Chapter 1 Ⅰ~Ⅴ

Words & Expressions

1.puff at

In the corner of a first-class smoking carriage, Mr. Justice Wargrave, lately retired from the bench, puffed at a cigar and ran an interested eye through the political news in the Times.

explanation: to breathe in and out while smoking a cigarrete or pipe

e.g. Kinane sat in silence, puffing thoughtfully at his pipe.

2.bask

She had then been going to Italy to bask in the sun and be at one with Nature and the contadini.

explanation: to enjoy sitting or lying in the heat of the sun or a fire

e.g. Lizards were basking in the morning sun.

3.acquit sb. of sth.

After all, people don't like a Coroner's Inquest, even if the Coroner did acquit me of all blame!"

explanation: to give a decision in a court of law that someone is not guiltyof a crime.

e.g. The judge directed the jury to acuit Phillips of the muder.

4.sum up

Philip Lombard, summing up the girl opposite in a mere flash of his quick moving eyes...

explanation: to form a judgement or opinion about someone or something.

e.g. Pat summed up the situation at a glance.

5.dart

He had darted a very sharp glance at the other as he had spoken.

explanation: literally to look at someone or something very quickly

e.g. Tom darted a terrified glance over his shoulder at his pursuers.

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Good sentences:

1.There had been a very faint smile on the thick Semitic lips of Mr. Morris as he answered gravely...

2.Lombard's own lips parted in a grin.

3.Enveloped in an aura of righteousness and unyielding principles, Miss Brent sat in her crowded third-class carriage and triumphed over its discomfort and its heat.