PE 12/9 Jen Lee Speech – Part 2

But I will say that, during those years, while I could admire Jason’s comfortable acceptance of himself, his motivating spirit, I was not quite ready to let go of doubt for myself.

* let go of: to stop focusing on something in your life

ex> It’s time you let go of the pain you experienced in the past and start living your life again.

And over the course of a decade I settled back into life, but I also unknowingly slipped back on those lenses of doubt.

* slip back on: to put something back onto one’s body or personality

ex> My daughter slipped back on her “angry teenager” persona when our guests arrived.

Because I wanted to go so badly; but feared I wasn't good enough.

* want something so badly: to desire something so greatly

ex> Jake wanted to go out with Mary so badly it kept him awake at night.

The only reason I sent in that application was because of Jason. He was reminder that if there was a chance to live the life I wanted, I owed it to him to go for it. And I got in.

* owe it to someone: to be obligated to do something for someone

ex> You owe it to yourself to take a day off from time to time.

ex> Don’t’ tell me I owe it all to you. I worked hard to get to where I am.

PE 12/8 Buying Snow Tires for the Car

But it was the middle of summer, go figure! Now that we need it, the prices are sky high.

* go figure: how strange

ex> By the time I got to the doctor I had stopped coughing. Go figure!

* sky high: very expensive

ex> Gas prices have gone sky high since last summer.

Well, we don’t have much choice. We’re between a rock and a hard place.

* be between a rock and a hard place: to be in a difficult situation with no easy solution

ex> When my boss told me to do something and my wife said not to, I was between a rock and a hard place.

Okay, I’m sold. Let’s order these and schedule a time to have them installed.

* sell someone on something: to convince about something

ex> His girlfriend sold him on the idea that they should get married.

We’d better step on it, look at the satellite map on the weather channel!

* step on it: increase one’s speed

= get a move on; pick up the speed; move fast

ex> When you are on the on-ramp of an interstate, you’d better step on it or you’ll be in trouble.

PE 12/5 You Brought Our Son Way Too Many Gifts!

That’s a nice sentiment, but did you have to go overboard?

* go overboard: to do something in an excessive or exaggerated way

ex> I think the decorator went overboard with her use of leather.

Either way, I think you should return at least half of what you bought. I don’t want Christ to turn into a spoiled brat!

* either way: to suggest that both possible choices are equally good or bad

= At any rate; One way or another; In any case

ex> It’s your choice, but either way, you’re going to have to drop one class this semester.

* spoiled brat: a child whose every whim or wish is provided for; a selfish child with poor manners

ex> Timmy was a spoiled brat because his rich grandparents indulged his every desire.

If I did, would you seriously hold a grudge against me for long?

* hold a grudge: to retain one’s anger for something someone else did in the past

ex> Unlike most young girls, Tabitha never held a grudge against her peers when they made mean comments.

Don’t try me! I might not talk to you for a whole hour if you do!

* don’t try me: do not test me; do not challenge my decision

ex> Don’t try me! I’m tired and not in the mood for jokes.

PE 12/4 Montpelier, Vermont – the Smallest State Capital in the U.S.

Oh! This is a really cute little town. It seems like every place we've been to in Vermont has been quaint like this.

* quaint: attractive because it is old-fashioned and charming

ex> Some people prefer quaint villages, but I like modern cities.

I wonder how it ended up being state capital. Look at that sign – it says the population of Montpelier is only 7,855! That’s smaller than our neighborhood in Brooklyn.

* end up: to become eventually

ex> Be careful on the rocks, or you’ll end up in the river!

We did drive through Orleans and Lamoille countries. But we’re also a hop, skip, and a jump from Quebec to the north, so that might be a factor.

* a hop, skip, and a jump: a short distance to something/somewhere

ex> Although Bob lived a hop, skip, and a jump away from Ellen, they never saw each other.

Note> Also called the “hop, step and jump” or the triple jump, this track and field event is one of the shortest in the Olympic games.

Ha, ha! That would be great. Hey, and if we aren’t pressed for time, let’s walk up to the top of Towne Hill over there and take some pictures of the Green Mountains after lunch.

* be pressed for time: to have little available time within one’s schedule

ex> Shauna was pressed for time, so she skipped dessert and left money on the table.

Great. But keep in mind, we have to get to Burlington in time to meet our friends for dinner.

* keep something in mind: to remember something important

ex> It’s important to keep in mind that this was painted using lead-based paint, which made the artist slowly sicker and sicker.

PE 12/3 Filling in for a Sick Co-worker

Food poisoning? I think she just might be hung over! I saw her last night with a group of girls downtown going into a bar.

* be hung over: to have a headache and possible stomach trouble related to the previous night’s drinking.

ex> She woke up hung over, but took a long, hot shower and went to work anyway.

Are you serious? That girl needs to clean up her act! I’m tired of her shenanigans.

* clean up one’s act: to make changes to one’s lifestyle or attitude

ex> If you don’t clean up your act, you’re going to be kicked out of the house!

* shenanigan: 사기, 속임수

Don’t jump the gun. There is a slight possibility that she really is sick and not hung over.

* jump the gun: to start too early; do something without thought

ex> Don’t jump the gun and buy the first car you see.

Note> An athlete starting a race before the starting pistol has been fired is said to be “jumping the gun.”

I hope she is for her sake. Anyway, I’ll start setting up the dining room. We have a group of 15 coming in right at noon.

