play

→ [fair play](->fair play) → [foul play](->foul play)

While we were in New York, we went to a play.

Some of the audience were talking instead of watching the play.

The play was performed by Brighton Youth Theatre.

She acted in many plays on the London stage.

Michael is currently in a play on Broadway.

Bob asked if I would do this play, and I agreed.

The school puts on a Nativity play every Christmas.

The play is directed by Paulette Randall.

The play opens in San Francisco on Wednesday for a three-week run.

The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!

I occasionally write reviews of local stage plays.

(=a play written to be performed on TV/radio)

This horror story would make a good radio play.

(=a play about the birth of Jesus, performed by children at Christmas)

She was chosen to play Mary in the nativity play.

a story that is written to be performed by actors, especially in a theatre

This is a major theme of Miller’s plays.

这是米勒剧作中的首要主题。

爱德华·邦德关于阶级斗争的戏剧

things that people, especially children, do for amusement rather than as work

〔尤指儿童的〕游戏，玩耍；娱乐

Play is very important to a child’s development.

游戏对孩子的成长十分重要。

The program aims to teach road safety through play.

这个节目旨在通过游戏进行道路交通安全的教育。

the free play of competition in the building industry

建筑业竞争的自由调节作用

There are a number of factors at play (=having an effect) in the current recession.

目前的不景气是由多重因素引发的。

[bring/put sth into play](bold)(=use something or make it have an effect)

A complex system of muscles is brought into play for each body movement.

每一个身体动作都需要复杂的肌肉系统发挥作用。

Political considerations do [come into play](bold)(=have an effect) when making policy.

制定政策时，政治因素确有影响。

the actions of the people who are playing a game or sport

比赛才进行了一小时就因雨告停。

one particular action or set of actions during a game

〔比赛中的〕一个[套]动作

On the next play, Johnson ran 15 yards for a touchdown.

接下来的一次进攻，约翰逊跑了15码达阵得分。

if a ball is in play or out of play, it is inside or outside the area in which the rules of the game allow you to hit, kick, catch etc the ball

a use of a word that is interesting or amusing because it can be understood as having two very different meanings

patterns made by light as it moves over a surface

He made a play for the leadership last year.

to try to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with someone

想和某人恋爱[发生性关系]

It’s obvious he was making a play for her.

if there is some play in something, it is loose and can be moved


player

[key mover/player](bold) at → [key](->key) 1

someone who takes part in a game or sport

one of the important people, companies, countries etc that is involved in and influences a situation, especially one involving competition

〔重要的〕参与者，竞争者

a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street

华尔街上一家举足轻重的公司

a machine that is used to play CDs, videos etc

CD/唱片/录像带等的播放机

a man who has sexual relationships with many different women


playground

an area for children to play, especially at a school or in a park, that often has special equipment for climbing on, riding on etc

〔学校的〕操场，运动场；〔公园的〕游乐场

children shouting and running in the playground

在操场上叫嚷奔跑的孩子们

a place where a particular group of people go to enjoy themselves


plea

a request that is urgent or full of emotion

Caldwell [made](bold) a [plea](bold) for donations.

The parents made an emotional plea to their child’s kidnappers.

家长情绪激动地恳求绑架他们孩子的人。

a statement by someone in a court of law saying whether they are guilty or not

〔法庭上所作的〕答辩，抗辩

He refused the appointment on a plea of illness.


plead

to ask for something that you want very much, in a sincere and emotional way

“别走！”罗伯特央求道。

Civil rights groups pleaded for government help.

pt/pp: pleaded also pt/pp: pled /pled/ (especially AmE)

to state in a court of law whether or not you are guilty of a crime

亨德森承认犯有入室盗窃罪。

to give a particular excuse for your actions

以不知情/生病/精神错乱等为理由[借口]

She stayed home from work, pleading illness.

to give reasons why you think something is true or why something should be done

Managers pleaded that there was not enough time to make the changes.

经理们辩解说没有足够时间作出调整。

Residents successfully [pleaded](bold) their [case](bold) at a council meeting.

居民们成功地在市政会会议上陈述了他们的情况。


pleasant

[pleasantly](bold) adv. eg: He smiled pleasantly.

In everyday English, people usually say something or someone is [nice](bold)  rather than [pleasant](bold) :

enjoyable or attractive and making you feel happy

令人愉快的，惬意的，舒适的

the pleasant climate of Southern California

It was pleasant to sit in a sidewalk cafe and watch people pass.

礼貌而友善的，和蔼可亲的

尼克在电话里好像非常友善。


please

used to be polite when asking someone to do something

请，好吗〔用于礼貌地请求某人做某事〕

Could you please clean up the living room?

你把起居室打扫一下好吗？

used to be polite when asking for something

好吗，请〔用于礼貌地要求某物〕

请问，我能去丽贝卡家吗？

said in order to politely accept something that someone offers you

好，行，谢谢〔用于接受别人的好意〕

“还要酒吗？” “好的，谢谢。”

said when you think what someone has just said or asked is not possible or reasonable

得了吧！〔用于表示认为某人的话或要求不可能或没有道理〕

哦，得了吧，他绝不会那么做的。

used to ask someone to stop behaving badly

used by children to get an adult’s attention

请听我说，先生/托尔斯太太等〔儿语，用于引起成人的注意〕


please

（使）高兴，（使）欢喜；（使）满意，讨好

a business that wants to please its customers

希望让顾客满意的一家公司

She did everything she could to please him.

Most children are [eager to please](bold).

大多数孩子都渴望取悦别人。

[be hard/easy/impossible etc to please](bold)

She’s hard to please. Everything has to be perfect.

让她满意很难，一切都要做到完美才行。

[Please](bold)  is not used in the progressive. You say: I do it because it pleases me.
Don’t say: [I do it because it is pleasing me.](strike)

used in some phrases to show that someone can do or have what they want

She does [what](bold) she [pleases](bold).

You can spend the money however you please.

这些钱你想怎么花就怎么花。

With the Explorer pass, you can get on and off the bus [as you please](bold).

有了“探索者”通票，你可以随意上下公共汽车。

used when telling someone to do whatever they like, even though really you think they are making the wrong choice

‘I don’t think I’ll go.’ ‘Okay, please yourself.’

“我想我不会去。” “好吧，随你的便。”

used to politely ask someone to do something

请你 …好吗？〔用于礼貌地要求某人做某事〕

used to show that you are surprised, angry, or annoyed about something

真奇怪；真是有此理；真令人难以置信〔用于表示惊讶或气愤〕

He asked me, in my own house if you please, to leave the room!

他真是岂有此理，竟然在我的家里叫我离开房间！

very bold, calm etc, in a way that is surprising

竟然如此大胆/冷静/镇静等

He just walked in and sat down, as bold as you please.

他径直走进来坐下，竟然如此大胆。

used to express a very strong hope or wish

但愿，希望〔用于表示非常强烈的愿望〕

Everything will be all right, please God.


pleased

→see THESAURUS at [happy](->happy)   →see THESAURUS at [satisfied](->satisfied)

她受了赞扬，显得很高兴。

I could tell they were pleased about the news.

我看得出这条消息让他们很高兴。

That’s wonderful! I’m really pleased for you.

太好了！我真的为你高兴。

Her mother was pleased that she chose a college close to home.

她妈妈很高兴她选了一所离家不远的大学。

I’m pleased to tell you that you’ve got the job.

很高兴通知你——你得到这份工作了。

used as a polite greeting when you meet someone for the first time

（我）很高兴认识您〔初次见面时的礼貌问候语〕

If there’s anything we can do, we’d be pleased to help.

如果我们可以做些什么，我们会非常乐意帮忙。

feeling proud or satisfied because you think you have done something clever, often in a way that annoys other people

Miranda, pleased with herself for getting it right, sat down.

米兰达坐了下来，因为办妥了那件事而沾沾自喜。


pleasure

the feeling you have when you are doing something you enjoy or when something very nice has happened to you

Most craftsmen get a lot of pleasure out of making things.

His music has brought pleasure to people all over the world.

Pauline was willing to do anything for her children’s happiness.

I doubt she’ll find happiness with Gary.

a deep feeling of great happiness, because something good has happened

It’s hard to describe the joy we felt, seeing each other again after so many years.

They danced with joy when they heard the news.

great happiness and excitement, because of something good that has happened

To the audience’s delight, she agreed to play another song.

Imagine my delight when I found out that the house was for sale.

a quietly happy and satisfied feeling, especially because you are happy with your work, your life etc

He moved to the country and found contentment for the first time in his life.

She settled back in her chair and sighed with contentment.

an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement that continues for a short time

The whole country experienced a period of euphoria after the war ended.

the euphoria that parents feel after the birth of a child

a strong feeling of happiness and excitement, especially because you have achieved something

After she had made her first landing, she experienced a great sense of elation.

The troops’ sense of elation at the victory was not to last.

He takes great pleasure in boasting about his big salary.

Young children get a lot of pleasure from dressing up.

Over the years, painting has given me a lot of pleasure.

His singing has brought pleasure to millions.

I derive great pleasure from playing chess.

Steinbeck’s books have brought enormous pleasure to many people.

He studied ancient languages for the sheer pleasure of learning.

Some people derive perverse pleasure from the suffering of others.

Her garden was a constant source of pleasure.

the feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction that you get from an experience

She sipped her drink with obvious pleasure.

她小口抿着喝饮料，显然很高兴。

Are you taking the trip for business or pleasure?

你这次出门是出差还是去玩？

an activity or experience that you enjoy very much

愉快的活动[经历]，乐事

[be a pleasure to read/work with/watch etc](bold)

used when someone has thanked you for doing something and you want to say that you were glad to do it

别客气，不用谢〔表示乐意做某事〕

used to be polite when you are meeting someone, asking for something, agreeing to do something etc

[have the pleasure of (doing) sth](bold)

May I have the pleasure of seeing you again?

我能否有幸再次和您见面？

[It’s been a pleasure](bold) to meet you.

[It’ll be a pleasure/With pleasure](bold)(=used to respond to a request)

‘Give the kids a hug for me.’ ‘With pleasure.’

“代我拥抱一下孩子们。” “荣幸之至。”

if you can do something at your pleasure, you can do it when you want to and in the way you want to

if someone is put in prison at His or Her Majesty’s pleasure, there is no fixed limit to the time they have to spend there

〔在押犯人〕没有固定的监禁期限；随国王/女王发落，随意在押


pledge

Several European countries made similar pledges.

The time is coming when they will have to honour that pledge.

The government reneged on its electoral pledges.

The governor had kept her campaign pledge to slash taxes.

I asked him to clarify Labour’s spending pledges.

He also gave a firm pledge to build up the National Health Service.

We will not forget. That is a solemn pledge.

a serious promise or agreement, especially one made publicly or officially

〔尤指公开或正式作出的〕誓言，誓约，保证

the government’s pledge to make no deals with terrorists

政府不向恐怖分子妥协的保证

Parents make a pledge to take their children to rehearsals.

家长承诺带孩子去参加排练。

Eisenhower fulfilled his election pledge to end the war in Korea.

a promise to give money to an organization

Donors have [made pledges](bold) totaling nearly $4 million.

捐款人承诺提供总额近400万美元的捐助。

a pledge of $200 to the public TV station

向公共电视台捐款200美元的承诺

something valuable that you leave with someone else as proof that you will do what you have agreed to do

someone who has promised to become a member of a fraternity or sorority at an American university

宣誓加入男生[女生]联谊会的人


pledge

to make a formal, usually public, promise that you will do something

→see THESAURUS at [promise](->promise) 1

Moore pledged $100,000 to the orchestra at the fund-raising dinner.

