come to grips with (something)

 

come to grips with (something)

= to begin to understand and accept a difficult situation

After the loss of his father, Jeffrey needed time to come to grips with his grief.

Mark took time off to come to grips with the demands of his new role in the company.

As the team reviewed their performance, Susan had to come to grips with the fact that they had not met their goals.

After failing the exam, Susan had to come to grips with the fact that she needed to study harder next time.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "come to grips with (something)":

Synonyms:

Accept (something)

Face (something)

Acknowledge (something)

Deal with (something)

Antonyms:

Avoid (something)

Deny (something)

Ignore (something)

Reject (something)

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

After losing his job, Peter needed time to come to grips with the change. What does "come to grips with" mean here?

A) accept the situation

B) ignore the problem

C) celebrate success

D) forget everything

Quiz Of The Day

 Which preposition completes the phrasal verb so only one answer fits the sentence meaning "investigate"?

"They must look ___ the complaint."

#English

A) for

B) into

C) after

D) of

preliminary

 

preliminary 

(adjective)

= something that comes before a main event

Examples

Mark finished fifth in the preliminary round of the running match.

We are preparing the materials for the coming preliminary meeting.

We are still waiting for the preliminary results because the scoreboard doesn’t work.

Reference

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

Here are a few more examples using "preliminary":

The team conducted preliminary research before launching the project.

She gave a preliminary presentation to gather feedback from her peers.

They held a preliminary discussion to outline the main agenda for the conference.

The results of the preliminary tests showed promising outcomes.

Some synonyms for "preliminary":

Introductory

Initial

Preparatory

Provisional

Foregoing

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

Choose the sentence that correctly uses "preliminary".

#English

A) Preliminary report came.

B) She preliminary danced.

C) He preliminary hungry.

D) They preliminary now.

sedentary

 

 sedentary

= a lifestyle that involves little to no exercise or physical activity  

Mark wants to abandon his sedentary lifestyle by exercising and going jogging three times a week.

Mark想要放棄久坐的生活方式，通過每週三次運動和慢跑來實現。

After realizing the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, Mark decided to take up swimming.

在認識到久坐生活方式帶來的健康風險後，Mark決定開始學習游泳。

To counter his sedentary habits, Mark purchased a standing desk to encourage more movement.

為了對抗他的久坐習慣，Mark買了一個站立式辦公桌，以鼓勵更多的運動。

Susan realized her sedentary lifestyle was affecting her energy levels, so she started taking evening walks.

Susan意識到她的久坐生活方式影響了她的精力，因此開始在晚上散步。

Some synonyms and antonyms for the word "sedentary":

Synonyms

Inactive 

Passive

Sitting 

Antonyms

Active 

Energetic 

Sporty

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

01. Which of the following best describes the term "sedentary"?

A) Characterized by frequent movement and activity, often in social settings

B) Involving prolonged periods of inactivity, typically associated with sitting or lying down

C) Pertaining to a lifestyle that emphasizes vigorous exercise and fitness

D) Marked by frequent changes in location or occupation, often resulting in travel

02. What does "sedentary" mean?

A) Active lifestyle

B) Inactive or sitting

C) Very busy person

D) Always traveling

an eye for an eye

 

an eye for an eye

= if someone causes harm to another person, they should receive a punishment or harm that is equivalent in severity to what they inflicted

The film explores the theme of revenge, illustrating how the cycle of an eye for an eye can lead to further violence.

這部電影探討復仇的主題，展示了以眼還眼的循環如何導致進一步的暴力。

He argued that seeking revenge through an eye for an eye only perpetuates a cycle of hatred and pain.

他主張通過以眼還眼來尋求復仇,這只會延續仇恨與痛苦的循環。

She believed that an eye for an eye would only leave the world more scarred and divided.

她認為以眼還眼只會讓世界更加傷痕累累，分裂不已。

In his speech, he cautioned against the dangers of an eye for an eye, emphasizing the need for forgiveness instead.

在他的演講中，他警告人們要小心以眼還眼的危險，強調了寬恕的重要性。

 

 

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "an eye for an eye":

Synonyms 

Revenge  

Tit for tat

Reciprocal punishment

Antonyms

Forgiveness

Mercy 

Reconciliation

Understanding

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

01. In the sentence, "The film explores the theme of revenge, illustrating how the cycle of an eye for an eye can lead to further violence," what does the phrase "an eye for an eye" imply?

