lack

I was amazed by his almost total lack of interest in music.

There is a relative lack of research into this medical condition.

a distinct/marked/conspicuous lack of sth

She looked at him with a marked lack of enthusiasm.

Adam's apparent lack of concern angered his brother.

There is no lack of information on the subject.

when there is not enough of something, or none of it

new parents suffering from lack of sleep

缺少睡眠的新爸爸新妈妈们

Too many teachers are treated with a lack of respect.

comments based on a [total lack of](bold) information

Does their [apparent lack of](bold) progress mean they are not doing their job properly?

他们看来没有什么进展，是不是说明他们没有做好本职工作？

tours that are cancelled [for lack of](bold) bookings

因预订人数不够而取消的旅游

There was [no lack of](bold) willing helpers.

主动提出帮助的不乏其人。

health problems linked to poor diet and a [relative lack of](bold) exercise

与不良饮食和运动相对缺乏相关的健康问题


lack

to not have something that you need, or not have enough of it

Alex’s real problem is that he lacks confidence.

亚历克斯的真正问题是缺乏信心。

→ Do not use ‘in’ or ‘of’ after the verb [lack](bold)[We lack ideas (NOT We lack in/of ideas).](italic) However, you can use these prepositions after [be lacking in](bold) and [a lack](bold)[We are lacking in ideas.](italic)[There is a lack of ideas.](italic)


lacking

not having enough of something or any of it

She seems to be entirely lacking in intelligence.

The new designs have all been [found lacking](bold) in some important way.

这些新设计好像都少了点重要的东西。

if something that you need or want is lacking, it does not exist

Financial backing for the project is still lacking.

这个项目仍然缺少资金支持。

These qualities are [sadly lacking](bold) today.

悲哀的是，这些品质如今已经丧失殆尽。


lad

我年轻的时候，情况可不大相同。

a group of male friends that a man works with or spends his free time with

[one of the lads](bold)(=a member of your group of friends)

a man that people like even though he behaves rather badly

〔讨人喜欢的〕放荡不羁的人

那个克里斯是个花花公子，对不对？

the way in which some young men behave, involving typically male activities such as drinking a lot of alcohol, driving fast cars, and watching football – used to show disapproval

浪荡子文化〔指某些青年男子酗酒、飙车、看足球赛等的行为；含贬义〕


ladder

He climbed the ladder up to the diving platform.

Dickson came up the ladder from the engine room.

He closed the hatch and descended the ladder.

One of the builders fell off a ladder and broke his leg.

The first rung of the ladder was broken.

The can of paint was balanced on one of the steps of the ladder.

Zach waited at the foot of the ladder while Sam climbed up.

She sighed with relief when she reached the bottom of the ladder.

a piece of equipment used for climbing up to or down from high places. A ladder has two bars that are connected by rungsshort bars that you use as steps

She [climbed up](bold) the [ladder](bold).

He hurt himself [falling off](bold) a [ladder](bold).

他从梯子上摔下来受了伤。

→ [Snakes and Ladders](->Snakes and Ladders) → [rope ladder](->rope ladder) → [stepladder](->stepladder)

a series of levels which someone moves up and down within an organization, profession, or society

〔在机构、专业或社会中晋升的〕阶梯，途径

Stevens slowly worked his way up the corporate ladder.

史蒂文斯慢慢地在公司晋升的阶梯上往上爬。

Becoming a doctor would be a step up the [social ladder](bold).

成为医生就是在社会阶梯上向上攀升了一级。

a long thin hole in stockings or tights where some stitches have broken

Yes, I know I’ve got a ladder in my tights.

是的，我知道我的紧身裤袜抽丝了。


ladder

if stockings or tights ladder, or if you ladder them, a long thin hole is made in them because some stitches have broken


lady

→ [bag lady](->bag lady) [cleaning lady](bold) at → [cleaning](->cleaning) → [first lady](->first lady) [leading lady](bold) at → [leading](->leading) 1 → [lollipop lady](->lollipop lady) → [old lady](->old lady) [young lady](bold) at → [young](->young) 1 sense 3

[Lady](bold)  often sounds old-fashioned, especially when it is used about younger women. In everyday English, people usually say [woman](bold) :

His cousin is a 26-year-old woman who works in a kindergarten.

〔某一类型或年龄的〕女士，女子

a word meaning woman, used especially to describe women’s sports or products made for women

女子，女性〔尤用于指女子体育项目或女性使用的产品〕

a word meaning woman, used in order to be polite

The young lady at reception sent me up here.

把你的外衣交给那边的女士吧。

[lady doctor/lawyer etc](bold)(=a doctor, lawyer etc who is a woman. Some women think this use is offensive)

a woman who is polite and behaves very well

used as the title of the wife or daughter of a British nobleman or the wife of a knight

太太，夫人，小姐〔英国贵族女眷或爵士妻子的头衔〕

a word meaning women, often used humorously

His boyish good looks made him a favourite with the ladies.

他那小男孩般的俊俏容貌很讨女士们欢心。

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?

女士们、先生们，请大家注意！

a woman, especially one with a strong character – used to show approval

女人〔尤指个性强的女人；含褒义〕

She can be a tough lady to negotiate with.

谈判时她会是一个很厉害的女人。

a woman that a man is having a romantic relationship with – often used humorously

女朋友，女友〔常为幽默用法〕

我看见克里斯和新女友在一起。

a woman who does not work and has a lot of free time – used humorously

休闲夫人〔指不上班、有大量闲暇时间的女子；幽默用法〕

So you’re a lady of leisure now that the kids are at school?

孩子们都上学去了，现在你成休闲夫人啦？

used when talking directly to a woman you do not know, when you are angry with her

女士，小姐〔对不认识的女子生气时用的称呼〕

Hey, lady, would you mind getting out of my way?

嘿，小姐，你让一让道行吗？

Addressing a woman directly as [lady](bold)  sounds rude. In polite American English, people use [Miss](bold)  or [Ma'am](bold)  instead: Can I help you, [Miss](bold)?

an expression used to mean Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ

圣母〔指耶稣基督的母亲马利亚〕

the most important woman in a house, usually the mother of a family

a woman born into a high social class in Britain

〔英国的〕贵妇人，贵族小姐

I could see the Queen, surrounded by her lords and ladies.

我看到了女王，身边簇拥着王公贵族和上流社会的贵妇。


lag

[past tense and past participle](italic) [lagged](bold) [present participle](italic) [lagging](bold)

to move or develop more slowly than others

She stopped to wait for Ian who was lagging behind.

她停下来等落在后面的伊恩。

Britain is lagging behind the rest of Europe.

英国被欧洲其他国家落在了后面。

to cover water pipes etc with a special material to prevent the water inside them from freezing or the heat from being lost

给〔水管等〕加上防冻[保温]层

我们已给热水箱加上了保温外罩。


lag

→ [jet lag](->jet lag) → [old lag](->old lag)

a delay or period of waiting between one event and a second event

〔两个事件之间的〕时间间隔，相隔的时间


lake

You use [in the lake](bold)  to talk about things that happen in the water: You can swim in the lake. Are there any fish in the lake?

You use [on the lake](bold)  to talk about things that happen on the surface of a lake or are very close to the edge of a lake: We go sailing on the lake. They have a cottage on the lake.

You use [at the lake](bold)  when thinking of a lake as a place where you can go: We spend summers at the lake. There’s a café at the lake.

a large area of water surrounded by land

an area of water that is separated from the sea by rocks, sand, or

in Scotland, a lake or an area of sea water that is almost completely surrounded by land

a lake, especially an artificial one, where water is stored before it is supplied to people’s houses

The reservoirs supply water to Greater Manchester.

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

There were several ducks on the village pond.

a small area of still water in a hollow place

a pool of water near the summit of the mountain

a rockpoola pool in some rocks near the sea

a very small area of water on the ground, especially after it has been raining

She turned quickly to avoid stepping in a puddle.

a small area of water in a dry country, where wild animals go to drink

a very large amount of wine, milk etc that has been produced but is not needed or used

葡萄酒池/牛奶池等〔指生产过量的葡萄酒、牛奶等〕


lamb

[mutton dressed as lamb](bold) at → [mutton](->mutton) sense 2

used to talk to or talk about someone who is gentle and lovable, especially a child

温柔可爱的人，乖乖〔尤指小孩〕

本正在睡觉，像可爱的小羔羊。

used when someone is going to do something dangerous, but they do not realize it or have no choice

像待宰的羔羊〔指面临危险而未觉察或别无选择者〕

Suzie went off to school like a lamb today.

苏齐今天乖乖地去上学了。


lamb

[lambing](bold) n. <U> eg: the [lambing season](bold)


lamp

→ [sunlamp](->sunlamp) → [blowlamp](->blowlamp)

He switched off the lamp beside the bed.

Elizabeth lit the lamps and started rebuilding the fire.

He read by the light of the bedside lamp.

The large room was lit by a paraffin lamp on a table.

(=a lamp with a strong glass cover, which protects the light from the wind)

an object that produces light by using electricity, oil, or gas

→ [fog lamp](->fog lamp) → [headlamp](->headlamp) → [hurricane lamp](->hurricane lamp) → [safety lamp](->safety lamp) → [standard lamp](->standard lamp)

a piece of electrical equipment used to provide a special kind of heat, especially as a medical treatment

〔尤指治疗用的〕发热灯；照射器


land

[be/live in cloud-cuckoo-land](bold) at → [cloud](->cloud) 1 sense 7 → [dry land](->dry land) → [dreamland](->dreamland) → [fairyland](->fairyland) [the lie of the land](bold) at → [lie](->lie) 3 sense 3 → [never-never land](->never-never land) → [Promised Land](->Promised Land) → [wasteland](->wasteland) → [wonderland](->wonderland)

an area that is owned by someone or that can be used for farming or building houses

They moved to the country and bought some land.

The area is one of gently rolling hills and farmland.

land that belongs to a country or that is controlled by a country during a war

His plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Chinese territory.

The army was advancing into enemy territory.

the gardens and land around a big building such as a castle, school, or hospital

The grounds of the castle are open to visitors every weekend.

a large area of land in the country, usually with one large house on it and one owner

The film is set on an English country estate.

The family owned hundreds of acres of land.

He built a house on a piece of land near the river.

They owned the strip of land between the forest and the sea.

Cattle ranching requires large tracts of land.

The land near the river is very fertile.

It is poor land that should never have been farmed.

The houses could be built on derelict land.

In the middle of the city are several hundred acres of open land.

The factory is causing severe pollution to nearby agricultural land.

Some pastures were converted into arable land.

(=land where factories can be built and industry take place)

The canal basin area is designated as industrial land.

The shortage of housing land is a problem in the south-east.

an area of ground, especially when used for farming or building

土地〔尤指耕作或建筑用地〕

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

→ [dockland](->dockland) → [farmland](->farmland)

the solid dry part of the Earth’s surface

经过21天的海上航行，我们见到了陆地。

Troops began an assault on the city by land and sea.

军队开始由海陆两路攻击这座城市。

The white stork is one of the biggest land birds of the region.

白鹳是该地区最大的陆栖鸟类之一。

Their journey took them to many [foreign lands](bold).

他们在旅程中走过了许多异国的土地。

[native land](bold)(=the land where you were born)

Australia represented a real [land of opportunity](bold) for thousands of people.

