leave

[sb can take it or leave it](bold) at → [take](->take) 1 sense 21 [be left holding the baby/bag](bold) at → [hold](->hold) 1 sense 26

Just as I was leaving the house, the phone rang.

The following day we set off for Vienna.

if a plane takes off, it leaves the ground at the beginning of a flight

Our plane took off late because of the fog.

to leave your own country in order to live permanently in another country

In 2002, his family emigrated to New Zealand.

to leave – used especially about trains, buses, planes etc

Coaches depart for the airport every 30 minutes.

to finish studying at school or college, usually at the age or time when people normally finish

When James left school, he worked for a while with his father.

She found it hard to get a job after leaving university.

to successfully finish your studies at a college or university, or at an American high school

Kelly graduated from Harvard with a degree in East Asian Studies.

Approximately 80% of Americans graduate from high school.

to leave school, college, or university before your course of study has finished, because you do not want to continue with it

I failed my first year exams and decided to drop out and get a job.

to leave school without finishing your course of study

He quit school at fourteen to work and help support his family.

I left my last job because the salary was so low.

to leave your job permanently because you are not happy with it

After enduring months of harassment, Mrs Collins decided to quit her job.

to officially announce that you have decided to leave your job

The company director was forced to resign over the scandal.

to write an official letter to your employer saying that you are going to leave your job on a particular date

You have to hand in your notice at least four weeks before you leave.

to leave your job in order to stop working permanently, usually because you have reached the age when most people stop working

After forty years of working for the bank, Karl retired in May.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [left](bold) /left/

My baby gets upset when I leave the room.

我一离开房间宝宝就会不安。

Before leaving the train, make sure you have all your belongings with you.

下火车前一定要带好随身物品。

请在七号交叉路口驶离高速公路。

飞机于12点30分起飞。

I tried calling him, but he’d already left for work.

我试着打电话给他，可他已经上班去了。

[leave (sth/sb) soon/now/later etc](bold)

If he left immediately, he’d catch the 7.30 train.

他要是马上出发，就能赶上7点30分的火车。

Frances left work early to meet her mother.

弗朗西丝早早下班去和母亲会面。

Never leave children playing near water unattended.

千万不能让儿童在水边独自玩耍。

I’ll [leave](bold) you [to it](bold)(=go away and let you continue with what you are doing).

My youngest boy has [not left](bold) my [side](bold)(=has stayed near me) since his daddy was killed.

我最小的儿子自从他爸爸死后就没有离开过我的身边。

[leave sb in peace](bold)(=go away from someone so that they can think, work etc alone)

Just a few more questions, then we’ll leave you in peace.

再问几个问题我们就不打扰你了。

if you leave your job, home, school etc, you permanently stop doing that job, living at home etc

离职；离开〔家、学校等〕

Over the past two years, 20 staffers have left.

在过去两年里，有20名员工离职。

How old were you when you left home (=your parents’ home)?

你是多大的时候从家里搬出来的？

My daughter got a job after she left school.

我女儿毕业后找了一份工作。

The lawsuit will be postponed until the president [leaves office](bold).

这场诉讼要推迟到总统离任以后。

Many missionaries were forced to leave the country.

许多传教士被迫离开这个国家。

It seems that Tony has [left](bold) the band [for good](bold)(=permanently).

看来托尼是永远离开这个乐队了。

Laura left her native England to live in France.

劳拉离开她的家乡英格兰，移居法国了。

不去打扰某人，让某人独自待着

噢，你就别来烦我了好不好？

Leave the boy alone, he can make up his own mind.

不要去打扰这孩子，他会自己作决定的。

to go away from someone so that they are on their own

Six-year-old Gemma had been left alone in the house.

六岁的杰玛被单独留在了屋子里。

(also: [leave well (enough) alone](bold) )

to stop being involved in or trying to change a situation

Why can’t they just leave well alone and let us concentrate on teaching?

他们为什么就不能不再插手，让我们专心教学呢？

to make or allow something or someone to stay in a place when you go away

把〔某物或某人〕留在某处

Are you leaving the kids with Grandma on Saturday?

你打算星期六把孩子们留在奶奶那里吗？

As soon as I’d shut the door, I realized I’d left the keys inside.

我刚关上门，就想起钥匙留在里面了。

Did anybody leave a jacket behind last night?

昨天晚上有哪位忘记拿夹克衫了吗？

She [left](bold) her son [in the care of](bold) a friend.

她把儿子留给一个朋友照顾。

Students were [left to](bold) their [own devices](bold)(=left alone and allowed to do whatever they wanted) for long periods.

学生们很长时间没有人管，想干什么就干什么。

The girl had been attacked and left for dead.

那女孩遭到袭击，被丢下等死。

to let something remain in a particular state, position, or condition

使保持〔某种状态或在某个位置〕

She must have left the phone off the hook.

I wish you’d stop leaving the door open.

The trial left many questions unanswered.

这次试验留下了许多未解决的问题。

Leave the next two lines blank for the tutor’s comments.

下面两行空出来让导师写评语。

Drivers should always [leave room](bold) for cyclists.

驾驶员应该始终给骑车人留出地方。

I’ll just leave the engine running while I go in.

Don’t [leave](bold) tools [lying about](bold).

if an event, accident, illness etc leaves you in a particular condition, you are in that condition because of it

造成，使留下〔某种后果〕

An explosion at a chemical plant has left one worker dead and four injured.

一家化工厂爆炸造成一名工人死亡，四人受伤。

Although the infection cleared up, he was left with a persistent cough.

尽管感染治愈了，可是给他留下了一直咳嗽的毛病。

The incident left her feeling confused and hurt.

这件事让她感到困惑和受伤。

The announcement has left shareholders nursing huge losses.

这则公告令股东们蒙受巨大损失。

if something is left, it remains after everything else has gone, been taken away, or used

There were a couple of seats left at the back.

He pointed to [what was left of](bold) the house (=used when very little is left).

[All that](bold) was [left](bold) was a pile of bones.

After we’ve paid the bills, there’s never much left over.

我们付完账单之后总是所剩无几。

They ate some bread rolls left over from the night before.

他们吃了前一天晚上剩下的几个面包卷。

to deliver a message, note, package etc for someone or put it somewhere so that they will get it later

〔给某人〕留下〔口信、便条、包裹等〕

她在他的电话答录机上留了言。

Can you leave me some money for the bus?

你能给我留点钱乘公共汽车吗？

这些花是一个男的留给你的。

to not do something or to do it later than you intended

碟子放着吧，过会儿我来洗。

[leave sth until the last minute/until last](bold)

If you [leave](bold) your preparation [until the last minute](bold), you’ll reduce your chances of passing.

如果你到最后一刻才去准备，合格的可能性就减少了。

I want to think about it. Can I [leave](bold) it [for now](bold)?

我想考虑考虑，可以暂时放着吗？

I’m afraid you’ve [left it too late](bold) to change your ticket.

恐怕你到现在来换票太晚了。

[leave it at that](bold)(=used to say that you will not do any more of something, because you have done enough)

to let someone else decide something or be responsible for something

把 …留交〔某人决定或负责〕；委托；交由

[Leave it to](bold) me. I’ll make sure it gets posted.

把它交给我吧，我保证把它寄出去。

The choice of specialist subject is left entirely to the students.

专业课的选择完全由学生自己做主。

She leaves it to the reader to draw their own conclusions.

Is it okay if I leave writing the results to you?

把它交给我吧，我会帮你修好的。

He’s not the sort to [leave](bold) things [to chance](bold)(=take no action and just wait to see what happens).

他不是那种心存侥幸的人。

[leave sb with no choice/option](bold)(=force someone to take a particular action)

You leave me with no choice but to fire you.

你让我别无选择，只有辞退你。

Clive moved to London, leaving Edward to run the Manchester office.

克莱夫搬到伦敦去了，曼彻斯特办事处就交给爱德华来掌管。

to stop living with or having a relationship with your husband, partner etc

Martha was always threatening to leave, but I never believed her.

玛莎动不动就威胁要走，但我从来都不相信。

Mr Rushworth left his partner of 10 years for a younger woman.

拉什沃思先生离开了相伴十年的伴侣，找了一个更年轻的女人。

to arrange for someone to receive your money, property etc after you die

Aunt Alice died, leaving almost $5 million.

艾丽斯姑妈死了，留下近500万美元。

雨果把他母亲的戒指留给了我。

In his will, he had left all his children a small sum of money.

他在遗嘱中给每个孩子都留了一小笔钱。

Have you thought of [leaving](bold) a gift [to charity](bold) after you die?

你有没有想过死后给慈善机构捐赠一笔钱？

used when someone dies before their wife, children etc

〔死后〕遗留下妻子/儿女等

PC Davis leaves a wife and three small children.

警员戴维斯死后撇下了妻子和三个年幼的孩子。

The wine had left a permanent mark on the tablecloth.

葡萄酒在台布上留下了永久的痕迹。

He staggered to the door, [leaving a trail](bold) of blood.

他踉踉跄跄地走向门口，留下一行血迹。

Make sure that you don’t leave any footprints.

if you leave food or drink that you have been given, you do not eat or drink it

‘I’m really hungry now.’ ‘That’s because you left half your lunch.’

“我现在饿坏了。” “那是因为你午饭剩下一半没吃。”

He rose from the table, [leaving](bold) his brandy [untouched](bold).

他从餐桌旁站起来，白兰地一口也没喝。

(also: [leave sb/sth in the dust](bold) ([AmE](bold)) )

to be much better, quicker, more successful etc than someone or something else

远远胜过某人/某物，让某人/某物望尘莫及

In terms of fitness, he discovered that Kate left him standing.

从健康这方面来说，他发现凯特令他望尘莫及。

Inspectors say health and safety procedures at the factory leave a lot to be desired.

督查员说工厂的卫生和安全措施还有许多需要改进的地方。

in a sum, to have a particular amount remaining

to not think about or consider one part of something for a time, so that you can consider another part of it

把某事暂时搁在一边，暂时不考虑某事

[Leaving aside](bold) for a moment the question of expense, what would your view be of the suggested changes?

暂时不说费用的问题，你对修改建议有什么看法？

to not upset, speak to, or annoy someone or to not touch something

不打扰某人，不干涉某人；随某人/某物去

used to say that no one should be surprised that someone does something, because it is typical or expected of them

Leave it to you to have the whole day planned out!

当然是你来安排这一整天的事！

used humorously to emphasize that something is definitely over or that someone has gone and will not return

某人已经一去不复返，某事已经彻底结束〔幽默用法〕


leave

(=an amount of time that you are allowed away from work for holidays etc)

Annual leave is 22 days plus public holidays.

(=time that a mother is allowed away from work to have and take care of a new baby)

Two teachers were off on maternity leave.

(=time that a father is allowed away from work to take care of a new baby)

(=time that a parent is allowed away from work to take care of a child)

(=time that you are allowed away from work because you are ill)

The form must be filled in as soon as you return from sick leave.

(=time that you are allowed away from work because someone in your family is very ill or has died)

Eileen was given compassionate leave to go to the funeral.

She took three days unpaid leave in order to help her daughter.

(=time that you are allowed to spend at home from a job that is far away, for example in the army, or from prison)

Roberts had failed to return from home leave, and there was a warrant out for his arrest.

(=time that a sailor is allowed to spend on land and away from work)

Hong Kong was a popular place for shore leave.

(=time that you are allowed away from work for a special reason)

Some firms grant special leave when you move house.

(=time that you are allowed away from work because you are taking a course)

The company offers study leave for staff development.

(=time that a teacher is allowed away from work to study or travel)

Headteachers can take sabbatical leave every five years.

She has gone on indefinite leave, suffering from exhaustion.

(=the amount of time that you are allowed to spend away from work on holidays etc)

The normal paid leave entitlement is 20 days.

After five years, employees are entitled to 25 days’ leave.

I’ll get the report to you before you go on leave.

I don’t think I’ll be able to take any leave in January because we’re too busy.

The Police Department cancelled all leave because of the emergency.

time that you are allowed to spend away from your work, especially in the armed forces

假期，假日；〔尤指军人的〕休假

Your basic [annual leave](bold) is 20 days.

time that you are allowed to spend away from work because you have had a baby, because you are ill, or because of a personal problem such as the death of a relative

a period of time that you are allowed to spend away from work for a particular purpose

She’s been given leave of absence to attend a computer course.

