Jumble 26

Days change—your attitude doesn’t have to.

Strong people are not born into strength; they are shaped, tempered, and forged by the storms they weather.

You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness.

I esteem my own reputation above temporary pleasure. (respect and admire)

I esteem my own reputation and refuse to lie or cheat.

He esteems hard work and discipline above everything else.

Teachers who are dedicated are greatly esteemed in society.

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

Do not fear starting over; it gives you the strength to rebuild your life around your true aspirations.

You ought to respect your parents. (right, advisable, or morally correct. (উচিত / করা উচিত))

Students ought to study regularly.

You ought to keep your promises.

A meaningful life can be extremely satisfying even in the midst of hardship, whereas a meaningless life is a terrible ordeal no matter how comfortable it is.

Begin and end each day in gratitude for life’s smallest mercies; in time, you’ll realize how profoundly blessed you are.

He made a fatuous remark that embarrassed everyone. (foolishly confident, silly, or lacking intelligence

(মূর্খ / নির্বোধ আত্মবিশ্বাসে ভরা))

Her fatuous smile showed she didn’t understand the seriousness of the issue.

The plan sounded clever but was actually fatuous.

Ignoring the issue may make the problem worse over time.

His fatuous comments only made the problem worse.

Many clout chasers create fake controversies to gain followers. (people who seek attention, fame, or influence, especially on social media, by associating with popular people, trends, or controversies)

He is not serious about the cause; he’s just a clout chaser. (মনোযোগ ও জনপ্রিয়তা পাওয়ার জন্য অন্যের খ্যাতি বা ট্রেন্ডের পেছনে ছোটা মানুষ)

The song was a hit with the media.

The song grabbed massive media attention.

The sudden price hike kicked up a stir among consumers. (cause excitement, controversy, or strong public reaction)

His controversial post kicked up a stir online. (হইচই ফেলে দেওয়া / আলোড়ন সৃষ্টি করা)

The judge’s remark kicked up a stir in legal circles.

The hill station witnessed a deluge of tourists during the holiday season. (a large quantity or sudden flood of something)

The actor received a deluge of praise after the film’s release. (প্রচুর পরিমাণে / ঢল নেমে আসা)

Social media was flooded with a deluge of comments.

She peered out of the window to see who was calling her. (look carefully or with difficulty from a hidden or enclosed place)

Passengers peered out of the train windows at the passing scenery.

Tourists peered out of the bus to catch a glimpse of the hills. (উঁকি দিয়ে দেখা / আড়াল থেকে তাকানো)

A deep fissure opened in the ground after the earthquake. (a long, narrow crack or split, especially one that forms in rock, ground, or between people or groups)

The drought caused fissures in the dry farmland.

Political disagreements created a fissure within the party. (ফাটল / চিড়)

His remarks on social media drew sharp criticism.

The violent attack drew sharp condemnation from world leaders.

The New Year begins with a gush of resolutions, but most of these New Year’s resolutions are like dewdrops on grass, destined to fizzle out in the very first week of the new year.

She prodded him with her elbow to wake him up. (খোঁচা দেওয়া / উসকানো / তাগিদ দেওয়া)

The teacher prodded the students to think harder. (poke, push, or urge someone to take action)

She felt unloved after being ignored by her friends.

Many old toys lie unloved in the attic.

✅ Attic — a space or room just below the roof of a house, often used for storage

(ছাদের ঘর / ছাদের নিচের কক্ষ / আলমারির উপরে রাখা ঘর)

We stored old clothes and toys in the attic.

The attic was dusty and full of forgotten furniture.

She climbed up to the attic to find the old photo albums.

The student’s cheeky answer amused the entire class. (bold or slightly rude in a playful or amusing way)

His cheeky behavior didn’t go unnoticed by his parents. (বেআক্কেল, দুষ্টু কিন্তু মজাদারভাবে)

She wore a cheeky grin after surprising everyone.

Success means nothing if you don’t have the right people to share it with; otherwise, you’re just gonna end up lonely.

He gave up a life of luxury to choose poverty. 

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible! 

Ignoring climate change is an example of ostrich mentality.

✅ Ostrich mentality — the habit of ignoring problems by pretending they don’t exist, instead of facing them

His ostrich mentality about health issues delayed proper treatment.

The school’s ostrich mentality ignored repeated complaints. (সমস্যা এড়িয়ে যাওয়ার মানসিকতা)

Everyone begins a business with big dreams and hopes it will grow very big someday, but success comes only through hard work.

Sometimes, when there’s no one to hear you, you have to talk to yourself.

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

The company plans to productize its new software for use by small businesses. (turn something (an idea, service, technology, or process) into a sellable product)

They decided to productize their training program to sell it online.

We need to productize this app idea before pitching it to investors.

She has no clear vision of her future. 

She lacks a definite plan for her future.

The CEO decided to hand over the reins to his successor. (give someone else control or responsibility, especially in a leadership role.

After 20 years, she finally handed over the reins of the company to her son. (নিয়ন্ত্রণ বা দায়িত্ব অন্যকে দেওয়া)

Stay faithful, for something amazing is on its way.

She is looking spiffy today.

✅ Spiffy — smart, neat, stylish, or attractive in appearance

He arrived spiffy and well-groomed.

Workplace

The office looks spiffy after renovation.

Everyone looked spiffy at the wedding.

Don’t nurse the pain of insult; let your success answer it.

Don’t bury insult in sorrow—rise with success and let it speak for you.

He continued to nurse his anger instead of forgiving.

✅ Nurse (verb) — to hold on to a feeling (especially pain, anger, or resentment) for a long time

She nursed her disappointment quietly.

She nursed hopes of returning to SG. 

       ✅

The employees were told to fall in line with company policies. (start following rules, orders, or the same way of thinking as others)

He refused to fall in line with unfair rules.

That was an out-of-the-way suggestion. (unusual or strange)

The artist is known for his out-of-the-way style.

He has some out-of-the-way ideas. (unusual, uncommon, or unconventional)

Returning a lost phone to its owner is nothing out of the ordinary for me. (something normal, not special, or not extraordinary)

That trip created an enduring memory for the whole family. (a memory that lasts for a very long time and does not fade easily)

The teacher’s words became an enduring memory for the students.

Childhood experiences often turn into enduring memories.

After months at home, he felt the itch to travel again. (have a strong urge or desire to do something)

She felt the itch to start her own business.

I’m feeling the itch to learn a new language.

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.

Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean it’s right; think for yourself.

A man is born to work, to suffer and to fight; he who doesn’t, must perish.

The greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness.

Identifying what makes you unhappy allows you to overcome it.

The man who has no imagination has no wings.

Positivity attracts positivity like a magnet. The brighter we shine, the more good things will happen to us.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.

He who can listen to the music in the midst of noise can achieve great things.

Focus and inner calm lead to success, even in tough situations.

Every other day, he goes out and eats outside. (One day he does it, the next day he doesn’t)

✅ “every other day” = on alternate days

He studies English every other day to avoid burnout, not every day.

I am running this small business as a stepping stone to a bigger business in the future.

This small business is a stepping stone for me toward a larger business in the future. (something that helps you make progress toward a bigger goal, especially in career, business, or life. It is not the final goal, but an important starting point)

She used the small business as a stepping stone to build a large company. ( a small step that leads to something bigger)

Failure can be a stepping stone, not a setback. (a temporary stage for future success)

Running a restaurant can be a punishing business with long hours and thin margins.

Do good from the heart, not from mood or need.

Make friends from the heart, not from mood or need. (not driven by mood or need)

Renewable energy is considered a sunshine industry because of global demand. (a business or sector that is growing fast, has a bright future, and offers many opportunities, especially for jobs and investment)

The tech sector has become a sunshine industry in recent years.

The chartered vehicle is still smouldering. (burn slowly without flames, producing smoke)

The campfire smouldered long after we left the site. (burn slowly)

After the wildfire, the forest floor still smouldered for days.

Everybody would love to be themselves, but they can’t because they must fall in line with the person in front of them.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

Making decisions with half-boiled knowledge can be dangerous. (something not fully done, developed, or thought through. It is often used figuratively to criticize ideas, plans, or efforts)

The plan sounded ambitious but turned out to be half-boiled. (poorly thought out)

———-

⚡🚀 Things You Must Stop Doing to Move Forward :

First, stop regretting the past. What’s done is done, and you cannot change what has already happened. Instead, learn from your mistakes and use those lessons to move forward in life.

