1 a change of pace 节奏变换
You can’t do these chemistry experiments all day long. You certainly need a change of pace.
2 a far cry from 相距甚远
The published book is far cry from the early manuscript.
3 and how 的确
A: She’s a good dancer.
B: and how.
4 a matter of time 时间问题
It is only a matter of time.
5 a phone call away 一个电话之远，愿意过来帮忙。
If you need my help, do let me know. Just remember I am a phone call away.
6 a while back 不久以前
7 all along 一直
I knew it all along.
8 anything but 绝对不
I was anything but happy about going.
9 account for 解释
How do you account for it?
10 after all 到底
A: I’ve just seen the X-rays and your teeth look just fine,
B: I see. Then there is nothing to worry about after all.
11 allergic to 对|……过敏
Oh man! Something in this room is making my eyes itch. I must be allergic to something.
12 at sb’s service 愿为某人服务
I am at your service at any time.
13 around the clock 24小时不停
Martha studied around the clock for management exam.
14 as far as I know 就我所知
15 at home with 对…..很熟悉
She is at home with problems like this.
16 back out
1) 退出
A: Wasn’t Bert supposed to sing tonight?
B: Yes, but he backed out at last minute
2）不履行
She finally backed out of her promise.
17 be cut out for 天生适合
I’m not cut out to be a hero.
18 be absorbed in
She has been absorbed in a horror fiction. I can’t tear her away.
19 be addicted to 对……上瘾
She has been addicted to drugs for years.
20 be attached to 对……有感情
A: I’m amazed that you are still driving that old car of yours. I thought you would have gotten rid of it years ago.
B: It runs well and I’ve actually been quite attached to it.