她获准休假去参加计算机培训课程。

All this was done entirely without my leave.

这些都是在根本没有得到我许可的情况下进行的。

a petition for leave to appeal to the European court

请求上诉至欧洲法庭的诉状

[grant/obtain/ask/seek etc leave (to do sth)](bold)

He asked leave to speak to her in private.

他请求允许和她私下里谈。

without asking permission, in a way that seems very rude

He marched into my office without so much as a by your leave.

他未经许可就大模大样地走进我的办公室。

to suddenly start behaving in a strange way

You want to marry him? Have you taken leave of your senses?

你要嫁给他？你是不是疯了？


lecture

She gave a fascinating lecture on crime in the 1800s.

He delivered the lecture at the London School of Economics.

Have you been to any of Professor MacPherson’s lectures?

I recently attended a lecture by a noted historian.

Most students spend about a quarter of their time listening to lectures.

(=a trip that someone takes to many different places to give a lecture)

a series of lectures on the history of art

(=a lecture which the general public are allowed to go to)

He’s going to deliver a public lecture on politics in the Middle East.

(=a lecture with pictures such as slides)

Mrs Robinson gave a fascinating illustrated lecture on Spanish history.

a long talk on a particular subject that someone gives to a group of people, especially to students in a university

〔尤指大学里的〕讲座，讲课；演讲

He regularly gives lectures on modern French literature.

他经常讲授法国现代文学课程。

an act of criticizing someone or warning them about something in a long serious talk, in a way that they think is unfair or unnecessary

My father caught me and [gave](bold) me a long [lecture](bold) about the dangers of drink.

父亲拉住我，长篇大论地告诫我喝酒的种种危害。


lecture

to talk angrily or seriously to someone in order to criticize or warn them, in a way that they think is unfair or unnecessary

He began to lecture us about making too much noise.

他开始教训我们，说我们太吵了。

to talk to a group of people on a particular subject, especially to students in a university

〔尤对大学生〕讲授，讲课，作讲座；演讲

He lectures on European art at Manchester University.

他在曼彻斯特大学讲授欧洲艺术。


lecturer

someone who gives lectures, especially in a university

〔尤指大学的〕讲课者，讲授者；演讲者

a teacher in a British university or college

a lecturer in medieval studies at Edinburgh University


ledge

a narrow flat piece of rock that sticks out on the side of a mountain or cliff

We crept carefully along the narrow ledge.

我们小心翼翼地沿着狭窄的岩架爬行。

There’s some money on the [window ledge](bold)(=narrow shelf below the window).


left

your left side is the side of your body that contains your heart

on the same side of something as your left side

a pile of papers on the left side of the desk

to move in an awkward way when you are running or doing a sport

〔跑或运动时〕行动非常笨拙

a tall, clumsy-looking boy with two left feet

样子愚鲁、行动笨拙的高个子男孩

the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing

used to say that one part of a group or organization does not know what the other parts are doing


left

towards the direction or side that is on the left


left

the side of your body that contains your heart

Our house is just to the left of the school.

On your left you can see the Houses of Parliament.

在你的左边可以看到议会大厦。

from the left side to the right side of something

The photo shows, from left to right, his daughters Molly, Fiona, and Anne.

照片上从左到右依次是他的女儿莫莉、菲奥娜和安妮。

political parties and groups that support the ideas and beliefs of socialism. They usually want large industries to be owned by the state, and to use taxes to help solve social problems

The party is moving further to the left.

(also: [hang a left](bold) ([AmE](bold)) )

Take the next left (=turn left at the next road).


left

the past tense and past participle of leave1


left-hand

We live about halfway down the street on the [left-hand side](bold).

我们住在这条街中间左手边的地方。


left-handed

a left-handed person uses their left hand for writing, throwing etc

left-handed tools have been made for left-handed people to use

a statement that seems to express admiration or praise, but at the same time is insulting


left-wing

[left wing](bold) n. <singular> eg: the left wing of the Labour party

[left-winger](bold) n. <C> eg: She is supported by left-wingers in the party.

a left-wing person or group supports the political aims of groups such as Socialists and Communists


leg

[on its last legs](bold) at → [last](->last) 1 sense 9 [on your last legs](bold) at → [last](->last) 1 sense 8 [pull sb’s leg](bold) at → [pull](->pull) 1 sense 11 → [leg-pull](->leg-pull) → [leg-up](->leg-up) → [peg leg](->peg leg) → [sea legs](->sea legs) [shake a leg](bold) at → [shake](->shake) 1 sense 9 [show a leg](bold) at → [show](->show) 1 sense 24 [stretch your legs](bold) at → [stretch](->stretch) 1 sense 7

one of the long parts of your body that your feet are joined to, or a similar part on an animal or insect

the leg of an animal when it is cooked and eaten as food

〔动物供食用的〕腿；腿肉

one of the upright parts that support a piece of furniture

One of the legs on the table was a bit wobbly.

the part of your trousers that covers your leg

The legs of my jeans were covered in mud.

我的牛仔裤裤腿上沾满了泥。

He rolled up his [trouser legs](bold) and waded out into the stream.

环法自行车赛最后一个赛段

one of the series of games in a football competition played between two teams

〔两足球队间系列赛的〕回合

Leeds will have to win the second leg if they are to go forward to the finals.

利兹队若要进入决赛，第二回合必须拿下。

to be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say

If you didn’t sign a contract, you won’t have a leg to stand on.

如果你没签合同的话，就没有凭据了。

if a piece of news has legs, people continue to be interested in it and talk about it


leg

[past tense and past participle](italic) [legged](bold) [present participle](italic) [legging](bold)

to run in order to escape from someone or something

We saw him coming, and legged it out of the house.

我们见他来了，就从屋里逃了出来。


legacy

something that happens or exists as a result of things that happened at an earlier time

The invasion [left a legacy](bold) of hatred and fear.

这次入侵留下的是仇恨和恐惧。

money or property that you receive from someone after they die

She received a small legacy from her aunt.

她从姨妈那里继承了一小笔遗产。


legacy

a legacy system, piece of software etc is one that people continue to use, although more modern ones are available

〔系统、软件等〕旧版本的，老旧的

old information that an organization has, especially information stored in an old-fashioned way

〔尤指用过时方式存储的〕遗留数据


legal

if something is legal, you are allowed to do it or have to do it by law

法律允许的，合法的；法律规定的

What the company has done is perfectly legal.

公司所做的这一切完全合法。

plans to make the carrying of identity cards a legal requirement

使携带身份证成为法定要求的计划

He had twice the [legal limit](bold) of alcohol in his bloodstream.

他血液中的酒精含量是法定限度的两倍。

a pressure group that is campaigning to [make](bold) cannabis [legal](bold)

the use of the legal system to settle an argument, put right an unfair situation etc

She threatened to take legal action against the hospital.


legalize

[legalization](bold) /ˌliːɡəlaɪˈzeɪʃ/ US /-lə-/  n. <U> eg: a campaign calling for the legalization of certain drugs

BrE also: legalise  [v](bold) <[T](bold)>

to make something legal so that people are allowed to do it

使合法化，使得到法律认可


legally

他们在法律上仍然是夫妻。

Which of them is [legally responsible](bold) for the accident?

他们中谁应该对这起事故负法律责任？

一份具有法律约束力的协议

if you can do something legally, you are allowed to do it by law

这个电台现在可以合法广播了。


legend

You will have heard the old legend about how the rocks were formed.

According to a local legend, the tree was planted by a wizard.

(=the legends about King Arthur of Britain)

The castle of Camelot plays an important role in Arthurian legend.

The legend of his bravery grew after he killed the dragon.

Legend says King Arthur’s sword was thrown into one of the pools here.

The legend tells how the King of Troy offended Poseidon, the sea god.

Two people, so the legend goes, refused to flee.

The cave has an unusual legend attached to it.

Legend has it that Rhodes was home to the sun god Helios.

The island has long been the subject of legend.

I read and reread the Greek myths and legends.

an old well-known story, often about brave people, adventures, or magical events

According to legend, he escaped by leaping from the cliffs into the sea.

据传，他是跳崖入海逃生的。

Local [legend has it that](bold)(=says that) the island was the original Garden of Eden.

当地传说这个岛就是伊甸园的原型。

someone who is famous and admired for being extremely good at doing something

We must put more money into the sport if we want to create the tennis legends of the future.

我们若想造就未来网坛的传奇人物，就必须在这项运动上投入更多资金。

a marvellous player who was [a legend in](bold) his [own lifetime](bold)

在他那个时代是一名传奇人物的杰出球员

[living legend](bold) at → [living](->living) 1 sense 6

to be a person that you admire a lot – used especially by young people

是一个传奇人物〔尤为年轻人使用〕

我的继父绝对是一个传奇人物。

words that have been written somewhere, for example on a sign

〔牌子等上的〕镌刻文字，铭文

A sign above the door bore the legend ‘Patience is a Virtue’.

门的上方有一块牌子，上面写着“忍耐即美德”。

〔图片或地图的〕文字说明，图例


legend

very good – used especially by young people


legendary

非常有名的，大名鼎鼎的，传奇式的

Lonnie Johnson, the legendary blues guitarist

传奇蓝调吉他手朗尼·约翰逊

The cave is the home of a legendary giant.

这个山洞是传说中一个巨人的家。


legislation

ˌledʒəˈsleɪʃən

ˌledʒəˈsleɪʃən

The government will introduce legislation to force brewers to list the ingredients in their beers.

(=officially approve it so that it becomes law)

Legislation was passed banning the use of child labour.

It was a huge change when Russia passed legislation to allow the sale of private property.

Legislation prevents the import and export of certain types of drug.

Legislation requires newspapers to be printed on recycled paper.

(=write it before it is finally approved)

She is a member of the committee that is drafting the legislation.

Much legislation has been enacted to control pollution.

The government proposed legislation on data protection.

The most important piece of legislation was the Prevention of Fraud Act.

The existing legislation may need to be amended.

The Government has promised new legislation to deal with the problem.

Safety legislation requires all construction workers to wear protective headgear .

National legislation defines the powers of local authorities.

New government legislation will force manufacturers to label their products more accurately.

Federal legislation is drafted primarily by the staffs of the congressional committees.

The House Of Representatives is expected to pass new anti-terrorism legislation today.

It is a very important [piece of legislation](bold).

这是一条非常重要的法规。

The government is bringing in legislation to combat this problem.

政府将颁行新法规来解决这个问题。

under new/existing/current etc legislation

The company can be prosecuted under the new legislation.

根据新法规的规定，这家公司有可能遭到起诉。


legislative

The new assemblies will have no [legislative power](bold).

[legislative assembly/council/body etc](bold)(=one with the power to make laws)

new legislative measures to stem the flow of drugs into the US

遏制毒品流入美国的新立法措施


legislator

someone who has the power to make laws or belongs to an institution that makes laws


legislature

an institution that has the power to make or change laws


legitimate

[legitimately](bold) adv. eg: a legitimately elected government eg: He complained quite legitimately about his treatment.

[legitimacy](bold) n. <U> eg: Opponents have questioned the legitimacy of the ruling.

That’s a [perfectly legitimate](bold) question.

Most scientists believe [it is legitimate](bold) to use animals in medical research.

大多数科学家认为用动物作医学研究是正当的。

合法的，法律许可的，依法的

Their business operations are perfectly legitimate.

他们的商业活动完全合法。

a legitimate child is born to parents who are legally married to each other

〔子女〕合法婚姻所生的，婚生的


legitimate

lɪˈdʒɪtɪmeɪt

lɪˈdʒɪtɪmeɪt


leisure

They spend much of their leisure time with their grandchildren.

Many people have little time after work for leisure activities.

Ask about his hobbies and leisure pursuits.

(=a place where you can play sports etc)

The local leisure centre has a swimming pool and a sauna.

(=different places where you can play sports etc)

The leisure facilities in the town are very good.

The leisure sector has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years.

(=a group of companies in the leisure industry)

The leisure group reported record profits last year.

time when you are not working or studying and can relax and do things you enjoy

Most people now enjoy shorter working hours and more [leisure time](bold).

现在大多数人都喜欢工作时间短些，闲暇时间多些。

Watching television is now the nation’s most popular [leisure activity](bold).

