PE 1/28 An Honest Viewpoint

Hey, Todd. Nice of you to stop by again. So… what’s with the measuring tape?

* what’s with…? What is the purpose of or reason for…?

= what’s up with; why; what’s going on with

ex> What’s with all the yelling? I thought I asked you kids to be quiet.

That would be an awful lot of trouble for us to go to just so I could have a slightly larger desk.

* an awful lot of: a large or excessive quantity

ex> There are an awful lot of dirty dishes in the sink.

It figures that you’d have ulterior motives. Go back to your palatial desk. And you can give that whole “friendly visit” spiel a rest now that I know what your game is.

* palatial: 대궐 같은, 호화로운

* ulterior motive(s): hidden reason(s) for doing something

ex> Marvin says there’s a nice restaurant at the racetrack, but I think he has ulterior motives.

* spiel: a lengthy speech intended to persuade

ex> I closed the door on the salesman because I didn't have time to listen to his spiel.

ex> Just ask Malcolm for a straight answer, or he’ll give you a whole spiel about his problems.

* one’s game: a method of deception someone employs, sometimes habitually

ex> Ralph wants my girlfriend to teach him Spanish, but I think I know what his game is.

PE 1/27 David Foster Wallace Speech – Part 4

Because here’s something else that’s true: in the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism.

* atheism [^|eɪθiɪzəm]: 무신론

And an outstanding reason for choosing some sort of God or spiritual-type thing to worship – be it J.C. or Allah, be it Yahweh or the Wiccan mother-goddess or the Four Nobel Truths or some infrangible set of ethical principles – is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive.

* infrangible: 침범해서는 안 되는

* eat someone alive: to completely overwhelm or defeat someone

ex> Don’t even think of challenging Darla to a game of chess: she’ll eat you alive!

The trick is keeping the truth up-front in daily consciousness. Worship power – you will feel weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to keep the fear at bay. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart – you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out. And so on.

* up-front: information that is not hidden; initial payment

ex> The clerk was up-front with us about the costs of shipping the bicycle.

ex> We needed $500 up-front to enter the tournament.

* keep something at bay: to prevent something from coming near or causing harm

ex> We always travel with some insect netting to keep mosquitos at bay.

* end up: to arrive at a certain place or situation, especially at the end of a journey

ex> If you don’t improve your habits, you could end up losing your license.

* on the verge of: to be at the point of almost doing something

= on the brink of; on the edge of; on the point of

ex> She was on the verge of giving up when the drawbridge began to slowly open.

PE 1/26 An Unwanted Visitor

I’m assuming the door didn't ring itself, which means that someone is standing on the other side waiting for one of us to respond it some kind of meaningful way.

* meaningful: 의미 있는

It’ll only take a moment. If it’s religious people, I’ll just tell them we’re Calgonites or Samsonites or something. If it’s a salesperson, I’ll pretend I can only speak Swedish. It’s as easy as pie.

* (as) easy as pie: simple or effortless to perform

ex> Public speaking can be easy as pie once you realize that nothing terrible can happen to you.

Note> “A piece of cake” means the same thing, and refers to the ease of eating (rather than making) these tasty desserts.

What if it’s Chole from upstairs? She’ll talk your ear off about her dog or her roommate or her job or something. We’d never get to finish the movie!

* talk one’s ear off: to talk incessantly without letting the other person speak

ex> Every time my mother phones, she talks my ear off about people I've never heard of.

Calm down, Jane. If we’re not going to answer the door, then what are we going to do? Just sit here whispering until our would-be visitor calls it quits and leaves us in peace?

* would-be: something that would exist if not for an intervening circumstance

ex> Those would-be drivers lining up for their examinations look very nervous.

Well, if they haven’t left already, the sounds of a zombie battle should do the trick. Hang onto your Stetson – I’m pressing “play”!

* do the trick: when something solves a problem

ex> The olive jar was very difficult to open, but running it under hot water did the trick.

PE 1/23 Getting the Picture

Have you ever noticed that some people like to make little efforts to make their homes look a bit more… lived-in? Like say, putting pictures on the walls?

* lived-in: showing signs of use or habitation

ex> Her grandparents’ old lakeside cottage had a comfortable, lived-in appearance.

Hey, my landlady let me choose this wallpaper. It’s totally immaculate. Why would I cover it up with a bunch of pictures?

