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2015년 5월 7일 목요일

PE 5/7 Romantic Mdina

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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