PE 12/18 Our Weird Hobbies

* bend one’s ear: to talk to someone eagerly or annoyingly

ex> My cousin would come over and bend my ear about his problems with his parents for hours.

Note> If we “bend our ears” (forward), we are doing it to hear better. Theoretically we are able to pick up more words. So if someone does this to us, figuratively, it’s to force us to listen, whether we want to or not.

* morose: very serious and unhappy

ex> We used to think that Charles was morose by nature, but we discovered that he just needed some positive encouragement.

* a standstill: no movement

ex> Negotiations were at a standstill because the workers demanded the company pay for their birthday parties.

ex> Traffic on Highway 15 is at a standstill due to an accident, so motorists are advised to take the Williston Turnpike instead.

* like two peas in a pod: very similar, especially in appearance

ex> Hannah and her friend Elsie are like two peas in a pod: they even wear the same clothes.

Note> The definition is based on the extreme similarity of peas that come from the same pod.

* extensive: widespread; very large in area or scope

ex> Extensive evergreen forests cover much of the state’s northwest region.

* face up to: to accept a difficult situation; = face the music

ex> My parents are going to have to face up to the reality that I was not born to be a doctor.

* get cold feet: (계획한 일에 대해) 겁이 나다, 초조해지다

Although this expression is sometimes applied to other situations (like investors changing their minds about putting money into a company), it is usually applied to relationships, and marriage in particular.

ex> I think Adam’s getting cold feet. Every time I suggest a date, he comes up with a reason why we can’t get married then.