FLASH CARD 20
(20 cards)
a sense of comfort
- After a long day at work, sitting by the fireplace with a warm cup of tea gives me a sense of comfort.
- Wearing soft, familiar clothes can create a sense of comfort during stressful times.
- Many people find that listening to their favorite music brings them a sense of comfort.
3 Daily Useful Contexts:
1. At Home: “I always keep a cozy blanket on my couch—it adds a sense of comfort when I relax after dinner.”
- While Traveling: “Carrying a small photo of my family in my wallet gives me a sense of comfort when I’m far from home.”
- In Relationships: “A hug from a loved one can instantly provide a sense of comfort during tough moments.”
so helpful when (phrase); /soʊ ˈhɛlp.fəl wɛn/
- My mom is so helpful when I’m trying to cook new recipes.
- Google Maps is so helpful when I get lost in a new city.
- Our neighbor was so helpful when we moved into the apartment.
Meaning: Very useful or supportive during a specific situation or time.
Synonym: extremely useful when
Antonym: useless when
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “This app is so helpful when I need to track my expenses.”
- “She’s so helpful when I’m feeling stressed about work.”
- “A flashlight is so helpful when the power goes out.”
traffic (noun); /ˈtræfɪk/
- I always leave early for work to avoid the worst traffic.
- The traffic was so bad today that I missed my appointment.
- She listens to audiobooks while sitting in traffic to make the time pass faster.
Meaning: The movement of vehicles on roads or the number of vehicles moving at a particular time.
Synonym: congestion
Antonym: free-flow (of vehicles)
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “There’s always heavy traffic on this road during rush hour.”
- “I check the traffic report before deciding which route to take.”
- “The accident caused bumper-to-bumper traffic for miles.”
retreat (noun/verb); /rɪˈtriːt/
Noun Examples:
1. The team went on a weekend retreat to brainstorm new ideas.
(Đội đã tham gia một buổi tĩnh tâm cuối tuần để động não những ý tưởng mới)
- The mountain retreat had no Wi-Fi, which helped everyone disconnect.
- Her favorite retreat is a cozy cabin by the lake.
(Nơi ẩn dật / Nơi tĩnh tâm)
Verb Examples:
1. Soldiers were ordered to retreat when the enemy advanced.
2. I often retreat to my garden when I need peace.
3. The cat retreated under the bed during the thunderstorm.
(Retreat: Rút lui (thường do áp lực), tĩnh tâm; Withdraw: Rút có chủ đích (quân sự, tiền, ý kiến)
Meaning:
- Noun: A quiet/isolated place for relaxation, or an organized group activity away from daily life.
- Verb: To withdraw from a difficult situation or seek solitude.
Synonym:
- Noun: sanctuary (khu bảo tồn)
- Verb: withdraw
Antonym:
- Noun: battlefield
- Verb: advance
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “Our company’s annual leadership retreat is in Hawaii this year.”
- “When work gets overwhelming, I retreat to my favorite coffee shop.”
- “The army’s tactical retreat saved many lives.”
“await” vs. “wait”:
await (verb); /əˈweɪt/
1. I await your response before proceeding with the project.
2. The team anxiously awaits the competition results.
3. A warm welcome awaits you at our annual conference.
Meaning: To wait for something expected (more formal, often used with abstract concepts or events).
- Synonym: anticipate
- Antonym: disregard
Daily Phrases:
- “We await the judge’s final decision.”
- “A surprise awaits you at home!”
- “The documents are awaiting your signature.”
wait (verb/noun); /weɪt/
1. Please wait here while I check the schedule.
2. We had a long wait at the doctor’s office yesterday.
3. She couldn’t wait to try the new restaurant.
Meaning: To stay in place/delay action (general use, often with “for” + object).
- Synonym: stay
- Antonym: proceed
Daily Phrases:
- “Wait for the light to turn green.”
- “The wait was worth it—the food was amazing!”
- “I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
“floral” vs. “flower”:
floral (adjective); /ˈflɔːrəl/
1. She wore a floral dress to the spring garden party.
2. The hotel lobby had a strong floral scent from fresh arrangements.
Meaning: Relating to or decorated with flowers (describes patterns, scents, or styles).