对很多人来说，澳大利亚是一个充满机遇的国度。

the countryside thought of as a place where people grow food

[live off the land](bold)(=grow or catch all the food you need)

A third of the region’s population still lives off the land.

该地区三分之一的人口依旧靠土地生活。

Many people were forced to give up working the land.

〔某人拥有的〕地皮，地产

他命令我们离开他的土地。

to try to discover what the situation really is before you make a decision

〔作出决定前〕了解情况，摸清形势

an imaginary place where life is easy and pleasant

〔虚构的〕乳蜜之乡，富饶的乐土


land

[Land](bold)  belongs to a group of verbs where the same noun can be the subject of the verb or its object.

You can say: He landed the plane in a field.  In this sentence, ‘the plane’ is the object of [land](bold) .

You can say: The plane landed in a field.  In this sentence, ‘the plane’ is the subject of [land](bold) .

if a plane, bird, or insect lands, it moves safely down onto the ground

846次航班五分钟之前降落了。

The bird landed gracefully on the water.

鸟儿优美地飞落到水面上。

to make a plane move safely down onto the ground at the end of a journey

The pilot managed to land the aircraft safely.

飞行员设法令飞机安全降落。

to arrive somewhere in a plane, boat etc

〔乘飞机、船等〕着陆；登陆；到达

We expect to be landing in Oslo in about fifty minutes.

我们预计约50分钟后在奥斯陆降落。

In 1969, the first men landed on the Moon.

1969年，人类首次登上月球。

to come down through the air onto something

A large branch landed on the hood of my car.

一根巨大的树枝掉落到我汽车的引擎盖上。

Louis fell out of the tree and landed in a holly bush.

路易斯从树上掉下来，落到了冬青树丛中。

She fell and [landed heavily](bold) on the floor.

她掉下来，重重地摔在地上。

A couple of bombs landed quite near to the village.

几颗炸弹落在离村子很近的地方。

if a boat or aircraft lands people or goods, it brings them to a place, and the people get out or the goods are carried out

〔从船或飞机上〕卸下〔货物〕；使〔乘客〕下船[飞机]

to succeed in getting a job, contract etc that was difficult to get

谋得〔难得的工作、合约等〕

他在律师事务所谋得一份工作。

Bill’s just landed himself a part in a Broadway show.

比尔刚刚在百老汇的一场演出中谋到一个角色。

to cause someone to have serious problems or be in a difficult situation

使某人陷入困境/得病住院/卷入官司等

Connie’s going to land herself in big trouble if she keeps arriving late for work.

康妮要是上班老迟到，就会给自己惹出大麻烦。

She developed pneumonia which landed her in hospital.

她患上肺炎，住进了医院。

to get someone into trouble by telling other people that they did something wrong

〔告诉他人某人做错某事而〕使某人陷入麻烦

Geoff landed me in it by saying I should have checked that the door was locked.

杰夫跟别人说我本该检查一下门是否锁好，这给我惹来了麻烦。

to arrive unexpectedly, and cause problems

〔出乎意料地〕到达，来临〔从而引发问题〕

Just when I thought my problems were over, this letter landed on my desk.

就在我认为所有问题都已解决时，这封信送到了我的桌上。

to get into a good situation again, after having problems

She certainly landed on her feet when she got that job.

得到了那份工作，她自然是时来运转。


landing

the action of bringing an aircraft down to the ground after being in the air

[crash/emergency landing](bold)(=a sudden landing caused by a problem with the engine etc)

the floor at the top of a set of stairs or between two sets of stairs

the action of bringing soldiers onto land that is controlled by the enemy

the first landings of American Marines at Da Nang

美国海军陆战队在岘港的首次登陆


landlord

a man who rents a room, building, or piece of land to someone


landmark

The Eiffel Tower is probably the most famous landmark in Paris.

Rome is crammed with historic landmarks such as the Colosseum.

The castle sits on a hill above the town and is a prominent landmark.

It was so dark we could not see any familiar landmarks.

This oddly shaped rock is a well-known local landmark.

From Parliament Hill, you can see most of London's major landmarks.

something that is easy to recognize, such as a tall tree or building, and that helps you know where you are

One of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, the Grosvenor Hall, has been demolished.

贝尔法斯特最著名的地标之一格罗夫纳礼堂已被拆毁了。

one of the most important events, changes, or discoveries that influences someone or something

The discovery of penicillin was a landmark in the history of medicine.

青霉素的发现是医药史上的里程碑。

The Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in January 2001.

2001年1月，最高法院作出了一项具有重大意义的裁决。


landowner

[landowning](bold) adj. eg: Britain’s landowning aristocracy

someone who owns land, especially a large amount of it


landscape

[a blot on the landscape](bold) at → [blot](->blot) 2 sense 2

an area of countryside or land of a particular type, used especially when talking about its appearance

〔陆上的〕风景，景致，景色

a picture showing an area of countryside or land

the general situation in which a particular activity takes place

Recent electoral shocks have shaken the European political landscape.

最近的选举风波动摇了欧洲政坛格局。

a way of printing a document in which the long sides are horizontal and the short sides are vertical


landscape

to make a park, garden etc look attractive and interesting by changing its design, and by planting trees and bushes etc

给 …作景观美化，给 …作园林美化

The area around the mill pond has also been landscaped.

磨坊水池周围也作了景观美化。

[Lanscape](bold)  is often used in the passive.


lane

[life in the fast lane](bold) at → [fast lane](->fast lane) sense 1 [walk/trip down memory lane](bold) at → [memory](->memory) sense 7

a road in a city, often used in road names

a network of alleys and [back lanes](bold)(=narrow unimportant roads, often behind a row of houses)

one of the two or three parallel areas on a road which are divided by painted lines to keep traffic apart

That idiot [changed lanes](bold) without signalling.

Use the outside lane for overtaking only.

Cars in the fast lane were travelling at over 80 miles an hour.

快车道上的汽车时速超过80英里。

→ [bus lane](->bus lane) → [cycle lane](->cycle lane)

one of the narrow parallel areas marked for each competitor in a running or swimming race

a line or course along which ships or aircraft regularly travel between ports or airports

〔船或航空器的〕航道，航线


language

→ [body language](->body language) → [sign language](->sign language) [speak the same language](bold) at → [speak](->speak) sense 11

a form of a language that is spoken in one area of a country, with different words, grammar, or pronunciation from other areas

Cantonese is only one of many Chinese dialects.

the way that someone pronounces words, because of where they were born or live, or their social class

very informal spoken language, used especially by people who belong to a particular group, for example young people or criminals

the technical words or expressions that are used in a particular subject

Patients are often unfamiliar with medical terminology.

words and phrases used in a particular profession or subject and which are difficult for other people to understand

The instructions were written in complicated technical jargon.

‘Outsourcing’ is business jargon for sending work to people outside a company to do.

a way of describing something by referring to it as something different and suggesting that it has similar qualities to that thing

The beehive is a metaphor for human society.

an expression that describes something by comparing it with something else, using the words [as](bold) or [like](bold), for example ‘as white as snow’

The poet uses the simile ‘soft like clay’.

the use of words that are the opposite of what you really mean, often in order to be amusing

‘I’m so happy to hear that,’ he said, with more than a trace of irony in his voice.

a sudden change from a subject that is beautiful, moral, or serious to something that is ordinary, silly, or not important

The play is too sentimental and full of bathos.

a way of describing something by saying that it is much bigger, smaller, worse etc than it actually is – used especially to excite people’s feelings

In his speeches, he used a lot of hyperbole.

the use of several words together that all begin with the same sound, in order to make a special effect, especially in poetry

the alliteration of the ‘s’ sound in ‘sweet birds sang softly’

the use of words to describe ideas or actions in a way that makes the reader connect the ideas with pictures in their mind

the use of water imagery in Fitzgerald’s novel ‘The Great Gatsby’

She uses the imagery of a bird’s song to represent eternal hope.

a question that you ask as a way of making a statement, without expecting an answer

When he said ‘how can these attitudes still exist in a civilized society?’, he was asking a rhetorical question.

The children use their native language at home.

Immigrants are expected to learn the language of their new country.

She had had a long struggle to master the Russian language.

He had lived in Japan, but did not know the language.

He found learning a foreign language extremely difficult.

the English/Japanese/Spanish etc language

She had some knowledge of the Spanish language.

(=the language someone first learned as a child)

(=a language you speak that is not your first language)

Most of the students learned English as their second language.

The school has a good modern languages department.

She didn’t see the point of learning a dead language.

(=the language used for official business in a country)

Canada has two official languages: English and French.

(=a language that more than one person or group speaks, so that they can understand each other)

Most of the countries of South America share a common language: Spanish.

(=the problem of communicating with someone when you do not speak the same language)

Because of the language barrier, it was hard for doctors to give good advice to patients.

Language learners often have problems with tenses.

recent developments in language teaching

(=someone’s ability to speak a language)

Does he have a good command of the language?

a system of communication by written or spoken words, which is used by the people of a particular country or area

〔某国家或地区的〕语言，语言文字

one of the best-known poems in the English language

the use of written or spoken words to communicate

〔特定风格或类型的〕用语；术语

The letter was written in complicated legal language.

这封信是用复杂的法律术语写的。

The expression is mainly used in written language.

这个短语主要用在书面语中。

He is able to explain complicated ideas in simple everyday language.

他能够用简单的日常语言解释复杂的观点。

The plays are full of old-fashioned poetic language.

这些戏剧充斥着老掉牙的诗歌语言。

words that most people think are offensive

[mind/watch your language](bold) [spoken](special)(=stop swearing)

angry words used to tell people exactly what you mean

措辞强硬的话，激烈的言辞

a system of instructions for operating a computer

a [programming language](bold) for the Web

signs, movements, or sounds that express ideas or feelings

〔使用手势、动作或声音的〕表达方式，交流方式


lap

the upper part of your legs when you are sitting down

Rubens Barrichello finished a lap ahead of his team-mate.

鲁本斯·巴里切罗领先队友一圈跑完全程。

[lap of honour](bold) BrE, [victory lap](bold) AmE(=a lap to celebrate winning)

The entire team [took a victory lap](bold) in front of their cheering fans.

全队在欢呼的球迷面前绕场一周庆祝胜利。

a single journey from one end of a swimming pool to another

Every morning she swims 50 laps in the pool.

她每天早上都会在游泳池里来回游50趟。

The [last lap](bold) of their [journey](bold) was by ship.

他们旅程的最后一段是坐船。

having an easy and comfortable life with a lot of money, possessions etc

She wasn’t used to [living in the lap of luxury](bold).

if the result of something is in the lap of the gods, you do not know what will happen because it depends on things you cannot control

在神的掌控之中，难以预料


lap

[lapping](bold) n. <U> eg: She could hear the soft lapping of the sea.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [lapped](bold) [present participle](italic) [lapping](bold)

if water laps something or laps against something such as the shore or a boat, it moves against it or hits it in small waves

The waves lapped gently against the rocks.

潮水拍打着港口的防汛墙。

if an animal laps water, milk etc, it drinks it by putting its tongue into it

to pass a competitor in a race who is one complete lap behind you

Erik Gomas spun off the track when trying to lap Andrew Scott.


laptop

also: [#laptop =computer](bold)  [n](bold) <[C](bold)>

a small computer that you can carry with you


large

[loom large](bold) at → [loom](->loom) 1 sense 3 [writ large](bold) at → [writ](->writ) 2

[comparative](italic) [larger](bold) [superlative](italic) [largest](bold)

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the US.

