2016年公共英語四級寫作必備短語

burn the midnight oil

(verb phrase)

to work hard very late into the night--and as if working only by the light of an oil lamp

EXAMPLE:

"The manager had so much work piling up on her desk she knew she was going to have to burn the midnight oil to finish it."

business is picking up

business is increasing, getting better after a slow sales period as more orders, products, or services are now being sold

EXAMPLE:

"After a year of poor sales, the automobile industry is receiving many orders for its new cars, and all the employees are happy to see that business is picking up."

eam of the crop

the best, very best, or best ever of something--the top choice or pick

MPLE:

"At the art auction, Van Gogh’s paintings were considered to be the cream of the crop and received the highest bids."

cut and dried

in accordance or agreement with a standard formula, exact method, guidelines, or procedure; routine

EXAMPLE:

During the 19th and early 20th century only males performed in the Peking Opera and the ways to become an actor were cut and dried

dog and pony show

a presentation that has no substance and is just a shallow demonstration, entertainment, or "show" usually done by a corporation or business to bring attention to itself or one of its products.

EXAMPLE:

"The new e-commerce company put on a dog and pony show for potential investors."

blow off steam

(verb phrase)

to release frustration or anger that has been building up; also to celebrate or do something in a loud or noisy way

EXAMPLE:

After a week of negotiations with the union, the workers decided to have a party and blow off steam.

blue chip

(adj.)

a type of stock highly valuesd for its long record of steady or long term earnings; also a valuable property

EXAMPLE:

The investor bought 100 shares of stock in a blue chip company.

bone of contention

(noun)

a disagreement, dispute, or argument about something; a strong difference of opinion; a conflict

EXAMPLE:

A bone of contention was the division of powers between the national and provincial governments.

brand x

a marketing classification describing a product that doesn't have a highly visible or recognized name like a well-known product or "brand name"

EXAMPLE:

It was decided to buy brand x because it was less expensive.

bread and butter

(noun)

the primary or leading means of financial support, existence, or survival

EXAMPLE:

Bicycle manufacturing provides the company's bread and butter.