to [clear] the decks

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2xlYXIgdGhlIGRlY2tz&hash=e73ceb2c2c0db203d9e95e5ae2d33eae6ffb9cf4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

saved by the bell

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2F2ZWQgYnkgdGhlIGJlbGw&hash=cf3de9b5cc81192fb99f3aeb26fe63fa78b1fc79&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

addicted

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YWRkaWN0ZWQ&hash=0cc1493e428e4cc37013177df49b0b357e74b6c9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

addiction

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YWRkaWN0aW9u&hash=b1c83fe66773a0cd5c738f0ed7f9271d50522de8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

bald

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmFsZA&hash=80f3ec3b957c327ba24cc874d4fcf4459adb65d4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

baldness

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmFsZG5lc3M&hash=bf66c298c6b9e0becbed7495050d7c4b1f7496f9&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

deaf

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGVhZg&hash=427046385ee4cb9d00a26c53e537117bd24768c0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Deafness is a condition where a person lacks or has limited ability to hear sounds. It can vary in seriousness, from partial hearing loss to complete deafness. Deafness can be present from birth or develop later in life due to factors such as genetic conditions, infections, exposure to loud noises, or aging. Individuals who are deaf may use sign language, lip-reading, hearing aids, or cochlear implants to communicate and navigate their environment. Supportive services and resources, such as education programs and accessibility accommodations, can help individuals with deafness lead fulfilling lives.

What is "deafness"?

deafness

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGVhZm5lc3M&hash=c7d61c0fd03e5a284571d12f13e6142781cb044d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

disabled

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGlzYWJsZWQ&hash=257b25daa5bf4fa828d716450b0b40b54da893d7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

A disability is a physical, mental, sensory, or developmental condition that may limit a person's ability to perform certain tasks, participate in activities, or interact with their environment in the same way as others. Disabilities can vary widely in nature and seriousness, and they can appear from birth or later in life due to injury, illness, or other factors. People with disabilities may face challenges in areas such as movement, communication, learning, or daily living activities. However, with appropriate support, accommodations, and access to resources, individuals with disabilities can lead independent and fulfilling lives. It is important to promote acceptance and remove barriers to make sure of equal opportunities and participation for people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

What is a "disability"?

disability

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGlzYWJpbGl0eQ&hash=89dcf95556777a95419a878d31835d9ba5207af7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

imperfect

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW1wZXJmZWN0&hash=bc7a8f6c2c8b6fc926e45e396d3a40e36a9dab23&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

imperfection

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW1wZXJmZWN0aW9u&hash=5841782bf84163d8ea1d222eb722274af131b35c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

obese

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b2Jlc2U&hash=297b85b95ae63e95e96c3a7d8fc00ded62c321ba&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive buildup of body fat, which can negatively impact health. It is commonly measured using the body mass index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese. Causes of obesity include a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions. Obesity increases the risk of various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Managing obesity typically involves lifestyle changes like adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and sometimes medical treatments or surgery.

What is "obesity"?

obesity

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b2Jlc2l0eQ&hash=11d54a577935860fe358d0f1043d4dca0fb1356f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "more than meets the eye" originated from the notion that there is often a deeper or hidden meaning, significance, or complexity to a person, situation, or object that may not be immediately apparent upon initial observation. The phrase is used only to suggest that there is something beyond the surface level or initial impression, emphasizing the need for further exploration or investigation to fully understand or appreciate the true nature or extent of something.

What is the origin of the idiom "more than meets the eye" and when to use it?

more than meets the eye

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bW9yZSB0aGFuIG1lZXRzIHRoZSBleWU&hash=0361aa3020d81748dc00cdc19cf9b4e34edf1518&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

{one's} heart [is]  {not} in  {sth}

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=b25lJ3MgaGVhcnQgaXMgIG5vdCBpbiAgc29tZXRoaW5n&hash=c41ef8d8ed7ccd7e44c2af427c5151ed4360b399&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [dig] {one's} heels in

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZGlnIG9uZSdzIGhlZWxzIGlu&hash=1278b367a926e6ec261990ecee3703eac5bc208b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [come] to {one's} senses

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY29tZSB0byBvbmUncyBzZW5zZXM&hash=021f7ae3f57d198bec02ca5499a895676f71db04&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

dismally

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZGlzbWFsbHk&hash=477591d34d3d8bb6789329a6a1f8225ec041d2fe&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

flowing

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Zmxvd2luZw&hash=867dc5f487f67da50f07c7d6a8723c6f7faed52d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "head and shoulders above someone or something" originated from a literal comparison of height, where a person's head and shoulders are higher than another's. The phrase is used figuratively to denote a significant superiority or advantage in terms of quality, skill, performance, or any other measurable attribute. It is used to convey the idea of standing out prominently or being distinctly better than others in a given context.

