swear

[swearing](bold) n. <U> eg: He was cautioned for swearing. eg: lots of shouting and swearing

[past tense](italic) [swore](bold) /swɔː/ US /swɔːr/ [past participle](italic) [sworn](bold) /swɔːn/ US /swɔːrn/

不要在孩子们面前说粗话。

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

Do you [swear on your honour](bold)(=promise very strongly) that you will never tell anyone?

你能以你的名誉发誓绝不告诉任何人吗？

to say very strongly that what you are saying is true

发誓保证；郑重声明〔强调自己说的是真话〕

我绝对没有碰过你的钱包，我发誓！

He says he was there all the time, but I swear I never saw him.

他说他一直在那儿，但我发誓我根本没见到他。

[swear blind](bold) BrE(=say very strongly)

She swore blind that she had never seen him before.

她一口咬定以前从未见过他。

I never touched her, I [swear to God](bold).

我从未碰过她，我敢向上帝起誓。

I think it was about ten o'clock when we left, but I [couldn’t swear to it](bold)(=I am not certain).

我想我们离开时大约10点，但我不能肯定。

used to say that someone was sure about something but now they think they were wrong

to make a public official promise, especially in a court of law

〔尤指在法庭上〕宣誓，起誓

证人须手按《圣经》宣誓。

Remember that you have [sworn an oath](bold) and so must tell the truth.

记住你已经宣过誓了，所以必须讲真话。

Presidents must [swear allegiance](bold) to the US constitution.

总统必须宣誓效忠美国宪法。

to make someone promise not to tell anyone what you have told them


swear word

a word that is considered to be rude, offensive, and shocking by most people


sweat

to have drops of salty liquid coming out through your skin because you are hot, ill, frightened, or doing exercise

出（汗），流（汗），冒（汗）

I was sweating a lot despite the air conditioning.

尽管开着空调，我仍是满头大汗。

[sweat heavily/profusely](bold)(=sweat a lot)

Within minutes she was sweating profusely.

不一会儿她就大汗淋漓了。

[sweat like a pig/sweat buckets](bold) [informal](special)(=sweat a lot)

They sweated and saved for ten years to buy a house.

他们拼命工作，攒十年钱买了一幢房子。

He’d sweated over the plans for six months.

他为这些计划苦干了六个月。

[sweat blood/sweat your guts out](bold)(=work very hard)

I sweated blood to get that report finished.

我为了完成那份报告不要命地干。

我们一直在这里累死累活地干！

to be anxious, nervous, or worried about something

Let them sweat a bit before you tell them.

你让他们着着急再告诉他们。

[sweat bullets](bold) AmE(=be very anxious)

Workers are sweating bullets over the possibility of job losses.

工人们十分担心可能会丢掉工作。

used to tell someone not to worry about something

Don’t sweat it, I’ll lend you the money.

别担心，我会借给你钱的。

used to tell someone not to worry about unimportant things

if something such as cheese sweats, fat from inside appears on its surface

to heat food gently in a little water or fat

Sweat the vegetables until the juices run out.


sweat

After two hours' climbing, their bodies were dripping with sweat.

My hand was shaking and sweat was pouring off my forehead.

I could feel the sweat trickling down my back.

There were beads of sweat on his forehead.

She had been exercising and her hair was damp with sweat.

(=there are drops of sweat on someone's forehead)

He wiped the sweat from his brow and carried on digging.

drops of salty liquid that come out through your skin when you are hot, frightened, ill, or doing exercise

Ian came off the squash court [dripping with sweat](bold).

伊恩大汗淋漓地离开壁球场。

[Beads of sweat](bold) appeared on his forehead.

Symptoms include fatigue and night sweats.

[work up a sweat](bold)(=do physical exercise or hard work that makes you sweat)

a state of nervousness or fear, especially one in which you are sweating

〔由于精神紧张或害怕而出的〕一身（冷）汗

I woke up from the nightmare in a cold sweat.

我从噩梦中惊醒，出了一身冷汗。

Don’t get into such a sweat about it! It’s only a test.

不用这么紧张！这不过是一个测验。

Drops in stock market prices have investors breaking out into a sweat.

股市大跌使投资者陷入恐慌。

to start sweating because you are making an effort

Karen was on the exercise bikes, just beginning to break a sweat.

卡伦在骑动感单车，刚开始出汗。

used to say that you can do something easily

‘Are you sure you can do it on time?’ ‘Yeah, no sweat!’

“你有把握按时完成吗？” “嗯，没问题！”

clothes made of thick soft cotton, worn especially for sport

hard work, especially when it is boring or unpleasant

〔尤指枯燥或不愉快的〕艰苦工作，累活

the hard effort that someone has made in their work


sweater

a piece of warm wool or cotton clothing with long sleeves, which covers the top half of your body

〔长袖〕毛线衣，羊毛衫，针织（套）衫


sweatshirt

a loose warm piece of clothing which covers the top part of your body and arms and is worn especially for sport or relaxation


sweep

sweep along
sweep aside
sweep away
sweep up

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

to clean the dust, dirt etc from the floor or ground, using a brush with a long handle

Bert swept the path in front of the house.

Will you sweep the leaves off the patio?

你把露台上的落叶扫掉好吗？

to move things from a surface with a brushing movement

I swept the papers quickly into the drawer.

我迅速把那些文件扫进抽屉里。

to force someone or something to move in a particular direction

那个玩帆板运动的人被卷入大海。

Jessie was swept along by the angry crowd.

杰西被愤怒的人群裹着向前走。

if a group of people or animals sweep somewhere, they quickly move there together

〔人群或动物群〕迅速移动，冲过

The crowd swept through the gates of the stadium.

人群蜂拥通过体育场的大门。

if winds, waves, fire etc sweep a place or sweep through, across etc a place, they move quickly and with a lot of force

〔风、浪、火等迅猛地〕扫过，掠过

Ninety-mile per hour winds swept across the plains.

时速90英里的强风横扫平原。

if an idea, feeling, or activity sweeps a group of people or a place, it quickly becomes very popular or common

风行；（在 …）迅速传播

[sweep the country/nation/state etc](bold)

a wave of nationalism sweeping the country

the latest craze sweeping through the teenage population

if a feeling sweeps over you, you are suddenly affected by it

一种孤独感忽然涌上我的心头。

if someone sweeps somewhere, they move quickly and confidently, especially because they are impatient or like to seem important

Eva swept into the meeting and demanded to know what was going on.

伊娃大步冲进会场，要求知道正在发生什么事情。

to win an election easily and in an impressive way

〔在选举中〕大获全胜；轻松赢下〔选举〕

Nixon and Agnew swept to victory with 47 million votes.

尼克松和阿格纽以4,700万张选票大获全胜。

Herrera was [swept into office](bold) on the promise of major reforms.

赫雷拉因承诺推行重大改革而一举掌权。

to win all of the games in a series of games against a particular team

Houston swept Orlando to become NBA champions.

休斯敦火箭队以全胜战绩击败奥兰多魔术队，成为NBA冠军。

to win everything that can be won, especially very easily

〔尤指轻易地〕大获全胜，囊括全部奖项

the beam from the lighthouse sweeping across the sea

to make someone feel suddenly and strongly attracted to you in a romantic way

把某人一下子迷住，使某人神魂颠倒

Jill’s been swept off her feet by an older man.

吉尔被一位年长的男子迷住了。

(AmE also: [sweep sth under the rug](bold) )

to try to keep something a secret, especially something you have done wrong

Kerry swept her hair back into a ponytail.

克丽把头发往后梳成了一个马尾辫。


sweep

[clean sweep](bold) at → [clean](->clean) 1 sense 14

a long swinging movement of your arm, a weapon etc

With a single sweep of his sword, he cut through the rope.

他只一挥剑，就砍断了绳索。

the act of cleaning a room with a long-handled brush

长而弯曲的地带；连绵弯曲的土地

the many different and important ideas, events, or qualities of something

a search or attack that moves over a large area

〔大面积的〕搜索，搜查；扫荡

He watched the helicopter [make](bold) a [sweep](bold) over the beach.

他看着直升机在海滩上空搜索。

a period of time during the year when television stations try to find out which shows are the most popular

a series of several games that one team wins against another team


sweeping

affecting many things, or making an important difference to something

影响大的；范围广的；彻底的

They want to make sweeping changes to education policies.

他们想要对教育政策进行大刀阔斧的改革。

including a lot of information about something

a statement etc that is too general and that does not consider all the facts – used to show disapproval

一概而论的说法/笼统的概括〔含贬义〕

sweeping generalizations about women drivers

对女性司机一概而论的看法

the winning of an election by a large number of votes


sweet

[home sweet home](bold) at → [home](->home) 1 sense 13 [short and sweet](bold) at → [short](->short) 1 sense 1 → [sweetness](->sweetness)

sweet food or drink has had sugar added or contains natural sugars

sweet because a lot of sugar has been added

The dessert was rather sweet and sickly.

I find strawberry and peach drinks too cloying.

[comparative](italic) [sweeter](bold) [superlative](italic) [sweetest](bold)

→see THESAURUS at [kind](->kind) 2   →see THESAURUS at [nice](->nice)

How [sweet of you](bold) to remember my birthday!

你真好，还记得我的生日！

Your little boy looks very sweet in his new coat.

你儿子穿上他那件新外套真好看。

making you feel pleased, happy, and satisfied

令人愉悦的，惬意的；使人满足的

the [sickly sweet](bold)(=unpleasantly sweet) smell of rotting fruit

烂水果那令人恶心的甜腻气味

if you describe water or air as sweet, you mean that it is fresh and clean

〔水、空气〕新鲜的，纯净的

She hurried to the door and took great gulps of the sweet air.

她冲到门边，大口大口地呼吸新鲜空气。

to behave in a pleasant friendly way towards someone, because you want them to help you later

I’m trying to keep Mum sweet so that she’ll lend me the car.

我在讨好妈妈，好让她把车借给我。

if you do something in your own sweet way or time, you do it in exactly the way that you want to or when you want to, without considering what other people say or think

只凭自己的意愿；不考虑别人；自私地

You can’t just go on in your own sweet way; we have to do this together.

你不能我行我素，我们得配合着干才行。

a business or financial deal in which you get an advantage, pay a low price etc

nothing at all – used when someone wants to avoid saying a swear word directly

一点也没有〔用于避免直接说出脏话〕

‘How much did they pay you for that job?’ ‘Sweet FA!’

“干那件工作他们给了你多少报酬？” “一分钱也没有！”

〔情侣之间的〕卿卿我我的话，情话

a couple [whispering sweet nothings ](bold) to each other

to be very attracted to or in love with someone

used to say that you think that something is very good

‘I got four tickets to the concert.’ ‘Sweet!’

“我弄到四张音乐会门票。” “太棒了！”


sweet

a small piece of sweet food made of sugar or chocolate

a packet of [boiled sweets](bold)(=hard sweets that taste of fruit)

sweet food served after the meat and vegetables part of a meal

Would you like a sweet, or some cheese and biscuits?

你要来点甜食，还是干酪和饼干？

亲爱的，宝贝〔称呼心爱的人〕


sweetheart

亲爱的，甜心〔用作爱称〕

an informal way of speaking to a woman you do not know, which some women find offensive

亲爱的〔对陌生女子的非正式称呼，有些女子认为这种称呼带有冒犯性〕

an agreement that is unfair because it gives an advantage to people who know each other well or to people who have a lot of influence

私下签订的合同〔指使其中一方获利的不公正合同〕

Members of the council had arranged a sweetheart deal with CTS.

地方议会议员和CTS公司私下签订了一份合同。

They were [childhood sweethearts](bold).


swell

[past tense](italic) [swelled](bold) [past participle](italic) [swollen](bold) /ˈswəʊlən/ US /ˈswoʊ-/

to become larger and rounder than normal – used especially about parts of the body

〔尤指身体部位〕肿，肿胀

Her ankle was already starting to swell.

她的脚踝已经开始肿起来了。

窗框膨胀变形，关得死死的。

（使）增加，（使）增多，（使）增大

[swell the ranks/numbers of sth](bold)(=increase the number of people in a particular situation)

Large numbers of refugees have swollen the ranks of the unemployed.

