SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Flashcards
IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
Used to say thay you do ot think that something is very difficult to do or to understand
Example: Driving a car it’s not rocket science, people sould know how to do it better
Learning english it’s not rocket science, I don’t understand why it is so hard for some people
ALL-SINGING, ALL-DANCING
An all-singing, all-dancing piece of equipment or system, has a lot of advanced technical features and therefore is abe to do many things
Example: As long as you do not expect the latest all-singing, all-dancing camera, this one is excelent to buy
This all-singing, all-dancing computer with two screens is all I want nd need in life
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Special features that added to a product or system to attract more buyers
Exmaple: Manufacturers still biuld luxury cars with all the bells and whistles
That phone is all bells and whistles buy it is not actually good or useful
BLOW A FUSE
To become very angry or upset
Example: The boss bew a fuse when the sipment did’nt arrive on time
Ignorant people always make em flow a fuse
Synonyms: BLOW UP
FLY OFF THE HANDLE
HIT THE ROOF/CEELING
FIRE ON ALL CULINDERS
To be operating as powerfuly and effectively as possible
Example: The team got off to a slow start but now it’s firing on all cylinders
Quarentine is not firing on all cylinder as people are not respecting it
GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT (GIGO)
The quality of output is determined by the quality of imput
Example: The meals are pretty poor but then they never use fresh ingridients - garbage in, garbage out
The use of accurate data is vital, we must avoid garbage in, garbage out
GET YOUR/THE WIRES CROSSED
When people get their wires crossed, thet have a different understanding of the same situation
Example: We got ur wires crossed about what time we were supposed to meet
My cassmates got their wires crossed about when was the dedline to hand in the essay
LIGHT YEARS AHEAD
To be much more advanced than others
Example: His ideas were light years ahead of their time
She is light years ahead of her friend in university
SILVER SURFER
An older peron who spends a lot of time using the internet
Example: Silver surfers will be able to access information about a range of activities and events for retired people
My parents are silver surfers, they spens a lot of time on their computers
HIT HE PANIC BUTTON
To react to a situation with fear or panic
Example: The very thouth of reaching 50 makes me want to press the panic bottom
Listenng to strange noises whie being alone in my house makes me hit the panic bottom
RE-INVENT THE WHEEL
To waste a great deal of time or effort in creating something that already exists.
Example: The company is often criticized for trying to reinvent the wheel every time they bring a new product to market
She thinks her proyect is innovative but in fact, she just re-invented the wheel
TECH SAVY
Someone who knows a lot about modern technology, especially computers
Example: Companies need more tech-savy workers for their hi-tech industries
My friends consider me a tech-savy as they always are asking for my help to fix their computers
LUDDITE
A person who doesn’t know how to use technology and is opposed to it and to ways of working.
Example: We cannot be Luddites and pretend online publishing is not the future
I genuenly don’t understand luddites, it is the 21 century and technology has come to stay
DOUBLETHINK
A situation in which someone seems to believe two opposite things, or claims to believe something but does the opposite
Example: Doublethink is related to, but differs from, hypocrisy.
Orwell in 1948 with Doublethink make strong references to the Soviet press and the Nazi Germany
DOUBESPEAK
Language that has no real meaning or has more than one meaning and is intended to hide the truth
Example: He accused the ambassador of diplomatic double-talk
Doublespeak is fluently used by governments and their press offices
STATE OF THE ART
Very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods
Example: The company uses all the newest technology and is considered state-of-the-art
The FBI uses state of the art technology to solve crimes
CUTTING-EDGE
The most modern stage of development in a particular type of work or activity
Example: Cutting-edge product
His research is at the cutting edge of new therapies for cancer
SWAGGER
To walk or behave in a way that shows that you are very confident and think that you are important
Example: A group of young men swaggered around outside the bar
His swaggering self-confidence irritates many people
NOOB
Someone who has just started doing something, especially playing a computer game or using a type of software, and so does not know much about it
Example: I’m not a noob, but my movements just aren’t what they used to be
I’m a noob, I don’t know how to play yet
THINK-TANK
A group of experts brought together, usually by a government, to develop ideas on a particular subject and to make suggestions for action
Example: The ippr is the UK’s leading progressive think tank
He was recluted to be a part from a think tank
ADD-ON
An extra part that is added, especially to an officially organized plan, system, agreement, etc.
Example: companies offer legal expenses cover as an add-on to home insurance policies
A printer is a useful add-on
MULTI-FACETED
Having many different parts or sides
Example: It’s a multifaceted business, offering a range of services.