洛杉矶是美国的第二大城市。

The T-shirt comes in Small, Medium and Large.

这种T恤有小号、中号和大号。

those who drink [large amounts](bold) of coffee

A [large number](bold) of students have signed up for the course.

很多学生报名读这门课程。

if a dangerous person or animal is at large, they have escaped from somewhere or have not been caught

〔危险人物或动物〕在逃的，未被捕获的

The escaped prisoners are still at large.

the population/public/society/world etc at large

全部人口/全部民众/全社会/全世界等

The chemical pollution poses a threat to the population at large.

化学污染对民众造成了威胁。

more general facts, situations, or questions related to something

更大的问题/更广泛的局势

The book helps to explain the larger picture in the Middle East.

这本书有助于解释中东地区更广泛的局势。

Their success was due in large part to their ability to speak Spanish.

他们的成功主要归功于他们会说西班牙语。

used when someone has appeared or is present in a place where you did not expect to see them

确确实实(就在眼前)〔用于表示没有料到某人的出现〕

I turned a corner and there was Joe, as large as life.

我转过弯，乔居然就在我的眼前。

someone who is larger than life is very amusing or exciting in an attractive way

used when talking generally about someone or something

Charities, by and large, do not pay tax.

慈善机构一般来说无须缴税。


large

to enjoy yourself, especially in a way that involves drinking alcohol, dancing etc

Here’s a picture of us larging it up in Brighton last summer.

这是我们去年夏天在布赖顿狂欢时拍的照片。


largely

It had been a tiring day, largely because of all the tedious waiting.

那一天真累人，主要是因为等得无聊。


large-scale

using or involving a lot of effort, people, supplies etc

a large-scale map, model etc is drawn or made bigger than usual, so that more details can be shown

〔地图、模型等〕大型的，用大比例尺制作的


laser

a piece of equipment that produces a powerful narrow beam of light that can be used in medical operations, to cut metals, or to make patterns of light for entertainment


last

[last resort](bold) at → [resort](->resort) 1 sense 2 [with your last/dying breath](bold) at → [breath](->breath) sense 9 → [last hurrah](->last hurrah) [have the last laugh](bold) at → [laugh](->laugh) 2 sense 6 [the last/final word](bold) at → [word](->word) 1 sense 15

most recent or nearest to the present time

The last time I saw her was two years ago.

before this one, or before the one that you are talking about

See the diagram in the previous chapter.

His previous records had all been jazz records.

How much were you earning in your previous job?

existing or having a particular position in the past, but not now

Interest rates are unlikely to return to their former level.

used about a person or thing that existed in the past, but has been replaced by a newer one

happening or existing at the end, with no others after

last in a series of actions, events, parts of a story etc

It’s the final game of the championship tomorrow.

used about the last part of a long period of time, or of an event, book etc that has been exciting or interesting

the closing years of the twentieth century

Barnes scored the winning goal in the closing minutes of the game.

used about the last part of a piece of writing, a speech, or an organized event, that ends it in a definite way

最近的，最近一段时间的，最近一次的

I hadn’t seen him since the last meeting.

自从上次会面后，我再没有见到他。

昨晚你看电视播出的比赛了没有？

这项法律是去年8月份通过的。

Interest in golf has grown rapidly in the last ten years.

在过去十年里，人们对高尔夫球的兴趣一下子浓厚起来。

Things have changed since [the last time](bold)(=the most recent occasion) you were here.

你上次来这里之后，情况已经变了。

I didn’t read the last chapter of the book.

我没有看这本书的最后一章。

The next meeting will be held in the last week in June.

下次会议将于6月的最后一个星期举行。

[the last person/thing etc to do sth](bold)

Anna was the last person to see him alive.

安娜是最后一个见到他还活着的人。

[last but one/two etc](bold)(=last except for one other, two others etc)

[second/next to last](bold)(=last except for one other)

remaining after all others have gone, been used etc

我把最后一块蛋糕吃了可以吗？

[every last](bold)(=used to emphasize that you mean all of something)

All the money was gone; every last penny of it.

所有的钱都花完了，一分都没剩。

the latest possible time before something happens

Travelers will find it hard to get a hotel room at the last minute.

旅游者会发现很难在最后一刻订到房间。

He never makes a decision until almost the last moment.

他从来都是等到差不多最后一刻才作决定。

used to make a strong negative statement about someone or something

最不可能的人/事物；最不想要的人/事物；最不适当的人/事物

She’s the last person I’d expect to meet in a disco (=I would not expect to meet her in a disco at all).

我怎么也想不到会在迪斯科舞厅遇到她。

Money was the last thing I cared about right now.

目前，钱对我来说是最无所谓的。

The last thing she needed was for me to start crying too.

她最不希望看到我也开始哭泣。

to be the final thing in a series of annoying things that makes someone very angry

成为使人不堪忍受的最后一件事

He’d broken his promise again, and it was the last straw.

他又一次食言，这让人再也无法忍受下去了。

Take a couple of these pills last thing at night to help you sleep.

这些药丸你晚上睡前吃几颗，帮助睡眠。

Sarah looks as if she’s on her last legs.

old or in bad condition, and likely to stop working soon

这辆车已经旧得不能用了。

to be the best, most modern, or most comfortable example of something

在某方面是最好[现代，舒适]的


last

When I last saw her, she was working in New York.

我上次见到她时，她正在纽约工作。

[Last](bold)  is used with the simple past: I last saw her in 2008.
Don’t say: [I have last seen her in 2008.](strike)

[Last](bold)  usually comes before a main verb: I last went to London in June.

[Last](bold)  comes after ‘be’ when it is the main verb: I was last in London in June.

[Last](bold)  comes after the first auxiliary: When did you last hear from Tara?

[last of all](bold)(=used when giving a final point or piece of information)

Last of all, I’d like to thank everyone for coming.

最后，我要感谢各位的光临。

used when mentioning the last person or thing in a list, to emphasize that they are still important

最后但同样重要的(一点)

Last but not least, let me introduce Jane, our new secretary.

最后但同样重要的一件事，让我来介绍我们的新秘书，简。


last

the person or thing that comes after all the others

He was the first to arrive and the last to leave.

if something happens at last, it happens after you have been hoping, waiting, or working for it a long time

the day, week etc before the one that has just finished

I sent the letter off the week before last.

我是上上个星期把信寄出的。

John ate the last of the bread at lunchtime.

午饭的时候，约翰把最后一点面包吃掉了。

if you have not heard the last of someone or something, they may return and cause problems for you in the future

We haven’t heard the last of football violence.

if you will never hear the last of something, someone will be angry with you about it for a long time

某人会被某事没完没了地纠缠

If my mother sees me, I’ll never hear the last of this.

我妈妈要是看到我，肯定和我没完。

used to tell someone the most recent news that you know about a person or situation

The last I heard, she was at college studying law.

我最近听到的消息是她在大学里攻读法律。

until the end of an event or the end of someone’s life

He died in 1987, insisting to the last he was innocent.

他1987年去世，至死都坚称自己是清白的。


last

to continue for a particular length of time

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

The hot weather lasted for the whole month of June.

六月份炎热的天气持续了整整一个月。

to continue to exist, be effective, or remain in good condition for a long time

(使)继续存在，(使)保持良好状态

这种好天气不会持续很久。

[last (sb) two days/three weeks etc](bold)

一件好外套你可以穿上十年。

Cut flowers will last longer if you put flower food in the water.

在水里加花肥，剪下的鲜花可以养更长时间。

(also: [last out (sth)](bold) ([BrE](bold)) )

to manage to remain in the same situation, even when this is difficult

They won’t be able to last much longer without fresh supplies.

没有新的补给，他们维持不了多久。

If you go into the job with that attitude, you won’t last long.

如果你带着那种态度去工作，是干不长久的。

She feared she might not be able to last out the afternoon in court without fainting.

她担心自己无法在法庭上坚持一个下午不晕倒。

to be enough for someone for a period of time

足够〔某人〕使用[维持]

The batteries should last for 20 hours playing time.

电池应该足够你玩20个小时。

We only had $50 to last us the rest of the month.

我们只剩下50美元，得撑过这个月。


last

a piece of wood or metal shaped like a human foot, used by someone who makes and repairs shoes


lasting

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

strong enough, well enough planned etc to continue for a very long time

→see THESAURUS at [long](->long) 1   →see THESAURUS at [permanent](->permanent) 1

The reforms will bring [lasting benefits](bold).

Their generosity made a [lasting impression](bold) on me.

他们的慷慨给我留下了难忘的印象。

a solution that would bring [lasting peace](bold)

将带来持久和平的解决方案


lastly

used when telling someone the last thing at the end of a list or a series of statements

Lastly, could I ask all of you to keep this information secret.

最后，我请求各位对这一消息保密。


last-minute

happening or done as late as possible before something else happens

最后一分钟的，紧要关头的

讲稿在最后一刻的几处改动


late

[lateness](bold) n. <U> eg: penalties for lateness at work eg: despite the lateness of the hour

You are [late for](bold)  work, school, a meeting etc: I was late for my appointment.

You are [late for](bold)  your train, bus, plane etc: Hurry up or you’ll be late for your train!

You are [late with](bold)  something that you have to produce, for example your work or the rent: He was always late with his homework.

You are [late doing](bold)  something: They were late paying the rent.

You can also say that someone is [late in doing](bold)  something: They were late in paying the rent.

arriving or happening after the time that was expected or arranged

not arriving or doing something at the time that was expected or arranged

If we don’t leave on time, we’ll miss the flight.

not done or happening by the expected time – used especially about payments that are late or library books that should have been returned

I had to pay a £3 fine on some overdue library books.

to be late in doing something that you have to do

I can’t come out because I’m behind with my English essay.

to be made late for a meeting, appointment etc by something that happens, especially by bad traffic

to be prevented from arriving, leaving, or happening at the expected time – often used about public transport

given or done late – used especially about something that someone has forgotten or failed to do

I’m still hoping for a belated apology from him.

to have not made one or more regular payments at the time when you should

One in eight mortgage payers are in arrears.

[comparative](italic) [later](bold) [superlative](italic) [latest](bold)

arriving, happening, or done after the time that was expected, agreed, or arranged

对不起，来晚了——我睡过头了。

火车到得甚至比平时还晚。

We apologize for the late departure of flight AZ709.

我们为AZ709航班延误起飞表示歉意。

There are penalties if loan repayments are late.

逾期偿还贷款会被处以罚金。

used to refer to the part near the end of a period of time

By late afternoon, she had done 10 drawings.

到傍晚的时候，她已经画好了10幅画。

to arrive or do something after the time when something could or should have been done

He shouted a warning but [it was too late](bold).

他大声警告，但为时已晚。

我们是不是太晚了，买不到票了？

happening or done after the usual or normal time

The harvest was late this year because of the rain.

因为下雨，今年收割晚了。

She looked tired – too many [late nights](bold)(=nights when she went to bed after the normal time).

她看上去很累——熬夜太多了。

很晚了，我最好还是回家吧。

a child who develops socially, emotionally, or physically at a later age than other children

someone who does not become successful until they are older

it’s (a little/bit) late in the day (to do sth)

used to show disapproval because someone has done something too late

(做某事)已(有点)晚了，已经(有点)来不及(做某事)

It’s a bit late in the day to start having objections.

