nail down

 

nail down

= to finalize plans or agreements

We need to nail down the details of the treaty before we announce them to the public.

Mark and his team worked hard to nail down the details of the business proposal before presenting it to the board.

Before signing the contract, Mark wanted to nail down the terms to make sure everyone agreed.

As the semester approached, Susan needed to nail down her course schedule to balance her workload effectively.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "nail down":

Synonyms

Finalize

Secure

Confirm 

Antonyms

Unsettle 

Negotiate

Reconsider

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

What does "nail down" mean?

#English 

A) Secure a decision

B) Remove a nail

Quiz Of The Day

 Which article correctly completes the sentence?

"I want to pursue ___ MBA to enhance my business skills."

#English

A) a

B) an

laser-like

 

laser-like

= to describe something that is focused, precise, or intense

His laser-like determination made him successful.

The team's laser-like strategy helped them achieve their goals efficiently.

His laser-like attention to detail ensured that the project was flawless.

The artist worked with laser-like attention to make each stroke perfect.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "laser-like":

Synonyms

Focused

Intense

Sharp

Precise 

Directed

Concentrated

Antonyms

Distracted

Blurry

Vague

Indirect 

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

What does "laser-like" mean in context?

#English 

A) Focused and precise

B) Bright and shiny

C) Loud and annoying

D) Slow and steady

iron something out

iron something out

= to solve a problem or resolve an issue 

Before finalizing the acquisition, my boss needed to iron out the details of the payment terms.

After reviewing the terms of the contract, Mark thought we should iron out some clauses to protect our interests.

Susan needs to iron out the details of the event schedule.

Before signing the insurance policy, Mark ironed out the payment terms.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "iron out":

Synonyms: 

Fix 

Sort out 

Negotiate

Settle

Antonyms: 

Confuse 

Leave unresolved

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

What does the phrase "iron something out" mean?

#English

A) To resolve a problem

B) To cook a meal

C) To start a business

D) To travel abroad

 

SCHKM

 

Mission complete!

#SCHKM #渣馬

walk (someone) to (somewhere)

walk (someone) to (somewhere) 

(phrase)

= to accompany someone to somewhere

Examples

I’ll walk you to the post office. 

I’ll walk you to the door.

I’ll walk you to the cinema. 

I’ll walk you to the bus stop. 

I walked my daughter to school yesterday morning.

Reference

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

Here are more examples of using "walk (someone) to (somewhere)":

Can I walk you to your hotel?

She walked her friend to the train station before saying goodbye.

He offered to walk me to the library for our study session.

I’ll walk you to the entrance of the park so you don’t get lost.

Some synonyms for the phrase "walk (someone) to (somewhere)":

Accompany (someone) to (somewhere)

Escort (someone) to (somewhere)

Guide (someone) to (somewhere)

Lead (someone) to (somewhere)

Show (someone) to (somewhere)

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

 

Quiz Of The Day

 Choose the correct article to complete the sentence:

"Don't miss out on this amazing deal; it's __ one-time offer that expires at midnight!"

#English

a

an

a far cry from

a far cry from 

= to be completely different from something 

The new restaurant that opened last week is a far cry from the traditional one, offering a modern menu and a unique dining experience.

Mark's new job is a far cry from his previous role in a corporate office; now he works outdoors and loves every minute of it.

The weather today is a far cry from the sunny skies we had last week.

Susan's cooking skills are a far cry from the burnt meals she used to make.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "a far cry from":

Synonyms:

Completely different from

A stark contrast to

Worlds apart from 

A major difference from 

Antonyms:

Similar to 

Quite like 

Not far removed from

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

What does the phrase "a far cry from" mean in the context of comparing two things?

#English 

A) Very similar to

B) Completely different from

C) Quite close to

D) Completely identical to

 

a feather in your cap

a feather in your cap

= an achievement that brings pride 

It is a feather in your cap to play for your country in the World Cup final.

Winning the science fair was a feather in Mark's cap and boosted his confidence.

For Susan, completing her first marathon is a feather in her cap that she will always cherish.

Mark feels that receiving an award for community service is a feather in his cap and encourages him to do more volunteer work.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "a feather in your cap":

Synonyms:

Achievement

Honor

Accomplishment

Badge of honor  

Triumph

Antonyms:

Failure

Disgrace 

Defeat

Disappointment

Shame

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

 

a dark horse

a dark horse

= someone with surprisingly hidden talents 

He is considered a dark horse candidate for the Nobel Prize, as many are unaware of his groundbreaking work.

Susan has always been a dark horse in the art contest, often surprising the judges with her unique and captivating pieces.

Susan is a dark horse in the academic world, quietly producing research that could challenge established theories.

At the last competition, Mark proved to be a dark horse, outperforming more experienced contestants with his unexpected skills.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "dark horse":

Synonyms:

Underdog

Surprise contender 

Hidden talent

Long shot

Unexpected candidate

Wildcard

Antonyms:

Favorite

Front-runner

Established candidate

Leading contender

Obvious choice

Expected winner

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

 

Quiz Of The Day

 I want to enroll in ___ university that offers international studies.

#english 

A) a

B) an

a fair shake

 

a fair shake

= a fair chance for someone to do something

As long as you do your best to play, you will have a fair shake at winning the championship.

