Chapter 3: The Rocking-horse Winner

a. The proverb arises from the falconry tradition, which conveys that no matter how many falcons are present in a bush, what really matters is the falcon in the possession, even if it is one single falcon.

b. Both Oscar and Paul decide to give 5,000 pounds to Hester by providing her with 1,000 pounds on every birthday. She gets more curious and requests the lawyer if she can have all the 5,000 pounds at once. Paul decides to give it all at once to his mother to free her from debt and says that he can make more with the amount which is left. The uncle cautions the boy that it is not good to give what he had right now, as the possibility of winning in the next race would depend on luck. Anyways, Paul was confident to know about one of the three upcoming races and gave the money to his mother.

– When a person is very certain about something.

If you do not deal with the problem now, then sure as eggs you will have to regret later.

– To tell an imaginary or interesting story.

He was spinning a yarn about his employee gambling all of his money.

– Worthless or useless.

After I was passed over for that promotion, it was like my two-year plan just turned to dust.

Smile – It is a facial expression which indicates happiness.

Grin – It is a broad smile which indicates pleasure.

Grimace – It is an expression which shows disapproval.

Sneer – It is a facial expression which indicates that one has no respect for somebody.