A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

片語 A

Able to take something
able to endure something; able to take abuse.
( 能夠忍受某些不堪的事物、忍受凌辱、虐待 )
--> What's the matter? Aren't you able to take a joke?
( 例句：怎麼了，你不能接受這樣的笑話嗎？)
--> Stop whining, I'm not able to take it any more.
( 例句：別再叫了，我已經無法忍受了)

About face
to turn around or to change one's ideas or position.
( 改變主意 )
--> His choice of that house was an about face from his original intention.
( 例句：他選擇這個房子的念頭是改變後的決定，和原來不一樣。)
--> After he told us his plans he made an about face. I'm surprised.
( 例句：告訴我們他的計畫後，他又改變主意了，讓我有點吃驚。)

About to do (something)
ready to do something; on the verge of doing something.
--> Our old dog is about to die.
--> The apple tree is about to bloom.
--> We were just about to leave when you telephoned.

Above and beyond the call of duty
in addition to what is required; more than is required in one's job.
--> We didn't expect the police officer to drive us home. That was above and beyond the call of duty.

Similar: Beyond the call of duty
--> The English teacher helped students after school every day, even though it was beyond the call of duty.

Above board
in the open; visible to the public; honest.
--> You can do whatever you wish as long as you keep it above board.
--> Everything he does is above board.

Absent-minded
forgetful.
--> He is the typical absent-minded professor, always leaving his umbrella and other things on the bus.
--> I wish I knew why he is so absent-minded.

According to
as said or indicated by someone or something.
--> According to the weather forecast, this should be a beautiful day.
--> According to my father, this is a very good car to buy.

According to
in or by a certain order.
--> The students lined up according to height, shortest to tallest.
--> I will consider your requests according to your age, the youngest first.

Account for
to explain what happened to someone or something.
--> How do you account for the $100 you started out with?
--> How do you account for the mud on your dress?

Act of God
an occurrence (usually an accident) for which no human is responsible; an act of nature such as a storm, earthquake, or windstorm.
--> The insurance company wouldn't pay for the damages because they said it was an act of God.

Acquainted with (someone or something)
to know someone or something by name, but not necessarily well; to know of the existence of someone or something.
--> I'm acquainted with John, but I've only met him once.
--> I'm acquainted with the street you describe, but I don't know how to get there.

Across from (someone or something)
facing or opposite someone or something.
--> At the table, Mary sat across from me.
--> The shoe store is across the street from the bank.

Act one's age
to behave more maturely; to act as grown up as one really is.
--> Come on, John. Act your age. Stop throwing rocks.
--> Mary! Stop hitting your brother. Act your age!

Act up
to misbehave or act badly.
--> It seems like our children always act up when we go to our neighbor's house to eat.
--> My arthritis is acting up. It really hurts in the winter.
--> My car is acting up. I could hardly get it started this morning.

Add insult to injury
to make a bad situation worse; to hurt the feelings of a person who has already been hurt.
--> First, the basement flooded, and then, to add insult to injury, a pipe burst in the kitchen.
--> My car barely started this morning, and to add insult to injury, I got a flat tire while still in the driveway.

Add (something) up
to make a mathematical total; to combine facts in order to figure something out.
--> Hurry and add up the scores.
--> When you add up all the facts, you will see things differently.
--> The bill added up to $200.

Add up
to mean something; to represent something; to result in something.
--> I don't understand. What does all this add up to?
--> It doesn't add up.

Add up to (something)
to combine facts in order to figure something out.
--> I think it will all add up to be a wonderful day.

After all
anyway; in spite of what had been decided. (often refers to a change of plans or a reversal of plans.)
--> Mary had planned to go to the bank, but she came here after all.
--> It looks like Tom will go to law school after all.

After all is said and done
when everything is settled or concluded; finally. (Informal)
--> After all was said and done, I had a great time at the party.
--> After all is said and done, I guarantee it will turn out as I said.

After you!
a way of saying "You go first." Often said when two people arrive at the door simultaneously.
--> After you. Ladies first.

Against the clock
in a race with time; in a great hurry to get something done before a particular time.
--> Bill set a new track record running against the clock. He lost the actual race, however.
--> The man was dying. It was now a race against the clock to get him to the hospital.