Second, stop worrying about the future. Free yourself from fear of the unknown and trust your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Worry only steals your peace and energy.

Third, stop looking for happiness in other people. True happiness comes from within, and when you find it inside yourself, everything else begins to fall into place naturally.

Fourth, stop underestimating your inner strength. You are stronger than you think. Believe in your abilities, embrace your resilience, and remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Everything is temporary—so stay grateful in good times and patient in hard times.

———–

I am game for a new challenge. (willing, ready, or happy to do something)

I am game for anything that helps me grow.

Fear takes away the soul of creativity. (remove the essence, spirit, joy, or true meaning of something, making it feel empty or lifeless)

Corruption takes away the soul of democracy.

Greed takes away the soul of humanity.

Constant pressure can take away the soul of a job.

Dishonesty takes away the soul of a relationship.

War takes away the soul of a nation.

We want to tap into her popularity to grow our market. (use her fame and public influence)

After the loss, the team rebounded strongly. (recover or improve after a setback)

Sales rebounded after a slow quarter.

She rebounded from failure with renewed confidence.

The company is expecting a rebound in profits.

The company set a lofty target of doubling its revenue this year.

Winning the championship was a lofty target, but the team worked hard and achieved it.

She aims to publish five books in a year, a truly lofty target.

She is fickle in her friendships; one day she’s close to you, the next she’s distant.

The weather in this city is so fickle—sunny in the morning, raining by noon.

Investors can be fickle, quickly moving their money from one stock to another.

He sat alone, brooding over his past mistakes.

(think deeply and unhappily about something for a long time)

Don’t brood over things you can’t change. (worry deeply)

She brooded in silence after the argument.

She walked away when she realized he was trying to coerce her into a relationship. (forcing or pressuring someone to enter or continue a relationship against their will, using threats, emotional manipulation, fear, or pressure. This is wrong and unethical, and in many places, illegal)

He was coerced into signing the document.

Health risks exist at both extremes of body weight—being obese or extremely thin.

She did short stints at different companies to gain experience. (short periods of time spent doing a particular job, activity, or duty)

After a brief stint in sales, he switched careers.

For many, New Year resolutions fall fast as old habits return.

Holidays help flush out stress, and quality time with family can actually increase productivity.

We should mentally prepare him for the challenges ahead.

She prepared herself mentally to face the interview.

Parents must prepare children mentally to handle failure.

 

 

January 26 B

 

Fantasy English aims to encourage children toward learning through activities that spark joy in their heads.

What is required is not perfection, but the courage to begin.

If you want to become something, achieve something in life, then always listen to your heart.

Never let hard lessons harden your heart; the hard lessons of life are meant to make you wiser, stronger, and better.

She stayed quiet during the meeting, though she was boiling inside with anger.

The unfair decision left him boiling inside with rage.

Don’t dwell on the past; focus on the present. (keep thinking about past events, especially regrets or mistakes)

He keeps dwelling on past failures.

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

No matter how tough it gets, stand firm—do not yield. Let hardship strengthen your heart, not shatter it.

She refused to yield to pressure. (surrender / give in/

The army did not yield easily.

Poor dental hygiene creates spaces that bacteria can use to seep in and set up shop, and when this happens, you may need antibiotics.

The mischievous child hid his sister’s shoes and laughed quietly.

She gave a mischievous smile before revealing the surprise.

Remain open to the miraculous—change may arrive unannounced, and fortune can, with startling speed, align itself with you.

Keep your heart open to wonders in life.

Don’t lose hope; miracles often follow struggle.

Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.

Love all, trust a few,

Do wrong to none.

Read 500 pages every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.” – Warren Buffet 

Success isn’t always about greatness, it’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success, greatness will come.

The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.

All my life I had to fight.

Life finds a way.

The company hired the top guns of the industry to lead the project. (the best, most skilled, or most successful people in a particular field)

She trained with the top guns in athletics to prepare for the Olympics.

Please come with plenty of time in hand.

Please make sure you have enough time when you come.

Visitors are requested to come with ample time, as waiting may be required after arrival.

Life doesn’t always go as planned.

His words come from real experience.

However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.

Do not aim low, you will miss the mark. Aim high and you will be on a threshold of bliss.

You can achieve anything in life. It just depends on how desperate you are to achieve it.

Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.

The market doesn’t care who you are. You’re just a trade to the market.

The teacher blasted him for not submitting his work. (criticize someone very strongly / scold someone harshly)

The captain blasted the team after losing the match.

The boss blasted the employee for missing the deadline.

He made a political gaffe during the interview and people criticized him. (a careless mistake or an embarrassing error, especially in public speaking or social situations)

Forgetting the guest’s name at the event was a big gaffe. (বড়সড় ভুল বা লজ্জাজনক ভুল কথা/কাজ করা, বিশেষ করে সবার সামনে)

In a first, the hospital performed a successful surgery entirely using robotic technology. (something that has happened for the very first time in history or in a particular situation)

In a first, scientists discovered water on this distant planet.

What people are saying about him is far from the truth. (something is very wrong, false, or not accurate at all. It is used when a statement, belief, or assumption is completely different from reality)

Thinking success comes without hard work is far from the truth.

She searched frantically for her lost phone. (Very quickly and nervously because something is urgent or scary)

The mother ran frantically to find her child in the crowd.

He looked around frantically when he realized his wallet was missing.

People tried frantically to escape the burning building.

Your hard work won’t be in vain / won’t go to waste.

All his efforts were in vain because the plan failed. (for nothing / unsuccessfully / without any result)

She waited for hours in vain, but he never came.

She tried to save the relationship, but all her attempts were in vain.

He stumbled over a stone and almost fell. (trip while walking)

I stumbled over a step in the dark.

The child stumbled over a toy lying on the floor.

The plan stumbled over several problems.

Negotiations stumbled over financial issues.

The universe is vast, but much of it is knowable through science. (can be known or learned)

His thoughts are not fully knowable, even to his closest friends.

Scroll less, Read more.

Losing that job was hard, but the silver lining was that I found a better one.

During the pandemic, schools were closed, but the silver lining was that students learned to adapt to online learning.

Failing the interview was hard, but the bright side / silver lining / upside was that I discovered areas I could improve. 

The company sank after the financial scandal. (fail or go down in rank/status/reputation)

His popularity sank after the controversial statement. (go down / fall / get worse)

The team sank to the bottom of the league this season.

A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.

Time to go.

 Hasta la vista, amigo!

Don’t worry, amigo, I’ve got your back. (buddy)

Never give up, because you never know what the tide will bring the next day.

Keep going and don’t lose hope, because tomorrow may bring unexpected opportunities or positive changes.

Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.

Good things happen in your life when you surround yourself with positive people.

Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage.

Sometimes, just living each day and facing life’s difficulties takes courage.

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?

Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it is going on when you don’t have strength.

If you can’t do what you do… do what you can.

If you have an idea that you genuinely think is good, don’t let some idiot talk you out of it. Now, that doesn’t mean that every wild notion you come up with is going to be genius, but if there is something that you feel is good, something you want to do, something that means something to you, try to do it, because I think you can only do your best work if you’re doing what you want to do.

A healthy breakfast fuels the body.

His Spanish / English ability is extremely limited.

He can speak or understand very little Spanish / English.

It’s easy to fool the eye, but it’s hard to fool the heart.

A fake relationship may look real on the outside, but the heart always senses the truth.

A fake promise may sound sweet, but the heart senses the lie.

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.

Life has given me many blows, and from them I have learned a lot, and now I feel stronger.

Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world, if you do so, you are insulting yourself.

When life feels dull, dive into something you truly love. Pour your passion into it, live for it, fight for it, and you’ll discover a joy you once thought you could never have.

Accept life with all its ups and downs, don’t give up, and remember that every emotion is temporary.

I want to teach Python coding to children.

A parent’s greatest achievement is the success of their children.

Parents measure their success through the success of their children.

Don’t take cheap shots at him when he’s not here to defend himself. (unfair insult / attack)

Making fun of her background was a cheap shot. (cruel and unnecessary insult)

Mocking someone’s failure instead of helping them is just a cheap shot. (mean, cheap criticism)

He brought up my past mistakes during the argument—it was a cheap shot. (unfair attack)

Her beauty stands out in a truly unique way.

Her beauty shines in a way that’s different from others.

After decades of teaching, she felt it was time to hang up her gloves and rest. (stop doing something permanently; to retire)

After thirty years in the ring, the boxer finally hung up his gloves.

He hung up his gloves in the corporate world, making way for the next generation.

