tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-364074052024-03-13T18:55:43.408-03:00glossariesGlossaries for short stories, novels and plays.Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-27701666942472540802007-06-20T16:22:00.000-03:002007-06-20T16:30:31.952-03:00A Family Supper by Kazuo Ishiguro<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">clumsy</span> lacking physical coordination, skill, or grace.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">leak</span> to escape or pass through.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">hideous</span> repulsive.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">rage</span> eagerly adopted fashion.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">hazardous</span> marked by danger.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">strain</span> <span class="cald-definition">to cause problems for a situation or relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.reggie.net/photos/japan/akita-ken/kakunodate/3676759_tatami_rooms_sliding_paper_doors-600.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;">tatami</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">stony</span> not friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">samurai</span> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB">the japanese feudal military aristocracy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">well</span> <span class="cald-definition">a deep hole in the ground from which you can get water, oil, or gas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">haunt</span> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB">to inhabit, visit, or appear to in the form of a ghost.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">sway</span> <span class="cald-definition">to persuade someone to change their opinion or decision.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">giggle</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">to laugh in a nervous or silly way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">awkward</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">difficult or causing problems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">stride</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="cald-definition">to walk somewhere with long steps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">grin</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">to smile a big smile<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">mischievous</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">behaving in a way that is slightly bad but not serious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">wind</span> (past: wound) not going straight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">shrub</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">a large plant, smaller than a tree.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">skip</span></span><sup><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></sup><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB">to move forward, jumping quickly from one foot to the other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">peer</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="cald-definition">to look carefully or with difficulty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">clamber</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""> </span><span class="cald-definition">to climb somewhere with difficulty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">gaze</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="cald-definition">to look for a long time at someone or something or in a particular direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">glance</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">to look somewhere for a short time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dim</span> not bright.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">stare</span> to look without moving your eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">mesmerize</span> hypnotize.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">startle</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">to suddenly surprise or frighten someone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">fold</span> fail, be unable to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">spin</span> (</span></span><span class="def-itype"><span lang="EN-GB">past</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="def-irreg">spun)</span> <x vinfs="v0000469"></x><span style=""> </span>to <span class="cald-definition">turn around quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">struggle</span> fight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">bow</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">to bend your head or body forward in order to show respect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">forbidding</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <span class="cald-definition">looking unpleasant, unfriendly, or frightening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">intent</span> giving a lot of attention to something.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="cald-hword"><span lang="EN-GB">blow</span></span><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="cald-definition">a shock or disappointment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">dreary</span> boring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">due </span> expected<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.bath.ac.uk/pr/releases/images/locust.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;">locust</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="cald-definition"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-60443728850425812442007-05-20T18:45:00.001-03:002008-03-19T18:31:10.223-03:00White Comedy by Benjamin Zephaniah<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><u><span lang="EN-GB">black comedy </span></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" lang="EN-GB" >n <o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" lang="EN-GB" >(an amusing play, story, etc. based on) BLACK HUMOUR<u> <o:p></o:p></u></span> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blackmail </span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;">n <o:p></o:p>the practice of obtaining money or advantage by threatening to make known unpleasant facts about a person or group <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">black magic</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n magic believed to be done with the help of evil spirits and used for evil purposes <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">white