Agree on (someone or something)
To agree on the choice of a particular person or thing.
--> They needed to find a new candidate. Finally they agreed on John.
--> They agreed on yellow as the new color for the kitchen.

Agree to (something)
to agree to do something; to agree to let something happen.
--> Mary agreed to serve as president.
--> Bill won't agree to mow the lawn.
--> Let's all agree to disagree. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

Agree with (someone or something)
to reach an accord with someone or something; to come to an understanding with someone.
--> I am glad you agree with me about the problem.
--> Both of my children agree with me that I should buy a new car.

Agree with (someone or something)
to harmonize with; to act positively on someone or something.
--> I like your shirt. The blue color certainly agrees with you.
--> Cold weather agrees with me nicely.
--> Hot weather doesn't agree with me.

Opposite: Not agree (with someone), i.e., to make someone ill; to give someone minor stomach distress.
--> Fried foods don't agree with me.
--> I always plant onions in my garden, but I never eat them. They just don't agree with me.

Ahead of (someone)
in front of or before a person; with an advantage over someone.
--> By the end of the race, I was ahead of all my friends.
--> When it comes to computers, you are light-years ahead of me.

Ahead of (something)
having something under control or on schedule.
--> I feel good because I am ahead of my planned work schedule.

Ahead of time
beforehand; before the announced time.
--> If you come ahead of time, you will just have to wait.
--> Be there ahead of time if you want to get a good seat.

All at once
suddenly or without warning.
--> All at once the sky became dark and it began to rain.
--> All at once she tripped on a stone.

All at once all at the same time.
--> The entire group spoke all at once.
--> The teacher announced, "When you speak all at once I cannot understand what you are saying."

All gone
used up; finished; over with.
--> We used to play with our children every day, but those days are all gone.
--> All the stamps I bought yesterday are gone.

All in one piece
safely; without damage. (Informal)
--> Today was a hard day at the office but I came out of it all in one piece.
--> The package was handled carelessly, but the vase inside arrived all in one piece.

All kinds of (someone or something)
a great number of people or things; a great amount of something, especially money (Most often this is used informally but it can literally mean "all types.")
--> All kinds of people, perhaps a thousand or more, came to the meeting.
--> Their family has all kinds of money.

All in all
considering everything which has happened; in summary and in spite of the unpleasantness.
--> All in all, I'm glad I visited New York City.
--> He got one low grade, but all in all he is a good student.

(All) keyed up
to be nervous, tense, excited.
--> After the basketball game Bill was all keyed up.
--> Right now I'm so keyed up that I can't sleep.

All of a sudden
abruptly; without warning.
--> All of a sudden lightning struck the tree we were sitting under.
--> All of a sudden in the quietness of the night, somebody knocked on our door.
--> We were all enjoying a pleasant evening dinner when all of a sudden the lights went out.

All out
to use all of one's resources and energy.
--> When I return to school I plan to go all out to get good grades.
--> I was going all out and yet other people were running faster than me.

All out effort
a very good and thorough effort.
--> We need an all out effort if we hope to finish in time.
--> The government began an all out effort to eliminate corruption.

All over
finished; dead.
--> Dinner is all over. I'm sorry you didn't get any.
--> How come you are so late? The game is all over.

All over everywhere.
--> Oh, I just itch all over.
--> I wish she wouldn't spread the rumor all over.

All over the place
everywhere; in all parts of a particular location. (Informal)
--> Tom, stop leaving your dirty clothes all over the place.
--> We keep finding this problem popping up all over the place.

All right
satisfactory; correct. Sometimes used to mean "yes."
--> Would it be all right with you if I pay back that money tomorrow instead of today?
--> Mary: Let's watch TV tonight. Sandy: All right, let's do it.

All that glitters is not gold
a proverb meaning that many attractive and alluring things may have no value.
--> The used car looked fine, but it didn't run well at all. "Ah yes," thought Bill, "all that glitters is not gold."

All the way
from the beginning to the end; the entire distance, from start to finish.
--> The ladder reaches all the way to the top of the house.
--> I walked all the way home.

All's well that ends well
a proverb meaning that an event which has a good ending is good even if some things went wrong along the way.
--> I'm sorry to hear that your car broke down. At least you finally got here. Oh well, all's well that ends well.