看电视是当前国民最普遍的消遣活动。

The hotel offers various [leisure facilities](bold) such as a swimming pool and sauna.

酒店提供游泳池、桑拿浴室等各种休闲设施。

The [leisure industry](bold)(=the business of providing leisure activities) is now an important part of the economy.

现在休闲娱乐行业是经济的一个重要组成部分。

if you do something at your leisure, you do it slowly and without hurrying

Come round for lunch and then we can discuss it at leisure.

有空过来吃午饭吧，我们可以慢慢讨论。

Take the leaflets home and read them at your leisure.

把这些传单拿回家，有空慢慢看。

someone who does not have to work – used humorously

〔不必工作的〕有闲先生/女士〔幽默用法〕


leisure centre

a place where people can do many different sports activities, exercise classes etc


lemon

a fruit with a hard yellow skin and sour juice

something that is useless because it fails to work or to work properly

不久我便发现，这辆小货车根本就不中用。

He just stood there looking like a real lemon.

他就像个十足的傻瓜一样站在那里。


lemon

also: [#lemon =yellow](bold)  [adj](bold)


lemonade

a sweet fizzy drink that tastes of lemons

a drink made from lemons, sugar, and water


lend

to let someone borrow money or something that belongs to you for a short time

The documents were loaned by the local library.

to let someone use something that belongs to you for a short time, especially a room, a house, or something big and expensive

Some friends are letting us use their house while they are on vacation.

Dad said he’d let me have his car for the weekend.

if something is on loan, it has been lent to a person or organization in an official way – often used about a library book or a work of art

The museum has an exhibition of paintings on loan from the Louvre.

According to the computer, this book is still out on loan.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [lent](bold) /lent/

借给〔某人钱或东西〕，借出

I lent my CD player to Dave and I haven’t got it back yet.

我把CD播放机借给戴夫，到现在还没有拿回来。

The hospital agreed to lend us a wheelchair.

医院同意借给我们一把轮椅。

借给我10英镑，明天还你好吗？

if a bank or financial institution lends money, it lets someone have it on condition that they pay it back later, often gradually, with an additional amount as interest

The government is trying to encourage the banks to lend more.

政府设法鼓励银行发放更多贷款。

A lot of banks are unwilling to lend money to new businesses.

许多银行都不愿意贷款给新企业。

The building society agreed to lend us £60,000.

购房互助协会答应借给我们6万英镑。

to help someone do something, especially something that needs physical effort

帮助(某人)做事〔尤指需要体力的事〕；(给某人)搭把手

to give a situation, event etc a particular quality

The presence of members of the royal family lent a certain dignity to the ceremony.

王室成员的出席为这场典礼增添了一种庄严的气氛。

to listen to someone, especially in a sympathetic way

He’s always prepared to lend a sympathetic ear.

他总是怀着一颗同情心去倾听。

to be suitable for being used in a particular way

None of her books really lends itself to being made into a film.

她的书没有一本适合拍成电影。

The government has now lent its support to the campaign.

政府现已开始支持这场运动了。

to make an opinion or belief seem more likely to be correct

为某事提供支持〔以增加可信度〕

The police have new evidence which lends weight to their theory.

警方有新证据支持他们的说法。

to announce publicly that you support something that someone is trying to do

The French prime minister has now lent his name to the protest.

法国总理现在已开始声援这场抗议运动。


lender

a person or organization that lends money to people on condition that they pay it back

Several lenders are offering very attractive rates of interest at the moment.

目前有几家贷款机构贷款利率非常优惠。


length

[hold sth at arm’s length](bold) at → [arm](->arm) 1 sense 8 [keep/hold sb at arm’s length](bold) at → [arm](->arm) 1 sense 9 → [full-length](->full-length) 1

The children measured the length of their shadows at three different times of day.

These leaves have a length of about 7 cm.

grow to/reach a length of 2 metres/8 feet etc

A blue whale can reach a length of 100 feet.

(=exist along the whole length of something)

A long corridor ran the length of the building.

The total length of the completed railway line will be almost 650 kilometres.

These worms grow to an average length of about 1 metre.

The camera looks down the full length of the street.

All the girls had short or medium length hair.

This species of fish can reach a maximum length of 12 inches.

the measurement of how long something is from one end to the other

We measured the length and width of the living room.

Some fish can grow to a length of four feet.

有些鱼可以长到4英尺长。

酒店的游泳池有15米长。

You’ll need several pieces of string of different lengths.

你需要几根长度不等的绳子。

the amount of time that you spend doing something or that something continues

Your pension will depend on your length of employment.

养老金的多少取决于你的工作年限。

What’s the average length of stay in hospital?

[(not) for any length of time](bold)(=not for very long)

He wasn’t left alone for any length of time.

他被单独留下来的时间不长。

In everyday English, people usually talk about [how long](bold)  something is in space or time, rather than using the noun [length](bold) :

[We need to know the [length](bold) of the table.](strike)

We need to know [how long](bold) the table is.

[He was annoyed by the [length](bold) of time he had to wait.](strike)

He was annoyed by [how long ](bold) he had to wait.

the amount of writing in a book, or the amount of time that a film, play etc continues

〔书的〕篇幅；〔电影、戏剧等的〕片长

We had to cut the length of the book by one third.

我们不得不把书的篇幅砍掉三分之一。

Films of this length (=as long as this) are pretty unusual.

run/stretch/walk etc the (full) length of sth

to go or move from one end to the other of something

横跨/延伸/走过某物的整个长度

The wall ran the full length of the garden.

那堵墙从花园这头延伸到那头。

reaching down as far as your shoulders etc

go to some/great/any lengths (to do sth)

to try very hard or to do whatever is necessary to achieve something that is important to you

千方百计/竭尽全力(做某事)

He went to great lengths to keep their name out of the papers.

他想方设法不让他们的名字见报。

Bella would go to any lengths to fulfil her ambition.

贝拉会想尽一切办法去实现她的抱负。

if you talk at length about something, you talk about it for a long time

The young people spoke at length about their experiences.

We’ve already discussed the subject at great length.

这个话题我们已经讨论了很长时间。

“我不同意。”最后她说道。

the length and breadth of the area/country/land etc

in or through every part of a large area

The police searched the length and breadth of the country.

细长的一段[一根，一条]

the measurement of a horse, boat etc from one end to the other – used when saying how far the horse, boat etc is ahead of another

身位，身长〔表示赛马、赛艇等超越对手的距离〕

The horse [won by](bold) three [lengths](bold).

the distance from one end of a swimming pool to the other

她每天在游泳池里至少游10个来回。


lengthy

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

[comparative](italic) [lengthier](bold) [superlative](italic) [lengthiest](bold)

continuing for a long time, often too long

A lengthy period of training is required.

需要很长一段时间的培训。

An accident is causing some lengthy delays.

一起事故造成长时间的延误。

a speech, piece of writing etc that is lengthy is long and often contains too many details

〔讲话、文章等〕冗长的，过于详尽的


lens

the part of a camera through which light travels onto the surface where the image is recorded

→ [telephoto lens](->telephoto lens) → [wide-angle lens](->wide-angle lens) → [zoom lens](->zoom lens)

a piece of curved glass or plastic which makes things look bigger, smaller, or clearer when you look through it

the clear part inside your eye that focuses so you can see things clearly


less

更少地，较少地；较小程度地

Maybe he would worry less if he understood the situation.

他要是了解情况，也许就不会那么担心了。

In recent years she has appeared in public less frequently.

近年来她在公开场合露面的次数少了。

Tickets were less expensive than I had expected.

Social class matters a lot less than it used to.

社会阶层远不如以前重要了。

[not ... any the less/no less](bold)(=not less)

It’s a common problem but this doesn’t make it any the less disturbing.

这是一个普遍问题，但同样令人担忧。

I know he’s done a dreadful thing, but I don’t love him any the less.

我知道他做了件很差劲的事，可我依然爱他。

[be less a ... than a ...](bold)(=be not so much like one thing as another)

‘Will you please come with me?’ It was less a request than a command.

“你和我一起去吧。”这话不像请求，倒像是命令。

less than helpful/honest/enthusiastic etc

一点也没有帮助/一点也不诚实/一点也不热心等

He was less than enthusiastic about the idea.

他对这个想法一点也不热心。

used to say that a quality, situation etc gradually decreases

As the years went by, he seemed to care less and less about his reputation.

一年年过去，他好像越来越不在乎自己的名声。

Smoking is becoming less and less acceptable.

used to say that a greater thing is even less true, likely, or possible than the thing you have just mentioned

These people can scarcely afford to buy food, still less luxury goods like perfume.

这些人连食物都买不起，更不用说香水这样的奢侈品了。

I didn’t think Dave would ever read a book, much less write one himself.

我觉得戴夫都不会去看一本书，更不用说自己去写了。


less

People today seem to have less time for each other.

现在人与人之间相处的时间好像比以前少了。

Most of us got £4 an hour, but some received even less.

我们中大多数人的报酬都是每小时4英镑，但有些人的报酬甚至更少。

The map covered less of the area than I’d thought.

地图覆盖的范围比我原想的要小。

乘公共汽车去要便宜很多。

You use [less](bold)  before an uncountable noun: These light bulbs use less electricity.

You use [fewer](bold)  before a plural noun: There were fewer cars in those days.
Don't say: [There were less cars in those days.](strike)  Although you will hear people say this in everyday spoken English, it is considered to be incorrect.

used to emphasize that an amount or number is large

By 1977, the USA was importing no less than 45% of its oil.

到1977年，美国有高达45%的石油依赖进口。

used to emphasize that the person or thing you are talking about is important or impressive

正是，竟是〔强调谈及的人或物很重要〕

Our awards were presented by the mayor, no less.

The message came from [no less a person than](bold) the prime minister.

used to emphasize how important, serious, or impressive something is

His appearance in the show was nothing less than a sensation.

他在节目中现身引起了不小的轰动。

They began spending less and less time together.

他们在一起的时间越来越少了。

The band was doing less and less of that kind of music.

那支乐队越来越少演奏那种音乐了。

In less than no time they found that they owed over $10,000.

很快他们就发现他们已经欠了一万多美元。

used to tell a child to stop doing something

不要做某事〔对小孩说的话〕


less

taking away or not including a particular amount

He gave us our money back, less the $2 service charge.

他把钱退给我们，扣去两美元的服务费。


lessen

to become smaller in size, importance, or value, or make something do this

[lessen the risk/chance/possibility etc (of sth)](bold)

Exercise lessens the risk of heart disease.

运动可降低患心脏疾病的风险。

[lessen the impact/effect/importance (of sth)](bold)

The new project will lessen the effects of car pollution.

这个新项目将减少汽车污染的影响。


lesser

[lesser](bold) adv. eg: the lesser-known artists of the period eg: one of Glasgow’s lesser-used venues

not as large, as important, or as much as something else

They originally asked for $5 million, but finally settled for a lesser sum.

他们原先要500万美元，但最后同意少要一些。

This was true in Madrid and, to a lesser extent, Valencia and Seville.

马德里是这样，巴伦西亚和塞维利亚也这样，只不过程度轻一些罢了。

[lesser mortals](bold) at → [mortal](->mortal) 2 [to a greater or lesser extent](bold) at → [extent](->extent) sense 1

the less unpleasant or harmful of two unpleasant choices

used in the names of some types of animal, bird, or plant that are slightly smaller than the main type

小的〔用于动植物名称中，表示形态比主要品种略小〕


lesson

[sb has learned their lesson](bold) at → [learn](->learn) sense 5 [teach sb a lesson](bold) at → [teach](->teach) sense 6

He started taking piano lessons at age four.

She made a living giving private lessons in English.

The teachers spend a long time preparing their lessons.

I've got a history lesson this afternoon.

Dad said he'd pay for driving lessons as my birthday present.

I'd just started classical guitar lessons.

(=a lesson specially for one person rather than for a class)

He gave private lessons in mathematics at the weekends.

a period of time in which someone is taught a particular skill, for example how to play a musical instrument or drive a car

a period of time in which school students are taught a particular subject

我接下去要连上两堂数学课。

Andrew [gives](bold) private [lessons](bold) in Spanish.