大量的难民壮大了失业队伍。

His heart swelled with pride as he watched his daughter collect her prize.

他看着女儿领奖，心中充满了自豪。

音乐声在我们四周越来越响。


swell

The sea wasn’t rough, but there was a [heavy swell](bold)(=large movements of the water).

海面不算是波涛汹涌，但起伏很大。

a situation in which something increases in number or amount

the growing swell of anti-government feeling

an increase in sound level, especially in music

〔尤指音乐的〕音量逐渐增强

the roundness or curved shape of something

时髦人物；头面人物，要人


swift

[swiftly](bold) adv. eg: Alice dressed swiftly.

happening or done quickly and immediately

我的信很快就得到了回复。

They were swift to deny the accusations.

（能）迅速移动的；速度非常快的

She wiped her tears away in one swift movement.

used to say that someone is not very intelligent


swift

a small brown bird that has pointed wings, flies very fast, and is similar to a swallow


swim

[sink or swim](bold) at → [sink](->sink) 1 sense 15

[past tense](italic) [swam](bold) /swæm/ [past participle](italic) [swum](bold) /swʌm/ [present participle](italic) [swimming](bold)

to move yourself through water using your arms and legs

She was the first woman to swim the Channel.

她是第一个游过英吉利海峡的女性。

when fish, ducks etc swim, they move around the water using their tails and fins, their feet etc

〔鱼、鸭子等在水里〕游动

Tropical fish swam slowly around in the tank.

热带鱼在鱼缸里慢慢地游来游去。

if your head swims, you start to feel confused or that everything is spinning around

My head was swimming after looking at that screen all day.

我整天盯着那屏幕，头都晕了。

if something you are looking at swims, it seems to be moving around, usually because you are ill, tired, or drunk

〔生病、疲劳或喝醉时眼前物体〕晃动，旋转

to do or say things which are different from what most people do or say, because you do not mind being different


swim

a period of time that you spend swimming

knowing about and involved in what is happening in a particular situation

了解并融入某种形势的；不脱离潮流的


swimming

the sport of moving yourself through water using your arms and legs


swimming costume

a piece of clothing worn for swimming, especially the type worn by women


swimming pool

a structure that has been built and filled with water for people to swim in


swimming trunks

a piece of clothing like shorts, worn by men and boys for swimming


swing

[there’s not enough room to swing a cat](bold) at → [room](->room) 1 sense 5

[past tense and past participle](italic) [swung](bold) /swʌŋ/

to make regular movements forwards and backwards or from one side to another while hanging from a particular point, or to make something do this

（使）摆动，（使）摇摆，（使）摇荡

He was [swinging](bold) his bag [back and forth](bold).

She [swung](bold) her legs [from side to side](bold).

He marched around, swinging the gun by its handle.

他快步走来走去，手握枪把挥动着。

to move quickly in a smooth curve in one direction, or to make something do this

（使）旋转，（使）转动；（使）转弯

一辆黑色汽车拐进了车道。

Swinging her bag over her shoulder, she hurried on.

她把包往肩上一甩，快步向前走去。

to move your arm or something you are holding to try and hit something

加森挥拍击球，但没打中。

He started swinging at me with his fists.

if emotions or opinions swing, or if something swings them, they change quickly to the opposite of what they were

（使）〔感情、意见等〕快速转变

His [mood](bold) could [swing](bold) from joy to despair.

他的情绪可以瞬间从高兴变成绝望。

The war had begun to [swing in](bold) Britain’s [favor](bold).

战争局势已开始朝着有利于英国的方向转变。

[swing to the Right/Left](bold)(=in politics)

to suddenly begin work that needs doing, using a lot of energy and effort

立即行动起来；马上大干起来

Politicians have already swung into action.

政界人士已经开始行动了。

to sit on a swing and make it move backwards and forwards by moving your legs

to arrange for something to happen, although it takes a lot of effort to do this

设法做成，想法办妥〔需要花大力气做的事〕

We managed to [swing it](bold) so that they will travel together.

我们想了办法安排他们一起旅行。

someone who swings both ways is bisexual

对男女两性都有性欲，是双性恋


swing

a seat hanging from ropes or chains, usually used by children to play on by moving it forwards and backwards using their legs

a curved movement made with your arm, leg etc

〔手臂、腿等的〕挥动，挥舞

He [took a swing at](bold)(=tried to hit) my head and missed.

他挥拳向我头部打来，但没有打中。

a noticeable change in opinions or emotions

〔意见或情绪的〕明显改变

the movement you make when you hit the ball in golf, baseball, or some other sports

〔高尔夫球、棒球等的〕挥杆[棒，拍]动作

我花了几个月时间纠正挥杆动作。

a type of dance music played by a big band in the 1930s and 1940s that is similar to jazz

摇摆乐〔20世纪30和40年代大型乐队演奏的舞曲，与爵士乐类似〕

Once we got into the swing of it, it took no time at all.

我们一旦全力投入，根本不用花多少时间。

if an event or process is in full swing, it has reached its highest level of activity

处于全盛阶段；在热烈进行中

By midnight, the end-of-course party was in full swing.

到了半夜，结课派对掀起高潮。

if a party or activity goes with a swing, it is enjoyable and successful

everything you need to [make](bold) your party [go with a swing](bold)

要把晚会办好所需要的一切

used to say that two choices have an equal number of gains and losses, so there is little difference between them

有得也有失，得失相抵〔因此如何在两个选择之间决断无关紧要〕


swirl

to move around quickly in a twisting circular movement, or to make something do this

He swirled the brandy around in his glass.

The river had become a swirling torrent.

if stories or ideas swirl around a place, a lot of people start to talk about them – used especially in news reports

Rumours of a takeover began to swirl around the stock markets.

收购传言开始在股票市场上流传。


swirl

a swirling movement or amount of something


switch

(=start supporting someone or something else)

Three senators switched sides and voted for the ban.

Most of his supporters had switched their allegiance to his rival.

(=start watching a different TV channel)

Rod switched channels with the remote control.

Sensing that his victim was going to escape him, he switched tactics.

Laura wasn't interested so he switched his attention to Tessa.

46% of consumers surveyed were likely to switch brands to support companies they saw as socially responsible,

the emphasis switches/is switched to sth

to change from doing or using one thing to doing or using another

She worked as a librarian before switching to journalism.

她在转行从事新闻工作前是图书馆管理员。

Duval could switch easily from French to English.

杜瓦尔可以在法语和英语之间自如切换。

He switches between TV and theatre work.

他的工作在电视业和戏剧界之间不断变换。

The terrorists will [switch tactics](bold).

[switch sides/allegiance](bold)(=start supporting a different person, party etc)

He switched sides just days before the election.

就在竞选的前几天他改变了立场。

We want to switch focus away from criticism.

我们想把重点从批评上转移开。

to replace one thing with another, or exchange things

Tim may switch his BMW for something else.

蒂姆可能会把他的宝马车换成别的什么车。

We’ve switched the meeting from Tuesday to Thursday.

我们把会议从周二改到了周四。

It’s not easy to switch clerical workers around.

想调换办公室工作人员并不容易。

if you switch with someone who does the same job as you, you exchange your working times with theirs for a short time

〔暂时与同事〕调换上班时间，调（班）

Tom said he’d switch with me on Saturday.

汤姆说他周六会和我调班。

to change the way a machine operates, using a switch

〔用开关〕改变〔机器的运转〕

把冷冻柜调到“除霜”模式。


switch

He pressed a switch on the wall and the door opened.

You start the fan by just flipping this switch.

(=move it so something starts or stops, especially something big)

Could a nuclear war really be started by someone just throwing a switch?

(=a switch that can change the brightness of a light)

They have reverted to placing the mains power switch at the back of the unit.

(=one that controls the supply of electricity to a house)

The mains switch is located inside a cupboard near the front door.

(=very quickly and easily, with a switch)

The advantages of having electricity available at the flick of a switch are obvious.

a piece of equipment that starts or stops the flow of electricity to a machine, light etc when you push it

〔机器、电灯等的〕开关，电闸

Tom flicked the switch, but nothing happened.

汤姆按了下开关，但什么反应也没有。

She claims she is willing to throw the switch of the electric chair.

她表示她愿意按下电椅开关。

[at the flick of a switch](bold)(=very quickly and easily, by pressing a switch)

Petrol can be chosen at the flick of a switch.

只要按一下按钮就可以选择汽油。

a complete change from one thing to another

the switch from agriculture to dairy production

More shoppers are [making the switch](bold) to organic food.

更多顾客开始改买有机食品。

[that’s a switch](bold) AmE [spoken informal](special)(=used to say that someone’s behaviour is different from usual)

‘Ed’s the only one who’s not eating.’ ‘That’s a switch!’

“只有埃德没在吃。”“这真少见！”

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

〔铁路上的〕道岔，转辙器


sword

[cross swords (with sb)](bold) at → [cross](->cross) 1 sense 16 [double-edged sword](bold) at → [double-edged](->double-edged) sense 1

a weapon with a long pointed blade and a handle

a bad thing that might happen at any time

达摩克利斯之剑〔喻指随时可能发生的坏事〕

The treaty [hung like a sword of Damocles over](bold) French politics.

这个条约好像一把达摩克利斯之剑悬在法国政坛之上。

to start using money, equipment, and skills for peaceful purposes rather than for fighting


syllable

[in words of one syllable](bold) at → [word](->word) 1 sense 19

a word or part of a word which contains a single vowel sound


symbol

a picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents a particular organization or idea

The symbol on the packet is a guarantee that the food has been produced organically.

包装盒上的这个标志保证这种食物是有机生产的。

a letter, number, or sign that represents a sound, an amount, a chemical substance etc

someone or something that represents a particular quality or idea

〔某一特性或思想的〕代表，代表性人物[事物]

Space exploration provides a symbol of national pride.

太空探索是民族自豪感的一种象征。


symbolic

They fired arrows out to sea in a symbolic gesture of defiance.

Lighting the Olympic flame is a symbolic act.

The capture of the city was of great symbolic importance.

Our protest was meant to be purely symbolic.

a symbolic action is important because of what it represents but may not have any real effect

The protest was a symbolic gesture of anger at official policy.

这次抗议是对官方政策不满的一种表示。

具有重要象征意义的一次会议

It was a largely symbolic gesture from a government trying to win support.

representing a particular idea or quality

Each element of the ceremony has a [symbolic meaning](bold).

仪式的每一个元素都具有象征意义。

Today’s fighting is symbolic of the chaos which the country is facing.

今天的冲突体现了国家所面临的混乱局面。

A map is a form of symbolic representation.


symbolism

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities


symbolize

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

if something symbolizes a quality, feeling etc, it represents it

Crime often symbolizes a wider social problem.

犯罪问题往往反映出更广泛的社会问题。

Growing discontent has been symbolized by the protests.

与日俱增的不满通过一次又一次的抗议表现出来。


symmetrical

also: [sym‧met‧ric](bold) /sɪˈmetrɪk/  [adj](bold)

an object or design that is symmetrical has two halves that are exactly the same shape and size


symmetry

the quality that a situation has when two events or actions seem to be balanced or equal in some way

There was a certain symmetry to coming back to New York, where I started my artistic life all those years ago.

人生的经历似乎是对称的，我又回到了纽约，那里是我早年开始艺术生涯的地方。


sympathetic

ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk◂

ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk◂

[sympathetically](bold) /-kli/  adv. eg: Jill smiled sympathetically.

My friends were very sympathetic when I lost my job.

wanting to help people who are suffering or having problems

The doctor was a compassionate man who always acted in his patients’ best interests.

not getting angry with someone or criticizing them, because you can see that they have problems

I have had a lot of time off work, but my boss is very understanding.

caring about other people’s feelings and wanting to help them

caring and feeling sorry about someone’s problems

I’m sympathetic to parents who are worried about what their children see on television.

我很同情那些担心孩子所看电视内容的家长。

We hope always to provide a friendly [sympathetic ear](bold)(=someone willing to listen to someone else’s problems).

我们希望总能做到友善地倾听。

willing to give approval and support to an aim or plan

〔对某目的或计划〕赞成的，支持的

Senator Capp is very sympathetic to environmental issues.

