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Versed in something
1. He’s well-versed in Russian architecture; he’s been interested in it since he took a class in college.2. She has a great interest in renewable energy and is particularly versed in wind power.3. Tom reads about different cultures all the time, but I hear he is especially versed in Asian cultures and traditions.4. They told… Read more »
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What you make of something / your take on something
What someone makes of something and someone’s take on something are two ways of expressing or asking about someone’s opinion. 1. What do you make of the new regulations at work? What’s your take on the new regulations at work?2. The manager wants to know what we make of the new schedule. The… Read more »
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Understanding is never enough, part 2
It seems obvious that if we want to master a language and speak it fluently, we’d practice as much as we can, right? Practicing is crucial to feeling comfortable and natural in our new language as we strive to master it, as I mentioned in part 1. However, while we are often eager to practice… Read more »
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Understanding is never enough, part 1
For most subjects in school, you’re finished studying once you’ve understood the lesson. You may need to remember facts or equations for a test, but for the most part, you are good to go once you know the material. Your main goal is to do well on the test, after which, unfortunately, you will probably… Read more »
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Have got it made
1. Todd’s got it made. He’s now the store manager, so he doesn’t have to get to work so early.2. Since they won the lottery, they’ve moved into a huge mansion and hired servants. They’ve definitely got it made.3. Mike had it made, but he blew it. He had the best job, but he got… Read more »
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Making it
1. Did you make it to your meeting on time?2. We were late, but we made it in time for the President’s speech. 3. The traffic was so heavy; we almost didn’t make our flight.4. Making it as an actor is not easy; competition is so high.5. He’s made it big as a successful legal consultant… Read more »
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throw in the towel
1. Having faced so much opposition in his new position as regional manager, he decided to throw in the towel and hand in his resignation.2. No one expected the politician to throw in the towel so early in the election campaign. 3. One contestant almost threw in the towel, but the judge talked her into… Read more »
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Why keeping a journal will improve your English
Writing your thoughts down in a notebook or on your computer is such a useful exercise that everyone should be doing it. Besides, it’s not that difficult, and you can do it on your own. In fact, for serious language learners and especially if you’re in the intermediate or advanced levels, it should be a… Read more »
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keeping something/someone at bay
1. She meditates to keep negative thoughts at bay.2. He started feeling sick, but he kept it at bay with some chicken soup with vegetables. 3. They sprayed bug repellent all around the outside of their tent to keep mosquitoes at bay.4. Making to-do lists everyday helps him keep stress at bay.5. The manager decided… Read more »
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breaking a sweat
1. He’s so smart he aces through all his exams without even breaking a sweat.2. The other team wasn’t very good; we won the game, and we didn’t even break a sweat.3. I used to be able to hike for hours without breaking a sweat; now, I get exhausted so easily.4. Honestly, I broke a sweat when… Read more »