Unit 24 - In Retrospect

Question 1

Sliding-door moment

Answer 1

When we come face-to-face with a choice

Question 2

Mold

Answer 2

Bolor

Question 3

Fig. at the final, critical moment; when things really get difficult.

Answer 3

when the chips are down

When the chips are down, I know that I can depend on Jean to help out. I knew you would come and help when the chips were down.

Question 4

The need to act or take responsibility, that other people pass on to still other people, ultimately ends up here. (An expression made famous by U.S. President Harry Truman, about the finality of decisions a president must make. See also pass the buck.) After everyone else has avoided making the decision, I will have to do it. The buck stops here.

Answer 4

buck stops here

Question 5

• a problematic situation that will eventually become dangerous if not addressed

Answer 5

Time bomb

India is a demographic time bomb”; “the refugee camp is a ticking bomb waiting to go off”
ticking bomb

Question 6

by the skin of (one’s) teeth

Answer 6

By the smallest margin.

Question 7

Fig. just in time; at the last possible instant; just before it’s too late. (*Typically: arrive ~; get there ~; happen ~; reach something ~; Save someone ~.)

Answer 7

In the nick of time
The doctor arrived in the nick of time. The patient’s life was saved. I reached the airport in the very nick of time and made my flight.

Question 8

1. an acrobatic, dangerous, or spectacular action
2. (Film) an acrobatic or dangerous piece of action in a film or television programme
3. (Marketing) anything spectacular or unusual done to gain publicity

Answer 8

Stunt

Question 9

thief – robber – burglar

Answer 9

Anyone that steals can be called a thief. A robber often uses violence or the threat of violence to steal things from places such as banks or shops.
They caught the armed robber who raided a supermarket.