magic</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n magic used for good purposes <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">white lie</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n <o:p></o:p>a harmless lie, e.g. one told so as not to hurt someone else<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p>black sheep</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n black sheep someone who is thought by other members of their group to be a failure or to have brought shame on the group: the black sheep of the family <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blacksmith</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> -<span style=""> </span>n a metalworker who makes and repairs things made of iron, esp. horseshoes <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">black spot</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n esp. BrE <st1:metricconverter productid="1 a" st="on">1 a</st1:metricconverter> part of a road where many accidents have happened <o:p></o:p><br />2 any place or area of serious trouble or difficulties: The city is one of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s worst unemployment black spots. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blackwater fever </span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;">a very severe form of the disease MALARIA, esp. in <st1:place st="on">W Africa</st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blacklist</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n <o:p></o:p>a list of people, groups, countries, etc., who are disapproved of for some reason and are to be avoided or punished in some way<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blackleg</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n BrE derog someone who continues to work when their fellow workers are on strike <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">black art</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> also black arts pl.-<span style=""> </span>n [the] BLACK MAGIC <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">Black Death</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> n [the] the illness (probably BUBONIC PLAGUE) that killed large numbers of people in Europe and <st1:place st="on">Asia</st1:place> in the 14th century. In <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region> the Black Death is connected with the men who went round the streets to collect the dead bodies calling out “Bring out your dead!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blackjack</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> /n a card game, usu. played for money <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" ><u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" lang="EN-GB">Black Watch</span></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" lang="EN-GB" ><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [the] the common name for the Royal Highland Regiment, a REGIMENT (=large division of men) in the British army</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">blackguard</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> / n old use or humor a man of completely dishonourable character <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span lang="EN-GB">black economy n</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"> [the] business activity that is carried on unofficially, esp. in order to avoid taxation</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" lang="EN-GB"><span>Blackshir</span><span>t</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>/n </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" lang="EN-GB" ><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a member of a FASCIST organization having a black shirt as part of its uniform (from the Italian Fascist Party before the Second World War, whose members wore black shirts)</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><u><span lang="EN-GB">Black Mass</span></u></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" lang="EN-GB" > n a ceremony in which worshippers of the devil use forms like those of Christian worship <o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" lang="EN-GB" ><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><u><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><br />wog</span></u></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" > n BrE taboo derog <o:p></o:p>a foreigner, esp. of a dark-skinned race (considered extremely offensive)<br /><br /><br />Articles on Zephaniah:<br />http://takeitfurther.blogspot.com/2007/04/benjamin-zephaniah.html<br />http://takeitfurther.blogspot.com/2007/04/onegroove012jpg.html<br /><br />Update:<br /><a href="http://sabridv.wordpress.com/2008/03/19/lesson-plan-doing-away-with-racial-discrimination/#comment-55">A Lesson Plan</a> by </span></span>Sabrina De Vita <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-18526016821951711572007-03-30T15:33:00.000-03:002007-03-30T15:36:46.933-03:00Reunion by John Cheever<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">flesh</span><span style=""> </span>the soft substance of the body, covering the bones </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">doom</span><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> </span>inevitable destruction or ruin, fate, especially a tragic or ruinous one.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">rankness </span><span style=""> </span>the attribute of having a strong offensive smell</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">hail</span><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> </span>to call to sb to attract their attention</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">boisterous</span> noisy and full of energy</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><a href="http://beefeatergin.com"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beefeater</span></a> a famous English gin</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-weight: bold;">gibson</span> a dry martini garnished with a small pickled onion.