安德鲁教授私人西班牙语课程。

something that provides experience or information that you can learn from and use

[learn a lesson](bold)(=gain useful experience or information)

There were important lessons to be learned from these discoveries.

从这些发现中可以获取重要的教训。

The government has failed to learn [the lessons of history](bold).

The men’s courage and faith is a lesson to us all.

那些人的勇气和信心是我们大家学习的榜样。

Now [let that be a lesson to you](bold) all (=be careful to avoid having the same bad experience again).

现在你们大家就从中吸取教训吧。

Her fate should be a [salutary lesson](bold)(=one that teaches or warns you about something).

她的命运应该是一个有益的教训。

a part of a book that is used for learning a particular subject, especially in school

a short piece that is read from the Bible during a religious ceremony

〔宗教仪式中选读的〕《圣经》经文


lest

in order to make sure that something will not happen

She turned away from the window lest anyone see them.

她转身离开窗边，免得有人看见他们。

used to show that someone is afraid or worried that a particular thing might happen

唯恐，生怕〔用于表示害怕或忧虑某事可能发生〕

[worried/concerned/anxious etc lest ...](bold)

他停顿下来，唯恐说得太多。

She worried lest he should tell someone what had happened.

她生怕他会把发生的事说出去。


let

let down
let in on
let into
let off
let on
let out
let up

[let fly (sth)](bold) at → [fly](->fly) 1 sense 17 [let it all hang out](bold) at → [hang out](->hang out) [live and let live](bold) at → [live](->live) 1 sense 21 [let it/her rip](bold) at → [rip](->rip) 1 sense 6 [let rip](bold) at → [rip](->rip) 1 sense 5

[past tense and past participle](italic) [let](bold) [present participle](italic) [letting](bold)

I can’t come out tonight – my dad won’t let me.

今天晚上我不能出来，我爸爸不让。

Let Johnny have a go on the computer now.

现在让约翰尼来玩玩电脑吧。

Some people seem to let their kids do whatever they like.

一些人似乎允许自己的孩子为所欲为。

let sb have sth (=give something to someone)

I can let you have another £10, but no more.

我可以再给你10英镑，再多就没有了。

In written English, people often prefer to use [allow sb to do sth](bold)  rather than [let sb do sth](bold) , as it is slightly more formal:

We must [allow](bold) young people [to](bold) develop independence.

to not stop something happening, or to make it possible for it to happen

珍妮任由字条掉落到地上。

Don’t let anyone know it was me who told you.

不要让别人知道是我告诉你的。

Let the cookies cool down before you try them.

[let yourself be beaten/persuaded/fooled etc](bold)

I stupidly let myself be persuaded to take part in a live debate.

我傻乎乎地被人劝去参加一个现场辩论会。

The guard let go of the lead, and the dog lunged forward.

卫兵松开绳子，那只狗就猛冲上去。

to accept that you cannot change something and stop thinking or worrying about it

Sometimes you just have to learn to let go.

to allow someone to leave a place where they have been kept

The police had to let him go through lack of evidence.

由于缺乏证据，警方只得放他走。

The hijackers were persuaded to let some hostages go.

劫持者被说服释放部分人质。

to make someone leave their job – used in order to avoid saying this directly

叫某人走人〔解雇某人的委婉说法〕

I’m afraid we had to let several of our staff go.

恐怕我们不得不让几名员工走人了。

used to make a suggestion or to offer help

让〔用于表示提议或帮忙〕

[Let’s not](bold) jump to conclusions – he might have been delayed.

我们不要急于下结论——他也许是被耽搁了。

但愿他及时收到了你的留言。

[don’t let’s do sth](bold) BrE [informal](special)

used when you are thinking about or trying to remember something

让我想一想〔用于正在想或努力记起某事时〕

Today’s date is – let me see, March 20th.

今天是——让我想想——3月20号。

Now, let’s see, where did I put your application form?

啊，我来想想，我把你的申请表放哪儿了呢？

used to say that you need time to think about or remember something

让我想一想〔用于表示需要时间思考或想起〕

他叫什么名字？让我想想。

used to say that you do not care if someone does something they are threatening to do

‘She says she’s going to sell her story to the newspapers!’ ‘Well, let her!’

“她说要把她的故事卖给报纸！” “行啊，随她的便！”

used to say that someone must accept an unpleasant fact or situation

我们面对现实吧/我们实话实说吧〔表示必须接受令人不快的事实或状况〕

Let’s face it, no one’s going to lend us any money.

我们面对现实吧，没有人会借钱给我们。

used to say that you are not going to give someone all the details about something

知道 …就够了〔用于不打算告诉某人所有细节时〕

‘So who did it?’ ‘Let’s just say it wasn’t anyone in this family.’

“那么这是谁干的呢？” “反正不是这家人。”

For goodness sake, Peter, why don’t you just let yourself go for once?

看在老天爷的分上，彼得，你为什么就不能让自己放松一回呢？

to stop looking after yourself properly, for example by not caring about your appearance

Poor Dad. He’s really let himself go since Mum died.

可怜的爸爸，自从妈妈过世以后他就不修边幅了。

to not punish or criticize someone for something they have done wrong

to stop worrying or thinking too much about something

to sell something for a particular amount

I couldn’t let it go for less than £300.

少于300英镑我是不会卖的。

used to say that you wish or hope that something happens, or does not happen

Don’t let him be the one who died, she prayed.

但愿死的不是他，她祈祷道。

used after a negative statement to say that the next thing you mention is even more unlikely

更不用说，更谈不上〔用于否定句之后〕

The baby can’t even sit up yet, let alone walk!

这个宝宝连坐都不会，更不用说走了！

to stop talking about or trying to deal with something

停止谈论某事；不去管某事

It seems the press are not going to let the matter rest.

看来媒体是不会对此事罢休的。

to accidentally tell someone something that should have been kept secret

Liz let slip that she’d seen him quite recently.

利兹说漏了嘴，说她不久前见过他。

to charge someone an amount of money for the use of a room or building

Interhome has over 20,000 houses to let across Europe.

网上居公司在欧洲各地有两万多幢房屋出租。

我把空余的一间房租给了一个学生。

Would you consider letting me the garage for a few months?

你能考虑一下把车库租给我用几个月吗？

We let the smaller studios out to local artists.

我们把较小的工作室租给了当地的艺术家。

[To Let](bold) [written](special)(=written on a sign outside a building to show that it is available for renting)

used in mathematics to mean that you give something a particular measurement or value in order to make a calculation

假设某物为/等于/代表某物

Let angle A equal the sum of the two opposite sides.

to do something that will cause you a lot of trouble

I don’t think Carol realizes what she’s letting herself in for.

我想卡萝尔还没有意识到她正给自己招来什么麻烦。

never let a day/week/year etc go by without doing sth

used to say that someone does a particular thing very regularly

没有一天/一个星期/一年等不做某事

They never seem to let a year go by without introducing a new version of their software.

他们好像每年都会推出他们这种软件的新版本。

used to say that it is time for people to start having fun

让好时光飞转起来吧，大家开始玩起来吧


let

an arrangement in which a house or flat is rented to someone

一家中介正在安排出租事务。

happening freely without being prevented in any way


letdown

an event, performance etc that is not as good as you expected it to be

这本书的结尾实在是个败笔。


lethal

致命的，致死的，具杀伤力的

a [lethal cocktail](bold) of drink and pills

这些化学品对鱼类是致命的。

likely to be powerful or dangerous – often used humorously

危险的，要命的〔常为幽默用法〕

They were all drinking lethal amounts of tequila!

他们都在不要命地喝龙舌兰酒！

Higher taxes and higher inflation were [a lethal combination](bold).

重税加上高通货膨胀真是让人没法活了。


let's

You say: Let's not argue.  In British English, you can also say: Don't let's argue.
Don't say: [Let's don't argue.](strike)

Don't confuse [let's](bold)  and [lets](bold) . You write: Let['](bold)s introduce ourselves.
Don't write: [Lets introduce ourselves.](strike)

the short form of ‘let us’, used especially to make suggestions

让我们 …吧〔尤用于提议〕


letter

→ [dead letter](->dead letter) → [man of letters](->man of letters)

He wrote a letter inviting her to visit.

The school sent a letter to all the children’s parents.

(=has their name and address on the envelope)

The letter was addressed to Mr. John Appleby.

She was thrilled to get a long letter from her son.

I don’t want him reading my personal letters.

In business letters you often use phrases such as ‘I would be grateful if ...’.

I received an official letter thanking me for my enquiry.

The book had a copy of a love letter from King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.

Mum made me write thank-you letters for all my birthday presents.

(=that you send with your CV to an employer)

Always enclose a cover letter with your resume.

a letter of thanks/introduction/complaint etc

I finally got a letter of apology from the company.

a written or printed message that is usually put in an envelope and sent by mail

今天我收到梅拉妮的一封信。

→ [chain letter](->chain letter) → [letter of credit](->letter of credit) → [open letter](->open letter)

a sign in writing or printing that represents a speech sound

There are 26 letters in the English alphabet.

英语字母表有26个字母。

Fill in the form in [capital letters](bold)(=written in their large form).

paying exact attention to the details of something

I followed the instructions to the letter, but it still wouldn’t work.

我严格按照说明去做，但还是不行。

the exact words of a law or agreement rather than the intended or general meaning

employees who stick to the letter of the law in their contracts

严格遵守合同字面规定的雇员

[the spirit of the law](bold) at → [spirit](->spirit) 1 sense 11

a large cloth letter that you sew onto a jacket, given as a reward for playing in a school or college sports team

〔缝在校运动队队员队服上的〕校名首字母标志

the study of the literature of a particular country or language

英格兰/美国/德国等文学


letter

to write, draw, paint etc letters or words on something

把字(母)写[画，绘]于

The card was neatly lettered P. A. DUFFY.

卡片上工整地写着P. A. DUFFY。

[Letter](bold)  is usually passive in this meaning.

他入选了布兰德斯学院院篮球队。


lettuce

There was nothing in the fridge except a rather limp lettuce.

Serve the trout on a bed of shredded lettuce.

Tear the lettuce leaves into small pieces.

You'll need a head of lettuce for this salad recipe.

a round vegetable with thin green leaves eaten raw in salads


level

The level of salt in his diet was too high.

The level of violent crime is lower than ten years ago.

Wage levels had failed to keep up with inflation.

I find exercise helps with my stress levels.

Her fitness level is better than that of most 20-year-olds.

The level of unemployment has increased.

China’s imports of wheat reached record levels.

The fees are likely to remain at current levels.

It's difficult to maintain the same level of physical fitness.

Healthy eating can increase your energy level.

He made an effort to reduce his stress levels.

the amount or degree of something, compared to another amount or degree

Inflation fell to its lowest level in 30 years.

Increased supplies are needed to meet the level of demand.

要增加供应以满足需求量。

Dolphins show a high level of intelligence.

海豚显示出很高的智力水平。

a particular standard of skill or ability, for example in education or sport

Students at this level may have problems with basic grammar.

这一水平的学生可能会有基本语法的问题。

Few athletes can compete at international level.

能参与国际水平比赛的运动员很少。

the height of something in relation to the ground or to another object

Your arms should be at the same level as your desk.

[eye/knee/shoulder etc level](bold)(=the same height as your eyes etc)

Skirts this year are just above knee level.

今年的裙子都刚好在膝盖以上。

[water/oil etc level](bold)(=the height of the water etc from the ground or the bottom of a container)

Check the water level in the car radiator.

检查一下汽车散热器的水位。

→ [ground level](->ground level) → [sea level](->sea level)

a floor or area of ground that is at a particular height, especially when you can go up or down to other floors or areas

〔某一高度的〕地面，地层；楼层

我们不是把车停在第二层了吗？

这个小镇建在高低不同的地面上。

The medical center is on one level (=so that you do not have to go up or down).

a particular position in a system that has different ranks of importance

Training is offered at each level in the department.

部门内各级人员都能获得培训。

[at board/management/senior etc level](bold)

Further talks at ministerial level were held.

部长级进一步会谈已经举行。

→ [high-level](->high-level) → [low-level](->low-level)

a way of considering or understanding something

The story can be understood on many different levels.

这个故事可以从多个不同的层面来理解。

[on a personal/practical/superficial etc level](bold)

I agree with you, but only on a theoretical level.