* for one’s sake: for the benefit of someone

ex> For your sake, I hope you brought a sweater, because it’s going to be cold tonight.

I wouldn’t want to step on her toes and risk giving them better service than her.

If she isn’t sick she’s going to be missing out on more than just a big tip from some rich businessmen – she’s going to be relegated to the worst shifts in the smoking section for the next month!

* relegate: 좌천시키다

PE 12/2 Jen Lee Speech – Part 1

My sister and I grew up on a poor street in a rich town. It was bad enough that everyone in America was wearing Seventies clothes, but we were in hand-me-down Seventies clothes. And to make it worse, I had the energy of the Tasmanian devil and the grace of a pile of pick-up sticks.

* hand-me-down: used clothing given to a younger child when the older child has outgrown them

ex> The little girl’s hand-me-downs were worn out by her two older siblings and were hardly fit to wear in public.

* to make it worse: to suggest that something being described is more negative than one thought

= to make it even worse; to worsen things; to make matters worse

ex> It wasn’t bad enough that he was blinded by a chemical accident, but to make it worse he was slowly going deaf, too.

And something happens to you, when everything you do is fuel for ridicule and mockery. Eventually you drink the bully Kool-aid and self-doubt takes over.

* something takes over: an internal factor gains control of a person

ex> Sometimes something takes over and a person finds a strength they never knew they had.

People talk about the dangers of rose-colored glasses, but let me tell you, the lenses of self-doubt are far worse. They are nasty. Thick and filthy…

* rose-colored glasses: a positive light

ex> Even after her divorce, Claire saw the world through rose-colored glasses and believed everything happens for a reason.

And they’re nearly impossible to see past.

* see past: to look beyond an obstruction

ex> sure, the house needs work, but if you can see past the sunken roof and the broken staircase, it really is a gem.

PE 12/1 Year-end Gathering of Friends

Well, it sounds like you’re making a lot of sacrifices to climb the corporate ladder.

* climb the corporate ladder: to rise in the ranks in a company

ex> My father spent his life trying to climb the corporate ladder, only to retire as a mid-level executive.

Yeah, but tonight, I’m going to let my hair down. I really need to re-learn how to relax.

* let one’s hair down: to allow oneself to have a good time

= let loose; enjoy myself; have a good time

ex> Don’t be so boring! Let your hair down a little and have fun!

ex> After a difficult three weeks, the project team let their hair down and celebrated their success.

Why don’t we get some food? I made some crab puffs that are just divine, if I do say so myself.

* if I do say so myself: a way of giving oneself credit or to make a mild boast

ex> It takes more than a good camera to take good pictures, if I do say so myself.

Crab puffs? Lead me to them! But I must warn you – there may not be any left in about 15 minutes. You've discovered my kryptonite!

* kryptonite: one’s greatest weakness in terms of vices or desires

ex> Although she had a strong will, chocolate was her kryptonite.

Whatever happened to “go into another room and call me to get me away from him”? You’re too funny.

* Whatever happened to…?: Why are you doing or saying the opposite of what you said earlier?

ex> Whatever happened to your favorite saying, “Live and let live”?

ex> Whatever happened to “I’m going to save one-third of my salary this year?”

PE 11/28 Mixing All the Colors

No sweat! I did a load and hung it to dry outside.

* no sweat: it is not a problem to do

ex> Hey, it’s no sweat picking you up at the airport. What are friends for?

You also have to take into consideration the type of material. Some fabrics need to be washed in cold, some in warm. Some also need to be washed on the “delicate” setting.

* take into consideration: to add in another factor when making a decision

= take into account; keep in mind; consider

ex> Remember to take into consideration the age of the wine when you drink it.

That’s pretty fuzzy logic, Ed! Remember, when in doubt, read the care labels on the clothes or sheets. Otherwise, we’ll just have a pile of grayish-pink laundry!

* fuzzy logic: thinking based on false premises

ex> When something is neither true nor false, you need to use fuzzy logic to make a decision.

Note> “Fuzzy” means difficult to perceive clearly or understand and explain precisely, indistinct or vague.

* when in doubt: if you aren't sure of what to do

ex> My father always used to say, “When in doubt, walk away.”

I’ll walk you through it when we change the sheets on the bed tomorrow.

* walk someone through: to guide someone step by step through a process

ex> Let me walk you through what took place here, starting with when the bank robbers came in.

PE 11/27 A Wedding at the Hotel del Coronado

You were surprised that they invited you? We've all been best friends since college. I would've been shattered if they didn't invite me!

* shattered: severely disappointed or emotionally hurt

ex> Jeff was shattered when he found out his favorite TV show was cancelled.

No, I was surprised that they were getting married at the Hotel del Coronado. This place is the cream of the crop!

* the cream of the crop: the best

= the crème de la crème; the best of the best; the pick of the crop

ex> The black and white Palomino was definitely the cream of the crop in the horseracing world.

Well, they both make a pretty good living and they come from well-to-do families, so I think it’s only natural that they pick an upscale place like this.

* well-to-do: rich; wealthy

ex> Although they weren't well-to-do, they did own several luxury automobiles.

ex> The well-to-do family vacationed in Switzerland and St. Thomas twice a year.

They really paid attention to details for this wedding and probably all weddings held here, come to think of it.

* come to think of it: upon further consideration

ex> I haven’t traveled to Europe in a while. Come to think of it, it’s been 15 years!

