Comprehensive Practical English: Small Talk Patterns, Proverbs, IELTS Trends, and TOEIC Terminology

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering conversational English patterns, contradictory proverbs, IELTS trend reporting terminology, and practical TOEIC business English.

Get the hang of (+ noun / V-ing)

To grasp the knack of something or gradually become proficient and comfortable with a task or skill.

Have nothing to do with (+ noun / person)

To possess no connection, association, or involvement with a particular matter, project, or person.

Make a point of (+ V-ing)

To make a deliberate, intentional effort to ensure that a specific action or routine is carried out.

In the middle of (+ noun / V-ing)

To be actively busy, occupied, or in the process of doing something at a particular moment.

Not to mention (+ noun / clause)

A transitional phrase used to emphasize an additional, significant factor or consequence; let alone.

It's safe to say (+ clause)

Used to introduce a conclusion or statement that can be asserted with confidence and without doubt.

It doesn't hurt to (+ base verb)

Used to recommend trying a particular action because there is no harm or disadvantage in attempting it.

DooEnglish Small Talk Course (英文閒聊課)

An English conversational program featuring over 2,000 practical situational phrases, real dialogue demonstrations, and 100% clear audio pronunciation.

Look before you leap vs. He who hesitates is lost

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first advises careful thought before acting, whereas the second warns that pausing too long causes missed opportunities.

Many hands make light work vs. Too many cooks spoil the broth

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first asserts that shared labor makes tasks easier, while the second warns that an excess of people ruins the outcome.

Haste makes waste vs. Strike while the iron is hot

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first cautions that rushing leads to errors, whereas the second urges decisive action while circumstances are favorable.

Better safe than sorry vs. Nothing ventured, nothing gained

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first encourages prudence and caution, while the second emphasizes that achieving rewards requires taking risks.

Silence is golden vs. Silence gives consent

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first views remaining quiet as wise or virtuous, whereas the second indicates that staying silent implies tacit agreement.

Clothes make the man vs. Don't judge a book by its cover

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first claims that external appearance defines personal stature, whereas the second warns against judging inner value by superficial appearance.

Knowledge is power vs. Ignorance is bliss

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first states that understanding provides strength, while the second suggests that not knowing unpleasant facts brings peace.

Better late than never vs. Time waits for no man

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first maintains that tardy achievement is better than non-completion, while the second asserts that time moves relentlessly forward.

Two heads are better than one vs. Self-help is best help

A pair of contradictory proverbs: the first highlights the superiority of collective problem-solving, whereas the second praises individual self-reliance.

Soar / Skyrocket

Verbs used in IELTS trend descriptions to signify a rapid, sharp, and dramatic upward rise.

Plummet / Collapse

Verbs used in IELTS trend descriptions to denote an abrupt, steep, and drastic fall or drop.

Bottom out

An IELTS trend expression indicating that a declining metric has reached its lowest point before stabilizing or rebounding.

Level off

An IELTS trend expression indicating that a rising or falling figure has flattened out and stabilized at a constant rate.

Fluctuate

An IELTS trend term denoting irregular, continuous shifts and changes up and down in data or amounts.

Volatile

An adjective describing data or conditions characterized by rapid, unpredictable, and extreme instability or shifts.

Substantial

An adjective describing data denoting a considerable, large, or significant amount or degree.

Recurrent

An adjective describing data patterns or events that occur repeatedly, periodically, or at regular intervals.

Nominal

An adjective describing figures or values expressed in unadjusted, stated terms rather than real, calculated terms.

Prototype

A preliminary test model or early sample created during product development to evaluate design concepts and specifications.

Stocktake

A comprehensive physical audit and count of all inventory, goods, and materials held in stock.

Inventory Turnover

A supply chain and management metric that tracks how frequently stored inventory is sold, used, and replaced over a specific time.

Replenish

To restock, refill, or restore depleted inventory back to its optimal or required storage capacity.

Vendor

A supplier, merchant, or external business entity that provides goods, raw materials, or services in a commercial procurement chain.

Lead time (Lead)

The procurement and logistics duration required from the initial placement of an order until its final delivery.

Merger and Acquisition

Corporate restructuring actions in which separate commercial organizations combine into one entity or one company acquires ownership control of another.

Spin-off

A corporate restructuring strategy where an existing organization separates an internal division into a distinct, autonomous company.

Divest

A strategic business maneuver involving the sale, disposal, or liquidation of assets, subsidiaries, or business divisions.

Redundancy / Layoff

Workforce reduction measures resulting from corporate restructuring, downsizing, or elimination of non-essential positions.