我同意你的看法，但只是在理论层面上。

happening within a small area or the whole area of a state, country etc

当地的/州级的/国家级的等

These changes are taking place at regional level.

这些变化正在地区范围内发生。

这一切都是合理合法的，对吗？

If you hit him back, you’ll only be descending to his level.

如果你还手打他，那你只会自降身份，成为和他一样的人。

a tool used for checking that a surface is flat


level

The floors in the old house were not completely level.

老房子的地面不是完全平整的。

a level surface suitable for wheelchairs

two things that are level are at the same height as each other

Your eyes should be level with the top of the screen.

two sports teams, competitors etc that are level have the same number of points

Before the weekend, Madrid was level with Barcelona.

在本周末之前，马德里队和巴塞罗那队积分相同。

They [finished level](bold), with ten points each.

他们最后打成平局，各得10分。

having the same value or position as something or someone else

相同价值的；相同地位的；相同水平的

Borrowing rates rose to over 8%, roughly level with those in America.

贷款利率上涨到8%以上，几乎与美国持平。

He cycled along beside her, keeping level.

a situation in which different people, companies, countries etc can all compete fairly because no one has special advantages

Small businesses want to compete on a level playing field with larger ones.

小企业想和大企业公平竞争。

to try as hard as possible to do something

a steady voice, look etc that shows you are calm or determined

平静[坚定]的声音/神色/目光

an amount of a substance that fills a spoon, cup etc to the top but no more, used as a measure in cooking

平平的一茶匙/一杯等(某物)

[draw level](bold) at → [draw](->draw) 1 sense 11


level

[past tense and past participle](italic) [levelled](bold) [present participle](italic) [levelling](bold) ([BrE](bold)) [past tense and past participle](italic) [leveled](bold) [present participle](italic) [leveling](bold) ([AmE](bold))

使平坦，把 …弄平，整平

Workers leveled the wet concrete with a piece of wood.

工人们用木块把湿的混凝土抹平。

Cover with a layer of sand and level it off.

铺上一层沙，并把它推平。

to knock down or destroy a building or area completely

Bombs levelled a large part of the town.

炸弹把城里一大部分地区夷为平地。

to make the score in a game or competition equal

(使)比分拉平，(使)比分相同

He slipped the ball into the net to [level the score](bold) at 1–1.

他送球入网，把比分扳成1比1平。

United went ahead but the visitors levelled in the 73rd minute.

联队一路领先，但是到第73分钟时客队把比分追平。

to make a situation in which people are competing fair, with no one having special advantages

level criticism/charges/accusations etc at/against sb

to aim criticism etc at a particular person, country etc, especially publicly

〔尤指公开地〕对某人提出批评/指控/指责等

the criticism levelled at the United States

Serious allegations were levelled against the minister.

各种严重指控都指向了部长。


lever

a stick or handle on a machine or piece of equipment, that you move to operate it

〔机器或设备的〕控制杆，操纵杆

[Pull](bold) this [lever](bold) to open the gate.

a long thin piece of metal that you use to lift something heavy by putting one end under the object and pushing the other end down

something you use to influence a situation to get the result that you want

〔影响局势的〕方法，手段

Rich countries use foreign aid as a lever to achieve political aims.

富国利用对外援助作为达到政治目的的手段。


lever

(also: [lever yourself onto/out of etc sth](bold) )

to move your body by pushing on something with your arms to help you

to make someone leave a particular job, situation etc

They’re trying to lever him out of his job.

他们正设法排挤他，逼他离职。


liability

ˌlaɪəˈbɪləti

ˌlaɪəˈbɪləti

→ [limited liability](->limited liability)

The driver of the other car accepted full liability for the accident.

(=when someone is responsible for damages or debts for a limited amount of money)

Limited liability encourages managers to take more risks with shareholder funds than they would otherwise.

(=when someone is responsible for damages or debts for the full amount of money)

Under the agreement, the insurance company has unlimited liability.

(=responsibility for something that is covered by laws)

What is the legal liability of an employer in the event of an accident at work?

(=responsiblity for injury or damage covered by criminal law)

A child under the age of ten cannot face criminal liability for its acts.

(=responsiblity for injury or damage covered by civil law)

A company operating a ship which spills oil into the sea will face civil liability.

The government is planning to increase the tax liability on company cars.

(=when an individual person is legally responsible)

Directors can incur personal liability for errors made by their companies.

The parents of these children may have some liability.

The company accepts no liability for any loss, inconvenience, or delay caused by a cancellation of train services.

(=take the responsibility for something, which you did not have before)

You would then assume the tax liability for the account.

(=be in a situation in which you must take responsibility for something)

The transfer of property will not incur a liability to inheritance tax.

(=say you are not responsible for something)

The defendants continued to deny liability for Peck's death.

The defendant escaped liability by proving that he had taken all possible measures to avoid the accident.

(=a claim that someone is legally responsible)

A liability claim was made by a consumer injured by the product.

(=insurance that protects you against a liability claim)

Many house and contents insurance policies have provision for liability insurance for claims of negligence against you.

legal responsibility for something, especially for paying money that is owed, or for damage or injury

〔尤指法律上对还款、赔偿等的〕责任，义务

Tenants have legal liability for any damage they cause.

承租人造成任何损坏都要负法律责任。

The court ruled there was no liability to pay any refund.

someone or something that is likely to cause problems for someone

A kid like Tom would be a liability in any classroom.

像汤姆这样的孩子放到任何班上都是个麻烦。

The outspoken minister has become a liability to the government.

the amount by which something is likely to be affected by a particular kind of problem, illness etc


liable

likely to do or say something or to behave in a particular way, especially because of a fault or natural tendency

The car is liable to overheat on long trips.

这辆汽车跑长途容易过热。

He was liable to just show up without warning.

他总是一声招呼不打就来了。

legally responsible for the cost of something

〔法律上〕负有偿付责任的

people who are liable for income tax at a higher rate

须按照较高税率缴纳所得税的人

likely to be affected by a particular kind of problem, illness etc

易受 …影响的；易出问题的；易得病的

You’re more liable to injury when you don’t get regular exercise.

likely to be legally punished or forced to do something by law

可能受处罚的，可能要承担法律义务的

Anyone found trespassing is liable to a maximum fine of $100.

擅自闯入者一经发现，最高可罚款100美元。


liaison

the regular exchange of information between groups of people, especially at work, so that each group knows what the other is doing

〔尤指工作上的〕联络，联系

close liaison between the army and police

与其他机构之间更好的联系

The project has been set up in liaison with the art department.

该项目是和艺术系联合设立的。

someone whose job is to talk to different departments or groups and to tell each of them about what the others are doing

Renee Ball, liaison to the State Parks Authority

州立公园管理处联络员勒妮·鲍尔

a secret sexual relationship between a man and a woman, especially a man and a woman who are married but not to each other


liar

He's an accomplished liar who lies as easily as other men breathe.

You're a rotten liar, Julia. What really happened?

Drug users are often habitual liars trying to cover up their addiction.

(=who tells lies because it is part of their personality to do so)

He called her a congenital liar who would say anything to stay out of trouble.

someone who deliberately says things which are not true


libel

when someone writes or prints untrue statements about someone so that other people could have a bad opinion of them

Holt [sued](bold) the newspaper [for libel](bold).

[a libel action/case/trial](bold)(=a court case against someone for libel)

restrictions on press freedom, such as [libel laws](bold)


libel

[past tense and past participle](italic) [libelled](bold) [present participle](italic) [libelling](bold) ([BrE](bold)) [past tense and past participle](italic) [libeled](bold) [present participle](italic) [libeling](bold) ([AmE](bold))

to write or print a libel against someone

（书面）诽谤，中伤〔某人〕


liberal

willing to understand and respect other people’s ideas, opinions, and feelings

a more liberal attitude towards sexuality

对两性关系比较开通的态度

supporting or allowing gradual political and social changes

(思想)开放的，支持[主张]变革的

a more liberal policy on issues of crime and punishment

在罪与罚的问题上更加开明的政策

allowing people or organizations a lot of political or economic freedom

〔政治和经济上〕开明的，自由的

慷慨的，大量给予的；丰富的，充足的

If only they were as liberal with their cash.

要是他们花钱也一样大方就好了。

a [liberal interpretation](bold) of the original play

a kind of education which encourages you to develop a large range of interests and knowledge and respect for other people’s opinions


liberal

someone with liberal opinions or principles


liberate

[liberation](bold) /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃ/  n. <U> eg: liberation from oppression eg: the liberation of Paris in August 1944

[liberator](bold) /ˈlɪbəreɪtə/ US /-ər/  n. <C>

to free someone from feelings or conditions that make their life unhappy or difficult

women’s freedom to pursue careers liberated from childcare

to free prisoners, a city, a country etc from someone’s control

释放〔囚犯〕；解放〔城市、国家等〕

A few days later, our armies liberated the city.

几天以后，我军解放了这座城市。


liberty

Any law that increases police power may be seen as a threat to individual liberty.

The American Constitution protects religious liberty.

The party has a tradition of fighting for increased political liberty.

The country is slowly moving towards democracy and economic liberty.

The right to vote is one of the most powerful means we have to protect our liberty.

a prisoner who has been deprived of his liberty

Will the new security measures infringe on our liberty?

The government should not be so strong that it threatens individual liberty.

the freedom and the right to do whatever you want without asking permission or being afraid of authority

something you do without asking permission, especially which may offend or upset someone else

自作主张的行为，冒犯的举动，放肆的行为

I took the liberty of cancelling your reservation.

我自作主张取消了你的预订。

to have the right or permission to do something

I am not at liberty to discuss these matters.

to make unreasonable changes in something such as a piece of writing

随意改动某物，任意窜改某物

The film-makers took too many liberties with the original novel.

电影制作人对原著改动太多。

to treat someone without respect by being too friendly too quickly, especially in a sexual way

与某人相处时太放肆，对待某人过于狎昵〔尤指言行带有性意味〕

He’s been taking liberties with our female staff.

他对我们的女职员举止轻佻。

if a prisoner or an animal is at liberty, they are no longer in prison or enclosed in a small place

〔犯人或动物〕不受拘禁的，自由的


librarian

图书馆管理员；图书馆馆长


library

I need to go to the library to return some books.

You can use the library before or after school.

borrow sth from the library/take sth out of the library

Books, CDs, DVDs, and magazines can be borrowed from the library.

return sth to the library/take sth back to the library

Have you taken those books back to the library?

You can check out up to ten books from the library.

(=a library that is supported by government money)

She was studying at the college library.

This information is available at your local library.

Lending libraries became increasingly popular in Victorian times.

(=one that does not lend books, so that you must read them there)

The reference library contains a collection of documents relating to slavery.

The university has one of the best research libraries in the world.

(=a small library that is controlled by a larger library)

There is a good children's section in the branch library.

A mobile library visits the village once a week.

She's gone into town to change her library books.

(=a card that proves you are a member of a library and can borrow books)

When you join the library, you will be issued with a library card.

Library users have been protesting against plans to close the local library.

If you have problems finding a book, ask a member of the library staff.

Public library services are threatened by budget cuts.

Students need to be taught how to use the computerized library catalogue.

a room or building containing books that can be looked at or borrowed

a group of books, CDs etc, collected by one person

〔书、激光唱片等的〕私人收藏

a room in a large house where books are kept

a set of books, CDs, videos etc that are produced by the same company and have the same general appearance

文库；系列丛书[唱片集、成套录像等]

film or pictures used in a television programme which are not recent

〔电视节目中放映的〕资料图片/旧影片


licence

Café Metropole does not yet have a license to sell liquor.

Police said that the man did not hold a firearms licence.

New private pilots must fly for at least fifty hours before getting their licences.

A doctor who moves to another state must apply for a license to practice medicine there.

He was granted his flying instructor’s licence.

The police caught him driving while drunk and he will now lose his licence.

The doctor had his license revoked after he was found to be on drugs.

80 percent of 18 year olds had a driver’s license.

She became the youngest woman to hold a pilot’s licence.

(=which allows you to use your television and pays for public television programmes)

Buying a television means you will need a television licence.

(=a licence that allows two people to marry each other)

(=a licence that allows you to fish/hunt)

An export licence was issued in August last year.

(=a temporary driving licence before you get your full licence)

Learner drivers need to obtain a provisional licence.

