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单词 about
释义
about1 prepositionabout2 adverbabout3 adjective
abouta‧bout1 /əˈbaʊt/ ●●● S1 W1 preposition Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • About this weekend - is everyone still going?
  • an article about the famine
  • Basically, the job's all about helping people get off welfare.
  • I'm not sure what it is about her, but guys really like her.
  • I'm reading a really good book at the moment - it's about the French Revolution.
  • I've been thinking about what you said, and I've decided that you're right.
  • There was death all about her.
  • They were talking about music.
  • This leaflet should answer all the questions you have about switching to digital TV.
  • Toby talks about you all the time.
  • Trash and food were strewn about the room.
  • What's all the fuss about?
  • What did you like best about the book?
Thesaurus
THESAURUS
used when saying what the subject of something is: · She’s always talking about you.· In her novels she writes about life in South Africa.· There’s something I wanted to ask you about.
about a particular subject: · a book on English grammar· a report on poverty in rural areas
formal about: · Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future.· The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.
formal about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something: · Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.
used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about: · Re: Friday’s meeting
Longman Language Activatorabout a subject or person
· Toby talks about you all the time.· This leaflet should answer all the questions you have about switching to digital TV.· I'm reading a really good book at the moment - it's about the French Revolution.· What's all the fuss about?about what/how/where etc · I've been thinking about what you said, and I've decided that you're right.
about a particular subject: · Lucia Piatti has written several books on the subject.advice/opinions/ideas etc on: · If you want any advice on where to stay, Jan should be able to help you.· His views on women are really old-fashioned.on what/how/where etc: · Do you have any ideas on where to eat tonight?book/programme/film etc on: · a book on 19th century English Literature· a lecture on Native American customs and folklore· Did you see that programme on South Africa last night?
formal about something or someone - use this especially to talk about information, ideas, or questions: · For any details concerning a particular country you should check with the embassy.· Richard was called in by the police to answer questions concerning the disappearance of Thomas Ripley.· If you have any questions regarding any of our services, please feel free to call me.· Thank you for your letter regarding the annual subscription to our magazine.
if you talk or write on the subject of someone or something, you talk or write about them: · Marie said nothing at all on the subject of Mr Bertram.while we're on the subject (=used when you are talking about a subject and want to say more about it): · While we're on the subject of money, do you have that $10 you owe me?
used in short business letters, messages etc: · Re planning meeting on Friday, please bring sales figures.· To: John Deacon. From: Maria Soames. Re: computer system.
formal used especially to introduce a subject that you want to talk about in a speech, formal report, meeting etc: · With regard to the proposed new shopping mall, I would like to add a few remarks to those of the previous speaker.· With regard to your letter concerning my January payment, this matter has now been settled.
use this in e-mails to introduce the subject you want to talk about. Wrt is an abbreviation of "with regard to": · Wrt your looking out for a new computer, I saw a good offer in the paper yesterday.· I'll be contacting Jean tomorrow wrt the Christmas party - is there anything you'd like me to suggest to her?
to have something as the main subject
· The play is about life in the Deep South in the 1930s.· What's tonight's documentary about?· Have you ever read 'Hideous Kinky'? It's about an English woman and her daughter travelling in Morocco.
to be about a particular subject, especially a serious one, and examine it carefully and in detail. Deal with is much more common than be concerned with: · The story deals with the psychological conflicts between mother and son.· The earliest films made in India dealt with mythological subjects.· Elton's books are often concerned with environmental issues.
if a story, report etc concerns someone or something, it is about them and especially about what happens to them: · Much of the material in her early letters concerns events which happened some years before.
also centre on British, /center on American if something such as a book, article, or discussion focuses on a subject or problem, it is mainly about it and examines it in detail: · The next chapter will focus on this problem in greater detail.· a weekly magazine mainly focusing on business-related issues· The controversy centred on the question of illegal arms sales.
approximately a number or amount
a little more or a little less than a number, amount, distance, or time: · It should cost about $1500.· The church is about a mile away.· It's been about five years since I've seen Linda.· The chance of men being born colourblind is about 1 in 12.
a little more or a little less than a number, amount, distance, or time. Approximately is a little more formal than about and is used especially in written English: · Approximately 30% of the community is Polish.· Each disk stores approximately 144 pages of text.
approximately - used especially when you are trying to give someone a general idea of the number or amount: · A new kitchen would cost roughly $6,000.· The man was roughly my own age.· There were roughly 50 people there.
: 3 days/a minute/fifteen people etc or so approximately 3 days, a minute etc, or perhaps even more: · The baby usually sleeps for an hour or so after breakfast.· He suggested that I take a week or so off work.· There must be thirty people or so in the class.
informal spoken: a hundred/forty/thirty etc odd use this after numbers in tens, hundreds, or thousands: · "How old do you think he is?'' "Oh, I don't know. Seventy odd.''· It's been 30 odd years since I last saw him.
spoken: give or take a few miles/a couple of minutes/a pound etc use this when saying approximately what a number or amount is, when it may be a few miles more or less, a few minutes more or less etc: · The village is about fifty miles north of here, give or take a few miles.· He's said to be worth $26 million, give or take a few million.· "How long will the meeting last?" "A couple of hours, give or take."
spoken approximately, especially when you do not know the correct number or amount and are guessing what it is: · At a guess, I'd say around 3000 people took part in the demonstration.· It was a cold night. About two or three degrees at a guess.· "How much will it cost?" "A hundred and twenty pounds, at a guess."
approximately a large number or amount
· The business is worth something in the region of $25m.· The universe is estimated to be somewhere in the region of eleven billion years old.· A typical price would be somewhere in the region of £2,500 per person.
spoken · Smith is already something like $10,000 in debt.· In the USA something like 4000 such accidents occur each year.
: an estimated 3000 people/one million pounds/90% of profits etc approximately that number or amount - use this when you have no exact or detailed figures on which to calculate the exact number: · The event was seen on television by an estimated 250 million people worldwide.· An estimated 10% of new mothers suffer from severe depression.· By the end of the month an estimated 1000 people had been killed and 42,000 left homeless.
: some 100 people/50 years/2000 establishments etc approximately that number or amount - use this especially when you think it is impressive or surprising: · Among the 11 factory sites across Europe, some 2,600 jobs are to be eliminated this year.· He lectured at the Institut Pasteur for some 50 years.
: 5000 people/20%/9 days etc or more use this when the total may be a lot more, and you want to emphasize that this is a large number or amount: · How can you be tired? You slept for ten hours or more last night.· There were a thousand or more fans at the airport to welcome the band.
at approximately a particular time or date
also around especially American a little later or a little earlier than a particular time or date: · It's two-thirty. They should be arriving about now.· The cathedral was completed in about the middle of the 16th century.· About six months ago he suffered a major heart attack.· I picked Sue up around eight o' clock.· I don't remember the exact date of the party, but it must have been around the first of December.round about especially British: · He left the house round about four o'clock.· The job should be finished round about March next year.
a little later or a little earlier than a particular time or date. Approximately is a little more formal than about or around and is used especially in written English: · The gate will close approximately two minutes before the train leaves.· Tours start approximately every 15-20 minutes in summer.
: some time after/before/around/between/in etc at a time in the past - use this when you do not know exactly when or it is not important exactly when: · The burglary must have happened some time after 8:00 p.m.· His third symphony was written some time between 1750 and 1753.· The clinic was closed some time in the early nineties.
: at 10 o'clock or thereabouts/in the 1950s or thereabouts etc use this after a time, date etc that is not exact, especially when it is not important to know the exact time, date etc: · They're old apartments, built in the 1930s or thereabouts.· The book will be published in May or thereabouts.
: circa 1920/1850/1492 etc use this when you are saying when something happened in history: · The manuscripts date from circa 400 B.C.· a Robert Adam mansion, built circa 1778· The picture shows Tsar Nicholas, circa 1914.
approximately correct
· Yes, that's roughly the right answer.· As long as you know roughly how to do it, that's fine.
if something is more or less correct, it is good or correct enough to be accepted even if it is not perfect: · What she says is more or less true.· "Did they have what you were looking for at the hardware store?" "Yes, more or less."
informal spoken said when you think something is approximately right or true, but not exactly: · It's kind of circular-shaped, but not exactly.· "Did you finish your homework?" "Well, sort of."
informal if you are in the right ballpark , what you have guessed is not exactly correct, but is close to being correct: · "I'd think a project like this would take at least five years to complete." "Not quite as long as that, but you're in the right ballpark."
a number or amount that is approximately right
· The measurements are approximate, but I think they'll do.· An expert could give you the approximate value of the painting.· Approximate journey time to London is four hours.
: rough guess/calculation/estimate/indication approximately correct, and therefore not to be used for detailed or important work: · The report should give you a rough indication of the company's stock market performance over the past year.· I'd say that the whole thing would cost you around $1000, but that's just a rough estimate.
a number or amount that is approximately correct - used especially in business: · A ballpark figure for the cost of the construction is $4.5 million.· A firm price hasn't been set yet, but the ballpark figure under discussion is $3 million.give somebody a ballpark figure: · Could you give me a ballpark figure?
formal a number or amount that is approximately correct: a reasonable approximation: · Five thousand dollars seems to be a reasonable approximation of the actual cost.
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 It’s about Tommy, doctor. He’s been sick again.
 Naturally, my mother wanted to know all about it (=all the details relating to it).
 There’s something really strange about Liza.
 What I like about the job is that it’s never boring.
 Leadership is all about getting your team to co-operate.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(also effect a change formal) (=cause change)· The war brought about radical social change.· Treatment is aimed at effecting a change in the child’s negative behaviour.
(=do your chores)· I got up and went about my chores, feeding the cats and making tea.
 He had no compunction about interfering in her private affairs.
· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· The government is in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
(=make people unsure about something)· His handling of the matter has raised doubts about his competence.
 At first we were doubtful about employing Charlie.
 He’s got the sort of money that you and I can only dream about.
· They are about equal in height and weight.
 The food was nothing to get excited about (=not very good or special).
 It was so funny everyone just fell about laughing.
 I used to have fantasies about living in Paris with an artist.
 Until I heard her sing I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about (=why people liked it so much).
· their worries about the future of the English countryside
 The villagers were going about their business as usual.
 He just went on and on about his new girlfriend.
(=look pale and ill)
American English How’s about going to the beach this afternoon?
 She had no illusions about her physical attractiveness.
· The heat wave brought about a massive increase in water consumption.
 What inferences have you drawn from this evidence?
 I know all about David and what he’s been up to!
 Politicians know all about the power of language.
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
 The staff are dedicated people who clearly know what they are talking about.
British English (=laugh a lot)· He saw the look on my face and he just fell about laughing.
(=laugh about something)· The farmer had a good laugh at our attempts to catch the horse.
 Don’t leave tools lying about.
 One of the nice things about Christmas is having all the family together.
 We know nothing about her family.
 Have you heard the one about the chicken who tried to cross the road?
(=go to places where you can meet people) Most teenagers would rather be out and about with their friends.
 What’s Sarah prattling on about?
