20240721生成语音280~289

280. Couch potato

This phrase originated in the United States in the 1970s when a cartoonist named Tom Isern coined the term to describe people who spend a lot of time sitting on a couch and watching TV, thereby lacking physical activity.

Literally, it means “a potato on the couch,” vividly illustrating those who remain in one place for an extended period, unwilling to move.

He became a couch potato after retiring from work.

Instead of being a couch potato all weekend, let’s go for a hike.

My brother is such a couch potato; he watches TV for hours every day. 

281. Couldn’t care less

This phrase originates from English and is used to indicate that a person is completely indifferent to something, showing no interest or emotional involvement.

In American English, it is often used to convey a sense of apathy or indifference.

He couldn’t care less about what others think of him. 

I couldn’t care less if it rains or shines. 

She couldn’t care less about the latest fashion trends.

282. Country mile

This phrase originates from rural areas in the United States where roads are often winding and irregular.

As a result, the actual distance traveled feels much longer than the measured distance.

Therefore, “country mile” is used figuratively to describe a particularly long distance or significant disparity.

We still have a country mile to go before we reach the nearest town.

The new product is a country mile ahead of its competitors. 

Though they look similar, in quality, this one is a country mile better than that one. 

283. Cover a lot of ground

This idiom originally described traveling a long distance on foot or by transportation.

Later, it was extended to various contexts, representing a discussion, study, speech, or plan that encompasses a large amount of information or content.

In today’s meeting, we need to cover a lot of ground in a short time. 

The history class covers a lot of ground from ancient times to modern days.

Our project covers a lot of ground, so we need everyone to contribute.

284. Crack a book

This phrase originates from the action of opening a book’s cover.

When you “crack a book,” it means you open it to start reading or studying.

It’s typically used to describe someone beginning to study seriously, especially as a reminder or a gentle reprimand to those who haven’t been studying enough.

He didn’t crack a book all semester, and now he’s worried about the exams. 

If you want to pass the test, you need to crack a book tonight. 

I didn’t see him crack a book during the entire vacation.

285. Crack open a cold one

This phrase originates from the hissing sound made when you open a cold bottle of beer.

In modern usage, it typically describes a relaxed atmosphere where people are opening a cold beverage, usually beer, after work or an activity.

After a long day at work, he likes to crack open a cold one and unwind. 

During the barbecue, everyone was cracking open a cold one and having a great time. 

286. Crack someone up

This phrase originates from one of the many meanings of “crack” in English, which implies breaking or cracking up.

In this context, it vividly describes someone laughing so hard that they almost break apart. In modern English, “crack someone up” is used to indicate that someone is made to laugh heartily.

The comedian’s jokes always crack me up. 

Her funny stories never fail to crack us up. 

That movie was so hilarious, it really cracked me up. 

287. Crank out a paper

This phrase comes from the verb “crank,” which means to turn a handle to start an engine or machine.

It conveys a sense of completing a task quickly and somewhat mechanically.

When used in academic or professional settings, it often implies a sense of urgency and the need to finish quickly, commonly describing students hurriedly completing a paper or assignment before the deadline.

288. Cream of the crop

This idiom originates from dairy production where cream rises to the top when milk is left to stand, making it the richest and best part of the milk.

Because of this property, “cream of the crop” is used to describe the top, best, or elite part of any group.

Only the cream of the crop get selected for the elite team. 

The university is known for admitting the cream of the crop.

She is definitely the cream of the crop in her class.

289. Crickets

This idiom originates from the sound of crickets chirping, which is typically heard in a quiet, undisturbed environment at night.

When used in conversation, “crickets” describes an awkward situation where one expects a response or reaction but is met with silence, suggesting that no one has answered or reacted as anticipated.

I asked the audience for questions, but it was just crickets. 

After I told my joke, there were only crickets.

When I asked for volunteers, I was met with crickets.