参议员卡普对环境议题十分支持。

someone in a book, play etc who most people like

〔书、戏剧等中〕令人喜爱的人物/角色

providing the right conditions for someone


sympathy

It’s hard not to feel sympathy for the losing team.

Everyone there expressed their sympathy.

I thought at least I’d get some sympathy from you.

He doesn't deserve any sympathy - it's his own fault.

(=make someone feel sorry for you in order to get an advantage for yourself)

If that doesn’t work, she knows how to play on his sympathy.

I know I can’t expect any sympathy from her!

(=used when someone is upset after a death)

We'd like to offer our deepest sympathy to Hilda and her family.

I have great sympathy for the people affected by the housing crisis.

We are grateful for all the messages of sympathy we have received.

(=feel very sorry for someone - often used when you have had a similar experience yourself)

I have every sympathy for people who find it hard to give up smoking.

(=used when saying that you feel sorry for someone)

It must be difficult – you have my sympathy.

I’d like to extend my deepest sympathy to the victim’s family.

Our sympathy goes out to Peggy in her great loss.

the feeling of being sorry for someone who is in a bad situation

I have a lot of sympathy for her; she had to bring up the children on her own.

我非常同情她——她得独自把孩子抚养成人。

I have absolutely no sympathy for students who get caught cheating in exams.

我对考试作弊被抓到的学生绝不同情。

Our sympathies are with the families of the victims.

我们向受害者家庭表示慰问。

belief in or support for a plan, idea, or action, especially a political one

〔尤指政治方面的〕赞同，支持

Willard is in sympathy with many Green Party issues.

威拉德对许多绿党的议题表示支持。

Her [sympathies lie](bold) firmly [with](bold) the Conservative Party.

Matheson is known for his pro-socialist sympathies.

马西森以支持社会主义著称。

Sullivan expressed sympathy for the striking federal workers.

沙利文对正在罢工的联邦政府雇员表示支持。

a feeling that you understand someone because you are similar to them

There was no personal sympathy between them.


symphony

[symphonic](bold) /sɪmˈfɒnɪk/ US /-ˈfɑː-/  adj.

a long piece of music usually in four parts, written for an orchestra

布鲁克纳的《第五交响曲》

a large group of classical musicians led by a conductor


symptom

Many people with the disease have no symptoms.

I had suffered mild symptoms of asthma as a child.

The doctor said he showed symptoms of meningitis.

Make a note of which foods cause the symptoms, and which do not.

Take aspirin to relieve the symptoms, and keep warm.

If the symptoms persist, see your doctor.

The symptoms should disappear after a few days.

Depressed people often complain of physical symptoms such as headaches.

If the baby develops severe symptoms, call 911.

The damage can be detected by a scan even where there are only mild symptoms.

By far the most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal is headache.

These are all classic symptoms of hay fever.

(=symptoms you get when you stop taking a substance)

People who try to give up smoking usually get withdrawal symptoms.

something wrong with your body or mind which shows that you have a particular illness

Common symptoms of diabetes are weight loss and fatigue.

糖尿病的常见症状是消瘦和疲劳。

〔严重问题存在的〕征兆，征候

The disappearance of jobs is a symptom of a deeper socioeconomic change.

工作岗位减少是社会经济发生进一步变化的一个征兆。


syndrome

an illness which consists of a set of physical or mental problems – often used in the name of illnesses

综合征〔常用于疾病名称〕

people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome

a set of qualities, events, or types of behaviour that is typical of a particular kind of problem

〔标明某类问题的〕一组典型特征[事件，行为]

‘The underdog syndrome’ is a belief that things are beyond your control.

“弱者综合征”就是认为凡事不由自己控制。


synonym

a word with the same meaning as another word in the same language


synonymous

something that is synonymous with something else is considered to be very closely connected with it

Nixon’s name has become synonymous with political scandal.

尼克松的名字成了政治丑闻的代名词。

two words that are synonymous have the same meaning


syntax

the way words are arranged to form sentences or phrases, or the rules of grammar which control this

the rules that describe how words and phrases are used in a computer language

〔计算机语言中使用的〕句法，语构


synthesis

something that has been made by combining different things, or the process of combining things

a synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophical ideas

the act of making a chemical or biological substance

〔化学或生物学物质的〕合成

the production of sounds, speech, or music electronically

〔用电子方式对声音、语音或音乐的〕合成


synthetic

produced by combining different artificial substances, rather than being naturally produced

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


system

an organized set of ideas, methods, actions etc that you use to do something

a series of actions that are done in order to achieve a particular result

the process of teaching children to read

Repeat the same process, until all the sugar has dissolved.

the official or usually agreed way of doing something

You must follow the normal complaints procedure.

Large companies have a standard procedure for informing new employees about conditions of work.

a method or set of principles that you use to solve a problem or make sure that something is successful

The team are hoping to use the same winning formula that they used last season.

There is no magic formula for successa method that is certain to succeed.

We’re waiting for the heating system to be repaired.

The building hasn’t got an air-conditioning system.

(=all the roads or railways in a country)

Traffic problems are made worse by the country’s inadequate road system.

These vitamins are essential for a healthy nervous system.

(=they system which keeps your body healthy)

Some drugs can damage the immune system.

Our security system is simple to install.

The air-conditioning system isn’t working.

If your immune system breaks down, you will be vulnerable to infections.

It was a highly effective system of communication.

He described the tax system as inefficient and unfair.

The Australian health care system is extremely complex.

The proposal has to get through an elaborate system of committees.

The current system of taxation is unnecessarily complicated.

the political/legal/educational etc system

The country is rightly proud of its legal system.

There are fears that the whole banking system could collapse.

The West should be helping these countries to develop modern health care systems.

The Environment Agency has developed a new national flood warning system.

The government has introduced a system of student loans.

They decided to adopt the electoral system used in Britain.

They use a system of grades to evaluate each hospital’s performance.

He tried to explain how the planning system operates.

The public needs to see that the complaints system works.

An alarm sounds a warning before the system breaks down.

The European Exchange Rate system collapsed in the 1970s.

a system of government/education/justice etc

Why was Britain so slow to develop a national system of education?

a group of related parts that work together as a whole for a particular purpose

an organized set of ideas, methods, or ways of working

体制，制度；一套办法，一套工作方法

We’ve got a good system for dealing with complaints from customers.

我们有一套处理顾客投诉的良好制度。

我不明白你们的归档方法。

Under the present system, we do not have any flexibility.

在现行体制下，我们没有一点灵活性。

a group of computers that are connected to each other

The system has crashed(=stopped working).

someone’s body – used when you are talking about its medical or physical condition

某人的身体（状况）〔用于谈论病情或身体状况〕

All this overeating is not good for my system.

这么大吃大喝对我的身体不好。

used, sometimes humorously, to say that you are ready to do something or that something is ready to happen

一切就绪〔有时为幽默用法〕

the official rules and powerful organizations that restrict what you can do

〔限制个人自由的〕既成秩序，现行体制，制度

to do something that helps you get rid of unpleasant strong feelings

I was furious, so I went for a run to get it out of my system.

我非常愤怒，便去跑步来消气。

the use of sensible and organized methods

We need a bit more system in the way we organize our files.

我们的档案管理应该更有条理些。


systematic

ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk◂

ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk◂

系统化的，有条理的，细致周到的

a systematic approach to solving the problem

对这个问题采取的有条不紊的解决方法

a systematic way of organizing your work


table

(=put knives, forks etc on a table before a meal)

She stood up from her chair and left the table.

I've booked a table for four at a local restaurant.

They were chatting around the kitchen table.

a piece of furniture with a flat top supported by legs

→ [coffee table](->coffee table) → [dressing table](->dressing table)

a table for people to eat at in a restaurant

a special table for playing a particular indoor sport or game on

斯诺克球桌/台球桌/乒乓球桌等

a list of numbers, facts, or information arranged in rows across and down a page

an offer, idea etc that is on the table has been officially suggested and someone is considering it

〔提议、想法等〕正式提交考虑，被摆到桌面上

The offer on the table is a 10% wage increase.

目前提出的工资方案是加薪10%。

to change a situation completely, so that someone loses an advantage and you gain one

转弱为强，反败为胜；扭转形势压倒（某人）

The tables were turned in the second half, when Leeds United scored from the penalty spot.

下半场时利兹联队罚点球得分，场上局势发生了逆转。

money that is paid under the table is paid secretly and illegally

Payments were made under the table to local officials.

a list that young children learn, in which all the numbers between 1 and 12 are multiplied by each other

He’s 12 years old and still doesn’t know his three times table.

他12岁了，却还不会背3的乘法口诀。

the group of people sitting around a table

His stories kept the whole table amused.

他的故事把一桌子的人都逗乐了。


table

to formally present a proposal etc for other people to discuss

提交议案/问题/动议等〔供讨论〕

Dr Clark tabled a motion for debate at next month’s committee meeting.

克拉克博士提出一项动议，在次月的委员会会议上辩论。

to leave a bill etc to be discussed or dealt with in the future

搁置法案/措施/议案等〔留待日后处理〕


tablespoon

(also: [ta‧ble‧spoon‧ful](bold) /-spuːnfʊl/ )

the amount that a tablespoon can hold, used as a unit for measuring food or liquid in cooking

一汤匙之量，一大调羹之量


tablet

He took his own life by swallowing more than 500 tablets.

Dr Preston arrived and prescribed some pain-relieving tablets.

Are all these vitamin tablets really necessary?

Although this drug is available in tablet form it is often prescribed as a powder.

a small round hard piece of medicine which you swallow

She [took](bold) a couple of headache [tablets](bold).

a small hard piece of a substance, especially one that dissolves in water

〔尤指溶解于水的〕丸，片

a flat piece of stone or clay with words cut into it, for example above someone’s grave

〔刻有文字的〕匾，牌，碑

used to say that something does not change

The programme should not be set in tablets of stone, but improved continuously.

此方案不应固定不变，而应不断改进。

a set of pieces of paper for writing on that are glued together at the top

a computer that you can carry with you which has a touch screen and does not have a separate keyboard


tackle

The government has failed to tackle the problem of youth crime.

She said she couldn’t face tackling the job on her own.

Fire crews tackling the blaze were hampered by exploding gas canisters.

The police set up a special task force to tackle street crime in the capital.

He believes education is the long-term key to tackling poverty.

The government announced a new initiative to tackle unemployment.

The issue of cost must be tackled head-on.

There is more than one way to tackle the problem.

解决这个问题不止一个办法。

It took twelve fire engines to [tackle](bold) the [blaze](bold).

扑救那场大火出动了12辆消防车。

to try to take the ball away from an opponent in a game such as football or hockey

〔足球、曲棍球等〕抢断，抢截

to force someone to the ground so that they stop running, in a game such as American football or rugby

〔美式或英式橄榄球比赛中〕擒抱

to talk to someone in order to deal with a difficult problem

〔为解决难题〕与 …商谈，与 …交涉

When I tackled Susan about it, she admitted she’d made a mistake.

我找苏珊谈了这事，她承认是她弄错了。

to start fighting someone, especially a criminal

I certainly couldn’t tackle both of them on my own.

光我一个人当然对付不了他们两个。


tackle

an attempt to take the ball from an opponent in a game such as football

〔足球等中的〕抢断球，抢截球

an attempt to stop an opponent by forcing them to the ground, especially in American football or rugby

放倒；〔尤指美式或英式橄榄球中的〕擒抱

a player in American football who stops other players by tackling them or preventing them from moving forward

〔美式橄榄球的〕擒抱[阻截]队员

the equipment used in some sports and activities, especially fishing

〔体育〕器具〔尤指钓具〕

ropes and pulleyswheels used for lifting heavy things

〔用于提起重物的〕滑车，滑轮组


tact

the ability to be careful about what you say or do, so that you do not upset or embarrass other people

With great tact, Clive persuaded her to apologize.

克莱夫十分巧妙地说服了她去道歉。


tactic

[strong-arm tactics](bold) at → [strong-arm](->strong-arm)

His enemies believed that his sickness was just another delaying tactic.

(=in which you deliberately try to frighten people)

He accused the opposition of scare tactics.

(=in which you deliberately try to shock people)

The charity resorted to shock tactics to try to bring its message home.