The reasons for leaving the modeling industry are multifaceted
DOG-EARED
A book or paper that is dog-eared has the pages turned down at the corners as a result of a lot of use
Example: The library is full of dog-eared books
My aunt lent me a dog-eared book that she had since she was my age
AKIN
Having some of the same qualities
Example: They speak a language akin to French
My highschool’s qualification system is akin to the one used in the USA
EGOSURFING
Searching for your own name on the internet
Example: Egosurfing is becoming more and more common these days
Experts say that the principal cause of egosurfing is narcissism
PERENNIAL
Lasting a very long time, or happening repeatedly or all the time
Example: The film “Titanic” is a perennial favourite
In Argentina, we face the perennial problem of corrupcion and people not whiling to work
DABBLE
To take a slight and not very serious interest in a subject, or try a particular activity for a short period
Example: She dabbled with drugs at university
I first dabbled in communication ciences while in my 4th year of school, then I met the teacher and it went away
DILUTE
To reduce the strength of a feeling, action, etc (diluir)
Example: Teachers sometimes dilute the exitemnt of the students for the subject they teach
I had to dilute my training beacuse it was too much for my body to hande
RELUCTANCE
An unwillingness to do something
Example: Her reluctance to talk to the press was quite understandable
I don’t understand her reluctance to use the phone, it’s the 21st century
ONSET
The moment at which something unpleasant begins
Example: The new treatment can delay the onset of the disease by several years
The onset of COVID-19, has led to a loss of human and material resources
BEMOAN
To complain or express sadness about something
Example: Students are always bemoaning their lack of time to study finals
I bemoan having to live in a country full of currupcion like Argentina
MIXED BLESSING
Something that has advantages and disadvantages
Example: Being in quarenrine is a mixed blessing, there is a lot of free time but you can not see your loved ones
Studying several lenguales at one time can be a mixed blessing, it’s intresting but also stressing
ACROSS THE BOARD
Happening or having an effect on people at every level and in every area
Example: The initiative has across-the-board support
The president threatened an across the board cut of funds due to the lack of the circulation of the economy
STREW
To spread things in an untidy way over a surface, or to be spread in an untidy way over a surface
Example: Wine bottles and dirty dishes were strewn across the lawn after the festival
My clothes are laying strewn on the floor
The park was strewn with litter after the concert
DIGITAL NATIVE
A person who is very familiar with digital technology, computers, etc. because they have grown up with them
Example: People whe arn’t digital natives found it harder to understand technology
I’m a digital native
DIGITAL IMMIGRANT
A person who started using digital technology, computers, the internet, etc. during their adult life but did not grow up using them
Example: People age 30 or older are digital immigrants because they can never be as fluent in technology as a native who was born into it
My parents definitely are digital immigrants
POSE
To cause something, especially a problem or difficulty
Example: Nuclear weapons pose a threat to humanity
Drunken drivers pose a serious threat to other road users, serious accidets can happen
LOOM
If an unwanted or unpleasant event looms, it seems likely to happen soon and causes worry
Example: Dark storm clouds loomed on the horizon
The CPE final exam is looming
UNSETTLE
*Causing change in a way that makes it more difficult to know what will happen
Example: This week’s primaries may further unsettle the race for president
*Causing worry or anxiety
Exmple: The spread of the disease has unsettled the country
ENHANCE
To improve the quality, amount, or strength of something
Example: These scandals will not enhance the organization’s reputation
I order to enhance her phisical condition, she had to run 3 miles everyday for three months
UNDERTAKE
To do or begin to do something, especially something that will take a long time or be difficult
Example: Students are required to undertake simple experiments
I should have thought more about undertaking the project with that theme given that is gonna last till the end of the year
WARP SPEED
An extremely high speed of change, development, or movement
Example: Technology is advancing at warp speed
Whith COVID-19, the pharmacy industry is growing at a warp speed
QUANTUM LEAP
A great improvement or important development in something
Examples: The appointment of a female director is a quantum leap for women’s equality
The law allowing gay marrige, was a quantum leap for the population’s equaity
STARDUST
A magical, romantic, dream-like or charismatic quality or feeling
Example: He would bring stardust and much-needed experience to the team
The main actor brought to the movie a bit of stardust and experience
QUEST
A long search for something that is difficult to find, or an attempt to achieve something difficult
Example: Nothing will stop them in their quest for finding the vaccine for COVID-19
She works out four times a week in her quest to achieve the perfect body.
INCEPTION
The beginning of an organization, official activity, system, or agreement
Example: Since its inception in 1968, the company has been at the forefront of computer development
The invention of the steam engine was the inception for the Industrial Revolution
INGULGE
To allow yourself or another person to have something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you. Despite bad behaviour.