现在才开始反对有点晚了。

used about someone who has died fairly recently

〔最近故去的某人〕曾住在某地的

不久前本教区故去的比利·希克斯


late

[run late](bold) at → [run](->run) 1 sense 39

[comparative](italic) [later](bold) [superlative](italic) [no superlative](bold)

迟，晚；迟于安排[预期]的时间

after the time when something could or should have been done

near to the end of a period of time or an event

It was not a place to walk in [late at night](bold).

used to express surprise that something considered old-fashioned was still happening so recently

〔过时的东西〕到 …的时候仍然在发生〔表示惊讶〕

Capital punishment was still used in Britain as late as the 1950s.

直到20世纪50年代，英国仍未废除死刑。

if you do something late in life, you do it at an older age than most people do it

〔做某事〕比一般人年岁大

used to say that you are glad someone has done something, or to say that they should do something even though they are late


lately

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

[Lately](bold)  is usually used with perfect tenses (for example ‘I have been’), not with the simple past (for example ‘I was’). You say: I’ve been very busy lately.
Don’t say: [I was very busy lately.](strike)


later

after the time you are talking about or after the present time

I’m going out for a bit – I’ll see you later.

我出去一会儿——回头见。

The dentist could fit you in later in the week.

牙医会把你安排在本周晚些时候就诊。

I can’t eat all of this – I’ll finish it later on.

我吃不下这一整个儿——我过后再把它吃完吧。

used to say that something must be done by a particular time in the future

不得晚于某时，须早于某时

Completed entry forms should arrive not later than 31st July.

填写完毕的参赛表格须于7月31日前递交。


later

happening or existing at some time in the future after something or someone else

Later historians have cast doubt on the truth of his story.

They say that they may need to review the case at a later stage.

happening or coming immediately after something – used about periods of time, or parts of a piece of writing

The following day he was back to normal.

Gandhi 's attitude to religion is dealt with in the following chapter.

likely to happen or exist at some time in the future

What influence will this have on future developments?

happening or coming at some time after something else

a subsequent decision by the Supreme Court

In subsequent years, the number of patients became smaller and smaller.

coming after someone or something else – used about a series of groups of people, periods of time, or parts of a book

His work was admired by succeeding generations.

Over the succeeding months, the stitches were carefully removed.

These problems are further discussed in the succeeding chapters.

coming in the future or after something else

The role of marketing is dealt with in a later chapter.

市场营销的作用会在后面的章节中述及。

The launch was postponed to a later date.

The engine has been greatly improved in later models.

几款新型号的引擎作了很大的改进。

Using a sunscreen when you are young helps you to have healthy skin in later years.

年轻时使用防晒霜能让你在年老时拥有健康的肌肤。


latest

His latest film is one of the funniest he’s ever made.

最新的这部影片是他最搞笑的电影之一。


latest

Wednesday’s session was the latest in a series of planning meetings.

星期三的会议是最近的一次策划会议。

[the latest in ... technology/equipment](bold)(=the most modern equipment)

I should be back by 11 o'clock at the latest.


latter

the second of two people or things just mentioned

〔刚提及的两个人或物中的〕后者

Where unemployment and crime are high, it can be assumed that the latter is due to the former.

当失业率和犯罪率出现双高，可以认为后者是前者造成的。


latter

[adj](bold) <[only before noun](bold)> [formal](special)

being the second of two people or things, or the last in a list just mentioned

〔两者之中的〕后者的；〔刚提到的几个之中的〕最后者的

In the latter case, buyers pay a 15% commission.

在后一种情况下，买家付15%的佣金。

the latter part of a period of time is nearest to the end of it

Celebrations are planned for the latter part of November.

庆祝活动计划在11月的下半月举行。


laugh

to make sounds with your voice and move your face, because you think that something is funny

He looked so funny that we couldn’t stop laughing.

to laugh quickly in a high voice, especially in a slightly silly way, or because you are nervous or embarrassed

A group of teenage girls were giggling in a corner.

She tends to giggle when she meets new people.

to laugh quietly, especially because you are thinking about or reading something funny

He was chuckling to himself over an article in the paper.

‘We used to get up to all kinds of mischief.’ She chuckled at the memory.

to laugh quietly in an unkind or unpleasant way, for example when someone is hurt or embarrassed

Billy stood up and started to sing, and one or two people sniggered.

to laugh quietly in a high voice, especially about something that is rude or about sex, or is embarrassing for someone

As a nation we love to titter over politicians’ sex scandals.

to laugh very loudly, especially with a deep voice

I could hear my father roaring with laughter at something on TV.

to laugh very loudly, especially with a high voice

Patsy chased him down the stairs, shrieking with laughter.

to laugh very loudly – used especially about a group of people laughing together

His plays have made audiences howl with laughter.

It was such a funny film – it had us all in stitches.

to laugh very loudly and without trying to stop yourself

The audience guffawed at his nonstop jokes.

The old woman cackled at the trouble she was causing.

She looked at him and burst out laughing.

(=to feel like laughing, even though it might be more polite not to)

He was so earnest that I wanted to laugh.

(=to not laugh, even though something is funny, because it would not be polite)

‘Are you all right?’ Amy said, trying not to laugh.

He saw the look on my face and he just fell about laughing.

(=laugh so much that you cannot stop, because you find something extremely funny)

The people at the next table were laughing hysterically at us.

Misha laughed heartily throughout the play.

(=laugh so that other people can hear you)

Some parts of the book were so funny that they made me laugh out loud.

The audience laughed its head off all the way through.

laugh till you cry/laugh till the tears run down your face

He leaned back in his chair and laughed till the tears ran down his face.

to make sounds with your voice, usually while you are smiling, because you think something is funny

‘I didn’t know what I was doing,’ she said, laughing at the memory.

“我做了什么自己都不知道。”她说道，自嘲起自己的记忆力。

Tony was [laughing so hard](bold) he had to steady himself on the table.

托尼笑得太厉害了，靠着桌子才能让自己站稳。

Nora [laughed so much](bold) that she nearly cried.

诺拉笑得眼泪都快出来了。

[laugh heartily/uproariously/hysterically etc](bold)(=laugh a lot)

The kids tumbled around on the floor, laughing hysterically.

孩子们狂笑着在地板上打滚。

He couldn’t help it; he [burst out laughing](bold)(=suddenly started laughing).

他情不自禁地放声大笑起来。

He’s one of the few writers who can make me [laugh out loud](bold).

为数不多的作家能让我放声大笑，他是其中之一。

to say something in a voice that shows you are amused

“你看起来真可笑！”尼克笑着说。

to feel upset or annoyed about something bad that has happened, but also able to see that there is something funny about it

And when I couldn’t find the passports – honestly, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!

而当我找不到护照的时候——说真的，我不知道该笑还是该哭！

used when someone has just told you something that is completely untrue, asked for something impossible etc

‘Can you finish this by tomorrow?’ ‘Don’t make me laugh.’

“你明天能做完吗？” “别开玩笑了。”

something serious that should not be joked about

严肃的事，不是闹着玩的事

It’s no laughing matter having to walk by a group of rowdy drunks every night just to get home.

每天晚上回家都得从一群吵吵闹闹的醉汉身边经过，可不是开玩笑的事。

(AmE also: [be laughed out of town/business etc](bold) )

if a person or idea is laughed out of court etc, the idea is not accepted because people think it is completely stupid

We can’t propose that! We’d be laughed out of court!

我们不能那样提议！会被人一笑了之的！

used to say that, even though a situation is annoying or disappointing, you can also see that there is something funny about it

还是值得一笑〔指尽管情况令人心烦或失望，但其中有些事还是很好笑〕

to make a lot of money without making much effort

一路笑着去银行，轻松地赚到大钱

sb will be laughing on the other side of their face

used to say that although someone is happy or confident now, they will be in trouble later

某人将转笑为哭，某人将转喜为忧

to be happy or in a good situation, for example because something has had a successful result for you

Well they paid me, didn’t they, so I’m laughing.

喏，他们付钱给我了，不是吗，所以我正高兴着呢。

to behave towards someone in a way that shows that you do not respect them

I told my sister what I thought, and she just laughed in my face.

我把我的想法告诉姐姐，她竟然当面嘲笑我。

to be secretly happy, especially because you have played a trick on someone or criticized them without them knowing


laugh

Most of his jokes didn’t even get a laugh.

I always managed to get a laugh out of my audience.

The farmer had a good laugh at our attempts to catch the horse.

(=I want to hear something funny to cheer me up)

Tell me what she said - I could use a laugh.

We all got a good laugh out of it later.

He let out a loud laugh when he heard what had happened.

It’s the kind of comedy that raises a smile rather than a belly laugh.

(=a loud laugh that shows you really enjoyed something)

With a hearty laugh, he began to tell the story.

‘Don’t be silly,’ she said with a nervous laugh.

the act of laughing or the sound you make when you laugh

“多乱啊！”她笑了一声说道。

if something is a laugh, you have fun and enjoy yourself when you are doing it

We all went to the beach last night – [it was a really good laugh](bold).

昨晚我们都去海滩了——真好玩啊。

The other campers were nice, and [we had a great laugh](bold) together.

其他几个露营者人很好，我们一起玩得很开心。

It was a great holiday with [lots of laughs](bold).

假期很愉快，有许多好玩的事。

used to say that someone is amusing and fun to be with

我喜欢彼得——他这人很风趣幽默。

(also: [for a laugh](bold) ([BrE](bold)) )

We took the hot-air balloon ride, just for laughs.

我们乘热气球飞行，纯粹是为了好玩。

used to say that something is silly or unlikely

简直是笑话〔用于表示某事荒唐或不可能〕

我？主演一部电影？简直是笑话。

to finally be successful, win an argument etc, after other people have earlier criticized you, defeated you etc

笑到最后，取得最后成功[胜利]

Men make jokes about women drivers, but women have the last laugh – their insurance rates are cheaper.

to be very funny – sometimes used humorously to mean that someone or something is not at all funny

有趣，很好笑〔有时幽默地形容十分无趣〕


laughter

Flora burst into laughter when I told her the joke.

(=laugh very noisily and with a high voice)

The children shrieked with laughter as they watched the clown.

They were shaking with laughter and couldn't even speak.

Her remarks were greeted with mocking laughter.

The laughter died instantly as Robert walked in.

This idea was greeted with hoots of laughter.

(=a period in which you laugh uncontrollably)

Her funny stories had us in fits of laughter.

There was a loud burst of laughter behind me.

(=laughter that is out of control because someone is very excited, nervous etc)

The audience were in fits of helpless laughter.

(=because someone is nervous and not sure how to react)

His attempt to explain was greeted with raucous laughter.

He began to shake with suppressed laughter.

when people laugh, or the sound of people laughing

He looked shocked, then [burst into laughter](bold)(=started laughing).

他一脸震惊，接着便放声大笑起来。

[roar/scream/shriek with laughter](bold)(=laugh very loudly)

[peals/gales/howls etc of laughter](bold)(=loud laughs)

The comment brought peals of laughter from her classmates.

这番评论博得了她同学们的阵阵笑声。


launch

to start something, usually something big or important

发动，发起，开始从事〔大型或重要活动〕

The organization has launched a campaign to raise $150,000.

为了筹集15万美元，该组织发起了一场募捐活动。

The Canadian police plan to launch an investigation into the deal.