(=the use of force, violence, or threats)

Others were furious at what they said were government strong-arm tactics over the vote.

(=an action which draws attention away from something)

Before the attack, nearby areas were bombed as a diversionary tactic.

I wouldn't stoop to such sneaky, underhand tactics.

We used various tactics to get their support.

Many species of fish employ similar defence tactics.

Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.

(=use a tactic because there is no other way to do something)

Students resort to these tactics when they see no other way to address the problem.

Those tactics won’t work with me anymore – I know you too well.

They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.

a method that you use to achieve something

a [tactic employed](bold) to speed up the peace process

为加速和平进程而采取的策略

Republicans accuse Democrats of using [delaying tactics](bold)(=something you do in order to give yourself more time) to prevent a final vote on the bill.

共和党指责民主党采取拖延战术来阻止议案的最终票决。

[Shock tactics](bold) are being used in an attempt to stop drink drivers.

正在采取“震慑策略”来制止司机酒后驾车。

the science of arranging and moving military forces in a battle


tactical

relating to what you do to achieve what you want, especially as part of a game or large plan

Two players were substituted for [tactical reasons](bold).

两名球员因战术需要被替换下场。

[tactical error/mistake/blunder](bold)(=a mistake that will harm your plans later)

a missile that is sent a short distance in military battle

relating to the way military forces are arranged in a battle


tag

Every baby had a name tag on his or her wrist.

Expensive items such as leather jackets have security tags which have to be removed at the till.

(=a tag attached to a gift that says who it is from)

You can buy gift wrap with matching gift tags.

Was there a luggage tag on your suitcase?

a small piece of paper, plastic etc attached to something to show what it is, who owns it, what it costs etc

a children’s game in which one player chases and tries to touch the others

a piece of equipment that you attach to an animal or person, especially someone who has just left prison, so that you always know where they are

a computer code attached to a word or phrase in a computer document in order to arrange the data in a particular way

a word or phrase which is used to describe a person, group, or thing, but which is often unfair or not correct

His speed earned him the tag of ‘the runner’.

他的速度使他赢得了“飞人”的称号。

someone’s name that they paint illegally on a wall, vehicle etc

〔在墙壁、汽车等上面〕违法涂写的名字

a small piece of sticky plastic with a date on it that you put on your car’s license plate to show that the car is legally allowed on the road in that year

〔允许车辆上路的〕车牌标贴


tag

[past tense and past participle](italic) [tagged](bold) [present participle](italic) [tagging](bold)

给 …加上标签，给 …挂上标牌

Each bird was tagged and released into the wild.

每只鸟都被系上标牌放归了大自然。

to give someone or something a name or title, or describe them in a particular way

把 …称为，给 …起诨名

The country no longer wants to be tagged as a Third World nation.

该国不愿意再被称为第三世界国家。

to attach a tag in a computer program or document

给〔计算机程序或文件〕加标志[标记]

All the words are tagged with their part of speech.

to illegally paint your name on a wall, vehicle etc

〔在墙壁、汽车等上面〕违法涂写〔名字〕

to touch someone you are chasing in a game, especially to touch someone with the ball in baseball


tail

Some dinosaurs had long necks and equally long tails.

Domino rushed to meet her, tail wagging with excitement.

The cow wandered off, swishing her tail.

The bird’s wings and tail feathers were a beautiful purple color.

the part that sticks out at the back of an animal’s body, and that it can move

The dog [wagged](bold) its [tail](bold).

the bottom part of your shirt at the back, that you put inside your trousers

the back or last part of something, especially something that is moving away from you

末尾部分，后部〔尤指离你而去的东西〕

We saw the tail of the procession disappearing round the corner.

我们看到队伍的尾巴绕过拐角渐渐消失。

a man’s jacket which is short at the front and divides into two long pieces at the back, worn to very formal events

〔男子的〕晚礼服，燕尾服

said when you are tossing a coin throwing it up in the air to decide which of two things you will do or choose

the last part of an event, situation, or period of time

〔某事件、形势或时期的〕尾声，末尾

someone who is employed to watch and follow someone, especially a criminal

[put a tail on sb](bold)(=order someone to follow another person)

to run away because you are too frightened to fight or attack

〔因不敢抵抗或攻击而〕逃跑，转身逃走

embarrassed or unhappy because you have failed or been defeated

〔因失败或被打败而〕夹着尾巴，垂头丧气

it’s (a case of) the tail wagging the dog

used to say that an unimportant thing is wrongly controlling a situation

这是主次颠倒，这是喧宾夺主

to try to get a woman to have sex with you


tail

to follow someone and watch what they do, where they go etc

The police have been tailing him for several months.

警察跟踪他已有几个月了。


tailor

to make something so that it is exactly right for someone’s particular needs or for a particular purpose

Treatment is tailored to the needs of each patient.

治疗方案是针对各个病人的需要而制订的。

[tailor sth to meet/suit sb’s needs/requirements](bold)

The classes are tailored to suit learners’ needs.

课程根据学习者的需要而设计。

We tailored the part specifically for her.

这个角色是我们专门为她量身打造的。


tailor

someone whose job is to make men’s clothes, that are measured to fit each customer perfectly


take

be taken aback
take after
take apart
take against
take away
take away from
take back
take down
take in
take off
take on
take out
take out on
take over
take to
take up
take up on
take up with

to move or go with someone or something from one place to another

to take someone or something to the place where you are now

Will you bring your photos with you when you come?

to take large quantities of goods from one place to another in a plane, train, ship etc

The plane is used for transporting military equipment.

to take goods, letters, newspapers etc to someone’s home or office

Unfortunately, the package was delivered to the wrong address.

to take someone or something somewhere by plane

The bread is specially flown in from Paris.

to take goods from one place to another – this can be by ship, truck, plane, or train

Half the whisky is shipped to Japan and the US.

to take people or goods somewhere – used especially when saying how many people or things, or what kind

The new plane can carry up to 600 passengers.

The ship was carrying a full cargo of oil.

to take someone to a place by going in front of them

He led Julia through the house to his study.

Roland led the way back to the car in silence.

to take someone to a place and show them the way

Emily guided him through a side gate into a large garden.

to take someone to a place and protect or guard them

The prisoner was escorted into the room by two police officers.

The singer was escorted by her assistant and her bodyguard.

to politely lead someone somewhere and show them where to go, especially because it is your job to do this

We were ushered into the lift by a man in uniform.

[past tense](italic) [took](bold) /tʊk/ [past participle](italic) [taken](bold) /ˈteɪkən/

带（走）；拿（走）；取（走）；搬（走）

→see THESAURUS at [bring](->bring)   →see THESAURUS at [lead](->lead) 1

Would you mind [taking](bold) Susie [home](bold)?

When he refused to give his name, he was taken into custody.

他拒绝说出自己的名字，于是就被羁押了。

我的工作让我走遍了世界各地。

His wife went to Australia, taking the children with her.

他的妻子带着孩子去了澳大利亚。

我今晚得把钱带给史蒂夫。

used with a noun instead of using a verb to describe an action. For example, if you take a walk, you walk somewhere

做〔某个动作；和名词连用代替某个动词〕

I waved, but he [didn’t take any notice](bold)(=pretended not to notice).([BrE](bold))

我挥了挥手，但他没有理会我。

Would you mind taking a photo of us together?

有人从我的书桌上拿走了一支钢笔。

Police say money and jewellery were taken in the raid.

警方说钱和珠宝都在这次抢劫中被抢走了。

if something takes a particular amount of time, money, effort etc, that amount of time etc is needed for it to happen or succeed

花费〔时间、金钱或努力等〕

How [long](bold) is this going to [take](bold)?

Organizing a successful street party takes a lot of energy.

成功举办一次街头聚会要花费很多精力。

[It took](bold) a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the dark.

过了几分钟他的眼睛才适应了黑暗。

[take (sb) ages/forever](bold) [informal](special)

It took me ages to find a present for Dad.

我花了很长时间才买到一样给爸爸的礼物。

[take some doing](bold) BrE [informal](special)(=need a lot of time or effort)

Catching up four goals will take some doing.

追上四分是要花大力气的。

[It takes](bold) courage to admit you are wrong.

[have what it takes](bold) [informal](special)(=to have the qualities that are needed for success)

Neil’s got what it takes to be a great footballer.

内尔具备成为一名伟大足球运动员的潜质。

to accept or choose something that is offered, suggested, or given to you

接受〔某人给的东西、提议等〕

If you [take](bold) my [advice](bold), you’ll see a doctor.

如果你听我的意见，就去找医生看看。

Our helpline [takes](bold) 3.5 million [calls](bold)(=telephone calls) a year.

我们的求助热线每年接听350万个电话。

Some doctors are unwilling to take new patients without a referral.

有些医生不愿意接收没有转诊单的新病人。

Liz found his criticisms [hard to take](bold).

利兹觉得他的批评很难接受。

I just [can’t take any more](bold)(=can’t deal with a bad situation any longer).

员工同意接受2%的降薪。

[take a hammering/beating](bold)(=be forced to accept defeat or a bad situation)

Small businesses took a hammering in the last recession.

在上次的经济衰退中，小企业遭遇了困境。

[I take your point/point taken](bold)(=used to say that you accept someone’s opinion)

[take sb’s word for it/take it from sb](bold)(=accept that what someone says is true)

That’s the truth – [take it from me](bold).

He’s the kind of man who makes things happen but lets others take the credit.

他是那种自己做事却让别人领功的人。

[take it as read/given](bold)(=
          )

It isn’t official yet, but you can take it as read that you’ve got the contract.

这虽然还是非正式的，但你可以认为你已经得到这份合同了。

Can you take this package while I get my wallet?

你帮我拿一下这个包裹好吗？我把钱包拿出来。

我好想把他拥在我的怀里。

to use a particular form of transport or a particular road in order to go somewhere

乘坐〔某种交通工具〕，走〔某条道路〕

走6号高速公路到第19号交叉口。

to study a particular subject in school or college for an examination

Applicants are asked to take a written test.

申请者被要求参加一个笔试。

to be the correct or suitable size, type etc for a particular person or thing

The elevator takes a maximum of 32 people.

这电梯最多可以乘32人。

In this meaning, [take](bold)  is not used in the progressive. You say: I take size 12.
Don’t say: [I’m taking size 12.](strike)

to collect or gather something for a particular purpose

Investigators will [take samples](bold) of the wreckage to identify the cause.

调查人员将从残骸上取样以确定事故的起因。

The police [took](bold) a [statement](bold) from both witnesses.

警察给两名目击者都做了笔录。

to react to someone or something or consider them in a particular way

〔以某种方式〕处理，理解，考虑

[take sb/sth seriously/badly/personally etc](bold)

我是在开玩笑，但他却当真了。

本听了这个消息反应很强烈。

She does [not take kindly to](bold) criticism (=reacts badly to criticism).

[take sth as evidence/proof (of sth)](bold)

The presence of dust clouds has been taken as evidence of recent star formation.

尘云的出现已被视为最近有恒星形成的证据。

Of course I won’t tell anyone! [What do you take me for](bold)?(=what sort of person do you think I am?)

我当然不会告诉任何人！你把我当成什么人了？

[I take it](bold)(=I [assume](bold,->assume)) you’ve heard that Rick’s resigned.

我想你已经知道里克辞职了。

to have or experience a particular feeling

产生，感受到〔某种情感〕

[take delight/pleasure/pride etc in (doing) sth](bold)

你应该对自己的工作感到自豪。

At first, he [took](bold) no [interest in](bold) the baby.

起初，他对宝宝一点兴趣也没有。

She stood feeling lost until an elderly man took pity on her.

她不知所措地站着，直到有个老人来向她表示同情。

Don’t take offence. Roger says things like that to everybody.

不要见怪，罗杰跟谁都那样说话。

[take comfort from/in (doing) sth](bold)

Investors can [take comfort from the fact that](bold) the World Bank is underwriting the shares.

世界银行会承销这些股票，投资者可以放心了。

to get possession or control of something

拥有〔某物〕；控制〔某物〕

Youngsters need to take control of their own lives.

