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incumbent (paid)

  • Dave Wilton

Dave Wilton

15 Apr 2026 • 3 min read
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Wooden plaque listing the incumbent rectors of St. Edmond’s Church, Costessey, England, 1213–1996

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A desi man in a suit standing at a lectern in front of 10 Downing Street, London
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desi (paid)

20 May 2026 4 min read
Photo of a dead carp, lying on the ground with a hook in its mouth, next to a rod and reel

on/off the hook

20 May 2026 The phrases on the hook and off the hook have had various meanings over the centuries. Of course, there are many literal uses of the phrases, but the figurative ones extend from on the hook metaphorically meaning to be ensnared or entrapped, like a fish on an
20 May 2026 3 min read
Photo of a hawk used in falconry, perched wearing a hood and belled leash

haggard

18 May 2026 The adjective haggard today is generally used to describe someone who presents an emaciated, worn, weary, or disheveled appearance. But the original sense of the word is quite different, coming from the sport of falconry. The word was borrowed into English in the mid sixteenth century from
18 May 2026 4 min read
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