1037] Flashcards
to run its course
to run its course – for something to naturally complete its process or cycle, without being interrupted, sped up, or slowed down
* Unfortunately, doctors can’t cure the common cold. We’ll just have to let it run its course.
to call it a night
to call it a night – to say that something has ended, or to announce that one has had enough of something, and then go home and/or go to bed.
* We still need to study another three chapters, but I’m too tired to concentrate. Let’s call it a night.
straggler
one of the last people to finish something, or one of the last few people to continue to do something
* The marathon started six hours ago, but a few stragglers have still not completed the race.
reluctant
not wanting to do something; hesitant; not looking forward to something
* They’re reluctant to sign a lease with such high rent, but they really want to live downtown.
politely
with consideration, good manners, and courtesy
* If you want to have a successful career, you’ll have to learn to give criticism politely.
hint
a gentle suggestion or slight indication, without clearly stating what the thing is
* Randall won’t tell his girlfriend where he’s taking her, because he wants it to be a secret, but he has given her a few hints.
liable
likely; probably; something that could and probably will happen
* If we plan an outdoor event in April, it’s liable to rain, so make sure we have enough tents and umbrellas for all the guests.
beer run
– a quick trip to a store to buy beer, especially after people have drunk all the was available at a party
* If you’re making a beer run, can you please bring back some chips and salsa, too?
to do the trick
to solve the problem; to be effective
* That duct tape should do the trick and stop the leak until we can buy a new pipe.
to yawn
to open one’s mouth wide and take a deep breath with a sighing sound, usually when one is very tired, but trying to stay awake
* Your son often yawns during my classes. Is he getting enough sleep at home?
lateness of the hour
a formal phrase describing the late evening, especially when people are normally asleep
* They usually go out for dessert after seeing a play, but given the lateness of the hour, they decided to go home instead.
subtlety
using delicacy and indirectness to express oneself * Are you able to appreciate the subtlety of this artwork?
to turn up the lights
to make the lights brighter and more intense in a room that was partially dark
* At the end of the movie, they turned up the lights in the theater.
lights out
he time to turn off the lights and go to sleep, especially when used as a command to tell others to turn off the lights
* Most nights, the kids are in bed and reading by 8:00, but it’s lights out at 8:15.
to mean (something)
to sincerely believe what one is saying, without any doubt or hesitation
* Did you mean it when you said that you’d quit your job if you had to work for Irene?