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">cross-question</span><span style=""> </span>to question closely</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">stirrup</span> <span style=""> </span>one of the metal rings that hang on each side of a horse's saddle to support the rider's foot<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">snappy</span> <span style=""> </span>lively, quick</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">impudent</span><span style=""> </span>rude</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">come off it! </span>used to disagree with sb, rudely</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">patronage</span><span style=""> </span>financial support <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">get a rise out of sb</span> <span style=""></span>to make sb react in an angry way by saying sth that you know will annoy them</span></p>Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-4782094797494725902006-12-11T12:55:00.000-03:002006-12-14T18:29:47.489-03:00The Umbrella Man by Roald Dahl<strong>peer</strong><br />to look very carefully or hard, esp. as if not able to see clearly<br /><br /><strong>jolly</strong><br />1 very.<br />2 jolly well (used for giving force to an expression) certainly; really. This use of jolly is often thought to be typical of upper-class people.<br /><br /><strong>nerve</strong> n<br />1 any of the threadlike parts of the body which form a system to carry feelings and messages to and from the brain<br />2 courage, determination, and self-control.<br />3 derog disrespectful rudeness.<br /><br /><strong>tilt</strong> v<br />to (cause to) slope (as if) by raising one end.<br /><strong>tilt at sbdy</strong>. phr v [T]<br />1 to attack in speech or writing<br />2 (in former times) to charge at with a LANCE<br />3 tilt at windmills: to fight imaginary enemies<br /><br /><strong>huddle</strong> v to (cause to) crowd together, in a group or in a pile.<br /><br /><strong>golly</strong> interj old-fash infml. an expression of surprise<br /><br /><strong>edge </strong>v<br />1 [T (with)] to provide with an edge or border.<br />2 [I+adv/prep; T+obj+adv/prep] to (cause to) move gradually, esp. with small sideways movements.<br />3 to cut the edges of (an area of grass) with a tool that cuts into the ground, in order to make a straight line and a neat appearance.<br /><br /><strong>scrape</strong> n<br />1 an act or sound of scraping<br />2 a mark or wound made by scraping<br />3 infml an unpleasant, but not very serious, situation or difficulty.<br /><br /><strong>frosty</strong> adj<br />1 a very cold.<br />2 unfriendly; cold.<br /><br /><strong>simper</strong> v<br />to smile in a silly unnatural way; used especially of girls -simper n -~ingly adv<br /><br /><strong>bat</strong> v<br />1 to close and open (the eyes) quickly, sometimes as a sexual invitation.<br />2 not bat an eye(lid) infml to show no sign of surprise or shock: She paid the exorbitant bill without batting an eyelid.<br /><br /><strong>clasp</strong> n<br />1 a usu. metal fastener for holding together two things or two parts of one thing,<br />2 [usu. sing.] a tight firm hold, esp. by someone's hand or arms; GRIP<br /><br /><strong>trickster</strong> n<br />a person who deceives or cheats people<br /><br /><strong>sum up</strong> phr v<br />to give a statement of the main points of (a report, a speech, a trial, etc.); SUMMARIZE.<br /><br /><strong>nimble</strong> adj<br />1 quick, light, and neat in movement.<br />2 quick in thinking or understanding.<br /><br /><strong>dodge</strong> v<br />1 to avoid (something) by moving suddenly aside.<br />2 infml to avoid (a responsibility, duty, etc.) by a trick or in some dishonest way; EVADE.<br /><strong>bustle</strong> v<br />to be busily active, often with much noise..<br /><br /><strong>snap</strong> v<br />1 (usu. of something thin and stiff) to (cause to) break suddenly and sharply off or in two parts.<br />2 to move so as to cause a sharp sound like something suddenly breaking.<br />3 to speak or say quickly, usu. in an annoyed way,<br />4 to close the jaws quickly.<br />6 snap one's fingers to attract attention by making a noise by moving the second finger quickly along the thumb.<br />7 snap one's fingers at BrE to show no respect for,<br />8 snap out of it infml [usu. imperative] to free oneself quickly from an unhappy or unhealthy state of mind<br />9 snap someone's head off infml to answer someone in a sharp angry way.<br /><strong>snap sthg. up</strong> phr v to take or buy quickly and eagerly.Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-46411445296016226892006-11-10T12:52:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:37:47.055-03:00Where the Cross is Made by Eugene O’Neill<strong>companionway</strong> n the steps leading from the one deck (=floor) of a ship to another<br /><br /><strong>binnacle</strong> box holding the ship compass<br /><br /><strong>seep</strong> v (of a liquid or gas) to make its way gradually through small openings in a material<br /><br /><strong>winnow</strong> to blow the outer part from (grain)<br /><br /><strong>sill</strong> n the flat piece at the base of an opening or frame, esp. a window -<br /><br /><strong>slight</strong> esp. lit not strong-looking; thin and delicate<br /><br /><strong>gaunt</strong> adj thin, as if ill or hungry<br /><br /><strong>sallow</strong> adj (of the skin) rather yellow and unhealthy-looking<br /><br /><strong>unkempt</strong> 1 having untidy clothes and hair 2 (of the hair) untidy<br /><br /><strong>a trifle</strong> fml to some degree; rather<br /><br /><strong>spooky</strong> causing fear in a strange way<br /><br /><strong>gingerly</strong> adv, adj: careful and controlled in movement so as not to cause harm<br /><br /><strong>harsh</strong> adj : showing cruelty and a lack of sympathy, esp. in dealing with bad behaviour or mistakes<br /><br /><strong>yonder</strong> over there<br /><br /><strong>grim</strong> hard, resolute<br /><br /><strong>get down to brass tacks</strong> infml to come to the really important facts or business<br /><br /><strong>liable</strong> adj likely, esp. from habit or tendency<br /><br /><strong>moody</strong> adj usu. derog bad-tempered, angry, displeased, or unhappy, esp. without good reason<br /><br /><strong>barren</strong> adj (of soil) too poor to produce a good crop: barren wastelands<br /><br /><strong>mate</strong> (not in the navy) a ship's officer next in rank below the captain<br /><br /><strong>bosun</strong> n a chief seaman on a ship, who calls the men to work and looks after the boats, ropes, and other equipment<br /><br /><strong>shudder</strong> v to shake uncontrollably for a moment, esp. from fear, cold, or strong dislike; tremble<br /><br /><strong>resume</strong> v rather fml to begin again after a pause<br /><br /><strong>inlet</strong> n a narrow stretch of water reaching from a sea, lake, etc., into the land or between islands<br /><br /><strong>waerlogged</strong> adj so full of water as to be heavy, unusable, or unable to float<br /><br /><strong>chuckle</strong> v [I] to laugh quietly<br /><br /><strong>mock</strong> v to laugh (at), esp. unkindly or unfairly; make fun (of)<br /><br /><strong>crumple</strong> v to (cause to) become full of irregular folds by pressing, crushing, etc<br /><br /><strong>crane</strong> v to stretch out (one's neck) to get a better view<br /><br /><strong>mortgage</strong> an agreement to borrow money, esp. so as to buy a house, and pay interest on it to the lender over a period of years<br /><br />f<strong>it sbdy./sthg. out</strong> phr v to supply (a person or place) with necessary things<br /><br /><strong>behold</strong> to see; look at<br /><br /><strong>perfunctory</strong> adj fml (of an action) done hastily and without thought, interest, or care<br /><br /><strong>rave</strong> v (about, against, at)] to talk wildly as if mad<br /><br /><strong>wistful</strong> adj thoughtful and rather sad, esp. because of desires which may not be satisfied or memories of past happiness which may not return<br /><br /><strong>twilight</strong> n the time when day is about to become night<br /><br /><strong>avert</strong> v ( from)] fml to turn away (one's eyes, thoughts, etc.)