loom

 

loom 

(verb)

= to imply that something significant is approaching

Examples

The economic downturn looms over the country.

Storm clouds loomed on the horizon, signaling an approaching storm.

Some problems that loom ahead may be solved next week.

Reference

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom

Here are more examples of using "loom":

As deadlines approach, the pressure of exams looms over the students.

As the election date draws near, tensions loom among the candidates.

As winter approaches, the threat of severe weather looms for many regions.

Some synonyms for the verb "loom":

 

Approach

Threaten

Hover  

Envelop

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shuteye

shuteye

= sleep

睡眠；

I think I need to get some shuteye before going to the birthday party tonight.

我想我需要先小睡一會兒，然後才能去今晚的生日派對。

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spiffy

 

spiffy

= attractive or stylish in appearance

吸引人的。

Mark showed up at the jockey club in a spiffy suit to discuss his horse with his trainer.

Mark穿著一套時尚的西裝出現在馬會，與他的練馬師討論他的馬。

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weekend warrior

 weekend warrior

= someone who engages in intense activities or sports on the weekends

After a long week at the office, he transforms into a weekend warrior at the gym, pushing himself to lift heavier weights. 

Are you free this weekend? I’m planning to go mountain biking with some other weekend warriors!

As a weekend warrior, he looks forward to every Saturday morning when he can hit the trails for a long run.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "weekend warrior."

Synonyms:

Recreational athlete

Weekend athlete

Amateur sports enthusiast

Casual competitor

Leisurely sportsman/sportswoman

Antonyms:

Couch potato 

Homebody 

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on a roll

 on a roll

= to be experiencing a period of success or good luck

The basketball team has been on a roll lately, winning five consecutive games.

After winning three consecutive matches this month, my favorite football team is on a roll this season.

He’s been studying hard and is on a roll, earning high grades in every subject.

After winning several matches online, he's definitely on a roll in his favorite video game.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "on a roll":

Synonyms: 

On a winning streak 

Riding high

In full swing

Antonyms:

Off course

In a slump

Experiencing setbacks 

In a downturn

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sizzle

sizzle

= to make a hissing sound like food cooking in a hot pan

發出（油炸食物在熱鍋中煮時的）嘶嘶聲；

The bacon is sizzling in the pan.

煙肉在平底鍋裡嘶嘶作響。

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jockey for position

jockey for position

= to compete for a favorable position 

在競爭中，個人或團體為了獲得更有利的地位而進行的策略性活動。

Before the fireworks, many tourists were jockeying for position to secure the best view.

在煙火綻放前，許多遊客爭相佔據最佳位置，以獲得最佳觀賞效果。

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look up to someone

look up to someone 

(phrasal verb)

= to admire or respect someone

Examples

I have always looked up to Mark for his courage.

Susan looks up to her teachers for their life wisdom.

We sometimes look up to our boss for direction and motivation.

Reference

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/look%20up%20to

Here are more examples of using "look up to someone":

As a young athlete, I always looked up to my older brother for his dedication and skill.

Many students look up to their coaches for guidance and support.

She looks up to her grandmother, who has overcome many challenges in life.

Children often look up to their parents as role models in their development.

Some synonyms for the phrase "look up to someone":

Admire

Respect 

Esteem 

Honor

Idolize

Appreciate

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take the plunge

take the plunge

= to decide to do something after thinking about it for a long time 

冒險一試；

After weighing the pros and cons for a few months, Susan finally took the plunge and went to New Zealand on a work visa.

經過幾個月的權衡利弊後，Susan終於下定決心，持工作簽證前往紐西蘭工作。

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trait

trait

= a distinguishing characteristic or quality, typically belonging to a person, animal, or thing

特徵;

Blue eyes and a big nose are rare traits in his family.

藍色眼睛和大鼻子在他的家族中是罕見的特徵。

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mend your fences

 mend your fences

= to repair or improve relationships

After their argument, they decided it was time to mend their fences and talk things over.