She’s a bit eccentric, always wearing bright colors no matter the occasion. (strange, unusual, quirky, odd, or unconventional)

The professor was known for his eccentric ideas and unique teaching style.

While life may be easier for some than for others, we all encounter challenging times and difficult moments. In our darkest hours, do we give in to defeat, thinking there is no hope? Or do we push forward, holding onto faith that, with determination and focused effort, we can create a better future?

Learn to trust the journey, even if you do not understand it right now.

A popular folklore idea is that a twitch means someone is speaking of you, either good (right eye) or bad (left eye). (traditional belief)

Many folklore tales explain natural events through myths and legends. (old stories passed down)

If your right eye jumps, you are going to hear good news. If your left eye jumps, you are going to hear bad news.

Many experience the twitching of an eyelid that cannot be controlled, lasting just a few seconds.

When the left eye twitches, all will not be well; when the right eye twitches, it is good luck.

The teacher walked ahead, with the students following in tow. (physically following behind)

✅ Follow in tow – someone or something is coming along behind, usually being led, guided, or naturally following someone else. It can be literal or figurative.

The celebrity arrived with photographers in tow.

He made the decision first, and his friends followed in tow, agreeing with him. (following someone’s actions, influence, or lead)

She started the project, and soon others came in tow, supporting her idea.

She donned traditional attire for the festival. (wear / put on (clothes, outfit, uniform, costume))

The soldiers don their uniforms every morning.

He donned a professional image to impress the interview panel. (present yourself in a particular way / adopt a certain look or persona)

Celebrities often don a glamorous image in public, even if they’re simple in real life.

She donned an image of confidence, though she was nervous inside.

During elections, politicians don a humble image to connect with people.

This medicine will relieve your headache. (reduce pain or discomfort)

A cold drink can relieve thirst.

Talking to a friend can relieve stress. ( Reduce stress, worry, or fear)

His words relieved my worries.

I felt relieved after the exam was over. (feeling relaxed after stress is gone)

In their house, his grandmother rules the roost. (to be in complete control, to dominate or command a place, group, or situation—especially at home, work, or in a group)

Among the students, Kiss rules the roost because everyone listens to him.

The share prices tanked after the news. (drop sharply, often used with prices, ratings, profits, or stocks)

The company’s profits tanked after the new policy was introduced. (dropped sharply / fell suddenly)

Smartphone sales tanked in the last quarter due to strong competition. (reduced greatly / decreased suddenly and a lot)

Success rarely comes by chance.

Preparation is the foundation of confidence and achievement. When we plan ahead, we make fewer mistakes, handle stress better, and greatly improve our chances of success.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

I can feel guilty about past, apprehensive about future, but only in present can I act.

He leads an abstemious life, avoiding junk food and alcohol. (using or consuming very little; showing self-control, especially with food, drink, or indulgence)

She was abstemious at the party and ate only a small portion. (self-disciplined / not excessive)

Athletes often need to stay abstemious to maintain fitness.

Receive the day as a gift; breathe in gratitude, smile with presence, and begin anew.

Let go of what you can’t control / change /fix  / handle / undo / explain / predict / hold onto forever.

The test of patience is very tough / really hard.

Patience is not easy; it truly tests us.

A small conversation with a friend sparked a brilliant idea for a new business. (led to a great plan)

Helping others can create joy in your own heart.

Spending time with family creates joy and beautiful memories.

The bus was tightly packed with passengers during rush hour.

Clothes were tightly packed inside the suitcase.

The stadium was tightly packed with cheering fans.

Books were tightly packed on the shelf with almost no space left.

Two boys got into a scuffle in the playground. (a brief physical fight or tussle)

There was a small scuffle between fans outside the stadium.

Pain is never the final chapter. It’s a chapter that leads to a stronger and wiser beginning.

When you don’t have money, there are many things you can’t do even if you really want to.

Without money, you can’t do many things, no matter how much you wish to.

Even if you have the desire, you often can’t do many things when you don’t have money.

He shoved the door open. 

Someone shoved me in the crowd. (Physical push (roughly))

They shoved the table into the corner.

Don’t shove your opinions on others.

Teachers shouldn’t shove information into students’ heads. (force something on someone (figurative))

Don’t force knowledge on a child through shouting or punishment.

Don’t try to teach a child by yelling at them or scaring them.

Parenting is like flying a plane through a storm while building it at the same time. Everyone’s exhausted, everyone’s doing their best, and sometimes words are said to the child, out of exhaustion, that shouldn’t be said.

Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality.

Believe in yourself, and you’re already halfway to success.

The shocking incident is sure to fill the headlines tomorrow.

Her remarkable achievement filled the headlines across the country.

The school has stringent rules about discipline. (very strict, severe, or demanding, especially about rules, laws, standards, or conditions)

New stringent safety measures were introduced at the factory.

The government imposed stringent travel restrictions during the pandemic.

The scientist refuted the claim with clear research data. (prove that something is wrong, false, or untrue, usually with evidence or strong reasoning)

She refuted the rumor by showing the real facts.

The lawyer refuted the accusations in court.

She tried to apologize, but he rebuffed her attempt to talk. (turn someone down / push someone away / reject sharply)

His request for extra time was immediately rebuffed.

The proposal was rebuffed by the committee.

Work hard, have fun, make history.

Do not set aside your happiness. Do not wait to be happy in the future. The best time to be happy is always now.

The speaker trotted out the same old excuses for being late. (repeated old excuses, show, repeat, or present something again and again, usually to impress others or to defend yourself (often sounds boring or overused))

During every meeting, she trots out her achievements to impress everyone. (shows off repeatedly)

The horse began to trot across the field. (move quickly with short steps)

The child trotted happily beside her mother. (walked quickly)

He trotted to school because he was late. (hurried walk)

Bell-bottom jeans have fallen out of fashion now. (not popular anymore)

Many old mobile features have fallen out of fashion with modern phones. (no longer trendy)

The funny video made everyone crack up. (suddenly start laughing very hard)

The class cracked up when the teacher made a funny mistake. (everyone laughed hard)

You can finish your homework the easy way by studying daily, or the hard way by rushing at the last moment.

Her powerful music is gaining a lot of attention from people worldwide. (attracted interest)

The bright lights of the show quickly gained everyone’s attention. (made people notice)

His reaction to the small mistake was completely out of proportion. (too big for the situation)

The punishment seemed out of proportion to the child’s behavior. (unfairly too severe)

The media blew the minor issue out of proportion. (made it seem much bigger than it was)

The argument grew out of proportion because no one stayed calm. (became bigger than needed)

It is sometimes hard to discern the truth in a confusing situation. (understand / recognize clearly)

From his tone, I could discern that he was upset. (notice / detect)

It’s sometimes hard to discern the truth from lies. (to clearly see, understand, notice, or recognize something (especially when it is not obvious))

Teachers can discern which students need extra help. (understand / notice)

Successful people master their desires and stay disciplined even when it’s hard. (control your strong wishes or urges instead of letting them control you)

To stay focused on studies, students must master the desire to waste time on distractions.

He keeps a busy schedule, so finding time to relax is hard for him. (live a life full of activities, work, or tasks so there’s little free time)

Successful people often keep a busy schedule to stay productive.

Swami Vivekananda delivered a rousing speech that inspired everyone. (exciting / inspiring / full of energy)

Swami Vivekananda’s rousing speech motivated everyone deeply.

The teacher had to reiterate the instructions because many students didn’t listen the first time. (say or do something again, often for emphasis or clarity)

My mother reiterated that I must be home before 9 p.m.

He reiterated his promise to support her no matter what.

We gathered together in heartfelt remembrance of our beloved teacher.

On this day every year, the nation stands in heartfelt remembrance of its brave heroes.

The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.

Life hurts us, but many people become stronger because of that pain, not weaker.

Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.

If you use time properly, you will always have enough of it.

Don’t waste your life thinking about past problems. Be grateful for the good things you have now.

Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put some sunglasses on.

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.

The constant noise was a big annoyance to him. (বিরক্তি / বিরক্ত লাগা)

Her repeated questions became an annoyance.

He couldn’t hide his annoyance when things went wrong.

There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.

I always knew I was going to be rich. I don’t think I ever doubted it for a minute.

I don’t count my sit-ups. I only start counting once it starts hurting. When I feel pain that’s when I start counting, because then it really counts.

When the teacher told him he failed the exam, it was a tough pill to swallow. (a hard truth or situation that is very difficult to accept)

Losing the match after practicing so hard was a tough pill to swallow for the team.