A) Seeking peace through negotiation.

B) Retaliation or revenge that perpetuates a cycle of violence.

C) A fair exchange of goods.

D) The resolution of conflict through forgiveness.

02. What does "an eye for an eye" mean?

A) Equal revenge

B) Protecting yourself

C) Looking closely

D) Being fair always

all the same

 

all the same

= to persist in an action or to maintain a viewpoint regardless of the circumstances or challenges 

It was raining heavily; all the same, we decided to go windsurfing anyway.

雖然下著大雨，我們還是決定去風浪板衝浪。

He didn’t study much for the exam; all the same, he was still in first place.

他為考試準備不多，但還是維持第一名。

The weather was cold and windy; all the same, we enjoyed our picnic in the park.

天氣寒冷且多風，儘管如此，我們在公園裡仍然享受了野餐。

They warned us about the long wait; all the same, we chose to stay and enjoy the restaurant.

他們警告我們需要長時間等候，儘管如此，我們還是選擇留下來享受餐廳的美食。

Some synonyms and antonyms for "all the same":

Synonyms:

Nevertheless 

Nonetheless 

Regardless 

Still 

Antonyms:

Thus  

As a result   

Consequently   

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

01. In the sentence, "It was raining heavily; all the same, we decided to go windsurfing anyway," what does the phrase "all the same" suggest about the decision to go windsurfing?

A) The decision was made out of fear of the rain.

B) The rain was completely disregarded in the decision-making process.

C) Despite the heavy rain, the speaker still felt it was reasonable to windsurf.

D) The decision was postponed due to the weather conditions.

02. What does "all the same" mean? 

A) No matter what

B) All together

C) Very similar

D) Not a problem

come to blows

 

come to blows

= to have a physical fight 

While debating the upcoming election, Susan and her friend nearly came to blows over their conflicting views.

The legislators nearly came to blows while discussing the budget issues in the Legislative Council last week.

During the heated debate, the two candidates nearly came to blows over their differing policies.

At the protest, tensions ran high, and some demonstrators nearly came to blows with the police.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "come to blows":

Synonyms

Fight

Engage in combat

Come to blows with 

Antonyms

Make peace

Resolve differences 

Reach a compromise

Discuss civilly

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

What does it mean when two people "come to blows"?

#English

A) They have a discussion.

B) They start fighting.

C) They shake hands.

D) They ignore each other.

plough

 

plough (or "plow" in American English)

(verb)

= to turn over the soil with a plough

Examples

Mark ploughed the fields early in the morning to prepare for sowing seeds.

We ploughed the driveway after the snowstorm.

 

Do you know how to plough a field properly?

Reference

https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=plough&tl=true

Here are a few more examples using "plough":

The farmer used a modern tractor to plough the land efficiently.

After the heavy rain, they had to plough the fields again to aerate the soil.

She learned how to plough during her summer job on the farm.

They ploughed through the thick snow to reach the cabin.

Some synonyms for "plough" (or "plow"):

turn over

dig

cultivate

furrow

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

What does it mean to plough? 

A) To walk slowly

B) To dig and turn soil

C) To cook food

D) To fix a car

Quiz Of The Day

 Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.

She is interested ___ learning more about history.

#English

A) at

B) in

C) on

D) with

all set

 

all set

= someone is ready or prepared for something  

Are you all set for the exam next week?

你準備好下週的考試了嗎？

My living room is all set for the birthday party tonight.

我的客廳已經為今晚的生日派對準備好了。

The team is all set for the big game this weekend.

團隊已經為這個週末的大賽做好準備。

Susan double-checked her notes and felt all set for the meeting. 

Susan再三檢查了她的筆記，覺得自己已經準備好參加會議。

Some synonyms and antonyms for "all set":

Synonyms:

Ready

Prepared

Organized

Equipped 

Antonyms:

Unprepared

Incomplete

Disorganized

Unready

Not set

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

01. In the context of the question, "Are you all set for the exam next week?", what does the phrase "all set" imply about the person being addressed?

A) They are uncertain about the exam format.

B) They have completely prepared and are ready for the exam.

C) They have not yet started studying for the exam.

D) They are aware of the exam date but lack materials.

02. What does "all set" mean?

A) Ready to go

B) Not prepared

C) Confused about plans

D) Uncertain feelings

Quiz Of The Day

Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.

She placed the book ___ the table.