* immaculate: 티 하나 없이 깔끔한

Prison wallpaper can’t hold a candle to this stuff. Look at those perfect lines. It brings a tear to the eye.

* bring a tear to the eye: to cause sentimental or tender feelings

ex> Hearing one’s national anthem when in a different country always brings a tear to the eye.

I’m serious. It worries me that you can be as happy as a clam in a place that looks so barren.

* as happy as a clam: very content; immune to displeasure

ex> There she was on the kitchen floor, cookie jar in her lap, as happy as a clam.

Note> The original phrase was “as happy as a clam at high tide.” Clams can only be dug up by people (or dogs!) when the tide is low.

I’m not buying it, Lenny. I don’t care if you hide them behind the couch the moment I leave, but we’re getting more framed pictures to put up in here before they come and take you away. Today. Now.

* buy it: to believe a piece of information

ex> He said he would quit smoking before his birthday, but I don’t buy it.

Don’t get any big ideas, Martha Stewart. Your keys are here on the kitchen counter. Let’s go.

* get any big ideas: to assume you’ll be permitted to do something extra

ex> You can borrow my motorcycle for one hour, but don’t get any big ideas.

PE 1/22 Making a Splash

I’m happy just to stand here and let the waves tickle my belly button. I love that there are no rocks to stub my toes on!

* belly button: 배꼽

You promise you won’t pull a fast one? I've heard that swim instructors play all kinds of nasty tricks, like throwing babies into the water!

* pull a fast one: to make a quick maneuver, often to deceive

ex> Never change money on the street. Those crooks will try to pull a fast one!

I promise: I've got you. Now just lie back and fall into my arms. You’ll love the sense of freedom. Trust me.

* I've got you: I will protect you; I will pay your bill

ex> Just pedal quickly and look straight ahead. I’ve got you.

ex> Put that wallet away, Mister. It’s payday, so I’ve got you.

Oooo! I just can’t, Davis. I don’t want to be a downer, but it’s too scary. Maybe some other time we can try to… Hey! Look! They've got jet skis here!!!

* downer: a depressing person or situation; a disappointment

= wet blanket; stick-in-the-mud; party pooper

ex> I agree that Randy can be a downer, but I really think we should do our best to cheer him up.

Don’t worry, babe. They won’t come in past the swimming floats. We’re completely safe and sound here.

* safe and sound: free from danger or injury

ex> The stray kittens are safe and sound in the box we put out for them.

Note> A ship that came through a storm or battle was declared “safe” when it returned to harbor, and “sound” when it showed no signs of damage.

You really are full of surprises! Okay, we’ll take a rain check on swimming lessons. But you’d better wear a life jacket!

* full of surprises: unpredictable; behaving in unexpected ways

ex> Trudy is full of surprises: she just quit her job to take a helicopter pilot’s course.

PE 1/21 Something to Chew On

I just want to be certain that we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. Maybe a little sprucing up is all this place needs.

* reinvent the wheel: to change something that already works

ex> Charlie wastes so much time at work because he’s always trying to reinvent the wheel.

* spruce up: to make something (or oneself) tidy or attractive

= smartening up; spiffing up; slicking up

ex> Rebecca insisted that they spruce up their house before her parents arrived.

ex> Lorelei loved parties because it gave her an excuse to spruce up.

Is this your new menu idea? Let’s see. Hm. I like the simple design. Lots of dishes for sharing – that’s smart. And specialty coffees too. But wait a minute – are these prices for real? Why is everything so expensive?

* for real: actually true

ex> For real? We’re actually getting an extra bonus this year?

Like it or not, it’s human nature. We learned all about it in my marketing program. It’s the same reason you’re always drooling over cars that cost more than they should.

* drool over: to openly want something very much

ex> It’s hard to believe, but his grandfather can actually drool over a farm equipment brochure.

ex> Sometimes we just stand outside the expensive shoe stores and drool over everything they have in the window.

I can’t argue with that, but I’m still on the fence about raising our menu prices that much.

* on the fence: to be undecided about something

ex> I usually know how I’m going to vote, but I’m really on the fence for this election.

PE 1/20 David Foster Wallace Speech – Part 3

One such part involves boredom, routine, and petty frustration. The parents and older folds here will know all too well what I’m talking about.

* petty: insignificant; trivial

ex> The judge was known to be very forgiving for petty offenses.

Note> The adjective “petty” was derived from the French word “petit,” meaning “small.” This original meaning still exists in terms like “petty cash” and “petty officer.”

