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27 Cards in this Set
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to hone in on
The missile was honing in on [=homing in on] its target. Researchers are honing in on the cause of the disease. |
to move toward or focus attention on an objective. Move or be aimed towards (a target or destination) with great accuracy:
often used figuratively. |
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in the twinkle of an eye
He was back in the twinkle of an eye. |
very quickly : in a very short time. |
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to twinkle
The lights of the city twinkled in the distance. Stars twinkle in the night sky. twinkling Christmas lights |
to shine with an unsteady light : to produce small flashes of light |
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twinkle
We saw the twinkle of a candle in the window. |
a quick, unsteady movement of light : a sparkle or flicker of light |
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pimp |
a man who makes money illegally by getting customers for prostitutes |
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to pimp
He pimps for three women.
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to get customers for prostitutes : to work as a pimp — often + for |
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handful
Only a handful of people showed up for the lecture. |
a small amount or number — often + of |
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to delineate
The report clearly delineates the steps that must be taken. The characters in the story were carefully delineated. |
formal : to clearly show or describe (something) |
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particular
Just give us a brief report; you can fill us in on the particulars later. (Brit) The teacher asked the students to write down their particulars [=personal facts, such as their names and addresses] on a sheet of paper. (US, law) The court ordered the state to file a bill of particulars. [=a detailed list of the charges or claims made in a legal case] |
a specific detail or piece of information |
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to lament
She lamented over the loss of her best friend. (chiefly US) He was lamenting about rising gasoline prices. |
to express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something |
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to grunt
The workers were grunting with effort as they lifted the heavy furniture. The pigs grunted. He grunted in agreement. |
to make a short, low sound : to make a grunt |
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redoubtable
a redoubtable [=formidable] warrior There is a new biography of the redoubtable Winston Churchill. |
causing or deserving great fear or respect : very powerful, impressive, etc. |
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apocryphal
an apocryphal story/tale about the president's childhood |
well-known but probably not true. |
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explicable
Phenomena explicable by the laws of physics his least explicable mistake. |
possible to explain; explainable; |
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sheer
sheer [=utter] nonsense sheer [=pure] luck/coincidence/joy The sheer amount of work was staggering. The sheer number of questions overwhelmed her. The sheer force of the wind knocked me to the ground. |
complete and total.
always used before a noun — used to emphasize the large amount, size, or degree of something. |
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to milk
They milked [=exploited] their advantage for all it was worth. greedy landlords milking their tenants of all their money
The newspapers were milking the story for every possible drop of drama. |
to use (something or someone) in a way that helps you unfairly.
exploit or defraud by taking small amounts of money over a period of time
get all possible advantage from (a situation) |
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purple patch
The Player is on a purple patch (has a hot hand). |
a period of good luck or success. |
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parlance
In military parlance, “bug out” means “to retreat.” [=for people in the military, “bug out” means “to retreat”] The book introduced many readers to terms that are now in common parlance. [=used by many people in ordinary conversation] |
language used by a particular group of people. |
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to go on a torrid streak
A casual spectator at a sporting event is assuredly acquainted with the phenomenon where some player on the field goes on a torrid streak where he can apparently do no wrong. |
to be successful for a period of time. |
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streak
a lucky streak a streak of 11 straight victories a winning/losing streak [=a series of wins/losses] The team has recently been on a hot streak. [=the team has been winning a lot of games recently] |
a period of repeated success or failure |
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torrid
a torrid summer torrid weather a torrid [=passionate] love affair |
very hot and usually dry.
showing or expressing very strong feelings especially of sexual or romantic desire |
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whimsical
whimsical behavior whimsical decorations She has a whimsical sense of humor. The streets in the village are whimsically named. |
not serious |
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for the nonce
The team is called “the Lions,” at least for the nonce. |
for now : for the moment |
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vantage
You can see the whole valley from this vantage point. From our vantage point in the 21st century, it is difficult to imagine life without computers. |
a position from which something is viewed or considered. |
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jumble
The letters formed a meaningless jumble. a jumble of wires a jumble of hats and coats |
a group of things that are not arranged in a neat or orderly way. |
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to discern
The reasons behind this sudden change are difficult to discern. The purpose of the study is to discern [=identify] patterns of criminal behavior. unable to discern [=distinguish] right from wrong |
to come to know, recognize, or understand (something). |
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to placate
The administration placated protesters by agreeing to consider their demands. The angry customer was not placated by the clerk's apology. |
formal : to cause (someone) to feel less angry about something |
