HỌC TẬP

1. THE BEST COLLOCATIONS FOR IELTS SPEAKING

A....................

Youthful appearance: dien mao tre trung

I used to envy with her youthful appearance

Bear a grudge: thu han sau sac, thu dai

She is genre of person who can not ever bear a grudge

Have a good sense of humor: co khieu hai huoc

She has a good sense of humor. She always knows how to make you lough.

Personality traits: dac diem tinh cach

It's had to correctly define her personality traits.

Look young for one's age trong be ngoai tre hon tuoi that

I notice that asian people always look younger for their age.

A selfish streak doi khi to ra ich ky

He is a nice guy to hang out with, nevertheless he tends to have a selfish streak.

To hide one's light under a bushel giau diem tai nang

She is a modest girl who would hide her light under a bushel.

To get done up – ăn mặc lịch sự, trí thức

When she goes out meeting someone for the first time, she always gets done up.

Once he goes out to meeting clients, he has a tendency to get done up. Because of such a polite person like him, dress up is a crucial element support his successful.

To keep one’s temper – giữ bình tĩnh

In general, he keeps his temper pretty well.
To achieve as a gentlement we should always keep our temper

To lose one’s temper – nóng giận, mất bình tĩnh

I rarely get angry but wine went to my head that night and I lost my temper.
People who easyly lose their temper are very hard to work effectively, specifically, work at customer service position. So that keep stay calm is always play in an important role as a prerequisite for human qualification.

Painfully shy – cực kỳ nhát, hay xấu hổ

She used to be painfully shy before she took that communication skills course.

Stand out in a crowd – nổi bật trong đám đông

He always stands out in a crowd with his 1.95-meter height.
As you know that having worked with funny guy who are always stand out in a crowd make you feel more active and positive.

Stay calm – bình tĩnh, sáng suốt

My mother manages to stay calm in the most irritating situations.

Keep one’s word – giữ lời hứa

From the very week working with each other, she proved to be a very reliable person who always keeps her word.

He talked too much, he promissed too much he always preach everything about his partner's benefit but the real is opposite they are still waiting and in an intensively hard job without increase wage or holyday.
B.......................

1.Get a better job: có công việc tốt hơn

Ex: In order to get a better job, I have to study for a language certificate.

2.Good promotion opportunity: Cơ hội thăng tiến tốt

Ex:Being hard working, competitive and good at team work, you will have agood promotion opportunity in this company.

3.Run one’s own business: Điều hành công ty của riêng mình

Ex:I want to startup when I graduate from this university. I could take control and run my own business.

4.Meet the qualifications: Đạt được những yêu cầu

Ex: To have a position in Unilever, you have to be very excellent, outstanding and meet all the qualifications they required.

5.Be on the dole: Hưởng trợ cấp thất nghiệp

Ex: In Viet Nam, people who has not had a job to serve themselves will be on the dole, according to 2013 Working Laws.

6.Learn from mistakes/ experiences: Học hỏi từ những sai lầm/ những trải nghiệm

Ex: Learning from mistakes – the best lesson that is suitable for everyone.

7.Fulfil the requirements: Thoả mãn những đòi hỏi

Ex: Having fulfilled the requirements they offered, I take the chance to work as Marketing Executive in PepsiCo.

8.Self – employed: tự làm chủ

Ex: I want to be self – employed after 3 years working for Mr.Thanh.

9.Run a marketing campaign: chạy một chiến dịch tiếp thị

Ex: Before running a marketing campaign, you should well prepare for everything: master plan, detailed strategy and budget plan.

10.Have a good working – life balance: Có sự cân bằng trong công việc và đời sống

Ex: However hard you try to achieve your goal in this job, you should have a good working – life balance.

11.Relevant experience: Kinh nghiệm có liên quan

Ex: Beside certificates and influency in foreign language, this position requires relevant experiences.

12.Take gap year: có một năm nghỉ ngơi, tạm ngưng việc học

Ex: After first year as a freshman, I take gap year, attend a marketing course, work part time to gain experience. Then, I will take an IELTS exam to go and study abroad.

13.Earn a competitive salary: Có được mức lương tốt

Ex: Dealing to have a low price on this contract, I earn a competitive salary from this month.

14.Be good at going under pressure: chịu áp lực công việc tốt

Ex: An intensively hard job needs people who are good at going under pressure.

15.In a professional working environment: Trong một môi trường làm việc chuyên nghiệp

Ex: When you work with us, not only will you earn a competitive salary, but also you will gain experience from others in a professional working environment.

16.Interpersonal skills: kỹ năng giao tiếp ứng xử, xây dựng quan hệ

Ex: In the world that work changes so rapidly, company often requires interpersonal skills to build relationship worldwide.

17.Be off work at the moment: Đang tạm nghỉ việc

Ex: I am in 7th ofpregnant period and off work at the moment.

18.A short term contract: hợp đồng ngắn hạn

Ex: I love to skip work over the time, so, I am on a short term contract.

19.Take a drop in salary: Giảm lương

Ex: Due to the fact that our company has been in the red, we must take a drop in salary.