* know all too well: to know something due to unfortunate or embarrassing experience

ex> The boys knew all too well why there was paint on the car’s back seat.

The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day.

* over and over: repeatedly in a tiring way

ex> Tina’s mother told her over and over to wash her hands after being out in public.

By way of example, let’s say it’s an average day, and you get up in the morning, go to your challenging job, and you work hard for nine or ten hours, and at the end of the day you’re tired, and you’re stressed out, and all you want is to go home and have a good supper and maybe unwind for a couple of hours and then hit the rack early because you have to get up the next day and do it all again.

* unwind: to relax; reverse the effects of stress

= put one’s feet up; take it easy; take a load off

ex> Gord liked to unwind by drinking hot chocolate and reading a car magazine by the fire.

ex> Why don’t we all go out for dinner after work this Friday so we can unwind?

It’s the end of the workday, and the traffic’s very bad, so getting to the store takes way longer than it should, and when you finally get there the supermarket is very crowded, because of course it’s the time of day when all the other people with jobs also try to squeeze in some grocery shopping.

* squeeze in: to incorporate with difficulty

ex> Cameron begged the dentist to squeeze in one more appointment at the end of the day.

PE 1/19 More Cold than Meets the Eye

But that window is just the tip of the iceberg. Look over here. It’s the same thing around these windows too. And the back door isn't sealing properly either.

* the tip of the iceberg: a small part of something large and problematic

ex> Kim discovered that her husband’s baseball card addiction was just the tip of the iceberg.

What if we went to the hardware store right now and bought a bunch of weatherstripping supplies? I’ll bet we could have this place sealed to within an inch of its life in just a few hours.

* within an inch of one’s life: to a very great degree

ex> Lionel squeezed out the damp rag to within an inch of its life.

ex> My mom says that my grandma used to scold her to within an inch of her life.

You’re absolutely right! A little elbow grease could save us a small fortune in heating bills over the course of the winter.

* elbow grease: effort expended to complete a physical task

ex> I used to shine my dad’s shoes with nothing more than an old rag and a lot of elbow grease.

* small fortune: a significant amount of money

= an arm and a leg; a ton of money; some major bucks

ex> I’m glad these shoes are so comfortable, because they cost me a small fortune.

* over the course of: during a span of time

ex> The Watts Towers in Los Angeles were built over the course of 33 years.

PE 1/17 Review

1. in a heartbeat: without hesitation

ex> If he ask me out, I’d say “yes” in a heartbeat.

ex> Would I relocate to Hon Kong if it meant a raise in salary? In a heartbeat!

They’re my favorite band! I would've gone with you in a heartbeat!

2. tricky: complicated; more difficult than it appears

ex> Balancing a spoon on your nose is very tricky.

ex> The defenseman made a tricky pass to set up the winning goal.

I’m just trying to fix your mother’s blender, but it’s turning out to be quite tricky.

3. out to lunch: to be unaware of or incompatible with the present situation

ex> Either I’m out to lunch or the person who wrote this manual is!

ex> I used to think the city council is out to lunch. But they've really improved.

You've been just sitting there for half an hour, looking completely out to lunch.

4. happy camper: a very satisfied person

ex> He bought Sue the bike she wanted, so she’s a happy camper now.

ex> Two hours at the playground makes my son a happy camper.

5. look sharp: to dress well, especially to impress others

ex> Cristie wanted to look sharp when she met her in-laws at the train station.

ex> If you stand tall and look sharp, no one will guess that you’re not felling well.

1/20 Korea’s Economy

Talk about the Korean economy.

Korea's economy has grown rapidly over the years. Back in the day, the economy was small in size. But now, it is one of the top 10 economies in the world. Korea is an export-driven economy. Many Korean companies are global companies. They sell their goods and services overseas. Because of this, the economy depends on the global market. If the global economy is good, Korea's economy is good as well. Now, Korea is moving toward a knowledge-based economy. It is investing a lot in future businesses such as software. Overall, the future of Korea's economy is very bright.

* grow rapidly 급성장하다

ex> The IT industry has grown rapidly in recent years.

* export-driven economy 수출 주도형 경제

ex> Korea's export-driven economy is affected by the global economy.

* depend on ~에 달려 있다. 의존하다

ex> Economic growth depends on various factors.

* knowledge-based economy 지식 기반 경제

ex> Many advanced countries are moving toward a knowledge-based economy.