年轻人应该自己掌握自己的生活。

[take the lead](bold)(=in a race, competition etc)

to swallow, breathe in, inject etc a drug or medicine

服〔药〕；吸食〔毒品〕；注射〔药物〕

The doctor will ask whether you are taking any medication.

医生会问你是否在使用什么药物。

Most teenagers start taking drugs through boredom.

She [took](bold) an [overdose](bold) after a row with her boyfriend.

她和男朋友吵架后服用了过量药物。

used to ask someone whether they like to have sugar or milk in a drink such as tea or coffee

to make someone or something go to a higher level or position

The latest raise takes his salary into six figures.

最近一次加薪使他的薪水达到了六位数。

Even if you have the talent to [take](bold) you [to the top](bold), there’s no guarantee you’ll get there.

即使你有出人头地的才能，你也未必就能做到。

If you want to [take](bold) it [further](bold), you should consult an attorney.

如果你想采取进一步行动，应该找个律师咨询一下。

to measure the amount, level, rate etc of something

to make a number smaller by a particular amount

‘Take four from nine and what do you get?’ ‘Five.’

“9减4等于多少？” “等于5。”

if a shop, business etc takes a particular amount of money, it receives that amount of money from its customers

这个摊位星期六收进25英镑。

某人不喜欢也不讨厌某事物，某人对某事物无所谓

To some people, smoking is addictive. Others can take it or leave it.

有些人吸烟会上瘾，有些人却觉得可有可无。

used to say that you do not care whether someone accepts your offer or not

used to give an example of something you have just been talking about

举例说明；以某人/某事为例

People love British cars. Take the Mini. In Japan, it still sells more than all the other British cars put together.

人们喜欢英国车。就拿Mini汽车来说，在日本它的销量仍然超过其他所有英国汽车销量的总和。

to teach a particular group of students in a school or college

〔在学校或大学〕教授〔某个班级〕

让我记下你的电子邮箱地址。

to make someone forget their problems and feel more confident

Alf said joining the club would take me out of myself.

阿尔夫说加入俱乐部会让我摆脱烦恼。

take a lot out of you/take it out of you

Looking after a baby really takes it out of you.

照看婴儿会让人精疲力竭。

to decide to do something without getting someone’s permission or approval first

擅自做主做某事，自作主张做某事

Reg took it upon himself to hand the press a list of names.

雷吉自作主张给了媒体一份名单。

to separate something into its different parts

to be attracted by a particular idea, plan, or person

被某事物吸引住，被某事物迷住

I’m quite taken by the idea of Christmas in Berlin.

去柏林过圣诞节这个想法很吸引我。

if a man takes someone, he has sex with them

〔男性〕和 …发生性行为

to try to get over or around something in a particular way

转过弯道/越过栅栏/拐弯等

He took the bend at over 60 and lost control.

他在拐弯时时速超过60，失去了控制。

if a treatment, dye, drug etc takes, it begins to work successfully

〔治疗、染料、药物等〕开始起作用，开始见效


take

an occasion when a film scene, song, action etc is recorded

〔一个电影场景、一个动作等的〕一次拍摄；〔一首歌曲的〕一次录制

We had to do six takes for this particular scene.

这一个镜头我们不得不拍了六次。

someone’s opinion about a situation or idea

某人（对某事）的观点[立场]

你对这个问题持什么观点？

to be willing to do something wrong in return for money

Is it true that some of the generals are on the take?

真的有一些将军接受贿赂吗？

the amount of money earned by a shop or business in a particular period of time

〔商店或企业一定时间内的〕收入额，进项


takeover

when one company takes control of another by buying more than half its shares

Thornbury has announced a [takeover bid](bold) of a regional TV company.

索恩伯里已宣布将出价收购一家地方电视公司。

He prevented a [hostile takeover](bold)(=when the takeover is not wanted by the company being bought) of the company.

他阻止了对公司的一起恶意收购。

an act of getting control of a country or political organization, using force

〔通过武力对某国或某政治组织的〕接管，夺取控制


tale

→ [fairy tale](->fairy tale) [old wives’ tale](bold) at → [old](->old) sense 24

It looked like a castle in a fairy tale.

(=one that is told to warn someone about the dangers of something)

This cautionary tale illustrates the dangers of looking for quick profits.

(=one that is difficult to believe and unlikely to be true)

She enjoyed making up tall tales to tell the children.

He liked telling tales of his adventures in the wilderness.

a book of old Japanese [folk tales](bold)(=traditional stories)

a [fairy tale](bold) by Hans Christian Andersen

a [cautionary tale](bold)(=one that is told to warn people about the dangers of something)

a description of interesting or exciting things that happened to someone, often one which is not completely true about every detail

〔未必完全真实的〕陈述，传说，传闻

有关她在战后柏林生活的传闻

He was in the middle of [telling](bold) me a long [tale](bold) about how he once met Bob Dylan.

他正在和我絮絮叨叨地讲他有一次遇见鲍勃·迪伦的事。

to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone else has done

a description of events that made you unhappy

a series of bad things that happened to someone

The England team’s tale of woe continued, and they lost the next three games.

英格兰队的悲剧继续上演，接下去的三场比赛他们又输了。


talent

Zach was the only one who showed any natural talent.

They have been using their artistic talents to brighten up the school.

Education allows people to develop their talents to the full.

They felt their son was wasting his talents and his time.

The school created an atmosphere in which young talent could flourish.

She has real talent and with a little help she could go far.

Ronaldo is a player of immense natural talent.

(=used to describe someone with natural ability who has not had much training)

He’s got lots of raw talent but he needs a good coach.

Have a go – you may discover a hidden talent!

It was at school that Brian’s musical talents were spotted.

Don’t assume winning a talent contest is a passport to success.

There’s a wealth of musical talent in New York and other large American cities.

Employers can draw on an enormous pool of talent in this area.

He [has](bold) a lot of [talent](bold), and his work is fresh and interesting.

他很有天赋，其作品新颖有趣。

She [showed](bold) a [talent](bold) for acting at an early age.

她在很小的时候就显示出了表演天赋。

a persuasive speaker with [a natural talent](bold) for leadership

有领导天赋、颇有辩才的演说者

His latest book reveals [hidden talents](bold).

他最新的一本书展现了他深藏不露的才能。

Sadly, she inherited none of her father’s [musical talent](bold).

可惜的是，她一点都没有继承她父亲的音乐天赋。

Your brother is [a man of many talents](bold).

你弟弟是个多才多艺的人。

There’s a [wealth of talent](bold) in English football.

a person or people with a natural ability or skill


talented

having a natural ability to do something well


talk

talk around/round
talk back
talk down
talk down to
talk into
talk out
talk out of
talk over
talk through
talk to
talk up

Two people [talk](bold) : We’ll talk later.

You [talk to](bold)  someone: I’ll talk to you later.
Don’t say: [I’ll talk you later.](strike)

You [talk with](bold)  someone: I’ve talked with her teacher.

You [talk about](bold)  something or [talk about doing](bold)  something: He talked about his feelings. We talked about changing the system.
Don’t say: [He talked his feelings.](strike)

In formal or literary English, you [talk of](bold)  something or [of doing](bold)  something: She’s talking of leaving.

You [talk in](bold)  a particular type of voice: She was talking in a really loud voice.

to use words to communicate with someone about something

to talk. [Speak](bold) is a little more formal than [talk](bold). You often use it when saying that someone [speaks ](bold) in a particular way, or that you will [speak](bold) to someone in order to try to get something done. You only use [speak](bold) when saying that someone [speaks](bold) a language

She was speaking quietly so she didn’t disturb anyone.

to talk too much or for too long about something, in a way that makes people bored

He went on about how great the team was.

I’d better stop rambling and let you get on with your work.

to talk using a lot of words but without saying anything important

I wish he would stop waffling and get to the point!

to talk continuously about silly and unimportant things

She prattled on about her boyfriend for the entire journey.

to talk to someone for a long time about everyday things

She was having a conversation with one of her friends.

When I arrived, Joe and Jane were deep in conversationvery involved in a conversation.

I can order food in a restaurant in French, but not have a conversation.

to have a friendly informal conversation about things that are not very important

The girls were chatting outside the house.

to talk about other people’s private lives when they are not there, especially about things that you have heard, which are not completely true

to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans

They met to discuss how the building should be designed.

to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you

Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family.

You two need to sit down and talk things over.

to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem

The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.

to say things to someone as part of a conversation

I could hear Sarah and Andy talking in the next room.

我听到萨拉和安迪在隔壁讲话。

English people love to talk about the weather.

All through the afternoon, they sat and talked about their trip.

整个下午他们都坐着谈论他们的旅程。

I got the truth from talking with Elena.

和埃琳娜交谈后我知道了真相。

Sue and Bob still [aren’t talking](bold)(=are refusing to talk to each other).

[talk in a low voice/a whisper etc](bold)

They were talking in low voices, and I couldn’t catch what they were saying.

他们在轻声交谈，我听不清楚他们在说些什么。

of (=used especially in formal or literary contexts)

to discuss something serious or important with someone

Is there somewhere we can talk in private?

有什么地方我们可以去私下谈谈吗？

We’ve been talking about getting married.

Parents should talk with their children about drug abuse.

‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently.

“我们现在别谈政治了。”休不耐烦地说。

In written English, people usually say that they are going to [discuss](bold) , [deal with](bold) , or [address](bold)  a subject rather than [talk about](bold)  it:

In this essay I will [discuss](bold) the problem of over-population.

to produce words and express thoughts, opinions, ideas etc

She was talking so fast I could hardly understand her.

她说得太快，我几乎听不懂。

Some residents were frightened to talk publicly.

有些居民害怕在众目睽睽下开口说话。

他们开始用西班牙语交谈。

Don’t let Dad hear you [talking like that](bold)(=expressing things in a particular way).

不要让爸爸听到你这样说话。

Professor Davis will talk about ‘Trends in Network Computing’.

戴维斯教授将就“网络计算趋势”发表演讲。

if someone who has secret information talks, they tell someone else about it

Even under torture, Maskell [refused to talk](bold).

即使遭受严刑拷打，马斯克尔还是拒不开口。

He tried to stop his ex-wife from talking on live TV.

他试图阻止他的前妻上电视直播节目去讲出内情。

We should stop meeting like this. People will talk.

我们别再这样见面了，人们会说闲话的。

used to say that you think someone is saying something sensible, something stupid etc

说得有理/说废话/胡说八道等

朱尔斯，你确实有说废话的时候。

She hoped Father McCormack would be able to talk some sense into her son.

她希望麦科马克神父能够劝导她儿子。

‘What did you say?’ ‘Sorry, I was just talking to myself.’

“你说什么？” “对不起，我只是自言自语。”

to know a lot about a particular subject

对 …很了解，是 …的行家

I worked in hotels for years, so I know what I’m talking about.

我曾在酒店工作多年，所以对这一行很了解。

to talk a lot, especially about unimportant things

used to emphasize that someone or something is very lazy, cheap, hungry etc

Talk about lucky. That’s the second time he’s won this week!

真是运气好，这已经是他本周第二次赢了！

used to say more about a subject that someone has just mentioned

谈到，论及〔用于承接刚才的话题〕

Talking of Venice, have you seen the masks I bought there last year?

说到威尼斯，你看到过我去年在那儿买的面具吗？

used when you think what someone has said is stupid or wrong

你（们）在说些什么？〔用来指对方说的话愚蠢或错误〕

What are you talking about? We got there in plenty of time.

你在说些什么？我们很早就到那儿了。

used when you are angry that the person you are talking to is not paying attention

我在和你说话呢！〔用来表示因对方未注意你说话而生气〕

used to say that it is annoying to speak to someone because they do not pay attention to you

就像跟木头说话；好像在对牛弹琴

to say rude or offensive things to or about someone, especially to opponents in a sports competition

〔尤指对体育比赛中的对手〕谩骂，侮辱

Both teams were talking trash on the court.

to say the things that people expect or think are necessary in a particular situation

She didn’t talk the talk of feminism, but her career was the most important thing in her life.

她并没有把女权主义挂在嘴上，但事业的确是她生命中最重要的事情。

[walk the walk](bold) at → [walk](->walk) 1 sense 12

used in conversation to emphasize a fact or remind someone of it

我/我们/你是在说 …〔用于强调、提醒等〕

I’m not talking about ancient history, I’m talking about last season’s performance.

