| 单词 | thing |
| 释义 | thing (θɪŋ ) Word forms: things 1. countable noun A1 You can use thing to refer to any object, feature, or event when you cannot, need not, or do not want to refer to it more precisely. 'What's that thing in the middle of the fountain?'—'Some kind of statue, I guess.' She was in the middle of clearing the breakfast things. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A strange thing happened. We get blamed for all kinds of things. Synonyms: feature, point, detail, something 2. countable noun [usually plural] A1 Thing is used in lists and descriptions to give examples or to increase the range of what you are referring to. These are genetic disorders. They are things like muscular dystrophy and haemophilia. The Earth is made mainly of iron and silicon and things like that. Keep big things such as bikes or iPods for birthdays or Christmas. You can spot them fairly easily because of their short haircuts and things. Synonyms: substance, stuff, element, being 3. countable noun [adjective NOUN] A2 Thing is often used after an adjective, where it would also be possible just to use the adjective. For example, you can say it's a different thing instead of it's different. Of course, literacy isn't the same thing as intelligence. To be a parent is a terribly difficult thing. Perhaps it's a good thing that Dizzy retired. Synonyms: concept, idea, notion, conception 4. singular noun B1 Thing is often used instead of the pronouns 'anything,' or 'everything' in order to emphasize what you are saying. [emphasis] It isn't going to solve a single thing. Don't you worry about a thing. 'It's all here,' she said. 'Every damn thing.' 5. countable noun B1+ Thing is used in expressions such as such a thing or things like that, especially in negative statements, in order to emphasize the bad or difficult situation you are referring back to. [emphasis] I don't believe he would tell Leo such a thing. 'Are you accusing me of being a thief?'—'I have done no such thing, Tony.' How do you actually go about discovering a thing like that? I'm trying to cope. These things happen. You have to cope. 6. countable noun [usually noun NOUN] You can use thing to refer in a vague way to a situation, activity, or idea, especially when you want to suggest that it is not very important. [informal, vagueness] I'm a bit unsettled tonight. This war thing's upsetting me. These folks clearly take this ballroom thing very seriously. ...the man who had spoken dismissively of the 'vision thing' when running for the presidency in 1988. Synonyms: object, article, implement, machine 7. countable noun [noun NOUN] You can use thing when you are referring to something that you are uncertain or vague about, after mentioning something that it resembles or could possibly be. [informal] She'd actually taken it home and she put it in this jar thing. The captain of the submarine has got this periscope thing. 8. countable noun [oft adjective NOUN] A2 You often use thing to indicate to the person you are addressing that you are about to mention something important, or something that you particularly want them to know. One thing I am sure of was that she was scared. The first thing parents want to know is: will the baby survive? The funny thing is that the rest of us have known that for years. The most important thing to remember about fish is to buy it really fresh. Synonyms: fact, detail, particular, point 9. countable noun A2 Thing is often used to refer back to something that has just been mentioned, either to emphasize it or to give more information about it. I never wanted to be normal. It was not a thing I ever thought desirable. The Captain stretched his left leg on one of the empty chairs. He knew it was not a polite thing to do. Synonyms: task, job, activity, act 10. countable noun B2 A thing is a physical object that is considered as having no life of its own. It's not a thing, Beauchamp. It's a human being! 11. countable noun B2 Thing is used to refer to something, especially a physical object, when you want to express contempt or anger towards it. [spoken, disapproval] This thing's virtually useless. They're armed with sub-machine-guns or machine-pistols or whatever you call those things. Turn that thing off! 12. countable noun [adjective NOUN] You can call a person or an animal a particular thing when you want to mention a particular quality that they have and express your feelings towards them, usually affectionate feelings. [informal] You really are quite a clever little thing. Oh you lucky thing! 13. plural noun A1 Your things are your clothes or possessions. Sara told him to take all his things and not to return. Is there anything you'd like to borrow, before your own things are unpacked? Synonyms: possessions, stuff, gear, belongings 14. plural noun B1 Things can refer to the situation or life in general and the way it is changing or affecting you. Everyone agrees things are getting better. A change of ownership might improve things. How are things going? Synonyms: circumstances, the situation, the state of affairs, matters 15. plural noun [with supplement, oft NOUN of noun, adjective NOUN] B1 Things can refer to a particular aspect of life, such as the physical or spiritual aspect. ...a movement away from the things of this world to the things of the spirit. I think I'm more aware now of some spiritual things and I do believe in good and evil. 16. countable noun You can refer to something that is too frightening, strange, or horrible to describe clearly as a thing. ...John W. Campbell, author of 'The Thing From Another World.' 