- Synonym: flowered
- Antonym: plain
Daily Phrases:
- “This perfume has a light floral note.”
- “The floral wallpaper brightens the room.”
- “They served tea in floral-printed cups.”
flower (noun/verb); /ˈflaʊər/
1. I planted a flower that blooms only at night.
2. The cherry trees will flower earlier this year due to warm weather.
3. Her talent for painting began to flower in high school.
Meaning:
- Noun: The colorful reproductive part of a plant.
- Verb: To bloom or develop successfully.
- Synonym: blossom
- Antonym: wither
Daily Phrases:
- “She received a bouquet of flowers for her birthday.”
- “This plant won’t flower without enough sunlight.”
- “The project finally flowered after months of work.”
fireflies (noun); /ˈfaɪərˌflaɪz/
- We chased fireflies in the backyard until the moon rose high.
(đuổi bắt đom đóm trong sân sau cho đến khi trăng lên cao) - The forest sparkled with fireflies dancing between the trees.
(lấp lánh) - She captured fireflies in a jar but released them by morning.
(Cái lọ / hũ / bình thủy tinh)
Meaning: Small, winged beetles that produce light through bioluminescence, typically seen at dusk in summer (phát quang)
Synonym: lightning bugs
Antonym: darkness
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “The meadow comes alive with fireflies at twilight.”
- “Children love catching fireflies on warm summer nights.”
- “Fireflies use their light patterns to attract mates.”
(Đom đóm sử dụng mẫu ánh sáng của chúng để thu hút bạn tình)
stage (verb); /steɪdʒ/
- The theater group will stage a modern adaptation of Hamlet next month.
- Protesters staged a sit-in at the city hall for three days straight.
(Những người biểu tình đã tổ chức ngồi chiếm tại tòa thị chính suốt ba ngày liên tiếp) - She staged her apartment beautifully before putting it on the market.
Meaning: To organize and present a performance, event, or display; to arrange something carefully for a particular purpose.
Synonym: arrange
Antonym: cancel
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “The museum is staging a special exhibition of impressionist paintings.”
- “They staged an intervention to help their friend with addiction.”
- “We need to stage this room properly for the real estate photos.”
power bank (noun); /ˈpaʊər ˌbæŋk/
- I always carry a power bank in my backpack in case my phone battery dies.
- She borrowed my power bank to charge her smartwatch during the camping trip.
Meaning: A portable device that stores electrical energy and can charge electronic devices like smartphones or tablets.
Synonym: portable charger
Antonym: wall charger
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “Do you have a power bank I can use? My phone’s at 5%.”
- “This 20,000mAh power bank can charge three devices simultaneously.”
- “Remember to recharge your power bank before long flights.”
patio (noun); /ˈpætioʊ/
- We had breakfast on the patio while watching the sunrise.
- The new patio furniture arrived just in time for our barbecue party.
- They’re building a stone patio in the backyard with a fire pit.
(Họ đang xây một sân lát đá ở sân sau kèm theo một bếp lửa ngoài trời)
Meaning: An outdoor space, usually paved and adjacent to a house, used for dining or relaxation.
Synonym: terrace
Antonym: indoors
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “Let’s move the conversation to the patio - it’s such a nice evening.”
- “The cafe has a lovely shaded patio for outdoor seating.”
- “We’re planning to extend our patio to fit more guests.”
wash face vs brush teeth vs shower and change clothes
wash face (verb phrase); /wɒʃ feɪs/
1. I wash my face with warm water to wake myself up immediately.
2. She forgot to wash her face before applying makeup this morning.
Meaning: To clean one’s facial skin with water and cleanser.
- Synonym: cleanse
- Antonym: dirty
Daily Phrases:
- “Always wash your face before bed to remove sunscreen.”
- “My skin improved after I started washing my face twice daily.”
brush teeth (verb phrase); /brʌʃ tiθ/
1. I brush my teeth while checking emails to save time.
2. He brushes his teeth for exactly two minutes using a timer.
Meaning: To clean teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Synonym: scrub
- Antonym: neglect
Daily Phrases:
- “The dentist recommended brushing teeth before breakfast.”