我可不是在谈陈年旧事，我是在说上一个赛季的表现。

used to say that you think someone’s suggestion is a good idea

这就对了；太对了；正合我意

‘Fancy an ice cream?’ ‘Now you’re talking.’

“想来一个冰激凌吗？” “正合我意！”

(also: [you’re a fine one to talk](bold) [you can talk](bold) )

used to tell someone they should not criticize someone else’s behaviour because their own behaviour is just as bad

‘Peggy shouldn’t smoke so much.’ ‘Look who’s talking!’

“佩姬不应该抽那么多烟。” “你倒好意思说！”

we’re/you’re talking £500/three days etc

used to tell someone how much something will cost, how long something will take to do etc

500英镑/三天等是必要的〔用来告知对方需要花多少钱、多少时间等〕

To do a proper job, you’re talking £750 minimum.

要想把活儿干得像样一点，最少要花750英镑。

to escape from a bad or embarrassing situation by giving explanations, excuses etc

依靠口才使自己摆脱〔困境〕

She’s good at talking her way out of trouble.

她擅长凭着巧舌为自己开脱。

([talk a blue streak](bold) ([AmE](bold)) (informal) )

to deliberately talk in a strange and confusing way

Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on.

别打哑谜了，解释一下到底发生了什么。

to give people your opinions very strongly

The president is talking tough on crime.

总统对犯罪活动态度强硬。

if people talk shop, they talk about their work when there are people present who are not interested or involved in it – used to show disapproval

〔在不感兴趣或无关的人面前〕谈工作〔含贬义〕

Are you two going to talk shop all night?

你们两个人就准备整晚都谈工作吗？

to talk in a sexual way to someone in order to make them feel sexually excited

（对某人）说下流话，说挑逗的话〔以使某人性兴奋〕

if someone is talking through their hat, they say stupid things about something that they do not understand

to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way

令人不快地批评〔某人或某事物〕

used to tell someone rudely that you do not want to listen to anything he or she is going to say to you. When people use this expression, they also usually turn their face away from the other person and hold the palm of their hand out towards them.

我不想听，别再说了〔粗鲁地表示你不想再听对方说话，这么说时通常把脸转向一边，把手心朝向对方〕


talk

→ [pep talk](->pep talk) → [small talk](->small talk) [idle talk](bold) at → [idle](->idle) 1 sense 2 [pillow talk](bold) at → [pillow](->pillow) 1 sense 3

I must have a talk with Frank before I leave.

I had a long talk with Nora this morning.

Before she went to college, her father sat her down for a serious talk.

She asked if she could have a private talk.

(=a long talk about important or interesting things)

She was upset, but we’ve had a good talk and things are okay now.

We all had lunch together and a nice talk.

He called on the rebels to hold talks with the government.

The Ambassador stated that France was prepared to enter into talks on the issue.

Talks began in October and Venezuela said it expects an agreement to be signed soon.

Talks will continue through the weekend.

Talks broke down today between the Russian and Japanese delegations.

Talks resumed in Geneva on April 19 after a month’s break.

The talks ended without a settlement being reached.

All four Arab delegations walked out of the Middle East peace talks yesterday.

Trade talks between the EU and the Americans have once again collapsed.

The announcement came after a morning of high-level talks.

The dollar fell as U.S. budget talks appeared unlikely to produce an agreement.

The president declared that he was now prepared to enter into direct talks with the rebels.

Bilateral talks led to the resumption of diplomatic relations.

(=when everyone can discuss things in an equal way)

An election law, agreed during round-table talks, gave every voter the right to two votes.

The prime minister called ministers together for urgent talks.

(=talks to stop a situation getting worse or more dangerous)

The unions will hold crisis talks with the company in a bid to save jobs.

(=a series of talks that is part of a longer process)

The collapse of the talks sent shock waves round the world.

After a [long talk](bold), we decided on divorce.

经过一次长谈后，我们决定离婚。

John, I’d like to [have a talk with](bold) you.

formal discussions between governments, organizations etc

〔政府、机构等之间的〕正式会谈，谈判

The president [held talks](bold) with Chinese officials.

总统与中国官员举行了会谈。

和叛乱分子的谈判破裂了。

Dr Howard will give a talk on herbal medicine.

霍华德医生将作一个关于草药的报告。

information or news that people talk about and hear about a lot, but that is not official

小道消息，流言蜚语，传言

Tickets sold so quickly there’s talk of a second concert.

票卖得很快，有传言说音乐会还会举办一场。

the administration’s talk of reducing weapons

There’s talk that she’s difficult to work with.

这只是传言，他决不会这么做的。

That’s [fighting talk](bold)(=brave and confident words) from Italy’s manager.

那是意大利队主帅的豪言壮语。

someone who is all talk talks a lot about what they intend to do, but never actually does it

someone who is the talk of the town has done something bad, shocking, exciting etc and everyone is talking about them

成了镇上/巴黎等街谈巷议的话题

She’s the talk of London’s theatre-goers since her last performance.

她自从上次演出后就成了伦敦戏迷津津乐道的对象。

used to say that you do not believe someone will do what they say


talkative

a talkative person likes to talk a lot – also used about people’s moods

He’s very talkative with his friends and family.

liking to talk a lot in a friendly way – a rather informal use

I like her – she’s always cheerful and chatty.

The chatty girl on the phone answered most of my questions.

able to talk easily and effectively about things, especially difficult subjects

All the applicants we interviewed were intelligent and articulate.

These were articulate people, well able to deal with the press and media.

able to express your ideas and opinions well – used especially about people who speak in public and are able to influence people

talking a lot, especially about unimportant things

A garrulous old man was sitting near me in the bar.

He became more garrulous as the evening went on.

used to say humorously that someone talks all the time

You can’t shut him up so I never get any work done when he’s here.

someone, especially a child, who talks a lot


tall

[stand tall](bold) at → [stand](->stand) 1 sense 39 [walk tall](bold) at → [walk](->walk) 1 sense 10

[comparative](italic) [taller](bold) [superlative](italic) [tallest](bold)

a person, building, tree etc that is tall is a greater height than normal

〔人、建筑物、树木等〕高的，高大的

This bush [grows tall](bold) very quickly.

you use ‘tall’ to say or ask what the height of something or someone is

有 …高的，身高 …的〔用于表示或询问高度〕

a tall drink contains a small amount of alcohol mixed with a large amount of a non-alcoholic drink

a request or piece of work that is almost impossible

很难实现的要求，奢求；很难完成的工作

Finding a replacement is going to be a tall order.

a story that is so unlikely that it is difficult to believe

荒诞的故事；难以置信的事


tangible

[tangibility](bold) /ˌtændʒəˈbɪləti/  n. <U>

clear enough or definite enough to be easily seen or noticed

The scheme must have [tangible benefits](bold) for the unemployed.

这个计划一定要对失业者有实实在在的好处。

He has no tangible evidence of John’s guilt.

他没有确凿的证据证明约翰有罪。

property such as buildings, equipment etc

if something is tangible, you can touch or feel it

The silence of the countryside was [almost tangible](bold).

乡村的寂静几乎能感觉得到。


tank

→ [think tank](->think tank) → [septic tank](->septic tank) → [drunk tank](->drunk tank)

a large container for storing liquid or gas

〔储存液体或气体的〕箱，罐

Somehow the chemical got from a [storage tank](bold) into water supplies.

不知怎么的，这种化学物从储存箱进入了供水系统。

[fish/marine/breeding tank](bold)(=for keeping or breeding fish in)

[petrol tank](bold) BrE, [gas tank](bold) AmE

the amount of liquid or gas held in a tank

〔液体或气体〕满满一箱的容量

第二天我们加满油箱，动身离开了。

a heavy military vehicle that has a large gun and runs on two metal belts fitted over its wheels

a large artificial pool for storing water

Sales can’t keep going up, but that doesn’t mean the industry is going in the tank.

销售额不能持续增长，但那并不是说这个行业不景气。


tank

to decrease quickly or be very unsuccessful

Not long after the chairman resigned, shares in the company tanked.

董事长辞职后不久，该公司的股票就暴跌了。

His last film tanked in the States, but did well in the UK.

他最新的电影在美国一败涂地，但在英国却很成功。

to deliberately lose a sports game that you could have won


tap

Run some cold water into the bath before turning on the hot tap.

She stood at the sink, running the tap to get a glass of cold water.

I think you must have left the tap running.

If the tap is dripping, change the washer.

She scrubbed her hands under the cold tap.

The water coming out of the kitchen tap had an odd smell.

(=one through which cold and hot water can run together)

(=with drops of water coming from the end )

The leaky tap had left a stain in the washbasin.

In the test, people preferred tap water to bottled mineral waters.

A few sharp taps with a hammer will force the nail through the surface.

She gave the dog a gentle tap with her umbrella.

a piece of equipment for controlling the flow of water, gas etc from a pipe or container

〔水、燃气等管道或容器的〕龙头，阀门

[Tap water](bold)(=water that comes out of a tap) is usually heavily treated with chemicals.

自来水一般都用化学品严格处理过。

She went into the bathroom and [turned on the taps](bold).

她走进浴室，打开水龙头。

I washed my hands under the kitchen tap.

我在厨房水龙头下洗了手。

[cold/hot tap](bold)(=the tap that cold or hot water comes from)

an act of hitting something lightly, especially to get someone’s attention

〔尤指为了引起某人注意〕轻轻敲击，轻叩，轻拍

她觉得有人轻轻拍了拍她的肩膀。

something that is on tap is ready to use when you need it

我们有各种信息随时可以利用。

dancing in which you wear special shoes with pieces of metal on the bottom which make a loud sharp sound on the floor

an act of secretly listening to someone’s telephone, using electronic equipment

The police had put a tap on his phone line.

警方在他的电话线路上安装了窃听器。

a specially shaped object used for letting liquid out of a barrel, especially beer

〔尤指啤酒桶的〕龙头，旋塞

a song or tune played on the bugle at night in an army camp, and at military funerals

〔军营里晚上的〕熄灯号；〔军队的〕葬礼号


tap

[past tense and past participle](italic) [tapped](bold) [present participle](italic) [tapping](bold)

to hit your fingers lightly on something, for example to get someone’s attention

〔用手指〕轻拍，轻叩，轻敲

[tap sb on the shoulder/arm/chest etc](bold)

He turned as someone tapped him on the shoulder.

有人轻轻拍了拍他的肩膀，他转过身来。

Mark tapped his fingers on the tabletop impatiently.

马克不耐烦地用手指轻叩桌面。

to make a regular pattern of sounds with your fingers or feet, especially when you are listening to music

〔尤指听音乐时〕用〔手指或脚〕打节拍

She tapped her feet in time to the music.

她和着音乐用脚打着节拍。

to use or take what is needed from something such as an energy supply or an amount of money

利用；发掘，开发〔能源、资金来源等〕

People are tapping into the power supply illegally.

We hope that additional sources of funding can be tapped.

我们希望还有其他资金来源可以利用。

to make as much use as possible of the ideas, experience, knowledge etc that a group of people has

利用，采用〔思想、经验、知识等〕

Your adviser’s experience is there to be tapped.

helping people tap into training opportunities

to listen secretly to someone’s telephone by using a special piece of electronic equipment

Murray’s [phone](bold) calls to Australia were [tapped](bold).

默里打往澳大利亚的电话被窃听了。

to get liquid from the trunk of a tree by making a hole in it

if a football club taps a player from another team, it illegally tries to persuade that player to join its team

〔足球俱乐部试图从其他球队〕非法挖〔队员〕


tape

narrow plastic material covered with a special magnetic substance, on which you can record sounds, pictures, or computer information

〔可以录音、录像或刻录计算机信息的〕磁带，带子

我们已用录像带录下了这部电影。

我不喜欢听我录在磁带上的声音。

a special plastic box containing a length of tape that you can record sound on

William lent me some of his Beatles tapes.

威廉把他的披头士磁带借了一些给我。

We played a tape of African music and began dancing.

我们播放了一盘非洲音乐磁带，跳起舞来。

Bring me a [blank tape](bold) and I’ll record it for you.

