Lesson 25 IDIOMS?英文釋義

• not so hot:?not very good
• EXAMPLE: This new advertising campaign is?not so hot. I think we can do better next time.
• (to) do a 180:?to turn around; to change position completely; to improve a lot
• EXAMPLE: The electronics company used to insist on manufacturing its products in the USA, but then they?did a 180. Now all of their products are made in China.
• NOTE: This phrase refers to 180 degrees (half of the 360 degrees of a circle). If you turn 180 degrees, you've moved to the opposite direction.
• (to) get up to speed:?to learn how to do a new job or a new task
• EXAMPLE: Leo had to start making sales calls his first week on the job, so he didn't have much time to?get up to speed.
• (to) have a knack for something:?to be skilled at something; to be naturally good at something (either in a positive or a negative way)
• EXAMPLE: I can't believe Joe told you that your tie looks old-fashioned. He?has a knack for?making people feel bad.
• (to) keep someone in the loop:?to let someone know what's going on; to provide regular updates
• EXAMPLE: The finance manager doesn't need to be invited to every meeting, but be sure to?keep her in the loop.
• (to) pride oneself on something:?to be proud of; to recognize one's own skill in a certain area
• EXAMPLE: Naomi?prides herself on?her excellent people skills.
• opportunity areas:?weaknesses; skills that need to be improved
• EXAMPLE: The human resource manager spent 45 minutes with Kristen, reviewing her?opportunity areas.
• (to) not be able to make heads or tails of:?to be unable to interpret
• EXAMPLE: Magna Corporation's new employee health plan is very confusing. The employees?can't make heads or tails of?it.
• (to) take it from there:?to wait and see what else needs to be done; to take just one step and then decide what to do next
• EXAMPLE: Let's start by calculating how much it would cost to open an office in Budapest, and then we'll?take it from there.
• beyond the call of duty:?more than is expected or required
• EXAMPLE: Susan worked all day Sunday baking chocolate chip cookies for the office. That was?beyond the call of duty.
• NOTE: You will also hear the variation: above and beyond the call of duty.