This
place is incredible, Ellen! From the outside it looks like a military building,
but inside it’s so glittery and ornate. I thought it was going to be somber, like so many other churches.
* somber: dark, dull, gloomy
ex>
The minister’s somber tone made us dread going to church every Sunday.
Whoever
the Knights of Malta were, they really knew how to put on the ritz.
* put on the ritz: to display luxury in a
showy way
ex>
My mom always puts on the ritz when she goes to an opera.
They
were a military-religious order that was originally formed to provide health
and protection services to pilgrims in the holy lands. Their fortunes came and
went, but their campaigns to replace their former wealth began to gain traction in the 16th
century when this cathedral was built.
* gain traction: to have an increase in
effectiveness or popularity
ex>
Our garden tools ad campaign really gained traction with consumers when
the good weather began.
That
was it, pure and simple. But eventually their greed got the better of them, and they lost sight of their original mandate.
* pure and simple: There are a few other
English expressions that also imply serve to reinforce a statement that one has
just made. “That’s all there is to it”
and “and nothing more” are two of
them that are commonly used. Why are they needed? Just for emphasis – pure and
simple!
ex>
Tina’s actions were the result of her jealousy, pure and simple.
* get the better of one: to defeat one;
gain an advantage over one
ex>
I’m sorry I ate the last of the pizza. My hunger got the better of me.
* lose sight: to forget; become unable to
see something
ex>
His disappointment caused him to lose sight of the reason for the
expedition.
* mandate: an official order to do something
ex>
Teachers have a mandate to ensure the safety of the students in their
classrooms.