<br /><br /><strong>dogged</strong> adj (of a person or their behaviour) refusing to give up in the face of difficulty or opposition<br /><br /><strong>hoarse</strong> adj (of a voice) rough-sounding, as though the surface of the throat is rougher than usual<br /><br /><strong>plead</strong> to ask very strongly and seriously and in a begging way<br /><br /><strong>foil</strong> v to prevent (someone) from succeeding in (some plan)<br /><br /><strong>saddle sbdy. with sthg./sbdy</strong>sa. phr v to cause (someone) to have (a difficult or unpleasant duty, responsibility, etc.)<br /><br /><strong>cripple</strong> n someone who is unable to use one or more of their limbs properly, esp. the legs<br /><br /><strong>mercy</strong> n willingness to forgive, not to punish; kindness and pity<br /><br /><strong>scorn</strong> n strong and sometimes angry disrespect towards a person or thing that is regarded as worthless<br /><br /><strong>wretch</strong> n an unfortunate or unhappy person 2 often humor a bad or useless person<br /><br /><strong>gulp</strong> v to swallow hastily<br /><br /><strong>forebode</strong> v fml to be a warning of (something unpleasant)<br /><br /><strong>foreclose</strong> to take back property because of someone's failure to repay<br /><br /><strong>gulp</strong> v to swallow hastily<br /><br /><strong>frenzy</strong> n a state of wild uncontrolled feeling, expressed with great force; a sudden, but not lasting, attack of madness<br /><br /><strong>speck</strong> n (of ) a very small piece, spot, or coloured mar<br /><br /><strong>gust</strong> n (of ) a sudden strong rush of air, or of rain, smoke, etc., carried by wind<br /><br /><strong>tramp</strong> v to walk (through or over) with firm heavy step<br /><br /><strong>bristle</strong> n short stiff hair<br /><br /><strong>tattle</strong> v infml, usu. derog to talk about small unimportant things, or other people's private affairs<br /><br /><strong>whelp</strong> n a young animal, esp. a dog or wild animal of the dog or cat family<br /><br /><strong>placate</strong> v to cause to stop feeling angry<br /><br /><strong>hail</strong> v to call out to or try to attract the attention of<br /><br /><strong>grim</strong> unpleasant; not cheerful<br /><br /><strong>heed</strong> v fml to give attention to; consider serious<br /><br /><strong>croon</strong> v to sing (usu. old slow popular songs) with feeling<br /><br /><strong>paddle</strong> to walk about in water which is not at all deep<br /><br /><strong>sinewy</strong> adj having strong muscles<br /><br /><strong>squat</strong> adj. ungracefully short or low and thick<br /><br /><strong>slimy</strong> adj like, covered with, or being slime; unpleasantly slippery, esp. to touch<br /><br /><strong>strand</strong> n [(of)] a single thin thread, wire, string, piece of hair, etc.<br /><br /><strong>limp</strong> v to walk with an uneven step, one foot or leg moving less well than the other<br /><br /><strong>grin</strong> v to make a wide smile<br /><br /><strong>pound</strong> to beat or hit repeatedly, heavily, and noisily<br /><br /><strong>scuff</strong> v to make a rough mark or marks on the smooth surface of (shoes, furniture, a floor, etc.):Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-19086920284396149392006-10-26T17:19:00.003-03:002009-09-10T14:53:20.249-03:00The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs<b>amiably</b> adv. having or showing pleasant, good-natured personal qualities; affable.<br />
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<b>grim</b> adj not diminishing in intensity, pace, or effort<br />
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<b>bawl</b> v to shout in a loud rough voice<br />
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<b>slush</b> n partly melted snow; watery snow<br />
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<b>condoled</b> v to express sympathy with a person who is suffering sorrow, misfortune, or grief<br />
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<b>tut</b> interj (the sound like a /t/ made by sucking rather than forcing air out, used for expressing slight disapproval or annoyance)<br />
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<b>burly</b> adj (of a person) strongly and heavily built<br />
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<b>beady</b> adj often humor (esp. of an eye) small, round, and shining, like a bead<br />
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<b>rubicund</b> adj. red or reddish; ruddy: a rubicund complexion.<br />
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<b>visage</b> n lit the face<br />
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<b>proffered</b> v to put before a person for acceptance; offer.<br />
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<b>tumbler</b> n a flat-bottomed drinking glass with no handle or stem<br />
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<b>doughty</b> adj courageous and resolute; valiant<br />
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<b>slip</b> old-fash infml a small thin young person.<br />
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<b>offhand</b> adv, adj careless or disrespectful in manner.<br />
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<b>fumble</b> v to move the fingers or hands awkwardly in search of something, or in an attempt to do something<br />
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<b>proffer</b> v fml to offer, esp. by holding out in the hands for acceptance<br />
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<b>grimace</b> n an unnatural twisting of the face, as in pain or annoyance.<br />
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<b>wont</b> adj fml likely (to do or happen); in the habit of.<br />