All year round
throughout all the seasons of the year; during the entire year.
--> The swimming pool is inside a building. It can be used all year round.
--> In the southern part of America they can grow flowers all year round.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
a proverb meaning that it is easier and better to prevent something bad than to deal with the results.
--> When you ride in a car, buckle your seat belts. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
--> Every child should be vaccinated against polio. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Around the clock
continuously for twenty-four hours at a time.
--> My father was so sick that he had to have nurses around the clock.
--> They needed to guard those priceless jewels around the clock.

As a general rule
usually; almost always. (The word "general" is sometimes omitted.)
--> As a general rule he can be found in his office during the mornings.
--> As a general rule I get up every morning at five o'clock.

Similar: As a rule.
--> As a rule, our store is not so busy after supper time.

As a last resort
as a last choice; if everything else fails.
--> As a last resort, call the doctor at his home.
--> As a last resort, I'll take the speaking appointment for you.

As a matter of fact
in fact, really.
--> My friend looks quite old, but as a matter of fact, he is only 45 years old.
--> I'm not a poor worker. As a matter of fact, I'm usually very efficient.

As blind as a bat
with imperfect sight; blind. (The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> I'm getting blind as a bat. I can hardly read the newspaper anymore.
--> He is blind as a bat. His keys were right on the table and he didn't see them.

As clear as crystal
very understandable. (Used similarly but having an opposite meaning to the following entry.)
--> The article he wrote was as clear as crystal.
--> I don't know why you worry about the future. For me it is as clear as crystal.

As clear as mud
not understandable.
--> Your explanation is as clear as mud.
--> This doesn't make sense. It's as clear as mud.

As different as night and day completely different.
--> Although they are twins, they are as different as night and day.
--> Birds and bats may seem similar but they are as different as night and day.

As flat as a pancake
very flat. (Informal. The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> Bobby squashed the ant as flat as a pancake.

As for
regarding or concerning someone or something.
--> As for this building, it has to be torn down.
--> As for your request for more time, yes, we can grant that.

As good as done
the same as being done; almost done. (Many different past participles can replace "done" in this phrase: "cooked," "dead," "finished," "painted," etc.)
--> This job is as good as done. I need to look for another one.
--> Yes sir, if you hire me to paint your house, it's as good as painted.

As hungry as a bear
very hungry. (Informal. The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> I'm as hungry as a bear. I could eat anything.
--> Whenever I exercise, I get hungry as a bear.

As light as a feather
of little weight, very light. (Informal. The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> Of course I can lift the box. It is as light as a feather.
--> Don't worry about my suitcase. It's light as a feather.

As long as
since; because.
--> As long as you are going to the bakery, please buy some fresh bread for me.

Similar: So long as.
--> So long as you are here, please stay for dinner.

As long as
if; only if.
--> You can go outside to play as long as you are back home by four o'clock.

Similar: So long as.

As long as
for a specified period of time.
--> You may read as long as you like.

As luck would have it
by good or bad luck; as it turned out; by chance.
--> As luck would have it, we had a flat tire.
--> As luck would have it, my only free day and it's raining.

As plain as day
clear and understandable. (Informal. The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> The lecture was as plain as day. No one had to ask questions.
--> His message was plain as day.
--> Just from his actions, it is as plain as day that he loves you.

As quick as a wink
very quickly. (Informal. The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> As quick as a wink he placed some money in my pocket.
--> I'll be finished with this work quick as a wink.

As quick as lightning
very quickly.
--> As quick as lightning, she ran down the road to save the child.

As quiet as a mouse
very quiet; shy and silent. (Informal. Often used with children. The first "as" can be omitted.)
--> Don't yell. Be as quiet as a mouse.
--> Mary hardly ever says anything. She's quiet as a mouse.

As soon as
just after; when.
--> As soon as the tree leaves start to fall, I begin wearing winter clothes.
--> As soon as I am sixteen, I'm going to take the driver's license test.

As soon as possible
at the earliest time.
--> Please pay me the rent as soon as possible.
--> I hope we can eat as soon as possible because I'm really hungry.

Note: ASAP means "as soon as possible" These four letters are often spoken or sometimes written at the bottom of an invitation, in which case, it would look like this: "Please respond ASAP."