 The manager has no qualms about dropping players who do not perform well.
 ‘Can I just finish this first?’ ‘OK, but be quick about it.’
 He owned all the land round about (=in the surrounding area).
 It's a shame about the weather.
· The affair has brought about a shift in the government’s attitude towards immigration.
 There was something sinister about Mr Scott’s death.
(=it happens)· I don’t know how this situation has come about.
 There was something rather odd about him.
 There’s something about her voice that I find really sexy.
 She felt there was something strange about Dexter’s voice.
· Have you discussed the subject with your husband?
 It’s good to see you up and about again (=out of bed after an illness and moving around normally).
(=be ready to think quickly and do what is necessary in a difficult situation)
 Don’t tell Mum about this – she’s got enough to worry about (=she already has a lot of problems or is very busy).
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► it’s all about somebody/something
  • Er, he said, while we 're about it, you couldn't lend me your bass as well, could you?
  • And what was all that about sending him your regards?
► what/how about somebody/something
  • And the second view shows a marked advantage when we begin to do something about behavior.
  • For those who are reluctant, understand why and do something about it.
  • I'd better do something about improving it.
  • I keep thinking I should do something about this place but there's never any time.
  • If the result is none too pleasant, it's time to do something about it.
  • We've got to do something about the bomb before we start.
  • We better do something about this deficiency right now.
  • Whenever Gandhi felt distressed or disturbed he wanted to do something about it.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not have a bad word to say about/against somebody► not know/care beans (about somebody/something)
  • The reaction I'll get when my parents find out doesn't even bear thinking about.
  • Don't beat about the bush.
  • Eliot did not beat about the bush.
  • I am not a person to beat about the bush.
  • I meant to be open with him but when it came to it I beat about the bush.
  • Let us stop beating about the bush.
  • No need to beat about the bush sweetie.
  • She winced at their infelicities, at the clumsy way they beat about the bush.
► have a bee in your bonnet (about something)
  • But Vassar taught me that I could do whatever I wanted to do without making a big deal out of it.
  • Mr. Stutzman makes no bones about his religious beliefs.
  • At least he made no bones about it.
  • He made no bones about displaying his artistic temperament.
  • He made no bones about stating his own views or criticising theirs.
  • I make no apology or make no bones about being partisan.
  • The secretary was enormously dissatisfied with how some of our programs were being managed, and made no bones about it.
  • These five women made no bones about national honor or scientific achievement.
  • Well, the two of them had made no bones about what they thought of her.
► bugger somebody about
  • The street was filled with ordinary people going about their business.
  • He was indifferent to the attention he received, calmly going about his business, never using his influence to manipulate others.
  • Normally it went about its business either on foot or in an arabeah, the horse-drawn cab distinctive to the city.
  • Sara went about her business, more troubled than ever about Jenny's imminent arrival.
  • The 49ers are counting on Deese to epitomize that professionalism as he goes about his business with Smith.
  • They went about their business, expecting him to appear at any moment.
  • While Deion Sanders received most of the pre-game ballyhoo, his bookend Brown went about his business with little or no fanfare.
  • Yesterday, as the group of pickers went about their business, police said there had been no further incidents.
  • You have to laugh about it and go about your business.
  • Our country's leaders must concern themselves with environmental protection.
  • Back in the days when he had yet concerned himself with the world.
  • Burun Khan may have told you that we know of such machines, but do not concern ourselves with them.
  • By contrast, total quality and continuous improvement concern themselves with improving performance in smaller chunks.
  • For several weeks I did not concern myself with any thought of the future.
  • In its pure form, a no-fault system, as its name suggests, does not concern itself with blame.
  • The committee will concern itself with matters relating to administration, marketing, finance, playing, development, and public relations.
  • The physical anthropologists concern themselves with the history and distribution of the varieties of mankind considered as species and sub-species.
  • What has been at stake that we concerned ourselves with this?
► be/feel conflicted (about something)► crazy about somebody/something► be daft about something
  • For opening doors and not giving a damn about what anybody else has to say to it.
  • I think their nonchalance about not caring or not giving a damn about record sales is just not true.
  • It was nature that had turned her grey, she said, and she did not give a damn.
  • My ideal would be to not give a damn as much as possible.
  • This time she yelled his name, not giving a damn if she looked a fool, and dived after him.
► dotty about somebody/something► not give a fig/not care a fig (about/for something/somebody)► not have the first idea about something► fuck somebody around/about► make a fuss/kick up a fuss (about something)► not be fussed (about something)► go about something► go about something
  • For a while they hang about on trees; then they die, fall off and lie about on the ground.
  • I didn't hang about getting to Armstrong and getting him started and headed back to Plumstead Road.
  • I used to hang about the school waiting for him to come out.
  • No birds, no booze, no groupies hanging about.
  • Now they're off and married, so we hang about and get the trouble.
  • Sometimes the men hang about, especially around the younger women.
  • There the loading was still under way and the women were still hanging about.
  • This one had lustreless brown hair, very straight, hanging about a pale, underground face.
► hang about!► have you heard the one about ...► how about that!/how do you like that!► how about if ... ?
  • How about if I read you and Mia a story?
  • How about some iced tea?
► be hung-up about/on something
  • Building community Gross inequality is not just about economics, it is about moral choice.
  • But the debate over free candidate time is not just about good government.
  • It was just about to dive as the train ran on.
  • Landowners became anxious not just about the birds but about access to their habitat.
  • Preston employees got the same type of information, not just about specific behavior, but about the company as a whole.
  • Shrimp takes a starring role on the menu at just about every restaurant in town.
  • Whiners are hard to like and hard to take seriously by just about everyone they work with.
► keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something)► I don’t know about you, but ...
  • Everyone was mad about youth nowadays.
  • Floyd was mad for her, but his father refused to let him borrow the car.
  • I was mad about her being killed, mad at whoever killed her.
  • Maybe he was mad for a while, then not mad.
  • She insisted she only wanted a memento, but I think she was mad about the parking surcharge.
  • Somehow the word got round that I was mad about maritime art.
  • Well, of course, she must take it up ... his wife was mad on it.
► man-about-town
  • A trip to Brussels to meet the responsible officials can turn up a mine of information.
  • His column in the Angling Times was the first thing that I turned to and what a mine of information.
  • If used properly, the diary was a mine of information.
  • Study a local map and the Ordnance Survey, which is a mine of information.
  • Make no mistake about it - I am not going to put up with this anymore.
  • And make no mistake about it, she knew I was there.
  • And make no mistake, the family works overtime to make its instructions felt.
  • And make no mistake, there will be plenty of bets.
  • I tried to make no mistakes, but they called me naughty every moment of the day.
  • In the second 250 race Robert made no mistakes, leading all the way to win from McCallen and Coulter.
  • The Pinot Noirs from Burgundy are often expensive, make no mistake.
► have a moan (about something)► muck somebody about/around
  • Nice lips, shame about the teeth.
  • Nice smile, shame about the lies, the splits and the job losses.
► (make) encouraging/optimistic etc noises (about something)► make (all) the right noises (about something)
  • Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
  • I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
  • It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
  • Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
  • I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
  • It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
  • Kirchberg is where the peace and quiet is worth making a noise about.
► be noised abroad/about/around► be nuts about/over somebody/something► be obsessing about/over something/somebody
  • And they don't go on about his obvious flaws, like him being a doctor and having three dozen girlfriends.
  • Everyone goes on about Cher's dresses, showing her navel.
  • However, this is the party that goes on about unemployment as though it had a good record on unemployment.
  • It sounded stupid the way she went on about loving the sea.
  • It went on about 15 minutes too long.
  • The first I knew about it was Malcolm going on about rubber.
  • This made him wary as he went on about his chores and tried not to let Lucky see him.
  • Why do I go on about this, I wonder.
  • And then the one about Mum.
  • Did you read the one about his Christmas cards?
  • He says his favourite Monty Python sketch is the one about Jean-Paul Sartre.
  • She is still processing his last statement, the one about needing an operation.
  • They would in fact be applying a test for review not dissimilar to the one about to be examined. 2.
  • At the time he died he was carrying the bomb on his person.
  • Away to the police surgeon to be probed for invisible cells hidden about her person.
  • Don't worry, he's not about to escape with film concealed about his person.
  • Her long blonde hair tumbled artistically about her person.
  • His favourite weapons are a.357 Desert Eagle, which he always carries on his person, and a Franchi Spas shotgun.
  • I distributed them properly about my person, and put on my hat.
  • We healed them with our doctor's hands and placed them about our person.
► piss somebody about/around► be potty about somebody/something
  • Due in part to unrelenting rain throughout the month, drivers have put in only about 9, 000 laps during practice.
  • Early in the welfare debate, assorted government agencies began putting it about that the teen-age birth rate was dropping.
  • Edward, utterly wretched, put his arms about her and she raised her mouth to his.
  • He put his arm about her then, and drew her close.
  • It was actually put up about 1670 after a sketch by Francesco Caratti.
  • The hazardous weather conditions put concerns about budget developments and the economy on the back burner.
  • The two partners put up about $ 60 million for the new venture.
  • We ask that you use this evening to put any questions about our industry to any of the staff here.
  • Due in part to unrelenting rain throughout the month, drivers have put in only about 9, 000 laps during practice.
  • Early in the welfare debate, assorted government agencies began putting it about that the teen-age birth rate was dropping.
  • Edward, utterly wretched, put his arms about her and she raised her mouth to his.
  • He put his arm about her then, and drew her close.
  • It was actually put up about 1670 after a sketch by Francesco Caratti.
  • The hazardous weather conditions put concerns about budget developments and the economy on the back burner.
  • The two partners put up about $ 60 million for the new venture.
  • We ask that you use this evening to put any questions about our industry to any of the staff here.
► put yourself about► keep something quiet/keep quiet about something► rave about/over something► round about
  • You'd better tell your dad about the dent in the car - I'm sure he'll have something to say about it.
  • However, Trevor Francis' Birmingham will have something to say about that.
  • I shall have something to say about original boards a little later.
  • Jen looked at me as if I ought to have something to say about this.
  • Jerome would have something to say about that..
  • Mind you, Sunderland, of course, could have something to say about that at Hillsborough tomorrow afternoon.
  • Rodman would have something to say about juvenile fantasies of self-reliance if I told him that one.
  • "I want to go to Joshua's tonight." "Well, we'll have to see about that."
  • Kim wants to go to this party, huh? Well, we'll see about that!
  • As David said, the union simply does not give a shit.
► somebody is not shy about (doing) something► that’s about the size of it
  • Something about Frank's attitude just makes you want to hit him.
  • There's something strange about the woman's eyes in the painting.
  • After witnessing scurvy's dire effects, naval surgeon James Lind decided to do something about it.
  • I know something about him that he doesn't know I know.
  • If the result is none too pleasant, it's time to do something about it.
  • Once you know how others perceive you, you can do something about it.
  • Some may see them entirely differently, arguing that they prove something about homophobia or how gay men react to anti-gay oppression.
  • That night I recognized at once something about him.
  • The only current team in the majors never to have appeared in postseason play decided to do something about it.