I think I just got caught up in the moment. Well, not entirely, Chloe, but you know what I mean.

* be/get caught up in the moment: to get emotionally involved in a situation and to do or say something reflecting those emotions

ex> The team was caught up in the moment as the national anthem of their country played.

PE 11/26 An Alaskan Crabbing Boat

Well, I found a job that offers travel, profit sharing, and adventure. I couldn't pass it up.

* pass up: to decline an opportunity

ex> Bill passed up on the chance to own stock in WonderWorld when it was only one dollar a share.

ex> Don’t pass up on the career opportunity you have been waiting for just because you will have to drive an extra 30 minutes.

Crab fisherman in Alaska! Doesn't that sound out of this world?

* out of this world: outstanding; exciting

= unbelievable; too good to be true; unreal

ex> The child prodigy’s talent at the piano is out of this world!

You've been watching too much television, Dorothy. It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be. Anyway, people die every day crossing the street!

* make something/someone out to be: to create the impression of how something/someone is

ex> Kelly always made her illnesses out to be the end of the world for her.

I guess that’s one way to look at it. But why do you have to go to extremes?

* go to extremes: to do something that is very different from what one usually does

ex> You don’t always have to go to extremes to make your point.

I see your point. Who wants to read about the life of a computer programmer? Well, I wish you the best of luck and know you will take the literary world by storm in the next few years.

* take the world by storm: to become famous quickly

ex> The one-legged beauty queen took the world by storm with her unique dancing skills.

PE 11/25 Mindy Kaling Speech – Part 4

You wrote the Terms and Conditions that I scroll through quickly while I download the update for Candy Crush. Terms and Conditions are the only things keeping us from the purge, everybody. I don’t read them – I just hit Accept. iTunes may own my ovaries for all I know.

* keep someone from: to prevent a person from doing something

ex> I don’t want to keep you from something more important, but I really would like to talk to you.

Note> People often shorten this expression to “I don’t want to keep you.”

* for all I know: I’m not sure if this is true or not; to speculate

ex> They left two hours ago. For all I know, they’re halfway to Busan by now.

The seductive southern lawyers from John Grisham novels get all the glory, the Noah Feldmans, but the rest of you form the foundation for our day to day lives. It’s backbreaking and often, there is not much glory.

* backbreaking: physically demanding

ex> Working in the construction business entails long hours of backbreaking work.

Note> People use this phrase in the verb form, “break one’s back.”

ex> My parents broke their backs to put us through college.

Either way, you can’t go wrong. I look at you and see our nation’s future.

* you can’t go wrong: there is no way to fail

ex> You can’t go wrong by telling the truth at all times.

Those are all positions of such great influence. Understand that one day you will have the power to make a difference.

* make a difference: to create a positive change

ex> Amy spent her later years working to make a difference in the lives of poor children.

PE 11/24 Room Refresh

I kind of like the living room the way it is. But don’t let me stand in your way of following through on this project.

* don’t let me stand in your way: I don’t wish to prevent you from doing something

ex> Listen, don’t let me stand in your way if you want to dye your hair blonde. I just want you to know my opinion.

You’re going to rip apart our cough and re-cover it with fabric? Oh boy! Don’t you think you might be biting off more than you can chew?

* oh boy: an exclamation of surprise

ex> Is that Bozo the Clown? Oh boy, Billy is going to be really excited.

* bite off more than one can chew: to take on more responsibility than can be handled

ex> Tom bit off more than he could chew when he opened his third restaurant.

Come on, Aaron, throw your support behind me this time! You know I can sew, so the curtains won’t be any problem.

* throw one’s support behind: to provide someone with moral or financial backing

ex> I will always throw my support behind a cause that is good for the environment.

I’m sure you’ll be able to make the curtains. In fact, you made the curtains we have now. But can you make a wall-to-wall carpet?

* wall-to-wall: 벽에서 벽까지 바닥 전면의

Sounds more like 50 percent, but I’m not going to split hairs over it. Now, about these colors, I think I like burgundy the best…

* split hairs: to argue over trivial details

ex> If you’re going to split hairs over the restaurant bill, I’ll just pay.

PE 11/21 Heavy Snow on Black Friday – Shop at Your Own Risk

Oh my goodness! When did it start snowing? There must be eight inches on the ground. What a disaster!

* my goodness: an exclamation of surprise

= Oh my dear!; Holy cow!; What on earth?!

ex> Oh, my goodness! Do you see the double rainbow over there?

That’s wishful thinking, Angie, it’s a full-fledged blizzard. It won’t be safe to go out on the roads today. The snowplows haven’t even been through here yet.

* wishful thinking: a verbalized desire that is unlikely to come true

ex> Billy wanted a car for his 16^th birthday, but he knew it was only wishful thinking.

* full-fledged: completely developed

ex> The business venture was a full-fledged disaster after the investors backed out.

Where’s your sense of adventure? Go get your snow boots and coat. What do you say?

* sense of adventure: the desire for excitement in one’s life

ex> Come on, Rick, where’s your sense of adventure? Rafting is full.

You’re such a stinker, Chris! Well, I guess we can wait until tomorrow. Or better yet, let’s shop online in bed.

* stinker: an unpleasant person

ex> My business professor could sure be a stinker at times, especially around exams.

Note> A “stinker” also means a person or thing that smells very badly.

PE 11/20 Mexican Border

Because Tijuana is fun! It’s a little dirty, but it’s really exciting. It’s like night and day compared to downtown San Diego. And when the sun goes down, all hell breaks loose! Haha!

