Words in Roald Dahl's "Matilda"

Empty writing was excused by an empty stomach, and twaddle was consecrated by tears.... —Eliot, George School teachers suffer a good deal from having to listen to this sort of twaddle from proud parents.

I might even delve deeper into natural history.

They grow up as the sole focus of doting parents. Seattle Times (Jan 10, 2013)

The parents looked upon Matilda in particular as nothing more than a scab.

Her mind was so nimble and she was so quick to learn.

Sitting quietly by herself in a cosy corner devouring one book after another.

She resented being told constantly that she was ignorant and stupid when she knew she wasn't.

The experience had clearly chastened Mr Wormwood.

She burst into the room, brandishing her knife.

In the matter of wit, he is an epicure, and only appreciates dainty food. O'Rell, Max

Note to management: eating dainty tacos that dissolve in my hands does not make me feel like a man.

Plus, you will be amazed by 9-year-old tap dancing prodigy Luke Spring. —Seattle Times (Dec 13, 2012) Words like child-genius and prodigy went flitting through her head.

Seventy cardinals, some tearful, sat in solemn attendance — and gave him a standing ovation at the end of his speech. —Salon (Feb 28, 2013) She looked again at the small girl with bright eyes standing beside her desk so sensible and solemn.

She had never come across a five-year-old bfore, who could multiply with such facility.

Matilda, who was perched on a tall stool at the kitchen table, ate her bread and jam slowly.

... and her eyes had become scorching hot, hotter than ever before

After lunch, the class reassembled.

Was this really where her neat and trimly-dressed school teacher lived?

"You seemed so far away," Miss Honey whispered, awestruck.

And now, here was Matilda sitting in the classroom with a curiously exhalted look on her face.

Movies based in India that gain popularity overseas are most often replete with vibrancy and color. New York Times (Jun 5, 2012)

Earlier on, they had sensed impending disaster.

During one memorable Australian tour I wore a complete 18th-century Mozart costume including powdered wig, silk frock coat, breeches, tights and buckled shoes.

On her feet she wore flat-heeled brown brogues with leather flaps.