The two neighboring families had been feuding for years, but last weekend they finally came together to mend their fences.

Following the scandal, the politician worked tirelessly to mend his fences with the community.

After months of silence, Lisa decided to mend her fences with her former colleague over lunch.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "mend your fences":

Synonyms

Repair relationships

Reconcile

Restore harmony

Make amends

Heal rifts

Resolve conflicts

Antonyms

Create division

Burn bridges

Foster conflict

Alienate

Deepen disagreements

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dog-eat-dog

 dog-eat-dog

= a highly competitive environment where individuals are willing to do anything, often ruthlessly, to achieve success

In a dog-eat-dog market, AI companies must continuously innovate new products to stay ahead of the competition.

In the dog-eat-dog world of corporate mergers, companies often engage in aggressive tactics to outperform their rivals.

The entertainment industry is a dog-eat-dog realm where talent alone is not enough to guarantee success.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "dog-eat-dog":

Synonyms:

Cutthroat 

Ruthless 

Competitive 

Fierce 

Antonyms:

Cooperative 

Supportive  

Harmonious

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return in droves

to return in droves

= to come back in large numbers or groups 

成群結隊地返回;

After the pandemic, the government hopes that Chinese tourists will return in droves.

疫情過後，政府希望中國遊客能大批回來。

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pay top dollar

to pay top dollar

= to pay a high price for something 

支付高額費用;

Mark was willing to pay top dollar for that Michael Jordan card with a gold signature because it was the only one in the world.

Mark願意花高價購買那張帶有金色簽名的Michael Jordan卡，因為這是世界上獨一無二的。

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insurrection

insurrection 

(noun)

= an act of rebellion or uprising against an established authority 

Examples

During the armed insurrection, many people quickly fled to nearby countries.

The insurrection led to the collapse of the government.

The police investigated the president for insurrection charges.

Reference

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurrection

Here are more examples of using "insurrection":

The insurrection was fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling regime.

After the insurrection, the country faced years of instability and conflict.

Historical records show that the insurrection was met with a heavy military response.

Many leaders were arrested in the aftermath of the failed insurrection.

Some synonyms for the noun "insurrection":

Rebellion

Uprising 

Revolution 

Resistance

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Possessive Forms

 Possessive Forms

Possessive forms are used to indicate ownership or belonging. They help clarify who something belongs to and are essential for clear communication.

Examples

My:

I cannot find my wallet, and it is slowly driving me insane.

(‘my' shows that the wallet belongs to 'me'.)

Their:

You should give them confidence to tackle the difficult customers and support in their actions.

(‘their' indicates that the actions belong to ‘them'.)

His:

Jeffrey has forgotten to bring his computer to the office.

(‘his' shows that the computer belongs to 'Jeffrey'.)

Our:

"Someone has been in our house!" said my parents.

(‘our' indicates that the house belongs to ‘my parents’.)

His:

Mark lost his watch somewhere in the school.

(‘his' shows that the watch belongs to 'Mark'.)

Additional Examples

Her:

Lisa baked her favorite cake for the party.

(‘her' indicates that the cake belongs to 'Lisa'.)

Its:

The dog wagged its tail happily.

(‘its' shows that the tail belongs to 'the dog'.)

Your:

Is this your book on the table?

(‘your' indicates that the book belongs to 'you'.)

Conclusion

Using possessive forms correctly helps make your sentences clear and precise. They are an essential part of everyday language, allowing us to express relationships and ownership effectively.

drain the swamp

 drain the swamp

= to eliminate corruption

The new CEO's main goal is to drain the swamp by cutting down on waste and improving efficiency across all departments.

If we want real change, we must support leaders willing to drain the swamp and challenge the status quo.

Many voters are seeking candidates who promise to drain the swamp and reduce the influence of lobbyists in government.