在筹款晚宴上穆尔承诺向那支管弦乐队提供10万美元资助。

The new governor pledged to reduce crime.

新任州长承诺降低犯罪率。

Herrera pledged that his company would give aid to schools.

赫雷拉承诺他的公司将向学校提供援助。

[pledge (your) support/loyalty/solidarity etc](bold)

Trade unions pledged themselves to resist the government plans.

to make someone formally promise something

使〔某人〕发誓[保证，许诺]

Employees were [pledged to secrecy](bold).

员工被要求保证严守秘密。

to leave something with someone as a pledge13

to promise to become a member of a fraternity or sorority at an American university

〔在美国的大学〕宣誓加入〔男生或女生联谊会〕


plenty

a large quantity that is enough or more than enough

要确保她多呼吸新鲜空气。

No need to hurry – you’ve got plenty of time.

没必要急匆匆的，你有充足的时间。

There’s plenty to do and see in New York.

在纽约有很多事可做，很多东西可看。

There are [plenty more](bold) chairs in the next room.

In written English, people sometimes prefer to use [ample](bold)  rather than [plenty of](bold) , as it sounds more formal:

They were given [ample ](bold) time to complete the work.

You use [plenty of ](bold) before an uncountable noun: [There is](bold) plenty of [evidence](bold) that he is guilty.
Don’t say: [There is a plenty of evidence.](strike)

You also use [plenty of ](bold) before a plural noun: [There are](bold) plenty of [opportunities](bold) to improve your skills.
Don’t say: [There is plenty of opportunities.](strike)

You say that something [has plenty of](bold)  a thing, quality etc: The town has plenty of nightlife.
Don’t say: [The town is plenty of nightlife.](strike)


plenty

used to emphasize that something is more than big enough, fast enough etc

This apartment’s plenty big enough for two.

这套公寓够宽敞，可以住两个人。


plenty

a situation in which there is a lot of food and goods available for people


plight

the [desperate plight](bold) of the flood victims


plight

to promise someone that you will marry them


plot

[lose the plot](bold) at → [lose](->lose) sense 14

He was involved in a plot to kidnap the pope.

He is accused of masterminding a plot to bring down the government.

They didn’t suspect that their plot had been uncovered.

The plot was foiled when he was stopped by US Customs agents.

They have admitted hatching a plot to kill the president.

He was questioned about an attempted murder plot.

The assassination plot to kill General de Gaulle was unsuccessful.

Police foiled a terrorist plot to attack a nuclear reactor.

He was the victim of a plot by his political opponents.

These accusations are part of a plot to discredit him.

a secret plan by a group of people to do something harmful or illegal

The court heard how she and her lover [hatched](bold) a [plot](bold)(=planned a plot) to kill her husband.

法庭听取了她和情人密谋杀害她丈夫的案情。

The [plot](bold) to overthrow the military government was [foiled](bold)(=prevented from being successful).

推翻军政府的秘密计划被挫败了。

the events that form the main story of a book, film, or play

〔书、电影、戏剧的〕情节

We discover that Jack isn’t as innocent as he seems, as the [plot unfolds](bold)(=gradually becomes clearer).

随着情节的展开，我们发现杰克并不像表面上看起来那么清白。

used to say that events seem to be becoming more complicated – often used humorously

情况开始复杂起来，事情越来越纠缠不清了〔常为幽默用法〕

a small piece of land for building or growing things on

〔建筑或种植用的〕小块土地[地皮]

a piece of land that a particular family owns in a cemetery, in which members of the family are buried when they die

〔属于某家族的〕一块墓地

a drawing that shows the plan of a building at ground level


plot

[past tense and past participle](italic) [plotted](bold) [present participle](italic) [plotting](bold)

to make a secret plan to harm a person or organization, especially a political leader or government

They had plotted to blow up the White House.

He suspected that the military were [secretly plotting](bold) against him.

他怀疑军方正在密谋推翻他。

The minister was found guilty of plotting the downfall of the government.

那名部长被判犯有阴谋颠覆政府罪。

to draw marks or a line to represent facts, numbers etc

We [plotted](bold) a [graph](bold) to show the increase in sales figures this year.

我们绘制了一个图表来显示今年销售额的增长情况。

You can plot all these numbers on one diagram for comparison.

你可以在图表上标出所有这些数字以供对比。

to mark, calculate, or follow the path of an aircraft or ship, for example on a map

标绘，计算，追踪〔航空器或船只的移动路线〕

We [plotted](bold) a [course](bold) across the Pacific.

我们绘制出一条穿越太平洋的航线。


pluck

to pull something quickly in order to remove it

He plucked a couple of plastic bags from the roll.

他从那一卷塑料袋里扯下几个。

Reaching up, she plucked an apple off the tree.

她往上够了够，从树上摘下一个苹果。

to make your eyebrows the shape you want, by pulling out some of the hairs

to take someone away from a place or situation that is dangerous or unpleasant in a quick and unexpected way

Some refugee children were plucked out of the country in a number of mercy missions.

在数次救助行动中有些儿童难民被拯救出那个国家。

She was [plucked from obscurity](bold)(=made suddenly famous) by a Hollywood film producer.

她被一位好莱坞电影制片人发掘而一举成名。

Three survivors were [plucked to safety](bold) after being in the sea for 7 hours.

在海上漂浮了七小时后，三名幸存者获救。

to pull the feathers off a dead chicken or other bird before cooking it

拔[退]去〔死鸡或其他禽类〕的毛〔准备烹调〕

to force yourself to be brave and do something you are afraid of doing

鼓起勇气（做某事），振作精神（做某事）

He finally plucked up enough courage to ask her out.

他终于鼓起勇气约她出去。

to pull the strings of a musical instrument

Someone was plucking at the strings of an old guitar.

有人在拨弄一把旧吉他的琴弦。

(also: [pluck something out of thin air](bold) )

to say or suggest a number, name etc that you have just thought of, without thinking about it carefully

I’m plucking a figure out of the air here, but let’s say it’ll cost about $15,000.

这里我随口说一个数字，比如说这要大约15,000美元。


pluck

It [takes](bold) a lot of [pluck](bold) to stand up to a bully.

不向恃强凌弱者屈服需要很大勇气。


plug

a small object at the end of a wire that is used for connecting a piece of electrical equipment to the main supply of electricity

我熨斗上的插头需要更换了。

a place on a wall where electrical equipment can be connected to the main electricity supply

a round flat piece of rubber used for stopping the water flowing out of a bath or sink

〔浴缸、洗涤槽的〕塞子，栓

a way of advertising a book, film etc by mentioning it publicly, especially on television or radio

〔尤指电视上或广播中的〕推销，宣传

During the show she managed to put in a plug for her new book.

在节目中她设法将自己的新书推销了一番。

the part of a petrol engine that makes a spark, which makes the petrol start burning

每10,000英里要更换火花塞。

to prevent a plan, business etc from being able to continue, especially by deciding not to give it any more money

〔尤指通过不再提供资金〕（使某事物）不能继续，中断，停止

The Swiss entrepreneur has pulled the plug on any further investment in the firm.

那位瑞士企业家不再向这家公司投资。

an object or substance that is used to fill or block a hole, tube etc

You can fill any holes with plugs of matching wood.

任何洞孔都可以用相配的木头塞子堵住。

a small plastic tube put in a hole to hold a screw tightly

〔置于孔内使螺钉固定的〕塑料螺钉衬套，螺钉楔子

a piece of something pressed tightly together


plug

[past tense and past participle](italic) [plugged](bold) [present participle](italic) [plugging](bold)

We used mud to plug up the holes in the roof.

我们用泥堵住了房顶上的漏洞。

to advertise a book, film etc by mentioning it on television or radio

〔在电视或广播上〕为 …做广告，宣传，推销

Arnie was on the show to plug his new movie.

阿尼参加这个节目以宣传自己的新电影。

to provide something that is needed, because there is not enough

With so few trained doctors, paramedics were brought in to plug the gap.

训练有素的医生很少，所以引进了医务辅助人员来填补空缺。


plum

a small round juicy fruit which is dark red, purple, or yellow and has a single hard seed, or the tree that produces this fruit

something very good that other people wish they had, such as a good job or a part in a play

令人垂涎的事物〔如称心如意的工作、戏剧角色等〕

我的第一份工作非常称心。


plum

a good job etc that other people wish they had

令人垂涎的工作/角色/差事等

He landed a plum role in a TV mini-series.

他在一部电视短剧中得到一个人人都向往的角色。


plumber

someone whose job is to repair water pipes, baths, toilets etc


plump

slightly fat in a fairly pleasant way – used especially about women or children, often to avoid saying the word ‘fat’

丰满的，胖乎乎的〔尤指女性和儿童，常为避免说出fat一词〕

那护士是个性格开朗、体形丰满的女人。

那个婴儿很可爱，胖嘟嘟的。

round and full in a way that looks attractive


plump

to gently hit cushions or pillows in order to make them rounder and softer

〔轻拍垫子或枕头〕使更圆，使更软

to put something down suddenly and carelessly

把这些包随便找个地方撂下吧。

if dried fruit plumps up, or if you plump it up, it becomes fatter and softer when in liquid

〔通过浸泡〕（使）〔干果〕膨胀柔软

Soak the apricots and raisins until the fruit plumps up.

把杏子和葡萄干浸泡到膨胀柔软为止。


plunge

to move, fall, or be thrown suddenly forwards or downwards

（使）突然向前冲；（使）跌落

Her car swerved and plunged off the cliff.

她的车突然转向，冲下了悬崖。

Both the climbers had [plunged to](bold) their [deaths](bold).

if a price, rate etc plunges, it suddenly decreases by a large amount

〔价格、比率等〕暴跌，骤降

Oil prices have [plunged to a new low](bold).

In the recession, the company’s profits plunged 60%.

萧条时期，那家公司的利润骤跌了60%。

if a ship plunges, it moves violently up and down because of big waves

→see THESAURUS at [decrease](->decrease) 1


plunge

to decide to do something important or risky, especially after thinking about it for a long time

〔尤指经过长时间思考之后〕决定奋力一搏，决定冒险一试

We took the plunge and set up our own business.

a sudden large decrease in the price, value etc of something

a [dramatic plunge](bold) in house prices

The plane began a [headlong plunge](bold) towards the Earth.

when someone suddenly becomes involved in something new

a jump or dive into water, or a quick swim


plural

a form of a word that shows you are talking about more than one thing, person etc. For example, ‘dogs’ is the plural of ‘dog’

mouse的复数形式是什么？


plural

a plural word or form shows you are talking about more than one thing, person etc. For example, ‘we’ is a plural pronoun.

复数的〔如we是复数代词〕

a plural society, system, or culture is one with people from many different religions, races etc

〔社会、体制或文化〕多元的

Britain has developed into a plural society.


plus

used to show that one number or amount is added to another

The total cost was $10,000, plus 14% interest.

全部费用是1万美元，外加14%的利息。

There are numerous clubs, plus a casino.

有很多俱乐部，还有一个赌场。

used to say that a number may be more or less by a certain amount

There may be a variation of plus or minus 5% in the prices that are quoted.

报价可能会有5%上下的变动。


plus

Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job.

做这份工作懂一些西班牙语绝对占优势。


plus

used to talk about an advantage or good feature of a thing or situation

Another of the Beach Club’s [plus points](bold) is that it’s right in the middle of town.

海滩俱乐部的另一个优点是它就位于城中心。

This is not an exciting car to drive, but [on the plus side](bold) it is extremely reliable.

