39 Emphasis Flashcards
For hours/ days/weeks on end
Used for emphasizing how long sth continues.
My brother sometimes leaves his bike in the hall for weeks on end.
Well and truly
INF
Completely .
I think we’re well and truly lost.
Without (a) doubt
Used to emphasize an opinion.
Kish Island is the best place to stay without a doubt.
Just like that
INF
Suddenly,without warning or explanation.
Max was here a minute ago,then he disappeared - just like that.
Into the bargain
In addition to the things already mentioned.
He recommended a place to stay, and gave me a lift there into a bargain.
Ever such (a) / ever so
INF
( used before adjectives/adverbs)
Very, really.
My next door neighbor is a ever such a kind woman.
They were ever so grateful for our help.
Not just any
Used to say that sb or sth is not ordinary, but is especially good or important.
He’s not just any doctor - he’s a top surgeon.
No wonder
Used to emphasize the fact that sth is not surprising.
He hasn’t eaten all day,so no wonder he’s hungry.
As it is
Already
( used to express concern that an amount or number will increase further )
I’ve been back there three times today as it is; I don’t want to go again.
By far
SYN: far and away
( used with comparative and superlative adjectives or adverbs) by a large amount.
I think it’s by far / far and away her most interesting novel.
Streets ahead of INF
SYN
Head and shoulders above sb INF
Much better
Rodney is streets ahead of the rest of us at maths.
Not doing a stroke of work
INF
Do no work at all
My cousin doesn’t do a stroke of work.
Get on like a house on fire
INF
Like each other very much.
The two boys get on like a house on fire.
Be lost for words
I was lost for words .
= was so surprised or shocked that I didn’t know what to say.
All hell breaks loose
INF
All hell broke loose at the party =
Sth happened which caused people to get angry and start fighting or arguing.
Avoid sb like the plague /pleyg/
INF
I avoided him like the plague =
was determined to keep away from him completely.
Can not believe my ears
INF
I couldn’t believe my ears when he said he was going abroad = was extremely surprised.
Up in arms about sth
Also: up in arms over sth
INF
Transport groups are up in arms about the increased fares = extremely angry
Pull out all the stops
INF
We’ll have to pull out all the stops to get the show ready on time.
= make the greatest effort possible.
Would give my right arm to …
INF
I’d give my right arm to be in his position = would do anything.
Come down on sb like a ton of bricks
INF
My dad came down on me like a ton of bricks.
Was extremely angry with me and told me off severely. ( it could also mean to punish sb severely)
Tell sb off
Informal.
to rebuke severely; scold:
It was about time that someone told him off.
Not half
INF
Used to emphasize a statement or opinion.
She talks a lot = She doesn’t half talk a lot !
