Rebecca
The expression "nice and" is often used to put more emphasis on the adjective that follows, and it is used to mean "very" in a positive context. So "nice and hot" here means very hot. Here's a few more examples of this expression: Ex: The hot tub is nice and warm. Ex: I just did laundry so now my clothes are nice and clean.
02/07
1
How do you usually use "hold on"?
"Hold on" actually has a similar meaning to "wait," "wait a moment," "just a moment," and "hang on." Ex: Hold on. What? You quit your job? Ex: Hold on. I'll be right back.
2
Do you really say the word "ugly" for colors?
Yes. The word "ugly" can be applied to anything that is visually unappealing. "Ugly" colors are commonly those that do not match or compliment the colors in the environment they appear in or remind the speaker of unpleasant things. Ex: That dress she wore had such ugly colors. It looks like a trash bag. Ex: My mom insisted on using these ugly colors for my room, they remind me of a swamp.
3
Does "Let it get to someone" mean "get annoyed"?
'Get to you' in this context, means that someone is making you angry or upset. So when someone says 'Don't let them get to you' it means 'Don't let them bother you'. Ex: A: My teacher is so bossy. B: Hey, don't let her get to you.
4
What does "fall away" mean? How can I use it?
"Fall away" means to break off or fall to the ground. The narrator said that the penguins down (feathers) fall away. This means that the feathers are coming off of the penguin's body. You can use it when you are discussing something breaking or falling off another. Ex: In the autumn, the leaves will fall away, making the trees bare. Ex: Some of the paint on the house has fallen away.
5
Would it sound awkward if I say "Well, do you move? Do you fly?" instead of "Well, can you move? Can you fly?" in this context?
A little bit, perhaps. Using "do" would be like asking him if he can do anything special. "Can" is questioning his ability to do anything at all as a pickle! So it's a very slight nuance between the two words in this context. Ex: Do you drive often? => The person has the ability to drive. Ex: Can you drive? => Asking if this person has the ability to drive.
Complete the expression with a quiz!
