mother of

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The best or greatest of a type, as in That was the mother of all tennis matches. This expression originated during the Gulf War as a translation of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's term umm al-ma'arik, for “major battle”; the Arabic “mother of” is a figure of speech for “major” or “best.” It was quickly adopted and applied to just about any person, event, or activity. [Slang; late 1980s]

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby mother of

mother liquor, mother lode, motherly, mother-naked, Mother Nature, mother of, mother of coal, Mother of God, Mother of Parliaments, mother-of-pearl, mother-of-pearl moth

How to use mother of in a sentence

A mother-of-three is believed to have become the first woman in Britain to die directly from cannabis poisoning.
British Mother ‘Poisoned’ To Death By Pot|The Telegraph|January 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the same time period, mother-of-eight Kate Gosselin scored the second-highest single issue circulation for OK!
The 10 Highest-Earning Reality Stars|Lauren Streib|December 6, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The mini-collection will feature a bridal gown and a mother-of-the-bride frock.
Chelsea's Wedding Dress Knockoff|Claire Howorth|August 2, 2010|DAILY BEAST
It must have been the window-panes, for he was anxious to get the most beautiful mother-of-pearl he could find.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade

But the face of the Sovereign of the waters shone with a light more tender than either the mother-of-pearl or the crystal.
Honey-Bee|Anatole France
Also an antique brass snuff-box inlaid with mother-of-pearl turned up but little injured.
The Sinn Fein rebellion As I Saw It.|Mrs. Hamilton Norway
In the corners stood carved cupboards, damascened with ebony and mother-of-pearl.
The Precipice|Ivan Goncharov
In Figure 66 are shown two fine examples of Oriental lacquer-work ornamented with gold and inlaid with mother-of-pearl flowers.
The Old Furniture Book|N. Hudson Moore