Words & Expressions

1. meticulously

He had stripped to the skin and he and his room had been meticulously searched by the other three men.

explanation: very careful about small details, and always making sure that everything is done correctly

e.g. The attack was meticulously planned and executed.

2.chest

There is, I think, a silver chest, is there not, in the pantry?

explanation: a  large strong box that you use to store things in or to move your personal possessions from one place to another

3.lethal

There are no lethal weapons or drugs in the possession of any of us five.

explanation: causing death, or able to cause death

e.g. a lethal dose of heroin

4.veneer

There was little pretence now - no formal veneer of conversation.

explanation: behaviour that hides someone's real character or feelings

e.g. A thin veneer of politeness hid Lady Bride's growing anger.

5.revert

They were reverted to more bestial types.

explanation: to change back to a situation that existed in the past = go back to

e.g. After a few weeks, everything reverted to normal.

6.a torrent of

Every now and then he broke out into a torrent of nervous speech.

explanation: a lot of words spoken quickly, especially in order to insult or criticize someone

e.g. When I asked him to move, he unleashed a torrent of abuse.

Good sentences

Ex-Inspector Blore looked coarser and clumsier in build. His walk was that of a slow padding animal. His eyes were bloodshot. There was a look of mingled ferocity and stupidity about him. He was like a beast at bay ready to charge its pursuers.

Like a wary old tortoise, Mr. Justice Wargrave sat hunched up, his body motionless, his eyes keen and alert.

She was like a bird that has dashed its head against glass and that has been picked up by a human hand.