#English

A) on

B) in

C) under

D) at

all over the map

 

all over the map

= something is widely scattered or spread out in various directions

People from all over the map made their way to see the world championship match.

從世界各地的人們都紛紛前來觀看這場世界冠軍賽。

Her interests are all over the map, ranging from art to science fiction to hiking.

她的興趣廣泛，涵蓋藝術、科幻小說和登山。

During the meeting, ideas were all over the map, making it difficult to reach a consensus.

在會議期間，大家的想法五花八門，讓人難以達成共識。

His thoughts during the conversation were all over the map, jumping from one topic to another without warning.

他在談話中的思緒飄忽不定，毫無預警地從一個話題跳到另一個話題。

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "all over the map":

Synonyms:

Diverse

Varied

Dispersed

Scattered 

Antonyms: 

Consistent

Concentrated

Focused

Homogeneous

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

01. In the context of the sentence, "People from all over the map made their way to see the world championship match," what does the phrase "all over the map" imply about the attendees?

A) They were limited to a specific geographic area near the event.

B) They came from a wide variety of locations and backgrounds.

C) They were confused about how to get to the event.

D) They had a common interest in a specific region's culture.

02. What does the phrase "all over the map" mean?

A) Widely scattered

B) Organized neatly

C) Found in one spot

D) Clearly defined

lend an ear

 

lend an ear

= to listen attentively

Whenever my brother needs advice, I make sure to lend an ear and listen to his concerns.

每當我兄弟需要建議時，我都會確保耐心傾聽他的擔憂。

I always try to lend an ear to my friends when they have problems.

當我的朋友有問題時，我總是努力傾聽他們的心聲。

The social worker is always ready to lend an ear to students in need.

這名社工隨時準備傾聽有需要的學生。

Mark takes the time to lend an ear to his younger sister when she has problems at school.

Mark總是抽出時間，樂意傾聽他的小妹妹在學校遇到的問題。

 

 

Some synonyms and antonyms for "lend an ear":

Synonyms

Listen 

Pay attention

Be attentive

Antonyms

Ignore

Dismiss 

Distract

Tune out 

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

01. In the context of the sentence, "Whenever my brother needs advice, I make sure to lend an ear and listen to his concerns," what is the most accurate interpretation of the phrase "lend an ear"?

A) To provide physical help to someone in need

B) To show empathy by actively listening to someone's problems

C) To suggest someone is talking too much

D) To indicate that you are too busy to help others

02. What does it mean to "lend an ear"?

 

A) To listen carefully

B) To give advice

C) To talk loudly

D) To ignore someone

Quiz Of The Day

 Which of the following sentences is correct?

#English

A) She has went to the store.

B) She had gone to the store.

C) She go to the store.

D) She goes to store.

I could eat a horse.

 

I could eat a horse.

= I feel extremely hungry.

I'm so hungry that I could eat a horse.

Having skipped lunch, Susan felt like she could eat a horse when the dinner bell rang.

Mark's stomach growled loudly, and he joked, "I could eat a horse at this point!

After the long hike, Susan exclaimed, "I could eat a horse!" as she reached for her snacks.

Some synonyms and antonyms for the phrase "I could eat a horse":

Synonyms

I'm starving.

I'm famished.

I'm ravenous.

I'm very hungry.

Antonyms

I'm full.

I'm satisfied.

I've had enough.

I'm not hungry.

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

01. What does the phrase "I could eat a horse" imply?

#English

A) The speaker is planning to eat horse meat.

B) The speaker is extremely hungry.

C) The speaker dislikes horses.

D) The speaker is a vegetarian.

02. What does the phrase "I could eat a horse" generally mean?

#English

A) I'm very hungry.

B) I love horses.

C) I can run fast.

D) I'm a vegetarian.

parish

parish

(noun)

= an area that a church serves

Examples

The parish church in the Cotswolds is spectacular.

The parish held a service to celebrate Christmas.

The parish priest was jailed for a sex attack.

Reference

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

Here are a few more examples using "parish":

The parish community organized a fundraiser for local charities. 

The parish council met to discuss improvements to the church grounds.

Many families in the parish attended the annual picnic.

The parish newsletter included updates on upcoming events and services.

Some synonyms for "parish":

Congregation 

Church district 

Local church

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

What is a parish?

#English 

A) A local church group

B) A city park

C) A history book

D) A sports team