* all hell breaks loose: chaos sets in

ex> When the Lions won the Super Bowl, all hell broke loose in the streets of Detroit.

No, that’s just the other side of the border. People are just trying to eke out a living selling stuff to gringos anywhere they can.

* eke out a living: to earn just enough money to survive

= get by; make ends meet; squeeze out a living

ex> Sylvia was tired of merely eking out a living, so she applied for a higher-paying job.

Note> To “eke out” means to supplement.

ex> The single mother eked out her income by selling insurance.

Seems like they’re living hand to mouth in this part of Mexico. Look at all those little kids selling gum! How sad.

* live hand to mouth: to live in such extreme poverty that every bit of money obtained is spent on food

ex> More than a third of the world’s population live hand to mouth, earning less than $ 1 a day.

That’s a taxi? I don’t see a sign. Shouldn't we look before we leap in a place like this?

* look before one leaps: to consider one’s decisions carefully

ex> Don’t marry her without thinking it through carefully. You know what they say, “Look before you leap.”

My life is in your hands, Lauren. I hope you know what you’re doing!

* my life is in your hands: I am entrusting my safety to you

ex> My life is in your hands, so please drive carefully!

PE 11/19 Leaving Work Early for Thanksgiving Weekend

Dave, I’m heading to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving tonight and was hoping to hit the road a little early. Do you mind?

* hit the road: to begin a journey

ex> We hit the road at dawn and drove until dusk.

Let’s plan to leave at 2:00, so we can talk shop over lunch and plan for the week ahead. Then we’ll all leave together.

* talk shop: to discuss business or work matters

ex> John likes to talk shop at parties, which is why he rarely is invited out.

ex> It’s our last night at the sales conference, so let’s not talk shop tonight, if you don’t mind.

You probably didn't know this about me, but I've been a competitive snowboarder for the last 20 years. Although I race mostly old guys like me now, I was no flash in the pan when I was younger. I used to be a high-ranking racer as a teenager.

* flash in the pan: a sudden success that neither lasts nor is repeated

ex> The pop band was a flash in the pan with one hit song before they disappeared into obscurity.

You’re in luck! Littleton Mountain is right near my parents’ house. I’ll drive you there and maybe I can come watch you race.

* be in luck: to encounter favorable conditions

= It’s your lucky day; Luck is on your side; Lucky you!

ex> You’re in luck! We have no more seats in economy, so we have to move you to first class.

Sounds like a plan. I’ll go put the finishing touches on the Peterman report and have it in your hands by 11.

* the finishing touches: the last steps taken in a project

ex> The builder put the finishing touches on the roof just before the storm hit.

PE 11/18 Mindy Kaling Speech –Part 3

In Hollywood, we all think we are these wise advice givers and most of us have no education whatsoever. Actors can become governors, pundits, or even high ranking officials in religions made up sixty years ago.

* whatsoever: at all

ex> The car had no gasoline whatsoever, so we had to walk to the next town.

ex> The small dog was tied to a tree by his mean owner had had no food whatsoever.

* make up: create

ex> The girl made up a fake name and number when the creepy guy asked her out.

You are better educated and you are going to go out into the world and people are going to listen to what you say, whether you are good or evil, and that probably scares you because some of you look really young. And I’m afraid a couple of you probably are evil. That’s just the odds.

* the odds: the chances

= the probability; the likelihood

ex> What are the odds of us running into each other like this?

ex> According to polls, the odds are pretty slim that Senator Duncan will get reelected.

Note> If you are “at odds” with someone, you disagree with that person.

So please, just try to be the kind of people that give advice to celebrities, not the other way around.

* not the other way around: not the opposite

ex> Germany invaded Poland in 1939, not the other way around.

You are entering a profession where, no matter how bad the crime or the criminal, you have to defend the alleged perpetrator.

* no matter how: regardless of the situation

ex> No matter how difficult the situation was, Francis never gave up hope that he would succeed.

PE 11/17 “Monday Night Football” Party

You know I don’t like football, Chip. Why do you think I’d have any fun? All the shouting and high-fives!

* high-five: a celebratory slapping of the hands between two people

ex> Baseball players always high-five the other team after the game as a show of sportsmanship.

Now you’re talking! Do I have to watch any of the game if I don’t want? It’s not that I hate football, I just get bored by it. I’m more of a soccer fan.

* Now you’re talking!: used to express one’s agreement or approval

ex> A: We don’t have to go to school tomorrow because they expect bad weather. / B: Now you’re talking! Let’s go sledding at the park!

You can count me in, Chip. I’m not much of a cook, but I can do a veggie tray or I can buy a dessert. Which would you prefer?

* count me in: to expect my participation

ex> If you need someone to help out on the school field trip, you can count me in.

That’s the spirit! But remember, most of the people coming tonight are rooting for the Vikings.

* root for: to vocally support someone/a team

ex> Be careful where you sit at the stadium if you are rooting for the visiting team.

I’ll keep that in mind. I guess football fans are just as rabid as soccer fans, aren't they?

* rabid: 광적인

That’s putting it mildly! Anyway, we’ll have a good time even if you wear a Manchester United jersey.

* put it mildly: to imply that things are much worse than they appear

ex> To call that car expensive is putting it mildly.