17. singular noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive] If you say that something is the thing, you mean that it is fashionable or popular. I feel under pressure to go out and get drunk because it's the thing to do. They were obviously of the opinion that his taste was not quite the thing. 18. in all things phrase [n/adj PHR, PHRASE after verb] In all things means in every situation and at all times. [literary] Sara wished Franklin to follow family tradition, in this as in all things. ...the old rule of health, which prescribes moderation in all things. 19. be all things to all men/people phrase [VERB inflects] If you say that someone or something is trying to be all things to all men or to all people, you are criticizing them because they are trying to behave in a way that will please everyone, and this is impossible. [disapproval] I realised I had a big problem. I wanted to be all things to all people. The film tries to be all things to all men–comedy, romance, fantasy, and satire. 20. do the decent/democratic/right/wrong/honourable thing phrase B2 If, for example, you do the right thing or do the decent thing in a situation, you do something which is considered correct or socially acceptable in that situation. People want to do the right thing and buy 'green'. Carrington did the honourable thing and resigned. I think I did the wrong thing. 21. the done thing phrase If you say that something is the done thing, you mean it is the most socially acceptable way to behave. [British] It was not the done thing. In those days the man was supposed to be the provider. 22. first thing phrase B1+ If you do something first thing, you do it at the beginning of the day, before you do anything else. If you do it last thing, you do it at the end of the day, before you go to bed or go to sleep. I'll go see her, first thing. Take the money to your office without fail, first thing in the morning. I always do it last thing on a Saturday. Last thing at night, he thought of her. 23. have a thing about phrase If you have a thing about someone or something, you have very strong feelings about them. [informal] I had always had a thing about red hair. He's got this thing about ties. 24. it is a good/bad thing to phrase B2 You say it is a good thing to do something to introduce a piece of advice or a comment on a situation or activity. Can you tell me whether it is a good thing to prune an apple tree? In a new democracy, it is no bad thing to master the art of compromise. It is a terrible thing to doubt someone you have trusted all your life. 25. make a thing about/out of phrase If you make a thing of something or make a thing about it, you talk about it or do it in an exaggerated way, so that it seems much more important than it really is. [informal] Gossips made a big thing about him going on shopping trips with her. I took his hand to make a big thing of introducing him to my mother. I didn't have time to tell you, and anyway, I didn't want to make a big thing out of it. 26. be one thing phrase You can say that the first of two ideas, actions, or situations is one thing when you want to contrast it with a second idea, action, or situation and emphasize that the second one is much more difficult, important, or extreme. [emphasis] It was one thing to talk about leaving; it was another to physically walk out the door. Borrowing $100,000 is one thing. Owing $425,000 is another! 27. for one thing phrase You can say for one thing when you are explaining a statement or answering a question, to suggest that you are not giving the whole explanation or answer, and that there are other points that you could add to it. She was an excellent colleague. For one thing, she was very reliable. She was unable to sell it, because for one thing its size was awkward. 'How have the sanctions affected your life in Belgrade?'—'Well, for one thing, we already have shortages.' 28. one thing and another phrase You can use the expression 'one thing and another' to suggest that there are several reasons for something or several items on a list, but you are not going to explain or mention them all. [spoken] What with one thing and another, it was fairly late in the day when we returned to Shrewsbury. 29. it is just/simply one of those things phrase B2 If you say it is just one of those things you mean that you cannot explain something because it seems to happen by chance. 'I wonder why.' Mr. Dambar shrugged. 'It must be just one of those things, I guess.' It was simply one of those things, pure coincidence. 30. one thing led to another phrase You say one thing led to another when you are explaining how something happened, but you do not really want to give the details or you think people will be able to imagine the details. He came by to see if she was lonely. One thing led to another and he stayed the night. 31. do your own thing phrase If you do your own thing, you live, act, or behave in the way you want to, without paying attention to convention or depending on other people. [informal] We accept the right of all men and women to do their own thing, however bizarre. She was allowed to do her own thing as long as she kept in touch by phone. 32. a thing of the past phrase If something is a thing of the past, it no longer exists or happens, or is being replaced by something new. Cheap computers and phone calls will make commuting to work a thing of the past. 33. seeing/hearing things phrase [usually cont] If you say that someone is seeing or hearing things, you mean that they believe they are seeing or hearing something that is not really there. Dr Payne led Lana back into the examination room and told her she was seeing things. I thought I was hearing things yesterday. I thought I heard a cuckoo. 