20.Be more rewarding than: Đáng làm hơn

Ex: Offering more benefits to the employees, this job is more rewarding than anything else.

C.......................

1. Down to earth– practical and realistic; Back to reality

Thực tế, quay trở lại thực tiễn

Ex: It’s time we were brought down to earth to figure out difficult situation, and offer a good solution.

2. Full of beans – A person who is lively, active and healthy.

Tràn trề sức sống

Ex: I really enjoy being with my best friend because he is always full of beans.

3. Get a head start – Start before all others

Sự khởi đầu thuận lợi

Ex: This year we’ll get a head start on the competition by running more advertisements.

4. in the nick of time – not too late, but very close

Vừa đúng lúc, kịp lúc

Ex: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

5. fresh/clean out of something– have sold or used up the last of something

Dùng hết, bán hết sạch thứ gì đó

Ex: I have to go buy some more milk. It seems we’re fresh out now.

6. have/get mixed feelings about something– to be uncertain about something

Có cảm xúc lẫn lộn, không chắc chắn về điều gì đó

Ex: I have mixed feelings about my trip to England. I love the people, but the climate upsets me.

7. hard feelings – the emotion of being upset or offended.

Oán hờn, tức giận, buồn

Ex: I am sorry I have to fire you. No hard feelings, okay?

8. hit the hay– go to bed

Đi ngủ

Ex: It’s after 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.

9. besick to death of something/doing something – to be angry and bored because something unpleasant has been happening for too long

Chán và buồn bực vì chuyện gì đó không hài lòng mà phải làm nó quá lâu

Ex: I’m sick to death of doing nothing but work. Let’s go out tonight and have fun.

10. (come) rain or shine– means something will happen regardless of weather or other difficulties.

Dù chuyện gì xảy ra

Ex: I will be on time for the class, rain or shine. Come rain or shine, she is always smiling.

11. be all ears– eager and ready to listen

Lắng nghe chăm chú

Ex: I’m all ears, waiting to hear your latest excuse for not getting this job done!

12. Give it one’s best shot– do the best that one can

Cố gắng hết mình

Ex: This test question is really tough! I’ll give it my best shot, and I’ll get some marks for doing my best.

13. In deep water– in difficulty; in trouble or in a dangerous situation

Ở trong tình trạng khó khăn, gặp rắc rối hay nguy hiểm

Ex: He has not submitted his dissertation so he’s in deep water.

14. next to nothing– to cost very little

Hầu như không tốn kém gì

Ex: I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That’s next to nothing!

15. To be up in arms about something– upset or angry about something.

Tức giận, buồn bực vì điều gì đó

Ex: She has been UP IN ARMS about the rent increase.

16. Put yourself in somebody’s shoes– imagine that you are in somebody’s position in order to understant his/her feelings

Đặt mình vào hoàn cảnh của người khác

Ex: If you put yourself in my shoes, you would understand why I made that decision

17. A Penny for Your Thoughts asksomeone who is being very quiet what they are thinking about

Hỏi xem ai đang nghĩ gì nhất là khi họ có vẻ đang mải mê suy nghĩ.

Ex: For several minutes they sat silently, then finally she looked at him and said, “A penny foryour thoughts, Walter”

18. Against the clock – do something as fast as possible and try to finish it before a certain time.

Chạy đua với thời gian

Ex: With her term paper due on Monday, she was racing against the clock to finish it

19. At all costs– do everything you can to achieve/succeed something

Bằng bất cứ giá nào

Ex: My dream is to become a successful businessman and I will work hard for it AT ALL COSTS

20. Explore all avenues– investigate every possible means to find a solution to a givenproblem or to achieve a desired outcome.

Thử hết mọi đường, tìm mọi giải pháp có thể để đạt được kết quả

Ex: We need to EXPLORE ALL AVENUES before doing something that is not very safe to a great number of people in order to minimize unfavourable consequences

21. On the ball–active and aware of things

Nhanh nhẹn, tinh nhanh, có ý thức về điều gì đó

Ex: Our staff is really on the ball to get projects done on time

22. Throw in the towel – Give up on something

Đầu hàng, chịu thua, từ bỏ điều gì đó

Ex: I’ve spent too much time on this project to throw in the towel now.

23. Lend an ear – to listen carefully and in a friendly way to someone

Lắng nghe cẩn thận

Ex: If you have any problems, go to Claire. She’ll always lend a sympathetic ear.

24. on cloud nine– very happy; deliriously happy

Vô cùng sung sướng, hạnh phúc

Ex: She just bought her first new car and she’s on cloud nine.

25. bushed– tired.

Mệt mỏi, uể oải

Ex: I am totally bushed after staying up so late.

