a test whose findings are beyond doubt or dispute. □ Her new husband seems generous, but the acid test will be if he lets her mother stay with them. □ The MP isnt very popular just now, but the acid test will be if he gets re-elected next election....[继续阅读]

    knowing someone or something by name, not necessarily well; knowing of the existence of someone or something. □ Im acquainted with John, but Ive only met him once. □ Im acquainted with the street you describe, but I dont know how to get there....[继续阅读]

    to develop a liking for food, drink, or something else; to learn to like something. □ One acquires a taste for fine wines. □ Many people are not able to acquire a taste for foreign food. □ Mary acquired a taste for art when she was very young....[继续阅读]

    equally for everyone or everything. □ The government raised the pay of all the teachers across the board. □ The council cut the budget by reducing the money for each department 10 percent across the board....[继续阅读]

    an act or deed demonstrating religious faith; an act or deed showing trust in someone or something. □ He lit candles in church as an act of faith. □ For him to trust you with his car was a real act of faith....[继续阅读]

    an occurrence (usually an accident) for which no human is responsible; an act of nature such as a storm, earthquake, or windstorm. □ My insurance company wouldnt pay for the damage because it was an act of God. □ The thief tried to convince the judge th...[继续阅读]

    an international act of violence to which war is considered a suitable response; [figuratively] any hostile act between two people. □ To bomb a ship is an act of war. □ Can spying be considered an act of war? □ “You just broke my stereo,” shouted John....[继续阅读]

    to behave more maturely; to act as grown-up as one really is. □ Come on, John, act your age. Stop throwing stones. □ Mary! Stop teasing your little brother. Act your age!...[继续阅读]

    to perform an imaginary event as if one were in a play. □ Bill always acted his anger out by shouting and pounding his fists. □ The psychiatrist asked Bill to act out the way he felt about getting sacked....[继续阅读]

    deliberately to behave in a silly or eccentric way; to play the fool. (Informal.) □ He was asked to leave the class because he was always acting the goat. □ No one takes him seriously. He acts the goat too much....[继续阅读]