* stroke of genius: an excellent idea
ex>
Getting a pony to stop the goats from being lonely was a stroke of genius.
* hat’s off: a gesture to acknowledge
another’s superiority and/or success
ex>
My hat’s off to whoever came up with chocolate-covered raisins.
ex>
Hat’s off to Brad, Cheryl, and all the organizers of this wonderful
event.
Note>
When a hat was a normal part of a man’s outfit, it was a common gesture of
respect for a man to remove his hat and bow his head to a superior, or when a
woman entered the room or passed in the street. This act was later reduced to
simply tipping the hat or just touching the brim. Now, as with this expression,
the gesture is purely verbal.
* keep up: to move at the same rate
ex>
We’re still only number two in the market, but we’re keeping up with our
main competitor.
* rethink: to revise a past decision or
approach
ex>
If I do poorly on this test, I’m going to have to rethink my study
strategy.
* emphasis: special value or focus given
to something
ex>
I want to start a family medical practice with an emphasis on nutrition.
* wash one’s hands of something: to give
up responsibility for something
ex>
The authorities washed their hands of the case when the girl confessed
she’d been lying.
Note>
This expression is of biblical origin. It relates to the story of Pontius
Pilate publicly washing his hands to signify his refusal to condemn Jesus.
* over the top:
정상에 올라선; 상식을 벗어난, 정도가 지나친
Confusingly,
over the top is also used to describe
something that is excessive in some way. For example, a wedding dress that
lights up and sprays gold confetti might be considered over the top.
ex>
Tell us, Dave: what was it that put your career over the top? Was it one
particular song or TV appearance?
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