加拿大警方计划对这宗交易进行调查。

The press launched a vicious attack on the president.

新闻界开始对总统进行恶毒攻击。

The book launched his career as a novelist.

这本书开启了他的小说创作生涯。

to make a new product, book etc available for sale for the first time

把〔新产品、新书等〕投放市场；出版，发行

The company hopes to launch the new drug by next October.

公司希望于明年10月前推出这种新药。

to send a weapon or spacecraft into the sky or into space

A test satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral.

一颗试验人造卫星从卡纳维拉尔角发射升空。

Double-click on an icon to launch an application.

to jump up and forwards into the air with a lot of energy

向前猛扑/向上跃起/从 …猛扑过去等


launch

when a new product, book etc is made available or made known

〔新产品的〕投放市场；〔新书的〕发行

when a weapon or spacecraft is sent into the sky or into space


laundry

[air/wash your dirty laundry](bold) at → [dirty](->dirty) 1 sense 7

I cleaned the kitchen and did some laundry.

(=fold clothes after they have been washed and dried)

He was folding the laundry and watching TV.

(=put the laundry outside on a line to dry)

My mother was hanging out the laundry in the sun.

a pile of laundry waiting to be put away

(=an amount that fits in a washing machine)

I do at least one or two loads of laundry every day.

There's a washing machine in the laundry room.

Pete put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket.

clothes, sheets etc that need to be washed or have just been washed

待洗的衣物；刚洗过的衣物

She [did the laundry](bold)(=washed the clothes etc) and hung it out to dry.

她洗了衣服，然后挂出去晾干。

a place or business where clothes etc are washed and ironed


lavish

[lavishly](bold) adv. eg: their lavishly illustrated catalogue

大量的；使人印象深刻的；昂贵的

a royal palace on a [lavish scale](bold)

We were always lavish with financial aid in times of crisis.

危难时刻我们总是慷慨解囊。

He was always lavish in his praise of my efforts.

他总是大力赞扬我的努力。


lavish

to give someone or something a lot of love, praise, money etc

Hug your children and lavish them with love.

拥抱你的孩子，多多关爱他们。


law

→ [Sod's law](->Sod's law) [lay down the law](bold) at → [lay](->lay) [unwritten law](bold) at → [unwritten](->unwritten)

New Jersey passed a law requiring helmets for scooter riders.

For a bill to become law, it must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.

Part of the function of Parliament is to make laws.

In 1989, a new law was introduced to protect the Polish language.

It is the job of the police to enforce the law.

Employers who flout the law should be properly punished.

Many people want the law to be repealed.

The law prohibits possession of these animals.

The children knew that shoplifting was against the law.

The security forces must act within the law.

Criminal law contains definitions of such crimes as murder, rape, and robbery.

(=laws concerning disagreements between people, rather than crimes)

The punishment for breaking civil law is usually a fine.

(=laws that all countries agree to obey)

Under international law, the countries must respect the treaty.

This is not an offence under English law.

(=the law of the US, not a particular state)

Under federal law, it is illegal to discriminate against employees because of race or sex.

Under state law it was illegal for any public official to receive gifts worth more than $100.

(=laws that have come from customs and the decisions of judges)

In common law, if a house is rented out, it is expected that the house is safe to live in.

There is little case law covering this issue.

the whole system of rules that people in a particular country or area must obey

Elected officials ought to obey the law.

By law, seat belts must be worn by all passengers.

按照法律规定，所有乘客都必须系安全带。

a rule that people in a particular country or area must obey

Five people arrested under anti-terrorism laws were released without charge.

五名涉嫌违反反恐法被捕的人无罪获释。

The laws against drug use were very strict.

打击吸毒的法律十分严厉。

a situation in which people respect the law, and crime is controlled by the police, the prison system etc

We are concerned about the [breakdown of law and order](bold) in the country.

我们为国家治安陷入瘫痪而担忧。

I think she may be in trouble with the law.

something that always happens in nature or society, or a statement that describes this

law as a subject of study, or the profession of being a lawyer

one of the rules which controls a sport or activity

the idea that people should only look after themselves and not care about other people if they want to succeed

the principle that only the strongest creatures will stay alive

丛林法则，弱肉强食法则，优胜劣汰原则

the probability that one result will happen as often as another if you try something often enough

The law of averages says we’ll win at least once.

从平均律来看，我们至少能赢一次。

to behave in an independent way and not worry about the usual rules of behaviour or what other people do or think

他这个年龄的男孩都是我行我素。

to do something illegal in order to put right something that you think is not fair, for example by violently punishing someone instead of telling the police

不通过法律擅自处理，用私刑处罚

vigilantes who take the law into their own hands

to go to court in order to settle a problem

the right of consumers to go to law if they need to

消费者必要时可诉诸法律的权利

someone who is above the law does not have to obey the law

Many ministers seem to regard themselves as being above the law.

许多部长似乎认为自己可以凌驾于法律之上。

used to tell someone who is criticizing you that you are not doing anything wrong

某事又不犯法〔受到批评时说的话〕

used to say that you do not think something should be accepted or allowed

There ought to be a law against cutting off power supplies in the middle of February.

必须禁止在2月中旬断电的做法。

used to say that someone is always obeyed without argument


lawful

[It is](bold) not [lawful](bold) to kill or injure a pet animal.

杀死或伤害宠物是犯法的。


lawmaker

any elected official responsible for making laws


lawn

an area of ground in a garden or park that is covered with short grass

I spent all morning [mowing](bold) the [lawn](bold)(=cutting the grass).

我整个上午都在修剪草坪。


lawsuit

(=to officially take a lawsuit to a court)

She filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment

(=to take a lawsuit against someone to a court)

A former employee brought a lawsuit against the company claiming unfair dismissal.

(=to reach an agreement that stops a lawsuit)

I would prefer to settle the lawsuit out of court.

First Bank agreed to drop its lawsuits against another bank as a result of the decision.

She won a discrimination lawsuit against her former company.

a problem or complaint that a person or organization brings to a court of law to be settled

His lawyer [filed](bold) a [lawsuit](bold) against the city.

他的律师对市政府提起诉讼。


lawyer

someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court

a lawyer. [Attorney](bold) sounds more formal than [lawyer](bold)

‘The United States sees intellectual property rights as sacred,’ said Thomas Klitgaard, an attorney specializing in international law.

Acting on the advice of his attorney, he remained silent throughout the questioning.

a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law

She works as a commercial property solicitor at Nabarro Nathanson in London.

He went to the family solicitor to make a will.

a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts

McWalter's barrister, Hugh Vass, stressed his client’s previous good character.

a formal word for a lawyer in American English, or a barrister in Scotland

The committee can put questions to the defendant or his advocate.

the lawyer who represents someone in a court case

His brief asked for a fine rather than a prison sentence.

the lawyer or group of lawyers who are representing someone in court

If you are charged with breaking the law, you will need to get a lawyer.

She has consulted a lawyer and is considering whether to sue Bailey.

a group of lawyers who represent the airline

His lawyers argued that the charges against him were baseless.

(=a lawyer who tries to prove in court that someone is not guilty)

This evidence was given to the defence lawyer.

(=a lawyer who tries to prove in court that someone is guilty)

The prosecution lawyer asked his witness a question.

He has worked as a civil rights lawyer for over twenty years.

She is one of the country’s leading criminal lawyers.

The actress is unhappy about the magazine article and has consulted a libel lawyer.

A clever lawyer may get a case against his client dropped because of a technicality.

He’s a hotshot lawyer with a growing reputation.


lay

lay about
lay aside
lay down
lay in
lay into
lay off
lay on
lay out
lay over
lay up

[lay your hands on sth](bold) at → [hand](->hand) 1 sense 18 [lay the blame on sb/sth](bold) at → [blame](->blame) 2 [put/lay your cards on the table](bold) at → [card](->card) 1 sense 13

You [lay](bold)  something somewhere: She lays a lace cloth over the table.
Don’t say: [She lies a lace cloth over the table.](strike)

You [lay](bold)  someone somewhere: Lay him down gently.

[Lay](bold)  is also the past tense of [lie](bold) : I lay on the bed.
Don’t say: [I laid on the bed.](strike)

Someone [lies](bold)  somewhere: She was lying on her back. Let’s just lie here for a while.
Don’t say: [She was laying on her back.](strike)  [Let’s just lay here for a while.](strike)

The past tense of [lie](bold)  is [laid](bold) : She laid the baby in its cot.
Don’t say: [She lay the baby in its cot.](strike)

[past tense and past participle](italic) [laid](bold) /leɪd/

to put someone or something down carefully into a flat position

他把一只手搭在我的肩上。

They laid a wreath at the place where so many people died.

他们在这么多人丧生的地方放了一个花圈。

[Lay](bold) the material [flat](bold) on the table.

to put or fasten bricks, a carpet etc in the correct place, especially on the ground or floor

砌砖/铺地毯/铺水泥/铺设电缆等

The project involved laying an oil pipeline across the desert.

这个工程包括铺设一条穿越沙漠的输油管道。

if a bird, insect etc lays eggs, it produces them from its body

The flies [lay](bold) their [eggs](bold) on decaying meat.

A cuckoo is able to lay in a range of different nests.

杜鹃能在各种不同的鸟巢里下蛋。

to put the cloth, plates, knives, forks etc on a table, ready for a meal

As she spoke, she was laying him a place at the table.

她一边说，一边给他在餐桌上摆放餐具。

to provide the conditions that will make it possible for something to happen or be successful

Mandela helped lay the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.

曼德拉为建立新的民主南非打下了基础。

It was an invention which [laid the foundations of](bold) modern radio technology.

这一发明为现代无线电技术奠定了基础。

to make a statement, give information etc in an official or public way

Several proposals have been laid before the committee.

to emphasize something because you believe it is very important

a political philosophy that lays great stress on individual responsibility

着重强调个人责任的政治哲学

to touch someone with the intention of hurting them

我发誓我没有对他动过一根手指头。

你要是碰我一下，我就要叫了。

to show what something is really like, or stop hiding facts, feelings etc

Every aspect of their private life has been laid bare.

他们私生活的每一个方面都暴露无遗。

to remove the thing that is covering or hiding something else

When the tide goes out, vast stretches of sand are laid bare.

潮水退去，露出大片大片的沙地。

to do something that makes it possible for other people to blame you, criticize you etc

使某人/某事物受到责备[批评]

By doing that, he laid himself open to ridicule.

他那么做招来了大家的嘲笑。

Not to have taken action would have [laid](bold) the department [open to charges of](bold) negligence.

要是当初这个部门没有采取行动，肯定会招来玩忽职守罪的指控。

to destroy or damage something, especially in a war

〔尤指战争中〕把某物摧毁[夷为平地]

The island was laid waste and abandoned.

该岛已成废墟，一片荒芜。

an attack which laid waste to hundreds of villages

把数百个村庄夷为平地的一次进攻

to carefully prepare all the details of something

We are laying plans now in order to be successful in the future.

我们现在作好打算，为的是将来取得成功。

[the best-laid plans](bold)(=plans that have been made carefully)

Bad weather can upset even the best-laid travel plans.

天气不好，再好的旅行计划也会被打乱。

to say that something belongs to you or say that you deserve something

声称对某物的拥有权；声称有权做某事

The town can lay claim to having the oldest theatre in Britain.