Example: I love champagne but I don’t often indulge myself
My aunt indulges me and y cousins dreadfully
LIFT-OFF
The action of a spacecraft or rocket leaving the ground (DESPEGAR)
Example: The astronouts have lift-off for the moon
Once the product comes out to the market, the buissness will lift off
BROACH
To begin a discussion of something difficult
Example: At some point we’ve got to discuss money but I don’t know how to broach the subject with him
I will have to tell her to pay for my guitar at some point but a can’t think of a way to broach the subject
TOUCH ON/UPON
To mention a subject quickly when speaking or writing about another subject
Example: The talk was about educational opportunities for adults, and the speaker also touched upon sources of finance
The talk given by the diplomatic was about his work but he also touched on the family aspects that go with it
ARGUE
*To give the reasons for your opinion, idea, belief, etc
Example: The senator argued for/in favour of/against making cuts in military spending
The president argued that quarentine must be extended again
*To show that something is true or exists
Example: The evidence argues a change in policy
STATE OF PLAY
The present situation
Example: The meeting reviewed the state of play in each market
I ony read the newspaper in the mornings to know the state of play as regards COVID-19
STATE
To say or write something, especially when it is done clearly and carefully
Example: Our warranty clearly states the limits of our liability
The writer clearly states his desires of lining in a world full of equality
ASSERT
*To say that something is certainly true
Example: He asserts that she stole money from him
She asserted that the former president Cristina k. ws indeed a corruptive
*To do something to show that you have power
Example: She very rarely asserts her authority over the children
From the moment she walked in, the teacher asserted her power over us
ASSERT YOURSELF
To behave in a way that expresses your confidence, importance, or power and earns you respect from others
Example:I really must assert myself more in meetings
I really asserted myself in the premodel of the UN
PURPORT
To pretend to be or to do something, especially in a way that is not easy to believe
Example: They purport to represent the wishes of the majority of parents at the school
The author purports to have a doctorade in modern medicine
PROFESS
To state something, often in a way that is not sincere
Example: She professes not to be interested in money
She professes to have no knowledge of the event, thou I’m not sure it’s true
EXPLORES
To think or talk about something in order to find out more about it
Example: Let’s explore this issue/idea more fully
The writer explores the idea of homeoffice to make his point
ADDRESS
*To give attention to or deal with a matter or problem
Example: The issue of funding has yet to be addressed
*To speak or write to someone
Example: He likes to be addressed as “Sir” or “Mr Partridge”
CONTEND
To say that something is true or is a fact
Example: The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime
She contended that she had read all harry potter books
MANTAIN
To express firmly your belief that something is true
Example: He maintains that he has never seen the woman before
She mantains that reading is one of the most relaxing activities
STREW
To spread things in an untidy way over a surface, or to be spread in an untidy way over a surface
Example: Wine bottles and dirty dishes were strewn across the lawn
The school is always strewn with rubbish after the funs rasing event
CAKED
Covered with a thick layer of something
Example: I looked at my fingers, now caked with dirt
My whole carpet was caked with dirt and dust
STASH
To store or hide something, especially a large amount
Example: he stolen pictures were stashed (away) in a warehouse
I was in the look for a olace to stash some cash
CLOGGED
Blocked or filled with something
Example: The roads quickly became clogged with traffic
Her apartment was clogged with spiders
EXACERBATE
To make something that is already bad even worse
Example: This attack will exacerbate the already tense relations between the USA and Iran
The economic situation in Argentina was exacerbated by COVID-19
INCESED
Extremely angry
Example: The villagers are incensed at the decision to close the railway station
I was incesed by the coment that I would not do my work in the project
WHIM
A sudden wish or idea, especially one that cannot be reasonably explained
Example: We booked the trip on a whim
Sugar daddys are supposed to satisfy every girl’s whims
GLITCH
To experience a small fault or problem, especially one that stops something from working
Example: The mail system has glitched a couple of times recently
Online meetings at the institute have glintches almost always
QUIRK
An unusual habit or part of someone’s personality, or something that is strange and unexpected
Example: By some strange quirk, we ended up on the same train.
I have to get used to other peolpe’s quirks
THEREIN
In or into a particular place, thing, etc.
Example: The insurance covers the apartment and all the property therein.
That house is known for having a lot of ghosts therein
THEREBY
As a result of this action
Example: Diets that are high in saturated fat clog up our arteries, thereby reducing the blood flow to our hearts and brains
Half the team was injured, thereby they lost their chance to win the finals.
IN HASTE
Too quickly, without careful planning or thought
Example: It is very important that decisions are not taken in haste.
They planned their vacation in haste, five days after they were there.
PILOT TRAIL
(prueba piloto)
Example: the pilot trail for the prototipe was successful
SUPERSEDE
To replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned
Example: Most of the old road has been superseded by the great interstate highways
THE BIG BANG
Explotion that formed the univrese; used to indicate a great change or explotion
Example: We’re all waiting for the big bang when the company’s taken over next month
ATOMIC INDIVIDUALS
Used to make an emphasis in individuals
Example: Society is made up of atomic individuals pursuing private interests
SPARKLE
Shine brightly with flashes of light
Example: The diamond rings sparkled in the jeweller’s window
FLASH
Shine in a bright but brief or sudden way
Example: The light from the warning beacon flashes every ten seconds
GLOW
Give out steady light without flame
Example: The solar lights look atractive glowing in the garden at night
SHIMMER
Shine with a soft tremulous light
Example: As we sat on the beach, the sea shimmered in the sunlight
GLEAM
Shine brightly, especilly with reflected light
Example: The window cleaner polishes the glass until it gleamed
FLICKER
Shine unsteadily or keep going on and off
Example: The candle flame flickered as the wind blew through the open window
GLINT
Give out or reflect small flashes of light
Example: Sally noticed the glint of exitement in her son’s eyes as she mentioned the theme park visit
GLISTEN
Shine with a sparkling light, especially something wet
Example: the pavements were glistening after a heavy downpour of rain