You don’t have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful. You just need a framework and a dream.

If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.

Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.

When children learn with joy, their true strengths and hidden talents slowly come to light.

 

January 26 C

 

He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.

Nothing will work unless you do.

When the right time comes, every random kick becomes a goal.

Hearts don’t align with everyone, and a friend who matches your soul is hard to find.

Cherish joyful memories while letting go of occasional painful ones.

This rule is not bad unto itself, but people misuse it. (on its own / by itself / independently / in itself, without depending on anything else)

The city is like a world unto itself. (কোনো জিনিস নিজে নিজেই সম্পূর্ণ, আলাদা বা স্বয়ংসম্পূর্ণ—এই বোঝাতে বলা হয় unto itself)

The idea is not wrong unto itself; it just needs improvement.

We invest time and money in degrees, skills, and courses — all of them are valuable.

But the highest return comes from investing in yourself. A person with self-knowledge makes wiser decisions, builds deeper relationships, and overcomes challenges with confidence.

Don’t just chase a better life. Aspire to become better. When knowledge grows, habits shift. When habits change, life transforms. You don’t need to bury yourself in books or struggle for hours with complex ideas. All it takes is one powerful insight to spark change. That single idea can revolutionise your life.

The key to success in life is a strong intellect. One unchecked emotion can undo years of effort. A well-trained intellect is the most valuable currency you can possess.

All problems stem from a lack of intellectual guidance. The world today is driven by instant pleasure. Anything that requires hard work or effort is shunned. For a few seconds of tantalising pleasure, we give up a lifetime of happiness.

This is happening at the level of individuals, society, and nations.

The children gaped at the fireworks in the sky. (stare with your mouth open in surprise, shock, or wonder.

Easy Examples, stared in wonder)

People gaped when they saw the magician disappear. (looked in shock)

Tourists gaped at the tall skyscrapers in the city. (looked with amazement)

He gaped at the price of the new phone. (stared in surprise)

He gaped in shock after seeing the huge electricity bill. (stared amazed and shocked)

2 minutes into the interview, she impressed everyone with her confidence. (“Into the” = after some time has passed / while in the middle of something)

15 minutes into the journey, it started raining heavily.

30 minutes into the exam, he finished half of the paper.

Ten seconds into the race, he stumbled.

Moments into the speech, the microphone stopped working.

Two hours into the journey, the car broke down.

Three days into the trip, they finally reached the mountains.

Two weeks into college, she made lots of friends.

Six months into the job, he got promoted.

Ten years into their friendship, they still stood by each other.

The arsonist was caught after setting fire to three abandoned buildings. (someone who intentionally starts fires)

Police suspect an arsonist caused the forest fire. (person who deliberately sets fire)

He was involved in illicit trade of rare antiques. (forbidden by law, rules, or custom, illegal or forbidden)

The movie explores an illicit romance between two colleagues. (not allowed by rules or norms)

Authorities cracked down on illicit activities in the city.

The arbitrary nature of the principal’s decision to promote students left many questioning its fairness. (based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system)

The guardians criticized the principal for his arbitrary use of power in advancing students to the next class.

The manager made arbitrary rules that no one understood. (random and unfair)

He felt the punishment was arbitrary and not justified. (not based on reason)

Serena Williams is counted among the tennis greats. (outstanding athletes)

The concert paid tribute to the greats of music. (legendary musicians)

Only the greats can inspire generations through their achievements. (people widely admired for excellence)

Deep in my heart, I felt inadequate, a misfit among people who were already well established.

Deep inside, I felt that I wasn’t good enough and didn’t belong, especially when I compared myself to people who were already successful and established in life.

Even today, cooking is often looked upon as a woman’s job, despite many men being excellent chefs.

When resources are limited, there is little room for experiment and innovation.

If someone has a strong purpose or reason to live, they can endure almost any difficulty or challenge in life.

I put my heart and soul into my work and lose myself in the process. 

Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.

When you view life in long-shot, yesterday’s failures are just small bumps, not the end of the road.

In close-up, the exam failure crushed her confidence, but in long-shot, it became a lesson that shaped her success.

My goal is to set you on a beautiful career path, and after that, I will go my own way. 

In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.

See with your own eyes and hear with your own ears to understand the truth of the situation.

Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.

Having a great idea alone is not enough; working hard to make it happen is what truly matters.

Sometimes, when you have tension in your head, you cannot make the right decision.

Whatever I am today is because of my perseverance / dedication / hard work / courage / learning from failures / patience / belief in myself / parents’ guidance / commitment to growth.

Life is fragile. We’re not guaranteed a tomorrow, so give it everything you’ve got.

The one person who always says “yes” with me in life is my mother. (agrees with me, understands me, and stands by my decisions)

If there is anyone in my life who always stands by my “yes”, it is my mother.

Stay hopeful, resilient, and unbroken—amid adversity.

I don’t show it, but my heart silently cries.

I appear calm, but my heart cries without a sound.

In no time, the exam day will come, and just as quickly, it will be over.

Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.

People wear charms to ward off the evil eye. (protecting someone from jealousy, negativity, or harmful intentions of others (the “evil eye”))

She prayed to protect her child from the evil eye.

May God keep all bad eyes away from you.

We all face darkness in life, but we must learn to light our own path.

One day, a good child will surely make their parents hold their heads high with pride.

Spending adorable moments with my family makes my day brighter. (sweet, happy, or heartwarming times that make you feel joy)

Step out of the routine and discover what life truly offers.

Venture beyond the everyday and find your spark.

They’re going through a huge crisis, and I can’t see how they’ll overcome it. 

I can’t see how this plan could possibly work. (unable to figure out or believe it will work)

I can’t see how they’ll recover from such a big loss. (unable to imagine how they’ll recover)

Freudian slip means a mistake in speaking that accidentally reveals a person’s true thoughts, feelings, or desires, even though they didn’t intend to say it.

Though the past did not conform to your will, the future still holds the power to exceed your boldest vision. (behave, think, or act in a way that follows rules, expectations, or what most people do)

Even if life doesn’t conform to your plans today, it may still surprise you with something better tomorrow.

Life doesn’t always go the way you want, but it always teaches you important lessons.

She refused to conform to outdated traditions and chose her own path.

Children often conform to the behavior they see around them.

The student was torn between studying science or arts. (feeling unable to decide between two options)

He felt torn between staying with his family and moving abroad for a better career.

If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon, and if you’re not flexible, you’ll keep trying the wrong way and miss better solutions. (one must be stubborn to continue experiments, but also flexible to change approach)

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.

It’s time to go back to your homes.

Time to return to your homes.

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

He was cut from his school basketball team, but he practiced tirelessly and became one of the greatest players ever.

Many business leaders start small, face failures, but keep working toward their goals, eventually achieving success.

success is possible, but dreams alone are not enough—you must see the path, take action, and never give up, even when things are hard.

The lawyer was privy to all the details of the case, so he could defend his client properly. (having special knowledge about something private or secret)

As a close friend, she was privy to his personal struggles that no one else knew.

(privy = in the know about something secret)

Compared to them, I’m just small fry. (someone or something that is not very important, minor, or not powerful compared to others, খুবই নগণ্য)

He shows overmuch pride in his achievements. (excessively / too greatly

Bengali: অত্যধিক / অতিরিক্ত)

Overmuch worry can harm your health.

She spoke with overmuch emotion.

Overmuch attachment often leads to pain.

She remained unwed throughout her life.

She faced many social challenges as an unwed woman.

He is unwed by choice, not by circumstance.

One careless misstep ruined his chances of promotion. (a mistake, especially a small or careless one that causes trouble or embarrassment)

She admitted her misstep and corrected it quickly.

A single misstep can change the course of events.

Employers must provide statutory benefits to workers. (Required, permitted, or controlled by law; fixed or defined by a statute)

The company followed all statutory regulations.

Money never excites me; I’ve learned to be happy with what I have.

She is crazily ambitious, working day and night to achieve her goals.

Only a crazily ambitious person would dare to attempt such a project.

She really rocked the performance. (do something very well)

He rocked the exam.

I wear a pinky ring with my God’s name engraved on it. (a pinky ring is a ring worn on the pinky (little) finger of the hand)

The pinky ring he wears was passed down from his grandfather.

His gold pinky ring reflects his bold sense of style.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

After years of struggle, he finally fulfilled his lifelong dream.

Starting his own business finally fulfilled a lifelong dream he never gave up on.

Winning the match was an exhilarating experience. (something that gives a strong, positive thrill or joy)

The mountain ride was exhilarating.