* invest a lot in ~에 많은 투자를 하다

ex> We should invest a lot in the younger generation.

@ Korea's economy is very resilient.  한국 경제는 저력이 있다.

@ Related Topics>> Korea’s Economic growth (2011.5.4)

1/19 Birthday Party

Tell me about a birthday party you went to recently.

I remember going to a birthday party of a close friend. It was held at a traditional Korean bar. The place was famous for Korean pan-fried dishes called jeon. We ordered a combo dish with various types of jeon. The food tasted extra good that day, probably because I was very hungry. We ended up drinking a lot that day. We even went to a karaoke after that. In the end, we all got a bit drunk actually. Naturally, I had a terrible hangover the next day. It took me quite a while to sober up. But overall, it was a very memorable birthday party.

* combo dish 모듬 요리

ex> People order the combo dish when they don't know what to order.

* taste extra good 맛이 유난히 좋다

ex> Everything tastes extra good today.

* get a bit drunk 약간 취하다

ex> I got a bit drunk last night.

* have a terrible hangover 숙취가 심하다

ex> We all had a terrible hangover the next morning.

* sober up 술이 깨다

ex> I couldn't sober up until the next day.

@ I have a splitting headache.

머리가 쪼개질 것처럼 아파.

@ Related Topic>> Korean Birthday Traditions (2014.6.27, 2010.12.10)

1/16 Bars

What kind of bars are there in Korea? Which do you go to often?

Bars are everywhere in Korea. There are typical western bars that serve hard liquor, and then, there are pubs that serve beer. Plus, there are Japanese places that serve sake. Many bars are on busy streets with a lot of foot traffic. They are concentrated near subway stations or universities. Personally, I like going to traditional Korean bars that serve Korean rice wine called makgeolli. The food is great at those places. I have get-togethers quite often at those bars. There's one place near my house that I go to often. I know the owner pretty well because I'm a regular there.

* be everywhere 어디에나 있다

ex> Convenience stores are everywhere in Korea.

* a lot of foot traffic 많은 유동 인구

ex> There is a lot of foot traffic near subway stations.

* be concentrated 집중되어 있다

ex> Cafes are concentrated near universities.

* have a get-together 모임을 갖다

ex> I'm going to have a get-together with my friends next week.

* a regular 단골 손님

ex> I used to be a regular at that restaurant.

@ I have social gatherings at bars quite often.

나는 술집에서 자주 모임을 가져.

@ Related Topic>> Korean Bars

1/15 Movie Theaters

Tell me about movie theaters you typically go to.

Movie theaters in Korea are mostly large multiplex theaters. There are three major multiplex chains in Korea. They have 3D, 4D, and even IMAX theaters. As for seating, they also have special seats for couples or premium seats. Because there are many theaters, movie-goers have a lot to choose from. Plus, there are lots of places to eat and shop near the theater, so you can do other stuff before and after movies. Korean movie theaters are easy to get to because they are on busy streets. Most of them have plenty of parking place, so it's easy to park there as well.

* movie-goer 영화 관객

ex> I used to be a regular movie-goer.

* lots of places to ~할 많은 장소

ex> You can find lots of places to shop there.

* before and after 전후에

ex> What should we do before and after the event?

* on busy streets 번화가에

ex> Coffee shops are usually located on busy streets.

* have plenty of parking place 주차 공간이 넓다

ex> The discount store has plenty of parking place.

@ We can get movie tickets on the spot.

영화 표는 현장에서 살 수 있어.

@ Related Topic>> Movie Theater (2012.7.3)

1/14 Movie Genres

What is your favorite genre of movies?

Well, when it comes to movies, I don't have a particular genre I like. I think I just watch whatever is big. It does not matter whether it's action movies or romantic comedies or sci-fi or fantasy. I just go to whatever is popular at that point of time. Now, another genre of movies I do enjoy watching is Korean movies because they have become much better than in the past. They are much better in quality. In fact, Korean movies are being exported overseas and also winning awards at big film festivals. So, once again, I don't have a particular genre of movies that I watch. I watch everything from action films to animations.

* don't have a particular 특정한 ~가 없다

ex> I don't have a particular reason for this.

* do not matter whether ~이든 아니든 상관없다

ex> It does not matter whether he comes or not.

* whatever is big 무엇이든 인기 있는 것

ex> I just buy whatever is big.

* at that point of time 그 당시에

ex> It was really important at that point of time.

* in quality 질적으로

ex> The movie was poor in quality.