34. no such thing phrase B2 You can say there is no such thing as something to emphasize that it does not exist or is not possible. [emphasis] There really is no such thing as a totally risk-free industry. [+ as] 'I found a mermaid.'—'Don't be daft. There's no such thing.' 35. the thing is phrase B2 You say the thing is to introduce an explanation, comment, or opinion that relates to something that has just been said. The thing is is often used to identify a problem relating to what has just been said. [spoken] 'What does your market research consist of?'—'Well, the thing is, it depends on our target age group.' I've got onto a course. But the thing is, I don't know whether I want to do it any more. 36. just the thing/the very thing phrase If you say that something is just the thing or is the very thing, you are emphasizing that it is exactly what is wanted or needed. [emphasis] Kiwi fruit are just the thing for a healthy snack. [+ for] I know the very thing to cheer you up. 37. a thing or two phrase If you say that a person knows a thing or two about something or could teach someone a thing or two about it, you mean that they know a lot about it or are good at it. She knows a thing or two about how to be well-organised. [+ about] The peace movement has learnt a thing or two from Vietnam. 38. other things being equal phrase If you say 'other things being equal' or 'all things being equal' when talking about a possible situation, you mean if nothing unexpected happens or if there are no other factors which affect the situation. Other things being equal, most tenants would prefer single to shared rooms. All things being equal, should it matter who earns most money? 39. first things first phrase You say 'first things first' when you are talking about something that should be done or dealt with before anything else because it is the most important. Let's see if we can't find something to set the mood. First things first; some music. 40. the real thing phrase If you say that a thing or event is the real thing, you mean that it is the thing or event itself, rather than an imitation or copy. The counterfeits sell for about $20 less than the real thing. The Blairgowrie Highland Games, on the other hand, are the real thing rather than a media event. 41. the shape of things to come phrase If you say that something is the shape of things to come, you mean that it is the start of a new trend or development, and in future things will be like this. The new railway station is said to be the shape of things to come. Idioms: the person or thing of someone's dreams the person or the thing that someone prefers to all others It was in Tunisia that they saw the house of their dreams, the most beautiful dwelling imaginable. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers chance would be a fine thing [British] said to mean that something that you would like to happen is very unlikely Everyone needs a day in bed sometimes. If you've got kids you're probably thinking `chance would be a fine thing'. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers the best thing since sliced bread or the greatest thing since sliced bread something that someone thinks is very good, original, and exciting When your programme first started I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. But over the last three months I think you have adopted an arrogant attitude. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers be long on one thing and short on another to have a lot of one thing but not very much of another The prime minister's speech was long on words but short on solid action. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers do your own thing to live or behave in the way you want to, without paying attention to convention and without depending on other people Her parents let her do her own thing as long as she keeps in touch by phone to say she is okay. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers one thing led to another said, when you are giving an account of something, to mean that you do not think you need to give any details of events, because they happened in an obvious way Elsa got in with the wrong crowd of people. They were bad news. One thing led to another and she started shoplifting. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers there's no such thing as a free lunch said to mean you cannot expect to get things for nothing, since most things that are worth having need to be paid for or worked for The government has spent 14 years telling the nation that there is no such thing as a free lunch and lecturing us on the virtues of sound economics. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers Collocations: big thing He probably didn't think it was a big thing, but it stuck in my mind. Times, Sunday Times (2009) They strut their stuff and are off to apparently bigger , better things. Times, Sunday Times (2009) I've just driven the next big thing in small cars. The Sun (2011) Change things too much and you risk the wrath of the owners who thought the original was just right. The Sun (2006) Cut back where possible and change other things. The Sun (2015) We have to build on that and change things around very quickly. The Sun (2015) So fine, we've all moved on and that's a good thing, if at times a confusing thing. Times, Sunday Times The speed was not the only confusing thing about the early observations. Times, Sunday Times It wasn't the only confusing thing. Times, Sunday Times It was more of a confusing thing for me coming back and not knowing exactly what was going on, on the other end of things. Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 And her decision made fourth place in a list of life's 50 most confusing things, compiled after a nationwide poll. The Sun That was individual brilliance, a different thing to team brilliance. Times, Sunday Times (2013) Experience can mean different things to different people. Times, Sunday Times (2014) We get different things from different people. Times, Sunday Times (2007) It seems a long time ago that poetry was an everyday thing in houses like ours. The Times Literary Supplement We need to see intervening as an everyday thing, not the exceptional act of heroes. Times, Sunday Times So how can such an ordinary, everyday thing be the source of so much angst? Times, Sunday Times You have to in order to start eating differently and making exercise an everyday thing. The Sun We love that kind of nice, everyday thing. The Sun I still live half a mile away and one of my favourite things is to sit on the bench outside and watch the world go by. Times, Sunday Times (2012) My favourite thing is to ask friends round to dinner in my kitchen. Times, Sunday Times (2014) My favourite thing at the moment is the cape. Times, Sunday Times (2007) There can be few more worthwhile things for us to do than to try and provide that spark for the current generation of schoolkids. Times, Sunday Times (2008) In the midst of all this change, a few things held firm. Into Africa - a social history of the East African Safari (1989) It makes all the difference if you just get a few little things right. Times, Sunday Times (2014) Another fun thing to do is to visit the Science Museum. Times, Sunday Times (2014) I had all the plans made and was texting her about all the fun things we were going to do. Christianity Today (2000) It was just a fun thing to do. The Sun (2009) And yet ... nostalgia can do funny things to a man. The Sun (2010) Memory is a funny thing. Times, Sunday Times (2016) But her recent move to the country seems to have done funny things to her. The Sun (2009) I've always thought that sports people do an incredible thing — all the preparation, all the training, it's all for a moment. Times, Sunday Times It's an incredible thing to have supreme confidence in your body's abilities. Times, Sunday Times It was an incredible thing to learn as an artist because essentially, you work for yourself. The Sun Even so, for sheer audacity, it was an incredible thing to witness. The Sun That in itself was an incredible thing to say. The Sun It was a magical thing in the old days to take in your photo film and see what came back. Times, Sunday Times My eyes look - and there's no room for false modesty here - like the most magical thing that ever existed. Times, Sunday Times There was a time when consumerism was a magical thing. Times, Sunday Times That must be the most magical thing ever. Times, Sunday Times But it's actually a brilliant, magical thing. Times, Sunday Times It'd be a great place, but the win is the main thing. Times, Sunday Times (2007) You can see they are keen to learn and that is the main thing. Times, Sunday Times (2012) But the main thing is to want to improve all the time. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Not many things can get footballers so serious and change their attitude more than waiting for the World Cup. Times, Sunday Times (2006) There's so many weird things happening. Mothers who Leave (1994) This obviously affects the way we go about many things in the church. Christianity Today (2000) Do voters think him a buffoon, a careless, shambolic politician, liable to mess things up? Times, Sunday Times What it wholly lacked, apart from the fun of seeing a cook mess things up in the kitchen, was originality. Times, Sunday Times We have seen many experienced managers go into football clubs and mess things up. The Sun You can perform brilliantly in the selection process but when you get to the practical work you mess things up. ST You have to trust your instincts, without letting other people's ideas about what's best mess things up. Times, Sunday Times The only thing I wasn't prepared for was the place itself. Times, Sunday Times (2013) The adrenalin was pumping a bit, but that was the only thing that was keeping me going. Times, Sunday Times (2013) The only thing we ask is that you are genuinely committed to making this happen. Times, Sunday Times (2006) That's a positive thing that could come out of this. Times, Sunday Times (2012) Some positive things are entirely new. Times, Sunday Times (2010) The major hurdle to overcome is the belief that time pressure is a positive thing. Coping with Stress at Work (1988) There are only so many ways, after all, to talk about the same things. Christianity Today (2000) I usually just wear the same thing all day. Times, Sunday Times (2008) It would amount to roughly the same thing. Times, Sunday Times (2010) The shocking thing about this week's surprise mortgage increases was the reaction from anguished borrowers (see our lead story). Times, Sunday Times Oh, and the truly shocking thing about that film? Times, Sunday Times The reaction was perhaps the most shocking thing to happen in the turbulent process converting this popular novel into a bigscreen blockbuster. The Sun This of course must have been the