Speaking on stage felt scary at first, but later it became exhilarating.

To have what you have never had, you have to do what you have never done.

Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.

He didn’t want to burden his parents with his problems. (trouble or weigh someone down)

She was burdened with too many responsibilities at work.

Teachers should not overburden students with excessive homework.

The system is overburdened and cannot handle more users.

She is well-versed in classical music. (knowledgeable / experienced)

He is versed in computer programming.

The lawyer is well-versed in constitutional law.

He is averse to taking risks. (having a strong dislike for something or wanting to avoid it)

She is averse to spicy food. (unwilling / not liking / against)

Many people are averse to change.

He stayed quiet out of resentment. (feeling hurt and upset inside without saying it openly)

She felt deep resentment after being ignored for so long.

Years of unfair treatment slowly turned into resentment. (ভেতরে জমে থাকা কষ্ট, রাগ বা অভিমান)

She resents being ignored in family decisions. (অভিমান)

He resented the way his hard work was taken for granted.(মনে কষ্ট)

Children often resent constant comparisons with others.

Are my dreams so small that they cannot motivate me to work hard?

Everything we do impacts someone else’s life.

You don’t have to forgive and you don’t have to forget to move on. You can move on without any of that happening.

That phone call turned out to be a saviour when I felt completely lost.

His mentor became a saviour, guiding him through his toughest years.

Technology proved to be a saviour for students during online learning.

He was clearly inebriated after the party. (drunk / under the influence of alcohol)

Driving while inebriated is dangerous.

The bartender refused to serve anyone who looked inebriated.

He began to disrobe before getting into the pool. (take off clothes)

The doctor asked the patient to disrobe for the examination.

He tried to disrobe her, but she pushed him away and ran out of the room.

“Life is new each day” 

Every day brings a fresh start, new chances, and new possibilities.

Nothing is ever the same; everything keeps changing.

She was riding high after winning the competition. (very successful, confident, or happy, often after an achievement)

The company is riding high on record profits this year.

He’s riding high after his promotion at work.

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.

Just because you make a good plan, doesn’t mean that’s what’s gonna happen.

It’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me. I am what I am and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And it makes life so much easier.

Hope does not need words, logic, or proof; it simply exists.

A good teacher does not teach facts, he or she teaches enthusiasm, open-mindedness and values.

We do lots of stuff. The only way you are going to have success is to have lots of failures first.

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Share your concern / worries / problems / fears / stresses with trusted friends and family.

The key to success is failure.

Every mistake is a lesson in disguise.

Setbacks are setups for comebacks.

The longer it takes you to become successful, the harder it will be for somebody else to take it away from you.

The waiter waited on us all evening. (serve or attend to someone (especially in a restaurant or shop))

He was hired to wait on customers at the café.

The sales assistant waited on the customers politely. (serve a customer)

She waited on several shoppers at the clothing store.

He waits on customers at the electronics shop.

Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success.

The best way to guarantee a loss is to quit.

A father can do anything for his son’s happiness.

A father will do everything to make his son happy.

The new smartphone flew off shelves on launch day. (Fly off shelves = sell very quickly)

Her book is flying off shelves across the country.

Politics often creates a divide in society. (cause separation, disagreement, or a gap between people or groups)

Social media can create a divide among communities / within a community.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

An educated mind can listen to and think about an idea without having to accept it as true.

A difficult start does not define the rest of your life.

A hard beginning doesn’t decide how your life will turn out — you can still grow, succeed, and change your future.

Success comes from effort, not miracles.

There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it reluctantly.

He never takes others’ rude behavior to heart.

I never let harsh words get under my skin. (get under someone’s skin = annoy, upset, or bother someone deeply)

Everyone has the talent to succeed. But do you have the guts to fail?

If a person does not know the right path to earn money, they wander confused along many wrong and misleading ways.

Without knowing the right way to earn money, a person can easily get lost in the wrong paths.

When one is unaware of the proper way to make money, they often stray into misguided ways.

A person who doesn’t know the right path to earn a living can end up wandering through many wrong routes.

Not knowing the correct way to earn money, people often drift into mistaken paths.

Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.

Sometimes you have to accept you can’t win all the time.

Your apology needs to be as loud as your disrespect was.

Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.

He stoked the fire to keep the room warm. (add fuel, encourage, or make something stronger 🔥)

The news stoked public anger / unrest.

She stoked his confidence with her praise.

She belongs to a cohort of students preparing for civil services. (a group of people who share a common characteristic, experience, or purpose)

The company hired a new cohort of engineers this year.

The training program accepts a small cohort every month.

Blind people often rely on tactile signals like Braille. (related to the sense of touch)

The phone screen gives tactile feedback when you type.

He saw red when he heard the insult. (become very angry suddenly)

She sees red whenever someone lies to her.

I saw red after they blamed me unfairly.

If you’re just safe about the choices you make, you don’t grow.

Life isn’t how to survive the storm, it’s about how to dance in the rain.

Never be in a hurry, because all that is beautiful and great takes time.

She has built a multi-crore enterprise with operations spanning India and Singapore.

everybody wants what they don’t have. But at the end of the day, what one has inside is much more beautiful than what’s on the outside.

He inflicted serious injuries on his opponent. (deliberately cause someone to suffer something unpleasant, such as pain, harm, or damage)

The storm inflicted heavy damage on the village.

Words can inflict deep emotional pain.

Many Indian higher education institutions produce unemployable graduates.

With time, some skills and theories become obsolete, but our academic curricula keep teaching the same syllabus for years. 

I try new things and give myself permission to fail and experiment because only that way can you get really successful.

From a certain point onward, there is no longer any turning back. That is the point that must be reached.

Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.

He ratted on his friends to the teacher. (secretly tell on someone or report their wrongdoing to an authority)

She refused to rat on her coworker.

The witness ratted on the gang to the police.

I trusted him, but he ratted on me to the boss.

He resented being ignored. (feel angry, bitter, or upset about something unfair, hurtful, or disappointing that someone did or that happened to you)

She resented the unfair treatment.

Don’t resent your struggles — learn from them.

You have to train yourself not to resent very hard problems but actually run toward them.

Your brain is remarkably plastic, capable of forming new neural connections throughout life. But like any capacity, it needs to be exercised. Hobbies aren’t just pastimes; they’re investments in your future self.

The lender was accused of usury for charging 50% interest. (taking advantage of someone by demanding too much interest on money you lend)

Many countries have laws against usury.

Poor borrowers often fall into debt traps because of usury.

The army built a Bailey bridge to restore traffic after the flood. (a Bailey bridge is a portable, temporary bridge made of steel that can be quickly assembled without heavy machinery. It is widely used by the army, during emergencies, floods, or in remote areas)

A Bailey bridge was installed to connect the village after the old bridge collapsed.

 

 

January 26 D

 

It takes tons of hard work, a bit of luck, and Love from above to achieve success. 

Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.

Turn your wounds into wisdom.

I always bet on myself. I am not good at anything else.

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

I’m a success today because my mother believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let her down.

Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without it, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.

During Prohibition, many bootleggers sold alcohol secretly. (a bootlegger is a person who illegally makes, sells, or distributes goods—especially alcohol (historically) or pirated media)

He was arrested for being a bootlegger of fake DVDs.

Happiness is a mysterious thing, found somewhere between too little and too much.

Happiness lies in balance — not having too little and not having too much.

By all means, avoid that mistake.

Whatever you want to do, do it with full passion, and work really hard towards it. Don’t look anywhere else.

One who makes himself a worm cannot complain afterwards if people step on him.

If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed.

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

The rain kept us from playing outside. (stop or prevent someone from doing something)

His fear kept him from speaking in public.

Nothing will keep me from achieving my goals.

The noise kept her from sleeping.

My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.

Speak only that which will bring you honour.

International work experience paves the way to employability.

Passion sits in your heart, and it’s within you.

Passion comes from inside you. It is a deep feeling or motivation that lives in your heart, not something others give you.

**********

A woman who doesn’t listen, refuses correction, and turns every conversation into an argument does not belong in your life. Such behavior is not strength or independence but arrogance and disrespect. She believes she is doing you a favor by being with you and thinks she deserves someone richer or more successful, which leads to constant drama and a lack of peace. Instead of seeking understanding, she wants control and to prove a point rather than build something meaningful.

Staying with her will drain your energy, embarrass you, and eventually lead to replacement. Therefore, stop trying to change her, stop explaining basic respect, and stop lowering yourself. True leadership begins with self-respect, and peace can only exist where humility exists.

