ESL Podcast 1005 - Complimenting Your Host
to outdo (oneself) - to exceed expectations; to do better than anyone was expecting, including oneself
Hamed always beats his sales goals, but last quarter, he really outdid himself.
spread - all the food placed on a table at a single time; a large meal
Which buffet has the best spread on weekend mornings?
exquisite - very refined and elegant; extremely beautiful
Debra had hoped their first kiss would be exquisite, but in reality, it was a little awkward and disappointing.
mouthwatering - very appetizing and appearing to taste very good, making one salivate (making one's mouth fill with a liquid in anticipation of eating)
Their cakes and pies are mouthwatering. I can't wait to try a piece!
to surpass all expectations - to exceed expectations; to do better than what others were expecting; to excel
Adrian's violin performance surpassed all expectations and left the audience members amazed at his skill.
to wow - to very favorably impress and surprise someone
The last candidate really wowed the interviewers.
to compliment - to say nice things about someone or something, showing one's admiration for and appreciation of it
Try complimenting the girl on her dress before you ask her out on a date.
to blush - for one's cheeks to become pink or red, usually because one is embarrassed or hot
Justina is a nervous public speaker who usually blushes even before she says the first word.
vision - a beautiful person or thing; with an appearance that is ideal
The Olympic athletes were a vision of youth and good health.
sack - a cloth or paper back, or clothing that has little or no shape and looks like a bag
The little girl dressed up like a ghost by cutting holes in a white sack and putting it over her head and body.
ravishing - delightful, enchanting, charming, and attractive
The clothing designer just released photographs of some ravishing new dresses.
to butter (someone) up - to say nice things to make another person feel special and well-liked, especially to put that person in a good mood so that one can deliver bad news or request a favor
Try to butter up the boss before you request a raise and extended vacation time.
What gives? - an informal phrase used when one wants to know what is really happening or wants a true explanation, and thinks the other person is hiding something
Why won't you answer my question about where you were last night? What gives?
suspicious - being distrustful; not believing another person
The sales figures seem too high, and the division manager is starting to become suspicious that maybe sales representatives are lying.
candid - truthful, honest, and straightforward; not deceptive or dishonest
Please give me your candid assessment of my book, not just praise and supportive comments.
to admire - to strongly like someone or something; to approve of something and think it is a good thing
I really admire the way you handled such a difficult situation.