(=one that is not temporary and has no restrictions)

They offer insurance cover for drivers over 25 and under 70 years of age with a full licence.

(=money you have to pay to get a licence)

The BBC is funded by a licence fee which all television owners have to pay.

an official document giving you permission to own or do something for a period of time

The dealers applied for an export licence.

经销商申请了出口许可证。

He was arrested for [driving without a license](bold).

The Tennessee Valley Authority [applied for a license](bold) to operate the facility.

田纳西河谷管理局申请了这个场所的经营执照。

The owner of land could [grant a licence](bold) to cut and remove timber.

土地所有者可颁发执照授权砍伐和运走木材。

I forgot to [renew](bold) my [licence](bold).

我忘记去办理执照展期了。

Persistent offenders face [losing](bold) their [licence](bold).

多次违规者将会被没收执照。

an agreement with a company or organization giving permission to make, sell, or use their product

〔生产、出售、使用产品的〕许可

Guinness is brewed under licence in South Africa.

[single-user/10-user/site licence](bold)(=permission for computer software to be used by a certain number of people or in a certain place only)

freedom to do or say what you think is best

〔行动、言论的〕自由，不受拘束

Headteachers should be allowed greater licence in the exercise of their power.

应允许校长在行使权力时享有更大自由。

the way in which a painter or writer changes the facts of the real world to make their story, description, or picture of events more interesting or more beautiful

the freedom or opportunity to behave in a way that is wrong or immoral

Police say it gives youngsters licence to break the law.

警方说这会纵容年轻人违法乱纪。

an opportunity to make a lot of money without much work or effort – especially used to show disapproval

轻松大赚一笔的机会〔尤作贬义〕


licensed

also: licenced ([BrE](bold))  [adj](bold)

having a licence to sell alcoholic drinks

a car, gun etc that is licensed is one that someone has official permission to own or use

having been given official permission to do a particular job


lick

[knock/lick sb/sth into shape](bold) at → [shape](->shape) 1 sense 3

to move your tongue across the surface of something in order to eat it, wet it, clean it etc

A cat licked up the drops spilt on the floor.

一只猫把溅在地板上的东西舔光了。

I bet we could lick the best teams in Georgia.

我敢打赌我们能打败佐治亚州最强的队。

if flames or waves lick something, they touch it again and again with quick movements

〔火焰〕燎，舔；〔波浪〕轻拍

Soon the flames were licking at the curtains.

to have succeeded in dealing with a difficult problem

Just when you think you’ve got it licked, it comes back.

就在你以为问题摆平了的时候，它又卷土重来。

to feel eager and excited because you are expecting to get something good

Scottish rugby fans are licking their lips in anticipation.

苏格兰橄榄球迷正热切期盼着。

to quietly think about the defeat or disappointment you have just suffered

〔失败或失望后〕舔舐伤口，痛定思痛

to obey someone completely because you are afraid of them or want to please them


lick

when you move your tongue across the surface of something

我可以舔一口你的冰激凌吗？

a small amount of paint etc put onto the surface of something to improve its appearance

Ann won’t do a lick of work around the house.

〔吉他演奏的歌曲的〕小过门

用吉他演奏的蓝调风格小过门

to wash or clean something quickly and carelessly

马虎地清洗某物；随便打扫一下某物


lid

a cover for the open part of a pot, box, or other container

to control a situation very carefully, especially so that it does not cause problems

Kline keeps a very tight lid on his private life.

克兰把他的私生活隐藏得很严实。

to do something that finally stops something or ruins or ends someone’s plans or hopes

结束某事；使计划[希望]落空

让我们来粉碎这一切谣言吧。

to let people know the true facts about a bad or shocking situation

a documentary that takes the lid off the world of organized crime

揭开有组织犯罪真相的纪录片


lie

lie around
lie behind
lie down
lie in
lie up

[let sleeping dogs lie](bold) at → [sleep](->sleep) 1 sense 7

[past tense](italic) [lay](bold) /leɪ/ [past participle](italic) [lain](bold) /leɪn/ [present participle](italic) [lying](bold) [third person singular](italic) [lies](bold)

to be in a position in which your body is flat on the floor, on a bed etc

He was lying on the bed smoking a cigarette.

不要在日光下躺太长时间。

有几分钟时间他只是躺在那里。

to put yourself in a position in which your body is flat on the floor or on a bed

The papers were lying neatly on his desk.

文件整齐地摆放在他的桌上。

if a problem, an answer, blame etc lies somewhere, it is caused by, exists, or can be found in that thing, person, or situation

〔问题、答案、责任等〕存在，在于

[fault/blame/responsibility lies with sb](bold)

Part of the blame must lie with social services.

社会服务机构肯定也有一部分责任。

[the problem/answer etc lies with/in sth](bold)

The difficulty lies in providing sufficient evidence.

困难在于要提供足够的证据。

The strength of the book [lies in the fact that](bold) the material is from classroom experience.

这本书的优点是它取材于课堂经验。

[herein/therein lies the problem/dilemma etc](bold)

And herein lies the key to their achievements.

这是他们成功的关键所在。

if a town, village, etc lies in a particular place, it is in that place

该城镇坐落于一个林木茂盛的山谷中。

The Tasman Sea lies between Tasmania and Australia.

塔斯曼海位于塔斯马尼亚岛和澳大利亚之间。

if something lies ahead of you, lies in the future etc, it is going to happen to you in the future

How will we cope with the difficulties that lie ahead?

我们将如何应付以后的困难呢？

我的未来是一片茫然和空白。

I was wondering what [lay in store](bold) for us.

我在想，等待着我们的会是什么呢？

to be in a particular state or condition

该城镇现已成为一片废墟。

to be the most important part of something, especially the main cause of it

处在某事物的核心/是某事物的根基

the issue that lies at the heart of the present conflict

to remain hidden because someone is trying to find you or catch you

to wait and try not to be noticed by anyone

He decided to lie low for a while after the report came out.

报道出来以后他决定暂避风头。

to remain hidden in a place and wait for someone so that you can attack them

a giant crocodile lying in wait for its prey

一条潜伏着等待猎物的巨鳄

if something bad lies in wait for you, it is going to happen to you

lie (in) second/third/fourth etc (place)

to be in second, third etc position in a competition

〔在竞赛中〕名列第二/第三/第四等

Liverpool are lying third in the football championship.

利物浦队在足球锦标赛中名列第三。

if something lies heavy on you, it makes you feel unhappy

沉重地压在某人心头，使某人感到不安

内疚感沉重地压在他的心头。

if someone lies in a particular place, they are buried there

[Here lies](bold) Percival Smythe (=written on a gravestone).

珀西瓦尔·斯迈思长眠于此。

if an important person who has died lies in state, their body is put in a public place so that people can go and look at the body in order to show their respect for that person

〔重要人物的遗体〕停放于某处供瞻仰


lie

to deliberately tell someone something that is not true

to lie, especially about something that is not very important – used especially by children

to invent a story, explanation etc in order to deceive someone

I didn’t want to go so I made up an excuse and said I was busy.

He invented the tale to prevent his parents from finding out the truth.

to make someone believe something that is not true by giving them false or incomplete information

The government misled the public over the war.

to only tell someone part of the truth – often used when saying indirectly that someone is lying

He admitted that he had perhaps been economical with the truth.

Witnesses will be prosecuted if they commit perjury.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [lied](bold) [present participle](italic) [lying](bold) [third person singular](italic) [lies](bold)

I could tell from her face that she was lying.

我可以从她脸上看出她在说谎。

[lie through your teeth](bold)(=say something that is completely untrue)

if a picture, account etc lies, it does not show the true facts or the true situation

〔图片、叙述等〕造成假象，有欺骗性

统计数字往往会造成一种假象。


lie

[live a lie](bold) at → [live](->live) 1 sense 16

something you say or write that you know is untrue

Would you tell lies to protect a friend?

a lie that you tell to avoid upsetting someone

a lie, especially about something that is not very important – used especially by children

a statement that is not true, especially one that is intended to give people the wrong idea about someone or something

He described the allegations as malicious falsehoods.

a lie – used especially when you want to avoid saying the word [lie](bold)

Some workers go off and tell untruths about the organisations for which they are working.

a story or claim that someone has invented in order to deceive someone, or the act of doing this

The claim was described as a fabrication by the police prosecutor.

He dismissed the charges as pure fabrication.

the crime of writing lies that could make people have a bad opinion of someone, especially in a newspaper or magazine

the crime of speaking lies that could make people have a bad opinion of someone, or an untrue statement which does this

He’s threatening to sue them for slander.

a slander on the good name of the company

Linking his name to terrorism was a slander.

Of course the whole thing was a complete lie.

She didn't want to tell her mother an outright lie.

(=a small lie that you tell someone for good reasons, for example to avoid hurting their feelings)

We all have to tell white lies sometimes.

(=used when something is clearly a lie, especially when you feel annoyed)

That’s a downright lie. I never said any such thing!

(=one that is very unkind and very untrue)

He told the court that it was a vicious lie from beginning to end.

He felt sure Adams was not convinced by such blatant lies.

(=an obvious lie that is told with no sense of shame)

How can you stand there and tell me such a barefaced lie?

Her parents didn’t realise that it was all an elaborate lie.

The lawyer said it was a ‘big lie’ that Jones had not received the message.

Everything he had told me was a pack of lies.

something that you say or write that you know is untrue

I knew that soon she would hear the lies about me.

我知道她很快就会听说针对我的那些谎言。

This report gives the lie to the company’s claims.

这份报告表明公司的说法不属实。

the way that a situation is developing at a particular time

〔某一时期〕形势的发展，情况的变化

I’ll talk to him and get the lie of the land before we go over.

我会先和他谈谈，了解一下情况，然后我们再过去。

the way an area of land has been formed and the physical features it has

used when you realize that something you have just said is not correct

是25英镑，不对，说错了，是35英镑。


life

[as large as life](bold) at → [large](->large) 1 sense 7 → [change of life](->change of life) [for dear life](bold) at → [dear](->dear) 2 sense 6 → [double life](->double life) [high life](bold) at → [high](->high) 1 sense 22 [a new lease of life](bold) at → [lease](->lease) 1 sense 2 [quality of life](bold) at → [quality](->quality) 1 sense 5 [real life](bold) at → [real](->real) 1 sense 3 → [real-life](->real-life) [true to life](bold) at → [true](->true) 1 sense 9 → [walk of life](->walk of life)

The money you give will save the life of a child.

He risked his life to help Jews during the Second World War.

Hundreds of people lost their lives on the first day of the fighting.

All cultures consider it wrong to take a life for no reason.

He was depressed and decided to take his own life.

The disease claimed the lives of up to a quarter of the population.

That decision may have cost him his life.

(=die in order to save other people, or because of a strong belief)

These men gave their lives during the war to keep us free.

They wanted to capture the gunman without endangering the lives of his hostages.

(=not kill someone, when you could kill them)

She begged him to spare the life of her son.

(=be so ill or injured that you might die)

One badly burned man was fighting for his life in hospital.

(=try to stay alive, even though you are very ill or injured)

(=be still alive because of someone’s actions)

The victim said he owed his life to the stranger who helped him.

(=put yourself in a dangerous situation)

Just crossing this road is taking your life in your hands.

the period of time when someone is alive

你前面还有漫长的人生呢。

For the first time in my life I was happy.

我人生中第一次感到幸福。

I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life!

我这辈子从来没有这么尴尬过！

I’ve known John [all my life](bold)(=since I was born).

His main aim [in life](bold) was to have fun.

他人生的主要目标就是享乐。

It was one of the best days [of my life](bold).

那是我一生中最快乐的时光之一。

The accident scarred him [for life](bold)(=for the rest of his life).

这场事故给他留下了终生的创伤。

She knew she’d feel guilty [for the rest of](bold) her [life](bold).

她知道自己余生都会感到内疚。

Raj [spent](bold) his [life](bold) caring for others.

拉杰一辈子都在关爱他人。

Bonington spent his entire [adult life](bold) in France.

博宁顿成年后就一直在法国生活。

We don’t know much about the poet’s [early life](bold)(=when he was young).

我们对这位诗人的早年生活所知甚少。

Poor diet can lead to a whole range of diseases [in later life](bold)(=when you are older).

