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
= 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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= 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
= 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
= 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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authorize
= to grant permission for something
批准;
I authorized my friend to get my runner's pack at the marathon carnival.
我授權我的朋友在馬拉松嘉年華去領取我的跑手包。
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first and foremost
= the most important point
First and foremost, safety must be our top priority when undertaking the construction project.
First and foremost, customer satisfaction is our primary goal in this business.
First and foremost, education is essential for personal and professional growth.
First and foremost, time management is crucial for meeting project deadlines.
Some synonyms and alternative phrases for "first and foremost":
Primarily
Most importantly
In the first place
First of all
Chiefly
Above all
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fall on my sword
= to admit defeat and take responsibility for a mistake or failure
After missing the sales target, Mark decided to fall on his sword and take full responsibility for the team's shortcomings.
After their team lost the championship game, the coach fell on his sword, admitting that his strategies had not been effective.
Realizing she had been unfair to her friend, Lisa decided to fall on her sword and apologize for her behavior.
After receiving a poor grade on the exam, Tom fell on his sword and approached his professor to discuss what he could have done differently.
Some synonyms and similar phrases for "fall on my sword":
Take the blame
Own up
Accept responsibility
Face the music
Take the heat
Admit defeat
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abruptly
= in a sudden and unexpectedly way
The match ended abruptly, leaving the audience feeling frustrated.
The lights turned off abruptly, plunging the room into darkness.
The train came to a halt abruptly, causing passengers to move forward.
The meeting ended abruptly, leaving everyone surprised.
Some synonyms for "abruptly":
Suddenly
Unexpectedly
Quickly
Instantly
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quirk
= an unusual habit or characteristic that makes someone different from others
One of his quirks is putting salt on an apple before eating it.
She has a charming quirk of always wearing mismatched socks.
Her quirk for organizing her books by color rather than genre surprises her friends.
She has a delightful quirk of telling a joke before every meeting to lighten the mood.
Some synonyms for the word "quirk":
Eccentricity
Characteristic
Trait
Habit
Peculiarity
Freak
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