这个镇可以说是拥有英国最古老的剧院。

if a group of people lay siege to a place, they try to get control by surrounding it

The armies laid siege to Vienna in 1529.

1529年，军队围攻维也纳。

to do everything you can to get someone to talk to you or notice you

围住某人〔指企图跟某人说话或引起注意〕

A group of young men were always at the stage door, trying to lay siege to the girls.

总有一群青年男子聚集在剧场后门，想方设法与那些女孩子搭讪。

All he wants to do is go out and [get laid](bold).

to be in a position in which you are flat – some people consider this use to be incorrect

平躺〔有些人认为此用法错误〕

to risk an amount of money on the result of a race, sports game etc

She laid £50 on the favourite, Golden Boy.

她在大热门赛马“金童”身上押了50英镑。

I’d lay money that he will go on to play for England.

我敢打赌他将来会代表英格兰出战。

to state something, especially a threat, demand, or criticism, in a very clear way

明确表明某事〔尤指威胁、要求或批评〕

[Lay it on the line](bold) and tell them what’s really been happening.

你就实话实说，把真相告诉他们。

to risk losing your life, your job etc, especially in order to help someone

〔尤指为了帮助别人而〕冒 …的风险

I’ve laid myself on the line for him once already.

我已经冒风险帮过他一回了。

to blame something or someone for something

The continued divisions within the party cannot be laid entirely at his door.

党内持续存在分歧，不能把责任全推到他的头上。

Many illnesses are being laid at the door of stress.

许多疾病被认为是压力造成的。

if an illness lays someone low, they are unable to do their normal activities for a period of time

She’s been laid low with flu for a week.

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

to make someone fall down, or injure them seriously

把某人击倒；使某人受重伤

She was laid to rest beside her husband.

[lay/put sth to rest](bold) at → [rest](->rest) 1 sense 10

to finally stop being worried or upset by something from the past


lay

not trained or not knowing much about a particular profession or subject

not in an official position in the church


lay

the situation that exists at a particular time

〔特定时候的〕形势，情况

Get the lay of the land before you make any decisions.

the appearance of an area of land, for example the way it slopes

the appearance of something and where each part of it is

Mr. Lowe will give you the lay of the camp and tell you what we’re going to be doing.

洛先生会给你介绍营地的情况，告诉你我们要做些什么。

to be a good, quick etc person to have sex with


layer

an amount or piece of a material or substance that covers a surface or that is between two other things

A [thick layer](bold) of dust lay on the furniture.

家具上蒙了一层厚厚的灰尘。

The moon was shining through a [thin layer](bold) of cloud.

月光透过薄薄的云层照射下来。

He pulled off [layer upon layer of](bold) clothing (=many layers of clothing).

Arrange the peppers, garlic and tomatoes in layers.

把辣椒、蒜和番茄一层一层铺好。

one of several different levels in a complicated organization, system, set of ideas etc

〔复杂的机构、制度、思想等的〕层次；层级

We are operating with fewer layers of management.

我们现在的管理层级少了。

There are multiple layers of meaning in the story.

the [multi-layered](bold) nature of organizations (=they have many layers)


layer

to make a layer of something or put something down in layers

Layer the raw sliced vegetables in a shallow baking dish.

把生蔬菜片一层层地叠放在浅烤盘里。

to cut someone’s hair so that the hair on top is in shorter lengths than the lower hair

I have layered, shoulder-length brown hair.

我有一头富有层次的褐色齐肩发。


layout

the way in which something such as a town, garden, or building is arranged

〔城镇、花园或建筑物的〕布局，规划，设计

All the flats in the building had the same layout.

大楼里所有的公寓布局都是一样的。

the way in which writing and pictures are arranged on a page


lazy

not liking work or physical activity, or not making any effort to do anything

You make your own breakfast! Don't be so lazy!

lazy and not doing enough work. [Idle](bold) sounds rather formal and is becoming old-fashioned. In everyday English, people usually use [lazy](bold)

The beggars were too idle to look for work.

He spent an indolent first year at Oxford.

lazy and having no ambition to succeed or do anything useful with your life

He was work-shy, and no one could remember when he’d last held a job.

Her advice to slothful Americans is: ‘Get out there and walk!’

[comparative](italic) [lazier](bold) [superlative](italic) [laziest](bold)

not liking work and physical activity, or not making any effort to do anything

a lazy period of time is spent doing nothing except relaxing

We spent lazy days relaxing on the beach.

我们在海滩上放松休息，过着慵懒惬意的日子。


lead

lead off
lead on
lead on to
lead with
lead up to

to take a person or animal somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gently

She was leading a horse, which seemed to have a bad leg.

to take someone somewhere with you when you have the transport, know the way, are paying etc

to take someone through or to a place you know, showing them the way

Ali guided us through the streets to his house on the edge of the town.

to take someone to a place such as a table in a restaurant or a hotel room and leave them there

We were shown to our seats near the front of the theatre.

to show someone which direction to go using your hand or a sign

to take someone somewhere, protecting them, guarding them, or showing them the way

He was escorted from the court by police.

The president’s car will be escorted by a military convoy.

to show someone the way to a room or building nearby, usually as part of your job

His housekeeper ushered us into the living room.

to carefully take someone somewhere – used especially about a group of people

The police shepherded thousands of people to safety in the cathedral.

to tell someone where to go or how to get somewhere

He directed us to a café a few blocks away.

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

to take someone somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gently

A nurse took her arm and led her to a chair.

有位护士搀着她坐到椅子上。

She was led away from the courtroom in tears.

The manager [led the way](bold) through the office.

to go in front of a line of people or vehicles

〔走在前面〕（给 …）带头，（为 …）开路

一辆消防车在游行队伍前面开道。

to be in charge of an organization, country, or team, or a group of people who are trying to do something

He has led the party for over twenty years.

他领导该党已经二十多年了。

Some people say she is too old to [lead the country](bold)(=be in charge of its government).

有人说，她年纪太大，领导不了国家。

Beckham [led](bold) his team [to victory](bold).

贝克汉姆带领球队取得胜利。

The investigation will be led by Inspector Scarfe.

这次调查将由斯卡夫警督指挥。

They are leading a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse.

他们正在领导一场运动，告诫青少年吸毒的危害。

[lead a revolt/rebellion/coup etc](bold)

The rebellion was led by the King’s brother.

这场叛乱由国王的弟弟带头。

Nelson preferred to lead the attack himself from the front.

纳尔逊更喜欢在前线亲自率军作战。

一场由共产党人领导的罢工

to cause something to happen or cause someone to do something

the events that led to the start of the First World War

导致第一次世界大战爆发的事件

A degree in English could lead to a career in journalism.

英语专业学位可让你有机会从事新闻工作。

Her trusting nature often [led](bold) her [into trouble](bold).

她容易轻信别人的性格经常使她遇到麻烦。

His actions could lead to him losing his job.

他的行为会让他丢掉工作的。

to make someone believe something, especially something that is not true

[lead sb to believe/expect/understand sth](bold)

He had led everyone to believe that his family was very wealthy.

他使每一个人都相信他家很富有。

The hotel was terrible, and not at all what we had been led to expect.

宾馆很差，和我们听了介绍后预想的样子根本不一样。

Our research [led](bold) us [to the conclusion](bold) that the present system is unfair.

研究使我们得出结论，现行制度并不公平。

to influence someone to make them do something that is wrong

引导，诱导〔某人做坏事〕，影响

His brother led him into a life of crime.

他哥哥带他走上了犯罪道路。

He’s not a bad boy. He’s just [easily led](bold)(=it is easy for other people to persuade him to do things that he should not do).

他不是个坏孩子，只是容易被人带坏。

to be more successful than other people, companies, or countries in a particular activity

US companies lead the world in biotechnology.

[lead the way](bold)(=be the first to do something, and show other people how to do it)

The Swedes have led the way in data protection.

瑞典在数据保护方面处于领先地位。

半场时巴西队以1比0领先。

With 15 laps to go, Schumacher led the race.

比赛还剩15圈的时候，舒马赫领先。

The polls showed Obama leading Romney by 3 percent.

这次民意调查显示，奥巴马领先罗姆尼3个百分点。

[lead by ten points/two goals etc](bold)

used to say where a path, wire etc goes or what place is on the other side of a door

The riverside path leads visitors to a small chapel.

河边小路把参观者带往一座小教堂。

if you lead a particular kind of life, that is what your life is like

[lead a normal/quiet/busy etc life](bold)

If the operation succeeds, Carly will be able to lead a normal life.

如果手术成功，卡莉将能过上正常的生活。

He has [led a charmed life](bold)(=been very fortunate).

他过着被神仙眷顾一般的生活。

[lead a life of luxury/poverty etc](bold)

[lead a double life](bold)(=deceive people by keeping different parts of your life separate and not letting anyone know the whole truth)

Joe had been leading a double life, seeing an ex-model while his wife believed he was on business.

乔过着双面人的生活: 他偷偷地和一名前模特幽会，而他的妻子却以为他是在出差。

They [lead](bold) a nomadic [existence](bold).

to control the way a discussion, conversation etc develops

I tried to lead the conversation back to the subject of money.

我试图把谈话重新引到钱的问题上。

to encourage someone to do bad or immoral things which they would not normally do

to make someone believe something that is not true

So far police investigations seem to have led nowhere.

到现在为止，警方的调查好像毫无结果。

to show the people you are in charge of what you want them to do by doing it yourself

最优秀的管理人员都是以身作则。

to influence someone so much that you can completely control everything that they do

牵着某人的鼻子走，使某人完全听命于自己

Politicians think they can easily lead people by the nose.

政客以为他们能轻易牵着民众的鼻子走。

used to introduce a new subject that is connected to the previous one

这/那(使我)引出某个问题

That leads me to my final point. Where are we going to get the money?

那使我想到最后一个问题。我们到哪里去弄这笔钱？

used to say that someone wants to be able to live their life independently, without having to do things that other people want them to do

lead sb a merry old dance/a right old dance

to cause a lot of problems or worries for someone

给某人造成许多麻烦；让某人忧心忡忡

most influenced by the market, by exports etc

由市场主导的/由出口主导的等

if a picture, view etc leads the eye in a particular direction, it makes you look in that direction

引领目光〔指画、风景等使人朝某个方向看〕

吸引人们往上看的大理石柱

to play a particular card as your first card in one part of a card game


lead

He was in the lead after the first lap of the race.

He has a one-shot lead in the golf tournament.

(=start being in the lead instead of someone else)

Lewis Hamilton has just taken the lead in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Ronaldo’s goal put Portugal in the lead.

A goal in the 10th minute gave England the lead.

The Australian rugby team extended its lead with a try from Stirling Mortlock.

(=when more than one player or team is in the lead )

At the end of the first round, two golfers share the lead.

The ruling Labour Party has a clear lead in the opinion polls.

The Wildcats had a comfortable lead in the first half.

Liverpool took an early lead with a goal from Steven Gerrard.

a one-shot/two-goal/three point etc lead

Goals by Keane and Lennon gave Tottenham a two-goal lead.

the first position in a race or competition

She [was in the lead](bold) from start to finish.

The Canadians [went into the lead](bold) after only 30 seconds.

才过30秒，加拿大人就取得了领先。

The goal [put](bold) Holland [into the lead](bold).

这个进球使荷兰队比分领先。

The Bears [took the lead](bold) for the first time this season.