As the crow flies
straight across the land, as opposed to distances measured on a road, river, etc. (Informal)
--> By highway it is twenty miles to town but as the crow flies it is only ten miles.
--> As the crow flies, our house is only a couple miles from the ocean.

As to
regarding or concerning someone or something.
--> As to next week's concert, I won't be able to attend.

Similar: As for.
--> As for you, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow.
--> As for me, I prefer to eat vegetables instead of meat.

Ask for
to do something that will cause trouble.
--> Don't complain about the cut in your salary. You asked for it by always being late and absent.
--> Anybody who sleeps on the job is asking for it.

Similar: Asking for trouble.
--> If you drink liquor and drive, you're only asking for trouble.

At a loss for words
unable to speak; speechless; befuddled.
--> Suddenly she smiled and kissed me. Truly I was at a loss for words.
--> Thank you for helping me all day. I am at a loss for words. I don't know how to thank you enough.

At a snail's pace
very slowly.
--> When you watch a clock, time seems to pass at a snail's pace.
--> You always eat at a snail's pace. I'm tired of waiting for you.

At all to
any degree, in the least. Generally used in the negative sense with "not" and "hardly."
--> He said he did not have any money at all.
--> When I asked her whether she was tired, she said, "Not at all. I'm full of energy." --> It really isn't very cold at all.
--> I'm not at all hungry.

At ease
relaxed and comfortable.
--> I don't feel at ease driving when there is lots of traffic.
--> I feel at ease about your plan.

At first
initially; at the beginning; originally.
--> At first I thought the wind was rattling the door but then I found out it was you.
--> She was shy at first, but then she became more friendly.

At full speed as fast as possible.
--> The motor was running at full speed.
--> At the beginning I was writing stories very slowly, but now I'm writing at full speed.

At home with
comfortable with someone or something; comfortable doing something.
--> I feel very much at home with my wife's parents.
--> Sally seems to be very much at home with her new car.
--> I feel right at home with my new job.

Similar usage: To newly arrived guests a person can say, "Make yourself at home." The meaning is, "I hope you will feel comfortable in my home; consider it like you would consider your home."

At last
after a long wait; finally.
--> At last I got a letter from my son.

Similar: At long last.
--> At long last he graduated from college.
--> At long last, after 20 years, the soldier returned home.

At least
no less than; no fewer than.
--> I know of at least four people that are taller than me.
--> She was sick for at least two months.

At least
anyway; in spite of difficulties.
--> At least we had a good evening, in spite of the rainy afternoon.
--> At least we still have a little money left in our pockets.

At once
immediately; very soon; at this very moment.
--> John, come here at once!
--> Do you want me to do it at once or wait until tomorrow morning?

At that (this) rate
in that manner; at that speed.
--> If things keep progressing at this rate, we will be rich by next year.
--> At that rate we will never get the money which is owed us.

At the break of dawn
At the crack of dawn
At the break of day
the time when the first light of the day is seen.
--> At the break of dawn, the birds began singing.
--> Farmers always get up at the crack of dawn.

At the last minute
at the last possible chance.
--> Please don't make airline reservations at the last minute.
--> Why do you ask all of your questions at the last minute?

At the present time
now, at the present.
--> At the present time, I do not know where I left my hat.
--> The tomatoes are growing nicely at the present time.

Similar: At this point in time, and, at this point.
--> Yes, I agree. But there is nothing I can do at this point.

At the same time
simultaneously; together.
--> All the students return home at the same time.
--> Many people cannot drive a car and talk to their passengers at the same time.

At the same time
nevertheless; however.
--> What you say is right, but at the same time I disagree with your methods.

At this point
At this point in time now; at the present.
--> At this point, we will show you some slides of the city.
--> At this point in time, there is nothing we can do about the situation.

At times
sometimes; occasionally.
--> At times I like to eat ice cream, but usually I don't.
--> At times she feels a little better, but then she becomes very weak again.
--> At times I feel very frustrated with my poor English.

Attend to (someone or something)
to take care of someone or something; to give attention to someone or something.
--> Tomorrow I must attend to my housekeeping.
--> First you must attend to your homework, after that you can watch TV.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z