@ It was a killer movie. 대단한 영화였어.

@ Related Topics>> Movies (2012.3.8)

1/13 Renting a House

Talk about problems people experience when they rent a house or an apartment.

People can experience various problems when they rent a house or an apartment. They may have trouble finding a place they like. First of all, the place may be too small for them. Plus, the rent may be too high. They may be looking for a cheaper house. Also, they may not like the structure of the house. Last of all, people may not like the landlord or the landlady. Overall, finding a house you like is not easy. You have to do your homework and do a lot of legwork to find the right house for you.

* experience various problems 다양한 문제를 경험하다

ex> You may experience various problems when you travel overseas.

* have trouble 어려움이 있다

ex> I have trouble getting along with him.

* the structure of the house 집의 구조

ex> The structure of the house is very simple.

* do one's homework 사전 조사를 하다

ex> My husband always does his homework before buying something.

* do a lot of legwork 발품을 많이 팔다

ex> She is doing a lot of legwork to find a perfect party dress.

@ My lease is up.  임대 계약이 만료되었어.

@ Related Topics>> renting homes in Korea

PE 1/16 Women Knows Best

I’m no dummy. Besides, I have a lot of job interviews coming up and I want to look sharp. Where shall we start?

* be no dummy: to be clever, especially for one’s own benefit

ex> Jake’s no dummy. He bought a huge fruit basket for his boss’ family.

* look sharp: to dress well, especially to impress others

ex> Olivia bought a new suit so she could look sharp at the convention.

Well, why don’t you show me the centerpieces of your wardrobe, like your favorite suits and ties, and we’ll see what needs to be added.

* wardrobe: 옷장, 옷

* centerpiece: 제일 중요한 항목

A brilliant plan, lovey. Okay: this blue suit is my go-to for interviews, weddings, coronations, you name it.

* go-to: one’s habitual first choice

ex> The sushi place on the corner is my go-to for quick weekday lunches.

* you name it: anything of that type

ex> This veggie stew has everything in it: carrots, corn, broccoli… you name it.

Red and blue? You’re kidding me, right? Try burgundy and moss. This tie looks like a dog’s breakfast with that suit. No wonder you haven’t found a job yet.

* dog’s breakfast: an unattractive, disorganized combination

ex> The random collection of architectural styles made our campus a real dog’s breakfast.

Note> This expression is less common in the U.S., where the equivalent terms are fun to say: “mishmash” and “hodgepodge.”

They were probably at a loss for words. Christian, have you ever been tested for color blindness? How would you describe the color of my eyes, for example?

PE 1/15 Exploring Kadavu

I couldn't tear myself away from them, especially all the indigenous marine life. Have you booked our flights already?

* can’t tear oneself away: to be very engrossed in something

ex> This detective show is so good that I can’t tear myself away from the TV!

Not yet. I guess we’d better get on it. Where’s that brochure for the inter-island airline?

* get on it: to perform a necessary task promptly

ex> Let’s get on it before all the sales racks are empty.

I guess it’s a low-altitude flight. Whoever gets the window seat for this junket will be on happy camper. Shall we draw straws?

* happy camper: a very satisfied person

ex> When Ingrid opened the lunch her mother had packed, she was one happy camper.

* draw straws: a choosing game (like rock-paper-scissors) where players each remove a piece of straw from a bundle. The longest straw wins.

ex> Let’s draw straws to see who gets to ride in the front seat.

Isn't that the bee’s knees! Now I’ll finally get to see which you prefer to look at: moi, or the million-dollar views.

* the bee’s knees: excellent or outstanding person or thing

ex> When Martin first heard the tour guide speak, he thought she was the bee’s knees.

ex> These peanut butter cookies are the bee’s knees! Did you make them?

PE 1/14 Presenting Campaign Samples

I think you’re going to love what I've come up with. I've printed everything out so it’s easier for you to peruse.

* peruse: 정독하다

Here’s the main positioning statement and logo on a mockup poster, like the ones that get distributed to grocery stores and supermarkets.

* mock-up: 모형; 창안, 레이아웃

“Home-baked flavor, snack-size convenience.” I like it. But what does this say, up above the picture? I can’t quite make it out.

* make it out: to recognize or comprehend something

= figure it out; know what to make of it; know what it says

ex> The name on the mailbox was old and faded, so Tammy couldn't make it out.

