Monday, 4 August 2025

verdict

 verdict

= a formal decision made by a jury in a court of law


The jury's verdict was unanimous, leading the judge to declare the defendant not guilty.


The defense attorney expressed disappointment with the verdict, stating that they would appeal the decision.


The defendant maintained their innocence even after the jury delivered a guilty verdict.


Some synonyms for "verdict":


Decision

Judgment

Ruling 

Conclusion


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

flip side


flip side 
= the opposite side of a situation, concept, or argument 
情況、概念或論點的對立面;

The new environmental policy encourages more people to preserve the environment, but on the flip side, it may lead to increased costs for the government.
新的環保政策鼓勵更多人保護環境,但反面而言,這可能會導致政府成本增加。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS





 

follow your heart


follow your heart
= to encourage someone to trust their instincts, feelings, or desires when making decisions
跟隨你的心;

After years of working in finance, Mark finally decided to follow his heart and travel the world.
在金融行業工作了多年後,Mark終於決定跟隨他的心,環遊世界。

After years of being an accountant, Lisa decided to follow her heart and pursue her passion for graphic design.
經過多年擔任會計師,Lisa決定跟隨自己的心聲,追尋對平面設計的熱情。

When Mark was offered a job in a foreign country, he chose to follow his heart and embark on an adventure instead of staying in his hometown.
當Mark收到一份在國外工作的邀請時,他選擇跟隨他的心,開始一段冒險,而不是留在家鄉。

Even though her parents wanted her to become a doctor, Susan decided to follow her heart and study music instead.
儘管她的父母希望她成為醫生,Susan決定跟隨她的心,轉而學習音樂。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS



 

Friday, 1 August 2025

Holy cow!

Holy cow!


= an informal exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment, or amazement 


Holy cow! I can’t believe she won the lottery last week!


Holy cow! Look at the size of that pizza!


Holy cow! Did you see how fast he ran that marathon?


Holy cow! She just got a promotion at work!



Some synonyms for "holy cow" that convey surprise or astonishment:


Wow!

Oh my goodness! 

No way!

Incredible!

Amazing!

Holy moly! 

What on earth! 


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS


plucky



plucky 
= brave 

English Odyssey 

Examples

This movie featured a plucky hero. 

After a loss last week, the plucky football team returned to their winning ways.

It was plucky of you to go bungee jumping.

Reference
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plucky



Here are more examples of using "plucky":

The plucky young girl stood up to the bully without hesitation.

In the face of adversity, the plucky community rallied together to rebuild.

It takes a plucky spirit to start a business in such a competitive market.



Some synonyms for "plucky":

Brave
Courageous
Bold
Daring
Fearless

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS












 

Thursday, 31 July 2025

dog days



dog days 
= the hottest and most humid days of summer, often occurring between early July and early September in many regions 
夏天最熱的日子;

During the dog days of summer, we often go swimming at the beach.
在夏天最熱的日子裡,我們常去海灘游泳。

It’s too hot to do any outdoor activities during the dog days of summer.
夏天最熱的日子,不適合任何戶外活動。

During the dog days of summer, Peter goes to Australia to avoid the heat and see his grandson.
炎炎夏日,Peter來到澳洲避暑探望孫子。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS





 

backfire


backfire
= to have the opposite effect of what someone expected 
= 產生與某人預期相反的效果。

例子

The restaurant's cost-cutting plan backfired, resulting in lower food quality and poorer customer service, which led to fewer customers dining there.
餐廳的削減成本計劃反效果,導致食物質量下降和顧客服務變差,最終使得就餐顧客減少。

She attempted to deny the scandal, but it backfired when her best friend turned against her.
她試圖否認這一醜聞,但當她最好的朋友背叛她時,她的努力就適得其反了。

Mark tried to impress his boss with a bold idea, but it backfired when the project was deemed too risky and got rejected.
Mark試圖用一個大膽的想法來打動他的上司,但當這個項目被認為風險太高而被拒絕時,這個計劃反效果了。

She thought that ignoring her friend's calls would make her friend miss her more, but it backfired and led to a complete breakdown in communication.
她以為忽略朋友的電話會讓朋友更想念她,但結果適得其反,導致溝通徹底中斷。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS



 

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

fish or cut bait

 fish or cut bait


= to make a decision or take action instead of hesitating or procrastinating


The fund manager needs to decide whether to subscribe to this IPO today. It’s time to fish or cut bait.