  • When will he do something about that deplorable record?
  • Barney, he had these two sons - tried to set up a song and dance act.
  • But to the children of Gloucestershire, it's just making a song and dance about having fun.
  • I think most conductors would have stopped and made a song and dance.
  • If she had wanted to stay she'd have made a song and dance, but it was better to move.
  • Look here, there's no need to make a song and dance of it.
  • This theme has a curious persistence, but one does not need a song and dance about it.
► be soppy about somebody/something
  • But the juxtaposition of the two buildings speaks volumes about the rapid disappearance of regional, vernacular, even weirdo architecture.
  • His grin spoke volumes to the back row.
  • Jack's tone spoke volumes, but Polly was trying not to listen.
  • Often, though, he speaks volumes when he chooses not to speak at all.
  • Other than the face, hands are the most visible part of one's body and invariably speak volumes about a person.
  • The 8 successful trips so far speak volumes.
  • The perpetual grin and I-just-won-the-lottery look on his face spoke volumes: The guy was ecstatic.
  • Your body language will speak volumes about your happy state. 4 Inhibition decreases.
  • This was their task but that sums it up too simply.
  • Look, I know what I'm talking about because I was there when it happened.
  • Pilger knows what he is talking about, having spent several years as a reporter in Vietnam.
  • Rolim seemed to know what he was talking about, but his theories raised some questions for me.
  • Wayne, you don't know what the hell you're talking about.
  • And those who hint that this approach increases the guilt of the patient simply do not know what they are talking about.
  • But the debate will be between two insiders who know what they are talking about.
  • But we ensure we first know what we are talking about.
  • Engineers should only offer an opinion if they know what they are talking about.
  • They are not the only people who know what they are talking about when it comes to children and education.
  • They have demonstrated publicly, through close scrutiny by their peers, that they know what they are talking about.
► talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc► talking of/about something
  • What are you talking about? - Ron has lots of money.
  • And I was like, I was just like, what are you talking about?
  • And, anyway, what are you talking about, the rich man in his castle?
► I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something
  • "I'm totally sick of my boss." "Yeah, tell me about it."
  • But I was pleased they had told me about it once.
  • Can you tell me about it?
  • Her father, Meir Ahronson, told me about it himself.
  • I remember the day when they told me about it.
  • She had had a rewarding session with the dressmaker and wanted to tell me about it.
  • You got problems, man, you tell me about it.
  • As usual Eva entered into the spirit of the thing with energy and determination.
  • I knew all the things about it that are unique.
  • Power: that was the thing about magic.
  • She had shredded the thing with her hips.
  • That was one of the things with black and white, the shadows, the dimension that you can get.
  • That was the thing about Alice: she saw my life before I did.
  • The strength of our feelings is one of the things about women that most unnerve men.
  • Yes, will is the thing with Seve.
  • It was Arbor Day, and their teacher, Miss Ellis, made a big thing out of it.
  • Judith has a thing about people chewing gum.
  • But, in this country, we used to have a thing about self-sufficiency.
  • I've often thought about starting my own business.
  • "Joey's home." "Well, it's about time."
  • A case of bread and circuses, and it's about time some one said it for the rave generation.
  • All we can say is, it's about time!
  • But I was thinking it's about time we got back to Nurse's house.
  • But it isn't, and it's about time the public knew that.
  • I think it's about time I went back home.
  • I was hoping there was, cos it's about time I got back home - it's getting pretty late.
  • Yes, it's about time that was stopped.
► not before time/and about time (too)
  • As ever, he was in two minds about Clarac's value to the project.
  • Do you know, he was in two minds about accepting?
  • For a second he was in two minds about it.
  • I am in two minds whether to change the engine or repair it.
  • In her own cottage a few miles away the witch Agnes Nitt was in two minds about her new pointy hat.
  • Please be warned: they are capable of getting through that gap which you are in two minds about bothering to block.
  • They were not to be in two minds.
  • This time she seemed to be in two minds about what to do.
  • If not, those involved will be unclear about what is expected and monitoring and control will be ineffective.
  • In those days we still were unclear about how the work would develop and whether we would move towards independence or not.
  • Many young people - I am in no way blaming them - are unclear about their personal plans.
  • Most of the applicants I interview either do not know about it or are unclear about the details.
  • Most workers were unclear about what their marginal tax rates were, and consequently did not have any very clearly calculated response.
  • No two ways about it, Blue says to himself: he knows everything.
  • No two ways about it, Clint Schneider was dynamite.
  • That was the job description, no two ways about it.
  • There are no two ways about it.
  • But being annual they would be open to reprisals if they threw their weight around too much.
  • But that bloody Caitlin, he had to throw his weight around.
  • Do we in petty ways throw our weight around?
  • How dare the Nottinghamshire police suppose they can throw their weight around in this way?
  • It's a chance for rugby to throw its weight around.
  • Maybe she could have handled that a little more tactfully instead of sounding as though she was throwing her weight around.
  • Mortgage traders were the sort of fat people who grunt from the belly and throw their weight around, like sumo wrestlers.
  • Very strong in his own way, not swaggering or throwing his weight about, but a great inner strength.
► what about ...?► while I’m/you’re etc at/about it► be wild about something/somebody
  • It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about.
  • You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments.
  • As long as those trousers were still in circulation, I felt sure there was nothing to worry about.
  • Bland reassurances came from the officials in charge of the spraying, who said there was nothing to worry about.
  • But Mel still insisted they had nothing to worry about.
  • I can reassure you that your sexy dreams are nothing to worry about.
  • Nine times out of ten, using this tactic, you discover that there's nothing to worry about.
  • There was nothing to worry about: if there had been, the fuzz would have come in with a warrant.
  • You can then realistically reassure yourself that you have nothing to worry about.
  • You have nothing to worry about.
  • Jim and Marcia's new house is nothing to write home about.
  • A few long-range efforts, but nothing to write home about.
  • Three, it is nothing to write home about ... Home ... What's the first thing you remember?
  • But even if I was wrong about Bryce, it's impossible I could be wrong about Magee.
  • But now, for the first time, she begins to think she might be wrong.
  • I want Mum to ask the doctor why they keep testing me - what do they think is wrong?
  • They argue that the legislated-excellence movement is wrong not only about how children learn, but also about what they should learn.
  • This turns out to be wrong.
  • Well, actually you could be forgiven for thinking that, and actually you'd be wrong.
  • What if the man who designed them was wrong?
1concerning or relating to a particular subject:  a book about politics She said something about leaving town. He lied about his age. About that car of yours. How much are you selling it for? What’s he on about (=talking about)? It’s about Tommy, doctor. He’s been sick again. Naturally, my mother wanted to know all about it (=all the details relating to it).2used to show why someone is angry, happy, upset etc:  I’m really worried about Jack. She’s upset about missing the party.3in many different directions within a particular place, or in different parts of a place SYN  around, round:  We spent the whole afternoon walking about town. Books were scattered about the room.4in the nature or character of a person or thing:  There’s something really strange about Liza. What I like about the job is that it’s never boring.5what/how about somebody/something spoken a)used to ask a question that directs attention to another person or thing:  What about Jack? We can’t just leave him here. I’m feeling hungry. How about you? b)used to make a suggestion:  How about a salad for lunch?6do something about something to do something to solve a problem or stop a bad situation:  If we don’t do something about it, the problem is going to get worse. What can be done about the rising levels of pollution?7if an organization, a job, an activity etc is about something, that is its basic purpose:  Leadership is all about getting your team to co-operate.8it’s all about somebody/something used to say who or what is important in a situation:  It’s all about money, and who’s got the most.9while you’re about it spoken used to tell someone to do something while they are doing something else because it would be easier to do both things at the same time:  Go and see what’s the matter, and while you’re about it you can fetch me my sweater.10what was all that about? spoken used to ask the reason for something that has just happened, especially someone’s angry behaviour11literary surrounding a person or thing:  Jo sensed fear and jealousy all about her. → be quick about it at quick1(5), → go about your business at business(12)THESAURUSabout used when saying what the subject of something is: · She’s always talking about you.· In her novels she writes about life in South Africa.· There’s something I wanted to ask you about.on about a particular subject: · a book on English grammar· a report on poverty in rural areasconcerning/regarding formal about: · Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future.· The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.with regard to formal about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something: · Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.re used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about: · Re: Friday’s meeting
about1 prepositionabout2 adverbabout3 adjective
aboutabout2 ●●● S1 W1 adverb Word Origin
WORD ORIGINabout2
Origin:
Old English abutan, from a- ‘on’ + butan ‘outside’
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • About six months ago he suffered a major heart attack.
  • He left the house round about four o'clock.
  • Her music lesson is about 45 minutes long.
  • It's been about five years since I've seen Linda.
  • It's two-thirty. They should be arriving about now.
  • It should cost about $1500.
  • She's 11 months old and just about ready to start walking.
  • The cathedral was completed in about the middle of the 16th century.
  • The chance of men being born colourblind is about 1 in 12.
  • The church is about a mile away.
  • The job should be finished round about March next year.
  • Tim's about 25 years old.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • For about $ 30, 000.
  • The first such creature appeared about 550 million years ago.
  • The two-month trip will take her more than 26, 000 miles in about three dozen legs.
  • Yes, we've got about twenty drawings.
Thesaurus
THESAURUS
more or less than a number or amount – used especially in technical or scientific contexts: · The company had total revenues of approximately $2 million.· The disease affects approximately 10% of the adult population.
more or less than a number or amount. ‘About’ is the usual word to use in everyday English: · It costs about $30 to get a visa.· There were about 50 people at the meeting.
about – used when you are trying to give someone a general idea of the size, amount, or number of something: · The two countries are roughly the same size.· Roughly how many miles do you travel a year?
about a number or time – used when you are guessing: · I’ll be there around 5 o’clock.· The BBC broadcasts around 2,000 radio dramas every year.
formal about – used with very large numbers or amounts: · Last year he earned something in the region of $60 million.· It costs somewhere in the region of £100,000 to train a new doctor.
informal about – used after a period of time, a number, or an amount: · The journey takes an hour or so.
formal about – used with dates a long time ago in the past: · The house was built circa 1530.
used after a number or amount, when the total may be a lot more: · A thirty-second commercial can cost £60,000 or more.
more than a number or amount: · The aircraft can carry upwards of 400 passengers.
