Lesson 9 (✨English After Hours 8.0✨) (copy)

from Betty with love❤️

veneer of

something that hides something unpleasant or unwanted:

1) She managed to hide her corrupt dealings under a _____ respectability.

2) Despite her confident smile, she maintained a _____ perfection that hid her inner doubts.

3) Freer criticism in the media has helped give the party a _____ credibility.

take the sting out of

to lessen the negative impact or discomfort of something:

1) Luckily, a VCR should be able to _____ the which-to-watch problem for most of you.

2) The apology helped _____ her criticism.

3) Would a smiley emoticon _____ this crushing personal failure for you?

to purge smth from one's mind

to eliminate or get rid of unwanted thoughts or memories:

1) He struggled to ____ the traumatic memories from his mind.

2) Meditation can help you ____ negative thoughts from your mind.

3) She tried to ____ the stressful images from her mind after the accident.

bastion

something that keeps or defends a belief or a way of life that is disappearing or threatened:

1) The gallery stands as a veritable _____ of curated artistry in the city.

2) British public schools are regarded as one of the last _____ of upper-class privilege.

3) Through the cult of Artemis, the city also became a _____ of women's rights.

with aplomb

with confidence, skill, and composure.:

1) She handled the difficult questions ____.

2) Fortunately, there is a method to handle even the worst of surprises ____.

3) Newly minted CEO Tim Cook helmed his first major product launch ____.

elevate an image into an heirloom

to improve or enhance the perception of something so it becomes treasured and timeless:

1) The craftsman’s work elevates a simple design into an____.

2) By adding intricate details, they elevated the jewelry into an ____ piece.

3) The story was told in a way that elevated it into an ____ of family history.

without artifice

in a genuine, sincere, or natural manner, without pretence or deception:

1) Her performance was moving, delivered _______.

2) The chef cooked ______, focusing on natural flavours.

3) In the heat of the moment he spoke ____, revealing his true feelings.

not have a leg to stand on

have no valid defence or justification; to be in a weak or indefensible position:

1) The defendant clearly did not _____ in court.

2) His argument was so flawed that he did not ______.

3) She tried to justify her actions, but she didn't ______.

play to the gallery

to behave in a way that appeals to popular taste or the audience's desires, often at the expense of sincerity or substance:

1) The politician ____ with his fiery speech.

2) The comedian ____, telling jokes that everyone loved.

3) Instead of addressing the real issues, the speaker ____ to win applause.