2022-5
Management style is so hard to put your finger on: identify something exactly.
he cannot put his finger on what has gone wrong
As a manager I think of myself as somewhat of a conduit between our clients and my direct reports: /ˈkɒndjʊɪt,ˈkɒndɪt/ a channel for conveying water or other fluid.
We need to have our fingers on the pulse of what clients or customers need: to be aware of the latest things that are happening in (a certain industry, area, etc.)
fluid: a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure;
Taiwan has ramped up a campaign to counter illegal poaching by Chinese companies in what the island sees as a threat to its chip expertise:
ramp up: increase the level or amount of something sharply.
"they ramped up production to meet booming demand"
counter: respond to hostile speech or action.
poach: Illegally hunt or catch (game or fish) on land that is not one's own or in contravention of official protection.
the boys were skating on the ice": move on ice skates or roller skates in a gliding fashion.
he was a jolly man full of jokes": /ˈdʒɒli/ happy and cheerful.
she was looking wan and bleary-eyed": (of a person's complexion or appearance) pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion.
In the morning he was still pale and queasy"
queasy kwiːzi/: nauseous; feeling sick.
nauseous /ˈnɔːsɪəs,ˈnɔːzɪəs/ : affected with nausea; feeling inclined to vomit.
complexion: the natural colour, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially of the face.
"he had done public penance for those hasty words"
penance /ˈpɛnəns/ :n/v punishment inflicted on oneself as an outward expression of repentance for wrongdoing.
hasty /ˈheɪsti/ : done with excessive speed or urgency; hurried.
"she had a light sprinkling of freckles on her nose"
sprinkling : a small thinly distributed amount of something. for example: a light sprinkling of grey in his hair
freckles: a small patch of light brown colour on the skin, often becoming more pronounced through exposure to the sun.雀斑
"she lay gazing up at his tall, lithe figure": /lʌɪð/ (especially of a person's body) thin, supple, and graceful.
"he had a mane of white hair": a person's long flowing hair.
"twenty or so fishing boats were moored to the pierside": /mɔː,mʊə/ make fast (a boat) by attaching it by cable or rope to the shore or to an anchor. 泊
"she has had a message from a clairvoyant that her son is alive and well":
clairvoyant /klɛːˈvɔɪənt/ a person who claims to have a supernatural ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact.
"a slanted roof": sloping or leaning in a particular direction.倾斜的
slope <-> lope
"he was huffing under a heavy load": /hʌf/ blow out air loudly on account of exertion.
neurosis /ˌnjʊəˈrəʊsɪs/: a relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality. 神经症
neuro-: nerve (“of nerves or the nervous system”)
-osis: diseased' or 'abnormal condition
"the ceremony retains an aura of mystery": /ˈɔːrə/ the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place.
"the violent acts of unhinged minds": /ʌnˈhɪn(d)ʒd/ mentally unbalanced; deranged. ---- 精神错乱的暴力行为
"his voice was raspy from days of non-stop campaigning": /ˈrɑːspi,ˈraspi/ hoarse or harsh-sounding. 刺耳的
wizen /ˈwɪz(ə)n/: to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality
a face wizened by age
aging : grow old or older.
shrunken: become or make smaller in size or amount.
wrinkled: (especially of fabric or the skin) having wrinkles or slight folds.
"prisons are run on archaic methods": /ɑːˈkeɪɪk/ very old or old-fashioned.
"a low-slung Mercedes with blacked-out windows": lower in height or closer to the ground than usual.
sling-slung-slung: suspend or arrange (something), especially with a strap or straps, so that it hangs loosely in a particular position.
she had her arm in a sling: a bandage or soft strap looped round the neck to support an injured arm.
"a hammock was slung between two trees"
hammock /ˈhamək/ : a bed made of canvas or rope mesh suspended from two supports by cords at both ends吊床
"a dry gravelly soil": resembling, containing, or consisting of gravel.
"the engineering department is traditionally a male enclave": a place or group that is different in character from those surrounding it.
"the balmy days of late summer": /ˈbɑːmi/ characterized by pleasantly warm weather.
"detailed phonetic information": /fəˈnɛtɪk/ relating to speech sounds.
"your reviews are spot on"： completely accurate or correct.