Longman Language Activatorabout a subject or person
· Toby talks about you all the time.· This leaflet should answer all the questions you have about switching to digital TV.· I'm reading a really good book at the moment - it's about the French Revolution.· What's all the fuss about?about what/how/where etc · I've been thinking about what you said, and I've decided that you're right.
about a particular subject: · Lucia Piatti has written several books on the subject.advice/opinions/ideas etc on: · If you want any advice on where to stay, Jan should be able to help you.· His views on women are really old-fashioned.on what/how/where etc: · Do you have any ideas on where to eat tonight?book/programme/film etc on: · a book on 19th century English Literature· a lecture on Native American customs and folklore· Did you see that programme on South Africa last night?
formal about something or someone - use this especially to talk about information, ideas, or questions: · For any details concerning a particular country you should check with the embassy.· Richard was called in by the police to answer questions concerning the disappearance of Thomas Ripley.· If you have any questions regarding any of our services, please feel free to call me.· Thank you for your letter regarding the annual subscription to our magazine.
if you talk or write on the subject of someone or something, you talk or write about them: · Marie said nothing at all on the subject of Mr Bertram.while we're on the subject (=used when you are talking about a subject and want to say more about it): · While we're on the subject of money, do you have that $10 you owe me?
used in short business letters, messages etc: · Re planning meeting on Friday, please bring sales figures.· To: John Deacon. From: Maria Soames. Re: computer system.
formal used especially to introduce a subject that you want to talk about in a speech, formal report, meeting etc: · With regard to the proposed new shopping mall, I would like to add a few remarks to those of the previous speaker.· With regard to your letter concerning my January payment, this matter has now been settled.
use this in e-mails to introduce the subject you want to talk about. Wrt is an abbreviation of "with regard to": · Wrt your looking out for a new computer, I saw a good offer in the paper yesterday.· I'll be contacting Jean tomorrow wrt the Christmas party - is there anything you'd like me to suggest to her?
to have something as the main subject
· The play is about life in the Deep South in the 1930s.· What's tonight's documentary about?· Have you ever read 'Hideous Kinky'? It's about an English woman and her daughter travelling in Morocco.
to be about a particular subject, especially a serious one, and examine it carefully and in detail. Deal with is much more common than be concerned with: · The story deals with the psychological conflicts between mother and son.· The earliest films made in India dealt with mythological subjects.· Elton's books are often concerned with environmental issues.
if a story, report etc concerns someone or something, it is about them and especially about what happens to them: · Much of the material in her early letters concerns events which happened some years before.
also centre on British, /center on American if something such as a book, article, or discussion focuses on a subject or problem, it is mainly about it and examines it in detail: · The next chapter will focus on this problem in greater detail.· a weekly magazine mainly focusing on business-related issues· The controversy centred on the question of illegal arms sales.
approximately a number or amount
a little more or a little less than a number, amount, distance, or time: · It should cost about $1500.· The church is about a mile away.· It's been about five years since I've seen Linda.· The chance of men being born colourblind is about 1 in 12.
a little more or a little less than a number, amount, distance, or time. Approximately is a little more formal than about and is used especially in written English: · Approximately 30% of the community is Polish.· Each disk stores approximately 144 pages of text.
approximately - used especially when you are trying to give someone a general idea of the number or amount: · A new kitchen would cost roughly $6,000.· The man was roughly my own age.· There were roughly 50 people there.
: 3 days/a minute/fifteen people etc or so approximately 3 days, a minute etc, or perhaps even more: · The baby usually sleeps for an hour or so after breakfast.· He suggested that I take a week or so off work.· There must be thirty people or so in the class.
informal spoken: a hundred/forty/thirty etc odd use this after numbers in tens, hundreds, or thousands: · "How old do you think he is?'' "Oh, I don't know. Seventy odd.''· It's been 30 odd years since I last saw him.
spoken: give or take a few miles/a couple of minutes/a pound etc use this when saying approximately what a number or amount is, when it may be a few miles more or less, a few minutes more or less etc: · The village is about fifty miles north of here, give or take a few miles.· He's said to be worth $26 million, give or take a few million.· "How long will the meeting last?" "A couple of hours, give or take."
spoken approximately, especially when you do not know the correct number or amount and are guessing what it is: · At a guess, I'd say around 3000 people took part in the demonstration.· It was a cold night. About two or three degrees at a guess.· "How much will it cost?" "A hundred and twenty pounds, at a guess."
approximately a large number or amount
· The business is worth something in the region of $25m.· The universe is estimated to be somewhere in the region of eleven billion years old.· A typical price would be somewhere in the region of £2,500 per person.
spoken · Smith is already something like $10,000 in debt.· In the USA something like 4000 such accidents occur each year.
: an estimated 3000 people/one million pounds/90% of profits etc approximately that number or amount - use this when you have no exact or detailed figures on which to calculate the exact number: · The event was seen on television by an estimated 250 million people worldwide.· An estimated 10% of new mothers suffer from severe depression.· By the end of the month an estimated 1000 people had been killed and 42,000 left homeless.
: some 100 people/50 years/2000 establishments etc approximately that number or amount - use this especially when you think it is impressive or surprising: · Among the 11 factory sites across Europe, some 2,600 jobs are to be eliminated this year.· He lectured at the Institut Pasteur for some 50 years.
: 5000 people/20%/9 days etc or more use this when the total may be a lot more, and you want to emphasize that this is a large number or amount: · How can you be tired? You slept for ten hours or more last night.· There were a thousand or more fans at the airport to welcome the band.
at approximately a particular time or date
also around especially American a little later or a little earlier than a particular time or date: · It's two-thirty. They should be arriving about now.· The cathedral was completed in about the middle of the 16th century.· About six months ago he suffered a major heart attack.· I picked Sue up around eight o' clock.· I don't remember the exact date of the party, but it must have been around the first of December.round about especially British: · He left the house round about four o'clock.· The job should be finished round about March next year.
a little later or a little earlier than a particular time or date. Approximately is a little more formal than about or around and is used especially in written English: · The gate will close approximately two minutes before the train leaves.· Tours start approximately every 15-20 minutes in summer.
: some time after/before/around/between/in etc at a time in the past - use this when you do not know exactly when or it is not important exactly when: · The burglary must have happened some time after 8:00 p.m.· His third symphony was written some time between 1750 and 1753.· The clinic was closed some time in the early nineties.
: at 10 o'clock or thereabouts/in the 1950s or thereabouts etc use this after a time, date etc that is not exact, especially when it is not important to know the exact time, date etc: · They're old apartments, built in the 1930s or thereabouts.· The book will be published in May or thereabouts.
: circa 1920/1850/1492 etc use this when you are saying when something happened in history: · The manuscripts date from circa 400 B.C.· a Robert Adam mansion, built circa 1778· The picture shows Tsar Nicholas, circa 1914.
approximately correct
· Yes, that's roughly the right answer.· As long as you know roughly how to do it, that's fine.
if something is more or less correct, it is good or correct enough to be accepted even if it is not perfect: · What she says is more or less true.· "Did they have what you were looking for at the hardware store?" "Yes, more or less."
informal spoken said when you think something is approximately right or true, but not exactly: · It's kind of circular-shaped, but not exactly.· "Did you finish your homework?" "Well, sort of."
informal if you are in the right ballpark , what you have guessed is not exactly correct, but is close to being correct: · "I'd think a project like this would take at least five years to complete." "Not quite as long as that, but you're in the right ballpark."
a number or amount that is approximately right
· The measurements are approximate, but I think they'll do.· An expert could give you the approximate value of the painting.· Approximate journey time to London is four hours.
: rough guess/calculation/estimate/indication approximately correct, and therefore not to be used for detailed or important work: · The report should give you a rough indication of the company's stock market performance over the past year.· I'd say that the whole thing would cost you around $1000, but that's just a rough estimate.
a number or amount that is approximately correct - used especially in business: · A ballpark figure for the cost of the construction is $4.5 million.· A firm price hasn't been set yet, but the ballpark figure under discussion is $3 million.give somebody a ballpark figure: · Could you give me a ballpark figure?
formal a number or amount that is approximately correct: a reasonable approximation: · Five thousand dollars seems to be a reasonable approximation of the actual cost.
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about.
 ‘Have you finished?’ ‘Just about.’
 It’s just about the worst mistake anyone could make.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(also effect a change formal) (=cause change)· The war brought about radical social change.· Treatment is aimed at effecting a change in the child’s negative behaviour.
(=do your chores)· I got up and went about my chores, feeding the cats and making tea.
 He had no compunction about interfering in her private affairs.
· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· The government is in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
(=make people unsure about something)· His handling of the matter has raised doubts about his competence.
 At first we were doubtful about employing Charlie.
 He’s got the sort of money that you and I can only dream about.
· They are about equal in height and weight.
 The food was nothing to get excited about (=not very good or special).
 It was so funny everyone just fell about laughing.
 I used to have fantasies about living in Paris with an artist.
 Until I heard her sing I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about (=why people liked it so much).
· their worries about the future of the English countryside
 The villagers were going about their business as usual.
 He just went on and on about his new girlfriend.
(=look pale and ill)
American English How’s about going to the beach this afternoon?
 She had no illusions about her physical attractiveness.
· The heat wave brought about a massive increase in water consumption.
 What inferences have you drawn from this evidence?
 I know all about David and what he’s been up to!
 Politicians know all about the power of language.
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
 The staff are dedicated people who clearly know what they are talking about.
British English (=laugh a lot)· He saw the look on my face and he just fell about laughing.
(=laugh about something)· The farmer had a good laugh at our attempts to catch the horse.
 Don’t leave tools lying about.
 One of the nice things about Christmas is having all the family together.
 We know nothing about her family.
 Have you heard the one about the chicken who tried to cross the road?
(=go to places where you can meet people) Most teenagers would rather be out and about with their friends.
 What’s Sarah prattling on about?
 The manager has no qualms about dropping players who do not perform well.
 ‘Can I just finish this first?’ ‘OK, but be quick about it.’
 He owned all the land round about (=in the surrounding area).
 It's a shame about the weather.
· The affair has brought about a shift in the government’s attitude towards immigration.
 There was something sinister about Mr Scott’s death.
(=it happens)· I don’t know how this situation has come about.
 There was something rather odd about him.
 There’s something about her voice that I find really sexy.
 She felt there was something strange about Dexter’s voice.
· Have you discussed the subject with your husband?
 It’s good to see you up and about again (=out of bed after an illness and moving around normally).
(=be ready to think quickly and do what is necessary in a difficult situation)
 Don’t tell Mum about this – she’s got enough to worry about (=she already has a lot of problems or is very busy).
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
· And hope persists that the group's larger political efforts will bring about positive change in their own lives.· The Incas also had gold, but it helped bring about their downfall.· It could bring about greater price transparency and so more competition for consumers.· And a combined navy and army operation brought about the fall of the stronger Fort Morgan on August 23.· Such a transfer could and would only be brought about by a bourgeois-democratic revolution.· Practice leadership based on the courage to live the change you wish to bring about.· A definition which fails to confront abuse fails to bring about effective interventions and risks increasing the incidence of abuse.· Thus began a series of violent public demonstrations that brought about severe property damage, bloodshed, and death.
· I don't care about anything but being safe, she thought.· In the end, all you really cared about was what the Krausses of this world would think.· Even the cash-flow predictions they cared about so much were nothing to her but answers she wanted ticked.· He looked momentarily intrigued as he saw her, as though he actually cared about what she might be doing.· Maybe they're songwriters - they don't really care about really good guitar players.· There is one special boy I care about.· This is a domestic drama, with characters you come to care about as people.· These are the things I care about, on one of my two or three favorite sports days of the year.