这辆车开起来不刺激，不过从好的方面来说它非常可靠。

used after a number to mean an amount which is more than that number

〔用于数字后面表示〕多，余

Most children start school when they’re five plus.

大多数孩子五岁多开始上学。

more than zero – used especially when talking about temperatures

〔尤用于表示温度〕在零以上的，正的

Daytime temperatures barely reached plus 5º.

a mark used in a system of judging students’ work. An ‘A plus’ is slightly higher than an ‘A’.

A+/B+等〔用于给学生打分〕


plus

He’s been studying hard for exams. Plus he’s been working in a bar at night.


p.m.

used after numbers expressing the time, to show that it is between noon and midnight

下午〔用于表示钟点的数字之后〕


pocket

He took off his cap and stuffed it in his pocket.

Marcia took a pair of dark glasses out of her pocket.

(=put your hand into your pocket to find something)

"Do you want a cigarette?" he asked, reaching into his pocket.

I searched my pockets for my train ticket but it wasn't there.

(=take everything out of your pockets in order to find something)

His mother made him turn out his pockets.

(=put your hand in your pocket to find something)

I saw him wandering along the beach with his hands in his pockets.

Tony's pockets were bulging with loose change.

He took a wad of money from his back pocket.

There was a silk handkerchief in his breast pocket.

Gregson pulled a photo from the inside pocket of his jacket.

She slipped the map into her jacket pocket.

a type of small bag in or on a coat, trousers etc that you can put money, keys etc in

Luke came in with his hands in his pockets.

卢克走了进来，双手插在口袋里。

The policeman told me to [turn out](bold) my [pockets](bold)(=take everything out of them).

警察让我把口袋里的东西都掏出来。

the amount of money that you have to spend

There are eight hotels, with a price range to [suit every pocket](bold).

有八家宾馆，其价格可满足各种水平的消费者。

Dan had to pay for the repairs out of his own pocket.

丹必须自己掏腰包支付修理费用。

He was accused of diverting some of the firm’s money into his own pocket.

他被控将公司的部分钱款据为己有。

The deepening recession has [hit](bold) people’s [pockets](bold).

日益加剧的经济衰退影响到了人们的消费水平。

For investors with [deep pockets](bold)(=a lot of money), the Berlin property market is attractive.

对资金雄厚的投资者来说，柏林房地产市场很有吸引力。

a small bag or piece of material fastened to something so that you can put things into it

〔固定于某物上用于装东西的〕小袋

Please read the air safety card in the pocket of the seat in front.

请阅读您前面座椅口袋中的飞行安全卡。

a small area or amount of something that is different from what surrounds it

〔与周围区域不同的〕一小片，少量

In some parts, there are still pockets of violence and unrest.

在某些地区，仍然存在零星的暴力事件和骚乱。

pockets of air inside the hull of the ship

to be controlled or strongly influenced by someone in authority, and willing to do whatever they want

受某人的控制，对某人百依百顺

The judge was in the defense lawyer’s pocket.

那位法官对辩护律师言听计从。

to be certain to win something such as a competition or an election

在〔比赛、选举等〕中稳操胜券

The Democrats had the election in their pocket.

民主党在选举中稳操胜券。

if you are out of pocket, you have less money than you should have, especially as a result of making a mistake or being unlucky

If he loses the deal, he’ll be badly out of pocket.

如果丢掉这笔生意，他就会大受损失。

if two people are in each other’s pockets, they are together too much

a small net on a pool, snooker, or billiard table, which you try to hit balls into

→ [air pocket](->air pocket) [burn a hole in your pocket](bold) at → [burn](->burn) 1 sense 17 [line your own pockets](bold) at → [line](->line) 2 sense 4 [pick sb’s pocket](bold) at → [pick](->pick) 1 sense 14


pocket

把 …装入口袋[衣袋]中

Maggie locked the door and pocketed the keys.

玛吉锁上门，把钥匙放进口袋里。

to steal money, especially money that you are responsible for

窃取，盗用，侵吞〔公款〕

One inspector had pocketed up to $500,000 in bribes.

一名视察员收受了高达50万美元的贿赂。

to get a large amount of money, win a prize etc, especially in a way that seems very easy or slightly dishonest

捞取〔钱财〕；赢得〔奖金等〕

Johnston pocketed $2,500 in prize money.

约翰斯顿得到了2,500美元的奖金。

to hit a ball into a pocket in the game of pool,snooker or billiards

〔台球等中〕击〔球〕落袋


pocket

small enough to be carried in your pocket


podcast

a radio programme that can be downloaded from the Internet

播客〔可从因特网上下载的一种广播节目〕

→see THESAURUS at [programme](->programme) 1


podcast

[past tense and past participle](italic) [podcast](bold)

to make a radio programme available to be downloaded from the Internet


poem

‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’ is the first line of a famous poem by WIlliam Wordsworth.

a poem with 14 lines which rhyme with each other in a fixed pattern

a type of Japanese poem with three lines consisting of five, seven, and five syllables

a haiku by Matsuo Basho about a frog jumping into a pond

a short humorous poem that has five lines which rhyme

a limerick by Edward Lear, which began ‘There was a young lady of Norway, Who casually sat in a doorway’.

a short poem or song, especially for children, using words that rhyme

a collection of traditional rhymes with illustrations

a nursery rhymea short traditional poem or song for children

poems in general, or the art of writing them

She wrote poetry and children’s stories.

a set of poems by different people collected together in one book

a group of words or sentences that form one part of a poem

a group of lines in a repeated pattern, which form part of a poem

the opening stanza of Keats’ poem ‘Ode to a Nightingale’

I’ve been writing short stories and poems for years.

(=learn it so that you can remember it without reading it)

Hugh had learned the whole poem by heart as a boy.

The children had to memorize a poem and recite it in front of the whole class.

The little girl was standing up, reciting a poem.

She has a new collection of poems coming out soon.

She gave me an anthology of poems for children.

a piece of writing that expresses emotions, experiences, and ideas, especially in short lines using words that rhymeend with the same sound

I decided to write a poem about how I felt.

我决定把我的感受写成一首诗。


poetic

also: [po‧et‧ic‧al](bold) /-ˈetɪkəl/  [adj](bold)

relating to poetry, or typical of poetry

having qualities of deep feeling or graceful expression

富有诗意的；表达优雅的；诗一般的


poetry

He made us learn a lot of poetry by heart.

Occasionally, my father would recite the poetry of Baudelaire.

(=when poems are read to people, usually by the writer)

He has just brought out another poetry book.

a poetry anthology containing work by modern Liverpool poets

poems in general, or the art of writing them

a quality of beauty, gracefulness, and deep feeling

The way she moves on the court is sheer poetry.

她在球场上的动作简直太优美了。

His golf swing is [poetry in motion](bold).

他打高尔夫球的挥杆动作透出行云流水般的优雅。


point

That’s an important point to bear in mind.

He’s making a joke but there is a serious point there as well.

I’d like to make one further general point.

Kevin Phillips made a similar point in his 1993 book, ‘Boiling Point’.

Finally, I will summarise the main points of this chapter.

There is one final point I would like to make.

He makes the point that predicting behaviour is not easy.

A simple example will illustrate the point.

I’m sorry, I don’t understand your point.

OK, I take your point. But it’s not that easy.

I don’t wish to labour the point, but why didn’t you just tell me?

Could you clarify a couple of points for me?

(=used to say to someone that you accept what they say)

All right, point taken – I should have asked you first.

I’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game.

The point is that going by bus would be a lot cheaper.

That’s the point. She didn’t tell us what was going on.

We'd earn a lot of money, but that's not the point.

(=be not the most important thing to consider)

He's the best person for the job so his age is beside the point.

When did she leave, and, more to the point, why?

(=talk about the most important thing immediately)

I haven't got much time so let's get straight to the point.

I don't know why but Mel always seems to miss the point.

Some couples reach a point where divorce is the only solution.

You get to the point where ordinary things like climbing stairs are difficult.

(=be or happen at a particular time in the development of something)

The day of the accident marked a turning point in Kenny’s life.

Winning the World Championship was the high point of my career.

She helped me when I was at a low point in my life.

The following recipes are a good starting point for making your own bread.

(=the time when an important change starts, especially an improvement)

A turning point in the history of the republic came in 1358.

(=the point at which a situation becomes extremely serious)

The tensions within the country have reached crisis point.

(=a time when someone or something can no longer deal with something)

Our resources are stretched to breaking point.

(=a time when something is completely full)

The hospital was full to bursting point.

(=a time when no more can be added to something)

Is the market for computer games reaching saturation point?

At one point I was thinking of studying physics.

Over half the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives.

I’m not prepared at this point to make any decision.

(=used especially in official speeches, announcements etc)

It would be wrong to comment at this point in time.

British industry was driven to the point of collapse.

There comes a point where you have to accept defeat.

Every system has its good points and its drawbacks.

What would you say are Natalie’s bad points?

Be honest about assessing your weak points.

The airline’s outstanding safety record is a major plus point.

Underfloor heating has a lot of positive points.

A few negative points should be mentioned.

(=a quality or feature that makes people want to buy something)

The house's main selling point is its beautiful garden.

(=small details about the qualities or features of something)

I'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.

(=especially in games such as football, baseball, cricket etc)

The Kiwis scored 206 points in their three matches.

(=especially in games such as tennis, where the ball goes back and forth between competitors)

I didn't win a single point in my first few games.

Our aim is to get as many points as possible.

If he’s got the answer wrong, he loses 250 points.

(=win or lose a fight because of the judges’ decision)

He was knocked down twice, before losing on points.

a single fact, idea, or opinion that is part of an argument or discussion

→see THESAURUS at [comment](->comment) 1

她提出了一些很不错的观点。

There are three important points we must bear in mind.

有三个要点我们必须记住。

这样我就要讲到下一点了。

I agree with John’s point about keeping the costs down.

我同意约翰关于维持低成本的观点。

要点，重点；中心意思，主要含义；核心问题

[The point is](bold), at least we’re all safely back home.

重要的是，至少我们都安全回家了。

Nobody knows exactly how it works. That’s [the whole point](bold).

没有人知道它到底是怎么工作的，这才是问题所在。

He may not have stolen the money himself, but [that’s not the point](bold).

他本人也许没偷那笔钱，不过那不是关键。

I wish you’d [get to the point](bold)(=talk about the most important thing).

I’ll [come](bold) straight [to the point](bold)(=talk about the most important thing first).

I need to find out who killed Alf, and [more to the point](bold)(=what is more important) I need to do it before anyone else gets killed.

我得查出是谁杀了阿尔夫，更重要的是，得在其他人被害之前查出凶手。

We all like him, but that’s [beside the point](bold)(=not the most important thing).

我们都喜欢他，不过这并不是最重要的。

I think you’ve [missed the point](bold)(=you have not understood the most important thing).

I suppose we could save one or two of the trees, but [what’s the point](bold)?

我想我们可以拯救一两棵树，不过那有什么意义呢？

What’s the point of this meeting anyway?

那么这次会议到底有什么意义？

[The whole point](bold) of this legislation is to protect children.

We’re going to lose anyway, so I [can’t see the point of](bold) playing.

不管怎么说我们都会输，我不明白去比赛还有什么意义。

I [didn’t see the point in](bold) moving to London.

我不明白为什么要搬到伦敦去。

The accident happened at the point where the A15 joins the M1.

事故发生在A15公路和M1公路的交会处。

Cairo is a convenient [departure point](bold) for tours.