********

Farmers grow two or three rice crops a year using irrigation, good seeds, and fertilizers. (growing and harvesting rice more than once in a year on the same land)

Thanks to modern farming, multiple crops of rice are grown each year.

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? 

People are constantly trying to change you. The difficult part is holding on to yourself.

The teacher whacked his knuckles for misbehaving. (hit someone’s knuckles, usually lightly, often as a punishment, warning, or playful action)

That book packs a punch with its deep message.

This small speech really packs a punch. (powerful, impressive, or have a strong effect—more than expected)

The movie packs a punch emotionally.

If people are not laughing at your goals, your goals are too small.

Most subjects are taught only on the surface due to time constraints.

I have a few errands to run today. (small tasks or jobs you do outside your home, usually in town)

She went out to run some errands.

He finished his errands before lunch.

I’ll do the grocery errands in the evening.

Dare to dream; then, decide to do.

Sometimes, success comes at the cost of health.

Success sometimes costs us our health.

The hotel room had a plush bed and soft pillows. (soft, thick, rich, or luxurious)

She sat on a plush sofa.

The plush carpet felt warm under my feet.

He finally coughed up the fine. (give or pay money, information, or something valuable — usually unwillingly or after pressure)

She refused at first but later coughed up the truth.

The company had to cough up compensation. (pay or give reluctantly)

The railways ushered in an era of cheap mass travel. (cause or mark the start of something new)

Online learning has ushered in a revolution in classrooms.

The internet has ushered in a new world of opportunities.

Digital payments have ushered in a cashless economy.

AI has ushered in a new chapter in innovation.

Position may change but true friendship remains the same / never changes.

In today’s world, anyone who doesn’t know English will fall behind.

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

Never trust those who lie to you, and never lie to those who trust you.

A way always reveals itself; what is meant to be will unfold in its own time. Trust the process—what is meant for you will come.

She blushed when she was praised.

His compliment made her blush.

She blushed at the joke.

Many students enrolled on the false promise of guaranteed placement.

She trusted him on the false promise of marriage.

There was a spurt of anger in his voice.

The company experienced a spurt in profits. (sudden increase or burst)

There has been a spurt in dengue cases this month.

The project is now underway. (already started and in progress)

Rescue operations are underway.

Talks between the two countries are underway.

Degrees won’t get you jobs — skills will.

I know what women want: they want to be beautiful.

I don’t feel I deserve it, but I’m grateful for the opportunity.

You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.

If you accept yourself, you are less likely to criticize or judge other people.

I might not know who I was yesterday or who I’m going to be tomorrow, but I know who I am right now.

Life teaches us the right path is rarely the easy one.

Growth begins where comfort ends.

Let your joy be in your journey – not in some distant goal.

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

The news stunned everyone. (shock, amaze, or leave someone unable to react for a moment)

Her beauty stunned the audience. 

He was stunned by the sudden announcement.

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

After finishing his exams, he decided to lay back for a few days. (relax, take it easy, or not worry too much)

Sometimes it’s okay to lay back and not rush things.

The guard was frisking people at the entrance. (search someone quickly, usually by the police, to check for weapons or illegal items)

The police frisked the suspect for safety.

Everyone entering the building was frisked. (quick body search for security purposes)

She was in a tizzy before her exam. (very nervous, confused, upset, or excited)

He got in a tizzy when he couldn’t find his phone. (In a tizzy — idiom)

The family was in a tizzy preparing for the wedding.

He was in a jocular mood at the party. (cheerful, playful, and fond of joking)

Her jocular remarks made everyone laugh.

Nothing is more costly than a missed opportunity.

The greatest loss is the opportunity you let slip.

Missing a chance can cost more than money — it can cost growth, success, or a better future.

You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.

Never let the clothes ‘wear’ you, you are the one who’s wearing them.

Success starts with effort, not just talent.

No matter how difficult life may seem, there’s always something you can do and achieve. The important thing is not to give up.

Even when everything seems impossible, there is still a way.

Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.

Who were you in your past life?

In short:

Don’t feel ashamed—ignore people who judge you; they’re not worth your time.

Nothing will be counted except your success. (only success will matter in the end/

Nothing else will count—only your wealth. (people will judge you mainly by how rich you are)

It won’t matter how good you are — only wealth will count.

Not your behaviour, but your wealth will be what counts.

In short:

An expert is someone who has learned through many mistakes in one field.

Really pay attention to negative feedback and seek it out, especially from friends. Hardly anyone does that, and it’s incredibly helpful.

Sometimes, waking up is more important than dreaming.

To be loved, be someone worth loving.

Experience is the teacher of all things.

He showed chivalry by holding the door open. (polite, respectful, and kind behavior, especially toward women; also refers to the old code of honor followed by knights)

Acts of chivalry are still appreciated today.

He showed chivalry by offering his seat to an elderly woman.

One wrong step plunged her into years of struggle before she eventually rebuilt her life overseas.

The detective solved the case by deduction. (reaching a conclusion based on facts or rules)

The officer went rogue and ignored orders. (stop following rules, authority, or expected behavior and act independently or rebelliously)

The candle’s wick is burning brightly.

The employee went rogue and leaked the information.

He smirked when he proved everyone wrong. (a slight smile that shows pride, sarcasm, or self-satisfaction)

She gave a smirk after making the clever remark.

His smirk annoyed the teacher.

Trim the wick before lighting the candle. (the string inside a candle or lamp that you light to produce a flame)

The lamp’s wick needs to be replaced.

She was told many secrets, much of which she knew.

He shared several facts, none of which she knew.

The teacher explained many rules, all of which she knew.

She received some information, little of which she knew.

He gave her many details, some of which she knew.

She has been having an affair for the last two years, of which her mother knows.

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.

His speech was full of pomposity. (Excessive pride or self-importance shown through behavior, speech, or attitude)

People avoided him because of his pomposity.

She disliked his pomposity and arrogance. (acting too important or proud)

The wedding was full of pomp and ceremony. (Grand and showy display, ceremony, or splendor)

The king arrived with great pomp.

They celebrated the victory with pomp and pride. (showy celebration or display)

Students are seizing the opportunity to apply for scholarships. (taking something quickly, eagerly, or forcefully; or making full use of an opportunity)

Entrepreneurs are seizing the moment to launch new businesses.

Voters are seizing their right to speak out.

Tourists are seizing the chance to explore new destinations.

Employees are seizing growth opportunities at work.

Investors are seizing market openings.

Athletes are seizing every chance to improve.

Citizens are seizing the freedom to express themselves.

Artists are seizing inspiration when it strikes.

People are seizing life’s small joys every day. (grabbing or making use of something without delay)

Life is all about a card game. Selecting the right card is not in our hands. But playing well with the cards in hands determines our success.

He plodded through the mud after the rain. (walk slowly and heavily, or to work in a dull, steady, and tiring way)

She plodded along the road, tired but determined.

If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success.

One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.

The baby was laughing aloud in excitement.

The baby laughed aloud excitedly.

The committee censured the official for misconduct. (strongly criticize or officially express disapproval)

He was censured for breaking the rules. (strong public criticism or disapproval)

Without you realising it, you’ve already improved a lot.

She changed his life without him realising it.

He was being watched without realising it.

Without you realising it, time has flown by.

The teacher helped the students without anyone realising it.

He hurt her feelings without him realising it.

You should never swap milk for cola.

He swapped his seat with an elderly man.

Don’t swap your dreams for comfort.

Don’t swap healthy food for junk food. (trade or exchange)

Never let comfort cost you your dreams.

Don’t settle for comfort at the expense of your dreams.

Don’t choose comfort over your goals.

You never know which step will bring a positive twist in life, so keep walking. Happiness often comes when it is least expected.

Carry on, for happiness often appears when you’re not looking.

Life can change in a moment, so keep going and stay open to surprises.

I want to call the police because it is illegal to look so beautiful.

If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.

You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.

You will always find some ways to accomplish your goals.

Don’t dance to others’ tunes; use your own mind and act.

She wrote a memoir about her childhood. (a true story written by someone about their own life or experiences)

His memoir became a bestseller.

He is dyslexic but very creative. (someone who finds reading and writing difficult because of how their brain processes language)

Dyslexic students may need extra learning support. (a person who has dyslexia, a learning difficulty that affects reading, spelling, and writing, even though their intelligence is normal)

Repeat the skill again and again until it becomes reflex and feels natural.