D......................

in a (good/bad) mood

E.g. I’m not in a good mood today so leave me alone, please.

in a hurry

E.g. I can’t talk right now as I’m in a hurry.

in a mess

E.g. The whole house is in a mess. We need to tidy it today.

in a way

E.g. Can money buy happiness? In a way, I think so.

in action

E.g. I went to Camp Nou to see Lionel Messi in action last week.

in addition (to)

E.g. In addition to feeling tired, I felt a bit sick.

in advance (of)

E.g. It’s a busy restaurant so we should book a table in advance.

in agreement with

E.g. I’m in agreement with many of the views of my classmates.

in any case

E.g. I don’t want to go and in any case, I wasn’t invited.

in brief

E.g. The interview was, in brief, a complete disaster.

in case (+ clause)

E.g. Take an umbrella in case it rains.

in case of (+ noun)

E.g. In case of emergency, dial 911.

in cash

E.g. I’d prefer to pay in cash, if you don’t mind.

in charge of

E.g. Our president is too incompetent to be in charge of the economy.

in common (with)

E.g. I have a lot of in common with my best friend.

in comparison with

E.g. The weather in Scotland is awful in comparison with Italy.

in conclusion

E.g. In conclusion, I believe we should do more to help the poor.

in confidence

E.g. I told you that story in confidence but you told everyone.

in control (of)

E.g. He’s not in control of his emotions so he gets upset very easily.

in danger (of)

E.g. If you don’t change your diet, you’re in danger of being very ill.

in debt

E.g. He’s in debt, which means he owes money to the bank.

in detail

E.g. She described what had happened to her in detail.

in difficulty

E.g. If you’re in difficulty, I’m happy to give you a helping hand.

in disguise

E.g. Celebrities often go out in disguise in order to avoid paparazzi.

in doubt

E.g. The festival is in doubt on account of the huge storm.

in exchange for

E.g. I washed my father’s car in exchange for some pocket money.

in fact

E.g. I don’t feel tired at all. In fact, I’m full of energy.

in fashion

E.g. Beards were in fashion last year but they’re out of fashion now.

in front of

E.g. There’s a bus stop right in front of my house, which is handy.

in future

E.g. I’m not angry but in future, text me if you’re going to be late.

in general

E.g. In general, I think that people in Ireland are very friendly.

in good/bad condition

E.g. My car is in really bad condition so I need to get it repaired.

in ink/pencil

E.g. It’s better to write in pencil so that you can correct it later.

in love (with)

E.g. I fell in love with her the moment I met her.

in moderation

E.g. I eat meat in moderation as I think too much is bad for you.

in no time

E.g. Study every day and your level of English will improve in no time.

in one’s free time

E.g. I enjoy hanging out with friends in my free time.

in other words

E.g. I haven’t got a penny to my name this month. In other words, I’m broke.

in pain

E.g. The vet decided to put down the animal as it was in a lot of pain.

in particular

E.g. I enjoyed my trip to London; in particular, I loved Camden Town.

in person

E.g. I’ve spoken to him on facebook but never met him in person.

in practice/theory

E.g. In theory, summers should be warm and sunny but it never happens here.

in prison/jail

E.g. There’s not a single corrupt politician in prison, which is simply wrong.

in private/public

E.g. I have to speak to you in private. Do you have a minute?

in return

E.g. I teach her English and she teaches me Spanish in return.

in somebody’s interest

E.g. It’s in your best interest to do a bit of exercise every day.

in somebody’s opinion

E.g. In my opinion, Florence is the most beautiful city in the world.

in season

E.g. I try to buy vegetables and fruits that are in season.

in secret

E.g. I told you that story in secret and you told half of the world!

in self-defence

E.g. The defendant claimed he had been acting in self-defence.

in some respects

E.g. In some respects, I had been expecting Brexit but I’m still surprised.

in stock

E.g. I wanted to buy the jacket but the shop didn’t have my size in stock.

in summer/winter

E.g. There’s nothing better than going to the beach in summer.

in tears

E.g. He insulted her appearance and she left the party in tears.

in the air

E.g. There was a feeling of tension in the air when he entered the room.

in the beginning

E.g. It was hard in the beginning but I soon adapted to life in Ireland.

in the dark

E.g. She hasn’t told me anything. I’m in the dark about her decision.

in the end

E.g. In the end, family and friends are the most important people in life.

in the habit of

E.g. I’m in the habit of waking up early and going for a run.

in the meantime

E.g. The film starts at 19:00. In the meantime, let’s have some dinner.

in the mood for

E.g. I’m not in the mood for English class now. I’d prefer to watch a movie.

in the mountains

E.g.Do you like spending time in the mountains or do you prefer the sea?

in the news

E.g. Silly celebrities are often in the news in my country. It’s a shame.

in the nude

E.g. Stop walking around the flat in the nude – the neighbours can see you.

in time

E.g. I left my house early and arrived in time to have a coffee before work.

in touch

E.g. I’m not in touch with him any longer. We lost contact a few years ago.

in town

E.g. I’ll give you a call if I’m in town next week. It would be nice to catch up.

in two/half

E.g. I broke the chocolate bar in two and gave one half to my nephew.

in vain

E.g. I tried to convince her to go out but all of my efforts were in vain.