Customers scooped up the free sample: to take or buy (something) in a quick and eager way
esplanade /ˌɛspləˈneɪd,ˌɛspləˈnɑːd/ a long, open, level area, typically beside the sea, along which people may walk for pleasure.
ex- ：out
planus-： flat
promenade /ˌprɒməˈnɑːd,ˌprɒməˈneɪd,ˈprɒmənɑːd,ˈprɒməneɪd/ a paved public walk, typically one along the seafront at a resort.
pro-: forward, forth, toward the front
esplanade <->promenade : A promenade can be anywhere, and it is exclusively for walking, while an esplanade is for walking but also can include large boulevards or avenues with cars.
boulevards /ˈbuːləvɑːd/: a wide street in a town or city, typically one lined with trees.
avenues: a broad road in a town or city, typically having trees at regular intervals along its sides.
Street: Usually runs East to West and are usually in a city.
Avenue: Usually runs North to South, sometimes has a median.
Boulevard /ˈbuːləvɑːd/: A street with trees lining the sides or with trees in the middle.
Drive: Not quite a driveway, but usually is a private, winding road that connects several residences
Court: This type of road has an end that can either be a T-intersection or something like a cul-de-sac
cul-de-sac /ˈkʌldəˌsak,ˈkʊldəˌsak/ a street or passage closed at one end
Circle: Usually circles around an area, but may also be an open area intersected by multiple roads.
Place: Similar to a court, it is a short and skinny road that comes to a dead end or cul-de-sac.
Way: Simply a small and thin out-of-the-way road.
out of the way: (of a place) remote or secluded: "He grew up in an out-of-the-way place in South Dakota "
Trail: Usually located in or near a woods or wooded area
Highway: A major public road, usually connects different cities.
Freeway: A specific type of highway with at least 2 lanes on each side; has no tolls or intersections on it.
tolls: a charge payable to use a bridge or road.
"he had a knack for communicating": an acquired or natural skill at doing something.
they were looking for a vantage point for a stake-out
vantage ˈ/ˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ : a place or position affording a good view of something.
stake-out: a period of secret surveillance of a building or an area by police in order to observe someone's activities.
tuberculosis /tjʊˌbəːkjʊˈləʊsɪs/: an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules (tubercles) in the tissues, especially the lungs. 肺结核
tuber-, tuberi-: swelling, node
-osis, -sis, -sia, -sy, -se: condition, or state of; result of; expresses a state or abnormal condition or process of some disease
"a psychiatric disorder": /ˌsʌɪkɪˈatrɪk/ relating to mental illness or its treatment.
psych-, psycho-, -psyche, -psychic, -psychical, -psychically: mind, sprit
iatro-, iater-, -iatria, -iatric, -iatrician, -iatrics, -iatrist, -iatry; -iatricians, -iatrists, -iatries: physician; heal, cure, treat; medical healing
Online extremists turn shooters into 'saints.' Experts worry others aspire to join the ranks:
saints: a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous and regarded in Christian faith as being in heaven after death.
virtuous /ˈvəːtʃʊəs,ˈvəːtjʊəs/: having or showing high moral standards.
"she considered herself very virtuous because she neither drank nor smoked"
I was a little shaken up after I heard about the fire at our new apartment building: be bothered or disturbed:
A ranger station: a keeper of a park, forest, or area of countryside 护林员
Her expression was his unique brand of droll self-mockery : /drəʊl/ curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement. 滑稽
dry amusement: 枯燥的娱乐
self-mockery: teasing language or humour directed against oneself.
"she bustled us into the kitchen": cause to move hurriedly in a particular direction.
"he lifted crates and hefted boxes": lift or carry (something heavy).
"the boys were squabbling over a ball":
squabble/ˈskwɒb(ə)l/: quarrel noisily over a trivial matter.
quarrel /ˈkwɒr(ə)l/
trivial /ˈtrɪvɪəl/: of little value or importance
He was chastened by his team's defeat: /ˈtʃeɪs(ə)nd/ to cause to be more humble or restrained
"he took the clipboard and scribbled something illegible":
scribbled : write or draw (something) carelessly or hurriedly.
illegible: not clear enough to be read.
