bloomer

Everyday

1. (UK, informal) A silly mistake. tree →
2. (UK) A large loaf of white bread with diagonal cuts on top. tree →
3. Bloomers (plural): long, loose knickers or trousers once worn by women and girls, now old-fashioned or joking. tree →
4. A plant that flowers: a late bloomer; also a person who develops later than others. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British talk, «I made a right bloomer» means a funny mistake. In bakeries, a bloomer is a loaf. In stories set in the past, girls wear bloomers. «A late bloomer» is a kind phrase for someone who succeeds or grows up later. Phrases: make a bloomer, late bloomer.

Examples

• (UK) I made a real bloomer and called my teacher Mum. tree →
• Could I have a bloomer loaf, please? tree →
• My grandma's old photo shows girls in bloomers. tree →
• He was a late bloomer but became a great runner. tree →
• These roses are early bloomers. tree →
• The newsreader's bloomer made everyone laugh. tree →

Note

The mistake sense is mainly British. Bloomers (underwear) is always plural. A late bloomer is a compliment, not an insult.