After the recent scandal, the board decided to hire a new management team to drain the swamp and restore trust with the shareholders.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "drain the swamp":

Synonyms:

Eliminate corruption

Root out dishonesty

Clean up

Reform

Purge 

Antonyms:

Perpetuate corruption

Allow dishonesty

Ignore 

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rout

 

rout

= to defeat an opponent completely 

擊潰敵人;

The Chinese table tennis team routed all of their opponents during the World Table Tennis Championship.

中國乒乓球隊在世乒賽大勝所有對手。

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ruddy

ruddy

= a healthy, reddish color, often associated with a healthy complexion or rosy cheeks  

紅潤的;

After running for two hours in the sun, Mark's cheeks were ruddy and glowing.

在陽光下跑了兩小時後，Mark 的臉頰紅潤亮麗。

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lipstick on a pig

 lipstick on a pig

= to making superficial or cosmetic changes to something in an attempt to make it seem more attractive or acceptable, while the underlying flaws or issues remain unchanged  

The company tried to improve sales by changing only the packaging, but it was just lipstick on a pig; the product still had many quality issues that needed to be addressed. 

The school painted the old classrooms and added new signs, but it was just lipstick on a pig; the outdated facilities still needed major renovations.

The restaurant updated its menu design, but it was just lipstick on a pig; the food quality hadn’t improved at all.

The tech company released a new software update that looked nice, but users felt it was just lipstick on a pig because the major bugs remained.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "lipstick on a pig":

Synonyms:

Cosmetic changes

Window dressing

Surface-level improvements

Superficial fixes 

Antonyms:

Genuine improvement

Real change

Substantial reform

Meaningful enhancement

Fundamental solution

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all that jazz

 all that jazz

= "and other similar things" or "etcetera"

He loves to talk about his hobbies—music, painting, and all that jazz.

She enjoys outdoor activities—hiking, biking, camping, and all that jazz.

The meeting will cover our goals, strategies, and all that jazz.

The event will feature live music, food, drinks, and all that jazz.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "all that jazz":

Synonyms

Etcetera

And so on

And everything else

All that stuff

Antonyms

Nothing else

Just that

No more

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revamp

revamp

= to renovate, improve, or revise something 

修改;改建;

The company decided to revamp its office to provide a better working environment for its employees.

該公司決定改造辦公室，以便為員工提供更好的工作環境。

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put your foot down

put your foot down

= to take a decisive action to prevent a situation that you disagree with 

堅決反對;

When discussing the buyout scandal involving the company, the CEO put his foot down, stating that no buyouts or acquisitions would occur this year.

在討論涉及公司的收購醜聞時，首席執行官堅決反對，聲明今年不會進行任何收購或合併。

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blue-blooded

 blue-blooded

= someone who comes from a royal or noble family 

Mark expected his son to marry someone blue-blooded to maintain the family’s status.

Throughout history, blue-blooded families often held significant power and influence in society.

Despite her love for a commoner, Sarah felt pressured to find a blue-blooded partner, as her parents insisted on maintaining their prestigious lineage.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "blue-blooded":

Synonyms

Aristocratic

Noble

Elite

Patrician

Highborn

Antonyms

Common

Ordinary

Lowborn

Proletarian

Working-class

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in pursuit of

in pursuit of 

(phrase)

= trying to achieve something 

Examples 

The scientist conducted lots of painstaking research in pursuit of new discoveries.

Mark moved to Japan in pursuit of a better retirement lifestyle.

She would do anything in pursuit of wealth and success.

Reference

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20pursuit%20of

 

Here are more examples of using "in pursuit of ":

The artist traveled the world in pursuit of inspiration for her next masterpiece.

In pursuit of better health, he adopted a new diet and exercise routine.

The journalist worked tirelessly in pursuit of the truth behind the scandal.

They launched a campaign in pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Some synonyms for "in pursuit of":

In search of

In quest of 

Chasing

Aiming for

Seeking

Working towards

Hunting for

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