We have been talking about moving to Japan to live for a few months. I think it’s time to fish or cut bait.


The team has been brainstorming ideas for weeks. It’s time to fish or cut bait and choose a direction for the project.


We’ve been talking about planning a vacation for months, but nothing’s been booked yet. It’s time to fish or cut bait and make a decision.


The coach needs to decide whether to stick with the current strategy or try something new. It’s time to fish or cut bait before the playoffs start.



Some synonyms and similar phrases for "fish or cut bait":


Make a decision

Take action 

Decide or defer

Act or abandon


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

cut the mustard

 cut the mustard

= to meet expectations or perform well


I set a goal to run a marathon this year, and after months of training, I believe I can cut the mustard.


After several interviews, I'm confident that my skills and experience will help me cut the mustard for this position.


The band practiced tirelessly, and their performance last night showed they can definitely cut the mustard.


Everyone contributed their best ideas, and together we really cut the mustard on this project.


Some synonyms for "cut the mustard":


Meet expectations

Perform well

Succeed

Stand out 

Live up to the standard


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Monday, 28 July 2025

flair


flair
= a natural talent, skill, or instinctive ability to do something well 
才能;自然的天賦、技能或本能的能力,能夠做好某事;

Mark has a flair for football.
Mark對足球有才能。

Mark draws pictures with great imagination and a unique flair.
Mark畫畫時擁有豐富的想像力和獨特的才能。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS






 

by and large


by and large
= for the most part 
總的來說;

By and large, the online game was a success, despite a few bugs.
總的來說,這款在線遊戲是成功的,儘管有一些小問題。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS



 

Friday, 25 July 2025

mucky

 



mucky 
= dirty  

English Odyssey 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jeffrey.cytc.en_odyssey 

Examples

Your hands are all mucky. 

The ground was very mucky after the typhoon.

My kids were all mucky after playing football.

Reference
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucky



Here are more examples of using "mucky":

After the rain, the trails became quite mucky and hard to walk on.

She didn't want to wear her new shoes because the playground was too mucky.

He wiped the mucky surface of the table before setting down the food.



Some synonyms for "mucky":
Dirty  
Filthy 
Grimy 
Soiled  
Messy  

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS












vice versa

 vice versa


= (a Latin phrase) the statement holds true when the order of the elements is reversed


Susan helps me with my studies, and vice versa.


Mark always supports me during tough times, and vice versa.


I often prepare dinner for my family, and vice versa.


We enjoy exploring new places together, and vice versa.



Some synonyms for "vice versa":


Conversely

The other way around

In reverse

Reciprocally


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Thursday, 24 July 2025

flail


flail
= to move your arms or legs in a wild, uncontrolled manner  
以狂野、不受控制的方式移動你的手臂或腿;

The baby flailed his arms and legs on the floor because he was hungry.
因為餓了,寶寶在地板上揮舞著手臂和腿。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS





 

bursting at the seams


bursting at the seams
= very crowded or overly full
過於擁擠;

The shopping mall was bursting at the seams with shoppers eager to buy bargains last Sunday.
在上星期日,這間購物中心擠滿了渴望購買便宜貨的顧客。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS



 

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

versatile

 versatile
= capable of adapting or being used for many different purposes. 

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, salads, and French fries. 

The duties of a versatile restaurant employee encompass food preparation, basic cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the dining area.

Basketball is a versatile sport that can be played indoors or outdoors and accommodates various team sizes.

Eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be scrambled, boiled, poached, or used in baking.

Communication skills are versatile and can enhance one's effectiveness in personal relationships, business negotiations, and public speaking.

