LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
unprecedented
[ uhn-'pres-i-den-tid ]
adjective
The air crash caused an unprecedented number of deaths.
fine-tune
[ fahyn-toon ]
verb
The scientists hope to fine-tune the test to make it more accurate.
navigate
[ 'nav-i-geyt ]
verb
We help new home-buyers navigate the complex and often confusing process of purchasing a property.
trivial
[ 'triv-ee-uhl ]
adjective
She showed her inexperience by asking lots of trivial questions.
turning point
phrase
The promotion marked a turning point in her career.
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Direction: Read and understand the different idiomatic expressions below.
A. over the course of time
- as time goes by
Dialogue
Cindy
Sally
I agree, Cindy. The sense of community has grown, and it's become more vibrant and lively.
Cindy
Absolutely. The changes have brought new life and energy, making it a better place to live.
B. go down in history
- to be remembered as a very important person or event
Dialogue
John
Cindy
That’s true, John! The innovation and impact we’re bringing are unprecedented.
John
Let’s give our best, and make a mark that future generations will remember!
C. stall for time
- to create a delay or distraction in order to gain additional time
Dialogue
Sally
The client is asking for the final design, but we're not ready. What should we do?
John
Let’s stall for time by giving them a preview and saying that we’re fine-tuning some details based on the latest market trends.
Sally
Good idea, John. That way, we can ensure the design is perfect and meets all their needs before the final reveal.
D. cramped conditions
- not having enough space inside
Dialogue
Anna
Hey John, have you noticed the cramped conditions in the office lately? It’s making it hard to concentrate.
John
Absolutely, Anna. With the new hires, space is tight. Maybe we can suggest a reorganization to management?
Anna
That’s a good idea. A more spacious arrangement would definitely improve productivity and morale.
E. dim and distant memory
- a time in the past that is not clearly remembered
Dialogue
Sally
Do you remember the summers we used to spend at grandma’s old house when we were kids?
Cindy
Yes, but it feels like a dim and distant memory now. So much has changed since those innocent days.
Sally
True, those simple joys we experienced seem to be lost in the sands of time, but they'll always hold a special place in our hearts.
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
Part I
Direction: Choose the appropriate expressions to complete each of the sentences.
dim and distant memory | go down in history |
stall for time | cramped conditions |
over the course of time |
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In the debate, it seemed like he was trying to while figuring out the best response to the challenging question.
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The heroic deeds of firefighters during the massive forest fires will , remembered and celebrated by many.
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Living in can often lead to increased stress and discomfort, affecting people's overall well-being.
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The joys of childhood often become a as people navigate the complexities of adult life.
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, the small village grew into a bustling city, full of life and innovation.
Part II
Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.
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Part III
Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.
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I didn’t have a good answer ready during the meeting, so I had to stall for time by elaborating on minor details.
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The cramped conditions in the urban wildlife rescue center made it challenging to properly care for the animals and meet their needs.
You know, over the course of time, I’ve seen this neighborhood change in so many ways. It feels different now.