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

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 

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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

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

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

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

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Which sentence correctly uses "prominent"?

#English

A) Her prominent smile

B) A prominent chef

C) A prominent peak

D) A bright prominent light 

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

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

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

 

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.