It’s
so quiet here inside the city walls! You
could hear a pin drop.
* one could/can hear a pin drop: it is
very quiet
ex>
When the teacher entered the classroom, you could hear a pin drop.
Note>
This is often said as the result of a sudden dramatic or tense moment.
ex>
You could hear a pin drop in the office after the announcement of the
company’s bankruptcy.
There
seems to be a myriad of
architectural styles: medieval, Arabic, baroque… what gives?
* myriad [|mɪriəd]: a very large number of something; a great many; = plethora
ex>
There were myriad activities to enjoy at the resort.
* what gives? What is the reason?
ex>
What gives? I thought we were supposed to leave two hours ago.
ex>
Grant has been hiding the truth from us. Let’s ask him what gives.
Off the top of my head,
probably a lot of wars and a major earthquake or two. But why are the streets
so curvy?
* off the top of one’s head: without
checking information sources
ex>
Ted amazed us all by accurately quoting sports statistics off the top of his
head.
Note>
This phrase is used when giving quick and approximate answers to questions, to
indicate that a response is not necessarily accurate.
Oh! I
read a riveting explanation of that. The streets were
laid out that way on purpose so that
enemies couldn't shoot arrows down them. Clever, huh?
* riveting [|rɪvɪtɪŋ]: For something to be described as riveting, it should be something
so amazing that you can’t help but give it your full attention, like a novel
that you just can’t stop reading. If you tell someone their weekly sales report
was riveting, they might think you’re being sarcastic!
ex>
The movie was riveting! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
* on purpose: with intent; as one had
planned
ex>
I can’t be too angry with him because he didn't break the glass on purpose.
This
place is so pretty and peaceful, it’s hard to imagine any earthquakes or
fighting happening here. Hey – can I run
something by you? Why don’t we stay
and have dinner here?
* run something by someone: to ask for
someone’s opinion about something
ex>
Why don’t we run this idea by Kathy in the Planning Department
first?
ex>
I got a few ideas I’d like to run by you.
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