开罗是外出旅游便捷的出发地。

Dover is a [point of entry](bold) into Britain.

多佛尔是到英国的一个入境口。

an exact moment, time, or stage in the development of something

时候，时刻；〔发展的〕阶段；程度；地步

I had [reached](bold) a [point](bold) in my career where I needed to decide which way to go.

我的事业到了需要决定何去何从的阶段。

She had [got to the point where](bold) she felt that she could not take any more.

她已经到了忍无可忍的地步。

Their win over old rivals Manchester United was the [high point](bold)(=best part) in their season.

击败老对手曼彻斯特联队是他们赛季中最精彩的时刻。

Sales reached a [low point](bold) in 1996.

1996年销量跌入低谷。

We will take last week’s riots as a [starting point](bold) for our discussion.

我们将从上星期的骚乱开始讨论。

[At one point](bold), I thought he was going to burst into tears.

我一度认为他要哭出来了。

Maybe [at this point](bold) we should move onto some of the practical experiments.

也许现在我们应该开始做一些应用实验了。

[At that point](bold), I was still living at home and had no job.

那个时候，我仍和父母亲一起住，没有工作。

You will probably sell the car [at some point](bold) in the future.

将来某个时候你很可能会卖掉这辆车。

It is impossible to give a definite answer [at this point in time](bold).

现在不可能作出明确答复。

Some children are bullied [to the point of](bold) suicide (=until they reach this stage).

a particular quality or feature that something or someone has

Sometimes she had to remind herself of his good points.

有时候她不得不提醒自己，他有一些优点。

They would spend hours discussing [the finer points](bold)(=small details about qualities and features) of various cars.

他们会花上几小时讨论各种汽车的细节问题。

The low price is one of its main [selling points](bold)(=features that will help to sell it).

Driving was not one of Baxter’s [strong points](bold).

驾车不是巴克斯特的强项。

One of the club’s [plus points](bold) is that it is central.

那家俱乐部的一大优点是位于市中心。

There were some [weak points](bold) in his argument.

他的论据有一些不足之处。

one of the marks or numbers that shows your score in a game or sport

〔比赛或运动中的〕分数，得分

Leeds United are now six points clear at the top of the table.

利兹联队现在以六分的优势排名榜首。

She had to [win](bold) this [point](bold).

You [get](bold) three [points](bold) for a win and one point for a draw.

赢了得三分，打平得一分。

You [lose](bold) a [point](bold) if you do not complete the puzzle on time.

如果你不能按时解出字谜就失一分。

The fight went the full fifteen rounds, and in the end the American [won on points](bold).

比赛打满了15回合，最后美国选手以点数取胜。

boiling point/freezing point/melting point etc

the temperature at which something boils, freezes, melts etc

Heat the water until it reaches boiling point.

a stage in a process or activity when it becomes impossible to stop it or do something different

有进无退[无法改变]的地步

[reach/pass the point of no return](bold)

I was aware that we had passed the point of no return.

我意识到我们没有退路了。

an idea which you use to start a discussion

He takes the idea of personal freedom as his point of departure.

I was on the point of giving up the search when something caught my eye in the bushes.

我正要放弃搜索时突然注意到灌木丛中有什么东西。

The country’s economy is on the point of collapse.

该国经济处于崩溃的边缘。

我在某种程度上同意你的看法。

说得有道理，不过并不是全都有道理。

dealing only with the important subject or idea, and not including any unnecessary discussions

Her comments were brief and to the point.

to do something deliberately, even when it involves making a special effort

〔即使费力也〕特意做某事

He made a point of spending Saturdays with his children.

星期六他必定要和自己的孩子在一起。

used to talk about what happens when someone is in a difficult situation and has to make a difficult decision

I’m sure that if it came to the point, he would do what is expected of him.

我肯定，如果到了必要的时刻，他会做人们期盼他做的事情的。

used when saying that something is true, although it may seem unlikely

We were assured that the prisoners were being well treated, when in point of fact they were living in terrible conditions.

我们得到保证，犯人们的待遇不错，但实际上他们的生活条件非常恶劣。

used when you are saying something in a very direct way

直言不讳地说，实话实说，说句老实话

She’s lying, not to put too fine a point on it.

a sign (.) used to separate a whole number from any decimals that follow it

The stock market has fallen by over 200 points in the last week.

在过去的一周内股市已经下跌两百多点。

The stars shone like [points of light](bold) in the sky.

夜空繁星闪烁，犹如一个个光点。

one of the marks on a compass that shows direction

Soldiers were advancing on us from all points of the compass.

士兵们从四面八方向我们逼近。

a long thin piece of land that stretches out into the sea

We sailed round the point into a small, sheltered bay.

我们驾船绕过岬角驶入一个小小的避风港。

a piece of plastic with holes in it which is attached to a wall and to which electrical equipment can be connected

a piece of railway track that can be moved to allow a train to cross over from one track to another

〔铁路上的〕道岔，转辙器


point

to show something to someone by holding up one of your fingers or a thin object towards it

〔用手指或细的物体〕指；用〔手指〕指

“看呀！”她用手指着说道。

I could see him pointing at me and telling the other guests what I had said.

我看到他指着我并告诉其他客人我说了些什么。

She was pointing to a small boat that was approaching the shore.

她指着驶近岸边的一艘小船。

驾车人用他的鞭子指了指。

She [pointed in the direction of](bold) the car park.

He stood up and [pointed](bold) his [finger](bold) at me.

他站起来，用手指指着我。

to hold something so that it is aimed towards a person or thing

He stood up and pointed his gun at the prisoner.

他站起身，举枪对准了那个犯人。

She produced a camera and pointed it at me.

to face or be aimed in a particular direction

There were flashlights all around us, pointing in all directions.

我们周围都是手电筒，对着各个方向照射。

The hands of the clock pointed to a quarter past one.

时钟的指针指向一点一刻。

We found footprints pointing towards the back door.

我们发现了走向后门的脚印。

to show someone which direction they should go in

为〔某人〕指方向[指路]

她指着一把扶手椅叫我过去。

Could you [point](bold) me [in the direction of](bold) the bathroom, please?

My teachers were all pointing me towards university.

我的老师都建议我上大学。

A financial adviser should be able to [point](bold) you [in the right direction](bold).

理财顾问应该能给你指点迷津。

Everything seemed to point in one direction.

一切似乎都指向一个方向。

All the evidence pointed towards Blake as the murderer.

所有证据都表明布莱克是凶手。

Everything points to her having died from a drugs overdose.

每项证据都表明她死于药物过量。

to put new cement between the bricks of a wall

〔用水泥〕抹〔砖缝〕，勾〔缝〕

to stretch the ends of your feet downwards

to blame someone or say that they have done something wrong

I knew that they would point the finger at me.

I don’t want to [point](bold) a [finger of blame](bold) at anyone.

to show the direction that something is in

An old-fashioned signpost pointed the way to the restaurant.

一个老式的路标指向去那家餐厅的路。

to show how something could change or develop successfully

指出〔变化或发展的〕方向

This report points the way forward for the water industry.

这份报告指出水利工业的发展方向。

a government paper which points the way towards reform


pointed

[adj](bold) <[usually before noun](bold)>

a direct question, look etc that deliberately shows that you are annoyed, bored, or disapprove of something

尖锐的问题/犀利的目光/刻薄的话

针对我迟到说的一句尖刻的话


pointer

a useful piece of advice or information that helps you to do or understand something

Ralph [gave](bold) me some [pointers](bold) on my golf swing.

拉尔夫就我打高尔夫球的挥杆姿势给了我一些建议。

a few useful pointers about using the technique

关于该技能运用的一些有用建议

something that shows how a situation is developing, or is a sign of what might happen in the future

an encouraging pointer to an improvement in the economy

表明经济有起色的一个令人鼓舞的迹象

The local elections were seen as a pointer to the general elections.

地方选举被视为大选的风向标。

the small symbol, usually an arrow, that you move using a computer’s mouse to point to the place on the screen where you want to work, start a program etc

a long stick used to point at things on a map, board etc

a thin piece of metal that points to a number or direction on a piece of equipment, for example on a measuring instrument

The pointer was between 35 and 40 pounds.

指针位于35和40磅之间。

a hunting dog that stands very still and points with its nose to where birds or animals are hiding

指示猎犬〔能站着不动用鼻子指示猎物的隐藏处〕


pointless

She knew it would be pointless to argue with him.

completely pointless because there is no chance at all of being successful

She shut the door in a futile attempt to keep the smell out.

Their efforts proved futile did not have any success.

I knew it was useless to try to explain to him what had happened.

having no hope of being successful or effective

He was jumping up and down in a hopeless attempt to keep warm.

to be not worth the time, money etc that you use because you do not achieve anything

The whole process was a complete waste of time.

worthless or not likely to have any useful result

生活对我来说简直没什么意义。

It’s pointless telling her to clean her room – she’ll never do it.

叫她打扫自己的房间没有用，她绝对不会去干的。

I think it would be pointless to discuss this issue again.

我认为再讨论这个问题毫无意义。


point of view

Saving energy in your home is fairly easy from a practical point of view.

from an economic/financial/business point of view

From a financial point of view, the concert was a disaster.

from a scientific/technical point of view

This book was the first to study language from a scientific point of view.

It's a fascinating case, from a legal point of view.

From the political point of view, it was important that the country showed it was adhering to the treaty.

The system is seriously flawed from a security point of view.

a particular way of thinking about or judging a situation

[scientific/technical/business etc point of view](bold)

[From](bold) an economic [point of view](bold), the new development will benefit the town greatly.

从经济的角度来看，新的开发项目会给该镇带来极大好处。

someone’s own personal opinion or attitude about something

I respect your point of view, but I’m not sure I agree with you.

我尊重你的观点，但我还是不敢苟同。

From my point of view, there is no way they can win.

Don’t say: [in my point of view](strike)


poised

not moving, but ready to move or do something at any moment

She waited by the door like a small animal poised for flight.

她等在门边，就像一只随时准备逃走的小动物。

His finger was poised on the camera’s shutter release.

他的手指按在相机的快门上。

He stood on the edge of the roof, poised to jump.

他站在屋顶的边缘，准备往下跳。

completely ready to do something or for something to happen, when it is likely to happen soon

Spain was poised to become the dominant power in Europe.

西班牙已准备好成为欧洲的霸主。

The economy is poised on the edge of collapse.

to be in a position or situation in which two things have an equally strong influence

介于某事物和某事物之间的

The world stood poised between peace and war.

世界处在和平和战争之间。

behaving in a calm confident way, and able to control your feelings and reactions

镇定的，自信的，泰然自若的，沉着的

Abigail walked to the microphone, poised and confident.

阿比盖尔镇定而自信地走向麦克风。


poison

[one man’s meat is another man’s poison](bold) at → [meat](->meat) sense 4

She admitted two charges of giving poison to her daughter.

He could not have administered the poison that had put Mark in a coma.

One way of getting rid of rats or mice is to put poison down.

Cyanide is a very strong, quick-acting poison.

(=one that makes someone very ill or kills them)

(=a small amount of poison that is still present somewhere)

Traces of the poison were found in the family car.

a substance that can cause death or serious illness if you eat it, drink it etc

Belladonna and red arsenic are [deadly poisons](bold).

颠茄和雄黄都是致命的毒物。

a box of [rat poison](bold)(=poison to kill rats)

something such as an emotion or idea that makes you behave badly or become very unhappy

毒药〔指使人不愉快的情绪、有害的思想等〕

Hatred is a poison that will destroy your life.