饮食不良会在晚年引发各种疾病。

She married [late in life](bold)(=when she was fairly old).

He’s a [life member](bold)(=continuing until he dies) of the club.

The right to life is the most basic of human rights.

Danny was a cheerful little boy who loved life.

丹尼是一个热爱生命的快乐小男孩。

Two firefighters risked their lives to save the children.

两名消防员冒着生命危险营救这些孩子。

the way you live your life, and what you do and experience during it

The operation should enable Bobby to lead a normal life.

这次手术应该能让博比过上正常的生活。

Having a baby [changes](bold) your [life](bold) completely.

有了孩子会彻底改变你的生活。

The family moved to Australia to [start a new life](bold).

这家人移居澳大利亚，开始新的生活。

Ken’s whole [life revolved around](bold) surfing (=that was the main interest and purpose of his life).

肯的全部生活都以冲浪为中心。

You shouldn’t let your boyfriend [rule your life](bold)(=control and affect everything you do).

你不应该让你的男朋友主宰你的生活。

My grandmother had [a hard life](bold)(=a life full of problems).

She’s led a very [sheltered life](bold)(=a life in which you have been protected from unpleasant things).

[a life of crime/poverty/misery etc](bold)

the experiences, activities, and ways of living that are typical of being in a particular job, situation, society etc

Why do so few women enter political life?

为什么涉足政坛的女性这么少？

Noise has become one of the main pollutants of modern city life.

噪声已成为现代城市生活的主要污染之一。

他怀念按部就班的军队生活。

the time in your life when you are doing a particular job, are in a particular situation etc

〔从事某一工作、处于某一状况时的〕生活经历

Now a celebrity chef, he rarely talks about his life as an army cook.

他现在是一位名厨，很少谈起他在部队里当炊事员的经历。

Sara admits to having affairs throughout her [married life](bold).

萨拉承认她婚后一直有外遇。

Most of his [working life](bold) was spent in the shipyards.

他的工作生涯中大部分时间是在船厂度过的。

the activities in your life relating to your friends, your family, sex etc

我的爱情生活不需要有人来指手画脚。

Children need a caring and happy home life.

儿童需要充满关爱、幸福的家庭生活。

human existence, considered as a variety of experiences and activities

My Aunt Julia had very little experience of life.

我姨妈朱莉娅的生活经验很少。

Life has a way of changing the best of plans.

即使最好的计划，也赶不上人生的变化。

For some people, religion gives life a meaning.

the frustrations and disappointments of everyday life

I try to see the funny [side of life](bold).

我尽量去发掘生活中有趣的一面。

the period of time during which something happens or exists

The issues will not be resolved during the life of the present parliament.

这些问题在本届议会任期内是得不到解决的。

这幢建筑物最初是一座修道院。

the period of time during which something is still good enough to use

使用寿命；有效期；保质期

What’s the average life of a passenger aircraft?

客机的平均使用寿命是多久？

Careful use can [extend the life](bold) of your washing machine.

小心使用可延长洗衣机的寿命。

the quality of being alive that people, animals, plants etc have and that objects and dead things do not have

Ben felt her neck for a pulse or any other [sign of life](bold).

本摸了摸她的脖子，看是不是还有脉搏或者其他生命迹象。

In the springtime, everything [comes to life](bold) again.

living things, such as people, animals, or plants

to be the most important thing or person to someone

是某人的(全部)生活；是某人的生命

used for emphasizing that a situation, decision etc is extremely urgent and important, especially because someone is at risk of dying

生死攸关(的)，决定生死(的)

Don’t call me unless it’s [a matter of life and death](bold).

如果不是什么生死大事就不要打电话给我。

A doctor’s job involves life and death situations.

医生的工作经常关乎生死。

a chance in a game, especially a computer game, in which you can be defeated or do something wrong and can still continue playing

命〔尤指计算机游戏中继续玩下去的机会〕

He’s up to level five and still has three lives left.

他打到了第五关，仍有三条命。

The house was quiet and there was no [sign of life](bold).

屋子里静悄悄的，一片死寂。

She was always so cheerful and [full of life](bold).

她总是那么乐观、充满生气。

a quality of being interesting or exciting

Try to [put some life](bold) into your writing.

The game really [came to life](bold) after a magnificent goal from Rooney.

鲁尼攻入漂亮的一球后，比赛变得精彩起来。

A gifted teacher can really [bring](bold) literature [to life](bold) for his or her students.

有才华的老师真的可以把文学教得生动有趣。

come to life/roar into life/splutter into life etc

汽车终于突突地发动了起来。

to make it difficult, easier etc to do something

使生活变得困难/较容易等

Surely computers are supposed to make life easier, not more complicated!

电脑当然是要方便生活，而不是让生活更复杂！

为什么要给自己的生活找麻烦呢？

someone who enjoys social occasions and is fun and exciting to be with

your life and physical health – used especially when this is threatened in some way

生命，生死安危〔尤用于生命受到某种威胁时〕

She [risks life and limb](bold) every day in her job as an undercover investigator.

她的工作是当密探，每天都要冒生命危险。

used to tell someone that you think they are boring and should find more exciting things to do

You guys should just stop moaning and get a life!

你们这些家伙就别抱怨了，找点有意思的事做吧！

used to say that something is disappointing but you have to accept it

生活就是这样，这就是生活〔用于表示某事令人失望，但必须接受〕

used to say that bad things happen in life

used when you are relaxing and doing something you enjoy

这样才是生活，生活就该这样〔用于放松并做自己喜欢的事时〕

Ah, this is the life! Lying on the beach, sipping cool drinks.

啊，这样才是生活！躺在沙滩上，喝着清凉的饮料。

the shock/surprise/game etc of sb’s life

the biggest shock or surprise, the best game etc that someone has ever had

某人平生最大的震惊/最大的意外/最出色的比赛等

I had the surprise of my life when I saw John standing there.

我看到约翰站在那里，真是天大的意外。

[have the time of your life](bold) at → [time](->time) 1 sense 41

used to ask someone if they are well, what they have been doing etc

你过得好吗？你生活得怎么样？

used to say that you must continue to live a normal life even when something sad or disappointing has happened

我们俩都想念他，可是生活还得继续呀。

if something has a life of its own, it seems to move or work by itself

The ball seemed to have acquired a life of its own.

那个球就像有了生命一样。

if something has a life of its own, it exists and develops without depending on other things

Slowly but surely, the project is [taking on a life of its own](bold).

这个项目正依靠自身力量缓慢但稳步地向前发展。

used to say that you cannot remember or understand something even when you try hard

我拼了命也不能，我怎么也不能〔用于不能记起或理解某事时〕

I couldn’t for the life of me remember his name.

我怎么也想不起他的名字。

used to say that you should not waste time doing something or worrying about something

人生苦短，生命太短暂〔用于表示不能浪费时间去做某事或为某事担心〕

忘了这事吧，生命太短暂了。

人生太短暂，没时间自怨自艾。

人生苦短，何必怀恨心头。

used as a reply to a question or suggestion to say that you definitely will not do something

决不〔用于回答问题或回应提议〕

‘Are you going to go and work for him then?’ ‘Not on your life!’

“那么你是要去替他工作喽？” “我才不干呢！”

the woman or man you are married to or are having a relationship with – used especially in advertisements

你生命中的女人/男人/女孩等〔尤用于广告〕

This is the ideal gift for the man in your life.

这是送给你生命中的男人最理想的礼物。

the punishment of being put in prison for the rest of your life

[be sentenced to/get/be given life](bold)

He was sentenced to life for the murder.

他因谋杀罪被判终身监禁。

我觉得应该判她无期徒刑。

→ [life sentence](->life sentence) → [lifer](->lifer)

when you paint, draw etc something you are looking at, especially a person or animal

She’s taking classes in [life drawing](bold).

Don’t do that! You scared the life out of me!

别那样做！你把我的魂都吓掉了！

used to say that although someone or something is old, they are still able to do something – used humorously

宝刀未老，老当益壮〔幽默用法〕

to have a very easy and comfortable life and not have to work hard

He spends all day lounging by the pool and living the life of Riley.

他整天就是懒洋洋地躺在游泳池旁，日子过得舒适安逸。

鲍斯韦尔所著的《约翰逊传》

(also: [the life to come](bold) [life after death](bold) )

the time after death, in which some people believe life continues in another form

She expects to meet her dead husband in the next life.

她期待着死后与亡夫相会。


lifelong

continuing or existing all through your life

She became a [lifelong friend](bold) of ours.

她成了我们一辈子的朋友。

David finally realized his [lifelong ambition](bold).

戴维终于实现了他毕生的抱负。


lifespan

the average length of time that someone will live or that something will continue to work

〔人的〕平均寿命；〔物的〕使用寿命

男性的平均寿命比女性短。

A TV set has an average lifespan of 11 years.

电视机的平均使用寿命为11年。


lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle includes taking exercise and not smoking.

An active lifestyle has many health benefits.

(=in which you sit down a lot and do not exercise much)

A sedentary lifestyle can cause certain health problems.

(=in which you buy or do expensive things)

How can he afford such a lavish lifestyle?

(=in which you have enough money to buy things you want)

He enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle in his retirement.

(=in which you do not have too many possessions or modern machines)

He admired the simple lifestyle of the islanders.

(=one that is different from most people's)

Is choosing to be green really an alternative lifestyle?

Many people these days have a busy lifestyle.

A stressful lifestyle may lead to a number of medical problems.

You can help prevent heart disease by changing your lifestyle.

You cannot maintain this lifestyle on your income.

You can change your eating habits and lead a healthier lifestyle.

I had enough money to live a lavish lifestyle.

There are many ways in which we can save energy without making dramatic lifestyle changes.

We can significantly reduce our risks of getting certain diseases through lifestyle choices.

the way a person or group of people live, including the place they live in, the things they own, the kind of job they do, and the activities they enjoy

Regular exercise is part of a [healthy lifestyle](bold).

经常锻炼身体是健康生活方式的一部分。

They lead an extremely lavish lifestyle.


lifetime

the period of time during which someone is alive or something exists

During her lifetime she had witnessed two world wars.

她一生亲历了两次世界大战。

It’s the sort of opportunity you see only [once in a lifetime](bold).

这种机会你一辈子也只能碰到一次。

the best opportunity, experience etc that you will ever have

千载难逢[终生难得]的机会/经历等

‘Would you go out with him after he dropped you?’ ‘Not in this lifetime.’

“他甩了你之后你还会和他约会吗？” “这辈子是不会了。”


lift

to move something or someone upwards to a higher position, especially something heavy, either by using your hands or a machine

You shouldn’t lift anything heavy if you have a bad back.

She lifted the lid from a huge pot and took a sniff.

They lifted me onto a stretcher and took me to the ambulance.

They used a crane to lift the carriages back onto the rails.

The massive bull lifted him bodily into the air and shook him repeatedly.

to lift something to a higher position for a short time before lowering it again. [Raise](bold) is more formal than [lift](bold)

The bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass under it.

‘Cheers, everyone!’ said Larry, raising his glass.

to lift something up from the ground, from a table etc, especially something small or light

She picked up her bag and left the room.

Why don’t you just pick up the phone and call him?

Maurin picked up the gun and put it in his pocket.

The lioness picked her cub up by its neck.

There are papers all over the floor – could you pick them up and put them away?

The little girl’s mother laughed and bent down to pick her up.

The vacuum cleaner won’t pick this stuff up.

to lift someone or something quickly from the ground, from a table etc, using your hand or arm

She bent down and scooped up the little dog.

to lift up something which is heavy and difficult to carry

Joe picked up the sack and hoisted it onto the truck.

The crowd hoisted him onto their shoulders and carried him triumphantly down the main street.

to lift something to a higher position and keep it there

The doctor advised me to rest and elevate my ankle.

to lift your arm into the air, for example because you want to speak in a class or when voting

Put your hand up if you know the answer.

to move something or someone upwards into the air

Sophie lifted the phone before the second ring.

铃响了一下索菲就拿起了电话。

The lumber was lifted by crane and dropped into the truck.

木材由起重机吊起后放入卡车。

驾驶员被人从汽车残骸中抬了出来。

to move part of your body up to a higher position

She lifted her hand to knock on the door once again.

Pam lifted her shoulders in a little shrug.

