevent them from being revealed or discovered by others. Whether it's a surprise, sensitive information, or a confidential plan, this phrase emphasizes the importance of discretion and control over who has access to certain knowledge.

Bite off more than you can chew

"Bite off more than you can chew" means taking on more tasks or responsibilities than one can handle effectively, often leading to stress and poor outcomes. This tendency, driven by eagerness to impress, can tarnish one's reputation if the additional workload is not managed well. To avoid this, it’s important to realistically assess your limits and only commit to what you can handle. By doing so, you protect your professional reputation and ensure high-quality results.

I’ll take a rain check on that meeting

By saying “I’ll take a rain check on that meeting,” you’re showing that you value the opportunity to meet or engage in the planned activity, but you need to find a more suitable time in the future.

In the running

The term "in the running" refers to someone or something being a viable contender in a competition or for a position, based on credible qualities or achievements. This status indicates that the person or entity is a serious competitor with a genuine chance of success. Often, those "in the running" display a swagger stemming from confidence in their abilities and a clear understanding of their strengths. Being "in the running" involves standing out in a crowded field through a combination of skill, preparation, and clarity.

Fortnight

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