· On the other hand, a reduction in costs can come about through elimination of waste.· But the record clearly indicates that ordinance came about primarily due to the efforts of McKasson and Councilman Steve Leal.· His next big career break came about almost by accident.· They know that what they have learned came about through extended effort, in concert with others, on topics that mattered.· Britain should therefore not hesitate to use whatever powers and diplomatic skills she possesses to ensure that it does not come about.· The addition of neural network methods came about because of several problems.· In the event the anticipated collapse of the first genetic engineering company amid a pile of bad debts did not come about.· It is logically possible that any degree of perfection may come about.
· It has put together a machine with little to complain about.· So what do we have to complain about?· The bishop has complained about commercialised money-making projects in the past.· He also agreed to revise training operations to quell noise that Okinawans have complained about for years.· Those who complain about dear money and strong sterling would doubtless see this as an even worse regime.· Actresses complain about not having challenges.· Thus, it is a reasonable thing to complain about.
· But this has already given rise to concern about hidden or back-door sponsorship.· Not the First Lady because all she was concerned about was cutting waste and saving taxpayer money.· None the less, there is still concern about exactly how the 80 percent is to be measured.· The bill was blocked last year by conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats concerned about over-zealous federal law enforcement.· Researchers, however, are less concerned about radioactivity than the toxic nature of depleted uranium, a heavy metal.· Perhaps concern about the environment has induced them to learn more about a key environmental science.
· This man with an interest in the murder everyone had forgotten about.· For a blissful three hours I completely forgot about Alistair Dodge.· Disposal of our domestic rubbish is something we tend to forget about once it's been picked up by the dust-cart.· Richard realized that he would have to forget about electrical engineering, but he had no idea what else to major in.· He seemed to have forgotten about only letting me loose on water.· But now what we have to do is forget about the past and build on the present.· The dress was put in a drawer, unfinished but not forgotten about.· You then put it out of the way and forget about it for about an hour and a half.
· Doyle confirms this: Most of the good songs which I heard about came to me that way.· And it did more for baseball than the impending labor agreement we keep hearing about.· I think I heard about thirty.· There was a time when I heard about good things only.· IRs hears about a lot of young acts from prestige Talent.· Yet how often have you experienced or heard about organization change efforts that seem to have no connection to performance at all?· If Mr Gore had even managed to carry his home state, we wouldn't be hearing about dimpled chads now.· I can hardly wait to hear about left temporal lobe epileptics.
· This policy has paid clear dividends which we all know about.· The Sumerians are the most ancient users of alcohol that we know about.· He enjoyed educating himself in the things he wanted to know about.· The Rainbow and Princess are ones I only know about.· I dared not go down myself ... nobody knew about our relationship.· How much did these men know about Oliver?· Is there a cure that they do not know about?· Just knowing about it had given her a new sense of calm.
· You need to learn about good breeding.· Carbon paper executives probably jumped off buildings when they learned about Xerox copiers.· There are three important things to learn about bullies from the Bible's description of Herod.· In the WhoUs Who section, you learn about famous scientists.· We have so much to learn about female nutrition.· I learned about editing, and, because the magazine had a staff of six, I learned some-thing about management.· Pupils learn about how a printing press works.· We did not learn about the war until the following day when my mother heard the news on the radio.
· She spotted other figures moving about, and from some place close by she heard agonized sobbing.· We moved about a hundred feet at a slow walk.· All the lights were on and people seemed to be moving about in every room.· He could also move about in a battery-operated wheelchair, which was designed to look like a toy car.· A gas exerts pressure because its molecules are moving about rapidly and in random directions.· The prehensile pectoral fins actually grasp the weed as the fish moves about.· His temperament, his drive for action and for moving about are moderate.· They thus built on the momentum they had gained in convention by moving about among the people.
· So the following six months to a year I spent the time abroad walking and seeing the places I had read about.· I used to send my songs off to outfits in Hollywood that I had read about in magazines.· I knew what she was reading about.· Years later, I would think of their sheen as being rather like the membranes enclosing viruses I had read about.· Then there's new positions I've been reading about, yaar.· Even the mythic good guys you read about have warts.· My mentors were people I read about, such as Richard Byrd, the explorer, rather than people I knew.· I think of a starving boy I read about in the newspaper.
· He set about trying to expel me.· Amelia, her finances considerably reduced, saw an opportunity and set about getting her Kinner.· With single-minded purpose and consummate skill, Morel set about organizing a movement.· As he watched her, he set about encouraging that quality in her sculpture.· Then she settled Victoria in the big chair and set about making tea.· From there he set about recording his solo debut.· He must set about getting something like that himself.· When Physioc refused to sell his property, the government condemned it and set about to take it under eminent domain laws.
· Yes, this now celebrated affair, which I've not spoken about before, did actually happen.· As they arrived, he asked the local candidate, with whom he was travelling, what he should speak about.· I could also not speak about what was severed between my mother and me that morning and neither could she.· Rain wondered what they had spoken about, how long the conversation had lapsed before she joined them.· It is fear, or rather fears, that I want to speak about in this book.· Unilateralism is refreshing, if it means plain speaking about inadequate treaties or misguided policies.· Black leaders will refrain from hammering at the issue out of an uneasiness at speaking about intergenerational oppression.
· I do not understand what they are talking about, and I do not have the knowledge to take up their suggestions.· Some boys I know in Philly talk about you a lot.· He would talk about what is going on in the budget battle, what is going on in the Medicare debate.· Barron and Miller both talk about a 1994 fire in Idaho.· But the debate will be between two insiders who know what they are talking about.
· When Mohibullah went to prison I was so upset I thought about giving up squash completely.· But I also wanted Leanne to think about what she was saying.· You don't have a family to think about of course, he said.· Now, there are other things to think about if we want to make this a better place.· Just thinking about it overwhelms me with its complexity.· I sensed all this profoundly when I first began to think about what might lie beneath the surface of the oceans.· Is that all you ever think about?· It might give John a few things to think about.
· Oh, don't worry about it-I've heard it all before.· They worry about not receiving the approval of teachers, parents, and peers.· It is the criminal activity surrounding the supply of illegal drugs that we should really worry about.· She worries about him all the time. 1943 I am fourteen months old when my father goes away to war.· I only had the first one to worry about.· I so worry about her, I sometimes cry for hours to myself.· All you're worried about is when you're gon na get your next hit.· I had enough people to worry about.
· But what among all the streaks of wickedness in human nature are you going to write about?· His madness and his recovery were still very much present to him, and he would occasionally talk or write about both.· You can think about it, talk about it, write about it, dedicate your life to it.· When describing their feelings about writing, my clients have used such words as agonizing, excruciating, and torturous.· Some students may write about the avoidance of a major depression, others about the decision to focus on high employment.· But most of the philosophers who have written about and explored the nature of being have not been so crude.· I write about how I have to write about my life to give it some shape, some order.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • I've seen her around a few times, but that's about it.
  • There's some ham in the fridge, and that's about it.
  • Behaviour in a vacuum may be very interesting but that's about all.
  • I can tell the difference between a sparrow and a swan and that's about it.
  • Oh well, that's about it.
  • Soundblaster effects such as laser fire and explosions are terrific but that's about it.
  • That's about all I can tell you.
  • That's about it for this month.
  • They're very big, and they're very expensive, and that's about all you can say for them.
  • Unfortunately when it comes to originality that's about all the game has to offer.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not have a bad word to say about/against somebody► not know/care beans (about somebody/something)
  • The reaction I'll get when my parents find out doesn't even bear thinking about.
  • Don't beat about the bush.
  • Eliot did not beat about the bush.
  • I am not a person to beat about the bush.
  • I meant to be open with him but when it came to it I beat about the bush.
  • Let us stop beating about the bush.
  • No need to beat about the bush sweetie.
  • She winced at their infelicities, at the clumsy way they beat about the bush.
► have a bee in your bonnet (about something)
  • But Vassar taught me that I could do whatever I wanted to do without making a big deal out of it.
  • Mr. Stutzman makes no bones about his religious beliefs.
  • At least he made no bones about it.
  • He made no bones about displaying his artistic temperament.
  • He made no bones about stating his own views or criticising theirs.
  • I make no apology or make no bones about being partisan.
  • The secretary was enormously dissatisfied with how some of our programs were being managed, and made no bones about it.
  • These five women made no bones about national honor or scientific achievement.
  • Well, the two of them had made no bones about what they thought of her.
► bugger somebody about
  • The street was filled with ordinary people going about their business.
  • He was indifferent to the attention he received, calmly going about his business, never using his influence to manipulate others.
  • Normally it went about its business either on foot or in an arabeah, the horse-drawn cab distinctive to the city.
  • Sara went about her business, more troubled than ever about Jenny's imminent arrival.
  • The 49ers are counting on Deese to epitomize that professionalism as he goes about his business with Smith.
  • They went about their business, expecting him to appear at any moment.
  • While Deion Sanders received most of the pre-game ballyhoo, his bookend Brown went about his business with little or no fanfare.
  • Yesterday, as the group of pickers went about their business, police said there had been no further incidents.
  • You have to laugh about it and go about your business.
  • Our country's leaders must concern themselves with environmental protection.
  • Back in the days when he had yet concerned himself with the world.
  • Burun Khan may have told you that we know of such machines, but do not concern ourselves with them.
  • By contrast, total quality and continuous improvement concern themselves with improving performance in smaller chunks.
  • For several weeks I did not concern myself with any thought of the future.
  • In its pure form, a no-fault system, as its name suggests, does not concern itself with blame.
  • The committee will concern itself with matters relating to administration, marketing, finance, playing, development, and public relations.
  • The physical anthropologists concern themselves with the history and distribution of the varieties of mankind considered as species and sub-species.
  • What has been at stake that we concerned ourselves with this?
► be/feel conflicted (about something)► crazy about somebody/something► be daft about something
  • For opening doors and not giving a damn about what anybody else has to say to it.
  • I think their nonchalance about not caring or not giving a damn about record sales is just not true.
  • It was nature that had turned her grey, she said, and she did not give a damn.
  • My ideal would be to not give a damn as much as possible.
  • This time she yelled his name, not giving a damn if she looked a fool, and dived after him.
► dotty about somebody/something► not give a fig/not care a fig (about/for something/somebody)► not have the first idea about something► fuck somebody around/about► make a fuss/kick up a fuss (about something)► not be fussed (about something)► go about something► go about something
  • For a while they hang about on trees; then they die, fall off and lie about on the ground.
  • I didn't hang about getting to Armstrong and getting him started and headed back to Plumstead Road.
  • I used to hang about the school waiting for him to come out.
  • No birds, no booze, no groupies hanging about.
  • Now they're off and married, so we hang about and get the trouble.
  • Sometimes the men hang about, especially around the younger women.
  • There the loading was still under way and the women were still hanging about.
  • This one had lustreless brown hair, very straight, hanging about a pale, underground face.
► hang about!► have you heard the one about ...► how about that!/how do you like that!► how about if ... ?
  • How about if I read you and Mia a story?
  • How about some iced tea?
► be hung-up about/on something
  • Building community Gross inequality is not just about economics, it is about moral choice.
  • But the debate over free candidate time is not just about good government.