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<b>jarred</b> v to have a harshly unpleasant or perturbing effect on one's nerves, feelings, thoughts, etc<br />
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<b>presumptuous</b> adj. unwarrantedly or impertinently bold; forward<br />
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<b>blotch</b> n a large irregular spot or mark on the skin, one's clothes<br />
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<b>fancy</b> n a caprice; whim; vagary<br />
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<b>doggedly</b> adv persistent in effort; stubbornly tenacious<br />
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<b>pitch</b> to throw, esp. in a way that shows dislike or annoyance<br />
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<b>gruff</b> adj (of a person's voice) deep and rough, sometimes because bad-tempered<br />
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<b>talisman</b> n anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.<br />
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<b>enthralled</b> v to captivate or charm: the performer's grace and skill enthralled her audience.<br />
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<b>henpecked</b> adj (of a man) continually nagged (NAG) by one's wife and completely obedient to her<br />
<b>nag</b> v to annoy or try to persuade (someone) by continuously finding fault and complaining<br />
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<b>dart</b> v to move suddenly and quickly<br />
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<b>antimacassar</b> n. a small covering, usually ornamental, placed on the backs and arms of upholstered furniture to prevent wear or soiling; a tidy.<br />
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<b>dubiously</b> adv. of doubtful quality or propriety; questionable<br />
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<b>shamefacedly</b> adv. 1) modest or bashful, 2) showing shame<br />
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<b>marred</b> v.t. to damage or spoil to a certain extent; render less perfect, attractive, useful, etc.; impair or spoil<br />
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<b>shudder</b> v to shake uncontrollably for a moment, esp. from fear, cold, or strong dislike; tremble<br />
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<b>ill-gotten</b> adj. acquired by dishonest, improper, or evil means<br />
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<b>prosaic</b> adj. commonplace or dull; matter-of-fact or unimaginative<br />
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<b>wholesome</b> adj good for the body or likely to produce good health<br />
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<b>shrivel</b> to (cause to) dry out and become smaller, twisting into small folds.<br />
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<b>betokened</b> v.t. to give evidence of; indicate<br />
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<b>disown</b> v to refuse to accept as one's own; say that one has no connection with<br />
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<b>scurrying</b> v to go or move quickly or in haste.<br />
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<b>at the expense</b> of n at the sacrifice of; to the detriment of: quantity at the expense of quality.<br />
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<b>bibulous</b> adj. fond of or addicted to drink.<br />
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<b>glossy</b> adj shiny and smooth<br />
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<b>apparel</b> n clothing, esp. outerwear; garments; attire<br />
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<b>gaze</b> v to look steadily, esp. for a long time and often without being conscious of what one is doing<br />
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<b>broach</b> to mention or suggest for the first time<br />
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<b>wistful</b> adj thoughtful and rather sad, esp. because of desires which may not be satisfied or memories of past happiness which may not return<br />
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<b>dawn on/upon</b> sbdy. phr v to become known by<br />
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<b>break off</b> phr v to (cause to) end, esp. suddenly<br />
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<b>avert</b> v 1 to prevent (something unpleasant) from happening.2 [( from)] fml to turn away (one's eyes, thoughts, etc)<br />
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<b>daze</b> v to make unable to think or feel clearly, esp. by a shock or blow<br />
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<b>disclaim</b> v to state that one does not have or accept<br />
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<b>steeped</b> in thoroughly filled or familiar with<br />
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<b>subdue</b> v to gain control of, esp. by defeating<br />
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<b>afresh</b> adv fml once more from the beginning; again<br />
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<b>fitful</b> adj irregular; happening for short periods<br />
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<b>quake</b> v to shake or tremble, esp. in a violent way and usu. because of fear<br />
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<b>aghast</b> adj suddenly filled with great surprise, fear, and shock:<br />
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<b>pant</b> v to breathe quickly, taking short breaths, esp. after great effort or in great heat<br />
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<b>feverish</b> adj extremely active or excited<br />
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<b>ere</b> poet. Before<br />
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<b>grope</b> v to try to find something by feeling with the hands in a place one cannot see (properly)<br />
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<b>falter</b> to lose strength of purpose or action<br />
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<b>flicker</b> v to burn unsteadily; shine with an unsteady light:<br />
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<b>creep</b> v to move slowly, quietly, and carefully, esp. so as not to attract attention<br />
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<b>screw</b> up one's courage to stop oneself from being afraid<br />
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<b>hoarse</b> adj (of a voice) rough-sounding, as though the surface of the throat is rougher than usual<br />
