(1) QARSHI, Uzbekistan, Oct. 17 - Uzbekistan seems like such an unlikely ally - a country most Americans couldn't
place on a map or, at best, remember as a part of the former Soviet Union.
Does " place on a map" equal to "put on the map"?
(2) You could save up to 40% on your home insurance with Direct Line
15%
introductory discount for all new home insurance customers.
What's "introductory discount"?
(3)
Caught in the Middle East
Caught is the past participle of catch. But what does "caught" mean here?
I guess the catch here means "to ignite".
(4)
Regarding "practical joke"
At least about 10 words can mean "practical joke" in certain context, they are: gambade, hoax, hotfoot, legpull, mischief, monkeyshine, prank, quiz. But there is someone who claims the one which is being most commonly used is "
escapade". But I think escapde means "An adventurous, unconventional act or undertaking", different to "practical joke", which means "A mischievous trick played on a person, especially one that causes the victim to experience embarrassment, indignity, or discomfort."
Any opinion appreciated.
Thanks.