PE 11/14 Driving Home from College for Thanksgiving Break

Because I really don’t want to be on the road all day. Listen, we only have 5 days to spend at home for Thanksgiving, then it’s back to the grind.

* the (daily) grind: the day-to-day activities a person is required to do, be it work or school

ex> After 40 years of the daily grind, Rhonda finally retired and began to travel.

Note> We often use expressions like the “daily grind” or “back to the grind.”

We go through this every time we get a break from school. I want to take the scenic route and you want to take the highway. Then we sit on the highway in stop-and-go traffic for a few hours until you realized the back roads are faster.

* stop-and-go traffic: heavy traffic that moves sporadically

= bumper-to-bumper traffic; backed-up traffic; congested traffic

ex> It’s the stop-and-go traffic that causes the most stress for commuters.

Well, I heard on the news that most people aren't leaving until after 3 p.m. because they still have to go to work. So we got a head start.

* head start: the advantage gained by beginning something before anyone else.

ex> Ricky gave his sister a one-minute head start when they raced from school to home.

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I figure if I go a little over the speed limit, we should beat the traffic.

* cross that bridge when one comes to it: to address something only when it is absolutely necessary

ex> It’s true that cancer is very common in my family, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Note> “Cross the bridge” is a metaphor for solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle.

You mean, “I told you so?” I wouldn't dream of it!

* wouldn't dream of: it’s something one would never consider doing/saying

ex> Although Tanya may like me, Bill, I wouldn't dream of dating your ex-girlfriend.

PE 11/13 La Jolla

That being said, how did you manage to afford to live here?

* that being said: with those facts stated

= having said that; that said; with that being said

ex> I woke up with a really bad headache. That being said, I’m going to take an aspirin and go back to bed.

That must have been something, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.

* rub shoulders: to socialize

ex> We spent the evening rubbing shoulders with politicians and business leaders alike.

Note> You can also “rub elbows with people, too. Both phrases mean the same thing.

It’s not like that here. This isn't at all like Beverly Hills. People live here because they like the seaside, not because they want to be in the limelight.

* the limelight: the center of attention

ex> Blake enjoyed being in the limelight and having people ask for his autograph.

Not at all! In fact, I used to be a big-time adrenaline junkie!

* adrenaline junkie: a person who likes to partake in dangerous activities or extreme sports.

ex> When he turned 50, John took up extreme sports and became a middle-aged adrenaline junkie.

Call me crazy, but I prefer sitting on the beach with a good book over jumping off a cliff into an oncoming wave!

* call me crazy, but…: you may not agree with me, but…

ex> Call me crazy, but isn't it the other way to Santa Fe?

ex> You might call me crazy, but my favorite author writes children’s books.

PE 11/12 Laying Someone Off

I don’t get it! This is completely out of the blue.

* out of the blue: completely unexpectedly

= came out of nowhere; came out of left field; so sudden

ex> The protest started out of the blue shortly after the new law was passed.

Oh, please, Jeb! You had to see the writing on the wall for months. You can’t come in here day after day, make no sales calls, and still keep your job.

* see the writing on the wall: to know in advance that something is going to happen based on recent events

ex> We saw the writing on the wall when the FBI searched our office and took our computers.

Note> this expression originates from the Book of Daniel (Old Testament), Chapter 5, from the handwriting on the wall that was witnessed at a banquet hosted by King Belshazzar.

And it was a mistake hiring a friend. I’ve saved your bacon more than once when the accounting department suggests cutting some fat and starting with underperforming employees.

* save someone’s bacon: to use one’s influence to keep someone else out of trouble

ex> The politician had to use his power several times to save his son’s bacon when he got into trouble.

* cut the fat: to eliminate unnecessary things; reduce costs

ex> We cut the fat off of our family budget by eliminating meals at restaurants and visits to coffee shops.

ex> The company cut the fat by closing their two underperforming stores and reducing hours of operation.

I’m sorry, but we’ve gone far beyond that point. I warned you about this at your three-month review, but you just laughed it off.

* laugh it off: to not take something seriously

ex> It doesn’t matter what other people say to you, just laugh it off and keep following your dreams.

Do I get some kind of severance pay or something?

* severance pay: 퇴직금

PE 11/11 Mindy Kaling Speech – Part 2

Ok, let’s just take a moment to talk about this rivalry. I know that you have a chip on your shoulder. Yale Law is always number one, and you are always number two.

* chip on one’s shoulder: an attitude of defensiveness

ex> I used to have a chip on my shoulder about being poor.

Sometimes Stanford comes in there, bumps you down to number three, but listen, let me tell you something – from where I stand, from an outsider’s perspective, here’s the truth: you are ALL nerds.

* nerd: a person who is only interested in intellectual pursuits or strategy games

ex> The group of nerds always used to meet to play “Dungeons & Dragons” and discuss the latest computer designs.

Except here’s the difference: you are the nerds who are going to make some serious bank, which is why I’m here today – to marry the best-looking amongst you.

* make bank: to earn a lot of money

ex> The star baseball player signed a contract that had him making bank - $10 million a year for 10 years.

In fact, the only downside of this degree is when you run for Senate, you will have to distance yourself from it to seem more like a regular person. You’ll tuck in your flannel shirt into your freshly pressed jean (that you just bought).

* downside: the negative aspect of something

= pitfall; disadvantage; drawback

ex> There is no real downside to being extremely rich.

ex> The downside of winning the lottery is that it’s hard to tell who your real friends are.