本赛季熊队首次成为领头羊。

the amount or distance by which one competitor is ahead of another

〔数量或距离的〕超前量，领先程度

The Chicago Bulls [had a narrow lead](bold)(=were winning by a small number of points).

芝加哥公牛队以微弱优势领先。

The Socialists now have a commanding lead over their opponents.

社会党现在遥遥领先于对手。

if someone follows someone else’s lead, they do the same as the other person has done

Other countries are likely to [follow](bold) the U.S.'s [lead](bold).

其他国家很可能会效法美国。

The Government should [give](bold) industry a [lead](bold) in tackling racism (=show what other people should do).

政府在处理种族歧视问题上应该为企业树立榜样。

The black population in the 1960s [looked to](bold) Ali [for a lead](bold)(=looked to him to show them what they should do).

20世纪60年代的黑人视阿里为其楷模。

to be the first to start doing something or be most active in doing something

The U.S. took the lead in declaring war on terrorism.

美国带头向恐怖主义宣战。

a piece of information that may help you to solve a crime or mystery

〔破案或解开谜底的〕线索

The police have checked out dozens of leads, but have yet to find the killer.

警方核查了许许多多的线索，但还是没有找到杀人凶手。

the main acting part in a play, film etc, or the main actor

Powers was [cast in](bold) the [lead role](bold)(=he was chosen to play it).

They were having trouble casting the female lead.

the main singer,guitarist etc in a group

a piece of rope, leather, or chain for holding or controlling a dog

〔牵狗的〕绳子，皮带，链子

所有的狗都必须系牵狗带。

a wire used to connect a piece of electrical equipment to the power supply


lead

a soft heavy grey metal that melts easily and is poisonous, used on roofs, or in the past for water pipes. It is a chemical element: symbol Pb

铅〔一种化学元素，符号为Pb〕

the central part of a pencil that makes the marks when you write

if a suggestion or joke goes down like a lead balloon, people do not like it at all

〔建议或笑话〕没有引起反响

narrow pieces of lead used for holding small pieces of glass together to form a window

〔固定小块窗玻璃的〕铅框


leader

the person who directs or controls a group, organization, country etc

Party members will vote next week to elect a new leader.

leaders of developing nations from around the world

someone, such as a king or queen or a military leader, who has official power over a country or area

Twenty-one heads of state will meet at the annual World Trade summit.

someone who is seen as the leader of a country or organization, although he or she does not have any real power

the Queen’s role as a national figurehead

There are advantages in having a respected personality as a figurehead for the organisation.

someone who leads a group that is doing something illegal or wrong

The alleged ringleaders of the gang have been arrested.

the ringleaders of the airplane bomb plot

He became the country’s most influential political leader.

The country’s military leader had seized power in a coup.

The Pope is the Roman Catholics’ spiritual leader.

She’s a strong leader and an intelligent woman.

What characteristics make a good leader?

(=who people greatly admire and want to follow)

Martin Luther King, one of the most charismatic leaders of the Civil Rights movement

(=someone who is in charge of a country)

The president and other world leaders are meeting to discuss the environment.

Brown was quickly chosen as the party leader.

He was the first EU government leader to visit the newly elected US president.

The opposition leader accused the government of not being able to control unemployment.

the Conservative/Liberal Democrat/Socialist etc leader

Business leaders welcomed a cut in the interest rate.

The party is meeting to choose a new leader.

He was elected leader of his country by a huge majority.

(=officially announce that someone is leader)

the largest ever gathering of [world leaders](bold)(=people who are in charge of countries)

世界各国领导人史无前例的大聚会

[natural/born leader](bold)(=someone who naturally has all the qualities needed to be a leader)

His air of confidence makes him a natural leader.

他那自信的神态显得他天生就是一个领导者。

the person or group that is in front of all the others in a race or competition

County Championship leaders of Hampshire

the product or company that is the best or most successful

a world leader in defence and space electronics

国防和航天电子产品的全球领导者

These products are firmly established as the [market leaders](bold).

这些产品牢固地确立了其市场主导产品的地位。

a piece of writing in a newspaper giving the paper’s opinion on a subject

someone who directs the playing of a musical group

the part at the beginning of a film or recording tape which has nothing on it

胶卷引片；〔磁带的〕引导带；空白段

a long thin branch that grows from the stem of a bush or tree beyond other branches


leadership

the position of being the leader of a group, organization, country etc

Our prospects of winning an election will be better under his leadership.

在他的领导下，我们赢得选举的希望将会更大。

The US must now take a firm [leadership role](bold).

the Conservative [leadership contest](bold)

The next [leadership election](bold) is due in November.

下一届领导人选举将在十一月举行。

the quality of being good at leading a group, organization, country etc

She has great faith in her own [leadership qualities](bold).

她对自己的领导才能非常有信心。

具有远见卓识和领导才能的人

all the people who lead a group, organization, country etc

In this meaning, [leadership](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: The leadership [supports](bold) the change in the law.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: The leadership [support](bold) the change in the law.

the position of being in front of others in an activity or competition

Leadership in science is important to our nation.

科学上的领先地位对我们国家很重要。


leading

best, most important, or most successful

最好的；最重要的；最成功的

The army [played a leading role](bold) in organizing the attempted coup.

军队在策划这场未遂政变的过程中起了至关重要的作用。

[leading members](bold) of the government

the part of something that is at the front of it when it moves

the part of an activity where the most modern and advanced equipment and methods are used

This is the leading edge of medical technology.

a respected person who leads a group or organization, or is important in a particular area of knowledge or activity

受人尊敬的领导者，有影响的重要人物

The two women were leading lights of the women’s union.

这两位女性是妇联的重要人物。

a question that deliberately tricks someone into giving the answer you want

the woman or man who acts the most important female or male part in a film, play etc

扮演女主角/男主角的演员


leading

lead
       used for covering roofs, for window frames etc

〔盖屋顶用的〕铅片；〔固定窗玻璃的〕铅框


leaf

[shake like a leaf](bold) at → [shake](->shake) 1 sense 2

The maple leaves had turned a fiery red.

Most trees shed their leaves in the autumn.

(=tidy away fallen leaves using a brush)

Jack was sweeping leaves in the back garden.

the deep green leaves of the coconut trees

The ground beneath the tree was covered in dead leaves.

The children were jumping in piles of fallen leaves.

(=leaves that have changed colour or fallen in autumn)

I love the colours of the autumn leaves.

Vine leaves stuffed with rice is a typical Greek dish.

By this time, most of the trees were in leaf.

The apple tree had finally come into leaf.

one of the flat green parts of a plant that are joined to its stem or branches

a flowering bush with large shiny leaves

Add a few leaves of fresh basil to the salad.

在沙拉中加入一些新鲜的罗勒叶。

[be in leaf/come into leaf](bold)(=have or start growing leaves, at a particular time of year)

森林里的树木刚开始长叶。

to copy the way someone else behaves because you want to be like them or be as successful as they are

They are committing $3m to research. We could take a leaf out of their book.

他们要投入300万美元搞研究，我们可以效仿他们。

to change the way you behave and become a better person

翻开新的一页；改过自新；洗心革面

I see fatherhood as a chance to turn over a new leaf.

我把当父亲看作翻开生命新一页的一个机会。

He slipped the letter between the leaves of his notebook.

他把信悄悄塞进他的笔记本里。

→ [loose-leaf](->loose-leaf) → [overleaf](->overleaf)

a part of the top of a table that can be taken out to make the table smaller


leaflet

a small book or piece of paper advertising something or giving information on a particular subject

散页印刷品；传单；广告单；〔广告或提供资料的〕小册子

[hand/pass/give/send out a leaflet](bold)

Students were handing out election leaflets at the station.


leaflet

（向 …）散发传单[小册子]

他在向街区居民散发传单。


league

a group of sports teams or players who play games against each other to see who is best

He makes his football league debut tomorrow.

明天他将在足球联赛中首次出战。

[be (at the) top/bottom of the league](bold)(=be the best or the worst team in a group)

a group of people or countries who have joined together because they have similar aims, political beliefs etc

to be not nearly as good or important as someone or something else

（和某人/某物）不在同一档次[级别]上

They’re not in the same league as the French at making wine.

他们的葡萄酒酿造水平远不及法国人。

to be much better than someone or something else

For most of the match, Brazil were in a different league, and won 4–0.

比赛的大部分时间里，巴西队的表现都高出对手一大截，最后以4比0获胜。

to not be skilled or experienced enough to do or deal with something

to be working with someone secretly, especially for a bad purpose

(与某人)暗中合谋，私下勾结

Vernon was accused by his enemies of being in league with the devil.

弗农被敌人指控与恶势力勾结。

an ancient unit for measuring distance, equal to three miles or about 4,828 metres on land, and three nautical miles or 5,556 metres at sea

里格〔旧时距离单位，相当于3英里或3海里〕


leak

if a container, pipe, roof etc leaks, or if it leaks gas, liquid etc, there is a small hole or crack in it that lets gas or liquid flow through

A tanker is leaking oil off the coast of Scotland.

苏格兰海岸附近有一艘油轮漏油。

if a gas or liquid leaks somewhere, it gets through a hole in something

〔气体或液体〕漏出，渗漏

Sea water was leaking into the batteries which powered the electric motors.

海水正渗入给电动机供电的电池。

to deliberately give secret information to a newspaper, television company etc

透露，泄露〔秘密给报纸、电视台等〕

这份报告的调查结果已被泄露。

civil servants who leak information to the press

把消息透露给媒体的公务员


leak

a small hole that lets liquid or gas flow into or out of something

The boat had [sprung a leak](bold)(=a hole had appeared in it).

an escape of gas or liquid through a hole in something

a situation in which secret information is deliberately given to a newspaper, television company etc

〔秘密信息向报纸、电视台等的〕透露，泄露

It became evident from the leaks that something important was going on.

根据透露出来的消息，显然有重大事情要发生。

to get rid of waste liquid from your body


lean

[past tense and past participle](italic) [leaned](bold) or [past tense and past participle](italic) [leant](bold) /lent/ ([especially BrE](bold))

to move or bend your body in a particular direction

They were leaning forward, facing each other.

身体往后靠，尽情享受乘车旅行的乐趣吧。

to support yourself in a sloping position against a wall or other surface

He was leaning on the bridge, watching the boats go by.

他靠在桥上，看着船来船往。

to put something in a sloping position where it is supported, or to be in that position

A huge mirror was leaning against the wall.

一面巨大的镜子斜靠在墙上。

他把自行车斜靠在篱笆上。

to slope or bend from an upright position


lean

a lean organization, company etc uses only as much money and as many people as it needs, so that nothing is wasted

〔组织、公司等〕节俭的；精简的

a lean period is a very difficult time because there is not enough money, business etc

〔时期〕萧条的，不景气的

His wife was a source of constant support during the [lean years](bold).

在那些不景气的岁月里，妻子一直在支持他。


leap

[look before you leap](bold) at → [look](->look) 1 sense 12

[past tense and past participle](italic) [leapt](bold) /lept/ ([especially BrE](bold)) [past tense and past participle](italic) [leaped](bold) ([especially AmE](bold))

to jump high into the air or to jump in order to land in a different place

The smaller animals can easily leap from tree to tree.

体形较小的动物可以在树丛间轻巧地跳来跳去。

Brenda leaped the gate and ran across the field.

