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.