I think you might have to go back to the drawing board on that one. It looks like it says something completely different, which I’m not going to say out loud this close to lunchtime.

* go back to the drawing board: to perform necessary revisions to a task or project

ex> The teacher sent the students back to the drawing board when their science project caught fire.

Ooh, well, that’s unfortunate. It looks like it’s my concept that’s completely out to lunch.

* out to lunch: to be unaware of or incompatible with the present situation

ex> Karl is so out to lunch these days, I wonder if he’s been getting enough sleep.

I’ll make those changes while you look over the rest of the materials. I really appreciate your pointing out that blunder, Alisha.

* blunder: 큰 실수, mistake

And I appreciate your willingness to take it in stride, Ray. Just send me an email when the revisions are done, and we’ll pick up where we left off.

* take it in stride: to accept something without becoming upset

ex> Mia had some strong criticisms, but Eleanor took it all in stride.

Note> The “stride” of a person is its walking pace or pattern, so to “take something in stride” means to not let it change or interrupt your progress.

* pick up where we left off: to resume a discussion or process from the point of interruption

ex> Can we pick up where we left off at 9 am on Tuesday?

PE 1/13 David Foster Wallace Speech – Part 2

Given the triumphal academic setting here, an obvious question is how much of this work of adjusting our default-setting involves actual knowledge or intellect. This question gets tricky.

* tricky: complicated; more difficult than it appears

ex> My uncle is about to solve tricky crossword puzzles while watching TV.

Probably the most dangerous thing about college education, at least in my own case, is that it enables my tendency to over-intellectualize stuff, to get lost in abstract arguments inside my head instead of simply paying attention to what’s going on right in front of me.

* get lost in: to become distracted or confused by something

= get absorbed in; get immersed in; get engrossed in

ex> Jason was late for school again because he got lost in watching some ants on the sidewalk.

Note> Be careful not to confuse this expression with “Get lost!,” which is a very direct way to tell someone to stop bothering you.

As I’m sure you guys know by now, it is extremely difficult to stay alert and attentive instead of getting hypnotized by the constant monologue inside your own head.

* by now: after this passage of time

ex> Don’t you think our daughter should be earning her own money by now?

* hypnotize: ~에게 체면을 걸다

It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to, and to choose how you construct meaning from experience.

* conscious: aware; having knowledge of

ex> She was conscious of the rain beginning to fall outside, but hoped it would stop soon.

Think of the old cliché about “the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master.” This, like many clichés, so lame and unexciting on the surface, actually expresses a great and terrible truth.

* lame: feeble; unconvincing

ex> Brandon’s teacher thought his excuse was lame, so she gave him a detention.

ex> They’re only offering a five percent discount? That’s lame.

PE 1/12 Adopting a Dog

Oooo… number 53 is as cute as a button! Talyor, come here and look at these adorable puppies! There are oodles here to choose from.

* oodles: 많음

* cute as a button: very cute; very appealing

ex> Where did you get those little black pumps? They’re as cute as a button.

Note> The word “cute” originally meant “smart” or “clever,” so the British expression “bright as a button” used to mean the same thing.

Sally, this website is appalling! They’re treating these animals like they were some sort of product. They’re living creatures, not commodities.

* appalling: 끔찍한, 형편없는

* commodity: 상품

Well, how else can people see so many at once, and decide what kind of dog they want?

* at once: at the same time

ex> Look! Marissa can juggle five grapefruits at once!

That’s definitely food for thought. Okay, you've convinced me. Let’s head down there right now and see if there are any pooches we hit it off with.

* food for thought: something worth thinking about

= something to consider; something to mull over; something to think about

ex> I haven’t agreed to her business proposal, but it was definitely food for thought.

* hit it off: to become friends quickly

ex> Cheryl and Clay have really hit it off. They are inseparable these days!

Sounds great! I bet we’ll find the perfect one in a heartbeat. Turn the computer off and I’ll go get the car.

* in a heartbeat: without hesitation

ex> I would grab the opportunity to travel to New Zealand in a heartbeat.

1/12 Residence

Talk about the place you lived at in the past and the place you live at now.

When I was a kid, I remember living in a house with a garden. I used to play in the garden all the time. But now, I live in an apartment. I live on the tenth floor. There are trees and benches in the apartment complex. Because I have neighbors next door, I have to be more considerate of our neighbors. When I was living in a house, I didn't have to do that. That is one of the biggest differences between living in a house and an apartment. Plus, I have a great view from my apartment. It is much better than the view I had from my house.

