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。

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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。

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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

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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

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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。

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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。

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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  

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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

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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。

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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。

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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

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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

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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。

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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。

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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

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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。

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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。

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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

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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

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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。

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avert

 

avert

= to prevent something bad or undesirable from happening 

避免；

The government and the Taxi Drivers and Operators Association finally reached an agreement to avert a strike last week.

政府與計程車司機及業者協會最終達成協議，以避免上週的罷工。

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by a nose

 

by a nose  

= to win by a very small amount

English Odyssey 

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

Examples

I just won the game by a nose. 

In the marathon, Mark won the race by a nose, narrowly beating his rivals.

The horse I bet on won by a nose.

Reference

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20a%20nose

Here are more examples of using "by a nose":

The team won the championship match by a nose, securing their title in the final seconds.

In the final lap, the cyclist pulled ahead and won the race by a nose.

The chef's dish won the competition by a nose, impressing the judges just a bit more than the others.

Some synonyms for "by a nose":

By a whisker

By a hair

Narrowly

By a slim margin

Just barely

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a penny for your thoughts

 a penny for your thoughts

= to inquire about someone's thoughts or opinions

I can see you're worried. A penny for your thoughts—what's bothering you?

You’ve been quiet for a while. A penny for your thoughts on the new project?

You’ve been staring out the window for a while. A penny for your thoughts about our vacation plans

I noticed you're contemplating something serious. A penny for your thoughts on what to do next?

Some synonyms and alternative phrases for "a penny for your thoughts":

What’s on your mind?

I'd love to hear your opinion.

Care to share your thoughts?

What are you thinking?

Tell me what you're pondering.

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confine

 

confine

= to keep someone or something within limits or to restrict them to a certain area or boundary 

限制; 關押;

The hostage had been confined in a small room for more than three months.

人質被關押在一間小房間裡已有三個多月了。

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