Lesson 11

----------------------------------------------------------

at times = sometimes; there are times when

A: How do you like working in the circus?

B: It's OK. But, at times, I feel a little bored.

----------------------------------------------------------

be likely to = will probably

Someone is likely to ask for your business card. Do you have any?

----------------------------------------------------------

be opposed to = against; not for; not in favor of

I've always been opposed to eating beef.

My mother was always opposed to my father's smoking.

----------------------------------------------------------

by accident = without planning; by luck (good or bad)

By accident, he hit the wrong button on the keyboard and lost his file.

----------------------------------------------------------

come from = originate in some place

These bananas come from Brazil.

A: Where did all these books come from?

B: The library was selling its old books.

----------------------------------------------------------

feel for = have sympathy for

She felt for the people starving in Africa, so she sent money to the charity.

----------------------------------------------------------

for the sake of = to benefit or improve something

He had to quit smoking for the sake of his health.

A: Please don't try to cook anymore.

B: OK. I will stop for the sake of our relationship.

----------------------------------------------------------

get away with = avoid punishment

A: Did you hear that Sarah cheated on the test and got an A?

B: I can't believe she got away with it!

----------------------------------------------------------

stand a chance = have an opportunity to succeed

I really want to ask her on a date. Do you think I stand a chance?

A: I can build the house by myself!

B: Hah! You don't stand a chance without me!

----------------------------------------------------------

without question = for sure; for certain

Without question, that was the best meal I've had all this year!

Without question, that is the best movie I have ever seen!

----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------

I often play golf with my father. Since I play golf on a college team, my father doesn't stand a chance of beating me. He is, without question, one of the worst golfers I've ever played with! In fact, I think even a beginner could beat him.

At times, my father will cheat at golf. He'll kick the ball to put it in a better position. I'm not opposed to his occasional tricks. Even when I see him cheat, I still let him get away with it for the sake of the game. It helps keep the game interesting for both of us.

My father often hits the ball in the wrong direction. I remember one time my father hit a duck with his ball by accident! I really felt for the duck. My father's ball hit it right on the head! It quacked angrily and flew away.

"Don't worry, Dad," I said. "The duck is likely to make a full recovery."

My father asked, "Where did that duck come from? It shouldn't be on the golf course."

"The duck wasn't on the golf course, Dad," I pointed out to my father.

----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------