HOT WORDS No. 59 (March 2, 2012)
Airtight
Carefully planned or executed in such a way as to leave no room for mistakes or weaknesses(間違いや弱点が皆無で非の打ちどころのない)
→“The defense attorney presented an airtight argument.”
→“The spectators of the show were impressed with the troops’ airtight performance.”
Baleful
Angry, hateful and sinister(憎悪に満ちて陰険な)
→“The defendant turned a baleful look to the prosecutor.”
→“The baleful glares of the others followed him as he exited the room.”
Cohort
A supporter or partner of some bad cause; a group that shares the same set of characteristics(悪だくみの仲間若しくは相棒、ある一定の特色を共有する者たちのグループ)
→“The terrorist and his cohorts were eventually arrested.”
→“During the war he was a member of the resistance cohort.”
Double down on
To jack up the stake at the cost of higher risk(リスクを覚悟で介入や投資の度合いを増やす)
→“Investors doubled down on nuclear energy and lost lots of money.”
→“Obama is doubling down on the new military operational units.”
Flashpoint
A place where a violent protest or trouble is likely to erupt(暴動や問題が発生しがちな場所)
→“The city had been a flashpoint even before the infusion of throngs of immigrants.”
→“The flashpoint of the protest movement was bombarded by the authoritarian regime.”
Glazed
Devoid of expression due to fatigue or boredom(疲労や退屈で無表情の)
→“As the lecturer walked up to the podium to face the audience, he was dismayed to find a number of glazed eyes.”
→“She was sitting there with a glazed face.”
Husband
To be careful in using and preserving something(何かを無駄のないよう大切に使う又は長持ちさせる)
→“He became rich by husbanding his money and land.”
→“She carefully guarded and husbanded the letter in her treasure chest.”
Immolate (noun: immolation)
To kill or destroy by burning(焼いて殺す又は破壊する)
→“Another monk immolated herself in protest.”
→“The ancient tribe perished through its excessive self-torture and self-immolation.”
Ombudsman
Somebody who handles grievances and complaints(苦情の調査または処理係)
→“The ombudsman attacked the city government for its poor track record in waste management.”
→“The ombudsman at the municipal office advised us to drop the case and go home.”
Practical
Realistic and feasible enough to attain success or an intended result(現実的に成功・効果を期待できる)
→“Your suggestion is too abstract. What we need is a practical solution to the pressing issue.”
→“At that stage of the war, a frontal attack was not a practical option.”
Racket
A loud noise; a criminal activity to obtain money(騒音、詐欺・博打・麻薬など不正な手段による金儲け)
→“What’s all the racket ?”
→“Three yakuza men were arrested for a gambling racket.”
Surge
To suddenly move or increase(突然動いたり増加したりする)
→“With the latest primary victory, the presidential candidate surged ahead into the front runner position.”
→“When the traffic light finally turned green, the cars surged forward as if they were in competition.”
→“For some mysterious reason, goodwill and friendship surged between us after the heated argument.”
Thump
To hit hard or loudly; to defeat an opponent(強くまたは大きな音を出して打つ、敵を負かす)
→“The teacher thumped the blackboard with his hand.”
→“The pickpocket turned and ran away as a policeman came thumping down the street.”
→“The prime minister thumped his rival in the leadership challenge.”