带一盘空白磁带给我，我帮你录。

a special plastic box containing a length of tape that you can record sound and pictures on

a narrow length of plastic that is sticky on one side and is used to stick things together

a long thin piece of plastic or cloth used for purposes such as marking out an area of ground or tying things together

〔划分地界或捆扎东西等用的〕带子，线带

Crime-scene tape marked out the position of the murdered man.

犯罪现场隔离带标出了遇害男子的位置。

a string stretched out across the finishing line in a race and broken by the winner

〔比赛终点冲刺的〕终点线


tape

〔用磁带〕录音，录像，录下

Would you mind if I taped this conversation?

你介意我把这次谈话录下来吗？

to stick something onto something else using tape

There were two pictures taped to the side of the fridge.

to fasten a package, box etc with sticky tape

用胶带把〔包裹、箱子等〕缚紧

to tie a bandage firmly around an injured part of someone’s body

用〔绷带〕包扎〔受伤部位〕

[Tape](bold)  is often passive in this meaning.

to understand someone or something completely and know how to deal with them

彻底了解某事/某人，摸清某事/某人的底细

You can’t fool Liz – she’s got you taped.

你骗不了利兹——她太了解你了。


target

The government wants to meet its target of building three million new homes by 2020.

They achieved their target with just days to spare.

The company has set ambitious business targets.

We have exceeded our target of £200,000.

Car production at the plant has fallen short of its target by 5%.

The targets they have set themselves are hugely ambitious.

The Kyoto Protocol set fairly modest targets for reductions in greenhouse gases.

The target is achievable, but only by hard work.

Both businesses exceeded their financial targets.

I’m confident we will meet our sales target by the end of the year.

The company’s growth targets have been achieved for the last three years.

There is no target date set for completion of the new project.

The government has set a target figure of 6.2%

(=the most suitable or most likely to be chosen)

Sporting events could become a prime target for terrorists.

The rebel-held town is one of the main targets for U S troops.

Some criminals now regard churches as easy targets.

In the open, the soldiers are sitting targets.

The group insists that its bombs were directed against military targets.

The army denied it had attacked civilian targets.

The rebels claimed that trains carrying soldiers are a legitimate target.

They have attacked military targets such as army camps and airfields.

All of the missiles missed their target and no-one was killed.

something that you are trying to achieve, such as a total, an amount, or a time

the target of a one-third reduction in road accidents

道路交通事故减少三分之一的目标

Higher degrees in English are a target for foreign students.

There is no [target date](bold) for completion of the new project.

这个新的项目何时完工没有预定日期。

The government may fail to [meet](bold)(=achieve) its [target](bold) of recycling 25% of domestic waste.

Jiang [set](bold) annual growth [targets](bold) of 8–9%.

The company says that growth of 10% is on target.

公司声称10%的增长目标可望实现。

an object, person, or place that is deliberately chosen to be attacked

Railway stations are [prime targets](bold)(=very likely targets) for bombs.

火车站是炸弹袭击的主要目标。

Cars without security devices are an easy target for the thief.

没有防盗装置的汽车很容易成为小偷下手的目标。

the person or place that is most directly affected by an action, especially a bad one

对象；受影响的人[地方]

The area has become a [prime target](bold) for supermarket development.

该地区成了发展超市的首选之地。

The country is a target of criticism for its human rights record.

something that you practise shooting at, especially a round board with circles on it

The area is used by the army for [target practice](bold).

这个地方被军队用来练习打靶。

a limited group, area etc that a plan, idea etc is aimed at

Our target audience is men aged between 18 and 35.

我们的目标受众是18到35岁之间的男性。

the language that you are learning or that you are translating into

目标语言，目的语；译入语


target

to make something have an effect on a particular limited group or area

以 …为目标，以 …为对象

The advertisement was designed to target a mass audience.

a new benefit targeted on low-income families

一项针对低收入家庭的新的福利

The programme is targeted at improving the health of women of all ages.

该计划的目的是提高各年龄层妇女的健康水平。

The missiles are targeted at several key military sites.

这些导弹瞄准了几个主要的军事地点。

to choose a particular person or place to do something to, especially to attack them or criticize them

把 …选为目标〔尤为了攻击或批评〕

It’s clear that smaller, more vulnerable banks have been targeted.

很明显，规模较小、实力较弱的银行已被确定为目标。

He was targeted by terrorists for a second time last night.

他昨晚第二次成为恐怖分子的袭击目标。


tariff

a tax on goods coming into a country or going out of a country

The government may [impose tariffs](bold) on imports.

政府可能要对进口货物征收关税。

a list of fixed prices charged by a hotel or restaurant, for example for the cost of meals or rooms

〔餐厅或宾馆的〕收费表，价目表

a list or system of prices which mobile phone companies charge for the services they provide

〔移动电话的〕资费表，资费机制


task

He had the task of judging the competition.

I don't think we have enough resources to carry out this task.

I was given the task of writing the chairman's speech.

No-one else is willing to take on the task.

Given the nature of the task facing us, three days might not be enough.

She may argue that the task is impossible.

The children help with simple tasks like carrying in water or logs for the fire.

The task of selecting just five candidates is difficult.

Their first task was to rebuild the wall.

Driving a bus in London must be a pretty thankless task.

Achieving these targets will be a formidable task.

He has the unenviable task of telling hungry people that there is no food.

(=needing a lot of effort and hard work)

We began the arduous task of carrying the furniture to the top floor.

Recruiting experienced people is no easy task nowadays.

a piece of work that must be done, especially one that is difficult or unpleasant or that must be done regularly

〔尤指困难的、令人不快的或必须定期做的〕工作，任务

The task of the union representative is to fight on behalf of the members.

工会代表的任务就是为工会成员争取利益。

Sara [had the task of](bold) preparing the agenda for meetings.

萨拉的任务是准备会议议程。

I was [given the task](bold) of building a fire.

the skills required to [carry out](bold) these [tasks](bold)

执行这些任务所需要的技能

He soon realized the scale of the [task](bold) he had [undertaken](bold).

他很快就意识到了他所承担任务的艰巨性。

Our [first task](bold) is to gather information.

我们的首要任务是收集信息。

Monkeys can be taught to do [simple tasks](bold).

猴子能被教会做一些简单的事。

They have the [unenviable task](bold) of supervising the most dangerous prison in the country.

他们有个令人头疼的工作，就是管理国家最危险的监狱。

Volunteers had the [thankless task](bold) of distributing campaign leaflets.

志愿者的任务是分发活动传单，吃力不讨好。

Trying to bring up a small daughter on your own is [no easy task](bold).

独自抚养年幼的女儿不是件轻而易举的事。

In everyday English, people usually say [job](bold)  rather than [task](bold) :

I was given the [job](bold) of building the fire.

to strongly criticize somebody for something they have done

〔因某人所做之事〕严厉批评某人

He was taken to task for not reporting the problem earlier.

他因为没有早点报告问题而受到了严厉批评。


task

to give someone the responsibility for doing something

交给〔某人〕任务；派给〔某人〕工作

We were tasked with completing the job by the end of 2006.

我们接到任务，要在2006年年底之前完成这项工作。


taste

[give sb a taste of their own medicine](bold) at → [medicine](->medicine) sense 4

They had to eat revolting things, like fish eyes.

having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does – used especially when this is rather unpleasant

The wine has rather a tart taste, which not everyone will like.

having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does, in a way that seems good

having a strong taste which is not sweet and is sometimes rather unpleasant – used for example about black coffee, or chocolate without sugar

Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.

having a burning taste because it contains strong spices

a little spicy – used especially by people who write about food. This word can sound rather  in everyday conversation

not having a strong or hot taste – usually used about foods that can sometimes be spicy

The taste of the leaves is milder than the root.

The fruits have an excellent sweet taste.

The brandy would not have masked the bitter taste of the poison.

The purpose of the lemon’s sour taste may be to stop the fruit being eaten by animals.

He was conscious of the salty taste of his own blood.

Add a little curry powder to give it a spicy taste.

Some people find the taste of rice too bland.

The spices gave the bread a rather interesting taste.

Their tastes in movies were very different.

(=liking a wide variety of different things)

Which one you choose is a question of personal taste.

The shop created a unique style of goods that appealed to the popular taste.

(=something that people do not like at first)

This kind of tea is an acquired taste, but very refreshing.

Changes in consumer tastes result in the expansion of some industries and the contraction of others.

She certainly has a taste for adventure.

At university she developed a taste for performing.

You obviously share her taste in literature.

If her books are not to your taste, there are plenty of books by other writers.

The building was too modern for my taste.

(=different people have different opinions about what is good or right)

Which of the two methods you use is largely a matter of taste.

(=used humorously to say that you do not understand why someone likes something)

the feeling that is produced by a particular food or drink when you put it in your mouth

The medicine had a slightly bitter taste.

I don’t really like the taste of meat anymore.

我已经不太喜欢肉的味道了。

the sense by which you know one food from another

Some birds have a highly developed [sense of taste](bold).

if you have a taste of some food or drink, you put a small amount in your mouth to try it

你一定得尝尝这水果蛋糕。

While she was in France she developed a taste for fine wines.

她在法国的时候喜欢上了美酒。

someone’s judgment when they choose clothes, decorations etc

〔对衣服、饰品等的〕鉴赏力，品味，趣味

Some people have really bad taste in clothes.

有些人的衣着品味实在太糟糕。

the quality of being acceptable and not offensive

All television companies accept the need to maintain standards of [taste and decency](bold).

所有电视公司都认同，电视节目需要保持一定的情趣和格调。

[be in bad/poor etc taste](bold)(=likely to offend people)

She acknowledged her remark had been in bad taste.

a short experience of something that shows you what it is like

Schoolchildren can [get a taste of](bold) the countryside first-hand.

学童可以亲身体验一下乡村生活。

It [gave](bold) him his first [taste](bold) of acting for the big screen.

这让他有了拍电影的初次体验。

The autumn storms gave us a taste of what was to come (=showed what would happen later).

这几场秋天的暴风雨让我们体会到还将迎来什么。

the feeling that you have after an experience, especially a bad experience

〔尤指经历不好的事情之后的〕感受，感觉，滋味

The way he spoke to those children [left a nasty taste in my mouth](bold).

他对那些孩子说话的方式让我觉得很不是滋味。

if you add salt, spices etc to taste, you add as much as you think makes it taste right – used in instructions in cook books

按照个人的口味，适量地〔用于烹饪书中的说明〕


taste

The apples weren’t very big but they tasted good.

These fruit drinks taste a bit funny until you get used to them.

He handed me some black stuff which tasted bitter.

这食物吃起来味道比看上去要好。

对我来说，它的味道就像香槟酒。

What does pumpkin taste like (=how would you describe its taste)?

[Taste](bold)  is a linking verb in this meaning. It links the subject of the sentence with an adjective: The soup tastes salty. Fresh strawberries always taste delicious.

The verb [taste](bold)  is not usually used in the progressive. You say: I tasted blood. It tastes sour.
Don’t say: [I was tasting blood.](strike)  [It is tasting sour.](strike)

You often say someone [can taste](bold)  something when describing what they taste: I could taste blood.

The present participle [tasting](bold)  is used to form adjectives such as [sweet-tasting](bold)  and [foul-tasting](bold) .

to experience or recognize the taste of food or drink

It was like nothing I’d ever tasted before.

它的味道和我以前吃过的东西都不一样。

to eat or drink a small amount of something to see what it is like

It’s always best to keep tasting the food while you’re cooking it.

做饭的时候最好是边做边尝。

to have a short experience of something that you want more of

尝到成功/自由/胜利等的滋味

There was a lot of hard work before we first tasted success.

我们经过非常艰苦的努力，总算初次尝到了成功的滋味。


tasty

[comparative](italic) [tastier](bold) [superlative](italic) [tastiest](bold)

food that is tasty has a good taste, but is not sweet

好吃的，味道好的，味美可口的

tasty news,gossip etc is especially interesting and often connected with sex or surprising behaviour

〔新闻、传闻等〕特别有趣的，与奇闻趣事有关的


tax

→ [capital gains tax](->capital gains tax) [corporation tax](bold) at → [corporation](->corporation) sense 1 → [council tax](->council tax) → [income tax](->income tax) → [sales tax](->sales tax) → [stealth tax](->stealth tax) → [VAT](->VAT) → [PAYE](->PAYE)

money that you must pay to the government, especially from the money you earn, or as an additional payment when you buy something

How much income tax do you pay each month?

