* sure-fire way: a method or procedure
that is certain to succeed
ex>
Being late to work all the time is a sure-fire way to get fired.
Note>
This phrase originates from rifles. Since early rifles were not completely
reliable, a “sure-fire” rifle would be highly regarded.
* indifferent: not interested or
concerned; ordinary
ex>
The kids at my school were indifferent to Charlie until they discovered
what a great baseball player he was.
ex>
There was a lot of selection at the hotel’s buffet, but the quality was indifferent.
* vex: to annoy, frustrate, or worry
someone
ex>
Sheila was vexed by the constant changes to the bus schedule in her
area.
* in the grand scheme of things: compared
to more important matters
ex>
My favorite ice cream flavor has been discontinued, but I guess it doesn’t
matter in the grand scheme of things.
ex>
In the grand scheme of things, the actions of celebrities are not worth
worrying about.
* rank and file: normal members of an
organization; not leaders
ex>
Some union representatives were unhappy with the deal, but the rank and file
approved it.
Note>
The term originates from the formation of military personnel, since troops
would stand next to each other (rank)
and in a line (file) when marching,
while officers would march on the outside of the formation.
* cover one’s tracks: to erase evidence
of one’s actions or movements
ex>
The thieves who broke into the liquor warehouse were very good at covering
their tracks.
* keep something under one’s hat: This
informal expression is usually used from one person to another to request that
they not share the information with anyone else. Similar expressions include “keep this on the down-low” or “just between you and me.” In a more
formal setting, the speaker would ask the listener or listeners to “keep this confidential.”
ex>
Keep this under your hat, but I’ve been approached by a rival company to
go and work for them.
댓글 없음:
댓글 쓰기