3 ms·

Funny how 'drug' in English is a homonym for at the same time bad recreational substance and good one to cure illness. In German it's Droge and Medikament

• cachius 2mo ago
  TIL I learned about Janus words that have two opposite meanings depending on context, also known as contronyms or auto-antonyms: Cleave: To split apart ('cleave the wood') or to adhere closely ('cleave to one's principles') Sanction: To give official permission/approval or to impose a penalty/ban Oversight: Watchful supervision or an unintentional mistake/omission Dust: To remove fine particles ('dust the shelf') or to sprinkle them on ('dust the cake with sugar') Bolt: To secure firmly in place or to run away suddenly Clip: To fasten together ('clip the papers') or to cut off ('clip the coupon') Fast: Moving quickly or fixed firmly in place ('stuck fast') Left: Departed (verb) or remaining (adjective) Screen: To display/show ('screen a movie') or to hide/conceal Weather: To withstand or endure ('weather the storm') or to wear away/deteriorate over time Peruse: To read carefully and thoroughly or to skim casually Trim: To decorate/adorn ('trim the tree') or to cut away excess ('trim the hedges') Rent: To pay for the use of something or to receive payment for allowing someone to use something Table: In British English, to propose for discussion; in American English, to postpone or remove from discussion