The Republicans promised to reduce taxes before the last election.

Consumers are angry that the tax on petrol has gone up yet again.

The budget also sharply raised the duty on alcohol and tobacco.

customs dutytax you pay on goods you buy and bring into the country

a tax on goods coming into a country or going out of a country, especially to protect a country’s industry from cheap goods from other countries

The government’s tariff and trade policies came under fierce attack.

an extra amount of money that you have to pay the government, usually as a tax, often in order to encourage people not to use or do something

A new levy on fuel inefficient vehicles has been proposed.

an amount of money that you have to pay in addition to the agreed or stated price of something

British Airways will increase its fuel surcharge on all airline tickets from June 3.

When you get cash at some machines, you have to pay an ATM surcharge.

Many people feel they are paying too much tax.

He claimed the Labour Party would put up taxes.

There’s no point promising to cut taxes if you can’t afford it.

Higher taxes will slow down consumer spending.

Republican voters say they want lower taxes and sensible spending cuts.

We have to pay 15% sales tax on everything we buy.

(=tax paid on money, property etc that you receive from someone when they die)

Inheritance tax applies to the total value of the deceased’s assets.

The government’s revenue comes mainly from direct taxes.

The effect of indirect taxes is to raise the prices of goods.

(=a tax that is the same for different people or things)

Corporate taxes are to be abolished and replaced by a flat rate tax.

The government reduced the basic rate of tax to 25p in the pound.

He believes that big tax cuts will encourage economic growth.

He accused the president of planning the biggest tax increases in US history.

(=lower taxes that encourage people to do something)

We have introduced new tax incentives for savings.

(=an amount you can earn without paying tax on it)

Cutting personal tax allowances penalizes the poor.

The total tax burden has risen only slightly.

an amount of money that you must pay to the government according to your income, property, goods etc and that is used to pay for public services

他的收入已经要缴40%的税了。

8,590万英镑的税前利润


tax

[tax sth at 10%/a higher rate etc](bold)

可能会以更高税率对他们征税。

The individual is taxed on the amount of dividend received.

Cigarettes are [heavily taxed](bold) in Britain.

在英国，香烟被课以重税。

to pay the sum of money charged each year for using a vehicle on British roads

缴纳〔车辆〕的道路使用税

→ [car tax](->car tax) → [road tax](->road tax)

to make someone have to work hard or make an effort

使负重担；使费力气；使伤脑筋

The kids are really taxing my patience today.

孩子们今天真是考验我的耐心。


taxation

征税，课税，税收（制度）

the government’s economic and [taxation policy](bold)

[indirect taxation](bold)(=tax on things you buy)


taxi

You say [get in a taxi](bold) : He got in a taxi and left.
Don’t say: [get on a taxi](strike)

You say [get out of a taxi](bold) : Two women got out of the taxi.
Don’t say: [get off a taxi](strike)

You say that someone is [in a taxi](bold) : I read my notes while I was in the taxi.

You go somewhere [by taxi](bold) : She goes everywhere by taxi.

(=wave or call to a taxi to stop for you to get in)

Can you phone for a taxi and I'll get our coats.

(=telephone for a taxi to come for someone else)

The centre of town is a five minute taxi ride away.

We operate a taxi service to and from the airport.

(=a place where taxis wait for customers)

There's a taxi rank just outside the hotel.

a car and driver that you pay to take you somewhere

他们用出租车把我送回家。


taxi

[past tense and past participle](italic) [taxied](bold) [present participle](italic) [taxiing](bold) [third person singular](italic) [taxis](bold) or [third person singular](italic) [taxies](bold)

if a plane taxis, it moves along the ground before taking off or after landing

〔飞机起飞前或着陆后〕滑行

飞机滑行一段距离后停下来。


taxpayer

The proposal could cost [the taxpayer](bold)(=all ordinary people who pay tax) another £18m a year.

该提议也许又要让纳税人一年多交1,800万英镑的税。


tea

[not be your cup of tea](bold) at → [cup](->cup) 1

I poured Helen a mug of sweet tea and waited for her to answer.

You have your tea weak, don't you Chris?

Susan sank into her chair and drank her tea.

She poured the tea and handed a cup to Cara.

a hot brown drink made by pouring boiling water onto the dried leaves from a particular Asian bush, or a cup of this drink

你的茶里面要放牛奶和糖吗？

I’d like two teas and a piece of chocolate cake, please.

我想要两杯茶和一块巧克力蛋糕。

dried, finely cut leaves that are used to make tea

bushes whose leaves are used to make tea

a hot drink made by pouring boiling water onto leaves or flowers, sometimes used as a medicine

薄荷茶/甘菊茶等〔用某些叶子或花泡的饮料，有时作药用〕

a small meal of cake or biscuits eaten in the afternoon with a cup of tea

We serve lunch and [afternoon tea](bold).

We stopped for a [cream tea](bold) on the way home (=tea and cream cakes).

used in some parts of Britain to mean a large meal that is eaten early in the evening

〔英国某些地方傍晚时分吃的〕晚餐

我们晚餐吃的烘豆烤面包。

kindness and attention that you give someone when they are upset

〔对不幸者的〕安慰和同情


teach

to teach in a college or university by giving talks to groups of students on a subject

He lectures in engineering at a local college.

to teach someone how to do something, especially a particular practical skill

He was instructing them how to use the computer system.

Staff are instructed in how to respond in the event of a fire.

I found work tutoring Mexican students in English.

to give private lessons, especially so that someone can pass an important test

He coaches students for their university entrance exams.

to teach a person or group of people in the particular skills or knowledge they need to do a job

It will take at least a month to train the new assistant.

to teach someone over a long period, usually at school or university

Her parents want to educate her at home.

to show someone how to do a job or task that they have just started doing

Miss McGinley will show you the ropes and answer any questions you may have.

[past tense and past participle](italic) [taught](bold) /tɔːt/ US /tɒːt/

to give lessons in a school, college, or university, or to help someone learn about something by giving them information

Neil teaches at the Guildhall School of Music in London.

尼尔在伦敦吉尔德霍尔音乐学校教书。

[teach (sb) English/mathematics/history etc](bold)

He taught geography at the local secondary school.

We were never taught anything about other religions.

我们从未接受过其他宗教的教育。

I’m teaching English to Italian students.

我在给意大利学生上英语课。

[teach school/college etc](bold) AmE(=teach in a school etc)

different methods of teaching children how to read

Can you teach me one of your card tricks?

你能教我一种你的纸牌戏法吗？

to show or tell someone how they should behave or what they should think

When I was young, we were taught to treat older people with respect.

我小的时候，我们被教导要尊敬老人。

No one ever taught him the difference between right and wrong.

从未有人教过他分辨是非。

He taught me that the easy option isn’t always the best one.

他让我明白了轻松的选择并不总是最好的。

if an experience or situation teaches you something, it helps you to understand something about life

〔经验或形势〕使〔某人〕明白

Experience has taught me to avoid certain areas of the city.

经验告诉我要避开城里的某些区域。

It’s certainly taught me that work and money aren’t the most important things in life.

这件事无疑告诉我工作和金钱不是生活中最重要的东西。

used when something unpleasant has just happened to someone because they acted stupidly

这是（做某事）给你的教训

if someone or something teaches you a lesson, you are punished for something you have done, so that you will not want to do it again

used to say that older people often do not want to change the way they do things

老狗学不会新把戏，老人很难接受新事物

to give someone advice about something that they already know

班门弄斧，在行家面前卖弄


teacher

someone who teaches as their job, especially in a school

the teacher who is in charge of a school or college

The teacher sent him to the principal’s office.

someone who gives private lessons to one student or a small group of students. In Britain, a tutor is also a teacher in a university

They hired a tutor to help him with his English.

Your tutor will help you find a subject for your essay.

someone who teaches in a university or college

University lecturers aren’t very well paid.

a teacher in a college or university. In Britain, a [professor ](bold) is a high-ranking university teacher, especially one who is head of a department

She was professor of linguistics at Cambridge University.

someone who teaches a sport or a practical skill such as swimming or driving

He works as a ski instructor in the winter.

someone who helps a person or team improve in a sport

someone whose job involves teaching people, or someone who is an expert on education

Most educators agree that class sizes are still too big.

someone who teaches people particular skills, especially the skills they need to do a job

Many companies pay outside trainers to teach management skills to their staff.

a woman who lived with a family and taught their children in past times

As a governess, Charlotte Brontë received twenty pounds a year.

someone whose job is to teach, especially in a school

[teacher training/education](bold)(=professional training to become a teacher)


teaching

She has considerable experience in language teaching.

Many of our undergraduates subsequently enter the teaching profession.

(=the teachers at a school, college etc)

She attended a girls' school where all the teaching staff were women.

Our teaching methods are quite traditional.

This will help teachers to prepare their own teaching materials.

(=a piece of equipment that a teacher uses in the classroom)

The school is equipped with modern teaching aids, including interactive whiteboards.

There were 90 hours of teaching practice, of which 20 were supervised.

I was soon to take up my first teaching post.

She began her teaching career at a school in inner London.

Every higher education teaching establishment is subject to rigorous scrutiny.

Some very talented and dedicated people go into teaching.

Mrs Ward had many years of experience in teaching.

沃德太太拥有多年教学经验。

She’s thinking of going into teaching (=becoming a teacher).

extra funding for English teaching in schools

用于学校英语教学的额外经费

[teaching practice](bold) BrE, [student teaching](bold) AmE(=a period of teaching done by someone who is training to be a teacher)

(also: [teachings](bold) <[plural](bold)> )

the moral, religious, or political ideas of a particular person or group which are taught to other people

〔道德、宗教、政治等方面的〕教义，学说


team

[Team](bold)  is usually followed by a singular verb: Our team [is](bold) winning. A team of doctors [works](bold) at the clinic.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb: Our team [are](bold) winning. A team of doctors [work](bold) at the clinic.

China’s football team failed to qualify for the World Cup.

(=the team whose sports field a game is being played on)

Hayward then increased the home team’s lead.

(=the team who have travelled to their opponents’ sports field)

A member of the opposing team grabbed hold of his shirt.

(=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)

He has played several times for the first team.

(=the team with players who are not as good as those in the first team)

He stepped up from the second team when Roberts was injured.

Everyone on the winning team will get a medal.

James captained his school team from the age of eleven.

He was never good enough to make the team.

(=decide that someone should not play for a team)

He has been dropped from the team because of injury.

The cup was presented to the team captain.

Who do you think will be the next England team manager?

In those days, girls didn’t play team sports.

One reason for the 49ers’ success is that they play as a team.

The design team has come up with a few ideas.

He was in the water for two hours before a rescue team arrived.

About a month ago he hired a four-man team of personal trainers.

A six-strong team from the Transport Research Laboratory is at the crash scene.

The team leader will co-ordinate the work.

(=when members of a team achieve something together)

It was a great team effort and all the crew did a magnificent job.

She was the doctor who led the surgical team.

a group of people who play a game or sport together against another group

in a team [BrE](bold) on a team [AmE](bold)

Bobby Charlton was in the team that won the World Cup.

博比•查尔顿曾经是世界杯冠军队成员。

a group of people who have been chosen to work together to do a particular job

设计团队中的一名资深成员

Our success lies in [working](bold) together [as a team](bold).

我们的成功靠的是团队合作。

It was a tremendous [team effort](bold).

You need to choose a [team leader](bold).

two or more animals that are used to pull a vehicle

〔同拉一辆车的〕一组牲畜


team

to put two things or people together, because they will look good or work well together

black trousers teamed with a bright shirt


team-mate

([BrE](special)) team‧mate  [n](bold) <[C](bold)>

someone who belongs to the same team as you

He finished just ahead of his Ferrari team-mate.

他略微领先于他的法拉利队友到达终点。


teamwork

when a group of people work effectively together

We want to encourage good teamwork and communication.

我们要鼓励良好的团队合作和沟通。


teapot

a container for making and serving tea, which has a handle and a spout11