He shut off the car and the keys jangled as he stuffed them in his pocket.
jangled : /ˈdʒaŋɡ(ə)l/ make or cause to make a ringing metallic sound, typically a discordant one.
metallic /mɪˈtalɪk/ :relating to or resembling metal or metals. For example: metallic alloys
shut off: stop flowing or operating.
The poor souls are freed from purgatory: /ˈpəːɡət(ə)ri/ mental anguish or suffering.
anguish: severe mental or physical pain or suffering. "she shut her eyes in anguish"
"Bob had helped purge Martha of the terrible guilt that had haunted her": rid (someone or something) of an unwanted quality, condition, or feeling.
The driveway gravel crunched under his boots: make a crunching sound, especially when walking or driving over gravel or an icy surface.
"covens of militants within the party": /ˈkʌv(ə)n/ a secret or close-knit group of associates.
she snorted with laughter: : make a sudden explosive sound through one's nose, especially to express indignation or derision.
our people did scourge him severely : /skəːdʒ/ whip (someone) as a punishment.
He gave a sheepish wave and led us up the stone steps: showing or feeling embarrassment from shame or a lack of self-confidence.
He was tall and broad-shouldered in his corduroy jacket. /ˈkɔːdərɔɪ,ˈkɔːdjʊrɔɪ/ a thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs 灯心绒
velvety /ˈvɛlvəti/: having a smooth, soft appearance, feel, or taste. 天鹅绒般的
she sought solace in her religion: /ˈsɒlɪs/ comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
I took an open seat: The provision of seating or tables without reservations.
a litany of complaints: /ˈlɪt(ə)ni/ a tedious recital or repetitive series. 一连串的
recital /rɪˈsʌɪt(ə)l/ : a performance of a program of music by a soloist or small group. "I gave my first recital at the Royal College"
A boy gallantly draped his coat over her shoulders: arrange (cloth or clothing) loosely or casually on or round something.
gallantly : /ˈɡal(ə)ntli/ in a brave or heroic manner.
cf: flagrant (of an action considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive.
he began to drive slowly past the houses: to or on the further side of
“I'm just an adjunct,", he said. "I'm hoping to find something more permanent." : /ˈadʒʌŋ(k)t/ a thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential part
a new stadium is a distinct possibility = a new stadium is a definite possibility = a new stadium is very possible
distinct: readily distinguishable by the senses. Ex: "a distinct smell of nicotine"
everything went without a hitch: a temporary difficulty or problem.
without a hitch: smoothly, easily , and successfully
You Can't fool the fool/fooler: It means "you cannot fool someone who is already good at fooling others." So, you will not be able to fool this person.
You can't kid a kidder: deceive (someone) in a playful or teasing way.
You can't con a con.
it is a variation on the idea of the "poacher turned game-keeper" idea or "set a thief to catch a thief" - i.e. that somebody who is dishonest can spot and catch out another one. it is the opposite of 'honour amongst thieves',
a surreal mix of fact and fantasy
surreal /səˈrɪəl/: having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre. 超现实主义
China scrutiny stymies JD.com fintech unit's US$2b Hong Kong:
stymie /ˈstʌɪmi/ prevent or hinder the progress of.
From Sneakers to Teslas, China Lockdowns Upend Global Supply Chains: /ʌpˈɛnd/ set or turn (something) on its end or upside down.
Even though I think a less divisive candidate would be better in 2024, I still think Trump should be restored to Twitter
divisive /dɪˈvʌɪsɪv/ : tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people. adj <- divide
Vegetables are a bit rotten: suffering from decay.
Why be sentimental about that old coat? There's no point in keeping it just because you were wearing it when you first met me: of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
nostalgia /nɒˈstaldʒə/ :a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.
algesi-, alge-, alges-, algesio-, algi-, algio-, -algesia, -algesic, -algetic, -algic, -algia, -algy: painful, hurting
nosto-, nost-: home, return home
It's a cheap ring but it has great sentimental value for me.
a city leery of gang violence: /ˈlɪəri/ cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions. 对帮派暴力持戒备态度的城市
wary /ˈwɛːri/ : feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
Marianne took a glance at her reflection and pursed her lips disgustedly: (with reference to the lips) pucker or contract, typically to express disapproval or irritation. 抿嘴唇
pucker /ˈpʌkə/ : (especially with reference to a person's face) tightly gather or contract into wrinkles or small folds.