E...........................

above board: honest, open

ad lib: improvise, interpolate

after all: in spite of the situation; nevertheless

against the grain: contrary to someone’s feelings, principles

all along: all the time

all ears: eager to listen

all of a sudden: no difference

all thumbs: clumsy

apple of one’s eye: very dear, precious

apple of discord: subject of envy or quarrel

as a rule: generally, usually

as far as I know: if I have correct information

as far as I am concerned: in my opinion

as for me/ as to me: in my opinion

as well: also, too

at first sight: from the first glance; at once; at first glance

at odds with: in disagreement with

at random: at this time

backseat driver: a passenger who tells you how to drive

ballpark figure: approximate estimate (in figures)

bark at the moon: do a useless thing; waste time

bark up the wrong tree: accuse or pursue the wrong person; misdirect one’s efforts

be about to: ready

be all in: be extremely tired

be back on one’s feet: healthy again or better financially

beat around the bush: avoid giving a clear/definite answer

be behind the times: be old-fashioned, outdated

be beside oneself: be very upset, nervous, worried

be better off: be in a better situation (financially)

be broke: have no money at all; be penniless, bankrupt

be hard on something or someone: treat roughly

be high on one’s list: be one of the most important things

be in charge of something: be responsible for

be in good health: be healthy

be in poor health: be not healthy

be in good shape: be physically fit; in good condition

be in bad shape: be in bad state; in bad condition

be in the red: be in debt

be on/at the point of something: be on the verge of something; be close to doing something

be out of date: be outdated

be out of sorts: be in bad temper

be pressed for time, for money: not to have enough time, money

be to blame: be responsible for a mistake, for something wrong

be touch and go: risky, dangerous; uncertain of the result

be up and around / about: able to be out of bed after an illness

be up to one’s ears in work: be very busy

beat around/about the bush: avoid giving a clear or definite answer

beat one’s brains out: make great efforts, often unsuccessfully

before long: soon

big shot: important person

bite off more than one can chew: try to do more than one can

bite the bullet: accept painful but necessary action

bite the dust: be killed; die; suffer defeat

bite the hand that feeds one: repay kindness with evil

black sheep: a good-for-nothing member of the family

blind date: a meeting between a man and a woman (who have never met before) arranged by their friends

blow it: lose the chance

bottom line: main result; main factor

break someone’s heart: hurt deeply

break the ice: overcome awkwardness or shyness

break the news (to someone): tell important news

bring home the bacon: earn the living for the family

by all means: definitely, certainly

by heart: by memorizing

by hook or by crook: by any possible means

by oneself (by myself, by himself, etc.): alone; on one’s own

by the way: incidentally

call a halt to something: terminate, stop something

call a spade a spade: use plain, direct words

call it a day: consider work finished for the day

call the shots: give orders; be in control of something

call the tune: give orders; be the most important person in some situation

carry weight: be important

castles in the air: daydreaming about success

catch someone’s eye: attract attention

catch one’s breath: stop and rest

catch someone off guard: catch someone unprepared

catch someone red-handed: find someone in the act of doing wrong

close call: a narrow escape; a bad thing that almost happened

come to one’s senses: act normally and reasonably again

come true: become reality

cross one’s mind: occur to someone

do one’s best: try very hard

do one’s bit: do what’s needed

do someone good: be good for someone

do something behind someone’s back: do (harmful) things secretively

down to earth: practical

draw the line: set a limit; impose a restriction

duty calls: must fulfill obligations

eat one’s words: take back one’s words

every now and then: occasionally

every other: every second one

fall in love (with): begin to love

fall out of love: stop loving

false alarm: untrue signal; untrue rumor

a far cry from something: not nearly as good

feel it in one’s bones: expect something bad to happen

feel like doing something: want to do; be inclined to do something

few and far between: rare, scarce

find fault with someone or something: criticize; complain about

first things first: important things come before others

fly off the handle: get angry

follow in someone’s footsteps: do the same thing

foot the bill: pay the bill

for good: forever

for the time being: for now; at this time

frame of mind: mental state

from now on: now and in the future

from the word go: from the very beginning

get a grip on oneself: take control of one’s feelings

get carried away: get too excited and enthusiastic about something

get cold feet: be afraid to do something

get even with someone: have one’s revenge

get in touch with someone: contact someone

get to the bottom of something: know deeply

get to the point: speak directly about the subject; come to the point

Give me a break!: Stop it! Enough!

