What does the "agent" in this context mean? I don't think it has anything to do with an agent in spy novels!

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Spot on! "Agent" doesn't have anything to do with spies here. Here, "agent" means a person who acts on behalf of another person. Another word could be "representative," "negotiator," or, in terms of work, "business manager." Many actors have agents who contact companies for auditions and keep the actor informed on the status of the audition and other details. They'd also help out with contracts. Ex: Now that I've decided to be a professional actor, I'm going to hire an agent. Ex: His agent called and asked for an audition for the play.

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Popular Q&As

05/01

1
What does "eating me alive" mean?
"Eating me alive" means that something is making someone feel a lot of guilt, pain, or suffering. Joey is saying that keeping the secret is causing him to suffer from guilt. Ex: Keeping secrets will eat you alive. Ex: Lying to my friends was eating me alive.

2
So, I assume you call a good example a "role model." Then, what do you call bad examples?
You would call them exactly that, "bad examples!" When talking about someone who isn't a good influence, it's common to call them a bad example or even a "bad role model." It sounds quite natural in conversation! Ex: You shouldn't do everything Jerry does. He's a bad example. Ex: You've never been a good role model to your siblings.

3
What's "couple of" mean? Does it mean a lot of people?
No, "couple of" means two (or more, but not by much)! So, a couple of people means a very small number of people (likely two). Ex: I have a couple of brothers in my family. Ex: There are a couple of restaurants I often go to.

4
What does "this close" mean?
" ... this close to ..." is a casual way to emphasize the speaker's willingness to do something (the verb that follows). You can understand "this" as having the same meaning as "very". In the clip, "I am this close to robbing you guys" takes on the meaning that she is very ready or tempted to rob them. This phrase is usually accompanied with a gesture of the index and thumb fingers close together, to indicate a small space and show the immediacy of the action. Ex: The exam was so hard today, I was this close to just giving up entirely.

5
What is the main difference between "memo" and "note"? Are they interchangeable in daily conversation? Or do they have different nuances?
The main difference between a "memo" and a "note" is that a "memo" functions as a reminder. A "note" could be about anything. They are interchangeable when referring to a written reminder! Otherwise, "note" is safe to use. Ex: I'll write a memo, so I don't forget to do it! = I'll write a note, so I don't forget it. Ex: I put a memo in my diary that I have to take my dog to the vet today. Ex: Someone left a note under your door. I don't know what it says.

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