Hly2004  +  194502 Thu, 09 Feb 06 08:21 AM (1) Why does "from time to time" means "sometimes"? (from the last time to the next time?) Are the two exactly the same? (2) Why  does "off the cuff"means "without preparation" or "impromptu"? Hly2004 Joined on Sun, Nov 20 2005 Regular Member 717

	Mister Micawber  +  194626 Thu, 09 Feb 06 01:51 PM 1-- it's idiomatic, but I suppose it means something like what you said:  this time, then nothing, then that time.  Yes, they are essentially synonymous: from time to time; sometimes; occasionally; now and then, etc. 2-- The apocryphal origin is in the businessman who was suddenly asked to give a speech, and wrote a few notes quickly on the cuff of his shirt, to which he could refer if necessary.  Hence the speech was presented 'off the cuff'. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,807 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'