She conceptualised the project before starting it. (form an idea or plan in your mind; to understand or imagine something clearly)

It’s hard to conceptualise such a large change.

The designer conceptualised a new layout for the website. (think about something and form a clear idea of it)

Do not fix your gaze on what has slipped away; life is already weaving another gift in quiet grace.

A woman knows by intuition, or instinct, what is best for herself.

You can’t undo the past, but you can certainly not repeat it.

People throw stones at you, and you convert them into milestones.

He who knows how to speak, knows also when.

If you want little, you need little to be happy.

The coach lambasted the team for their poor performance. (criticize someone very strongly and harshly)

The critics lambasted the movie.

He was lambasted in the media for his actions. (scold or attack someone with strong words)

The corruption in the system is nothing short of a disgrace. (completely shameful, unacceptable, or very bad)

His behavior at the meeting was nothing short of a disgrace.

The poor treatment of patients was nothing short of a disgrace. (something is totally shameful or unacceptable)

A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Wake up and smell the coffee — things have changed. (face the truth and accept reality)

Blimey! That’s a huge building! (an informal British expression used to show surprise, shock, or amazement)

Blimey! I didn’t expect to see you here. (wow!)

Blimey! That was close! (oh my)

He’s finicky about his food. (hard to please; very particular or picky about small details)

The machine is finicky and needs careful handling.

She’s finicky when it comes to clothes.

(very choosy or fussy.

The baby is finicky about what he eats.

She’s finicky about cleanliness.

Happiness is not at the end of the road; it is found in the steps you take along the way.

One of the best things a person can be is a father.

The prisoners lived an unfree life. (not free; lacking freedom, rights, or independence)

She felt unfree to express her opinions.

Many people in history lived unfree under harsh rulers. (not having freedom)

Keep going; the distance remaining is shorter than it seems. Stay the course.

You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.

He received severance after losing his job. (money paid to an employee when they leave a job (severance pay))

The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.

The path to success is in you; you just need to be brave and follow it.

He was ostensibly helping, but his real motive was different. (apparently or on the surface, but possibly not truly)

The complaint was ostensibly resolved, but the problem remains.

Any fool can know; the point is to understand.

She exuded confidence. (give off or show a feeling, quality, or substance naturally)

The room exuded warmth and comfort.

He exuded calm even in stressful situations. (show or release something naturally)

My boss keeps looking over my shoulder while I work. (watch someone closely, especially while they are working, often in a way that feels intrusive or controlling)

She felt nervous with people looking over her shoulder. (supervise or watch too closely)

I’m absolutely famished after skipping lunch. (extremely hungry)

The children were famished after playing all day.

She felt famished after the long journey. (very, very hungry)

The door wouldn’t budge. (move slightly or to change one’s opinion or position)

He wouldn’t budge on his decision.

She tried to push the box, but it didn’t budge. (move or change, especially when it’s difficult)

Panic set in when the lights went out. (sudden fear or anxiety began to take control)

When he realized he had lost his wallet, panic set in.

As the exams approach, panic is setting in. (people suddenly became very scared or anxious)

Climbing the mountain was a steep challenge. (a very difficult or demanding task)

Starting a business is a steep challenge.

Learning a new language can be a steep challenge. (a very hard challenge)

The business took a hit during the lockdown. (suffer a loss or damage)

His reputation took a hit after the scandal.

The company will roll out its new product next month. (launch or introduce something new)

They rolled out a new update for the app.

As you grow older, you realize how fragile life is, which motivates you to wake up grateful and joyful each day.

If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.

Only by embracing challenges and the unknown does the extraordinary reveal itself to us.

I am finding it very difficult to bear the cold without warm clothes.

I am suffering a lot from the cold because I don’t have warm clothes.

The company was at its heyday in the 1990s. (the time when someone or something was at its best, strongest, or most successful)

The business reached its heyday during the tech boom.

She was at the height of her fame in her heyday.

The manager rapped the workers for being late. (speak or criticize sharply)

The teacher rapped the students for their careless work.

She was rapped by her boss for poor performance. (speak to someone sharply or criticize them strongly for something they did wrong)

A leaping flame rose from the matchstick as it struck. (a flame that moves or rises quickly and energetically)

The leaping flame danced across the fireplace logs.

He escaped the accident unscathed. (get away from a dangerous situation without any injury or harm)

The child escaped the fire unscathed.

An office is more than just a workplace — it is the heart of any brand.

On matters of health, she is very careful.

He is an expert on matters of law.

On matters of honesty, he never compromises.

On matters of national interest, we must stand united. (regarding or about a particular subject)

The company doubled down on its marketing strategy. (increase your effort, commitment, or investment in something, especially when facing difficulty or opposition)

When things got tough, she doubled down on her studies.

He doubled down on his efforts to learn English. (try even harder or commit more strongly)

Something that is being planned, developed, or prepared and will happen soon.

Examples:

Several new projects are in the pipeline.

The company has a new product in the pipeline.

The fashion brand launched a new collection, with more in the pipeline for the season.

 

 

January 26 E

 

Every success is possible when you dare to dream BIG!

Never be afraid to dream big.

Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose. 

Second place still means you didn’t win.

If you are calm about your ambitions, you become confident of achieving what you set out to do.

As long as there is life, there is struggle — so keep struggling. Where there is no struggle, there is no growth.

When you stay calm and composed about your goals or ambitions, you are less likely to be stressed or distracted. This calmness builds confidence, making it easier for you to focus and take steady steps toward achieving what you want.

Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. 

One should be flexible, ready to change, and open to new ideas, instead of being stubborn or fixed in their thinking.

She struggled all her life, with her dream unfulfilled, but never gave up hope.

He cracked up after working long hours. (become very stressed or mentally unwell (informal))

She’s on the verge of cracking up from all the pressure.

During the storm, we hunkered down at home. (settle in a place and stay there, usually for protection or to endure something difficult)

Residents hunkered down in their basements during the earthquake.

The soldiers hunkered down in the trenches as the battle raged.

We hunkered down in the cabin while the snowstorm passed.

Stop acting like a flibbertigibbet and focus on your work. ( a silly, talkative, or flighty person who doesn’t take things seriously)

She’s a cheerful flibbertigibbet who’s always chatting. (a person who talks a lot and behaves lightly or foolishly)

Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.

Strong people keep going despite difficulties; weak people give up.

Change is the law of universe. You can be a millionaire or a pauper in an instant.

He grew up as a pauper but became successful later. (a very poor person)

The story is about a pauper who rises to fame.

The pauper begged for food on the street.

( someone who is extremely poor)

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.

Always appreciate the people closest to you and don’t take them for granted.

They toked up before the concert. (smoke marijuana, usually casually or socially)

He toked up with his friends after work. (smoke weed)

You are not important enough to remember.

Courage is the Key to Life Itself.

The journey was untroublesome.

(not causing trouble; easy to deal with)

She has an untroublesome personality.

The process was simple and untroublesome.

If you don’t know where you’re going, any road’ll take you there.

Without a clear goal, any path will do — and you may still feel lost.

What you allow to occupy your thoughts will, in time, shape the course of your life.

Hope shines even in the worst of times.

Stay strong in the worst of situations.

Have faith in the worst of moments.

Show courage in the worst of circumstances.

Remain calm in the worst of storms.

Hey, what’s your 20? I’m at the station. (“Where are you?” or “What’s your location?)

What’s your 20? We’re ready to meet.

Big mention to everyone who helped make this possible! (giving special recognition, appreciation, or credit to someone publicly)

Big mention to the winners of today’s event.

Big mention for the students who gave their best.

Big mention goes to our sponsors.

Big mention to Bruce Lee for revolutionizing martial arts.

Skinny jeans are considered cheugy by Gen Z. (something that is outdated, unfashionable, or trying too hard to be trendy)

Wearing socks with sandals is cheugy.

Those Pinterest DIY room décor ideas now feel cheugy.

I bit my tongue, that’s why I can’t talk properly.

Tell me what’s in your heart. (true feelings, emotions, or thoughts that one may hold inside)

She always speaks what’s in her heart.

She contended for the championship title. (compete or struggle against something or someone)

Many teams are contending for first place.

Let’s get to the heart of the matter and solve the real problem. (focus on the most important or central part of a problem or issue)

The report gets to the heart of the matter quickly.

Stop beating around the bush and get to the heart of the matter. (focus on what really matters)

Feel the magic of coming to Darjeeling, where the mountains touch the sky.

It’s so moving to see people helping each other in times of need.

It’s so moving to see someone achieve their dreams after so much struggle.

