Rebecca
"Any" here means "any type of", and "type of" is implied. "Any" is used this way in all types of English, not only British English.
04/12
1
Isn't "sweet and sour" a name of dish? Does "sweet and sour" have two meanings in this song?
Ed Sheeran is likely making a reference to the "all-you-can-eat" restaurant mentioned earlier in the verse. He mentions that they "fill up a plate," and talk for hours about the "sweet and sour." Sweet and sour is a flavor commonly found in Chinese buffets, but can also be a metaphor for the sweet (good) and sour (difficult, bad) things in life. The clue to this is the lyric that follows after, "how your family is doing okay." You don't need to take this as an example of how "sweet and sour" is normally used. Song lyrics often use expressions in non-conventional ways, like this song.
2
Is the word "gravitas" commonly used?
The word "gravitas" refers to having "seriousness" and "dignity". It is not a common word to use in English, especially in day to day conversations. It is a very formal word and many native English speakers may not even know what it means. Ex: He has the gravitas of a philosopher.
3
What does "cook-off" mean? Also, what does "-off" mean?
A "cook-off" refers to a cooking competition or battle. The suffix "-off" means a competition! Especially when the competition is a tiebreaker or a final competition. Ex: John and I had a cook-off to see who was the better cook. Ex: I love the scene when the two dance crews have a dance-off.
4
Is "side" being used as an emphasis? Is there any difference in meaning between "stayed by her" and "stayed by her side"?
"Side" is being used for emphasis here, however there is also a slight difference in meaning between "stayed by her" and "stayed by her side". To stay by someone's side" is an expression that refers to keeping up with them or going where they go. "Side" is also used here to specify the location of something. If something is at your "side", it usually means it is right next to you. To say "stayed by her" on the other hand does not specify this location and would just express that something was close to another thing.
5
What's "give birth" here mean? Is it a commonly used expression?
"Give birth" means to have a baby. It literally means to push a baby out of a mother's womb. It is a common expression. Ex: My dog gave birth to 6 little puppies. Ex: She gave birth to twins.
Complete the expression with a quiz!