  • It was just about to dive as the train ran on.
  • Landowners became anxious not just about the birds but about access to their habitat.
  • Preston employees got the same type of information, not just about specific behavior, but about the company as a whole.
  • Shrimp takes a starring role on the menu at just about every restaurant in town.
  • Whiners are hard to like and hard to take seriously by just about everyone they work with.
► keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something)► I don’t know about you, but ...
  • Everyone was mad about youth nowadays.
  • Floyd was mad for her, but his father refused to let him borrow the car.
  • I was mad about her being killed, mad at whoever killed her.
  • Maybe he was mad for a while, then not mad.
  • She insisted she only wanted a memento, but I think she was mad about the parking surcharge.
  • Somehow the word got round that I was mad about maritime art.
  • Well, of course, she must take it up ... his wife was mad on it.
► man-about-town
  • A trip to Brussels to meet the responsible officials can turn up a mine of information.
  • His column in the Angling Times was the first thing that I turned to and what a mine of information.
  • If used properly, the diary was a mine of information.
  • Study a local map and the Ordnance Survey, which is a mine of information.
  • Make no mistake about it - I am not going to put up with this anymore.
  • And make no mistake about it, she knew I was there.
  • And make no mistake, the family works overtime to make its instructions felt.
  • And make no mistake, there will be plenty of bets.
  • I tried to make no mistakes, but they called me naughty every moment of the day.
  • In the second 250 race Robert made no mistakes, leading all the way to win from McCallen and Coulter.
  • The Pinot Noirs from Burgundy are often expensive, make no mistake.
► have a moan (about something)► muck somebody about/around
  • Nice lips, shame about the teeth.
  • Nice smile, shame about the lies, the splits and the job losses.
► (make) encouraging/optimistic etc noises (about something)► make (all) the right noises (about something)
  • Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
  • I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
  • It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
  • Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
  • I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
  • It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
  • Kirchberg is where the peace and quiet is worth making a noise about.
► be noised abroad/about/around► be nuts about/over somebody/something► be obsessing about/over something/somebody
  • And they don't go on about his obvious flaws, like him being a doctor and having three dozen girlfriends.
  • Everyone goes on about Cher's dresses, showing her navel.
  • However, this is the party that goes on about unemployment as though it had a good record on unemployment.
  • It sounded stupid the way she went on about loving the sea.
  • It went on about 15 minutes too long.
  • The first I knew about it was Malcolm going on about rubber.
  • This made him wary as he went on about his chores and tried not to let Lucky see him.
  • Why do I go on about this, I wonder.
  • And then the one about Mum.
  • Did you read the one about his Christmas cards?
  • He says his favourite Monty Python sketch is the one about Jean-Paul Sartre.
  • She is still processing his last statement, the one about needing an operation.
  • They would in fact be applying a test for review not dissimilar to the one about to be examined. 2.
  • At the time he died he was carrying the bomb on his person.
  • Away to the police surgeon to be probed for invisible cells hidden about her person.
  • Don't worry, he's not about to escape with film concealed about his person.
  • Her long blonde hair tumbled artistically about her person.
  • His favourite weapons are a.357 Desert Eagle, which he always carries on his person, and a Franchi Spas shotgun.
  • I distributed them properly about my person, and put on my hat.
  • We healed them with our doctor's hands and placed them about our person.
► piss somebody about/around► be potty about somebody/something
  • Due in part to unrelenting rain throughout the month, drivers have put in only about 9, 000 laps during practice.
  • Early in the welfare debate, assorted government agencies began putting it about that the teen-age birth rate was dropping.
  • Edward, utterly wretched, put his arms about her and she raised her mouth to his.
  • He put his arm about her then, and drew her close.
  • It was actually put up about 1670 after a sketch by Francesco Caratti.
  • The hazardous weather conditions put concerns about budget developments and the economy on the back burner.
  • The two partners put up about $ 60 million for the new venture.
  • We ask that you use this evening to put any questions about our industry to any of the staff here.
  • Due in part to unrelenting rain throughout the month, drivers have put in only about 9, 000 laps during practice.
  • Early in the welfare debate, assorted government agencies began putting it about that the teen-age birth rate was dropping.
  • Edward, utterly wretched, put his arms about her and she raised her mouth to his.
  • He put his arm about her then, and drew her close.
  • It was actually put up about 1670 after a sketch by Francesco Caratti.
  • The hazardous weather conditions put concerns about budget developments and the economy on the back burner.
  • The two partners put up about $ 60 million for the new venture.
  • We ask that you use this evening to put any questions about our industry to any of the staff here.
► put yourself about► keep something quiet/keep quiet about something► rave about/over something► round about
  • You'd better tell your dad about the dent in the car - I'm sure he'll have something to say about it.
  • However, Trevor Francis' Birmingham will have something to say about that.
  • I shall have something to say about original boards a little later.
  • Jen looked at me as if I ought to have something to say about this.
  • Jerome would have something to say about that..
  • Mind you, Sunderland, of course, could have something to say about that at Hillsborough tomorrow afternoon.
  • Rodman would have something to say about juvenile fantasies of self-reliance if I told him that one.
  • "I want to go to Joshua's tonight." "Well, we'll have to see about that."
  • Kim wants to go to this party, huh? Well, we'll see about that!
  • As David said, the union simply does not give a shit.
► somebody is not shy about (doing) something► that’s about the size of it
  • Something about Frank's attitude just makes you want to hit him.
  • There's something strange about the woman's eyes in the painting.
  • After witnessing scurvy's dire effects, naval surgeon James Lind decided to do something about it.
  • I know something about him that he doesn't know I know.
  • If the result is none too pleasant, it's time to do something about it.
  • Once you know how others perceive you, you can do something about it.
  • Some may see them entirely differently, arguing that they prove something about homophobia or how gay men react to anti-gay oppression.
  • That night I recognized at once something about him.
  • The only current team in the majors never to have appeared in postseason play decided to do something about it.
  • When will he do something about that deplorable record?
  • Barney, he had these two sons - tried to set up a song and dance act.
  • But to the children of Gloucestershire, it's just making a song and dance about having fun.
  • I think most conductors would have stopped and made a song and dance.
  • If she had wanted to stay she'd have made a song and dance, but it was better to move.
  • Look here, there's no need to make a song and dance of it.
  • This theme has a curious persistence, but one does not need a song and dance about it.
► be soppy about somebody/something
  • But the juxtaposition of the two buildings speaks volumes about the rapid disappearance of regional, vernacular, even weirdo architecture.
  • His grin spoke volumes to the back row.
  • Jack's tone spoke volumes, but Polly was trying not to listen.
  • Often, though, he speaks volumes when he chooses not to speak at all.
  • Other than the face, hands are the most visible part of one's body and invariably speak volumes about a person.
  • The 8 successful trips so far speak volumes.
  • The perpetual grin and I-just-won-the-lottery look on his face spoke volumes: The guy was ecstatic.
  • Your body language will speak volumes about your happy state. 4 Inhibition decreases.
  • This was their task but that sums it up too simply.
  • Look, I know what I'm talking about because I was there when it happened.
  • Pilger knows what he is talking about, having spent several years as a reporter in Vietnam.
  • Rolim seemed to know what he was talking about, but his theories raised some questions for me.
  • Wayne, you don't know what the hell you're talking about.
  • And those who hint that this approach increases the guilt of the patient simply do not know what they are talking about.
  • But the debate will be between two insiders who know what they are talking about.
  • But we ensure we first know what we are talking about.
  • Engineers should only offer an opinion if they know what they are talking about.
  • They are not the only people who know what they are talking about when it comes to children and education.
  • They have demonstrated publicly, through close scrutiny by their peers, that they know what they are talking about.
► talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc► talking of/about something
  • What are you talking about? - Ron has lots of money.
  • And I was like, I was just like, what are you talking about?
  • And, anyway, what are you talking about, the rich man in his castle?
► I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something
  • "I'm totally sick of my boss." "Yeah, tell me about it."
  • But I was pleased they had told me about it once.
  • Can you tell me about it?
  • Her father, Meir Ahronson, told me about it himself.
  • I remember the day when they told me about it.
  • She had had a rewarding session with the dressmaker and wanted to tell me about it.
  • You got problems, man, you tell me about it.
  • As usual Eva entered into the spirit of the thing with energy and determination.
  • I knew all the things about it that are unique.
  • Power: that was the thing about magic.
  • She had shredded the thing with her hips.
  • That was one of the things with black and white, the shadows, the dimension that you can get.
  • That was the thing about Alice: she saw my life before I did.
  • The strength of our feelings is one of the things about women that most unnerve men.
  • Yes, will is the thing with Seve.
  • It was Arbor Day, and their teacher, Miss Ellis, made a big thing out of it.
  • Judith has a thing about people chewing gum.
  • But, in this country, we used to have a thing about self-sufficiency.
  • I've often thought about starting my own business.
  • "Joey's home." "Well, it's about time."
  • A case of bread and circuses, and it's about time some one said it for the rave generation.
  • All we can say is, it's about time!
  • But I was thinking it's about time we got back to Nurse's house.
  • But it isn't, and it's about time the public knew that.
  • I think it's about time I went back home.
  • I was hoping there was, cos it's about time I got back home - it's getting pretty late.
  • Yes, it's about time that was stopped.
► not before time/and about time (too)
  • As ever, he was in two minds about Clarac's value to the project.
  • Do you know, he was in two minds about accepting?
  • For a second he was in two minds about it.
  • I am in two minds whether to change the engine or repair it.
  • In her own cottage a few miles away the witch Agnes Nitt was in two minds about her new pointy hat.
  • Please be warned: they are capable of getting through that gap which you are in two minds about bothering to block.
  • They were not to be in two minds.
  • This time she seemed to be in two minds about what to do.
  • If not, those involved will be unclear about what is expected and monitoring and control will be ineffective.
  • In those days we still were unclear about how the work would develop and whether we would move towards independence or not.
  • Many young people - I am in no way blaming them - are unclear about their personal plans.
  • Most of the applicants I interview either do not know about it or are unclear about the details.
  • Most workers were unclear about what their marginal tax rates were, and consequently did not have any very clearly calculated response.
  • No two ways about it, Blue says to himself: he knows everything.
  • No two ways about it, Clint Schneider was dynamite.
  • That was the job description, no two ways about it.
  • There are no two ways about it.
  • But being annual they would be open to reprisals if they threw their weight around too much.
  • But that bloody Caitlin, he had to throw his weight around.
  • Do we in petty ways throw our weight around?
  • How dare the Nottinghamshire police suppose they can throw their weight around in this way?
  • It's a chance for rugby to throw its weight around.
  • Maybe she could have handled that a little more tactfully instead of sounding as though she was throwing her weight around.
  • Mortgage traders were the sort of fat people who grunt from the belly and throw their weight around, like sumo wrestlers.
  • Very strong in his own way, not swaggering or throwing his weight about, but a great inner strength.
► what about ...?► while I’m/you’re etc at/about it► be wild about something/somebody
  • It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about.
  • You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments.