布伦达跃过大门，跑过田野。

to move very quickly and with a lot of energy

我一步三级台阶地冲上楼。

She [leapt to](bold) her [feet](bold)(=stood up quickly) and started shouting.

她立刻站起来开始大喊大叫。

to increase quickly and by a large amount

利润骤增至3.76亿英镑。

他上升了27位，跃居第二名。

I leapt at the chance of studying abroad.

我马上抓住了出国留学的机会。

When her younger brother was being bullied she leapt to his defence.

弟弟遭人欺负，她挺身而出保护他。

if your heart leaps, you feel a sudden surprise, happiness, or excitement

My heart leaped when I saw Paul at the airport.

在机场看到保罗时，我的心怦怦直跳。


leap

He threw a stick into the river and the dog went after it in a [flying leap](bold).

他把一根枝条扔到河里，那条狗一个飞跃就追了过去。

a quantum leap (=very great increase or change) in population levels

the huge leap forward that took place in the 1980s

发生在20世纪80年代的巨大飞跃

if something increases, develops, grows etc by leaps and bounds, it does it very quickly

Lifeboat technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.

a mental process that is needed to understand something difficult or see the connection between two very different ideas

something you do without knowing what will happen as a result

冒险举动，轻举妄动；瞎闯

something you do even though it involves a risk, hoping that it will have a good result


learn

[live and learn](bold) at → [live](->live) 1 sense 20

to gain knowledge of a subject or skill, especially by being taught or trained

How long have you been learning Italian?

At what age can you learn to drive in America?

to learn about a subject by reading books, going to classes etc, especially at school or university

She’s studying music at Berkeley College in California.

to learn the skills and get the experience that you need in order to do a particular job

to learn something without much effort, by watching or listening to other people

It’s easy to pick up a language when you’re living in a country.

The rules of the game are easy – you’ll soon pick them up.

to learn how to do or use something that is fairly complicated, especially with practice

It took me a while to get the hang of all the features on my new camera.

to study facts again, especially on your own, in order to learn them before an examination

Jenny’s upstairs revising for her Maths exam tomorrow.

to learn something so well that you have no difficulty with it, especially a skill or a language

She gave me a book called ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’.

I learnt Spanish for years but I never really mastered it.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [learned](bold) or [past tense and past participle](italic) [learnt](bold) /lɜːnt/ US /lɜːrnt/ ([especially BrE](bold))

to gain knowledge of a subject or skill, by experience, by studying it, or by being taught

What’s the best way to learn a language?

学习语言的最佳方法是什么？

我17岁那年学会了开车。

Hector spent the winter learning how to cope with his blindness.

那个冬天赫克托都在学习如何适应失明的生活。

The teacher’s task is to help the pupil learn.

老师的任务是帮助学生学习。

我从父亲那里学到了很多东西。

Kids can have fun and learn about music at the same time.

小孩子可以在学习音乐的同时得到乐趣。

Youngsters must learn what is dangerous and what is not to be feared.

年轻人必须要知道什么有危险，什么不需要害怕。

The student will [learn from experience](bold) about the importance of planning.

学生将从经验中学到制订计划的重要性。

You[ learn to do](bold)  something: She’s learning to play the piano.

You [learn how to do ](bold) something: She is learning how to play the piano.
Don’t say: [She is learning playing the piano.](strike)

to find out information or news by hearing it from someone else or reading it

I didn’t tell her the truth. She would learn it for herself soon enough.

我没有告诉她真相，很快她自己就会知道的。

He learned about his appointment by telephone yesterday.

昨天他从电话里得知自己被任命的消息。

Last week I learned that I was pregnant.

上个星期我得知自己怀孕了。

She was [surprised to learn](bold) that he was a lot older than she had thought.

她惊讶地发现，他比她认为的要年长很多。

I waited to learn whether I’d secured a college place.

我在等待是否被大学录取的消息。

We have yet to learn who will be the new manager.

我们还不知道谁将成为新任经理。

to get to know something so well that you can easily remember it

The actors hardly had time to [learn](bold) their [lines](bold) before filming started.

演员们几乎没有时间记台词电影就开拍了。

to gradually understand a situation and start behaving in the way that you should

They have to learn that they can’t just do whatever they like.

他们必须明白做事不能随心所欲。

Young hairdressers must learn to treat the client as a person, not a head of hair.

年轻的发型师必须认识到顾客是人，而不只是一头头发。

I’ve told him a hundred times not to bully people, but he [never learns](bold).

我都跟他说了一百次不能欺负别人，可他从来都不明白。

You have to [learn from](bold) your [mistakes](bold)(=understand why what you did was wrong).

你一定要从自己的错误中吸取教训。

the [lessons learned](bold) in the Gulf War

used to say that someone will not do something wrong or stupid again, because they suffered as a result

I’ve learned my lesson; I’ve now got a burglar alarm and a guard dog.

我有过教训，现在装了一个防盗警报器，还养了一条看门狗。

to understand a situation or develop a skill by learning from your mistakes and bad experiences

历经挫折才明白[学会](某事)

used when something bad has just happened to someone as a result of their actions, especially when they ignored a warning


learner

The computer program means that slow learners can practise as long as they need to.

She was a quick learner, and her English got better day by day.

Many adult learners also work full-time.

The activities are good for young learners.

These exercises are designed for intermediate learners.

Mastering idioms and phrasal verbs is frequently the greatest challenge facing the advanced learner of English.

Foreign learners of English often find it difficult to hear the unstressed parts of a word.

Learner drivers often tend to grip the steering wheel too tightly.

The language in the coursebook is controlled to meet the needs of the learner.

a new dictionary for learners of business English

一本新的商务英语学习词典

attractive grammar books for [adult learners](bold)

针对成年学习者的精美语法书


learning

knowledge gained through reading and study


lease

He took a seven-year lease on the place.

(=keep a lease for a longer period of time)

The company decided not to renew the lease on the office.

The landlord may grant a lease for a short or long period.

(=agree to the legal details of a lease by signing it)

He refused to sign the new lease because the rent was too high.

These flats are let on short leases to students.

We’re negotiating a long-term lease on the building.

The company has acquired the building on a 30-year lease.

The current lease still has 12 years to run.

The organization has signed a lease agreement on a 50-acre site.

He is struggling to afford the lease payments on the office.

Under the terms of the lease, the tenants have to pay for any repairs.

a legal agreement which allows you to use a building, car etc for a period of time, in return for rent

〔房子、汽车等的〕租约，租契

They [took out a lease](bold) on a seven-acre field.

他们租下了一块七英亩的土地。

The landlord refused to [renew](bold) his [lease](bold).

The 99-year [lease expired](bold) in 1999.

Do you understand all [the terms of](bold) the [lease](bold)?

if something has a new lease of life, it is changed or repaired so that it can continue

〔某物经改装或修理后的〕延续使用寿命

Historic buildings can have a new lease of life through conversion.

历史建筑通过改建可以重获新生。

if someone has a new lease of life, they become healthy, active, or happy again after being weak, ill, or tired

〔某人〕重获的健康[幸福]

an operation to give her a new lease of life


lease

to use a building, car etc under a lease

他们向市政会租来这块场地。

to let someone use a building, car etc under a lease

The building was leased to a health club.

这幢大楼租给了一个健身俱乐部。


leash

[n](bold) <[C](bold)> ([especially AmE](special))

a piece of rope, leather etc fastened to a dog’s collar in order to control it

At her side on a leash trotted a small grey dog.

一只用绳子牵着的灰色小狗在她的身边小跑着。

Never leave your dog off the leash outside a store.

千万不能不拴皮带就把狗留在商店外面。

Marcus keeps you on a short leash, does he?

马库斯是不是牢牢地控制着你？


leash

〔用牵狗绳〕系住，牵住〔狗〕


least

[last but not least](bold) at → [last](->last) 2 sense 3

not less than a particular number or amount

不少于，至少，起码〔指数或量〕

It will take you at least 20 minutes to get there.

到那里至少要花20分钟。

他起码有10万英镑的存款。

[at the (very) least](bold)(=not less than and probably much more than)

It would cost $1 million at the very least.

最起码要花100万美元。

even if something better is not true or is not done

至少〔指尽管没有更好的情况〕

I don’t expect you to pay me, but you could at least cover my expenses.

我不指望你给我报酬，但你至少也该支付我的开销呀。

The house still needed a lot of work, but at least the kitchen was finished.

这房子还有不少活要干，但至少厨房已经完工了。

used when you are correcting or changing something that you have just said

至少，起码〔用于纠正或改变刚说过的话〕

They all knew I was on their side. At least, that’s what they said.

他们都知道我站在他们这一边，至少他们是这么说的。

I made everything perfectly clear – or at least I thought I did.

我把一切都解释得很清楚了——至少我自己是这么认为的。

used when mentioning the least extreme thing that happens, is needed etc

Computer viruses are at the very least annoying and often actually destructive.

计算机病毒往轻了说让人恼火，实际上还经常具有破坏性。

Women work in those sectors of the job market which pay the least.

Which method causes the least damage to the environment?

哪一种方法对环境危害最小？

used to emphasize how small something is, especially when it hardly exists at all

极微小的〔尤指几乎没有〕

I haven’t the least idea what you are talking about.

我一点也不明白你在说什么。

他以前总是有一点点动静就会醒过来。

used when you are saying what someone should do in a situation, and suggesting that they should really do more

The least you could do is give me her phone number.

你起码可以把她的电话号码告诉我。

The least they could have given her is some money towards the rent.

他们起码可以给她一点钱帮她交房租。

not the least/not in the least/not the least bit

I tried to convince them, but they weren’t the least interested.

我试图说服他们，可他们一点也不感兴趣。

I’m not in the least afraid of you anymore.

His voice was alert, not the least bit sleepy.

他的声音透着警觉，没有一丝睡意。

used to show that something is worse or more serious than you are actually saying

His teaching methods were strange, to say the least.

他的教学方法至少可以说是怪异。

the least of sb’s worries/problems/troubles/concerns

something that someone is not worried about because there are other more important problems

某人最不担心的事，某人一点都不在乎的事

What I looked like was the least of my problems.

我看上去怎么样我根本无所谓。

used to say that you are very willing to do something or to reply to someone’s thanks

这是我最起码可以做的事〔表示非常愿意做某事，或用于回答某人的感谢〕

I’ll look after them – it’s the least I can do.

我来照顾他们——这起码是我可以做的事。


least

The journey would impose extra expense on those least able to afford it.

这次旅行会给那些最负担不起的人增加额外的开支。

It is quite amazing what turns up when you are least expecting it.

真的很奇妙，你根本想不到会有什么出现。

He’s my least favourite member of staff.

他是最不讨我喜欢的员工。

especially not a particular person or thing

最不 …的，尤其不 …的

She hardly ever lost her temper – least of all with Anne.

她几乎从不发脾气——对安妮就更不用说了。

used to emphasize that something is important

〔用于强调重要〕尤其，特别

My mother was upset about his appearance here, not least because she felt it was invading her privacy.

他在这里出现使我母亲很不高兴，尤其是因为她觉得这侵犯了她的隐私。


leather

[run/go hell for leather](bold) at → [hell](->hell) 1 sense 27

animal skin that has been treated to preserve it, and is used for making shoes, bags etc

〔经过处理的动物的〕皮，皮革

The inside of the bag was lined with soft leather.

special leather clothes worn for protection by someone riding a motorcycle

〔摩托车手穿的〕皮衣，皮夹克