* distance oneself from: to avoid being associated with something/someone

ex> Jim distanced himself from his brother after he was convicted of bribery.

* tuck in: 접어 넣다

PE 11/10 I Already Finished My Christmas Shopping

It sounds too good to be true. I’ll stick with shopping the old-fashioned way – going into the store and actually being able to pick up what I’m going to buy.

* too good to be true: describing a deal or promise that promises a lot of benefits to the customer

ex> I know it sounds too good to be true, but this TV is really on sale for 90 percent off.

I guess that triggers a sense of nostalgia for when we were kids. But the crowds make me want to hightail it out of there.

* hightail it out of a place: to leave in a hurry

ex> As soon as the fight started, my friends and I hightailed it out of the bar.

Note> When a horse starts running, it tosses its tail up in the air, which is why it’s called “hightail.”

That sounds good when you say it, but when I’m actually in the mall getting jostled, fighting for the last sweater on the shelf, and having to park my car half a mile away… I’ll pass.

* pass: to decline to participate

ex> I’ll pass on the French fries this time and have a salad instead.

On second thought, maybe you should give me the name of that website. Maybe I can make the holidays a little less stressful this year.

* on second thought: after further consideration

ex> Looks like the rain has stopped. On second thought, let’s go hiking after all.

I think I know the first person I’m going to shop for. Thanks for setting me straight, Mable. Ha ha ha!

* set someone straight: to correct someone

= straightening things out; helping me see the reality of things

ex> After Timmy pushed the opposing player, the referee set him straight and gave him a yellow card.

ex> I set my daughter straight when she tried to leave wearing an inappropriate outfit.

PE 11/7 How Hard Is It to Pick Out a Pair of Shoes?

Patience is a virtue, Jason! I’m trying to pick a pair of shoes to wear.

* patience is a virtue: it is better to be patient than impatient

ex> I know that patience is a virtue, but I’m just no feeling very virtuous today!

Oh, that’s so cute, Jason! Guys are clueless when it comes to women’s fashion. I can’t just slip on the first pair I see and run out the door like I’m heading out to check the mailbox.

* clueless: not understanding basic things

ex> Although Tom was a math genius, he was pretty clueless when it came to talking to people.

It’s not as easy as matching colors. It has to be the right kind of heel for the occasion. I couldn't wear stilettos to the movies. And wearing sandal to the opera would be a no-no.

* no-no: something that is forbidden

ex> We knew that sneaking out at night was a no-no, but we always did it when we were kids.

Well, I've narrowed it down to two pairs that I’ll want your opinion on…

* narrow down: to limit the choices

ex> Ted and Jill narrowed down their possible vacation destinations to Hawaii and Antarctica.

Bingo! I’ll wear these red ones. Why didn't you say the strappy Steve Madden’s were down here?

* Bingo!: an exclamation of success

ex> Bingo! I think I just solved the theory of everything.

PE 11/6 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

That’s true, but you can’t be this up close and personal with Cape buffaloes or rhinos in the regular zoo. Look! A pair of lions resting under that tree!

* be/get up close and personal: to be intimate: be in close range of something or someone

ex> We waited behind the concert hall to try and get up close and personal with Tony Bennett as he left the venue.

Wow! Look way over there! A hyena. It’s like they’re coming out of the woodwork.

* come out of the woodwork: to appear seemingly out of nowhere

ex> After she won the lottery, distant relatives began to come out of the woodwork.

Note> This phrase is based on the idea of insects that suddenly come out from under boards in a house where they have been hidden.

It looks like they aren't hurting for money, unlike some other zoos I've seen in my travels.

* hurt for: to suffer from lack of something

ex> We weren't hurting for ideas, only the money to implement them.

I feel ya, Brad. Of all the safari parks I've ever been to, this one has got to be the biggest.

* I feel you: to suggest that you empathize with someone

= I understand you; I get you; I can relate.

ex> Listen, I feel you, but I can’t let you cut in line just because you have to use the toilet.

Don’t look now, but there’s a giraffe poking his head into the tour bus!

* don’t look now: a warning to someone that something/someone is approaching from their blind side and to suggest they don’t turn around

ex> Don’t look now, but I think that girl over there is checking you out.

PE 11/5 A Funny Way to Give Someone a Promotion

I must admit that when this came to my attention I was completely taken aback.

* come to one’s attention: to be made aware of something

ex> It had come to her attention that the bottom of her dress was in a puddle of water.

* taken aback: surprised and/or confused

ex> I was taken aback by the policeman’s rude response when I asked him for directions.

Everything is totally on the the up-and-up! Remember that sales seminar the company paid for two months ago? I guess it really helped me.

* on the up-and-up: legitimate, honest

ex> The company was on the up-and-up, despite rumors to the contrary.

Note> this phrase can also mean “on the rise.”

ex> Twitter’s value is on the up-and-up.

Relax Grant! Did you think I bought you in here to give you the axe? I’m here to offer you a promotion!

* give someone the axe: to fire someone

= give someone the pink slip; let someone go; lay someone off

ex> Just before Tom was eligible for retirement benefits, the company gave him the axe.

Note> This phrase can be used in when abruptly terminating a relationship, too.

ex> Lisa gave Bill the axe after seeing him with another woman.

What? Oh my god, you scared me to death! This conversation seemed completely surreal, so I didn't know what to think.

* surreal: 아주 이상한, 초현실적인

This is quite an honor! Though I must say your delivery leaves much to be desired.

