Idiomatic Expressions — Flashcards

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An idiomatic expression is a fixed group of words whose meaning is different from the simple literal meaning of the words. For example, 'to face the music' means to face difficulties, not music itself…

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'Back out' means to withdraw from a promise or contract. Example: "I felt grieved when he backed out of his promise to help me." It is often used when someone does not keep a promise or agreement.

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'Back up' means to support or sustain. Example: "He was backed up by his union to fight for his rights." It is different from 'Back out', which means to withdraw from a promise or contract.

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'Bring out' has two meanings: to reveal clearly and to publish. Example for reveal clearly: 'These facts clearly bring out the merits of the new policy.' Example for publish: 'The annual report of the…

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'Get through' has two meanings: to succeed in an examination, and to make a successful phone call. Examples: 'She could not get through the interview.' and 'It took me half an hour to get through to A…

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'Look at' means to examine carefully. Example: 'She looked at the pearls and immediately said that they were not real.' It is different from 'Look for', 'Look forward to', and 'Look up'.

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'Look for' means to seek. Example: 'We are looking for a competent and sincere office assistant.' It should not be confused with 'Look at', 'Look forward to', or 'Look up'.

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'Look forward to' means to wait for something with pleasure. Example: "I'm looking forward to my sister's wedding." It shows happy expectation.