give someone a hand: help someone

go back on one’s word: break a promise

go from bad to worse: become much worse

go to pieces: get very upset; fall apart

go with the flow: lead a quiet life

have a ball: have a good time

have a bone to pick with someone: complain or discuss something unpleasant

have a sweet tooth: love eating sweet things

have a word with someone: talk to someone

have no business doing something: have no right to do something

have one’s hands full: be very busy

hit the nail on the head: say exactly the right thing

hold one’s tongue: keep silent; refrain from speaking

ill at ease: uncomfortable

in advance: well before

in cold blood: mercilessly

in fact: actually; in reality

in hot water: in trouble; in a difficult situation

in someone’s shoes: in another person’s position

in the long run: in the end

in the same boat: in the same situation

in the clear: free from blame

it goes without saying: should be clear without words

jump at the opportunity: accept the opportunity eagerly

just as soon: prefer; would rather

just in case: to be on the safe side

keep a straight face: try not to laugh

keep company: accompany

keep in mind: bear in mind; consider; remember

keep one’s word: fulfill a promise

keep someone posted: inform someone

keep one’s fingers crossed: hope that nothing will go wrong

kill time: fill time; spend empty time

know the ropes: be very familiar with some business

lay one’s cards on the table: be frank and open

lay one’s life on the line: put oneself in a dangerous situation

lead a dog’s life: live in misery

leave word: leave a message

let go of something: release the hold

let one’s hair down: be relaxed and informal with other people

let someone know: inform someone

like father, like son: be like one’s parent in something

little by little: step by step; bit by bit; gradually

lose one’s temper: become angry

lose one’s way: get lost

lose track of someone: not to know where someone is

lucky break: a lucky chance

make a living: earn money to provide for life

make allowance(s) for something: take into consideration when judging

make a point of: be sure to do something intentionally

make friends: become friends

make fun of someone or something: laugh at; joke about

make room for someone: allow space for someone

make up one’s mind: decide

make yourself at home: be comfortable; feel at home

mean well: have good intentions

might as well: maybe it’s a good idea

never mind: don’t worry about it

now and again: occasionally; now and then

off the cuff: without preparation

off the point: beside the point

off the record: not for the public; unofficially

once and for all: decidedly

on credit: not having to pay cash right away

on edge: nervous, irritable

on guard: on the alert

on hand: available

on one hand/on the one hand: considering one side of the question

on one’s toes: alert, attentive, prepared for difficulties

on purpose: intentionally

on second thought: after thinking again

on the alert: on guard

on the carpet: called in by the boss for criticism

on the go: on the move; busy, active

on the other hand: considering the other side of the question

on the spot: right there

on the spur of the moment: without previous thought or plan

on the tip of one’s tongue: on the verge of saying but unable to remember

out of one’s mind: crazy

out of one’s way: away from one’s usual route

out of the question: not to be considered; impossible

pack rat: a person who saves lots of unnecessary things

pay attention: note something; be attentive to something

pick a fight: start a quarrel

put one’s foot down: object strongly

right away: immediately

ring a bell: remind someone of something familiar but half-forgotten

see red: become very angry

take a break: stop for rest

take it easy: relax; be calm

take something for granted: accept as given

take steps: take action; take measures

take time: take a long time

twist someone’s arm: force someone to agree

under the weather: feeling a little ill, a little unwell

up-and-coming: showing promise of future success

up in the air: undecided, unsettled

up to date: modern, latest, current

walk on air: be very happy

waste one’s breath: speak uselessly, to no purpose

watch one’s step: behave prudently; be careful

white lie: unimportant lie

word for word: in the same words

F.........................

Civilian / 28 : [ n, adj ]

/ sə’vɪliən /

= A person who is not a member of the armed forces, or police, or fire-fighting

forces.

( Người không phải là thành phần của các lực lượng vũ trang, hoặc cảnh sát, hoặc lực lượng cứu hỏa.)

Ex: Eight of the passengers were soldiers, and one was a marine; the rest were

civilians.

( Tám hành khách là lính, 1 người là lính thủy, số còn lại là những thường dân.)

Complicated/ 28: [ adj ]

/ ‘kɒmplɪkeɪtɪd /

= Not simple or easy; intricate

( Không đơn giản hoặc dễ dàng; tinh vi và phức tạp.)

Ex: If some of the requirements for graduation seem complicated, see your guidance counselor. He will be glad to explain them to you.

( Nếu như 1 số điều kiện để tốt nghiệp có vẻ phức tạp, bạn hãy đến gặp vị giáo sư hướng dẫn. Ông ta sẽ vui vẻ giải thích cho bạn.)

Concur / 28: [ v ]

/ kən’kɜr /

= Agree, be of the same opinion

(Đồng ý, cùng 1 ý kiến)

Ex: Good sportsmanship requires you to accept the umpire’s decision even if you do not concur with it.

( Tinh thần thể thao tốt đòi hỏi bạn phải chấp nhận quyết định của trọng tài dù cho bạn không đồng ý với ông ta.)

Confirm / 28: [ v ]

/ kən’fɜrm /

= State or prove the truth of; substantiate

( Xác nhận, chứng thực)

Ex: My physician thought I had borken my wrist, and an X ray later confirmed his opinion.

( Vị bác sĩ của tôi nghĩ rằng tôi đã bị gãy cổ tay và việc chụp X quang sau đó đã xác nhận y kiến của ông là đúng.)

Digress / 30: [ v ]

/ daɪ’gress /

=Turn aside, get off the main subject in speaking or writing.

( Đi lệch, lạc khỏi chủ đề chính khi nói hoặc viết.)

Ex: At one point in his talk, the speaker digressed to tell us of an incident in his childhood, but then he got right back to his topic.

(Có lúc trong cuộc nói chuyện, ngừơi diễn giả đã đi khỏi đề tài để kể cho chúng tôi

nghe 1 sự việc trong thời trẻ thơ của ông, nhưng rồi sau đó, ông đã trở lại với chủ đề.)

Fragile / 30: [ adj ]

/ ‘frædʒaɪl /

= Easily borken; breakable; weak; frail.

(Dễ gãy; có thể gãy, bẻ gãy; yếu; mảnh khảnh.)