- “Electric toothbrushes make brushing teeth more effective.”
shower and change clothes (verb phrase); /ˈʃaʊər ənd tʃeɪndʒ kloʊðz/
1. I always shower and change clothes after gym sessions.
2. She showers and changes clothes immediately upon coming home.
3. They installed a rainfall showerhead for showering comfortably.
Meaning: To bathe under running water and put on fresh attire.
- Synonym: freshen up
- Antonym: stay sweaty
Daily Phrases:
- “Hotel check-in is at 3 PM, but we can shower and change clothes in the lobby bathroom.”
- “Showering and changing clothes helps me transition from work mode to home mode.”
- “Remember to shower and change clothes before the job interview.”
“climb the ladder to paint the gate and the wall next to the neighbor’s house”:
climb the ladder (verb phrase); /klaɪm ðə ˈlædər/
1. I had to climb the ladder carefully because the rungs were slippery.
2. She climbed the ladder while holding a bucket of paint in one hand.
Daily Phrases:
- “Never climb the ladder without someone spotting you.”
- “He climbed the ladder to fix the rooftop antenna.”
- “This safety harness helps when climbing the ladder.”
paint the gate (verb phrase); /peɪnt ðə ɡeɪt/
1. I painted the gate blue to match our front door.
2. She painted the gate with weather-resistant enamel last weekend.
3. They’re painting the gate before the rainy season starts.
Daily Phrases:
- “We’re painting the gate and fence the same color.”
- “Kids helped paint the gate with small brushes.”
the wall next to the neighbor’s house (noun phrase); /ðə wɔl nɛkst tu ðə ˈneɪbərz haʊs/
1. I noticed cracks in the wall next to the neighbor’s house.
2. She planted ivy along the wall next to the neighbor’s house.
3. They installed security lights on the wall next to the neighbor’s house.
Daily Phrases:
- “Check property lines before modifying the wall next to the neighbor’s house.”
- “Our cat loves sunbathing on the wall next to the neighbor’s house.”
- “We share maintenance costs for the wall next to the neighbor’s house.”
Combined Activity Context:
1. “I climbed the ladder to paint the gate but forgot the wall next to the neighbor’s house needs primer first.”
2. “He climbs the ladder weekly to check the wall next to the neighbor’s house for damage.”
3. “They’ll paint the gate after repairing the wall next to the neighbor’s house.”
I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there
- I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there, so I save money all year for these adventures.
- I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there, but planning the itineraries always takes me weeks.
- I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there, and my photo albums are filled with unforgettable memories.
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “Whenever someone asks why I work extra hours, I explain that I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there.”
- “My bucket list keeps growing because I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there.”
- “I joined a language exchange app since I love to travel to new lands to explore the history, culture, food and people there.”
Looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications:
- I’m looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications, so honesty and emotional maturity are non-negotiable traits for me.
- I’m looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications, but I also believe chemistry can’t be reduced to a checklist.
- I’m looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications, and I’m equally committed to offering loyalty and adventure in return.
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “On my dating profile, I mention looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications because transparency saves everyone time.”
- “My friends joke I interview dates like HR screens resumes, but looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications requires discernment.”
- “I’ve learned looking for someone to share life and fortune with the following qualifications matters less than finding someone who grows with me through life’s surprises.”
beat someone up (phrasal verb); /bit ˈsʌmwʌn ʌp/
- I saw a bully try to beat someone up after school, so I reported it to the principal immediately.
- He threatened to beat someone up for stealing his bike, but cooler heads intervened before it escalated.
- They got arrested for beating someone up outside the bar, and now they’re facing assault charges.
Meaning: To physically attack or violently assault someone.
- Synonym: assault: tấn công, hành hung
- Antonym: protect
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “Never try to beat someone up over a disagreement—walk away and call authorities.”
- “The movie villain always sends henchmen to beat someone up to intimidate the hero.”
