halimaw
halimáw with stress marks
beast; monster
Usage Note
Halimaw is used to describe fearsome mythical creatures in Filipino folklore, but in everyday speech it has been extended colloquially to mean someone extraordinarily skilled — 'halimaw sa basketball' means a basketball beast. Context makes the meaning clear.
Examples
" May halimaw sa ilalim ng kama. "
Natural Translation
There is a monster under the bed.
Literal Translation
Has monster at under of bed.
" Ang halimaw sa kwento ay takot na takot ang mga bata. "
Natural Translation
The children were very afraid of the monster in the story.
Literal Translation
The monster in-the story is very-feared the children.
" Bagaman maliit lang siya, isa siyang halimaw sa basketbol kapag nasa loob na ng korte. "
Natural Translation
Although he is small, he is a beast at basketball once he is inside the court.
Literal Translation
Although small only he, one he-[linker] beast in basketball when at inside already of court.
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