仇恨是一种毒药，它会毁掉你的生活。

a humorous way of asking which alcoholic drink someone would like

你想喝什么穿肠毒物？〔指酒，幽默用法〕


poison

to give someone poison, especially by adding it to their food or drink, in order to harm or kill them

〔尤指通过下毒于食物或饮品中〕毒死，毒杀；在 …中下毒

She was accused in 1974 of poisoning her second husband, Charles.

1974年她被控毒死了她的第二任丈夫查尔斯。

He killed several people by poisoning their tea.

他在茶里下毒杀死了几个人。

Helms attempted to poison his whole family with strychnine.

if a substance poisons someone, it makes them sick or kills them

Thousands of children were poisoned by radiation.

数千名儿童遭受辐射的毒害。

to make land, rivers, air etc dirty and dangerous, especially by the use of harmful chemicals

〔尤指有害化学物〕污染〔土地、河流、空气等〕

杀虫剂正在污染我们的河流。

to have very harmful and unpleasant effects on someone’s mind, emotions, or a situation

毒害〔思想、情绪等〕，对 …有不良的影响，危害

Her childhood had been poisoned by an abusive stepfather.

她的童年被粗暴的继父毁掉了。

The law will only serve to poison relations between the US and Mexico.

这条法律只会危害美国和墨西哥的关系。

Television violence is [poisoning](bold) the [minds](bold) of young people.

电视暴力毒害着年轻人的思想。

an important job that someone is given, which is likely to cause them a lot of trouble

金杯毒酒〔喻指可能给接受者带来很多麻烦的重要工作〕


poisonous

containing or producing a substance that is likely to kill you, or make you very ill

The plant is poisonous to humans and animals.

toxic chemicals and waste are poisonous to people and the environment

Crops were sprayed with highly toxic chemicals.

The site was used for the disposal of toxic waste.

noxious substances and gases are poisonous

Vehicles pollute the air with noxious fumes

The soil may be contaminated with noxious substances.

hazardous substances are likely to harm people, animals, or the environment if they are not dealt with or got rid of carefully

Lead is one of the most hazardous substances known, causing cancer and nerve damage.

The building is now unoccupied, and all radioactive or hazardous materials have been removed.

extremely poisonous and likely to kill you – used especially about poisons and snakes

Terrorists plotted to release a deadly gas.

poisonous gases such as hydrogen sulfide

She was bitten on the ankle by a [poisonous snake](bold).

这些浆果鸟儿吃了会中毒。

充满敌意的，令人很不愉快的

someone who is poisonous seems to get pleasure from causing arguments, unhappiness etc

〔人〕以挑拨是非为乐的；恶毒的

That poisonous bastard Lucett told Morris I was seeing his wife.

那个搬弄是非的混蛋卢塞特告诉莫里斯我在和他的妻子约会。


poke

to quickly push your finger or some other pointed object into something or someone

Andy poked the fish with his finger to see if it was still alive.

安迪用手指戳了戳那条鱼，看它是否还活着。

Be careful with that umbrella or you’ll poke someone in the eye.

小心你的伞，别戳到别人的眼睛。

He was poking at the dust with a stick, making little patterns.

他用一根棍子在尘土上拨来划去，弄出各种小图案。

to move or push something through a space or opening

He poked a hand into one of his pockets.

One of the nurses [poked](bold) her [head](bold) around the door.

其中一名护士从门里探出头来。

if something is poking through or out of something else, you can see part of it but not all of it

Ella looked at the tiny face poking out of the blanket.

埃拉看着那张露在毛毯外面的小脸。

Weeds had started poking through the cracks in the patio.

露台上已经有杂草开始从缝隙里钻出来。

to make a hole or hollow area in something by pushing something pointed into or through it

〔在某物上〕戳[捅]一个洞

Poke a hole in the dough, and then form it into a rounded shape.

在面团上戳个洞，把它揉成圆形。

to find mistakes or problems in a plan or in what someone has said

在某事物中挑毛病[找漏洞]

Defense attorneys tried to poke holes in Rodger’s story.

辩护律师试图找出罗杰陈述中的漏洞。

Some of the kids were poking fun at Judy because of the way she was dressed.

其中有些孩子在嘲笑朱迪的穿着。

to take an interest or get involved in someone else’s private affairs, in a way that annoys them

过问某事，插手某事〔指令人恼火地干预别人的私事〕

I’m sick of your mother poking her nose into our marriage.

我很厌烦你妈妈插手我们的婚姻。

to move coal or wood in a fire with a stick to make it burn better

to show someone on a social networking site that you want to communicate with them

“捅”，“戳”〔在社交网站上表示想与某人交谈〕


poke

to quickly push your fingers, a stick etc into something or someone

Vanessa gave me a playful poke in the ribs.

瓦妮莎开玩笑地戳了一下我的肋骨。

Bennett [took a poke at](bold) the president’s refusal to sign the bill.

本内特批评总统拒绝签署议案。

the act of showing someone on a social networking site that you want to communicate with them

“捅”，“戳”〔在社交网站上表示想与某人交谈〕


pole

a long stick or post usually made of wood or metal, often set upright in the ground to support something

the most northern or most southern point on a planet, especially the Earth

〔行星的〕地极；〔尤指地球的〕北极，南极

Amundsen’s expedition was the first to reach the South Pole.

阿蒙森的探险队是最早到达南极的队伍。

two people or things that are poles apart are as different from each other as it is possible to be

〔两人或两事物〕截然相反，大相径庭

Both are brilliant pianists, though they’re poles apart in style.

他们两位都是卓越的钢琴家，然而在风格上却大相径庭。

one of two situations, ideas, or opinions that are the complete opposite of each other

〔两种情况、观念或意见〕截然相反的两极之一；极端

We have enormous wealth at one pole, and poverty and misery at the other.

我们一方面有着巨大的财富，另一方面又存在着贫穷和困苦。

Washington and Beijing are at opposite poles (=think in two completely different ways) on this issue.

在这个问题上，华盛顿和北京看法完全不同。

one of two points at the ends of a magnet where its power is the strongest

one of the two points at which wires can be attached to a battery in order to use its electricity


pole

to push a boat along in the water using a pole


police

→ [military police](->military police) → [secret police](->secret police)

[Police](bold)  is a plural noun and is followed by a plural verb: The police [are](bold) investigating the case.
Don’t say: [The police is investigating the case.](strike)

When talking about someone who works for the police, you say a[ police officer](bold) , a [policeman](bold) , or a [policewoman](bold) .
Don’t say: [a police](strike)

a member of the police. In British English, [police officer](bold) is used especially in more formal contexts, for example in news reports. In everyday English, British people still usually say [policeman](bold) or [policewoman](bold)

He was sentenced to life in prison for killing a police officer.

He is the officer in charge of the case.

Officer Fayard in the US ‘Officer’ is used in the title of police officers

The girl, accompanied by a policewoman and two social workers, was seen in private by Sheriff George Crozier.

used in the job titles of British police officers. [PC](bold) means ‘Police Constable’ and [WPC](bold) means ‘Woman Police Constable’

a police officer whose job is to discover who is responsible for crimes

Detectives are investigating the death of a baby boy.

a plain-clothes police officer wears ordinary clothes instead of a uniform

Two plain-clothes police officers, acting as hotel security men, kept watch on him.

a British police officer of the lowest rank

a senior police officer who is in charge of the police in a particular area in Britain

the chief constable of North Yorkshire police

a US police officer in a state police force

Staff called the police when they noticed a broken window.

Why are so many crimes not reported to the police?

Sussex Police are investigating a break-in at the club.

The police are no nearer to catching his killer.

The police arrested Mr Fox as he tried to leave the country.

Officer Singer said the police have made no arrests in the robbery.

Police are questioning two men about the deaths.

(=officially say that someone will be judged in a court for committing a crime)

The police have charged the parents with murder.

The police can hold suspects for up to 48 hours without charge.

The police detained several activists, but released them after questioning.

The police released William and all charges were dropped.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack.

The police raided his home and took his computer.

Uniformed police and plain clothes detectives were present in large numbers.

Traffic police closed the motorway after the accident.

Despite a police investigation, no arrests were made.

(=a surprise visit made by the police to search for something illegal)

Six people were arrested in a police raid on the bar.

(=a police officer or officers that go with someone to guard or protect them)

The teams will parade through the city with a police escort.

(=a line of police officers who are preventing people going somewhere)

The demonstrators tried to break through a police cordon.

The police officer asked to see his driving licence.

They took him down to the police station to ask him some questions.

The men were being followed by an unmarked police car.

Police dogs were used to catch the thieves.

(=when the police hit or threaten people)

He claims to have witnessed many instances of police brutality.

the people who work for an official organization whose job is to catch criminals and make sure that people obey the law

the official organization whose job is to catch criminals and make sure that people obey the law

By the time the police arrived the man had fled.

等警察到达时，那人已逃走了。

He was arrested by the police for dangerous driving.

他因危险驾驶被警察拘捕。

He plans to join the police when he leaves school.


police

to keep control over a particular area in order to make sure that laws are obeyed and that people and property are protected, using a police or military force

〔动用警察或军队〕对 …实施管制，维持 …的治安

The army was brought in to police the city centre.

调来军队维持市中心的治安。

to control a particular activity or industry by making sure that people follow the correct rules for what they do

控制，监督〔某活动或行业〕

The agency was set up to police the nuclear power industry.

设立这个机构是为了监督核电工业。


police station

the local office of the police in a town, part of a city etc

警察（分）局，派出所，警署


policy

Government spending is determined by government policy.

It is not company policy to offer refunds.

Support for human rights is a key element in our foreign policy.

The middle classes have suffered most as a result of government economic policies.

Our energy policies must put the environment first.

Some customers pursue a deliberate policy of delaying payment.

There was no clear policy on this matter.

(=one in which all the parts of the policy work well together)

A long-term coherent policy for industry is needed.

We try to formulate policies that will meet the needs of the people.

A committee of representatives makes policy.

(=develop it or have an influence on it)

These terrorist acts will not be allowed to shape our foreign policy.

(=take action in the way that has been decided)

Local government is responsible for implementing central government policy.

(=continue with a policy over a period of time)

The organization is pursuing a policy of cost cutting.

The new government set about reversing previous policies.

The policy aimed to reduce the budget deficit.

No policy decision can be made until the next meeting.

There has been no policy statement on this from the French government.

There have been numerous policy changes in recent months.

He rarely consulted him on general policy issues.

(=someone who decides on what it should be)

Policy makers have not dealt with the issue very effectively.

How can we best achieve our policy objectives?

(=something done to achieve a policy's goals)

The policy initiatives have focused on the inner cities.

This decision represented a major change in policy.

The shift in policy placed more emphasis on teachers' assessments of students' progress.

The strength of this opposition forced a rapid reversal of policy.

Is the damage covered by your insurance policy?

(=one that will pay out money if you die)

New homeowners must usually buy a life policy before they can get a mortgage.

(=one that will pay out money if things in your home are damaged or stolen)

Most basic contents policies cover accidents to mirrors.

People with children should take out a life insurance policy.

I thought my insurance policy would pay out.

a way of doing something that has been officially agreed and chosen by a political party, a business, or another organization

The company has adopted a strict no-smoking policy.

该公司实行了严格的禁烟制度。

It is hospital policy to screen all mothers with certain risk factors.

所有母亲都须接受某些风险因素的筛查，这是医院的规定。

a contract with an insurance company, or an official written statement giving all the details of such a contract

There’s a clause in the policy that I’d like to discuss.

保险单中有一个条款我想商讨一下。

I’ve just [renewed](bold) the [policy](bold)(=arranged for it to continue).