  • As long as those trousers were still in circulation, I felt sure there was nothing to worry about.
  • Bland reassurances came from the officials in charge of the spraying, who said there was nothing to worry about.
  • But Mel still insisted they had nothing to worry about.
  • I can reassure you that your sexy dreams are nothing to worry about.
  • Nine times out of ten, using this tactic, you discover that there's nothing to worry about.
  • There was nothing to worry about: if there had been, the fuzz would have come in with a warrant.
  • You can then realistically reassure yourself that you have nothing to worry about.
  • You have nothing to worry about.
  • Jim and Marcia's new house is nothing to write home about.
  • A few long-range efforts, but nothing to write home about.
  • Three, it is nothing to write home about ... Home ... What's the first thing you remember?
  • But even if I was wrong about Bryce, it's impossible I could be wrong about Magee.
  • But now, for the first time, she begins to think she might be wrong.
  • I want Mum to ask the doctor why they keep testing me - what do they think is wrong?
  • They argue that the legislated-excellence movement is wrong not only about how children learn, but also about what they should learn.
  • This turns out to be wrong.
  • Well, actually you could be forgiven for thinking that, and actually you'd be wrong.
  • What if the man who designed them was wrong?
1 (also round about spoken) a little more or less than a particular number, amount, or size SYN  roughly, approximately:  I live about 10 miles away. a tiny computer about as big as a postcard We left the restaurant at round about 10.30.► see thesaurus at approximateRegisterIn written English, people usually prefer to use approximately, as it sounds more technical:· The cost to taxpayers is approximately $200 billion.2 British English in many different directions within a place or in different parts of a place SYN  around:  People were rushing about, trying to find the driver. Cushions were scattered about on the chairs.3near to you or in the same place as you:  Is Derek about? There’s a phone call for him. Quick! Let’s go while there’s no-one about.4British English spoken existing or available now:  I hope she hasn’t caught flu. There’s a lot of it about. She might get temporary work, but there’s not much about.5informal almost or probably:  I was about ready to leave when somebody rang the doorbell. ‘Have you finished?’ ‘Just about.’ It’s just about the worst mistake anyone could make.6that’s about it/all spoken a)used to tell someone that you have told them everything you know:  He was a quiet chap, married with kids. That’s about it, really. b)used to say that there is nothing else available:  There’s some cheese in the fridge and that’s about it.7so as to face in the opposite direction SYN  around:  He quickly turned about and walked away.
about1 prepositionabout2 adverbabout3 adjective
aboutabout3 ●●● S3 W2 adjective Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
(also effect a change formal) (=cause change)· The war brought about radical social change.· Treatment is aimed at effecting a change in the child’s negative behaviour.
(=do your chores)· I got up and went about my chores, feeding the cats and making tea.
 He had no compunction about interfering in her private affairs.
· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· The government is in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
(=make people unsure about something)· His handling of the matter has raised doubts about his competence.
 At first we were doubtful about employing Charlie.
 He’s got the sort of money that you and I can only dream about.
· They are about equal in height and weight.
 The food was nothing to get excited about (=not very good or special).
 It was so funny everyone just fell about laughing.
 I used to have fantasies about living in Paris with an artist.
 Until I heard her sing I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about (=why people liked it so much).
· their worries about the future of the English countryside
 The villagers were going about their business as usual.
 He just went on and on about his new girlfriend.
(=look pale and ill)
American English How’s about going to the beach this afternoon?
 She had no illusions about her physical attractiveness.
· The heat wave brought about a massive increase in water consumption.
 What inferences have you drawn from this evidence?
 I know all about David and what he’s been up to!
 Politicians know all about the power of language.
 I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children.
 The staff are dedicated people who clearly know what they are talking about.
British English (=laugh a lot)· He saw the look on my face and he just fell about laughing.
(=laugh about something)· The farmer had a good laugh at our attempts to catch the horse.
 Don’t leave tools lying about.
 One of the nice things about Christmas is having all the family together.
 We know nothing about her family.
 Have you heard the one about the chicken who tried to cross the road?
(=go to places where you can meet people) Most teenagers would rather be out and about with their friends.
 What’s Sarah prattling on about?
 The manager has no qualms about dropping players who do not perform well.
 ‘Can I just finish this first?’ ‘OK, but be quick about it.’
 He owned all the land round about (=in the surrounding area).
 It's a shame about the weather.
· The affair has brought about a shift in the government’s attitude towards immigration.
 There was something sinister about Mr Scott’s death.
(=it happens)· I don’t know how this situation has come about.
 There was something rather odd about him.
 There’s something about her voice that I find really sexy.
 She felt there was something strange about Dexter’s voice.
· Have you discussed the subject with your husband?
 It’s good to see you up and about again (=out of bed after an illness and moving around normally).
(=be ready to think quickly and do what is necessary in a difficult situation)
 Don’t tell Mum about this – she’s got enough to worry about (=she already has a lot of problems or is very busy).
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • Oh, I was just about to leave you a message.
  • Bridges go two ways, though, and what is about to arrive going the other way is a stultifying 600-year empire.
  • Gav's under pressure from his missus to be home earlier while Paul's wife is about to walk out.
  • I had seen Bella, when she was about to fry meat, cutting it with a scissors instead of a knife.
  • So it looks as though this dish is about to get the smile wiped off its face.
  • The gridlock that characterized the Lamm years was about to end.
  • They may have started, or are about to start a family.
  • Well, the two days of hiking were about to begin.
  • You are about to assume a place of responsibility which requires giving yourself up for your wife as per Ephesians 5:25-33.
  • I wasn't about to let him pay for it.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not have a bad word to say about/against somebody► not know/care beans (about somebody/something)
  • The reaction I'll get when my parents find out doesn't even bear thinking about.
  • Don't beat about the bush.
  • Eliot did not beat about the bush.
  • I am not a person to beat about the bush.
  • I meant to be open with him but when it came to it I beat about the bush.
  • Let us stop beating about the bush.
  • No need to beat about the bush sweetie.
  • She winced at their infelicities, at the clumsy way they beat about the bush.
► have a bee in your bonnet (about something)
  • But Vassar taught me that I could do whatever I wanted to do without making a big deal out of it.
  • Mr. Stutzman makes no bones about his religious beliefs.
  • At least he made no bones about it.
  • He made no bones about displaying his artistic temperament.
  • He made no bones about stating his own views or criticising theirs.
  • I make no apology or make no bones about being partisan.
  • The secretary was enormously dissatisfied with how some of our programs were being managed, and made no bones about it.
  • These five women made no bones about national honor or scientific achievement.
  • Well, the two of them had made no bones about what they thought of her.
► bugger somebody about
  • The street was filled with ordinary people going about their business.
  • He was indifferent to the attention he received, calmly going about his business, never using his influence to manipulate others.
  • Normally it went about its business either on foot or in an arabeah, the horse-drawn cab distinctive to the city.
  • Sara went about her business, more troubled than ever about Jenny's imminent arrival.
  • The 49ers are counting on Deese to epitomize that professionalism as he goes about his business with Smith.
  • They went about their business, expecting him to appear at any moment.
  • While Deion Sanders received most of the pre-game ballyhoo, his bookend Brown went about his business with little or no fanfare.
  • Yesterday, as the group of pickers went about their business, police said there had been no further incidents.
  • You have to laugh about it and go about your business.
  • Our country's leaders must concern themselves with environmental protection.
  • Back in the days when he had yet concerned himself with the world.
  • Burun Khan may have told you that we know of such machines, but do not concern ourselves with them.
  • By contrast, total quality and continuous improvement concern themselves with improving performance in smaller chunks.
  • For several weeks I did not concern myself with any thought of the future.
  • In its pure form, a no-fault system, as its name suggests, does not concern itself with blame.
  • The committee will concern itself with matters relating to administration, marketing, finance, playing, development, and public relations.
  • The physical anthropologists concern themselves with the history and distribution of the varieties of mankind considered as species and sub-species.
  • What has been at stake that we concerned ourselves with this?
► be/feel conflicted (about something)► crazy about somebody/something► be daft about something
  • For opening doors and not giving a damn about what anybody else has to say to it.
  • I think their nonchalance about not caring or not giving a damn about record sales is just not true.
  • It was nature that had turned her grey, she said, and she did not give a damn.
  • My ideal would be to not give a damn as much as possible.
  • This time she yelled his name, not giving a damn if she looked a fool, and dived after him.
► dotty about somebody/something► not give a fig/not care a fig (about/for something/somebody)► not have the first idea about something► fuck somebody around/about► make a fuss/kick up a fuss (about something)► not be fussed (about something)► go about something► go about something
  • For a while they hang about on trees; then they die, fall off and lie about on the ground.
  • I didn't hang about getting to Armstrong and getting him started and headed back to Plumstead Road.
  • I used to hang about the school waiting for him to come out.
  • No birds, no booze, no groupies hanging about.
  • Now they're off and married, so we hang about and get the trouble.
  • Sometimes the men hang about, especially around the younger women.
  • There the loading was still under way and the women were still hanging about.
  • This one had lustreless brown hair, very straight, hanging about a pale, underground face.
► hang about!► have you heard the one about ...► how about that!/how do you like that!► how about if ... ?
  • How about if I read you and Mia a story?
  • How about some iced tea?
► be hung-up about/on something
  • Building community Gross inequality is not just about economics, it is about moral choice.
  • But the debate over free candidate time is not just about good government.
  • It was just about to dive as the train ran on.
  • Landowners became anxious not just about the birds but about access to their habitat.
  • Preston employees got the same type of information, not just about specific behavior, but about the company as a whole.
  • Shrimp takes a starring role on the menu at just about every restaurant in town.
  • Whiners are hard to like and hard to take seriously by just about everyone they work with.
► keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something)► I don’t know about you, but ...
  • Everyone was mad about youth nowadays.
  • Floyd was mad for her, but his father refused to let him borrow the car.
  • I was mad about her being killed, mad at whoever killed her.
  • Maybe he was mad for a while, then not mad.
  • She insisted she only wanted a memento, but I think she was mad about the parking surcharge.
  • Somehow the word got round that I was mad about maritime art.
  • Well, of course, she must take it up ... his wife was mad on it.
► man-about-town
  • A trip to Brussels to meet the responsible officials can turn up a mine of information.
  • His column in the Angling Times was the first thing that I turned to and what a mine of information.
  • If used properly, the diary was a mine of information.
  • Study a local map and the Ordnance Survey, which is a mine of information.
  • Make no mistake about it - I am not going to put up with this anymore.
  • And make no mistake about it, she knew I was there.
  • And make no mistake, the family works overtime to make its instructions felt.
  • And make no mistake, there will be plenty of bets.
  • I tried to make no mistakes, but they called me naughty every moment of the day.
  • In the second 250 race Robert made no mistakes, leading all the way to win from McCallen and Coulter.
  • The Pinot Noirs from Burgundy are often expensive, make no mistake.
► have a moan (about something)► muck somebody about/around
  • Nice lips, shame about the teeth.
  • Nice smile, shame about the lies, the splits and the job losses.