Some synonyms for "versatile":

Adaptable
Flexible
Multifunctional
All-purpose
Variable

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

embargo

 embargo

= a government order that restricts trade with a specific country, often for political or economic reasons



The government imposed an embargo on the country for violating basic human rights laws.


The United States has maintained an embargo against Cuba for decades, citing concerns over human rights and political repression.


An embargo was placed on oil exports from the region, leading to significant increases in global oil prices.



Some synonyms for "embargo":


Ban

Prohibition

Restriction 

Sanction


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Monday, 21 July 2025

fizzle out



fizzle out
= to gradually come to an end 
漸漸結束;

Many countries began to lift the mask mandates when the pandemic started to fizzle out.
隨著疫情逐漸消退,許多國家開始解除口罩令。

Mark was passionate about playing basketball at the beginning, but it fizzled out after a few weeks.
Mark一開始對打籃球充滿熱情,但幾週後就逐漸消失了。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS




 

burn a hole in someone’s pocket

 


burn a hole in someone’s pocket
= to describe someone is eager to spend money
形容某人有錢就想花;

After getting the bonus at the end of the year, it felt like the money was burning a hole in his pocket. He couldn’t resist buying a luxury watch.
在年底獲得獎金後,他有錢就想花。他無法抗拒去購買一隻奢華手錶。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS



Friday, 18 July 2025

for the birds


for the birds  
= not important

English Odyssey 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jeffrey.cytc.en_odyssey 

Examples

This conference is for the birds. It’s a waste of time.

That idea is just for the birds.

I can’t believe you spent so much time on painting stones; it’s just for the birds.

Reference
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/for+the+birds


Here are more examples of using "for the birds":

The new policy seems for the birds; it won’t make any real difference.

He thinks his latest invention will change the world, but I believe it’s for the birds.

Spending hours arguing about the color of the walls is just for the birds.


Some synonyms for "for the birds":
Not worth it 
Pointless 
Trivial 
Unimportant  
Waste of time  
Insignificant

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS












 

Thursday, 17 July 2025

creation

 


creation
= the process of bringing something new into existence
作品;

His latest creation is a chair made entirely from recycled cans.
他最新的創作是一張完全由回收罐頭製成的椅子。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS






bulge

 


bulge
= to swell or protrude outward 
膨脹;

The balloon began to bulge when I tried to pump air into it.
當我試著往氣球裡充氣時,氣球開始膨脹。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS



Wednesday, 16 July 2025

in the hot seat

 in the hot seat

= being in a difficult or uncomfortable situation where one faces pressure, scrutiny, or criticism


The CEO was in the hot seat when all the reporters questioned him about his company's corruption scandals.


During the debate, the politician found himself in the hot seat as voters pressed him on his controversial policies.


The coach was in the hot seat after his team's disappointing performance in the championship game.


She felt in the hot seat when her colleagues confronted her about the project's delays.


Some synonyms for "in the hot seat":


Under scrutiny

In the spotlight

Facing pressure

In a tight spot

On the hot seat


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

devastating

 devastating

= causing a lot of damage or destruction.


The earthquake had a devastating impact on the city, leaving many buildings destroyed.


The wildfire had a devastating effect on the local wildlife, destroying habitats and endangering species. 


Her departure from the team was devastating, leaving everyone feeling lost and demoralized. 


The economic downturn had a devastating impact on small businesses, forcing many to close their doors. 



Some synonyms for "devastating":


Destructive

Catastrophic

Ruinous

Calamitous

Shattering


#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS


Monday, 14 July 2025

consolation

 


consolation
= something that provides comfort or relief to someone who is feeling sad, disappointed, or distressed
安慰;

After losing the first round of the tennis game, her best friend offered her some words of consolation to lift her spirits.
在輸掉網球比賽第一輪後,她最好的朋友對她說了一些安慰的話,讓她振作起來。

#English #Vocabulary #EnglishLearning #Grammar #英単語 #英語学習 #TOEIC #IELTS