a proverb meaning that early action to repair something damaged can save a lot of time because if the damage is left to get worse the repair will take longer. □ Get the roof repaired when theres only one slate missing. A stitch in time saves nine. □ You...[继续阅读]

    a proverb meaning that when one is waiting for something to happen, the time taken seems longer if one is constantly thinking and worrying about it.(Refers to the seemingly long time it takes water to boil when you are waiting for it.) □ John was lookin...[继续阅读]

    to give up and accept a situation; to yield to a person; to allow oneself to be completely controlled by someone or something. □ Ann gave up and abandoned herself to grief. □ Bill saw the gun and abandoned himself to the robber. □ Bill abandoned himself...[继续阅读]

    　the basic facts or principles of something. □ I have never mastered the ABC of car maintenance. □ The book claims to be a guide to the ABC of cooking....[继续阅读]

    to follow the rules of something; to obey orders. □ John felt that he had to abide by his fathers wishes. □ All drivers are expected to abide by the rules of the road....[继续阅读]

    able to relax and recover from a busy or stressful time. (Able to can be replaced with can.) □ Now that the annual sale is over,the sales staff will be able to breathe again. □ Final exams are over,so I can breathe again....[继续阅读]

    able to do something easily and quickly.(Informal.Able to can be replaced with can.) □ Bill boasted that he could pass his drivers test blindfold. □ Mary is very good with computers. She can program blindfold. □ Dr. Jones is a great surgeon.He can tak...[继续阅读]

    See the previous entry....[继续阅读]

    able to accept ridicule good-naturedly; willingly to be the object or butt of a joke without taking offence.(Able to can be replaced with can.) □ Lets play a trick on Bill and see if hes able to take a joke. □ Better not tease Ann.She cant take a joke....[继续阅读]

    able to endure something; able to endure abuse.(Often in the negative.Able to can be replaced with can.See also the previous entry.) □ Stop shouting like that. Im not able to take it any more. □ Go ahead,hit me again.I can take it. ALSO: able to take j...[继续阅读]