LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐
anecdote
[ 'an-ik-doht ]
noun
He told one or two amusing anecdotes about his years as a policeman.
nuance
[ 'noo-ahns ]
noun
Linguists explore the nuances of language.
sidetrack
[ 'sahyd-trak ]
verb
They have a tendency to try to sidetrack you from your task.
skeptical
[ 'skep-ti-kuhl ]
adjective
They are skeptical about how much will be accomplished by the new manager.
get caught up in sth
phrase
I didn't want to get caught up in endless petty arguments.
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
A. idle chatter
- foolish and irrelevant talk
Dialogue
Sally
Anna
I'm trying to avoid getting caught up in some idle chatter in the corridor. I'd rather concentrate on completing my reports instead of engaging in conversations that don't benefit my work.
Sally
Oh, come on! Don't take it too seriously. They're just trying to distract themselves from the pressure we already have in the office.
Anna
I understand, but perhaps we should focus on more productive tasks to accomplish our work faster.
B. broach the subject
- begin a discussion of a difficult topic
Dialogue
Alex
So, have you already discussed with Mr. Thomas about ending our partnership with Great Motor Corp?
Cindy
Not yet. That's actually my current challenge. I know I should have addressed it by now, but I find it difficult to broach the subject with him. He's still recovering from the setback of his failed investment.
Alex
I understand. It must be quite challenging for you to deliver the news to him.
C. beside the point
- irrelevant or off the topic
Dialogue
Alex
I don't think we should invest in upgrading our office equipment right now. We have other pressing financial priorities.
Ken
But the new equipment would significantly improve our productivity and efficiency.
Alex
That may be true, but it's beside the point since our current financial situation doesn't allow for such investments.
D. broad generalization
- general judgment which does not take exceptions into account, over-generalization
Dialogue
Anna
How's life living alone?
Melly
It's been great so far, but occasionally it gets lonely. That's why I'm considering getting a pet, perhaps a dog or a cat.
Anna
Sounds like a good plan. You should get a dog, since they are smarter than cats.
Melly
I think that's just a broad generalization but I might consider having a dog as a pet.
E. take something with a grain of salt
- to be skeptical about information and don't immediately accept it as being true
Dialogue
Anna
I heard a rumor that the company is going to undergo a massive restructuring next month. Have you heard anything about it?
Sally
Yes, I've heard similar whispers, but rumors can be unreliable. Let's take it with a grain of salt until we receive official communication from the management.
Anna
You're right. It's important not to jump to conclusions until we have official confirmation.
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
Part I
Direction: Choose the appropriate idioms to complete each of the sentences.
idle chatter | broach the subject |
beside the point | broad generalization |
take something with a grain of salt |
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The meeting was filled with as colleagues discussed weekend plans and shared anecdotes unrelated to the agenda.
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It took him a while to gather the courage to of a salary raise with his boss, knowing it could be a sensitive topic.
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She criticized the author for making a about an entire culture without considering its diversity and nuances.
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The exaggerated claims in the tabloid article made her skeptical, so she chose to .
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Her complaints about the office's decor were when we were discussing budget cuts.
Part II
Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.
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Part III
Direction: Read the sentences and choose the correct synonym for each underlined phrase.
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During the long car ride, they engaged in idle chatter to pass the time, discussing various topics without any serious intent.
.
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We need to stay focused on the objective and not get sidetracked by details that are beside the point .
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Why are you such in a hurry?