Home ⇒ 📌Английские идиомы ⇒ Значение идиомы a few
Значение идиомы a few
[a few] {n.} or {adj.} A small number ; some.
The dry weather killed most of Mother’s flowers, but a few are left.
In the store, Mary saw many pretty rings and bracelets, and she wanted to buy a few of them.
After the party, we thought that no one would help clean up, but a few couples did.
Alice wanted to read a few pages more before she stopped.
– Usually “a few” is different in meaning from “few”, which emphasizes the negative; “a few” means “some”, but “few” means “not many”.
We thought no one would come to lunch, but a few came.
We thought many people would come to lunch, but few came.
But sometimes “a few” is used with “only”, and then it is negative.
We thought many people would come to lunch, but only a few came.
– Sometimes used like an adverb.
Three students have no seats; we need a few more chairs.
If we can set up chairs faster than people come and sit in them, we will soon be a few ahead.
– Sometimes used with “very” for emphasis.
Uncle Ralph gave away almost all of his sea shells, but he still had a very few left.
Compare: A LITTLE. Contrast: A LOT, QUITE A FEW.
(1 оценок, среднее: 5.00 из 5)Related topics:
- Значение идиомы a little [a little] {n.} or {adj.} A small amount ; some. – Usually “a little” is different in meaning from “little”, which emphasizes the negative; “a little” means “some”; but “little” means “not much”. We say “We thought that the paper was all gone, but a little was left.” But we say, “We thought we still […]...
- Значение идиомы a bit [a bit] {n., informal} A small amount; some. There’s no sugar in the sugar bowl, but you may find a bit in the bag. If the ball had hit the window a bit harder, it would have broken it. – Often used like an adverb. This sweater scratches a bit. – Also used like an […]...
- Значение идиомы all the –er [all the –er] {substandard} The –est; as… as. – Used with a comparative adjective or adverb and subordinate clause in place of a superlative adjective or adverb. That was all the bigger he grew. Is that all the faster you can go?...
- Значение идиомы go ahead [go ahead] {v.} To begin to do something; not wait. The teachertold the students not to write on the paper yet, but John went aheadand wrote his name. “May I ask you a question?” “Go ahead.” Compare: GO ON....
- Значение идиомы say uncle [say uncle] also [cry uncle] {v. phr.}, {informal} To say that yousurrender; admit that you have lost; admit a defeat; give up. Bobfought for five minutes, but he had to say uncle. The bullytwisted Jerry’s arm and said, “Cry uncle.” The other team wasbeating us, but we wouldn’t say uncle. Compare: GIVE IN....
- Перевод идиомы say uncle / cry uncle, значение выражения и пример использования Идиома: say uncle / cry uncle Идиома: say uncle / cry uncle Разг. Перевод: сдаваться, признавать поражение Пример: The little boy was forced to say uncle and do what the older boy wanted. Маленькому мальчику пришлось сдаться, и сделать то, что хотел взрослый мальчик....
- Значение идиомы after all [after all] {adv. phr.} 1. As a change in plans; anyway. – Used with emphasis on “after”. Bob thought he couldn’t go to the party because he had too much homework, but he went after all. 2. For a good reason that you should remember. – Used with emphasis on “all”. Why shouldn’t Betsy eat […]...
- Значение идиомы a lot [a lot] {n.}, {informal} A large number or amount; very many or very much; lots. I learned a lot in Mr. Smith’s class. A lot of our friends are going to the beach this summer. – Often used like an adverb. Ella is a jolly girl; she laughs a lot. Grandfather was very sick last […]...
- Значение идиомы by a long shot [by a long shot] {adv. phr.}, {informal} By a big difference; by far. – Used to add emphasis. Bert was the best swimmer in the race, by a long shot. Often used with a negative. Tom isn’t the kind who would be fresh to a teacher, by a long shot. Our team didn’t win – […]...
- Adopting a Child Scott: Hi, I thought I’d stop by to pick up those chairs I wanted to borrow. Roberta: Oh, sure. Here they are. Scott: What are you doing? Roberta: I’m looking through the material we got on Adoption. Scott: Are you and Robert thinking about adopting a child? Roberta: Yeah, we are. We’ve been thinking about […]...
- Значение идиомы for the life of one [for the life of one] {adv.}, {informal} No matter how hard youtry. – Used for emphasis with negative statements. I can’t for thelife of me remember his name....
- Перевод слова emphasis Emphasis – подчеркивание, акцент, ударение Перевод слова Particular emphasis – особое значение emphasis is placed on – делать упор на emphasis added – “курсив мой” The course places Emphasis on practical work. Учебный курс, уделяет особое внимание практическим занятиям. In Japan there is a lot of Emphasis on politeness. В Японии, вежливость, имеет большое значение. […]...
