Idioms & Metaphorical Language Flashcards
For non-native English speakers, it is extremely important to understand nuances of the English language, as it can drastically change or turn over the meaning of a sentence.
1
Q
“…”
A
Meanings:
- The word/phrase should not be taken literally
- The word/phrase is introduced for the first time, or in an unusual context
Examples:
- The factory employs several people who add defects and rough edges to its popular line of “antique” furniture (The furniture is not really antique)
- The company has sent its top people to ethics training and course on Aristotle in an attempt to build a “philosophically correct’ business (The idea of “philosophically correct” is weird in business)
2
Q
account for
A
Meanings:
- to take into consideration, or make adjustments based on
- to cause
Different from:
- give an account for, which means explain
Examples:
- I accounted for the fact that Joe is always late by telling him to meet us at 1:30 when the event is really at 2 (means compensate for)
- I did get us the meeting, but Ellen’s hard work accounted for the rest of our success (means cause)
3
Q
a given
A
Beware! A given is different from the use of given.
Meaning:
- Something taken for granted. (Something assumed, that does not need a proof)
Examples:
- When planning my wedding, it was a given that my parents would invite anyone they wanted, since they were paying for everything.
- It’s a given that everyone here is against human trafficking.
4
Q
albatross
A
Meanings:
- A constant burden or worry (Idiom)
- A bird (literal)
Example:
- The city has done an admirable job rebuilding its infrastructure and marketing itself, but the crime rate continues to be an _albatross around the_ city’s _neck_ in trying to attract tourists.
5
Q
all but
A
Meaning:
- Almost certainly
Example:
- Your objections arrived too late; the matter is all but decided
6
Q
And yet
A
Meaning:
- stronger way of saying yet.
- Indicates a surprising twist, ironic realization, etc.
Usually used at the beginning of a sentence.
Example:
- The company was lauded for its commitment to the environment. And yet its employees regularly fly in private jets, creating carbon footprints that would embarrass any true environmentalist.
7
Q
aside from
A
Meaning:
- In addition to
Example:
- Aside from the obvious financial benefits of investing in a socially responsible fund, you can rest assured that your money is used to maximize social good.
8
Q
(adj.) as it is, …
A
Usage:
- What comes before the comma is in contrast with what comes after.
Examples:
- Charming as she is, I don’t want to be friends with her anymore.
- As pleased as we are to see more minorities on the board than ever before, discrimination in hiring and promotion is still a serious problem.
9
Q
as well as
A
Indicates, depending on context, either:
- and
- to emphasize something
- to contrast what said before
Example:
- You know what I discovered? My French teacher speaks Chinese, as well as French!
10
Q
arms race
A
Meaning:
- a competition with a “more more more!” meantality, often not entirely rational (Idiom)
- competition between two countries to built up the best and largest supply of weapons (literal meaning - often associated w/ Cold War)
Example:
- Analysts carefully watched stock prices as the two Internet giants competed in an arms race, exxpanding rapidly by buying up smaller companies with little due diligence
11
Q
at best
A
Meaning:
- At the most (not more than)
Examples:
- The seminar drew 20 people at best (not more than 20 people attended)
- My college algebra teacher can barely factor a polynomial! He is qualified to teach elementary school math, at best
12
Q
at fault
A
Meaning:
- Guilty
Example:
- The insurance company is investigating who is at fault for the collision.
13
Q
at loggerheads
A
Meaning:
- in conflict, at a standstill (idiom)
- a kind of turtle (literal)
- a foolish person (archaic)
Example:
- The strike is not likely to end soon - the transit authority and the union representatives have been at loggerheads for weeks
14
Q
at odds
A
Meaning:
- In conflict
Example:
- The teacher’s unioin and the state government are always at odds
15
Q
at once
A
Meanings;
- Immediately
- At the same time
Examples:
- Once the hurricane veered near the coast, the governor ordered that we evacuate at once. (meaning: now)
- We’ve received three proposals that are all excellent, but we can do them at once. (meaning: at the same time)
