VIP Class Notes (Nemo)

Vocabulary

at the whim of (someone)
: when (someone) wishes, desires, or decides something often in a sudden way
E.g.: The shop is only open at the whim of the owner.

on a whim
Based on a sudden, impulsive urge, desire, or idea; without careful planning or because of a capricious inclination.
E.g.: On a whim, we drove to the beach for the weekend.
E.g.: Major governmental policies cannot be decided on a whim; they have to be carefully and rationally thought through.

witty (adj)using words in a clever and funny way
风趣的,诙谐的
E.g.: a witty comment/remark
风趣的评论/话语
E.g.: He was witty and very charming.
他既风趣又很有魅力。
E.g.: She gave a witty, entertaining and articulate speech.

wit (n)the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way
(说话的)幽默风趣
E.g.: a woman of great intelligence and wit
非常聪明且说话风趣的女人
E.g.: Her conversation sparkled with her own subtle blend of wit and charm.
她的谈话透着她特有的难以言传的风趣与魅力。
E.g.: He was known for his dry/ready/sharp wit.
他以冷峻/机敏/机智的幽默而闻名。

at (one’s) wits’ end-不知所措
In a state of distress because one has no more patience or mental stamina, often after having dealt with some kind of problem or difficult situation.
E.g.: The baby’s been crying for hours, and I’m at my wits’ end!
E.g.: I’m already at my wits’ end, so if this train gets delayed too, I’m going to scream.

slim (adj): small or slight, especially in a way that makes success difficult:
E.g.: The trend was upwards, but the gains were slim.
-a slim chance or possibility is not likely to happen or be true:
E.g.: The likelihood of selling the machinery at that price is slim.
E.g.: a slim chance/possibility A member of the board said there was only a slim chance of the merger succeeding.
E.g.: There is still a slim hope of the negotiations ending well for union members.

pinpoint (v): to discover or establish something exactly:
They were unable to pinpoint the source of the noise.

eulogy (n): a speech, piece of writing, poem, etc. containing great praise, especially for someone who recently died or retired from work
悼词,悼文;(为刚刚退休的人所作的)颂词,颂文
He was the most self-effacing of men – the last thing he would have relished was a eulogy.
他为人极其谦逊,最不喜听颂词。