Advanced English vocabulary for ESL students

1. finagle- to get something in a clever or dishonest way
astute - having or showing an ability to notice and understand things clearly: mentally sharp or
clever
tangible - easily seen or recognized: easily felt or touched
candor - the quality of being open, sincere, and honest
copious - very large in amount or number
prolific - producing a large amount of something
effeminate - having or showing qualities that are considered more suited to women than to
men : not manly
A Slap on the Wrist:
A very mild punishment.
All Greek to me:
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the
Greek language would be.
Beating Around The Bush:
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Advanced Vocabulary and Idioms
Monday, September 08, 2014
10:00 AM
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2. Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water:
The family bond is closer than anything else.
Southpaw:
Someone who is left-handed.
The Whole Nine Yards:
Everything. All of it.
1. John was really lucky after his arrest for DWI in Puerto Rico. All he got was _____ _____ _____
____ _____.
2. I never realized that Mary is a _____ _____. Now I understand why she orders those specially-
lined writing journals.
3. Quit stalling and just tell the truth! I'm tired of you ______ ______ _____ ______ every time I ask
you about the missing money from the expense account.
4. I don't know why in the world Dave thought he would get the manager position instead of the
owner's niece. Doesn't he realize that ______ _____ ______ ______ _______?
5. I don't know why you think I should read the contract. It's ______ _______ _______ ________.
6. We decided to go to Orlando and see the sites. We're going to do _______ _______ _______
______.
For fun:
One Word, Two Meanings
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