* leave much to be desired: to be inadequate

ex> The condition of the house leaves much to be desired, but the price is too good to pass up.

PE 11/4 Mindy Kaling Speech – Part 1

This group before me is bristling with ambitious young people, many of whom have already started charities and philanthropic organizations. And now with this diploma in hand, most of you will go on to the noblest of pursuits.

* bristling: 투성이의, 가득한

* in hand: acquired; earned

ex> Julie arrived with her resume in hand, ready to start work at once.

One of you will sort out the details of my prenup. A dozen of you will help me with my acrimonious divorce.

* sort out: to deal with the various details of an issue

ex> Jane had to sort out the details of her wedding before the weekend.

* prenup: 혼전계약

* acrimonious: 험악한

The Business School is full of crooks, the Divinity School is just a bunch of weird virgins, the School of Design is like European burnouts, and don’t even get me started on the Kennedy School.

* crooks: dishonest people; criminals

= con men; swindlers

ex> Not all bankers are crooks just because a few of them broke the law.

Note> This word also means the hooked staff of a shepherd.

* don’t (even) get me started: don’t ask me to talk about this topic because it makes me upset

ex> Do I like what the president is doing? Don’t’ even get me started on his foreign policies.

The med school is just a bunch of nerdy Indians – I can say that! Preet can say that. The rest of you, you are out of line – that is racial, how dare you.

* be out of line: to say or do something inappropriate

ex> I think Elaine was out of line saying that you were fat. She should look in a mirror!

PE 11/3 Bringing Out the Winter Clothes

What’s all the thumping and scraping up there? It sounds like you’re trying to hide a body!

* thump: 쿵쿵거리다

* scrape: 긁다

I can’t believe it’s almost wintertime again. It feels like only yesterday when we were on the beach making sandcastles.

* it feels like just/only yesterday: to comment that time is moving quickly

ex> It feels like only yesterday when Bill was just a baby, and now he’s going to college!

Uh, Victor. I hate to break the news to you, but those are the sweaters my mother gave us two years ago. And you told her you loved them!

* I hate to break the news to you, but…: a way of prefacing bad news or a restating of something someone already knows

ex> As Sean was looking for his car, a kid walked up and said, “I hate to break the news to you, but your car was towed away.”

Oops. I guess I let the cat out of the bag! You must have known I only said that to make her feel good.

* let the cat out of the bag: the secret has been told

ex> We tried to keep the party a secret, but Tom let the cat out of the bag.

Yeah, I knew. And to tell you the truth, I hate them too. But we can’t let her know that.

* to tell you the truth: to make an admission of one’s opinion or about one’s experience

ex> To tell you the truth, I prefer Mexican food over Italian food.

It’s a deal. Now let me go get my shorts and summer shirts while you throw those clothes in the dryer with something to get that god-awful smell out of them!

* god-awful: horrible

ex> Did you see the god-awful dress that famous actress wore at the awards show last night?

PE 10/31 Let’s Not Pass Out Candy to Trick-or-treaters

I decided that we won’t pass out candy this year. I think it’s a bad tradition that encourages kids to eat candy until they’re as full as a tick.

* pass out: to distribute; give something from hand to hand

ex> The ladies passed out packs of tissues to people coming out of the subway.

* full as a tick: having overeaten

ex> We learned back in our seat, full as ticks after eating steaks and French fries.

Note> A “tick” is a blood-sucking insect. So it alludes to a tick that has filled itself with blood.

That is the biggest cock and bull story you've ever told! Anyway, I love Halloween with all the costumes and the happy children yelling “Trick or treat!”

Fine. To tell you the truth, I forgot to get the candy. So why don’t we go downstairs to the TV room and watch a scary movie and turn all the lights off? That way, none will be the wiser that we’re actually home.

* none will be the wiser: no person will know what was done

ex> If you sneak out the back door during the show, none will be the wiser.

Now it’s all starting to come together.

* come together: to become a coherent story; make sense

ex> When it all came together, the detectives caught the real killer and released the man who they had set up.

Don’t try to psychoanalyze me over not experiencing Halloween as a kid. I look back on it now as a blessing in disguise. I just don’t understand the importance, that’s all.

* blessing in disguise: something that may have seemed negative end up having positive benefits

ex> Being sent home from school sick was a blessing in disguise for Max because the snow storm prevented buses from picking up the children in the afternoon.

PE 10/30 Jamaica: Port Royal Seafood Festival

Look at the crowds! I thought a seafood festival would be a more subdued experience. You know, a dozen tents with different styles of fish for sale.

* subdued: 차분한

Not the Port Royal Seafood Festival! This is Jamaica’s signature food festival. That’s why so many famous people are here.

* signature: something a person or place is famous for

ex> Elvis’s signature song was “Love me Tender.”

Well, since I’m not from Jamaica, I have no idea who these so-called famous people are. Do you mean like that guy with the funny cowboy hat?

* so-called: the name something is referred to as, often sarcastically

ex> The so-called world champions of baseball lost five games in a row.

Well, they’re mostly here to see Ziggy Marley, Bob Marley’s son, perform later. But he’s also competing in the cook-off. I take my hat off to him for donating his time for this event.

* take one’s hat off to someone / hats off to someone: a way of showing admiration for someone

ex> I take my hat off to all of the people who serve in the military to defend their country.

ex> Hats off to anyone who can figure out how to fix the economy!

