Set 2 Question 2
StarCatching Words
in the works (idiom)
If something is in the works, it means it is being planned and will be launched soon.
Several campaigns are in the works.
intrigued (adj.)
If you are intrigued, you are interested in something.
The cliffhanger at the end of each episode has me intrigued.
the highs and the lows (collocation)
‘The highs and the lows’ loosely mean ‘the pros and cons’ but focuses more on the experience and emotions. For formal writing, if you want to discuss the pros and cons of something, it is better to just use ‘pros and cons’ and ‘strengths and drawbacks’.
After being through highs and lows together, the characters have developed strong bonds.
streamlined (adj.)
When a process is streamlined, it involves fewer steps and is more efficient.
The application process has been streamlined to reduce bureaucratic barriers.
enhance (v.)
You can replace ‘improve’ with ‘enhance’.
Adjustments have been made to enhance the effectiveness of the medicine.
reap the rewards (collocation)
When you reap the rewards, you enjoy the positive results that you have worked hard for.
After years of hard work, the team of scientists finally reaped the rewards of their research.
smooth sailing (idiom)
If something is smooth sailing, it means it is progressing smoothly without many hiccups.
Due to meticulous planning in the initial phase, the plan has been smooth sailing since it was launched.
navigate (v.)
Apart from steering the wheel to decide the course of a ship or a car, we also ‘navigate’ something problematic or ‘navigate through’ a difficult situation.
The company will navigate the turbulent economic landscape prudently.
grind somebody’s gears (idiom)
When something grinds your gears, you are annoyed by it.
The noise really grinds my gears.
wild jetpack ride (figurative expression)
If you go on a wild jetpack ride, you have an intense, thrilling experience.
The HKDSE journey has been, without a doubt, a wild jetpack ride.
StarCatching Patterns
Nevertheless, …
The road ahead may be treacherous. Nevertheless, we are optimistic about our future.
One last note: …
One last note: don’t cry over spilled milk, always look ahead because you can only control the present to change the future.
