vocabulary words and definitions + idioms- Unit 4
The boss thinks that Eddie is a bad egg, and she wants me to watch him closely. What does a bad egg mean?
It means, someone who cannot be trusted
There were so many sales that I was able to buy this dress for a song. What does for a song mean"
at a very low price; for very little
My little nephews fight like cats and dogs, so I don't enjoy babysitting them. What does fight like cats and dogs mean?
bicker; argue intensely
The tutor was banging his head against the wall trying to explain algebra to me. What does "banging his head against the wall" mean?
frustrated after several unsuccessful attempts
My best friend Brianna and I are always on the same wavelength. What does "on the same wavelength" mean?
in agreement
I've gone over my house with a fine tooth comb, and I can't find my ring anywhere. What does "with a fine tooth comb" mean?
in great detail; thoroughly
Zander better expect to pony up if he wants to buy that fancy motorcycle. What does "pony up" mean?
pay or contribute some money
Unfortunately, the plans for the new pedestrian bridge have been put on ice. What does "put on ice" mean?
postponed
Ms. Robins is one smart cookie, so she is not going to believe that the dog ate your homework. What does "one smart cookie" mean?
someone who is not easy to deceive
Ornate
(adj) elaborately decorated; showily splendid
Porous
(adj) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water
Blasé
(adj) indifferent; bored as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures; apathetic
Prone (sometimes followed by "to")
(adj) lying face down; inclined; likely
Frivolous
(adj) of little importance; not worthy of serious attention; not meant seriously
Staid
(adj) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct
Solicitous
(adj) showing concern or care; fearful or anxious about someone or something
Promontory
(n) a high point of land extending into water
Qualm
(n) a pang of conscience, uneasiness, misgiving; or doubt; a feeling of faintness or nausea
Nonentity
(n) a person or thing of no importance
Recourse
(n) a person or thing turned to for help or advice; the act of seeking help or protection
Residue
(n) a remainder; that which remains when a part has been used up or removed
Muster
(v) to bring together for service or battle; to gather or summon; to amount to, comprise, or include (n) a list of military personnel; a gathering; accumulation
Deplore
(v) to feel or express regret or disapproval
Peruse
(v) to read thoroughly and carefully
Annul
(v) to reduce to nothing; to make ineffective or inoperative; to declare legally invalid or void
Oust (sometimes followed by "from")
(v) to remove; to drive out of a position or place
Sustain
(v) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer; to undergo; to withstand; to affirm the validity of
Bolster
(v) to support; to give a boost to (n) a long pillow or cushion; a supporting post
Obsess + with/over
(v) to trouble, haunt, or fill the mind
Although Jack was in agonizing pain, he kept a stiff upper lip until the paramedics arrived. What does kept a stiff upper lip mean?
It means, "acted bravely or showed no fear."