A Scandal in Bohemia — Page 22 | Contextual Explanations

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And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit.

And: A conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences. [ənd]
that: Referring to a specific event or situation previously mentioned. [ðət]
was how: Indicates the manner or way in which something happened. [wɑz haʊ]
a great scandal: A situation that causes public outrage or disgrace. [ə greɪt ˈskændəl]
threatened: Presented a potential danger or negative outcome. [θˈrɛtənd]
to affect: To have an influence on or impact. [tɪ əˈfɛkt]
the kingdom of Bohemia: A specific kingdom, named Bohemia. [ðə ˈkɪŋdəm əv boʊˈhimiə]
and how: And in what manner. [ənd haʊ]
the best plans: The most well-thought-out strategies. [ðə bɛst plænz]
of Mr. Sherlock Holmes: Belonging to a famous detective. [əv ˈmɪstər ˈʃərˌlɑk hoʊmz]
were beaten: Were defeated or thwarted. [wər ˈbitən]
by a woman’s wit: Through the intelligence and cleverness of a woman. [baɪ ə ˈwʊmənz wɪt]

He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late.

He used to: He had a habit of. [hi juzd tɪ]
make merry: To joke or laugh. [meɪk ˈmɛri]
over the cleverness of women: About the intelligence of women. [ˈoʊvər ðə ˈklɛvərnəs əv ˈwɪmən]
but: A conjunction indicating contrast. [bət]
I have not heard him: The speaker has not heard him. [aɪ hæv nɑt hərd ɪm]
do it: To make jokes about women's cleverness. [du ɪt]
of late: Recently. [əv leɪt]

And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.

And: A conjunction. [ənd]
when he speaks: Whenever he talks. [wɪn hi spiks]
of Irene Adler: About a specific woman named Irene Adler. [əv aɪˈrin ˈædlər]
or: A conjunction indicating an alternative. [ər]
when he refers: Whenever he mentions. [wɪn hi rɪˈfərz]
to her photograph: To the photograph of Irene Adler. [tɪ hər ˈfoʊtəˌgræf]
it is: It. [ɪt ɪz]
always: In every instance. [ˈɔlˌweɪz]
under the honourable title: With the respectful designation. [ˈəndər ðə ˈɑnərəbəl ˈtaɪtəl]
of the woman: Referring to Irene Adler. [əv ðə ˈwʊmən]

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A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle- page 22

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