Lesson 4 IDIOMS?英文釋義

(to) get the scoop

→?to get information, often before anybody else does

Example: "Do you know why Rich got fired?" - "No, but I'll try to?get the scoop."

(to) come out with

→?to release (as in a product or service)

Example: Levi's has?come out with?a new line of "eco jeans" made from organic cotton.

(to) futz around

→?to waste time, often through unnecessary activity

Example: The sales clerk at the store was not very good. He?futzed around?for half an hour before giving me my purchase.

Note:?You may also hear the vulgar variation "to fart around."

(to) pick someone's brain

→?to get information from someone; to get advice from someone knowledgeable

Example: If you're thinking about buying a new stereo system, you should?pick Sam's brain. He writes for Stereophile magazine.

(to) turn on the charm

→?to start being nice or charming (often not sincerely)

Example: Tina really?turned on the charm?when she was visiting her new boyfriend's parents.

Do I have to spell it out for you?

→?Do I need to explain this to you further?

Example:?Do I have to spell it out for you??If you don't start doing better in school, you're not going to get into college.

at stake

→?at risk, in question

Example: When Jill started a new business, she had $250,000 of her own money?at stake.

Example: There is a lot?at stake?in the upcoming climate talks.

I wouldn't go that far!

→?The situation is not that bad (or good); You're exaggerating

Example: "If Todd takes over as CEO of this company, we're going to go out of business." - "I wouldn't go that far!"

Example: "The cakes at the new pastry shop in town are the best in the world!" - "They are good, but?I wouldn't go that far!"

Time is of the essence

→?We must act quickly; Time is very important at this point

Example:?Time is of the essence?in addressing global warming.

(to) clear one's calendar

→?to free oneself to do something

Example: The head of our Japanese office is coming to the office next Tuesday. Please?clear your calendar?for his visit.

(to) come around

→?to change one's mind; to agree in the end

Example: Your parents won't let you have your own computer? Maybe when they realize you need it to do you homework, they'll?come around.

(to) fill someone in

→?to give someone the latest information

Example: I missed the meeting this morning, so can someone?fill me in?on what was discussed?