What is the origin of the idiom "head and shoulders above someone or something" and when to use it?

head and shoulders above {sb/sth}

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGVhZCBhbmQgc2hvdWxkZXJzIGFib3ZlIHNvbWVib2R5IG9yIHNvbWV0aGluZw&hash=1e40eff6f9b5cbee46186659d824437ee01ac9ce&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "feel something in one's bones" is rooted in the idea that a person has an intuitive or instinctive understanding of a situation or a strong conviction about something, often without concrete evidence or logical reasoning. It is used to suggest that the knowledge or feeling is so deep and fundamental that it seems to come from within a person, as if it originates in their very bones.

What is the origin of the idiom "feel something in one's bones" and when to use it?

to [feel] {sth} in {one's} bones

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZmVlbCBzb21ldGhpbmcgaW4gb25lJ3MgYm9uZXM&hash=d393202b85485f7391998cbe58a53db45b264b43&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "at the back of one's mind" is derived from the idea that our thoughts and concerns occupy different positions in our mental space. The "back of one's mind" symbolizes a less prominent or less actively considered area of thought compared to the forefront of one's mind, where immediate or pressing matters reside. This expression is used to describe thoughts, ideas, or concerns that are not at the forefront of someone's thinking but are still present and lingering in their consciousness. It often implies that these thoughts are not immediately obvious or the primary focus of one's attention.

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

(at|in) the back of {one's} mind

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YXQgdGhlIGJhY2sgb2Ygb25lJ3MgbWluZA&hash=f3f5feb96786a9cd44a9b36e5354796688b4d42c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the proverb "two heads are better than one" is difficult to pinpoint, but it has been used in English literature since at least the 16th century. The saying emphasizes the value of collaboration, highlighting that when individuals work together, they can share ideas, spot mistakes, and come up with more effective solutions. It serves as a reminder that teamwork and diverse input can often improve decision-making and problem-solving.

What is the origin of the proverb "two heads are better than one" and when to use it?

two heads are better than one

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHdvIGhlYWRzIGFyZSBiZXR0ZXIgdGhhbiBvbmU&hash=721eaf3b79a9512a878e8412e88ebe472682dbac&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

in vain

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW4gdmFpbg&hash=07129a569d40b83b9adb100e2203f28a0823131a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "body and soul" is a figurative expression that reflects the fundamental components of a person. It has been used in English for centuries to describe the entirety of a person, encompassing both the physical (body) and the spiritual or emotional (soul) aspects. This expression is rooted in the concept that humans consist of both their physical and metaphysical selves. People use this phrase to describe a deep, wholehearted commitment or involvement in something, often suggesting that one is fully engaged or devoted with their entire being.

What is the origin of the idiom "body and soul" and when to use it?

body and soul

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=Ym9keSBhbmQgc291bA&hash=fba0c0bf933c5a23f035b935452667e5196a71a3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [keep] {sth} in mind

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8ga2VlcCBzb21ldGhpbmcgaW4gbWluZA&hash=37f4a2792deb5cff6099156ec632a642a525774c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

weight off {one's} shoulders

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2VpZ2h0IG9mZiBvbmUncyBzaG91bGRlcnM&hash=8a5ecf8cb0f79a7e590bf870ae88282252f7c8ef&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the proverb "faint heart never won fair lady" is difficult to trace to a single source, as the idea has appeared in various cultures for centuries. It suggests that those who are too timid or hesitant to act will not achieve their desired outcomes. The saying encourages people to take risks, be brave, and step outside of their comfort zones in order to attain what they want, whether in work, life, or other endeavors. It reflects the belief that success often requires a bold approach rather than a cautious or passive one.

What is the origin of the proverb "faint heart never won fair lady" and when to use it?

faint heart never won fair (lady|maiden)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmFpbnQgaGVhcnQgbmV2ZXIgd29uIGZhaXIgbGFkeQ&hash=7809e6f1f66e5c5a930f31fa04785d3c0cceb2fc&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "pull the wool over one's eyes" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. At that time, it was common for wealthy men to wear woolen wigs. Thieves would sometimes pull these wigs over the men's eyes to rob them. This idiomatic expression is now used to describe any act of deception, even if it does not involve a physical object.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull the wool over one's eyes" and when to use it?

to [pull] the wool over {one's} eyes

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHVsbCB0aGUgd29vbCBvdmVyIG9uZSdzIGV5ZXM&hash=6b3f94b9d12d5f3e99674d0a143d4e794faedae5&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "feather in one's cap" dates back to the medieval era, when knights and soldiers would wear feathers in their helmets as a symbol of their achievements in battle. The more feathers a knight had, the more successful they were considered to be. Today, the idiom is used to describe any accomplishment or success that is considered a source of pride or honor.