most shocking thing to have happened to him. Times, Sunday Times It was the most shocking thing that has ever happened to me. The Sun Often it can be a simple thing, like the location of an air-conditioning unit that can be easily moved. Times, Sunday Times (2016) The knowledge and insight gained in doing this simple thing is immensely satisfying. Times, Sunday Times (2016) For all its mystical powers, the heart is a pretty simple thing. Smithsonian Mag (2017) It must be the simplest thing to discover that the US air force did not raid Germany at night. Times, Sunday Times (2016) It's the first time they've used one in a production bike and its unequal firing order means one simple thing - more rider control. The Sun (2009) Afterwards, don't be tempted to smooth things over by being super-friendly. The Sun Perhaps his latest spin doctor can help smooth things over. Times, Sunday Times Tsarist gestures helped to smooth things over: he ordered prosecutors to investigate a fish factory after its workers complained of wage arrears. Times, Sunday Times I want to smooth things over with her and stop feeling totally useless. The Sun So if disagreements happen, you smooth things over; if disagreements turn to arguments, you feel uncomfortable. Times, Sunday Times To speed things up, all ingredients are prepared for you. Times, Sunday Times To speed things up they have created the helios machine, a device that will allow them to make their new home habitable within years. Times, Sunday Times Trust me: by trying to speed things up, you're only gonna make yourself feel worse. Times, Sunday Times If your rice takes too long, pop some tinfoil over it to help speed things up. The Sun You can't speed things up just because you hit a certain birthday. The Sun Stranger things have happened, but it is surely too much to expect a repeat. Times, Sunday Times (2012) Nobody was commenting last night - but stranger things have happened. Times, Sunday Times (2011) Stranger things have happened in football. Times, Sunday Times (2012) It's such a terrible thing to happen to a young person. The Sun (2016) So many fans just shout terrible things at the other club. The Sun (2014) Since then terrible things have happened. Times, Sunday Times (2010) The toughest thing has been distinguishing from such a feast of music. Times, Sunday Times (2008) The toughest thing about success is longevity. The Sun (2014) They must be the toughest thing on sporting turf bar a horse race. Times, Sunday Times (2015) She has gone back to university to study veterinary science, which is a tough thing to do. Times, Sunday Times (2009) The relationship between humans and robots is a tricky thing. Smithsonian Mag (2017) It was that tricky thing of being a first-time buyer. Times, Sunday Times (2017) Trying to look powerful with your gob taped shut is a tricky thing. The Sun (2015) They had practically all moved to Australia, so the tricky thing was getting them back over here. The Sun (2013) I'm no slouch when it comes to making pastry but ready-made pastry cases are a very useful thing to have on standby ready to service a couple of eggs and a few odds and ends. Times, Sunday Times (2008) I clearly didn't learn a single useful thing. Times, Sunday Times (2008) But it is free and is a useful thing to have. The Sun (2013) The weird thing now, with camera phones and compact cameras, is that everything is captured. Times, Sunday Times (2012) The weirdest thing about this monster? Christianity Today (2000) 'The weird thing is you never ever think something like this can happen to you. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Like Tweedledum and Tweedledee they argued a lot, but the weird thing was they'd do it holding hands. RESCUING ROSE (2002) That's the weird thing about being famous or successful. Times, Sunday Times (2016) The whole thing looked like it had been written on the back of an envelope by the president's closest advisers. Times, Sunday Times (2017) And if there isn't, the whole thing feels like a damp squib. Times, Sunday Times (2014) Arrange the plums on top and sprinkle the whole thing with demerara sugar. Times, Sunday Times (2007) Instead of negotiating cost certainty or a luxury tax into the next collective agreement, why not blow the whole thing up and start anew? Globe and Mail (2003) I had the whole thing planned to a tee. The Sun (2011) The power of the written word is a wonderful thing. The Sun (2012) The blue shirt is a wonderful thing for all players. The Sun (2012) The power of compound interest to grow money is a wonderful thing, except when applied to rising debts. Times, Sunday Times (2014) It is more than a commonplace book - a wonderful thing in itself, but anecdotal and made in the moment. Times, Sunday Times (2006) The most wonderful thing is that some direct descendants of the original crew of the Mystery came to meet us. Times, Sunday Times (2009) The worrying thing is that the gap is widening between what is advertised and what people get in reality," he said. Computing (2010) The worrying thing is not many people realise what is happening before their eyes. The Sun (2013) `That's the most worrying thing, him not wanting to kick up a fuss. CASCADES - THE DAY OF THE DEAD (2001) But the worrying thing is that it was far more effective than anything they had mustered to that point. Times, Sunday Times (2010) The really worrying thing was that neither did he! ONE HUNDRED DAYS (2003) Translations: Chinese: 东西 Japanese: 物 |
| 随便看 |
|
英语词典包含147115条英英释义在线翻译词条，基本涵盖了全部常用单词的英英翻译及用法，是英语学习的有利工具。