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English Vocabulary In Use - Upper-Intermediate /

069. Talking and Communicating

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at cross purposes
2-
to get the wrong end of the stick
3-
to make head or tail (out) of somebody or something
4-
to get a word in edgeways
5-
to talk down
6-
behind one's back
7-
small talk
8-
to talk shop
9-
talking point
10-
talking to
11-
to get the ball rolling
12-
in a nutshell
13-
rubbish
14-
to talk sense
15-
to wrap up
16-
point
17-
to speak one's mind
at cross purposes
短语
uk flag
/æt kɹˈɔs pˈɜːpəsᵻz/
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N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to describe a situation in which people or groups have conflicting goals or intentions

What is the origin of the idiom "at cross purposes" and when to use it?

The idiom "at cross purposes" originated from the literal idea of two or more people or groups having conflicting or opposing aims or intentions. The phrase emphasizes a lack of alignment or coordination between individuals or parties, resulting in misunderstandings or ineffective communication. It suggests that the involved parties are unintentionally working against each other, pursuing different goals or objectives that hinder cooperation or progress.

to [get|have] the wrong end of the stick
to get the wrong end of the stick
短语
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɔːɹ hæv ðə ɹˈɔŋ ˈɛnd ʌvðə stˈɪk/
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N/A

Idiom
Informal

to fail to understand or interpret or understand something correctly

Dialectbritish flagBritish
What is the origin of the idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have emerged in the late 19th century, likely in British English. The "stick" in this phrase may refer to a long pole or staff, and the "wrong end" suggests a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the situation, much like holding the wrong end of a physical stick would lead to an awkward or ineffective result. This expression is used when someone has misunderstood a situation, statement, or intention, often leading to confusion or an incorrect conclusion.

to [make] head or tail (out|) of {sb/sth}
to make head or tail (out) of somebody or something
短语
uk flag
/mˌeɪk hˈɛd ɔːɹ tˈeɪl ˈaʊt ɔːɹ ʌv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to make an attempt to understand someone or something that is puzzling

What is the origin of the idiom "make head or tail of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "make head or tail of something" likely originated from the idea of trying to decipher or understand a complex situation or information. In this expression, "head" and "tail" symbolize the two ends of something, and trying to make sense of it implies the effort to grasp the entirety of a situation. This expression is used when someone is struggling to comprehend or interpret a confusing or unclear situation, piece of information, or problem. It implies a sense of confusion or frustration in trying to understand the matter at hand. It suggests that the situation is so puzzling that one cannot even determine where to start in understanding it.

to get a word in edgeways
短语
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɐ wˈɜːd ɪn ˈɛdʒweɪz/
N/A

N/A

to finally have a chance to state one's opinions about something after or in the middle of someone else's continuous speech

Dialectbritish flagBritish
to talk down
to talk down
动词
uk flag
/tˈɔːk dˈaʊn/
(以居高临下的方式讲话)

(以居高临下的方式讲话)

贬低地说

to speak to someone in a way that suggests they are inferior or less intelligent than the speaker

语法信息:

短语状态
inseparable
短语的动词
talk
短语的助词
down
behind {one's} back
behind one's back
短语
uk flag
/bɪhˌaɪnd wˈʌnz bˈæk/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

without one knowing or approving

What is the origin of the idiom "behind one's back" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "behind one's back" is not attributed to a specific historical event or source but rather emerges from the metaphorical association of a person's back with their unawareness or lack of visibility. The phrase draws upon the idea that when someone's back is turned or facing away, they cannot see what is happening behind them. It is commonly used when discussing interpersonal relationships, workplace dynamics, or social interactions.

small talk
small talk
名词
uk flag
/smˈɔːl tˈɔːk/
(小聊天室)

(小聊天室)

闲聊

Idiom
Informal

brief and polite conversation about random subjects, often in a social setting

What is the origin of the idiom "small talk" and when to use it?

The idiom "small talk" refers to casual and light conversation, typically about unimportant or trivial topics. It originates from the idea of engaging in chit-chat or informal discussions that do not delve into significant or substantial matters. Small talk serves as a way to establish rapport, break the ice, or maintain social interaction without delving into deeper, more serious subjects.

语法信息:

复合名词
to [talk] shop
to talk shop
短语
uk flag
/tˈɔːk ʃˈɑːp/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to have work-related discussions outside of work, particularly when it is annoying or inappropriate

What is the origin of the idiom "talk shop" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "talk shop" is unclear, but it likely dates back to at least the 19th century. The word "shop" here refers to a workplace or profession, and the phrase "talk shop" means to discuss work-related topics. It is typically used to describe a conversation that is focused on work-related topics, often between colleagues or people in the same profession.

talking point
名词
uk flag
/tˈɔːkɪŋ pˈɔɪnt/
(讨论议题)

(讨论议题)

论点

a topic of interest, especially one that supports a particular argument that invites discussion

talking to
名词
uk flag
/tˈɔːkɪŋ tuː/
N/A

N/A

a lengthy rebuke

to [get|set|start] the ball rolling
to get the ball rolling
短语
uk flag
/ɡɛt sˈɛt stˈɑːɹt ðə bˈɔːl ɹˈoʊlɪŋ/
N/A

N/A

to start to do an activity, often in a way that is encouraging to others

in a nutshell
副词
uk flag
/ɪn ɐ nˈʌtʃɛl/
(总之)

(总之)

简而言之

Idiom

used to summarize or describe something briefly

What is the origin of the idiom "in a nutshell" and when to use it?

The idiom "in a nutshell" originates from an ancient anecdote attributed to the Greek philosopher Pliny the Elder, who lived in the first century AD. According to the story, Pliny the Elder claimed that the entire Iliad by Homer could fit into a nutshell, implying that a complex or lengthy narrative could be summarized concisely. This anecdote later evolved into the expression we use today to mean providing a brief and condensed summary of something.

rubbish
名词
r
r
u
ə
bb
b
i
ɪ
sh
ʃ
(胡说)

(胡说)

废话

words or ideas that are considered to be false or of no value

to [talk] sense
to talk sense
短语
uk flag
/tˈɔːk sˈɛns/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to speak in a clear and reasonable manner

What is the origin of the idiom "talk sense" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "talk sense" is rooted in the concept of rational and logical communication. It implies the idea that someone is not speaking sensibly or logically and encourages them to do so. The term "sense" here refers to a rational and logical approach to discussing or explaining something. This expression is used to request or advise someone to communicate in a more logical, coherent, or reasonable manner. It typically arises in situations where someone is perceived to be speaking irrationally, making baseless claims, or presenting ideas that lack logical foundation.

to wrap up
to wrap up
动词
uk flag
/ræp ʌp/
(总结)

(总结)

结束

to complete a meeting, task, agreement, etc.

语法信息:

及物动词
短语状态
separable
短语的动词
wrap
短语的助词
up
point
名词
p
p
oi
ɔɪ
n
n
t
t
(重点)

(重点)

要点

the most important thing that is said or done which highlights the purpose of something

to speak one's mind
短语
uk flag
/spˈiːk wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to express one's opinions in an honest or fearless way

What is the origin of the idiom "speak one's mind" and when to use it?

The idiom "speak one's mind" dates back to the 16th century and refers to the act of expressing one's thoughts and opinions openly and honestly, even if they are controversial or unpopular. It is often used to convey a sense of courage and conviction, suggesting that the speaker is not afraid to say what they believe, even if it means causing offense or upsetting others.

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