What is the origin of the idiom "feather in one's cap" and when to use it?

feather in {one's} cap

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZmVhdGhlciBpbiBvbmUncyBjYXA&hash=aec561d560936b8398590acc976ba7f6ca384ce2&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "champagne taste on a beer budget" originated from the concept of having expensive or luxurious preferences but limited financial means. Champagne, known for its association with wealth and luxury, represents extravagant and refined tastes, while a beer budget implies having a modest or restricted amount of money to spend. The phrase highlights the contrast between one's desired lifestyle or preferences and their actual financial resources, emphasizing the need to adjust expectations or desires within the limitations of their budget.

What is the origin of the idiom "champagne taste on a beer budget" and when to use it?

to [let] the cat out of the bag

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGV0IHRoZSBjYXQgb3V0IG9mIHRoZSBiYWc&hash=36acaa7b07df22194e6270cd98519e7988801d87&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

lifeless

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bGlmZWxlc3M&hash=d79c4774bd01712539f0e773c3d28e14473ac96f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

pearly

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=cGVhcmx5&hash=11f3bff671e558549c857b52b8c5dc2f5dfa4171&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

shrivelled

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2hyaXZlbGxlZA&hash=eff9e81cf2a0f7a86d7191f22e0f5ec4d53dd273&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

watery

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=d2F0ZXJ5&hash=eab2e0b728b7a6ddb4b0a5007804e7f3e54d6310&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to head out

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaGVhZCBvdXQ&hash=c4bac8e176870fee349b33cc5bc4e7c32dc77c28&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "get the sack" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century and can be related to the idea of being kicked out of somewhere. It is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from a job, position, or organization.

What is the origin of the idiom "get the sack" and when to use it?

to [get] the (sack|boot|axe)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZ2V0IHRoZSBzYWNr&hash=369aa018d16221cfe9024adf94a6969d75986dc4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "take something on the chin" originated in boxing, where taking a punch directly on the chin can be seen as a sign of resilience and courage. It has since evolved into a figurative expression used in various contexts to describe facing challenges or setbacks with bravery and fortitude.

What is the origin of the idiom "take something on the chin" and when to use it?

to [take] {sth} on the chin

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBzb21ldGhpbmcgb24gdGhlIGNoaW4&hash=8ac210eedcf22fae67f2cedbc69d4b335f279d2e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiom "know one's stuff" is derived from the word "stuff" in the sense of knowledge, expertise, or skills. It is a colloquial expression that has been used to describe someone's proficiency or competence in a particular field or subject matter. This expression is used to convey that someone possesses a deep understanding and expertise in a specific area or topic. It is often used to commend or acknowledge a person's knowledge and competence, especially in professional or academic contexts.

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

[show|teach] {sb} the ropes

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2hvdyBzb21lYm9keSB0aGUgcm9wZXM&hash=72677091e4abdd1561e07b9201bcb98fd404d2a8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" originated from the world of card games, particularly poker. It refers to a strategy where a player chooses to keep their playing cards hidden, close to their body, rather than revealing them to opponents. Metaphorically, the phrase signifies the act of being secretive, cautious, or reserved about one's intentions, plans, or information. It suggests that a person is not openly sharing their thoughts or revealing their true position, keeping their options and strategies concealed to maintain an advantage or avoid giving away too much information.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" and when to use it?

to [keep|play|hold] {one's} cards close to {one's} (chest|vest)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8ga2VlcCBvbmUncyBjYXJkcyBjbG9zZSB0byBvbmUncyBjaGVzdA&hash=656cf3d57d63bdc78a829937ad3177e5916ad00d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "put one's cards on the table" originated from the game of poker, where players reveal their hand of cards by placing them face-up on the table. It means to openly and honestly disclose one's thoughts, intentions, or information, without holding back or keeping anything hidden. This expression is used to emphasize transparency, sincerity, and a willingness to share important details or make one's position clear in a straightforward manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's cards on the table" and when to use it?

to [put|lay] {one's} cards on the table

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcHV0IG9uZSdzIGNhcmRzIG9uIHRoZSB0YWJsZQ&hash=960e561988670f78073179e19b7fd645beeb3418&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

hard to (swallow|take)

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aGFyZCB0byBzd2FsbG93&hash=083ddf877a2c2770fd3ba9b5142f073a1ad24d1c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Here you will find the words from Vocabulary Insight 4 in the Insight Upper-Intermediate coursebook, such as "dismally", "in vain", "addicted", etc.

Insight Upper-Intermediate "词汇洞察4"