betrothal /bɪˈtrəʊð(ə)l/：formal engagement to be married; engagement.
a blowing veil had obscured the driver's vision: a piece of fine material worn by women to protect or conceal the face. 飘扬的面纱
veil <-> vein
she scraped the mud off her shoes:
scrape /skreɪp/: push or pull a hard or sharp implement across (a surface or object) so as to remove dirt or other matter. 刮
sneak -> snuck -> snuck
wimple /ˈwɪmp(ə)l/ : a cloth headdress covering the head, neck, and the sides of the face, formerly worn by women and still worn by some nuns 一种布制头饰
"Luke felt almost giddy with relief": /ˈɡɪdi/ having a sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall or stagger; dizzy.
Isobel's giddy young sister-in-law: excitable and frivolous.
frivolous /ˈfrɪv(ə)ləs/ : not having any serious purpose or value. ex: "frivolous ribbons and lacy frills"
Firms face removal if they shirk requirements for three straight years: /ʃəːk/ avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility)
the car became bogged down on the beach road: be or become stuck in mud or wet ground:
epilogue /ˈɛpɪlɒɡ/: a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.
I did often find myself confronted with really flagrant refereeing mistakes:
flagrant /ˈfleɪɡr(ə)nt/ : (of an action considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive. "a flagrant violation of the law"
conspicuously /kənˈspɪkjʊəsli/ : in a clearly visible way.
pedagogical mission:
pedagogical /ˌpɛdəˈɡɒdʒɪk(ə)l,ˌpɛdəˈɡɒɡɪk(ə)l/: relating to teaching.
it was a real vocation, a monastic life devoted to football
vocation /və(ʊ)ˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ : <--> vacation
1) a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation: not all of us have a vocation to be nurses or doctors:
2) person's employment or main occupation, especially regarded as worthy and requiring dedication: her vocation as a poet
monastic /məˈnastɪk/:
1) relating to monks, nuns, or others living under religious vows, or the buildings in which they live： a monastic order
2) resembling or suggestive of monks or their way of life, especially in being austere, solitary, or celibate: "she set her things round the monastic student bedroom"
austere: severe or strict in manner or attitude.
solitary: single; only.
celibate /ˈsɛlɪbət/: abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons.
I contained my emotion as best I could: control or restrain (oneself or a feeling).
part with:
I took the drastic decision to part with a player: to give away or get rid of something, esp. a possession that you enjoy having
I just couldn’t part with my old car, even though it uses too much gas: move away from each other.
He was unhurt apart from a huge lump on his head: a swelling under the skin, especially one caused by injury or disease.
There was a lump of ice floating in the milk: A compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape.
sleep in a lumpy bed: full of or covered with lumps. 凹凸不平的
bumpy vs lumpy
bumpy: (of a surface) uneven, with many patches raised above the rest. Ex: The dirt road was bumpy.
Lumpy- full of or covered with lumps; small bumps. Ex: There are small lumps on my arm.
protrude: /prəˈtruːd/ extend beyond or above a surface.
with hindsight, I should never have gone
hindsight : understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed.
set lofty objective: /ˈlɒfti/ of imposing height.
It's safe to say that Arsène Wenger's My Life in Red and White is one of the most hotly anticipated autobiographies in football history: have a true passion, to really embody that word and live by the thing that you love
autobiographies : /ɔːtəbʌɪˈɒɡrəfi/ an account of a person's life written by that person
embody: be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality, or feeling). For example: a national team that embodies competitive spirit and skill
Arsenal was a matter of life and death to me: deciding whether someone lives or dies; vitally important.
He was a man with an unrivalled will to win: better than everyone or everything of the same type.
He become a pivotal player in his team: /ˈpɪvətl/ of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
The zenith or nadir of this competitiveness between the two clubs was when ....
zenith /ˈzɛnɪθ/ : the time at which something is most powerful or successful.
nadir /ˈneɪdɪə,ˈnadɪə/ : the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation.
she is kind and relaxed with a very zen energy about her: /zɛn/ peaceful and calm.