Does the [policy cover](bold) theft and fire?

这份保险承保失窃和火灾吗？

You can [take out](bold) a [policy](bold)(=buy one) for as little as $11.00 a month.

你每月只需花费区区11美元就可买一份保险。

a particular principle that you believe in and that influences the way you behave

It’s always been my policy not to gossip.

不说三道四是我一贯的处事原则。


polish

to make something smooth, bright, and shiny by rubbing it

I spent all afternoon polishing the silver.

我整个下午都在擦拭银器。

Polish the lenses with a piece of tissue.

to improve a piece of writing, a speech etc by making slight changes to it before it is completely finished

Your essay is good, you just need to polish it a bit.

你的文章不错，只要稍加润色就可以了。


polish

[spit and polish](bold) at → [spit](->spit) 2 sense 5

a liquid, powder, or other substance that you rub into a surface to make it smooth and shiny

上光剂；擦光剂；上光蜡；亮漆

an act of polishing a surface to make it smooth and shiny

An occasional polish will keep wall tiles looking good.

偶尔擦拭一下能使墙砖保持美观。

a high level of skill or style in the way someone performs, writes, or behaves

Carla’s writing has potential, but it lacks polish.

卡拉在写作方面很有潜力，但技巧还不够纯熟。

the smooth shiny appearance of something produced by polishing


polite

[politely](bold) adv. eg: ‘Can I help you?’ she asked politely.

behaving or speaking in a way that is correct for the social situation you are in, and showing that you are careful to consider other people’s needs and feelings

He was too polite to ask how old she was.

‘Excuse me, sir,’ she said in a polite voice.

having good manners and knowing the correct way to behave in social situations

She was beautifully dressed and very well-mannered.

polite and not causing any trouble – used about children or animals

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the hotel.

polite and respectful, and behaving rather formally

The hotel staff were very courteous and helpful.

polite and treating someone with respect

He was very respectful towards all my relatives.

‘Thank you,’ he said with a respectful bow.

polite in a formal way, especially when you do not feel very friendly towards someone

She’d never liked her father-in-law, but she forced herself to be civil to him.

When you’ve stopped arguing, you might be able to have a civil conversation.

polite towards someone, especially because they are in a more important social position

In those days women were expected to be deferential to men.

We left the party as soon as it was polite to do so.

我们在不失礼节的情况下尽早离开了聚会。

It’s not polite to talk with your mouth full.

满嘴食物时讲话是不礼貌的。

you make polite conversation, remarks etc because it is considered socially correct to do this, but not necessarily because you believe what you are saying

礼节性的，客套的，应酬的

While they ate, they made polite conversation about the weather.

吃饭的时候，他们礼貌地谈论天气。

Jan expressed polite interest in Edward’s stamp collection.

简对爱德华的邮票收藏礼貌地表示兴趣。

I know Ian said he liked her singing, but he was [only being polite](bold).

我知道伊恩说过喜欢听她唱歌，不过那仅仅是客套话而已。

among people who are considered to have a good education and correct social behaviour – often used humorously

在文雅人中间〔常为幽默用法〕

You can’t use words like that in polite company.

在文雅人面前你不能使用那样的词语。


political

I am not a member of any political party.

Our political system should give ordinary citizens more power.

Every individual should have equal political rights.

He is facing the biggest decision of his political career.

At that time women were excluded from the political life of the country.

Health care has become a major political issue.

They are eager for a political solution after years of war.

relating to the government, politics, and public affairs of a country

政府的；政治（上）的；政权的；有关行政的

Education is now a major political issue.

教育目前是个主要的政治议题。

The U.S. has two main political parties.

The UN is seeking a political solution rather than a military one.

联合国正在寻求政治上而非军事上的解决方法。

the workers’ struggle for political power

relating to the ways that different people have power within a group, organization etc

纯粹根据权位利益作出的决定

The appointment was given to Wellington, mainly for political reasons.

任命威灵顿主要是出于权力关系上的考虑。

对政治感兴趣的，政治上活跃的

大多数学生对政治都不怎么感兴趣。

a difficult problem which opposing politicians argue about or which each side deals with in a way that will bring them advantage

政治足球〔指对立的政客争论的难题或双方都以有利于自己的方式来处理的问题〕

Funding of the health service has become a political football.

卫生服务的资金问题已成了被踢来踢去的政治足球。


politically

Women were becoming more politically active.

妇女在政治上变得越来越活跃。

Politically, raising the minimum wage is good for the Democrats.

从政治上来说，提高最低工资对民主党有好处。


politician

someone who works in politics, especially an elected member of the government

a political or government leader, especially one who is well-respected

great statesmen like Roosevelt and Churchill

He would later describe the king as ‘one of the most brilliant statesmen I have ever been privileged to meet’.

in Britain, someone who has been elected to a parliament to represent people from a particular area of the country

a man who is a member of a congress, especially the US House of Representatives

a woman who is a member of a congress, especially the US House of Representatives

Mrs McKinney was the state’s first black congresswoman.

a member of the senate, especially in the US

in the US, a member of the House of Representatives

someone who has been elected to lead the government of a town or city

Boris Johnson was elected mayor of London.

the former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani

someone who is used by a political party to influence people’s opinions by cleverly controlling what is reported in the news

The party spin doctors would like us to believe that the government is committed to improving the environment.

(=belonging to the party that is not in power – used in some political systems)

Opposition politicians argued that there was not enough reason to go to war.

He had been under attack from right-wing politicians for some time.

The scandal ruined the careers of several leading politicians.

Talks between senior politicians in Zagreb and Belgrade took place.

The plan is strongly supported by local politicians.

Are the country’s elected politicians trustworthy?

He is the most popular politician in the country.

They make quiet deals with corrupt politicians.

(=one who is good at getting what he wants done)

politicians who are trying to get the minority vote

努力争取少数族群选票的政治家

someone who is skilled at dealing with people or using the situation within an organization to gain an advantage


politics

a right-wing person or group wants low taxes, a strong army and police force, and the individual to be free from government interference as much as possible

Some of his supporters are very right-wing.

a left-wing person or group wants the government to make society more equal by increasing taxes for rich people, and taking control of important industries and services

supporting policies and principles which will protect the environment

The government is under pressure to improve its green credentialsto seem more like it wants to protect the environment.

supporting political ideas that will involve great change

supporting political ideas that will allow people to have greater freedom

They want the government to have a more liberal policy on drugs.

having political opinions which are not extreme

People generally become more moderate as they get older.

The bill is supported by moderate Republicans.

having political opinions which are considered to be very unreasonable by many people

His views on immigration are very extreme.

Mark had always been keen to have a career in national politics.

The two superpowers that dominated international politics.

There was much going on in world politics at the time.

The war had a major impact on the country’s domestic politics.

He believes that party politics has no place in local government.

(=attempting to get power by using or threatening to use force)

The party argued that power politics would always lead to war.

After university, he became involved in local politics.

Young people should be encouraged to take part in politics.

I was very active in politics before I retired.

He warned the army against interfering in politics.

ideas and activities relating to gaining and using power in a country, city etc

a good understanding of politics in China

阿妮塔一直对政治感兴趣。

Brooke’s been involved in city politics since college.

布鲁克从读大学时起就参与所在城市的政治活动。

The president should stand above [party politics](bold)(=working only for your political [party](bold,->party)).

总统应当置身于党派政治之外。

In this meaning, [politics](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: [Politics plays](bold) no part in this decision.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: [Politics play](bold) no part in this decision.

弗林于1986年退出政坛。

Her father’s trying to [enter politics](bold).

Smith [went into politics](bold) in his early twenties.

史密斯二十出头就从政了。

the activities of people who are concerned with gaining personal advantage within a group, organization etc

〔某团体、组织等内的〕争权活动；权术；派别之争

I’m tired of dealing with all of the [office politics](bold).

对付那些办公室政治让我烦透了。

Her art examines [sexual politics](bold)(=how power is shared between men and women).

她的艺术作品审视了两性之间的权力之争。

the politics of race and class at American universities

美国大学中的种族政治和阶级政治

someone’s political beliefs and opinions

政治信仰，政治观点，政见

I assume her politics must be fairly conservative.

我猜她的政治观点一定相当保守。

the study of political power and systems of government

Tom is studying for a degree in politics.

汤姆正在攻读政治学学位。


poll

A similar poll was carried out among academics in the United States.

A poll taken last month gave the Democrats a seven-point lead.

The poll was conducted with a sample of 1,023 adults.

Polls show that older voters are most concerned about economic issues.

Our poll found that 29 percent rated his performance as good.

(=that measures what people think about something)

A recent opinion poll showed strong support for the government.

(=when people are asked how they have just voted)

The exit polls said that 46 percent of women had voted for Obama.

In most popularity polls, he is in fourth or fifth place.

Local polls show him leading by only two or three points.

Labour soon regained its lead in the polls.

The president's standing in the polls declined sharply.

The good news is that we are ahead in the polls.

At the moment the Democrats are trailing in the polls.

the process of finding out what people think about something by asking many people the same question, or the record of the result

民意调查，民意测验；民意调查结果

A recent poll found that 80% of Californians support the governor.

Polls indicate that education is the top issue with voters.

民意调查显示，教育是选民心中的头等大事。

工党在民意调查中处于领先地位。

The latest [public opinion poll](bold) showed that 25% of us consider ourselves superstitious.

最新的民意调查显示我们中有25%的人认为自己迷信。

由《今日美国》进行的一次民意测验

关于饮食习惯的一项民意测验

1,000万选民参加了投票。

the process of voting in an election, or the number of votes recorded

Labour won the election with 40% of the poll.

The result of the poll won’t be known until around midnight.

选举结果要到午夜前后才公布。

the place where you can go to vote in an election

投票站将于一小时后关闭。


poll

to ask a lot of people the same questions in order to find out what they think about a subject

对 …进行民意测验[调查]

18% of the women we polled said their husbands had a drinking problem.

我们调查的妇女当中有18%的人说丈夫有酗酒问题。

to get a particular number of votes in an election


pollute

to make air, water, soil etc dangerously dirty and not suitable for people to use

污染〔空气、水、土壤等〕

受未经处理的污水污染的海滩

那家工厂污染了空气和水。

The island has been seriously polluted by a copper mine.

该岛被一座铜矿严重污染了。

The rivers had been polluted with aluminium.

to spoil or ruin something that used to be good

an artist spiritually polluted by money and fame

被名利腐蚀了灵魂的艺术家

to give someone immoral thoughts and spoil their character

Violence on television is polluting the minds of our children.

电视暴力正在毒害我们孩子的思想。


pollution

[Pollution](bold)  is an uncountable noun and is not used in the plural. You say: The air is full of pollution.
Don’t say: [The air is full of pollutions.](strike)

The mines have caused serious pollution of the river system.

The pollution was so bad that most of the fish died.

Air pollution can cause breathing problems for some people.

The oil wells continued to burn, causing atmospheric pollution on a massive scale.

The National Rivers Authority tests levels of water pollution.

Oil spills are a major cause of marine pollution.

Most environmental pollution originates in the developed countries.

A study has linked ill health in the area with industrial pollution.

Chemical pollution threatens the survival of these animals.

New measures are needed to reduce pollution from cars.

The water company is failing to control pollution.

Efforts are being made to prevent further pollution.

It is possible to monitor pollution from incinerator chimneys.

The aim is to reduce pollution levels to those of the 1930s.

Environmentalists fear that the new factories will lead to severe pollution problems.

Effective pollution control was not being undertaken.

