ESL Podcast 1000 - Reaching a Milestone
milestone - a significant event or achievement that indicates an important step in one's progress
Their 10-year anniversary was an important milestone in their marriage.
long haul - a long and challenging period of time or distance toward some goal
It was a long haul from high school graduation to completing his doctoral degree, but it was definitely worthwhile.
to make it - to achieve one's goals; to accomplish something; to have some success
After years of saving, we finally feel we've made it by buying our first home.
dubious - full of doubts; not believing that something will happen
When smartphones first became available, a lot of people were dubious that they would become as popular as they have.
venture - an effort to do something that is challenging or difficult, especially to start a business or make an investment
Kian's latest business venture is to open an amusement park that's all about rabbits.
to pan out - to be successful; to work; to turn out well, especially to be making money
I hope all your hard work pans out with a new client contract.
prospects - the likelihood of future success; potential for success
Desiree realizes the prospects are poor in a bad economy, but she's going to open her own restaurant anyway.
iffy - doubtful; not certain; with an equal possibility of succeeding or failing
These new recipes seem iffy. Should we try to make them anyway?
at best - at the most; at the maximum value
We'll probably make $200 in profit at best, and maybe a lot less.
turning point - the place and time when something changes its direction or trend significantly, either from good to bad or from bad to good
The winning of the battle marked a turning point in the war.
to grind out - to continue to do something, especially repetitive and uninteresting work that requires a lot of effort and persistence over a long period of time
How many units can this factory grind out in a day?
day in and day out - day after day; a phrase used to emphasize that something happens repeatedly, every day, without rest
Wynona is so tired of cooking, washing dishes, doing the laundry, and scrubbing the floors day in and day out.
celebratory - in order to celebrate something; related to expressing joy and excitement about something, especially with other people
When the deal was successful, they went to a local restaurant and enjoyed a celebratory glass of champagne.
toast - words said to honor a person or thing while raising an alcoholic drink in one's hand before drinking
Before we drink this wine, let's have a toast for the guest of honor.
to put (one's) nose back to the grindstone - to return to one's constant, hard work after a short break
The college students had fun over spring break, but now it's time for them to put their noses back to the grindstone.