dictaphone
A precursor to the tape recorder and often found in older movie scenes taking place in a business office, the dictaphone allowed users to start, pause, restart and stop speech which was recorded onto a cylinder disc for later playback.
whitewash
To try to make someone or something appear more admirable than it really is.
liability
Bearing legal responsibility.
femme fatale
A female character considered essential to the film noir genre who is characterized by an irresistible allure that drives men to commit criminal acts.
knock off
To murder someone.
double indemnity
The provision for doubling the compensation covered by an insurance policy when specific conditions are met, such as in the event of an accidental death.
imperative
essential
actuary
An expert in statistical analysis
peevish
Petulant; irritable and cranky
vestibule
An entrance hall or foyer.
heap
Slang term for an old car.
bereavement
A period of grieving following the death of a loved one.
bicarbonate of soda
baking soda; used as a treatment of indigestion or heartburn.
through the wringer
being subjected to a prolonged and exhaustive experience
hunch
A gut feeling; a conclusion arrived at through instinct rather than deduction.
delirious
being in a feverish state marked by cognitive and sensory impairments.
homicide
The deliberate and unlawful killing of another person, but not synonymous with murder, with requires intent.
audacity
An especially brash sort of boldness.
alleged
accused of doing something, but not yet proven guilty through evidence.
sufficient
The quality of being adequate or appropriate; an ample supply.
gas chamber
The place of execution in prisons in which the manner of execution was to kill through exposure to poisonous gas.
loathe
A deep and profound hatred.
shill
A conspirator in an illegal act who must pretend not to be acquainted with accomplices.
confidential
Off the record; not for public consumption; private.
