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Quick Reminder about “Speak Up”
Did you know speak up has two meanings? – Speak louder: 1. Could you please speak up? I can’t hear you.2. Please speak up so students in the back of the room can hear. – Express your ideas and opinions:1. Tom, you need to speak up if you’re not happy with something. If you don’t… Read more »
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shortchange (v)
1. You are shortchanging yourself if you don’t study or get the most out of a course.2. It felt like we got shortchanged at the restaurant. Our portions were much smaller than the dishes at the next table.3. The merchant shortchanged them out of one hat. He’d said he’d give them 5 for $10. On… Read more »
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Sell yourself short
1. John constantly gives more credit to others when he actually does most of the work. I wish he’d stop selling himself short.2. Stop selling yourself short, Jane. Let them know it was your idea.3. Sue, you’re nice, but you’re selling yourself short if you let them take credit for something you did.4. She should’ve… Read more »
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GR – the third conditional part 2
First of all, G2R (Grammar2Remember) is now simply GR (GrammarReminder). I decided to change it mainly because it’s simpler and I think it sounds better. GrammarReminder just rolls off the tongue better than Grammar2Remember. Secondly, if you need a quick refresher on the third conditional, go to our May 21 blog first to review… Read more »
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Spread oneself too thin
1. If he keeps spreading himself too thin, he might have a nervous breakdown.2. I told my manager I couldn’t take on the new project; I was already spreading myself too thin.3. You really should ask for help. You’re already spreading yourself too thin. 4. She likes to help everyone, but she ends up spreading… Read more »
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Call it a day
1. We finally finished the project, but we didn’t call it a day until 1 in the morning. We were so tired.2. You’ve been working for 8 hours straight! Why don’t you call it a day and get some rest.3. Let’s call it a day and start the next chapter tomorrow.4. She’s supposed to work… Read more »
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Pick someone’s brains
1. When she goes fishing with her grandfather, who used to run a corporation, she picks his brains about managing a company.2. They wanted to meet the author and hopefully pick his brains about his writing career and getting published.3. He likes to have dinner with successful businessmen so he can pick their brains.4. You’re… Read more »
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Lighten up
1. Their manager used to be so strict. Now he has lightened up a bit.2. He can’t take a joke without getting angry. He needs to lighten up.3. She was just kidding! C’mon! Lighten up!4. The police lightened up a little when they realized we weren’t there to cause trouble.5. He lightened up significantly once he… Read more »
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well-versed
1. If you’re curious about acupuncture, talk to Dr. Clark. He’s well-versed in alternative medicine.2. Do you know anyone well-versed in solar power? I need someone to talk to my science class about it.3. He’s well-versed in iPod apps, but he can’t get a B in math.4. She’s well-versed in Latin American culture but not… Read more »
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Step up to the plate
1. They haven’t picked a replacement yet. The manager’s due to step down next month, but so far, no one has stepped up to the plate.2. You need to get as much experience now; so if someone leaves, you’ll be ready to step up to the plate.3. We weren’t sure if Sue could do the… Read more »