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Phrase of the Week: Never Fails
“When he makes a promise, he never fails to fulfill it.” If something or someone never fails to do something, it means they absolutely always do it. After all, if they didn’t do it one time, they would have failed to do it. You can also say “It never fails” as an...
TOEIC Practice Question of the Week
“I need this information as soon as possible. I appreciate your eventual reply.” Find the mistake. A. information B. possible C. appreciate D. eventual 「この情報が必要なので出来るだけ早く欲しい。早急の返信をお願いします。」 間違いはどこでしょうか？...
Trivia of the Week: Mink
A mink is a dark-furred weasel-like animal. It’s in the same family as the otter and badger as well. If you’ve seen a mink, it was probably only the fur, as many mink are killed to make clothing....
Idiom of the Week: A Screw Loose
“I’m going to quit my job and become a professional ostrich trainer.” “What? Do you have a screw loose?” To have a screw loose is to be crazy. A machine whose parts are held together by screws doesn’t work quite right if one of the screws is loose. In this metaphor,...
Word of the Week: Compatible
“Why did you break up with Sarah?” “We just weren’t compatible romantically.” “This product is compatible with your existing hardware, so you can start using it right away.” If two things (or people) are compatible, it means they work well together and are capable of...
Picture of the Week: Christmas Cookies
One Christmas tradition is to bake festive cookies and give them to friends and family in beautiful tins. The cookies are often made in Christmassy shapes like Christmas trees and bells....
Phrase of the Week: I Give Up
“I give up. This is impossible.” “No, don’t give up now! You’re so close!” You can give up on doing something when you decide it’s not worth it after all. You can also give up a bad habit, like smoking. “I used to smoke every day, but now I’ve given it up.” If a...
TOEIC Practice Question of the Week
“This is strange. He said he’d be here five minutes ago, but he isn’t. He’s usually very ___.” Fill in the blank. A. truant B. lazy C. punctual D. tardy 「変ね。5分前に来ると言ったのにまだ来ていない。彼はいつも時間をしっかり守る人なのに。」...
Trivia of the Week: Piñata
A piñata is a colorful container, often shaped like a donkey, that is filled with candy. At a party, children take turns trying to hit the piñata with a stick while wearing a blindfold, until it breaks and the candy spills out. This game is especially well-known in...
Idiom of the Week: When in Rome
“What’s this black stuff?” “It’s seaweed.” “Oh, okay. I’ll try it. Wow, it tastes kind of fishy!” “I can’t believe you ate that.” “When in Rome, do as the Romans do. You should try it too. It’s not bad!” This phrase can be generalized to any place, such as another...