Oh, right! I have a couple of his albums. But all this talk about shrimp is making me hungry. Let’s get some food because my stomach is rumbling.

* one’s stomach is rumbling: to be very hungry

= growling; starving; so hungry I could eat a horse

ex> Tom was very embarrassed because everybody in the library could hear his stomach rumbling.

Someone’s got deep pockets today! Thanks! How about you go get the beer over there and I’ll wait here for the fish?

* deep pockets: wealth

ex> Despite her deep pockets, she was always looking for a bargain when she went shopping.

PE 10/29 Working as a Wedding Planner

I think I’m going to need you to come with me for that meeting so you can take really good notes. I’m looking forward to that one since we've never tried a theme like that before.

* look forward to: to be happily awaiting something

ex> The kids were looking forward to the trip to the beach all month.

Oh, I’m with you on that. My head is swimming with ideas!

* be with someone: to be in agreement with someone; promise someone your support

ex> If you want me to help you move to your new apartment, I’m with you.

* one’s head is swimming: to have many ideas in one’s mind; be dizzy

ex> Mr. Lincoln’s head was swimming with thoughts of the beach as he toiled away in his office.

And how are things going with the Ralston-Donaldson wedding? It’s pretty straightforward, so we shouldn't have any surprises.

* straightforward: obvious; as it is stated

ex> It may look simple, but this camera isn't as straightforward as you think.

Note> A person can be straightforward, too. It means he’s honest and frank.

Brilliant idea! We’ll play to his ego. Nothing would make him madder than to lose a big job to his nemesis!

* play to one’s strength/ego/etc: to use one’s attributes against them

ex> With politicians, it’s easiest to get their attention by playing to their egos.

ex> I play to my strengths when I’m involved in team sports, which means I usually stay on the sidelines cheering for my teammates.

PE 10/28 Warren Buffett Speech – Part 4

Yeah when I started out – the sell situation has changed over the years because when I started out I had way more ideas than money. I mean I would go through Moody’s Manual, I went through it page by page, and then I went through it again page by page. And I found stocks in there that I could understand that were selling at like two times earnings, even one times earnings.

* start out: to begin one’s career

ex> When most people start out in life, they have no idea what they’re doing.

* over the years: as time has progressed

ex> Over the years, people have gotten taller in Korea due to better nutrition.

* go through something page by page: to make a detailed examination of a document

ex> My wife and I went through the agreement page by page to purchase our first house.

So, I was always coming up with more ideas than I had money, so I had to sell whatever I liked least to buy something new that just was compelling to me.

* compelling: convincing; persuasive

ex> The movie had a compelling plot, which brought many people back to see it a second time.

So, if you look at our annual report, which is on the Internet at our homepage berkshirehathaway.com, you’ll see something in the back called the economic principles of Berkshire, which I believe in setting out for my partners.

* set out: to present to someone; place in front of someone

ex> Shortly after setting out into the forest, Tim became scared and homesick.

PE 10/27 I LOVE Spicy Food!

When it comes to spicy food, nothing beats Korean. Indian and Mexican can’t hold a candle to Korean food.

* can’t hold a candle to: something is not even close to being as good as something else

= doesn’t compare to; doesn’t measure up to; doesn’t come close to

ex> Derek Jeter is a good baseball player, but he couldn’t hold a candle to Babe Ruth.

ex> When it comes to photography, nobody could hold a candle to Robert Doisneau.

Well, that was a fluke. I've seen other foreigners chug and entire beer after eating one bite of really spicy kimchi.

* fluke: a rare occurrence; an oddity

ex> Encountering a whale shark on our first dive was a complete fluke.

Now you’re making things up. Just admit that you’re wrong: Korean food is just as spicy but no spicier than Indian or Mexican, it’s just a different kind of spicy.

* make something up: to exaggerate about something

ex> A lot of people make things up on their resume to make themselves look better.

I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree, because I’m sticking to my guns on this one.

* agree to disagree: to come to an impasse in a conversation

ex> I’m pretty sure I’m right about this, so we’ll just have to agree to disagree.

* stick to one’s guns: to refuse to change one’s mind; be unwilling to admit being wrong

ex> If you are sure you’re right, you should stick to your guns no matter what.

PE 10/24 Why Is the Neighbor Kid Raking Our Yard?

Mick, you know good and well that you aren't going to rake the leaves until next spring and then you’ll complain that our lawn is dead. Just like last year and the year before.

* know good and well: to be very aware of something

ex> I know good and well that you borrowed $20 from my wallet without asking me.

I did suggest calling Timmy last year. You said you just needed a few aspirin and some rest and that you would get out and do it. What’s with you and the yard work?

* What’s with you and…?: why are you obsessed with…?

ex> Every time I see you, you’re eating French fries. What’s with you and fast food?

It’s a matter of pride, Betty. A man’s yard is an extension of his castle. And I don’t need some kid to tend to my castle grounds.

* tend to: to take care of something

ex> If the weather is nice, Judy tends to her garden for a couple of hours each day.

Now you’re being melodramatic! Did I happen to mention he’s doing it for free? He felt bad about not offering to do it last year when you were injured.

* melodramatic: overly emotional

ex> Melodramatic people tend to think they are the only ones with problems.

Free? Well, that’s a different story. I guess if he does a half-decent job, I can always get out there and fix his mess.

* half-decent: good; skilled

ex> A half-decent golfer would have made that putt nine times out of 10.