The factory was a clear source of pollution.

Fumes from cars are a major cause of air pollution.

the process of making air, water, soil etc dangerously dirty and not suitable for people to use, or the state of being dangerously dirty

加利福尼亚州严厉的反污染法

The costs of pollution control must be considered.

必须考虑污染控制的成本。

substances that make air, water, soil etc dangerously dirty

the effects of industrial pollution on the population

The chemicals have been identified as a [source of pollution](bold).

这些化学物质被确定为一种污染源。


pond

How can I attract wildlife to my garden pond?

(=a pond made to look pretty, rather than a natural one)

They are ideal fish for the ornamental pond.

They were sitting in the shade of a tree beside the village pond.

The children are studying pond life this term.

a small area of fresh water that is smaller than a lake, that is either natural or artificially made

(also: [on the other side of the pond](bold) )

on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in the US or in Britain

在大西洋的另一边〔指美国或英国〕

我那从大西洋彼岸来的同辈表亲


ponder

to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about a problem, a difficult question, or something that has happened

He continued to ponder the problem as he walked home.

他一边往家走一边继续思考那个问题。

The university board is still pondering over the matter.

大学董事会仍在考虑那个问题。

Jay stood still for a moment, pondering whether to go or not.

杰伊静静地站了一会儿，琢磨着要不要去。


pony

→ [pit pony](->pit pony) → [Shetland pony](->Shetland pony)


pony

[past tense and past participle](italic) [ponied](bold) [present participle](italic) [ponying](bold) [third person singular](italic) [ponies](bold)


pool

a hole or container that has been specially made and filled with water so that people can swim or play in it

They have a nice pool in their backyard.

他们后院有个漂亮的游泳池。

a small area of still water in a hollow place

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant pools of water.

a small area of liquid or light on a surface

一汪水/一摊血/一小片光等

A guard found him lying in a pool of blood.

一个卫兵发现他躺在血泊中。

a pool of light formed by the street lamp above

a game in which you use a stick to hit numbered balls into holes around a table, which is often played in bars

我们去酒吧打了花式台球。

a group of people who are available to work or to do an activity when they are needed

a pool of talented applicants to choose from

可供选拔的一批有才干的申请人

The region has a large and talented [labour pool](bold).

该地区有一大批有才能的后备劳动力。

a number of things that are shared or an amount of money that is shared by a group of people

Both partners put money into a common pool.

两个合伙人都向共用资金注资。

a system in Britain in which people try to win money each week by guessing the results of football games

奖池型足球彩票〔英国的一种足彩，通过竞猜足球比赛结果赢钱〕

Dad [won](bold) £40 [on the pools](bold).

爸爸玩足球博彩赢了40英镑。

a game in which people try to win money by guessing the result of a sports game, or the money that is collected from these people for this

奖池型体育彩票〔指通过竞猜体育比赛结果来赢钱的方式〕；奖池


pool

to combine your money, ideas, skills etc with those of other people so that you can all use them

Investors agreed to [pool](bold) their [resources](bold) to develop the property.

投资者同意集资开发这处房地产。

The students worked together, pooling their knowledge.

学生们集思广益，共同努力。


poor

[be in bad/poor taste](bold) at → [taste](->taste) 1 sense 4 → [poorly](->poorly) 1

having very little money and not many possessions – used about people or places

Many families were too poor to pay for education.

having very little money, especially for a short period of time. [Skint](bold) is more informal than the other words

We were so broke we couldn’t afford to go out to the cinema.

a developing country is poor and has very little industry

The disease is found mainly in developing countries.

much poorer than other people in a country, and not having the things that are necessary for a comfortable or happy life – used about people and areas

The charity works with deprived children in the inner city.

one of the most deprived areas of London

used about groups of people in society who have much less chance of being successful because they are poor

An increase in the minimum wage would help the most disadvantaged Americans.

having very little money, and so needing help – used about groups of people

More help should be given to needy families.

We offer scholarships for needy students.

having no money or possessions and nowhere to live – used when someone is in a very bad situation

Her family was left destitute after her father died.

impoverished people and places are very poor

out-of-work miners and their impoverished families

The children come from impoverished neighbourhoods.

one of the world’s most impoverished countries

(=so poor that it causes great suffering)

Half the population remains desperately poor.

(=poor people who live in the countryside)

Difficult economic conditions have driven millions of the rural poor to cities.

(=poor people who live in towns and cities)

The condition of the urban poor could no longer be ignored.

(=poor people who have jobs, rather than unemployed people)

These tax-cut proposals are targeted at the working poor.

[comparative](italic) [poorer](bold) [superlative](italic) [poorest](bold)

Her family were so poor they couldn’t afford to buy her new clothes.

她家穷得甚至买不起新衣服给她。

one of the poorest countries in the world

a poor part of Chicago (=where a lot of poor people live)

My grandparents grew up [dirt poor](bold)(=very poor).

我的祖父母在赤贫的环境里长大。

Many of the families are desperately poor.

It’s the government’s responsibility to help the poor.

He blames himself for the team’s [poor performance](bold).

他为球队的糟糕表现而自责。

[of poor quality](bold)(=not made well or not made of good materials)

Her hearing is poor, so speak fairly loudly.

她的听力不好，所以你要说得很大声才行。

The builders did a really poor job of fixing our roof.

那些建筑工人为我们修房顶，活儿干得很糟糕。

used to show sympathy for someone because they are so unlucky, unhappy etc

可怜的；不幸的；令人同情的

可怜的孩子，今天他真倒霉。

You [poor thing](bold), you’ve had a hard time of it, haven’t you?

可怜的家伙，你过得很苦，是不是？

[Poor old](bold) Ted was sick for weeks.

可怜的老特德病了几个星期。

someone whose health is poor is ill or weak for a long period of time

My parents are both [in](bold) rather [poor health](bold).

The country is poor in natural resources.

the act of finishing a race, competition etc a long way behind the person ahead of you

〔在比赛中〕被远远抛在后面的第二名/第三名等

McLean won easily, and Benson was a poor second.

麦克莱恩轻松获胜，本森取得第二名，但成绩落后一大截。

[come (in) a poor second/third etc](bold) BrE

The Socialists came a poor second with 26.5% of the vote.

社会党位居第二，但票数远远落后，只得到26.5%的选票。

used to say that someone is like a very famous performer, writer etc but is not as good as they are

低配版的某人〔表示其像某著名艺人、作家等，但相形见绌〕

他是个低配版的埃尔维斯·普雷斯利。

used to say that something can be used for the same purpose as something else, and is much cheaper

someone or something that is not treated as well as other members of a group or is much less successful than they are

Theatre musicians tend to be the poor relations of the musical profession.

剧院乐师在音乐界中往往低人一等。


poorly

糟糕地，不好地，拙劣地，蹩脚地


poorly

马特的妻子身体一直不好。


pop

[past tense and past participle](italic) [popped](bold) [present participle](italic) [popping](bold)

to come suddenly or unexpectedly out of or away from something

〔突然或出人意料地〕蹦出，离开，脱落

我衬衫最上面的那颗纽扣突然掉了下来。

The ball popped out of Smith’s hands and onto the ground.

球突然从史密斯的手中掉落到了地上。

The egg cracked open and out popped a tiny head.

蛋裂开了，里面冒出一个小脑袋来。

The lid [popped open](bold) and juice spilled all over the floor.

盖子噗的一声弹开，果汁溅了一地。

Why don’t you pop by the next time you’re in town?

你下次到城里来时顺便过来一下吧。

I need to pop into the drugstore for a second.

Could you pop round to the shop for some bread?

你能不能跑一趟商店买些面包回来？

to quickly put something somewhere, usually for a short time

I’ll just pop these cookies into the oven.

我把这些饼干放进烤箱就好。

Barry popped his head round the door to say hello.

巴里从门后探出头来问好。

to make a short sound like a small explosion, or to make something do this

The wood sizzled and popped in the fire.

木头在火中咝咝作响，发出噼啪声。

to burst, or to make something burst, with a short explosive sound

if your ears pop, you feel the pressure in them suddenly change, for example when you go up or down quickly in a plane

〔在飞机等中迅速升降时〕耳压突然变化

used to say that someone looked extremely surprised or excited

某人眼珠子都快掉出来了〔指极度惊讶或兴奋〕

All at once an idea popped into her head.

她脑子里突然冒出一个念头。

to take pills too often, or to take too many at one time

If you say that again, I’ll [pop you one](bold).

to cook popcorn until it swells and bursts open, or to be cooked in this way


pop

modern music that is popular, especially with young people, and usually consists of simple tunes with a strong beat

a sudden short sound like a small explosion

The balloon [went pop](bold)(=made a sudden short sound).

a sweet drink with bubbles but no alcohol, or a glass or can of this drink

你起来的时候给我拿一瓶汽水好吗？

When you’re a professional footballer, you expect people to take a pop at you now and again.

当一名职业足球运动员，时不时遭人批评是正常的。

used when each of something costs a particular amount of money

每 …7美元/50美元/25美分等

Tickets for the show are a hundred bucks a pop.

演出门票100美元一张。

father – used especially when you are talking to your father

classical
       music that most people know, especially people who do not usually like this type of music

通俗[流行]古典乐〔尤其面向不喜欢古典音乐的人〕


popcorn

a kind of corn that swells and bursts open when heated, and is usually eaten warm with salt or sugar as a snack


popular

Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations.

He is an experienced and well-liked member of the team.

Stein is well-respected and well-liked by the troops.

very popular, especially in a particular place

Apparently this type of game is huge in Japan.

someone or something that is hot, is very popular or fashionable and everyone wants to use them, see them, buy them etc

one of this year’s hottest fashion trends

His prize-winning book ‘A Year in Provence’ became an international bestseller.

a film that a lot of people watch, especially an exciting film

something such as a song, show, or film which is very popular and successful

The film was a box-office hit a lot of people went to see it at the cinema.

She stars in ABC’s hit show ‘Desperate Housewives’.

a concert, sports event etc which so many people want to see that all the tickets are sold

a film, band, person etc that has become very popular and fashionable with a particular group of people

something that suddenly becomes popular, so that a lot of people do it, buy it etc

the latest dance craze that has been sweeping the US

the craze for ultra expensive designer jeans

something that is very popular for a short time – used about something that you disapprove of, which you do not think will last for very long

The restaurant is extremely popular, owing to its high standard of food.

(=extremely popular – used especially about something that excites people)

(=extremely popular, to a degree that is surprising or unusual)

Still her books remain phenomenally popular.

Business management courses are increasingly popular.

His most enduringly popular film is ‘Singin' in the Rain’.

He became Russia's first genuinely popular politician in a long time.

There was widespread popular support for the new law.

She will be performing here again next month, by popular demand.

Contrary to popular belief, cats are solitary animals.

The popular view bears little relation to the known facts.

There is a popular misconception that the town is at the most northerly tip of the country.

He won the presidency with almost 86 percent of the popular vote.

The characters in the series failed to catch the popular imagination.

希拉里在学校里很受欢迎。

Coffee is probably the most popular drink in the world.

咖啡很可能是世界上最受欢迎的饮料。

Guerrero’s music is hugely popular in Latin America.

格雷罗的音乐在拉丁美洲极受欢迎。

The president is very popular with Jewish voters.

done by a lot of people in a society, group etc

由〔社会、团体等中〕多数人做的，公众的

the closest popular vote in U.S. presidential history

美国总统选举史上票数最接近的一次普选

The government has little [popular support](bold) among women voters.

Kaplan’s latest recording has received considerable [popular acclaim](bold)(=it is liked by a lot of people).