The heavy rain necessitated the cancellation of the match. (make something necessary or unavoidable)

This problem necessitates immediate action.

His illness necessitated a trip to the hospital.

She is on the cusp of a breakthrough in her research. (Being at the point of change or on the edge of something new; very close to a particular state or event)

The company is on the cusp of success.

He is on the cusp of adulthood.

AI is on the cusp of becoming a part of daily life. (about to happen; very close to a change or new phase)

He went on a rant about the bad service. (angry or emotional speeches or complaints about something)

Her online rants went viral.

She raved about the movie. (enthusiastic praise)

The critics gave rave reviews to the new book.

Everyone has their own rants and raves about life, work, and relationships.

Social media is full of rants and raves about every topic imaginable.

He gobbled up his food in minutes. (eat something very quickly and eagerly)

The kids gobbled up the ice cream.

His statement triggered a storm of name-calling and criticism online.

Online debates often turn into name-calling. (using rude, insulting, or hurtful words to criticize or attack someone instead of having a respectful discussion)

Name-calling hurts people and solves nothing.

Poverty is a scourge on society. (a serious problem that causes a lot of suffering or damage)

Corruption is a major scourge in many countries.

Drug abuse is a scourge among the youth. (a great trouble or harmful problem)

Let’s make sure we’re on the same page before we start. (agree or have the same understanding about something)

We need to get on the same page with the client. (think alike or agree on something)

Education should lead directly to livelihoods.

Learning should create real job opportunities.

Skills should empower people to earn a living.

His behavior was repugnant to everyone at the party. (Extremely disgusting, offensive, or unacceptable)

The idea of cheating is morally repugnant.

Racism is repugnant in any form. (very unpleasant or offensive)

The team punched below its weight in the last match. (perform or compete at a level lower than your abilities or potential)

He’s capable of more, but he’s punching below his weight at work. (doing less than you’re capable of; underperforming)

Don’t punch below your weight — aim higher! 

The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things.

Life rarely moves in straight lines. It rises, falls, surprises us, and sometimes humbles us in ways we never expect.

Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

When you have $1 million, that’s your money. When you have $20 million, you start to have a problem. When you have $1 billion, that’s not your money. That’s the trust society gave you.

Looking back at my life, I feel very lucky to be a scientist. Very few people get the chance to do every day what they really love, like I have.

Looking back over my life, I am grateful for all the opportunities I had. (reviewing your life as a whole, considering all experiences)

Looking back at my life, I am proud of all the challenges I overcame. (observing or thinking about your life in general)

She had a teacher who didn’t like her, and she didn’t like him. At the end of the year, he decided to fail her. 

Let the future decide the truth and judge everyone by their work and achievements. The present belongs to them, but the future, which I have worked hard for, belongs to me.

So many years have gone by just thinking about what to do.

Books are like mirrors, if a fool looks in, you cannot expect a genius to look out.

Books reflect what is already in a person’s mind. If a foolish person reads them, they won’t understand or gain much. But a wise person can learn, think, and discover new ideas from them.

Common sense is not so common.

Not everyone thinks or acts sensibly.

There is nothing more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.

There is nothing better than when a husband and wife agree, understand each other, and live happily together, surprising those who doubted them and pleasing their friends.

The magician’s trick confounded the audience.

Their success confounded their critics. (confuse or shock someone by proving them wrong)

She was stunning in her younger days.

In her youth, she was exceptionally beautiful.

She was strikingly beautiful when she was young.

She watched with epicaricacy as her competitor stumbled during the race. (feeling happy when something bad happens to someone else)

His epicaricacy was obvious when his classmate failed the exam.

Epicaricacy  ✅ — 

Taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune; delighting in the suffering of others.

Schadenfreude ✅ — 

Taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune — exactly the same as epicaricacy.

Social media sometimes spreads Schadenfreude instead of sympathy.

Watching the arrogant student slip in the hallway gave the class a sense of Schadenfreude.

Lack of confidence holds people back, but I pushed forward believing in myself.

Rise strong after every fall, and grow wiser with every mistake.

Our sun is one of 100 billion stars in our galaxy. Our galaxy is one of billions of galaxies populating the universe. It would be the height of presumption to think that we are the only living things in that enormous immensity. 

The child gave an impudent reply to the teacher. (rude, disrespectful, or boldly insolent)

His impudent behavior annoyed everyone.

She was punished for her impudent remarks. (rude and disrespectful)

He is an incorrigible prankster. (Impossible to change or improve, especially bad behavior or habits)

She is incorrigible when it comes to being late.

The teacher said he was incorrigible and needs strict discipline. (cannot be corrected or changed)

That café is hip and groovy. (trendy, fashionable, and cool; modern and stylish)

She wears hip and groovy outfits.

The music is hip and groovy. (cool, trendy, and stylish)

People who start businesses after the age of 40 typically outperform younger entrepreneurs.

Don’t count the days, make the days count.

Live each day with purpose.

Don’t waste time — use it well.

Don’t spit tobacco or chewing gum on the road.

Every son dreams of buying his dad his dream car.

If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive.

I never tried to hide the fact that my only goal was to be the best. 

Focus on your goals, not your fear.

His speech was full of bombast but lacked substance. (language that sounds grand or impressive but has little real meaning; exaggerated or inflated speech)

The article used bombast instead of clear facts.

She avoided bombast and spoke simply. (big, fancy words with little real meaning.

His outfit was overly showy for a simple event. (flashy, too dramatic, or trying too hard to attract attention)

The decoration was overly showy and unnecessary.

Her performance felt overly showy instead of natural. (too flashy or attention-seeking)

Do not judge yourself for how long your journey is taking. We all need our own time to travel our own distance. Every step is necessary, and everyone journeys in their own way.

Some people fall in love and get married in their mid-twenties, but wind up divorced a few years later. 

The truth is, no one succeeds in life by only moving forward; sometimes you have to step back to put yourself in a better position to win.

There’s a big difference between giving up and starting over in the right direction. 

Start embracing the discomfort that’s worth it to you.

Step into the discomfort that transforms your life.

Allow the discomfort that pushes you forward.

When God chooses your path, no power can block your destiny.

If God has a plan for you, nothing can stand in your way.

I’ve been working so hard for my dreams that I’m exhausted at the last moment.

The roads converge at the city center. (come together from different directions and meet at one point)

All efforts converged toward one goal.

All our efforts must converge toward success. (come together or move toward the same point)

She sensed something amiss the moment she entered the room. (feel that something is wrong, strange, or not as it should be, even without clear proof)

I could sense something amiss in his voice.

He had an inscrutable expression on his face. (difficult or impossible to understand, interpret, or figure out)

Her motives remain inscrutable.

The reason for his sudden decision was inscrutable. (hard to understand or mysterious)

The company decided to rejig its marketing strategy. (change, rearrange, or improve something, especially its structure or plan)

They rejigged the website design.

She rejigged her study plan before exams.

(reorganize or improve something)

They had a cordial meeting. (Warm, friendly, and polite in manner or attitude)

She greeted everyone in a cordial way.

Relations between the two countries remained cordial. (friendly and polite)

He finally asked her out on a date. (invite someone to go out with you in a romantic way)

She was nervous when he asked her out on a date. (invite someone for a romantic meeting)

Educate people about climate change. (give someone information or knowledge about a topic so they understand it better)

The teacher educated students about healthy eating.

Stay calm when things are delayed.

What started as a fling turned into something deeper. (A short, casual romantic relationship)

He admitted it was only a fling, nothing more.

She didn’t want a serious relationship, just a fling.

Their college fling faded after graduation.

Their relationship had no future.

The plan had no future.

“Of all the means to insure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.” 

True friendship is rare and it is something which gives eternal joy in life. 

A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.

If you don’t express what you want, you are less likely to get it.

Success lies in enduring hardships and staying committed, not in seeking comfort.

In many areas of life, people often hold back not because they lack ability, but because they hesitate to clearly state their goals. Fear of rejection, judgment, or failure can silence even the strongest ambitions.

Her own life closely mirrors / reflects the story she tells.

It was a belief ingrained in her since childhood.

He grew up with the ingrained belief that hard work leads to success.

What we call our children becomes their belief, and what we encourage becomes their future.

Our words can either limit a child or empower them for life.

Children grow into the beliefs we place in their minds.

He is on the climb in his career.

The company is on the climb after a tough year.

She’s on the climb toward her goals.

Forgive, forget, and move on in your life journey.

Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.

All of us every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.