Tuesday, 31 March 2026

anxiety

 







anxiety
= a feeling of fear, worry, and uneasiness 

The jockey felt a wave of anxiety before the big prize competition.
這名騎師在大賽前感到一陣焦慮。

The upcoming exam causes significant anxiety for Susan.
即將來臨的考試讓Susan感到相當焦慮。

He practices mindfulness techniques to help reduce his anxiety in stressful situations.
他練習正念技巧以幫助減少在壓力情況下的焦慮。

The doctor recommended relaxation exercises to alleviate her anxiety before the surgery.
醫生建議她在手術前進行放鬆練習,以減輕焦慮。 


Some synonyms and antonyms for the word "anxiety":

Synonyms
Worry
Fear
Unease
Nervousness 

Antonyms
Calm
Peace
Serenity
Confidence
Assurance 

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


01. What does the term "anxiety" refer to?

A) A state of calm and relaxation

B) A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome

C) A strong feeling of happiness or joy

D) A physical condition that requires medical treatment


02. What does "anxiety" mean?

A) a feeling of worry

B) a sudden joy burst

C) calm and peaceful

D) strong appetite






Monday, 30 March 2026

weather the storm

 






weather the storm 
= to endure a difficult situation

After losing an important client, the company still managed to weather the storm and set a revenue record this year.
在失去一個重要客戶後,這家公司仍然成功度過難關,並創下了今年的收入記錄。

Even when their project hit major obstacles, Mark and Susan were determined to weather the storm.
即使他們的項目遇到重大障礙,Mark和Susan仍然決心挺過難關。

When Mark lost his job, he worked hard to weather the storm and find a new opportunity.
當Mark失去工作時,他努力度過難關,尋找新的機會。

Mark and his friends helped each other weather the storm during the rough times.
Mark和他的朋友在艱難時期互相幫助,共同渡過難關。


Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "weather the storm":

Synonyms
Endure
Survive 
Get through 

Antonyms
Give up
Surrender
Quit 

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


01. What does "weather the storm" metaphorically mean?

A) To prepare for bad weather conditions

B) To endure and survive a difficult or challenging situation

C) To predict weather changes accurately

D) To ignore problems until they go away


02. After losing key clients, the small shop had to __________ until sales improved.

A) weather the storm

B) call in the rain

C) paint the clouds

D) cancel business




Friday, 27 March 2026

prominent

 







prominent 

(adjective)
= well known and important

Examples

Michael Jordan is one of the top 15 most prominent athletes of all time.

The prominent statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in the sports center attracts many visitors.

Mark held a prominent position in my company, overseeing several key projects around the world.

Reference

Here are a few more examples using "prominent":

She is a prominent figure in the field of environmental science.

There are several prominent landmarks to visit in the city.

His prominent contributions to the community earned him several awards.  

Some synonyms for "prominent":

Notable
Renowned
Distinguished 
Outstanding

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


Which sentence correctly uses "prominent"?

#English

A) Her prominent smile
B) A prominent chef
C) A prominent peak
D) A bright prominent light 




Thursday, 26 March 2026

work to rule

 







work to rule
= a form of protest where employees strictly adhere to their job descriptions and do only the tasks required, intentionally avoiding any extra duties or efforts 

The factory workers decided to work to rule as a protest against low salaries, poor living conditions, and unsafe work environments.
工廠工人決定按章工作,以抗議低工資、惡劣的生活條件和不安全的工作環境。

Mark chose to work to rule after feeling undervalued at his job, ensuring he only completed his assigned tasks without taking on additional responsibilities.
Mark在感到自己在工作中受到低估後,選擇按章工作,確保他只完成分配給他的任務,而不承擔額外的責任。

Mark's decision to work to rule sparked a movement among his coworkers, as they all sought fair treatment and recognition for their efforts.
Mark決定按章工作的做法激發了同事們的運動,他們都尋求公平對待和對自己努力的認可。

As a part-time worker, Susan decided to work to rule after realizing that she was often being asked to cover extra shifts without additional pay.
作為一名兼職工人,Susan在意識到自己經常被要求額外上班且不會獲得額外報酬後,決定按章工作。
 

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "work to rule":

Synonyms:
Work to contract  
Minimal effort
Job description only

Antonyms:
Exceed expectations
Go above and beyond
Work extra hours 

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


01. "The factory workers decided to work to rule as a protest against low salaries, poor living conditions, and unsafe work environments."

In the context of labor relations, what does the phrase "work to rule" mean, as illustrated by the following sentence?

A) The workers decided to put in extra hours to complete their tasks.

B) The workers chose to follow all company rules strictly to highlight issues without breaking any regulations.

C) The workers refused to follow any rules as a sign of defiance against management.

D) The workers organized a walkout to demand higher wages immediately.


02. When employees "work to rule," they usually:

A) Do only required tasks

B) Take long paid vacations

C) Ignore all instructions

D) Start new projects






Wednesday, 25 March 2026

regress

 




regress
= to return to a previous state, often implying a decline 

After several successful years, the football team began to regress because of injuries to its star players.
在幾個成功的年頭後,這支足球隊因為明星球員的受傷而開始退步。

The company started to regress in its market share after losing focus on customer service.
這家公司在失去對客戶服務的關注後,市場份額開始倒退。

If the software isn't updated, it may regress in functionality over time.
如果這個軟體不進行更新,隨著時間的推移,它的功能可能會退步。

If you stop exercising regularly, your fitness level will likely regress.
如果你停止定期運動,你的體能水平可能會退步。


Some synonyms and antonyms for "regress":

Synonyms:
Decline
Deteriorate
Revert 
Backtrack

Antonyms:
Advance
Progress
Improve 
Develop

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


01. Which sentence best demonstrates the verb "regress"?

A) After a year of hard work, the team achieved its goals and celebrated their success.

B) When faced with too much pressure, the young student began to behave like a toddler again.

C) The athlete consistently improved their performance and broke new records.

D) Following weeks of training, the musician played flawlessly at the concert.


02. After the new policy, employee performance began to regress. What does "regress" mean here?

A) Improve steadily

B) Move backward

C) Stay the same

D) Speak loudly













Tuesday, 24 March 2026

sleep with the fishes






sleep with the fishes
= to be dead, often implying that someone has been killed and their body disposed of, particularly in water 

He slept with the fishes after he was murdered.
他被謀殺後沉屍海底。

The gang leader threatened that anyone who betrayed him would end up sleeping with the fishes.
這名幫派首領威脅說,任何背叛他的人都會死掉。

The villain said he would make the hero sleep with the fishes.
這個壞人說他會讓這個英雄死掉。

He knew too much, and now he's going to sleep with the fishes.
他知道的太多了,現在他就快要死掉。


Some synonyms and antonyms for "sleep with the fishes":

Synonyms:
Be killed
Be murdered
Rest in peace 
Die

Antonyms:
Survive
Live 
Thrive 

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

Which of the following interpretations best captures the idiomatic expression "sleep with the fishes"?

A) To indulge in leisure activities by the water

B) To experience a tranquil death surrounded by nature

C) To face an untimely demise, often with a connotation of violence or retribution

D) To enter a deep slumber after a long day of fishing