Ex: The handle is fragile; it will easily break if you use too much pressure. (Tay cầm ấy rất mỏng manh; nó sẽ dễ dàng bị gãy nếu như anh ấn xuống quá mạnh.)

Galore / 30: [ adj ]

/ gə’lɔ: /

= Plentiful; abundant (galore always follows the word it modifies)

( Nhiều; phong phú (galore luôn luôn đi theo sau từ mà nó phẩm định)

Ex: There were no failures on the final test, but on the midterm there were failures

galore.

(Không có ai rớt trong kỳ thi trắc nghiệm cuối cùng, nhưng vào giữa khóa thì số người

rớt nhiều.)

Genuine / 30: [ adj ]

/ ‘dʒenjuɪn /

= Actually being what it is claimed or seems to be; true; real; authentic.

( Thật sự đúng như tên gọi hoặc đúng như người ta thấy; thật; thật sự; đích thực.) Ex: Jane wore an imitation fur coat that every one thought it was made of genuine leopard skin.

(Jane mặc 1 chiếc áo lông thú giả mà mọi người nghĩ rằng nó làm bằng da báo thật.)

Hostile / 30 : [ adj, n ]

/ ‘hɔstaɪl /

= Of or relating to an enemy or enemies; unfriendly

( Thuộc hoặc có liên quan đến kẻ thù; không thân hữu.)

Ex: It was not immediately announced whether the submarine reported off our coast was of a friendly or a hostile nation.

(Người ta không loan báo lập tức rằng chiếc tàu lặn được báo cáo xuất hiện ngòai khơi bờ biển của chúng ta là của 1 quốc gia bạn hay 1 quốc gia thù nghịch.)

Impatient / 30: [adj]

/ ɪm’peɪʃənt /

= Not patient; not willing to bear delay; restless; anxious

( Không kiên nhẫn; không chịu được sự trì hoãn; bồn chồn; lo lắng.)

Ex: Five minutes can seem like five hours when you are impatient. ( 5 phút có thể xem như 5 giờ khi bạn nôn nóng, không kiên nhẫn.)

Inter / 30: [ v ]

/ ɪn’tɜ: /

= Put into the earth or in a grave; bury

( Chôn xuống đất hoặc trong huyệt mộ; chôn cất.)

Ex: Many American heroes are interred in Arlington National Cemetery. (Nhiều anh hùng nước Mỹ được an táng ở nghĩa trang quốc gia Arlington.)

Mitigate / 30: [ v ]

/ ‘mɪtɪgeɪt /

= Make less severe; lessen; soften; relieve.

( Làm giảm đi; giảm bớt; làm diụ; làm cho nhẹ nhỏm)

Ex: With the help of novocaine, your dentist can greatly mitigate the pain of drilling. ( Nhờ sự trợ giúp của chất Novocaine, nha sĩ của anh có thể làm giảm bớt cơn đau rất nhiều khi khoan răng.)

Novice / 30: [ n ]

/ ‘nɒvɪs /

= One who is new to a field or activity; beginner

( Người mới gia nhập 1 lĩnh vực hoạt động; người mới bắt đầu.)

Ex: Our Dance Club has two groups; one for experienced dancers and one for novices. ( Câu lạc bộ khiêu vũ của chúng tôi có 2 nhóm; 1 nhóm dành cho những người nhảy đã có kinh nghiệm và 1 nhóm dành cho người mới bắt đầu.)

Original / 32: [ adj, n ]

/ ə’rɪdʒənl /

= A work created firsthand and from which copies are made

( 1 công trình gốc đuợc sáng tạo và từ đó có thể sao chép ra các phiên bản.)

= Belonging to the beginning; first; earliest. ( Thuộc về lúc bắt đầu; đầu tiên; sớm nhất.)

Ex: Most of us can buy copies of a masterpiece, but few can afford the original. ( Phần đông chúng ta có thể mua phiên bản của các danh tác, nhưng chỉ có 1 số ít người là có đủ tiền để có thể mua nguyên bản.)

Ex: Miles Standish was one of the original colonists of Massachusetts; he cam over on the ‘Mayflower’.

( Miles Standich là 1 trong những người định cư nguyên thủy tại bang Massachusetts; ông ta đến trên con tàu của Mayflower.)

Rarity / 32: [ n ]

/ ‘reərəti /

= Something uncommon, infrequent, or rare

( 1 điều gì đó không phổ biến, không thường xuyên, hoặc hiếm) Ex: Rain in the Sahara Desert is a rarity.

( Mưa ở sa mạc Sahara là 1 điều hiếm có.)

Resume / 32: [ v, n ]

/ rɪ’zju:m /

= Begin again

Bắt đầu lại

Ex: School closes for the Christmas recess on December 24 and resumes on January 3.

( Trường học đóng cửa vào kỳ nghỉ giáng sinh 24/12 và bắt đầu lại vào ngày 3/1.)

Shrink / 32: [ v ]

/ ʃrɪηk /

= Draw back; recoil

( Thụt lùi; lùi lại vì sợ)

Ex: Wendy shrank from the task of telling her parents about her low French mark, but she finally got the courage and told them.

