Lesson 1 (✨English After Hours 1.0✨)

from Betty with love❤️

dupe someone into doing something

to deceive someone so that they do something they did not intend to do:

- Her ex claimed that he was d______ into sleeping with that girl.
- What a cretin! I mean, how is that even possible? Magic?
- He said that she sent nudes to d_____ him into it.
- Poor thing with a thinking centre in his pants.

sway sb into smth

(sway sb’s opinion)

to persuade someone to believe or do one thing rather than another:

- How did it go?
- Charts, figures, fake smiles... you can't s____ my opinion about the harm caused to nature when I literally see it.
- Not only do you have brain, but you also use. How dare you?
- Huh, I actually s____ them into investing in your NGO.

hook line and sinker

to believe or be convinced of something completely and unquestioningly:

He believed the scam ____.

She fell for the sales pitch ____.

The audience bought the story _____.

deflect

to avoid something such as criticism, blame, or a question being directed at you:

- Have you seen this new interview with Meghan Markle?
- Not again, Betty, pleeeaaase...
- Well, she just d_____ed all uncomfortable questions and kept nagging about 'privacy'. What's the point of such sensational interview?
- May I d_______ this question?

slag someone off

to criticise someone:

- Why didn't you join us for lunch?
- To listen how Lily is s____ing others off behind their backs? No, thanks.
- Ah, sensitive soul. Well, I've never heard her s____ing you off behind your back.
- It's because her favourite topic is you.

mend your ways

to begin to behave well, having until now behaved badly:

- John is a different person now. He m_____ his ways and found a job.
- I doubt that. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Let's wait and see.
- Suffice (it) to say, I believe that this time he'll be clean, especially after what his family did for him.
- I don't want to shatter your illusions. Just remind me how many times did he promise his parents he would m_____ his ways and quit drugs?

tantamount to

almost the same or having the same effect as something, usually something bad:

- I heard that they're increasing tuition next year by almost 30%!
- Seriously? That's t_____ to highway robbery! How can they expect students to afford that?
- I know, it's absurd! It's t_____ to saying that only the wealthy deserve a good education.
- It's really unfair. But sadly, I think it's just another example of the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

rake something in

to earn or get a large amount of money:

- Hey, did you hear about that new eco-startup that just got acquired for millions of dollars?
- Yeah, I heard they r_____d in a ton of money from the acquisition. Good for them!
- Seriously, they must have r____d in a fortune! I wonder what they're going to do with all that money.
- Who knows, but it's impressive to see a small company like that make it big. It gives me hope for all the other entrepreneurs out there.

zealously

in a very enthusiastic and eager way:

- I can't believe how much time you spend at the gym! You're so dedicated.
- Haha, thanks! I just really enjoy working out. I guess you could say I'm z____ devoted to fitness.
- You definitely are! But it's not just the gym, you're z____ dedicated to all your hobbies. Whether it's cooking, painting, or rock climbing, you're always giving it your all.
- Just tell me straight that you want me to cook tonight:)