- “Self-defense classes teach how to react if someone tries to beat you up.”
runaway (noun/adjective); /ˈrʌnəweɪ/
- The runaway train sped down the tracks, so authorities had to evacuate the nearby towns.
(Chiếc tàu mất kiểm soát lao vun vút trên đường ray, nên chính quyền buộc phải sơ tán các thị trấn lân cận) - She wrote a novel about a runaway teenager, but she made sure to portray the character’s struggles with empathy.
- The runaway success of the product surprised everyone, and the company struggled to keep up with demand.
Meaning:
- Noun: A person, typically a child, who has left home without permission.
- Adjective: Something that is out of control or extremely successful.
Synonym: fugitive (noun), uncontrollable (adjective)
Antonym: obedient (noun), moderate (adjective)
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “The community organized a search party for the runaway.”
- “The film became a runaway hit, breaking box office records.”
- “After the runaway horse was caught, its owner reinforced the stable gates.”
has/have to be great in (phrase); /hæz hæv tu bi ɡreɪt ɪn/
- To succeed in this industry, one has to be great in both creativity and analytics, so I’ve been taking courses to improve both skills.
- The new manager has to be great in team leadership and crisis management, but the company hasn’t found the right candidate yet.
- Our product has to be great in quality and affordability, and we’re working hard to achieve that balance.
(Sản phẩm của chúng tôi phải thật tốt cả về chất lượng lẫn giá cả, và chúng tôi đang nỗ lực hết sức để đạt được sự cân bằng đó)
Meaning: Expresses a mandatory requirement for excellence in specific areas.
Synonym: must excel in
Antonym: can be weak in
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “For this promotion, you have to be great in client relations and data analysis.”
- “The recipe has to be great in flavor while keeping the preparation simple.”
- “Our customer service has to be great in response time and problem-solving.”
What makes you think you’re… (question phrase); /wʌt meɪks ju θɪŋk jʊr/
- What makes you think you’re qualified for this role when your experience is in a different industry?
- What makes you think you’re ready to run a marathon if you’ve never trained for one before?
- What makes you think you’re the best candidate when all applicants have similar credentials?
Meaning: A rhetorical question challenging someone’s assumption about their abilities/qualifications.
Synonym: Why do you believe you’re…
Antonym: I can see why you’re…
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “What makes you think you’re entitled to special treatment?”
(Cái gì khiến bạn nghĩ rằng mình được quyền hưởng đối xử đặc biệt?)
- “Before arguing, ask yourself: what makes you think you’re right?”
- “What makes you think you’re prepared to lead this project?”
ring the doorbell (verb phrase); /rɪŋ ðə ˈdɔrˌbɛl/
- I always ring the doorbell twice at Grandma’s house so she knows it’s me.
- The delivery person rang the doorbell while I was showering and missed the package.
- She rings the doorbell softly at night to avoid waking the baby.
Meaning: To press a button or pull a cord that activates an audible signal at a door.
Synonym: buzz (for electric doorbells)
Antonym: ignore the door
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “Don’t ring the doorbell - the dog will bark and wake everyone up!”
- “I thought I heard someone ring the doorbell, but nobody was there.”
- “The instructions said to ring the doorbell and wait by the service entrance.”
fortune (noun); /ˈfɔːr.tʃən/
- I inherited a small fortune from my great-aunt, so I invested most of it in education.
- She spent a fortune renovating her kitchen, but the result was worth every penny.
- They made their fortune in tech startups, and now they fund charitable projects.
(Họ đã gây dựng sự giàu có từ các công ty khởi nghiệp công nghệ, và giờ họ tài trợ cho các dự án từ thiện)
Note:
- “Fortune” for wealth often appears with verbs like “make,” “spend,” or “inherit.”
- As “luck,” it’s commonly paired with adjectives (“good/bad fortune”).
Meaning:
- A large amount of money or wealth
- Luck or chance (as in “good fortune”)
Synonym: wealth (for money), destiny (for luck)
Antonym: poverty (for money), misfortune (for luck)
Daily Useful Phrases/Contexts:
- “That designer purse costs a fortune!”
- “We had the good fortune to meet the author at the book signing.”
- “He told my fortune using tarot cards at the fair.”