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<b>wrench</b> n an act of twisting and pulling something hard and perhaps violently<br />
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<b>appealing</b> adj able to move the feeling<br />
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<b>strained</b> adj not natural in behaviour; unfriendly<br />
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<b>fusillade</b> n a general discharge or outpouring of anything: a fusillade of questions.<br />
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<b>frantic</b> adj in an uncontrolled state of feeling; wildly anxious,<br />
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<b>wail</b> v often derog to cry out with a long sound (as if) in grief or painGabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-37787725055225628732006-10-26T10:48:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:37:03.257-03:00The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaberas County by Mark Twain<strong>compliance</strong> n fml 1 obedience to a rule, agreement, demand, etc. 2 the tendency to agree (too) willingly to other people's wishes or demands<br /><br /><strong>garrulous</strong> adj fml habitually talking too much<br /><br /><strong>call on/upon</strong> sbdy./sthg. phr v to pay a short visit to<br /><br /><strong>append</strong> v fml to add or join (esp. something written or printed onto the end of a larger piece of written material)<br /><br /><strong>lurk</strong> v derog 1 to move or wait quietly and secretly, as if intending to do something wrong and not wanting to be seen. 2 to exist unseen.<br /><br /><strong>countenance</strong> n fml 1 [C] the appearance or expression of a person's face. 2 [U] support or approval<br /><strong>countenance</strong> v fml to give support or approval to; regard as acceptable.<br /><br /><strong>rouse</strong> v 1 [( from, out of )] fml to waken. 2 [(from, out of, to)] to make more active, interested, or excited.<br /><br /><strong>blockade</strong> v to put under a blockade<br /><strong>blockade </strong>n the surrounding of a place by warships or soldiers to prevent people or goods from coming in or going out.<br /><br /><strong>flume</strong> n a sloped channel through which water flows.<br /><br /><strong>curiouser and curiouser</strong> quote a phrase from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, used by Alice when she suddenly grew very tall. People remember it because we would usu. say that something was even more curious, not curiouser, and so it is often used humorously<br /><br /><strong>flush</strong> v to (cause to) become red in the face:<br /><br /><strong>bust</strong> v AmE infml to burst.<br /><br /><strong>fag</strong> n (infml person) in rank;, BrE 1 [S] an unpleasant and tiring piece of work.<br /><br /><strong>cavort</strong> v infml (esp. of a person) to jump or dance about noisily<br /><br /><strong>straddle</strong> v 1 to have one's legs on either side of. 2 to be or happen on either side of (something), rather than in the middle or on just one side.<br /><br /><strong>limber</strong> v limber up phr v to make the muscles stretch and move easily by exercise, esp. when preparing for a race, game, etc.<br /><br /><strong>racket</strong> n infml a loud noise<br /><br /><strong>ornery</strong> adj humor, esp. AmE bad-tempered<br /><br /><strong>furnace</strong> n 1 an apparatus in a factory, in which metals and other substances are heated to very high temperatures in an enclosed space. 2 a large enclosed fire used for producing hot water or steam.3 AmE an apparatus which produces heat for the home<br /><br /><strong>hind</strong> adj (usu. of animals' legs) at the back or forming the back part<br /><br /><strong>snatch</strong> v to take hold of (something) with a sudden quick often violent movement; GRAB.<br /><br /><strong>limp</strong> v to walk with an uneven step, one foot or leg moving less well than the other<br /><br /><strong>snake</strong> v to move in a twisting way; wind (one's way or body) in moving<br /><br /><strong>lattice</strong> n 1 a frame of flat pieces of wood or metal crossed over each other with open spaces between, used as a fence, a support for climbing plants, etc.<br />2 also lattice window an old type of window with many small pieces of glass held together by narrow pieces of leadGabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-49741816085425639462006-10-25T15:27:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:36:34.146-03:00Mrs Bixby and the Colonel's Coat by Roald Dahl<strong>parley</strong> n a talk, esp. with an enemy or other opponent, in order to make peace<br /><br /><strong>unduly</strong> adv fml too much (so)<br /><br /><strong>protract</strong> v to make the time during which (something) lasts long or longer, often without good reason<br /><br /><strong>deter</strong> v to prevent from acting, esp. by the threat of something unpleasant.<br /><br /><strong>payroll</strong> n 1 [C] a list of workers employed by a company and the amount of wages each person is to be paid. 2 [S] the total amount of wages paid to all the workers in a particular company<br /><br /><strong>huddle</strong> v to (cause to) crowd together, in a group or in a pile<br /><br /><strong>lecherous</strong> adj derog (esp. of a man) having or showing a desire for continual sexual pleasure<br /><br /><strong>jiggery-pokery</strong> n infml, esp. BrE secret dishonest behaviour<br /><br /><strong>cuckold</strong> n humor or derog, now rare a man whose wife has had sex with another man since her marriage<br /><br /><strong>turn the tables</strong> (on someone) to suddenly take a position of strength or advantage that was formerly held by someone else, and change from being weaker to being stronger.<br /><br /><strong>flabbergast</strong> v infml to surprise very much; fill with shocked wonder, usu. so that one is unable to think clearly<br /><br /><strong>fatuous</strong> adj very silly without seeming to know it<br /><br /><strong>fruity</strong> BrE infml (of talk, a remark, etc.) amusing in a slightly shocking or impolite way, esp. about matters of sex<br /><br /><strong>lurk</strong> v [derog 1 to move or wait quietly and secretly, as if intending to do something wrong and not wanting to be seen. 2 to exist unseen<br /><br /><strong>scoundrel</strong> n esp. fml or old-fash a wicked, selfish, or dishonest man: an utter scoundrel<br /><br /><strong>encumber</strong> v fml to make action or movement difficult for; weigh down..<br /><br /><strong>hitch</strong> n a difficulty which delays something for a while.<br /><br /><strong>ravishing</strong> adj very beautiful; causing great delight.