* remember -ing (과거에) ~한 것을 기억하다

ex> I remember hanging out with my friends quite often.

* next door 옆집의

ex> Many people don't know who lives next door.

* be more considerate of ~을 더욱 배려하다

ex> We should be more considerate of other people.

* one of the biggest differences 가장 큰 차이점 중 하나

ex> That's one of the biggest differences between men and women.

ex> This function is one of the biggest differences between the two models.

* have a great view 전망이 매우 좋다

ex> The hotel room has a great view.

@ The view is amazing!  전망 끝내준다!

PE 1/10 Review

1. kiss something goodbye: to discard or disregard something
ex> I'll be happy to kiss these text books goodbye and start making money.
ex> Unless he starts wearing deodorant, he'll have to kiss his friends goodbye.


2. deep down: within one's inner thoughts or beliefs
ex> Sandy realized deep down that her sculpture idea wasn't feasible.
ex> Deep down, the boys knew that they had the best chance of winning.

That's true. Deep down, I know she's very qualified to be leading the group. I just don't like being told what to do.

3. never in one's wildest dreams: unforeseen or unexpected; believed to be impossible
ex> Never in my wildest dreams did I expected to be nominated for an Oscar.
ex> Never in my wildest dreams did I think my little brother would be getting married.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd come this close to winning!
Congratulations, hon! Let's hope your lucky streak continues!

4. hold off: to delay doing something
ex> The trainer decided to hold off increasing my weights until next week.
ex> Her parents will hold off on their vacation plans until they have more money.

If we're going to bake cookies this afternoon, should I take the butter out of the fridge?
That's good thought, but let's hold off for another hour, please.

5. set in stone: irreversibly decided
ex> Nothing is set in stone, but we are considering moving to another city next year.
ex> Bonnie wondered her husband's weekend plans were set in stone.

Wednesday's going to be very busy. Is that appointment set in stone, or could we postpone it?

1/9 Favorite Place at Home

Which is your favorite place at home?

My favorite place at home would have to be my bedroom because it feels comfortable. After a long day at work, my room is the perfect place to wind down. I can do just about anything there. I can eat. I can read. I can watch movies. I can listen to music. And if I feel tired, I can fall asleep there as well. These are things I can do anywhere else in my apartment, but my bedroom is the best spot because I can do everything in private. Also, I feel like being alone sometimes and my own room is the best place for that. So, once again, my own bedroom is my favorite place at home.

* would have to be ~라고 하는 것이 맞다

ex> My answer would have to be no.

* wind down 편히 쉬다, 긴장을 풀다

ex> Let's just wind down a little before we have dinner.

* fall asleep 잠이 들다

ex> I felt so tried and fell asleep soon.

* in private 혼자서, 비공개로

ex> I'd like to talk to you in private.

* be alone 혼자 있다

ex> I want to be alone right now.

@ I'm just chilling in my room.

그냥 내 방에서 별거 안 하고 있어. / 그냥 방에 있어.

PE 1/9 A Nightmare Situation

Carla makes my blood boil! She’s gone ahead and invited twenty-four people to our combined birthday party, and the place only has room for fifteen.

* make one’s blood boil: to cause great anger

ex> I've stopped reading the news because it always makes my blood boil.

* go ahead and: to proceed without hesitation.

ex> My husband went ahead and invited all his buddies over on our anniversary.

Well, she’s not the brightest light on the tree. She knows we can only have fifteen, but she doesn't want to uninvited anyone now. She says it would be rude.

* not the brightest light on the tree: foolish; not as intelligent as most people

ex> I may not be the brightest light on the tree, but I’m very good at gymnastics.

Note> Interestingly, English has many expressions that refer to a person’s lack of intelligence. Another one is “a sandwich short of a picnic.”

I see her point. Couldn't the party be moved to a bigger venue? Surely the location isn’t set in stone.

* set in stone: irreversibly decided

= carved in stone; written in stone; absolutely certain

ex> Of course you can change your lunch order. It’s not set in stone.

No, it can’t. We want to have it at Ellie’s sister’s new restaurant. Ellie’s been trying to organize this for weeks, and now Carla’s gone and thrown a spanner in the works.

* throw a spanner (wrench) in the works: to do something disruptive or damaging

ex> It won’t throw a spanner in the works if I bring my mother on our date, will it?

ex> When Victor showed the plans to our competitor, it really threw a spanner in the works.

