习语与口号，在语境中理解。

挺身而出；在关键时刻表现出色

The volunteers had to rise to the occasion when the delivery truck failed just before the event.

经验法则；实用的粗略准则

As a rule of thumb, the carpenter leaves a small gap between hardwood floorboards and the wall.

为了活命而奔跑；拼命逃跑

When the alarm sounded, I was running for my life toward the nearest exit.

吓坏了；怕得要命

I was scared to death when the lights went out in the old elevator.

澄清事实；纠正错误说法

The company released the full inspection report to set the record straight about the safety concern.

为……创造条件；为……作铺垫

The opening survey set the stage for a wider study of how commuters choose their routes.

投篮；打篮球

The neighbors meet after work to shoot some hoops at the park.

感觉妥当；让人觉得对劲

Something about that price doesn't sit right with me.

手法敏捷的戏法；巧妙掩饰或操纵

The magician used sleight of hand to make the red coin disappear.

一套借口或说辞；一番夸张表演

He gave me the usual song and dance about the train being delayed, so I checked the timetable myself.

各让一步；折中

The seller wanted $900 and Lena offered $700, so they split the difference at $800.

坚忍克制；不露怯、不显悲伤

Even after the second setback, the coach kept a stiff upper lip and encouraged the team to try again.

完全；彻底（常与形容词搭配）

Even after the late party, he was stone cold sober by sunrise.

改天再接受邀请；把邀约改期

I can't join you for dinner tonight, but could I take a rain check for next Friday?

放轻松；别太劳累；慢慢来；放轻松；小心点（视语境而定）；放轻松；别着急

The doctor told him to take it easy for a few days after the ankle sprain.

造成损害；带来长期负面影响

The constant overnight work began to take its toll on the nursing team.

反过来；倒过来；反过来；恰恰相反

I thought you were picking me up, but I had it the other way around; you're already at the station.

这啊那啊；各种零碎事情

We chatted about the new job, the weather, this and that, until the café closed.

急剧升高；高得惊人

When the only bridge closed, local taxi fares went through the roof.

时间会证明；以后自会见分晓

Time will tell whether the new schedule works for everyone.

而且；此外（用于补充信息）

The guest room is bright and quiet, and it has a balcony to boot.

好得不得了；极其诱人或美味（口语夸张说法）

The lemon cake at that corner bakery is to die for, especially when it is still warm.

拉锯；双方争夺或僵持

The budget meeting became a tug of war between the need for new equipment and the cost of keeping the center open.

情况开始好转；渡过难关

After two quiet months, the clinic began to turn a corner when a new specialist joined the team.

扭转局势；改变不利走向

One well-timed goal can turn the tide of a close match.

加大压力；加紧行动

The new deadline could turn up the heat on the whole team, so the manager removed two lower-priority tasks.

在同一处；集中在一起

The new center brings a clinic, a library, and a job office under one roof.

身体不舒服；状态不佳

I came by every day and noticed that the cat was looking a little under the weather.

永远也不会；直到永远（夸张强调某事不会发生）

You can keep asking until hell freezes over, but I still won't lend you my car.

可供争取或获得；尚未归属

After the founder retired, leadership of the family business was up for grabs.

暗中在做某事；另有所图

The kids have been whispering all morning; I think they are up to something.

等等之类；诸如此类

They laid out tea, fruit, little sandwiches, and what have you before the guests arrived.

猛烈地；变本加厉地

Once the storm cleared, the summer heat returned with a vengeance.

值得一试

The new study method is worth a try if your usual routine is not working.

当然；没问题（用于肯定回应）；当然；没问题

Could you watch the front desk for five minutes? You bet—I'll stay right here.