1. a change of pace 节奏变换

You can’t do these chemistryexperiments all day long. You certainly need a change of pace.

2. a far cry from 相距甚远

The published book is far cry from the early manuscript.

3. and how 的确

A: She’s a good dancer.

B: and how.

4. a matter of time 时间问题

It is only a matter of time.

5. a phone call away 一个电话之远、愿意过来帮忙

If you need my help, do let me know. Just remember I am a phone call away.

6. a while back 不久以前

7. all along 一直

I knew it all along.

8. anything but 不

I was anything but happy about going.

9. account for 解释

How do you account for it?

10. after all 到底

A: I’ve just seen the X-rays and your teeth look just fine.

B: I see. Then there is nothing to worry about after all.

11. allergic to 对…过敏

Oh man! Something in this room is making my eyes itch. I must be allergicto something.

12. at sb’s service 愿为某人服务

I am at your service at any time.

13. around the clock 24小时不停

Martha studied around the clock for management exam.

14. as far as I know 就我所知

15. at home with 对…很熟悉

She is at home with problems like this.

16. back out

1) 退出

A: Wasn’t Bert supposed to sing tonight?

B: Yes, but he backed out at last minute

2）不履行

She finally backed out of her promise.