卡普兰的最新唱片获得了普遍的赞誉。

[popular belief/opinion/view](bold)(=a belief, opinion etc that a lot of people have)

a survey of Hispanic-American popular opinion

对西班牙裔美国人做的民意调查

[Contrary to popular belief](bold)(=in spite of what many people believe), gorillas are basically shy, gentle creatures.

与普遍的看法相反，大猩猩其实是一种羞怯、温和的动物。

a [popular movement](bold) for democracy

relating to ordinary people, or intended for ordinary people

Wintour’s writing is full of references to American [popular culture](bold).

温特的作品多次提及美国的通俗文化。

Steele was ridiculed by the popular press.

斯蒂尔受到通俗报刊的嘲笑。


popular

[n](bold) <[C usually plural](bold)> ([AmE](special)) [informal](special)

a student who is popular at school, especially one who is part of a group of popular students

At high school she was one of the populars and everyone wanted to be her best friend.


popularity

The band enjoyed great popularity in the 1980s.

Her books achieved tremendous popularity on both sides of the Atlantic.

Extreme sports are growing in popularity.

It is tempting for politicians to court popularity.

Opinion polls showed that his popularity had soared to a record level.

As fashions changed, their popularity declined.

His great popularity with British audiences dates from that period.

(=with a lot of people, or in many places)

Astrology enjoyed widespread popularity.

This may be the key to explaining Celtic music's increasing popularity.

Today, the novel enjoys enduring popularity and ranks among the USA's top-selling books.

While these changes were controversial, his personal popularity remained high.

The sagging economy has seriously damaged his political popularity.

(=competition to find who the most popular person is)

All election campaigns are popularity contests to some degree.

(=survey to find how popular someone is)

In most popularity polls, he is in fourth or fifth place.

(=how popular someone is according to a poll)

His popularity rating dropped quite dramatically after the events of last year.

when something or someone is liked or supported by a lot of people

流行，普及，受欢迎；声望

The popularity of the Internet has soared.

因特网的普及程度急剧上升。

The president’s [popularity](bold) has [declined](bold) considerably.

总统的支持率大大下降了。

[gain/grow/increase in popularity](bold)(=start to be liked by many people)


population

ˌpɒpjəˈleɪʃən

The entire population will be celebrating.

Sixty percent of the world's population live in areas that are at risk from sea-level rises.

Ethnic minorities suffer more than the general population.

The local population gave them a warm welcome.

(=black or white people who live in a place)

Unemployment is greater among the black population.

(=the people of a particular nationality or religion who live in a place)

the city's 4,000-strong Asian population

(=the people who have always lived in a place)

His new book assesses the impact of Spanish culture on the indigenous population of Mexico.

(=the people who live in towns or cities)

The region's urban population will more than double in the next two decades.

(=the people who live in the countryside)

Agricultural reforms must address the needs of the rural population.

A third of the adult population pay no tax at all.

Should the entire elderly population be regularly screened for this disease?

The rapidly ageing population will put a strain on the country's health care system.

California is a big state with a large population.

(=the number of people in prisons in a country or area)

A quarter of the prison population is under 21.

The university has a student population of almost 5,000.

Between these years the population grew by 40%.

The population in many rural areas has continued to fall.

Nigeria 's population will reach 532 million in the middle of this century.

Rapid population growth intensifies competition for land.

The population increase in the region is a cause for concern.

(=when the population increases quickly and by a large amount)

What will be the long-term effects of this population explosion?

(=the degree to which an area is filled with people)

(=controlling how many children people have)

It is argued that population control is essential to limit the depletion of natural resources.

the number of people living in a particular area, country etc

India has a population of more than one billion.

Nearly 70 percent of the population still live in the countryside.

人口中差不多有70%仍住在乡村。

all of the people who live in a particular area

Most of the world’s population doesn’t get enough to eat.

世界上大多数人都吃不饱。

[white/French/urban etc population](bold)(=part of the group of people who live in a particular area who are white, French etc)

South Florida has a large Jewish population.

南佛罗里达有很多犹太人。

Cromer is the main centre of population in this area.

克罗默是该地区主要的人口集中区域。


porch

an entrance covered by a roof outside the front door of a house or church

〔房子或教堂前门外有顶的〕入口处，门廊

a structure built onto the front or back entrance of a house, with a floor and a roof but no walls

〔房屋前后的〕游廊，走廊；阳台


pork

government money spent in a particular area in order to get political advantages – used to show disapproval

政治恩惠〔为获得政治利益而拨给某一地区的政府资金；含贬义〕

充斥着政治恩惠项目的议案


port

a place where ships can be loaded and unloaded

We’ll have two days ashore while the ship is in port.

an area of water next to the land which is protected by walls so the water is calm, and is a place where ships can stay when they are not sailing

Tourist boats leave the harbour at Riva regularly.

a place in a port where ships are loaded, unloaded, or repaired

A crowd was waiting at the dock to greet them.

a structure that is built over and into the water so that boats can stop next to it or people can walk along it

a wall or platform built out into the water, used for getting on and off boats

the place where a ship or boat is fastened to the land or to the bottom of the sea

Tugs towed the boat away from its mooring at White Bay.

a harbour where people keep boats which are used for pleasure

They are building a new 220-berth marina.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s busiest ports.

Until the 1870s, Port Albert was a bustling port.

The town is Iceland's biggest fishing port.

Hamburg is one of Europe's main container ports.

(=for boats carrying people or goods across a narrow area of water)

Many shops remain open on a Sunday, especially if cruise ships are in port.

We stood on the quay and watched the ships come into port.

Two fishing boats were preparing to leave port.

轮船靠港时，我们能在岸上待两天。

a town or city with a harbour or docks where ships can be loaded or unloaded

a part of a computer where you can connect another piece of equipment, such as a printer

strong sweet Portuguese wine that is usually drunk after a meal

波尔图葡萄酒〔葡萄牙产的一种葡萄酒，通常在餐后饮用〕

the left side of a ship or aircraft when you are looking towards the front

used to say that you should take whatever help you can when you are in trouble, even if it has some disadvantages

〔即使有不利之处也应接受的〕摆脱困境的任何帮助，穷途之策


port

to move software from one computer system to another

Can Windows applications be ported to Unix?

视窗系统的应用软件能否移植到Unix系统中使用？


portable

[portability](bold) /ˌpɔːtəˈbɪləti/ US /ˌpɔːr-/  n. <U>

手提式的，便携式的，轻便的

a portable computer program can be used on different computer systems

health insurance,pension plans etc that workers can keep when they move from one job to another

可转移的福利，可随带的福利


portable

a piece of electronic equipment that can be easily carried or moved

买个便携式电视机，不要大的。


portfolio

pɔːtˈfəʊliəʊ

a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc

a set of pictures or other pieces of work that an artist, photographer etc has done

〔艺术家、摄影师等的〕作品选集

You’ll need to prepare a portfolio of your work.

a group of stocks owned by a particular person or company

〔某人或某公司持有的〕有价证券组合，投资组合

the work that a particular government official is responsible for


portion

Temperatures over a large portion of the central and eastern states were well below normal.

He owns a substantial portion of the company.

This bonus constitutes a significant portion of their total income.

She spends a good portion of her paycheck on clothes and entertainment.

A small portion of western Croatia remained under Habsburg control.

I was hungry so I asked for a large portion of french fries.

Spoon a generous portion of the sauce over the pasta.

One way of losing weight is to eat smaller portions.

a part of something larger, especially a part that is different from the other parts

The front portion of the rocket breaks off.

The rent on his portion of the apartment was $500 a month.

他要分担的那部分公寓租金是每月500美元。

The main character’s childhood takes up a good portion of the film.

主人公的童年生活占据了电影的很大一部分。

an amount of food for one person, especially when served in a restaurant

〔尤指餐馆中食物的〕一份，一客

He served [generous portions](bold)(=large portions) of soup from a black pot.

他从一口黑锅里盛出大份大份的汤。

a share of something, such as responsibility, blame, or a duty, that is divided between a small number of people

〔责任、过失、职责等的〕一份，一部分

The other driver must bear a portion of the blame for the accident.

另一名司机必须对这次事故承担部分责任。


portrait

a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person

人物画像；人物照片；肖像

She’s been commissioned to [paint](bold) Jackson’s [portrait](bold).

她已受托为杰克逊画肖像。

a description or representation of something

〔对某事物的〕描绘，描述，表现


portrait

if a piece of paper, a page, a photograph etc is in a portrait position, it is placed on a surface or hung on a wall with its longer edges at the sides

〔纸张、页面、照片等〕竖式的，纵向的


portray

to describe or show someone or something in a particular way, according to your opinion of them

把某人/某物描写成某种样子

→see THESAURUS at [describe](->describe)

Romantic artists portrayed nature as wild and powerful.

浪漫主义艺术家描绘的大自然是狂野而强大的。

The president likes to portray himself as a friend of working people.

总统喜欢以工薪阶层的朋友自居。

to describe or represent something or someone

His most famous painting portrayed the death of Nelson.

他最著名的画作描绘的是纳尔逊之死。

Religion was portrayed in a negative way.

to act the part of a character in a play, film, or television programme

她在这部卖座的影片里扮演一位舞者。


portrayal

the way someone or something is described or shown in a book, film, play etc

描绘，描写，描述；扮演；表现

the newspapers’ portrayal of Islamic culture

报纸上对伊斯兰文化的描绘

The film is not an accurate portrayal (=correct portrayal) of his life.

这部影片没有如实描述他的生活。


pose

The chemical leak poses a threat to human health.

A flood of refugees could pose a serious problem for neighbouring countries.

Physical education and games pose difficulties for short-sighted children.

The material being taught must pose a challenge to pupils.

(=cause a situation in which it is very difficult to decide what to do)

In the future, the possibility of genetic testing on unborn children will pose a dilemma for parents.

to exist in a way that may cause a problem, danger, difficulty etc

造成，引起，产生〔问题、危险、困难等〕

Officials claim the chemical poses no real threat.

官员们称这种化学物质不会构成实际的威胁。

The events pose a challenge to the church’s leadership.

Rising unemployment is [posing](bold) serious [problems](bold) for the administration.

失业率上升正在给政府造成严重的问题。

to sit or stand in a particular position in order to be photographed or painted, or to make someone do this

〔为照相或画像而〕（使）摆好姿势

to ask a question, especially one that needs to be carefully thought about

提出问题〔尤指需要仔细考虑的问题〕

In her book she poses the question ‘How much do we need to be happy?’.

她在书里提出了这样一个问题﹕“我们要拥有多少才能快乐？”

to pretend to be someone else, in order to deceive people

布赖斯被人发现冒充律师。

to dress or behave like a rich and fashionable person in order to make other people notice you or admire you

〔衣着或行为〕招摇；装腔作势


pose

the position in which someone stands or sits, especially in a painting, photograph etc

〔尤指为画像、拍照等而摆的〕姿势，姿态

a painting of the Duchess in a dramatic pose

Ann [struck a pose](bold)(=stood or sat in a particular position) and smiled for the camera.

安摆好姿势露出笑脸准备拍照。

behaviour in which someone pretends to have a quality or social position they do not really have, usually in order to make other people notice them or admire them

Her confidence was merely a pose to hide her uncertainty.

她的自信完全是装出来的，为了掩饰她没有把握。


posh

a posh restaurant, hotel, car etc is expensive and looks as if it is used or owned by rich people

〔餐馆、酒店、汽车等〕高档的，豪华的

她父母是十足的上流社会做派。