PE 1/8 Watching Fish from Above or Below

Are those the brochures we picked up in the lobby? Does anything tickle your fancy?

* tickle one’s fancy: to be appealing

ex> Would it tickle your fancy to spend the weekend in Hong Kong?

Note> The expression “strike one’s fancy” has the same meaning. As a noun, “fancy” means “imagination” or “attraction to.”

You bet. There’s a one-on-one scuba diving program that guarantees an open water certificate in only five days.

* one-on-one: 1대 1의

We can snorkel till the cows come home. But I don’t want to interfere with your plans if you’d rather spend the time learning to dive. I’ll watch, and perform mouth-to-mouth if necessary.

* till the cows come home: until a distant time

ex> Jamie’s so fit! She can jump rope till the cows come home.

Ooo! Frisky! but I think I’ll hold off on the scuba certificate until we can do it together.

* frisky: 짓궂은, 까부는

* hold off: to delay doing something

= put off; postpone; hold up

ex> Let’s hold off on making any investments until the market.

You’d do that for me? No wonder I married you. You might just get some of that mouth-to-mouth after all.

* no wonder: unsurprising; for obvious reasons

ex> No wonder I can’t stop eating these chips: they’re full of MSG!

* after all: despite prior indications to the contrary

ex> The pond is starting to freeze. We might get to go skating this winter after all.

1/8 Interest in Music

How has your interest in music changed over the years?

Well, in my teenage years, I mostly listened to music from boy or girl groups. There were tons of them in the K-pop industry. But as time went by, I started to listen to various types of music. Sometimes, I like listening to soft and quite music. I guess ballads or classical music would be good examples. These types of songs help me relax. On the other hand, there are times when I am in the mood for up-beat music. Fast songs keep my spirts up. They also keep me awake. Overall, I think I'm starting to appreciate a larger variety of songs as I grow older.

* in one's teenage years 중고등학교 때는, 십대 시절에는

ex> I was very active in my teenage years.

* be in the mood for ~하고 싶은 기분이다

ex> I'm not in the mood for a movie right now.

* keep one's sprits up 기분을 좋게 하다, 기운을 북돋다

ex> We had some music on to keep our spirits up.

* keep someone awake 깨어 있게 해 주다

ex> I need something to keep me awake.

* as I grow older 나이가 들면서

ex> I'm becoming more generous as I grow older.

@ We have different tastes in music.  우리는 음악 취향이 달라.

1/7 Music Player

What device do you use to listen to music?

Cell phones are all-in-one devices. I use my cell phone to listen to music. Because I always have my cell phone on me. I can listen to music whenever I am. So, I almost always listen to music when I'm on the move. I plug in my ear-phones on the subway or the bus. I also have some music on in the car when I'm driving. Plus, when I have to concentrate on something at a coffee shop, I normally listen to music. I can block out the noise that way. Overall, I listen to music almost everywhere anytime I want.

* have something on me: ~을 항상 소지하고 있다.

ex> I don't have any cash on me.

* whenever I am: 내가 어디에 있든

ex> I can check my email wherever I am.

* on the move: 이동 중에

ex> You can use mobile banking when you're on the move.

* block out the noise: 소음을 차단하다

ex> I wear ear plugs to block out the noise.

* anytime I want: 내가 원할 때는 언제든지

ex> I can get in touch with my brother abroad anytime I want.

@ Let’s put some music on.  음악 좀 틀자

1/6 Concerts

Talk about a concert you went to in the past.

There are many concerts that are held throughout the year. I remember going to a concert a couple of years ago. It was a joint concert between PSY and another Korean singer. The overall mood of the concert was very lively. The singers sang many of their hit-songs. They also did their signature dances and stage performances. There were many special effects that made the concert more spectacular. The concert venue was packed with people. In fact, the concert was completely sold-out. Looking back, it was one of the best concerts I've been to. I hope to go again if there is a chance.

* throughout the year: 일 년 내내

ex> We can enjoy all sorts of fruits throughout the year.

* overall mood: 전체적인 분위기, 전반적인 분위기

ex> The overall mood of the party was very joyful.

* signature dance: 전매특허 춤

ex> His signature dance became hugely popular around the world.

ex> This is the signature dish of this restaurant.

* sold-out: 매진된

ex> I couldn't get tickets as the concert was sold-out.

@ The tickets got sold out instantly.  표가 즉시 매진되어 버렸어.