( Wendy ngại không dám nói với cha mẹ cô về điểm số thấp môn Pháp văn của cô, nhưng cuối cùng cô cố can đảm để nói.)

Sober / 32: [ adj ]

/ ‘səʊbə /

= Not drunk: không say

= Serious; free from excitement or exaggeration: nghiêm túc; không bị kích động hoặc phóng đại

Ex1: Our driver had refused all strong drinks because he wanted to be sober for the trip home.

( Tài xế của chúng tôi đã từ chối mọi thức uống có rượu mạnh bởi vì ông ấy muốn được tỉnh táo trong chuyến đi về nhà.)

Ex2: When he learned of his failure, George thought of quitting school. But after

sober consideration, he realized that would be unwise.

( Khi biết rằng mình đã thi rớt, George đã nghĩ đến việc thôi học. Nhưng sau khi suy nghĩ nghiêm túc, anh nhận thấy rằng điều đó là không khôn ngoan.)

Suffice / 32: [ v ]

/ sə’faɪs /

= Be enough, adequate, or sufficient

( Đủ, tương ứng, hoặc đầy đủ)

Ex: I told Dad that $3 would suffice for my school supplies. As it turned out, it was not enough.

( Tôi nói với bố tôi rằng 3,5 đô la thì đủ để mua những thứ cần thiết cho việc học của tôi. Sau đó hóa ra số tiền ấy không đủ.)

Vacant / 32: [ adj ]

/ ‘veɪkənt /

= Empty; unoccupied; not being used

( Trống; bỏ trống; không được sử dụng)

Ex: I had to stand for the first half of the performance because I could not find a

vacant seat.

( Tôi phải đứng trong suốt nửa buổi trình diễn đầu tiên bởi vì tôi đã không tìm được

ghế trống nào.)

G...................

at all costs = bằng mọi giá

= you use this idiom to talk about someone who does everything you can to achieve/succeed

= My dream is to become a successful businessman and I will work hard for it AT ALL COSTS

be out of your depth = trong tình thế khó xử/khó khăn

= you use this idiom when you want to say that you are in a difficult situation

= I am used to teach General english but I was OUT OF MY DEPTH when I had to teach Academic English

explore all avenues = suy tính đến các hướng/bước để tránh xảy ra vấn đề/hậu quả xấu

= you use this idiom when you want to say you are keen on a particular action to avoid trouble in the end

= We need to EXPLORE ALL AVENUES before doing something that is not very safe to a great number of people in order to minimize unfavourable consequences.”

let’s face it = hãy đối mặt/chấp nhận thực tế/sự thật

= you use this idiom to talk about the facts/truth which need to be accepted without an argument

= let’s face it. You wont be able to achieve 7.0 IELTS if you do not work hard

behind the times = lỗi thời, hết thời

= you use this idiom to say that something is old-fashioned or out-dated

= My friend never likes using smart phones. She’s so BEHIND THE TIMES.

in deep water = trong tình thế nguy hiểm/khó khăn

= you use this idiom to say that you are in trouble or in a dangerous situation

= He has not submitted his dissertation so he’s IN DEEP WATER.

put yourself in somebody’s shoes = thử đặt mình vào vị trí/hoàn cảnh của người khác

= you use this idiom when you imagine that you are in somebody’s position in order to understant his/her feelings

= If you PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES, you would understand why I made that decision

to be up in arms about something = tức giận, buồn bực vì điều gì đó

= you use this idiom when you want to express that you are upset or angry about something.

= She has been UP IN ARMS about the rent increase.

H..................

as easy as pie : rất dễ, dễ như ăn bánh

Ex: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don’t agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

(Anh ta nói đó là vấn đề khó, nhưng tôi không đồng ý. Nó dễ như ăn bánh với tôi)

be sick and tired of : tôi ghét (tôi không chịu được)

Ex: I’m sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let’s go out tonight and have fun.

(Tôi ghét khi làm việc suốt. Tối nay đi chơi tìm niềm vui nào)

bend over backwards : rất cố gắng ( có khi quá sức )

Ex: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

(Anh ta có gắng hết sức để chiều cô vợ mới nhưng cô ấy chưa bao giờ thấy hài lòng)

sleep on it: suy nghĩ (trước khi quyết định)

Ex: That sounds like a good deal, but I’d like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

(Đó có vẻ là 1 đề nghị tốt, nhưng tôi muốn suy nghĩ trước khi có quyết định cuối cùng)

broke : hết tiền

Ex: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I’m broke

(Tôi phải mượn tiền của bố tôi bây giờ. Tôi hết tiền rồi)

change one’s mind : đổi ý

Ex: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I’ll do extra work on the weekend instead.

(Tôi định tối nay làm trễ nhưng tôi đổi ý rồi. Tôi sẽ làm bù vào cuối tuần)

Cut it out! : dừng làm việc gì xấu

Ex: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

(Tiếng ồn đó khó chịu quá. Dừng nó lại !)

drop someone a line: gửi 1 lá thư hay email cho ai đó

Ex: It was good to meet you . Drop me a line when you have time.