► (make) encouraging/optimistic etc noises (about something)► make (all) the right noises (about something)
  • Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
  • I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
  • It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
  • Apparently Bradford is interested in having it and Bristol has also made noises about it.
  • I made noises about the absence of a bank in this so-called international airport; but what choice did I have?
  • It was extended, but the Provisionals continued to make noises about renewing the violence.
  • Kirchberg is where the peace and quiet is worth making a noise about.
► be noised abroad/about/around► be nuts about/over somebody/something► be obsessing about/over something/somebody
  • And they don't go on about his obvious flaws, like him being a doctor and having three dozen girlfriends.
  • Everyone goes on about Cher's dresses, showing her navel.
  • However, this is the party that goes on about unemployment as though it had a good record on unemployment.
  • It sounded stupid the way she went on about loving the sea.
  • It went on about 15 minutes too long.
  • The first I knew about it was Malcolm going on about rubber.
  • This made him wary as he went on about his chores and tried not to let Lucky see him.
  • Why do I go on about this, I wonder.
  • And then the one about Mum.
  • Did you read the one about his Christmas cards?
  • He says his favourite Monty Python sketch is the one about Jean-Paul Sartre.
  • She is still processing his last statement, the one about needing an operation.
  • They would in fact be applying a test for review not dissimilar to the one about to be examined. 2.
  • At the time he died he was carrying the bomb on his person.
  • Away to the police surgeon to be probed for invisible cells hidden about her person.
  • Don't worry, he's not about to escape with film concealed about his person.
  • Her long blonde hair tumbled artistically about her person.
  • His favourite weapons are a.357 Desert Eagle, which he always carries on his person, and a Franchi Spas shotgun.
  • I distributed them properly about my person, and put on my hat.
  • We healed them with our doctor's hands and placed them about our person.
► piss somebody about/around► be potty about somebody/something
  • Due in part to unrelenting rain throughout the month, drivers have put in only about 9, 000 laps during practice.
  • Early in the welfare debate, assorted government agencies began putting it about that the teen-age birth rate was dropping.
  • Edward, utterly wretched, put his arms about her and she raised her mouth to his.
  • He put his arm about her then, and drew her close.
  • It was actually put up about 1670 after a sketch by Francesco Caratti.
  • The hazardous weather conditions put concerns about budget developments and the economy on the back burner.
  • The two partners put up about $ 60 million for the new venture.
  • We ask that you use this evening to put any questions about our industry to any of the staff here.
  • Due in part to unrelenting rain throughout the month, drivers have put in only about 9, 000 laps during practice.
  • Early in the welfare debate, assorted government agencies began putting it about that the teen-age birth rate was dropping.
  • Edward, utterly wretched, put his arms about her and she raised her mouth to his.
  • He put his arm about her then, and drew her close.
  • It was actually put up about 1670 after a sketch by Francesco Caratti.
  • The hazardous weather conditions put concerns about budget developments and the economy on the back burner.
  • The two partners put up about $ 60 million for the new venture.
  • We ask that you use this evening to put any questions about our industry to any of the staff here.
► put yourself about► keep something quiet/keep quiet about something► rave about/over something► round about
  • You'd better tell your dad about the dent in the car - I'm sure he'll have something to say about it.
  • However, Trevor Francis' Birmingham will have something to say about that.
  • I shall have something to say about original boards a little later.
  • Jen looked at me as if I ought to have something to say about this.
  • Jerome would have something to say about that..
  • Mind you, Sunderland, of course, could have something to say about that at Hillsborough tomorrow afternoon.
  • Rodman would have something to say about juvenile fantasies of self-reliance if I told him that one.
  • "I want to go to Joshua's tonight." "Well, we'll have to see about that."
  • Kim wants to go to this party, huh? Well, we'll see about that!
  • As David said, the union simply does not give a shit.
► somebody is not shy about (doing) something► that’s about the size of it
  • Something about Frank's attitude just makes you want to hit him.
  • There's something strange about the woman's eyes in the painting.
  • After witnessing scurvy's dire effects, naval surgeon James Lind decided to do something about it.
  • I know something about him that he doesn't know I know.
  • If the result is none too pleasant, it's time to do something about it.
  • Once you know how others perceive you, you can do something about it.
  • Some may see them entirely differently, arguing that they prove something about homophobia or how gay men react to anti-gay oppression.
  • That night I recognized at once something about him.
  • The only current team in the majors never to have appeared in postseason play decided to do something about it.
  • When will he do something about that deplorable record?
  • Barney, he had these two sons - tried to set up a song and dance act.
  • But to the children of Gloucestershire, it's just making a song and dance about having fun.
  • I think most conductors would have stopped and made a song and dance.
  • If she had wanted to stay she'd have made a song and dance, but it was better to move.
  • Look here, there's no need to make a song and dance of it.
  • This theme has a curious persistence, but one does not need a song and dance about it.
► be soppy about somebody/something
  • But the juxtaposition of the two buildings speaks volumes about the rapid disappearance of regional, vernacular, even weirdo architecture.
  • His grin spoke volumes to the back row.
  • Jack's tone spoke volumes, but Polly was trying not to listen.
  • Often, though, he speaks volumes when he chooses not to speak at all.
  • Other than the face, hands are the most visible part of one's body and invariably speak volumes about a person.
  • The 8 successful trips so far speak volumes.
  • The perpetual grin and I-just-won-the-lottery look on his face spoke volumes: The guy was ecstatic.
  • Your body language will speak volumes about your happy state. 4 Inhibition decreases.
  • This was their task but that sums it up too simply.
  • Look, I know what I'm talking about because I was there when it happened.
  • Pilger knows what he is talking about, having spent several years as a reporter in Vietnam.
  • Rolim seemed to know what he was talking about, but his theories raised some questions for me.
  • Wayne, you don't know what the hell you're talking about.
  • And those who hint that this approach increases the guilt of the patient simply do not know what they are talking about.
  • But the debate will be between two insiders who know what they are talking about.
  • But we ensure we first know what we are talking about.
  • Engineers should only offer an opinion if they know what they are talking about.
  • They are not the only people who know what they are talking about when it comes to children and education.
  • They have demonstrated publicly, through close scrutiny by their peers, that they know what they are talking about.
► talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc► talking of/about something
  • What are you talking about? - Ron has lots of money.
  • And I was like, I was just like, what are you talking about?
  • And, anyway, what are you talking about, the rich man in his castle?
► I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something
  • "I'm totally sick of my boss." "Yeah, tell me about it."
  • But I was pleased they had told me about it once.
  • Can you tell me about it?
  • Her father, Meir Ahronson, told me about it himself.
  • I remember the day when they told me about it.
  • She had had a rewarding session with the dressmaker and wanted to tell me about it.
  • You got problems, man, you tell me about it.
  • As usual Eva entered into the spirit of the thing with energy and determination.
  • I knew all the things about it that are unique.
  • Power: that was the thing about magic.
  • She had shredded the thing with her hips.
  • That was one of the things with black and white, the shadows, the dimension that you can get.
  • That was the thing about Alice: she saw my life before I did.
  • The strength of our feelings is one of the things about women that most unnerve men.
  • Yes, will is the thing with Seve.
  • It was Arbor Day, and their teacher, Miss Ellis, made a big thing out of it.
  • Judith has a thing about people chewing gum.
  • But, in this country, we used to have a thing about self-sufficiency.
  • I've often thought about starting my own business.
  • "Joey's home." "Well, it's about time."
  • A case of bread and circuses, and it's about time some one said it for the rave generation.
  • All we can say is, it's about time!
  • But I was thinking it's about time we got back to Nurse's house.
  • But it isn't, and it's about time the public knew that.
  • I think it's about time I went back home.
  • I was hoping there was, cos it's about time I got back home - it's getting pretty late.
  • Yes, it's about time that was stopped.
► not before time/and about time (too)
  • As ever, he was in two minds about Clarac's value to the project.
  • Do you know, he was in two minds about accepting?
  • For a second he was in two minds about it.
  • I am in two minds whether to change the engine or repair it.
  • In her own cottage a few miles away the witch Agnes Nitt was in two minds about her new pointy hat.
  • Please be warned: they are capable of getting through that gap which you are in two minds about bothering to block.
  • They were not to be in two minds.
  • This time she seemed to be in two minds about what to do.
  • If not, those involved will be unclear about what is expected and monitoring and control will be ineffective.
  • In those days we still were unclear about how the work would develop and whether we would move towards independence or not.
  • Many young people - I am in no way blaming them - are unclear about their personal plans.
  • Most of the applicants I interview either do not know about it or are unclear about the details.
  • Most workers were unclear about what their marginal tax rates were, and consequently did not have any very clearly calculated response.
  • No two ways about it, Blue says to himself: he knows everything.
  • No two ways about it, Clint Schneider was dynamite.
  • That was the job description, no two ways about it.
  • There are no two ways about it.
  • But being annual they would be open to reprisals if they threw their weight around too much.
  • But that bloody Caitlin, he had to throw his weight around.
  • Do we in petty ways throw our weight around?
  • How dare the Nottinghamshire police suppose they can throw their weight around in this way?
  • It's a chance for rugby to throw its weight around.
  • Maybe she could have handled that a little more tactfully instead of sounding as though she was throwing her weight around.
  • Mortgage traders were the sort of fat people who grunt from the belly and throw their weight around, like sumo wrestlers.
  • Very strong in his own way, not swaggering or throwing his weight about, but a great inner strength.
► what about ...?► while I’m/you’re etc at/about it► be wild about something/somebody
  • It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about.
  • You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments.
  • As long as those trousers were still in circulation, I felt sure there was nothing to worry about.
  • Bland reassurances came from the officials in charge of the spraying, who said there was nothing to worry about.
  • But Mel still insisted they had nothing to worry about.
  • I can reassure you that your sexy dreams are nothing to worry about.
  • Nine times out of ten, using this tactic, you discover that there's nothing to worry about.
  • There was nothing to worry about: if there had been, the fuzz would have come in with a warrant.
  • You can then realistically reassure yourself that you have nothing to worry about.
  • You have nothing to worry about.
  • Jim and Marcia's new house is nothing to write home about.
  • A few long-range efforts, but nothing to write home about.
  • Three, it is nothing to write home about ... Home ... What's the first thing you remember?
  • But even if I was wrong about Bryce, it's impossible I could be wrong about Magee.
  • But now, for the first time, she begins to think she might be wrong.
  • I want Mum to ask the doctor why they keep testing me - what do they think is wrong?
  • They argue that the legislated-excellence movement is wrong not only about how children learn, but also about what they should learn.
  • This turns out to be wrong.
  • Well, actually you could be forgiven for thinking that, and actually you'd be wrong.
  • What if the man who designed them was wrong?
1be about to do something if someone is about to do something, or if something is about to happen, they will do it or it will happen very soon:  We were just about to leave when Jerry arrived. Work was about to start on a new factory building.2not be about to do something informal used to emphasize that you have no intention of doing something:  I’ve never smoked in my life and I’m not about to start now. → out and about at out1(3), → be up and about at up1(11)
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更新时间：2025/3/20 18:17:40