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[B+] Getting Through Difficulties II

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

procrastinate

[ proh-'kras-tuh-neyt ]

verb

- to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring

He procrastinates until it is too late to do anything at all.

hinder

[ 'hin-der ]

verb

- to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something

These drugs are quite toxic and hinder the body's ability to fight off infection.

recurring

[ ri-'kur-ing ]

adjective

- happening many times, or happening again

This is a constantly recurring problem which we must deal with.

accumulate

[ uh-'kyoo-myuh-leyt ]

verb

- to collect a large number of things over a long period of time

It was his ambition to accumulate a million dollars before he turned thirty.

orphanage

[ 'awr-fuh-nij ]

noun

- a home for children whose parents are dead or unable to care for them

He donated 1,000 dollars towards an orphanage.

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

A. at one's wits' end

  • to be so worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next

MEETING

Dialogue

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

This project is turning into a real nightmare. I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work.

Icon_Alex

Alex

I understand how you feel. We're both at our wits' end, but let's brainstorm together and see if we can come up with a fresh approach

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

You're right. It's frustrating, but teamwork might just be the key to finding a solution.

B. tie up a few loose ends

  • deal with the last few things that need to be done before something is completed

TIE UP A FEW LOOSE ENDS

Dialogue

Icon_Alex

Alex

Are you ready to finalize the deal on that new account?

John_Happy Icon

John

We've sorted out all the major details. We just need to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of delivery times and volume discounts, but we're pretty much done.

Icon_Alex

Alex

Excellent. Let's tie up a few loose ends and then proceed to get the deal signed.

C. grin and bear it

  • accept a bad situation without complaining

DELAYED FLIGHT

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

What could be even worse than a four-hour delayed flight?

Melly_Happy Icon

Melly

A delayed flight isn't an ideal situation but there's nothing we can do but to grin and bear it. Why don't we pass the time finalizing our itinerary?

Icon_Sally

Sally

That sounds like a good plan. Let's make the most of it and get our itinerary sorted.

D. dug one's self into a hole

  • have one's self caused a problem that will be dfficult to escape from

DUG INTO A HOLE

Dialogue

Icon_Alex

Alex

Man, I've really dug myself into a hole by procrastinating on this paper until the last minute.

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

I thought you had finished it last week. If I had known, I wouldn't have invited you to that three-day camp.

Icon_Alex

Alex

No, this has been a recurring issue for me. I seriously need to be more time-conscious. Otherwise, I'll definitely have to face the music.

E. spread oneself too thin

  • trying to do many things at the same time, with the result that one can't give any of them attention they needed

FRIENDS TALKING

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

Do you have any plans for this weekend? I'm thinking of volunteering at the orphanage. Would you like to join me?

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

I'd love to, but I'm afraid I can't. I have a lot on my plate right now. I just started two part-time jobs and I also have club activities to attend.

Icon_Sally

Sally

It's great that you're getting involved in various activities, but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Fill in the blanks with the correct idiomatic expression.

at one's wits' end tie up a few loose ends
spread oneself too thin dig oneself into a hole
grin and bear it

  1. The event was a success, but we still need to , like returning the rented equipment and finalizing the financial report.

  2. After hours of troubleshooting, I was trying to fix the technical issue with the computer.

  3. Trying to juggle a full-time job, family commitments, and social engagements, she realized she had and needed to prioritize and delegate.

  4. My general manager keeps on breathing down my neck but it's better to than risk chances at future promotions.

  5. By neglecting to save money and accumulating debt, she that was difficult to climb out of.

Part II

Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.

  1. 🔊

  2. 🔊

  3. 🔊

Part III

Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.

  1. The project is almost complete, but we still have to tie up a few loose ends like organizing the project documentation and conducting a final meeting.

    .

  2. After trying multiple solutions without success, she found herself at her wits' end, unsure of how to solve the complex problem.

    .