(Thật vui khi gặp bạn. Gửi thư hay mail cho tôi khi bạn có thời gian nhé)

figure something out : hiểu được vấn đề gì

Ex: I don’t understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

(Tôi không biết giải quyêt vấn đề này. Nhìn thử đi, có khi bạn sẽ hiểu được vấn đề)

fill in for someone : làm dùm ai khi họ vắng mặt

Ex: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

(Khi tôi không ở cửa hàng, em tôi sẽ làm dùm tôi)

in ages : từ rất lâu

Ex: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven’t seen him in ages.

(Dạo này có thấy Joe không ? Tôi không thấy anh ta từ rất lâu rồi)

give someone a hand : giúp

Ex: I want to move this desk. Can you give me a hand?

(Tôi muốn dời cái bàn này. Bạn có thể giúp tôi không?)

hit the hay : đi ngủ

Ex: It’s after 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.

(12 giờ hơn rồi. Tôi nghĩ tới giờ ngủ rồi)

in the black : sinh lời, có lời

Ex: Our business is really improving. We’ve been in the black all year.

(Công ty thật sự được cải thiện. Chúng ta đang có lời cả năm)

in the red : mất tiền, lỗ

Ex: Business is really going poorly these days. We’ve been in the red for the past three months.

(Tình hình kinh doanh rất tệ. Chúng ta bị lỗ trong 3 tháng qua)

in the nick of time: xíu nữa, 1 lúc nữa

Ex: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. I really need this medicine!

(Chút nữa tôi phải đi tới hiệu thuốc . Tôi thật sự cần thuốc này)

keep one’s chin up : dũng cảm và tiếp tục

Ex: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

(Tôi biết những ngày gần đây rất khó khăn cho bạn. Nhưng hãy dũng cảm và tiếp tục. Nó sẽ sớm tốt hơn thôi.)

know something like the back of your hand : biết 1 việc gì rất rõ

Ex: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

(Nếu bạn lạc hãy hỏi tôi phương hướng. Tôi biết đường đi thành phố này rõ lắm)

once in a while : đôi khi, lâu lâu

Ex: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while.

(Bạn đi rạp phim mới chưa ? Chưa, tôi lâu lâu mới đi coi phim à)

sharp : chính xác thời gian đó

Ex: I’ll meet you at 9 o’clock sharp. If you’re late, we’ll be in trouble!

(Tôi sẽ gặp bạn đúng 9h. Trễ là có chuyện đó !)

Don’t judge a book by its cover: this means don’t make a decision based on a brief impression or outward appearance (đừng đánh giá một sự vật/sự việc/con người chỉ qua vẻ bề ngoài)

“ I don’t like our new neighbours very much, they’re quite strange.

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Give them a chance, I think they’re just a bit quirky but really nice!”

He doesn’t look very intelligent, but you can’t judge a book by its cover

I........................

miss the boat = to miss an opportunity (lỡ cơ hội)

“If you miss the boat, it means you are too late to get an opportunity in my company”

“There were tickets available last night, but she missed the boat by waiting till today to try to buy some.”

feeling under the weather = to be ill or unable to do regular activities (cảm thấy không khỏe, không được tốt)

If you’re feeling under the weather – you should go home and get some rest.

I’m feeling under the weather – I think I’m getting a cold

leave no stone unturned = to do everything you can to achieve your goal (làm tất cả để đạt mục tiêu)

I’ll leave no stone unturned until I find out the reason

Don’t worry. I’ll find your stolen dog. I’ll leave no stone unturned

hit the nail on the head = used if something someone says, is precisely correct (đoán đúng, đánh đúng trọng tâm, nói đúng….)

You hit the nail on the head when you used idioms in the speaking test.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that what’s lacking in our company is a feeling of confidence.

sit on the fence = to stay neutral and not take sides (lưỡng lự)

you can’t sit on the fence any longer- you have to decide where you go

I’m sitting on the fence with my girlfriend when we went shopping!

take for granted = to never think about something because you believe it will always be available or stay exactly the same ( coi việc có cái gì như một điều hiển nhiên nên không trân trọng khi có điều đó)

He took her help for granted without saying thank you

I took it for granted that I would find the perfect job

A piece of cake = very easy (dễ dàng)

“ Getting a band 6.5 in the speaking test will be a piece of cake”

“ Something easily accomplished, as in I had no trouble finding your house, it was a piece of cake”

Blew me away = when something blows you away, you’re extremely impressed by it (khi thứ gì đó “blow you away”, nghĩa là thứ đó thực sự rất đáng ngạc nhiên)

“ The new technology blew me away”

“The amount of thecheck blew me away. The loud noise from the concert blew me away

once in a blue moon = very rarely (rất hiếm khi)

“ i used to see him all the time, but now he just visits me once in a blue moon “

“ My sister lives in Saigon, so I only see her once in a blue moon”

Run of the mill = average, ordinary (thông thường)

“Apple phones are very run of the mill these days. “

“ The restaurant we went to was nothing special, just run the mill. The service was good, but the food was run of the mill.”

Soul mate = someone you trust very deeply (bạn chí cốt tâm giao, tri âm tri kỷ)

“ How to know when you have found your soul mate”

“ My husband is not just my lover, he’s my soul mate. “

Down in the dumps = sad.