公共英語四級寫作必備短語及例句（3）

　　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

EXAMPLE:

"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."