In the debate competition, Susan was determined to give each participant a fair shake, ensuring everyone had an equal opportunity to present their arguments.

Mark hopes that his unique project will get a fair shake during the funding review, as he believes it could make a real difference.

The scholarship committee wanted to ensure every applicant received a fair shake, carefully reviewing all submissions without bias.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "a fair shake":

Synonyms:

Fair chance

Equal opportunity

Just treatment 

Fair consideration

Proper opportunity

Unbiased chance

Antonyms:

Unfair advantage

Inequitable treatment

Biased chance

Discrimination

//

What does "a fair shake" mean?

#English

A) Equal treatment

B) To mix thoroughly

C) A type of dessert

D) A quick decision

//

When someone asks for "a fair shake," they want:

#English

A) Honesty and fairness

B) More information

C) A physical gesture

D) A chance to speak

trajectory

 

trajectory

(noun)

= the path that an object follows as it moves

= the development of path over time

Examples

We calculated the trajectory of the spacecraft to determine where it would land on the Moon.

The predicted trajectory of the flow is incorrect.

Inflation continues its upward trajectory.

Reference

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

Here are more examples of using "trajectory":

Scientists are studying the trajectory of the comet as it approaches Earth.

Her academic trajectory has been impressive, leading to several awards and recognitions.

The company's sales trajectory has shown significant growth over the past year.

Understanding the trajectory of social media trends is crucial for marketers.

Some synonyms for the word "trajectory":

Path

Course

Route

Track

Direction

Progression

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

In physics, what does 'trajectory' describe?

#English

A) Total distance

B) Path of an object

C) Speed limit

D) Initial force

a cut above

 

a cut above

= superior or better than others in quality, skill, or performance

This university is a cut above the others in Hong Kong, offering many advanced programs and having dedicated professors.

In the world of software development, Mark is a cut above the rest, consistently delivering innovative solutions that exceed expectations.

Susan’s artwork is a cut above, showcasing her unique style and meticulous attention to detail that captivates all who view it.

When it comes to basketball, Mark is a cut above, displaying skills and athleticism that set him apart from other players in the league.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "a cut above":

Synonyms:

Superior

Exceptional

Outstanding

Higher quality 

Antonyms:

Inferior 

Mediocre

Below par

Substandard 

Common

Run-of-the-mill

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

What does the phrase "a cut above" imply?

#English

A) Just average

B) Of lower quality

C) Superior in quality

D) Completely different

give my two cents

give my two cents

= to offer one's opinion or advice

I’d like to give my two cents on the project: I think we should focus more on product innovation.

In my opinion, if I may give my two cents, we should choose a restaurant with outdoor seating.

I want to give my two cents about the new park regulations; I believe they could encourage more community involvement.

I’d like to give my two cents regarding the presentation; adding more visuals could enhance understanding.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "give my two cents":

Synonyms:

Offer my opinion

Share my thoughts

Give my perspective

Contribute my views

Suggest

Antonyms:

Remain silent

Keep my opinion to myself

Not comment

Withhold my thoughts

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

What does "give my two cents" mean?

#English

A) Share my thoughts

B) Lend a dollar

C) Keep it secret

D) Ignore the issue

 

water under the bridge

 

water under the bridge

= past events or issues that are no longer considered important

Susan and Mark had a big argument last year, but that's all water under the bridge now. They are friends again.

After an intense rivalry in college, the players regarded those days as water under the bridge when they reunited for a charity match.

After their disagreement about the project, they decided it was just water under the bridge and moved on.

The missed flight was frustrating at the time, but now it's just water under the bridge since we enjoyed the rest of our trip.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "water under the bridge":

Synonyms:

Past issues

No longer relevant

Irrelevant concerns

In the past

Antonyms:

Current issues

Ongoing problems

Still relevant

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

When would you use "water under the bridge"?

#English

A) In a serious argument

B) To resolve past issues

C) During a fun event

D) To plan for tomorrow

snake oil salesman

snake oil salesman

= a person who deceives others by selling worthless or ineffective products or services  

Beware of this snake oil salesman, as he is trying to sell you pills that claim to cure cancer immediately.

The market is filled with snake oil salesmen promising overnight success for anyone willing to invest their money.

Always do your research before buying from a snake oil salesman; not all products are as effective as they claim.

After falling for a snake oil salesman in an online ad, he learned to be more cautious about what he believed.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "snake oil salesman":

Synonyms:

Fraudster

Con artist 

Scammer 

Swindler 

Antonyms:

Honest seller

Reputable merchant

Trustworthy vendor

Legitimate businessperson

Credible supplier

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

In the sentence, "Beware of this snake oil salesman, as he is trying to sell you pills that claim to cure cancer immediately," what does "snake oil salesman" mean?

#English

A) A trustworthy doctor

B) A dishonest vendor

C) A cancer researcher

D) A pill manufacturer

 

Proofreading

 Which one is grammatically correct?

Sentence 1: Mark wished everyone a joyful and prosperous Happy New Year last night.

Sentence 2: Mark wish everyone a joy and prosperous Happy New Year last night.

#English

Happy New Year!

 

I wish you all a wonderful year and a healthy life in 2026!