In literal use, gadfly refers to any of various flies (such as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock. Gadfly is most popular in figurative use, however, where it refers to someone who provokes or annoys other people, especially by persistent criticism.
To glean is to gather or collect something bit by bit, or in a gradual way. Glean can also be used to mean “to search (something) carefully” and “to find out.”
// Neil has a collection of antique tools gleaned from flea markets and garage sales.
// They spent days gleaning the files for information.
// The police used old-fashioned detective work to glean his whereabouts.
To countermand an order is to revoke it, especially by giving a new order.
// Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded by local officials.
If someone or something is appealingly lively and enthusiastic, they may also be described as ebullient.
// Akua's ebullient personality made her the life of the party.
money; cash.
To belie something is to give a false idea or impression of it. Belie can also mean "to show (something) to be false or wrong."
// Martin's easy banter and relaxed attitude belied his nervousness.
// Their actions belie their claim of innocence.
A neophyte is a person who has just started learning or doing something.
// As an acting neophyte, Femi took a while to adjust to his newfound Hollywood fame.
An effort, action, or emotion described as futile has no result or effect, and therefore serves no useful purpose.
// City officials attempted to stifle the scandal, but their efforts were futile.
a soft, white cheese similar to cream cheese, made from whole or partly skimmed milk in Neufchâtel, a town in N France.
Something described as lucrative produces money or wealth. //
The author parlayed the success of her books into a lucrative second career as a public speaker