Lesson 88 Trapped in a mine

Summary

Working in the mine is one of the highly dangerous jobs in the world. People who work in the mine may encounter some accidents during they are working such as the coal-dust explosion or carbon dioxide of coal and gas burst. A few days ago, six men was trapped in a mine for 17 hours. It was necessary for rescue workers to pick up them immediately, as they may lost their lives over suffocation. Rescue workers drilled a hole on the north side of the mine. However, the hard layer of rock beneath the soil delayed the progress of rescuing. To confort the feelings for those trapped men, a microphone was lowered into the mine, which enabled them to keep in touch with their family and relatives. Even though they were running out of food and drink, those men were cheerful and confident that they would get out soon. At that time, they had been told that rescue operations were going swimmingly. If they knew how difficult it was to drill through the hard rock, they would lose heart.  

Words and expressions

1. Drill

Meaning a tool or machine with a pointed end for making; a way of learning sth by means of repeated exercise; a practice of what to do in an emergency, for example if there is a fire.

E.g. A military drill

A fire drill

2. Smoothly means without any problems or difficulties

Synonym: swimmingly, go well, come on fine

3. Every cloud has a silver line

Meaning every sad or difficult situation has a positive side

4. Take it/sth out on sb

Meaning to behave in un unpleasant way towards sb because you feel angry, although it is not their fault.

E.g. She tended to take her angry out on her boyfriend.

5. Down in the dumps

Meaning feeling unhappy

E.g. She's down in the dumps about the future.

6. Have a heart of gold

Meaning to be a very kind person

Antonym: have a heart of stone