Word of the Day

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

Funambulist

[fyoo-NAM-byoo-list]Part of speech: noun

Origin: latin, 19th century

• A tightrope walker
• One who demonstrates mental agility

Examples of Funambulist in a sentence

• The star of the circus was the funambulist dancing high above the crowd on a tightrope.
• He earned his reputation as a funambulist by winning the trivia competition 10 weeks in a row.

About Funambulist

The literal definition of "funambulist" is tightrope walker. In Latin, "funis" means rope and "ambulare" is to walk. In ancient Rome, tightrope walking was a popular sight at public markets and gatherings. Today, you could see a funambulist at the circus, or you could use the figurative meaning to describe anyone with skilled mental prowess.

Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Illya Kuryakin was known for his ability to walk along narrow girders, but handling a tightrope was another story. He insisted he just wasn't a funambulist to his partner.

"Funambu-what?" Napoleon asked.

"A tightrope walker you blockhead."

"Oh go on tovarisch you can do it. It's easy."

"If it is so easy Napoleon, then you do it."

"No thanks, I'm not looking to die." Solo quipped.

"Well neither am I." Illya pointed to Mark Slate. "Let him do it."

"Do what mates?"

"Nevermind," Napoleon said as he waved for them to follow him out from the circus tent.

[pfrye.livejournal.com]

Illya Kuryakin was like a funambulist to anyone who interrogated him, be it THRUSH or the ladies of UNCLE. He would weave a story, hide facts in fiction, misdirect, change course. No one could follow his thoughts or answers. Illya preferred keeping his past and his present to himself. Napoleon thought his partner was a mystery wrapped in an enigma.