Open World p 74. Exam Focus

 Do the Reading and Use of English Part 4 Ex

 

be at a loss to be confused and uncertain about what to do or say  

E.g.

When her son finally left home, Emily felt completely at a loss.

be at a loss to do something  Detectives are so far at a loss to explain the reason for his death.  

He seemed, for once, at a loss for words (=unable to think what to say). 

She was at a loss to explain what had happened.   Sp.   Estaba confundida intentando explicar qué había sucedido

what are you, was he, etc. getting at?  ​(informal) used to ask, especially in an angry way, what somebody is/was suggesting. If you ask someone what they are getting at, you are asking them to explain what they mean, usually because you think that they are being unpleasant or are suggesting something that is untrue. 'What are you getting at now?'

E.g.

I'm partly to blame? What exactly are you getting at?

what you’re / he’s is getting at Sp. lo que quieres/quiere decir, lo que estás/está insinuando.

 



interest: a good result or an advantage for somebody/something.

E.g.
The union is working to protect the interests of its members.
to promote/defend somebody's interests
Tough talk doesn't always serve your interests.
I was voted in to represent the interests of my constituents.
You can't blame them for looking after their own interests.
in somebody's interest(s) She was acting entirely in her own interests.
These reforms were in the best interests of local government.
It is in the public interest that these facts are made known.
against somebody's interests The policy is clearly working against the interests of consumers.
It is crucial to our national interest to keep stability in the region.