執筆者 Modern English | 2014年04月05日 | Phrases
“What a lovely day! We’d be foolish not to take advantage of this fine weather. Let’s go have a picnic.” We can take advantage of many things. Often we take advantage of a good situation or opportunity to do something. In battle, we can take advantage of our enemy’s...
執筆者 Modern English | 2014年03月29日 | Phrases
“This is your last chance to change your mind. We are about to pass the point of no return.” The point of no return is a place where, if you go any further, you will not be able to go back. For example, if you have fuel or supplies for a ten-day journey, if you travel...
執筆者 Modern English | 2014年03月22日 | Phrases
“You saved our cat from the fire! I can’t thank you enough!” We use this phrase when we are very, very thankful. No matter how much we thank the person, it won’t be “enough”. Here is a similar phrase: “I cannot overemphasize how important this is.” No matter how much...
執筆者 Modern English | 2014年03月15日 | Phrases
“Mountain climbing can be very dangerous. You can’t be too careful.” No matter how careful you are, it isn’t too careful. It’s impossible to be too careful. In some contexts, though, this phrase can have almost the opposite meaning. “Jim is very sensitive. You can’t...
執筆者 Modern English | 2014年03月08日 | Phrases
“Learning Japanese is so hard! I don’t feel like I’m making any progress.” “Don’t worry. Keep studying and practicing, and you’ll learn it bit by bit.” A bit can mean “a little” or “a small piece of something bigger”. “Bit by bit” describes something that happens very...
執筆者 Modern English | 2014年03月01日 | Phrases
Daughter: “Aw, spaghetti again? I hate spaghetti.” Father: “Don’t take your mother’s cooking for granted. You’ll miss it when you go to college next year and have to take care of yourself.” When we take something for granted, we don’t appreciate it. We think we have...
