English is Full of Contradictions
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English is Full of Contradictions


There are many sayings in English that are inherent contradictions, where two words that have opposite meanings come together to form a phrase. See these curious examples:

  1. clearly misunderstood

  2. pretty ugly

  3. seriously funny

  4. only choice

  5. original copies

  6. jumbo shrimp

  7. found missing

  8. open secret

  9. act naturally

  10. exact estimate

  11. liquid gas

  12. working holiday

Can you think of more? Share them with us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook, or email: annabel@ardorlearning.com

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