When it rains, it pours

Add comment December 10th, 2008

The correct verb is “pore,” not “pour,” for to pore over a book, records, statistics and the like.

Its formal definitions are “to read or study carefully” and “to think deeply and thoroughly; ponder.” In each case, it takes the preposition “over.”

As a noun, a pore is an opening, as the pores in our skin or in rock or other substances. The adjective is “porous.”

This “pore” probably is the cause for confusion with the homonym “pour,” which is also about flowing fluids. We pour liquids into containers; a heavy rain is a downpour.

Figuratively, it can be used for any such rush or gush, like a crowd pouring into an arena or emotions pouring out when we’re upset or excited.

The slang “pour it on” can mean “to flatter profusely,” “to increase one’s efforts greatly, work very hard, etc.” or “to go very fast.”

The word “poor” doesn’t sound quite the same, but it’s close — sort of a poor man’s homonym.