<br /><br /><strong>finicky</strong> adj infml 1 too concerned about unimportant details, small likes and dislikes, etc.; FUSSY. 2 needing delicate attention to detail<br /><br /><strong>ministration</strong> also ministrations pl.- n fml (a) giving of help and service, esp. to the sick or to those needing the services of a priest<br /><br /><strong>groom</strong> n someone who is in charge of feeding, cleaning, and taking care of horses<br /><br /><strong>wizened</strong> adj smaller in size and dried up, with lines in the skin, esp. as a result of age.<br /><br /><strong>flutter</strong> infml an excited condition; state of excited interest<br /><br /><strong>burrow</strong> v to search for something as if by digging<br /><br /><strong>tendril</strong> n a thin leafless curling stem by which a climbing plant fastens itself to a support<br /><br /><strong>probe</strong> n a long thin metal instrument, usu. with a rounded end, esp. one used to search inside a wound, a hole in a tooth, etc.<br /><br /><strong>tide sbdy. over</strong> (sthg.) phr vto help through (a difficult period)<br /><br /><strong>brisk</strong> adj quick and active<br /><br /><strong>beaker</strong> n 1 esp. BrE a drinking cup with a wide mouth and usu. no handle 2 a small glass cup shaped for pouring, as used in a chemical LABORATORY<br /><br /><strong>trappings</strong> n [often derog articles of dress or decoration, esp. as an outward sign of rank: (fig.)<br /><br /><strong>countenance</strong> n fml the appearance or expression of a person's face<br /><br /><strong>prognathous</strong> adj tech having or being a jaw that sticks out<br /><br /><strong>brood</strong> n a family of young creatures, esp. birds: a brood of ducklings<br /><br /><strong>inlay</strong> n a filling of a metal or another substance used in the inside of a decayed or damaged tooth<br /><br /><strong>cast</strong> to throw off; remove; get rid of<br /><br /><strong>peek</strong> v infml to take a quick look at something, esp. when one should not<br /><br /><strong>coy</strong> adj showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence, esp. in order to attract interest or to avoid dealing with something difficult<br /><br /><strong>feast one's eyes on/upon</strong> to look at eagerly and with delight:<br /><br /><strong>reckon</strong> v to guess; believe as a result of calculating roughly but not exactly<br /><br /><strong>mangy</strong> adj 1 suffering from the disease of MANGE 2 infml of bad appearance because of loss of hair, as in MANGE: a mangy carpet (=old and with bare areas)<br /><br /><strong>clasp</strong> n a usu. metal fastener for holding together two things or two parts of one thing<br /><br /><strong>lilt</strong> n a regular usu. pleasant pattern of rising and falling sound, esp. in speaking or singingGabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-43064040231551062792006-10-25T15:13:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:36:14.500-03:00Cathedral by Raymond Carver<strong>lickety</strong>-split adv AmE very fast; at high speed:<br /><br /><strong>chitchat</strong> n [U] infml informal light conversation or GOSSIP<br /><br /><strong>depot</strong> AmE a railway station or bus station, esp. a small one<br /><br /><strong>beam</strong> v to smile brightly and happily:<br /><br /><strong>boom</strong> v (OUT)] to make (with) a deep hollow sound<br /><br /><strong>bearing</strong> n 1 the way a person holds their body or behaves 2 (on)] connection with or influence on something<br /><br /><strong>agape</strong> adj, adv 1 wide open: 2 [(with)] in a state of wonder<br /><br /><strong>dig in</strong> infml to help oneself to food and start eating.<br /><br /><strong>scarf</strong> v AmE infml eat eagerly.<br /><br /><strong>stun</strong> v 1 to make unconscious by hitting on the head. 2 to shock or surprise very greatly.<br /><br /><strong>jack-of-all-trades</strong> n a person who can do many different kinds of work (but who may not be very good at any of them)<br /><br /><strong>poop</strong> to become exhausted<br /><br /><strong>hit the hay</strong> also hit the sack- sl to go to bed<br /><br /><strong>run-of-the-mill</strong> adj usu. derog ordinary; not special in any way.<br />tug v to pull hard with force or much effort.<br /><br /><strong>set on sbdy</strong>. also set upon- old-fash (esp. of a group) to attack<br /><br /><strong>pageant</strong> n 1 [C] a splendid public show or ceremony, usu. out of doors, in which there is a procession of people in rich dress or in which historical scenes are acted. 2 [U] splendid show that looks grand but has no meaning or power<br /><br /><strong>dribble</strong> v to let the natural liquid (SALIVA) flow out slowly from the mouth.<br /><br /><strong>drone on</strong> phr v to continue to speak in an uninteresting way in a low dull voice<br /><br /><strong>get sthg. through</strong> to (cause to) be understood by someone.<br /><br /><strong>hold forth</strong> phr v usu. Derog. to speak or express one's opinions at lengthGabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-47647915293952918442006-10-25T15:05:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:35:53.890-03:00A Perfect Day for Bananafish by J. D. Salinger<strong>mule</strong> n [usu. pl.] a shoe or SLIPPER with no back, but only a piece of material across the toes to hold it on<br /><br /><strong>soggy</strong> adj completely wet; heavy and usu. unpleasant with wetness<br /><br /><strong>terrycloth</strong> / n [U] a thick usu. cotton material with uncut threads on both sides, used esp. for making TOWEL<br /><br /><strong>squint</strong> v to look with almost closed eyes:<br /><br /><strong>prone</strong> fml lying on one's front, face downwards:<br /><br /><strong>prod</strong> v -to push or press (something or someone) with a pointed object; POKE:<br /><br /><strong>yank</strong> v infml to pull suddenly and sharply:<br /><br /><strong>wade</strong> v to walk through (water)<br /><br /><strong>jam</strong> v to pack, crush, or gather tightly into a small space:<br /><br /><strong>slimy</strong> adj like, covered with, or being slime; unpleasantly slippery, esp. to touch<br /><br /><strong>cumbersome</strong> adj heavy and awkward to carry, wear, etc.:<br /><br /><strong>plod</strong> v -to walk slowly along, esp. with difficulty and great effort<br /><br /><strong>salve</strong> n (an) oily substance for putting on a cut, wound, sore place, etc., to help the forming of new skin;<br /><br /><strong>sneak</strong> v to go quietly and secretly, so as not to be seen<br /><br /><strong>magazine</strong> the part of a gun in which bullets are placed before firing<br /><br /><strong>cock</strong> to set (the hammer of a gun) in the position ready for firingGabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-86432860839833397762006-10-25T12:51:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:35:31.811-03:00The Landlady by Roald Dahl<strong>brisk</strong> adj 1 quick and active<br /><br /><strong>big shot</strong> n a person of great importance or influence<br /><br /><strong>swanky</strong> very fashionable or expensive; POSH:<br /><br /><strong>blotch</strong> n a large irregular spot or mark on the skin, one's clothes,<br /><br /><strong>dachshund</strong> also sausage dog<br /><br /><strong>congenial</strong> adj pleasant; in agreement with one's tastes and nature:<br /><br /><strong>rapacious</strong> adj fml taking everything one can, esp. by force<br /><br /><strong>dither</strong> (about)] infml to behave nervously and uncertainly because one cannot decide:<br /><br /><strong>dotty</strong> adj infml weak-minded; slightly mad:<br /><br /><strong>swamp</strong> [usu. pass.] to cause to have a large amount, e.g. of work or problems, to deal with; INUNDATE<br /><br />teeny adj infml very small; TINY<br /><strong>teeny weeny</strong> (used esp. by or to children) very small<br /><br /><strong>frisky</strong> adj infml, often humor overflowing with life and activity; joyfully alive and playful<br /><br /><strong>tantalize</strong> also -lise BrE v to make (someone) want something even more strongly by keeping it just out of reach<br /><br /><strong>whiff</strong> n a short-lasting smell or movement of air:<br /><br /><strong>blemish</strong> n something that spoils perfection:Gabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36407405.post-1161456774638576062006-10-21T15:41:00.000-03:002006-11-19T17:35:19.060-03:00Taste by Roald Dahl<strong>epicure</strong> n a person who takes great interest in the pleasures of food and drink; gourmet<br /><br /><strong>droll</strong> adj odd and amusing<br /><br /><strong>diffident</strong> adj [(about)] lacking a belief in one's own qualities and abilities, and therefore unwilling to speak or act with confidence<br /><br /><strong>ooze</strong> 1 v<br />1 [I+adv/prep] (of liquid, esp. a thick liquid) to pass or flow slowly<em><br /></em>2 to allow (liquid) to pass slowly out<br /><br /><strong>vintage</strong> n a particular year in which a wine is made<br /><br /><strong>breed</strong> n a kind or class of animal or plant usu. developed under human influence<br /><br /><strong>restrained</strong> adj (of a person or their behaviour) calm and controlled; not showing strong feelings<br /><br /><strong>moselle</strong> n ( a type of light German white wine originally made in the valley of the Moselle river<br /><br /><strong>amiable</strong> adj pleasant and well-intentioned; likable; friendly<br /><br /><strong>bookmaker</strong> esp. BrE, a person whose job is to take money (BETs) risked on the results of competitions, esp. horse races<br /><br /><strong>unctuous</strong> adj fml full of unpleasantly insincere kindness, interest, etc<br /><br /><strong>impinge</strong> v<br />impinge on/upon sthg./sbdy phr v [T pass. rare]<br />to have an effect on; influence<br /><em></em><br /><strong>pop</strong> v -pp-<br />1 to (cause to) make a short sharp explosive sound<em><br /></em>2 [I+adv/prep] infml to move quickly or suddenly away from a surface; spring<em>. </em><br />3 [I+adv/prep] infml to go or come suddenly, quickly, or unexpectedly<em><br /></em>4 [T+obj+adv/prep] infml to put quickly and lightly:<em><br /></em>5 [T] AmE infml to use (PILLs) too often<br /><em></em><br /><strong>jab</strong> v -[I+adv/prep; T+obj+adv/prep] to push (something pointed) hard; strike quickly from a short distance<em><br /></em><br /><strong>tip</strong> v [T+obj+adv/prep] esp. BrE to pour (a substance) from one container into another, onto a surface, etc.<em><br /></em><br /><strong>sag </strong>v<br />1 to sink, settle, or bend downwards, esp. away from the usual or correct position<em><br /></em>2 to fall in value, amount, or level, esp. for a short time3 (of a book, performance, etc.) to become uninteresting during part of the length<br /><em><br /></em><strong>supercilious</strong> adj derog (as if ) thinking that others are of little importance<em><br /></em><br /><strong>drawl</strong> v to speak or say slowly, with vowels greatly lengthened <em><br /></em><br /><strong>overmuch</strong> adv, determiner, pron<br />1 fml too much: overmuch work<br />2 (usu. in negatives) very much<br /><br /><strong>loll</strong> v<br />1 to be in a lazy loose position<br />2 to (allow to) hang down loosely<br /><br /><strong>shrewd</strong> adj<br />1 showing good practical judgment, esp. of what is to one's own advantage<br />2 well-reasoned and likely to be right:<br /><br /><strong>sour</strong> adj<br />1 having the taste that is not bitter, salty, or sweet, and is produced esp. by acids<br />2 having the taste of fermentation<br />3 having or expressing a bad temper; unfriendly<br />4 infml bad or wrong; disappointing<br /><br /><br /><strong>stake</strong> money risked on the result of something; esp. a horse race<br /><br /><strong>let sbdy./sthg.</strong> in phr v<br />1 to allow or make it possible for (someone or something) to enter<br />2 to allow; admit<br /><br /><strong>jerk</strong> v to pull suddenly<br /><strong>jerk</strong> n a short quick pull or (backward) movement<br /><br /><strong>lounge</strong> v [I+adv/prep] to stand or sit in a leaning lazy way<br /><br /><strong>prim</strong> adj usu. derog (of a person) very formal or exact in behaviour, and easily shocked by anything rude<br /><br /><strong>trickle</strong> v [I+adv/prep] to flow in drops or in a thin stream<br /><em></em><br /><strong>wistful</strong> adj thoughtful and rather sad, esp. because of desires which may not be satisfied or memories of past happiness which may not return<br /><br /><strong>demure</strong> adj (esp. of a woman or child) quiet, serious, and not trying to draw attention to oneself<br /><br /><strong>bashful</strong> adj uncomfortable in social situations<em><br /></em><br /><strong>blithe</strong> adj sometimes derog (esp. of a person's behaviour) happy and unworried<br /><br /><strong>flare</strong> v<br />1 to burn brightly, but with an unsteady flame or for a short time<em><br /></em>2 to (cause to) open outwards, esp. to widen gradually towards the bottom<br /><em></em><br /><strong>silt</strong> n loose sand, mud, soil, etc., carried in running water and then dropped, e.g. at the entrance to a harbour, by a bend in a river, etc.<br /><br /><strong>puffy</strong> adj rather swollen<br /><br /><strong>frosty</strong> adj<br />1 a very cold:<br />2 unfriendly; coldGabriela Sellarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04218185338966433135noreply@blogger.com0