[lift your head/eyes](bold)(=move your head or eyes up so that you can look at something)

He heard a scream and the hairs on the back of his neck began to lift.

他听到一声尖叫，吓得脖子后面寒毛直竖。

to remove a rule or a law that says that something is not allowed

解除〔某项规定或法规〕，撤销〔限制〕

[lift a restriction/an embargo/sanctions etc](bold)

The government plans to lift its ban on cigar imports.

to take people or things to or from a place by aircraft

More troops are being lifted into the area as the fighting spreads.

随着战火的蔓延，越来越多的部队被空运到这个地区。

He never lifted a finger to help me with the kids.

他从来都不帮我照顾一下孩子。

to make someone feel more cheerful and hopeful

使某人开心起来，使某人振奋

if feelings of sadness lift, they disappear

Jan’s depression seemed to be lifting at last.

简的沮丧情绪看来终于要烟消云散了。

to take words, ideas etc from someone else’s work and use them in your work, without stating where they came from and as if they were your own words etc

The words were lifted from an article in a medical journal.

这段文字是从某医学杂志上的一篇文章中抄来的。

They had lifted dozens of CDs from the store.

他们从商店里偷来许多激光唱片。

if you lift your voice, you speak, shout, or sing more loudly

增加，提高〔价格、利润等〕

The U.S. may use tax cuts to lift the economy.

美国可能会用减税的方法来提振经济。

to dig up vegetables that grow under the ground


lift

→ [chairlift](->chairlift) → [ski lift](->ski lift)

a machine that you can ride in, that moves up and down between the floors in a tall building

They [took the lift](bold) down to the bar.

他们乘电梯去楼下的酒吧。

It’s on the 3rd floor. Let’s [use the lift](bold).

在三楼，我们乘电梯上去吧。

if you give someone a lift, you take them somewhere in your car

John [gave](bold) me [a lift](bold) home.

He very kindly [offered](bold) me [a lift](bold).

他很好心，让我搭他的车。

to make someone feel more cheerful and more hopeful

让某人振奋起来，使某人提起精神

The new park has given everyone in the neighbourhood a lift.

新公园让附近的每一个人都很开心。

to make something such as a business, the economy etc operate better

The Bank of England’s announcement gave the stock market a lift today.

今天英格兰银行的公告提振了股市。

a movement in which something is lifted or raised up

She does sit-ups and leg lifts every morning.

她每天早上做仰卧起坐和抬腿练习。

the pressure of air that keeps something such as an aircraft up in the air or lifts it higher

〔空气的〕升力，浮力，提升力


light

[hide your light under a bushel](bold) at → [bushel](->bushel) → [red-light district](->red-light district) [be all sweetness and light](bold) at → [sweetness](->sweetness) sense 3 [in the cold light of day](bold) at → [cold](->cold) 1 sense 9

something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see

an object that produces light by using electricity, oil, or gas – often used in names of lights

a lamp that you can carry, consisting of a metal container with glass sides that surrounds a flame or light

The miners used lanterns which were lit by candles.

a small electric lamp that you carry in your hand

a stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give light

the glass part of an electric light, that the light shines from

one of the two large lights at the front of a vehicle

It was getting dark so she switched the headlights on.

one of the two small lights next to the main lights, at the front and back of a car

one of the two red lights at the back of a vehicle

one of the lights on a car that flash to show which way the car is turning

The light was so bright he had to shut his eyes.

The white buildings reflected a blinding light.

Gradually her eyes became accustomed to the dim light.

Stand over here where the light is good.

(=light that seems slightly yellow or orange)

The flowers glowed brightly in the morning light.

The only natural light came from two high windows.

The office was windowless, lit only by artificial light.

The light from the streetlamp shone through the curtains.

The light from the screen illuminated the people gathered round it.

(=it is getting darker as the sun is going down)

the gold circle of light cast by the lamp

(=something has a lot of light shining on it)

The fields and woods were bathed in golden light.

There was a shaft of light from the doorway.

(=a bright light that appears suddenly for a very short time)

They stood in the pool of light cast by the streetlamp.

the energy from the Sun, a flame, a lamp etc that allows you to see things

Everything looked grey in the dim light of the oil lamp.

在昏暗的油灯下，所有的东西看上去都是灰蒙蒙的。

那人向前走到光亮的地方。

a particular type of light, with its own particular colour, level of brightness etc

〔有某种光色、亮度等的〕光

The colours look different in different lights.

这些颜色在不同光线下看上去不同。

Ahead of us we could see the lights of the city.

前方，我们能看到城市的灯光。

We’re having a mixture of wall lights and ceiling lights in different parts of the house.

我们会在房子的不同地方安装壁灯和顶灯。

Don’t forget to switch the lights off when you go out.

The street lights were just beginning to come on.

他让厨房里的一盏灯亮着。

Make sure all the lights are off when you leave.

你走的时候一定要把所有的灯都关了。

Suddenly all the [lights](bold) in the house [went out](bold).

忽然屋里所有的灯都熄灭了。

Can you [turn the light down](bold)(=make it less bright) a bit?

[the bright lights](bold) at → [bright](->bright) sense 14

something such as a lamp that you can carry to give you light

one of a set of red, green, and yellow lights used for controlling traffic

The driver had failed to stop at a red light.

红灯亮时司机没有把车停下。

one of the lights on a car, bicycle etc that help you to see at night

〔汽车、自行车等的〕车灯

He was dazzled by the lights of oncoming traffic.

他被迎面车辆的灯光照得睁不开眼睛。

→ [brake light](->brake light) → [headlight](->headlight) → [parking light](->parking light)

the time when light first appears in the morning sky

第二天天刚亮我们就出发了。

to prevent someone from getting all the light they need to see or do something

Could you move to the left a little – you’re standing in my light.

你能往左边移一移吗——你挡住了我的光线。

a match or something else to light a cigarette

an expression in someone’s eyes that shows an emotion or intention

There was a murderous light in his eyes.

The candle fell over and set light to the barn.

if new information comes to light, it becomes known

〔新信息〕为人所知，被披露出来

This evidence did not come to light until after the trial.

庭审结束以后这个证据才被披露出来。

The mistake was only brought to light some years later.

这个错误数年之后才浮现出来。

to provide new information that makes a difficult subject or problem easier to understand

〔提供新资料〕使某事物更容易理解

Melanie was able to shed some light on the situation.

梅拉妮能对情况作进一步解释。

These discoveries may throw new light on the origins of the universe.

这些发现也许可以让人们更进一步了解宇宙的起源。

if you do or decide something in the light of something else, you do it after considering that thing

考虑到某事物，根据[鉴于]某事物

In light of this tragic event, we have canceled the 4th of July celebrations.

因为这场悲剧，我们取消了7月4日的庆祝活动。

if someone or something is seen or shown in a particular light, people can see that particular part of their character

从新的/不同的/坏的等角度看

I suddenly saw my father in a new light.

我突然对父亲有了新的看法。

This incident will put the company in a very bad light.

这事件将使公司形象大为折损。

to begin to believe in a religion very strongly

if an object sees the light of day, it is taken from the place where it has been hidden, and becomes publicly known

Some of these documents will probably never see the light of day.

这些文件中有一部分也许永远也不会公开。

if a law, decision etc sees the light of day, it comes into existence for the first time

〔法律、决定等〕出台，颁布

something that gives you hope for the future after a long and difficult period

黑暗尽头的光明〔指经历长期磨难后终于看到希望〕

It’s been a hard few months, but we’re finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

这几个月很艰难，但是我们终于得见曙光了。

to be successful and famous in theatre or films

to go to sleep very quickly because you are very tired

I went straight to bed and went out like a light.

我直接上了床，倒头就睡着了。

someone who is important in a particular organization

某组织中的权威人士[重要人物]

She’s one of the leading lights of the local dramatic society.

她是当地戏剧协会的权威人士。

the person that someone loves more than anyone else

某人最心爱的人，某人的心肝宝贝

a window in a roof or wall that allows light into a room


light

[lightness](bold) n. <U> eg: a lightness of touch

[comparative](italic) [lighter](bold) [superlative](italic) [lightest](bold)

她有一双蓝眼睛和一头浅棕色的头发。

I wanted a lighter yellow paint for the walls.

我想要一种颜色更浅的黄色墙面涂料。

if it is light, there is the natural light of day

We’ll keep on looking while it’s still light.

It was seven o'clock and just starting to [get light](bold).

那是早上7点钟，天刚蒙蒙亮。

a room that is light has plenty of light in it, especially from the sun

明亮的，采光好的〔尤指阳光充足〕

The office was a big light room at the back of the house.

办公室在房子后部，是一个明亮的大房间。

You can carry this bag – it’s fairly light.

你可以拿这个袋子——它很轻。

You should wear light, comfortable shoes.

你应该穿轻便舒适的鞋子。

The truck was quite light and easy to drive.

这辆卡车很轻，容易驾驶。

She was [as light as a feather](bold)(=very light) to carry.

→ [lighten](->lighten) → [lightweight](->lightweight) 2

if something is light, there is not very much of it or it is not very great

早上8点钟以前交通流量小一些。

people who have suffered only light exposure to radiation

light clothes are thin and not very warm

She took a light sweater in case the evening was cool.

她带了一件薄毛衣，以防夜晚天气变凉。

a light wind is blowing without much force

Leaves were blowing about in the light wind.

他感到有人在他肩上轻轻地拍了一下。

我给他找了点轻松的工作干。

She only has a few light duties around the house.

她只做一点轻松的家务活。

The doctor has advised me to take regular light exercise.

医生建议我经常做一些轻松的运动。

food or drink that is light either does not have a strong taste or does not make you feel full very quickly, for example because it does not contain very much fat, sugar, or alcohol

清淡的；不腻的；易消化的；〔酒〕低度的

We had a light white wine with the fish.

我们配着鱼喝了点低度白葡萄酒。

a new light cheese spread with virtually no fat

一种几乎不含脂肪的新品种清淡奶酪酱

我在镇上简单地吃了顿午饭。

food that is light contains a lot of air

Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.

把混合物搅打到松软为止。

someone who does not smoke etc very much

抽烟/饮酒/食量等少的人

someone who wakes up easily if there is any noise etc

not serious in meaning, style, or manner, and only intended to entertain people

〔意义、风格或方式〕不严肃的，供消遣的，轻松的

His speech gradually became lighter in tone.

他说话的口气慢慢轻松起来。

It’s a really good book if you want a bit of [light reading](bold).

如果你想来点轻松的阅读，这本书很合适。

The show looks at some of the lighter moments from the world of politics.

该节目关注政界的一些轻松时刻。

something that is pleasant and amusing after something sad or serious

〔悲伤或严肃的事情后的〕轻松的调剂

I’m glad you’ve arrived – we could all do with a little light relief!

我很高兴你到了——我们都需要略微放松放松呢！

to joke about something or treat it as not being very serious, especially when it is important

不把某事当一回事，轻松对待某事，〔尤指〕拿重要的事开玩笑

She tried to make light of the situation, but I could tell that she was worried.

她尽量装出一副轻松的样子，但是我看得出她对这局面很担心。

used when you are going to say something less sad or serious

On a lighter note, the concert raised over £300 for school funds.

说点轻松的话题吧，这场音乐会为学校基金募集了300多英镑。

to do something or deal with something quickly and easily

A freezer and microwave oven can make light work of cooking.

冰箱和微波炉可以让烹饪变得更加便捷。

to be able to move quickly and gracefully

someone who has a light heart feels happy and not worried

轻松愉快的心情，无忧无虑

我怀着轻松愉快的心情出发去上班了。

light soil is easy to break into small pieces

胡萝卜在松软的土壤里生长良好。


light

[past tense and past participle](italic) [lit](bold) or [past tense and past participle](italic) [lighted](bold)

to start to burn, or to make something start to burn

The room was lit by one large, central light.

房间由中央的一盏大灯照亮。

The porch is always [well lit](bold) at night.

夜里，门廊的灯总是照得通亮。

The kitchen was warm and [brightly lit](bold).

厨房里暖融融的，灯光明亮。

[Light](bold)  is usually passive in this meaning.

to provide light for someone while they are going somewhere

用灯照路/拿灯给某人引路

We had only a few torches between us to light the way.

我们大家只有几个手电筒照路。


light

[travel light](bold) at → [travel](->travel) 1 sense 1