- Значение идиомы strike it rich [strike it rich] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To discover oil, or alarge vein of minerals to be mined, or a buried treasure. The oldprospector panned gold for years before he struck it rich. 2. Tobecome rich or successful suddenly or without expecting to. Everyone wanted to buy one of the new gadgets, and their inventorstruck […]...
- Значение идиомы at all [at all] {adv. phr.} At any time or place, for any reason, or in any degree or manner. – Used for emphasis with certain kinds of words or sentences. 1. Negative It’s not at all likely he will come. 2. Limited I can hardly hear you at all. 3. Interrogative Can it be done at […]...
- Значение идиомы speed up [speed up] {v.} To go faster than before; also, to make go faster. The car speeded up when it reached the country. Push in thethrottle to speed up the engine. Compare: PICK UP. Contrast: SLOWDOWN....
- Значение идиомы so many [so many ] {adj.} 1. A limited number of; some Our schoolauditorium will hold only so many people. 2. A group of. – Often usedfor emphasis. The children were all sitting very quietly in theirchairs, like so many dolls. Compare: SO MUCH. {adj.} Bob is alwaysbragging; his stories are just so many lies....
- Значение идиомы think out [think out] {v.} 1. To find out or discover by thinking; study andunderstand. Andy thought out a way of climbing to the top of thepole. Compare FIGURE OUT, WORK OUT. 2. To think through to the end;to understand what would come at last. Bill wanted to quit school, but he thought out the matter and […]...
- Значение идиомы break one’s neck [break one’s neck] {v. phr.}, {slang} To do all you possibly can; try your hardest. – Usually used with a limiting adverb or negative. John nearly broke his neck trying not to be late to school. Mother asked Mary to go to the store when she was free, but not to break her neck over […]...
- Значение идиомы at length [at length] {adv. phr.} 1. In detail; fully. You must study the subject at length to understand it. The teacher explained the new lesson at length to the students. 2. In the end; at last; finally. The movie became more and more exciting, until at length people were sitting on the edge of their chairs....
- Значение идиомы quite a few [quite a few] or [quite a number] also {formal} [not a few] {n.} or{adj. phr.} Rather a large number; more than a few. Quite a fewwent to the game. The basket had quite a few rotten apples in it. – The phrase “quite a number” is used like an adjective only before”less”, “more”. Few people […]...
- Значение идиомы ahead of [ahead of] {prep.} 1. In a position of advantage or power over. He studies all the time, because he wants to stay ahead of his classmates. 2. In front of; before. The troop leader walked a few feet ahead of the boys. 3. Earlier than; previous to, before. Betty finished her test ahead of the […]...
- Значение идиомы get ahead [get ahead] {v.} 1. {informal} To become successful. Mr. Brownwas a good lawyer and soon began to get ahead. The person with agood education finds it easier to get ahead. 2. To be able to savemoney; get out of debt. In a few more years he will be able to getahead. After Father pays all […]...
- Значение идиомы ahead of the game [ahead of the game] {adv. or adj. phr.}, {informal} 1. In a position of advantage; winning ; ahead ; making it easier to win or succeed. The time you spend studying when you are in school will put you ahead of the game in college. After Tom sold his papers, he was $5 ahead of […]...
- Значение идиомы by no means [by no means] or [not by any means] also [by no manner of means] or [not by any manner of means] {adv. phr.} Not even a little; certainly not. He is by no means bright. “May I stay home from school?” “By no means.” Dick worked on his project Saturday, but he is not finished […]...
- Значение идиомы think better of [think better of] {v.} To change your mind about; to consider againand make a better decision about. John told his mother he wanted toleave school, but later he thought better of it. Compare: SECONDTHOUGHT, THINK TWICE....
- Значение идиомы step on it [step on it] or [step on the gas] {v. phr.} 1. To push down on thegas pedal to make a car go faster. Be very careful when you step onthe gas. Don’t go too fast. Compare: GIVE IT THE GUN. 2. {informal}To go faster; hurry. Step on it, or we’ll be late for school. John […]...
- Значение идиомы shoot ahead of [shoot ahead of] or [past] or [through] or [alongside of] {v. phr.}To move or drive ahead rapidly. As we had to slow down before thetunnel, a red sports car shot ahead of us....
- Значение идиомы quite a little [quite a little] or {informal} [quite a bit] also {formal} [not alittle] {n.} or {adj. phr.} Rather a large amount; rather much; morethan a little. We are not finished; quite a little is left to do. Cleaning the backyard needed quite a little work. – The phrase”quite a bit” is used like an adjective only […]...
- The guide to wife translations The wife says: You want The wife means: You want The wife says: We need The wife means: I want The wife says: It’s your decision The wife means: The correct decision should be obvious The wife says: Do what you want The wife means: You’ll pay for this later The wife says: We need […]...
- Значение идиомы have been around [have been around] {v. phr.}, {informal} Have been to many placesand done many things; know people; have experience and be able to takecare of yourself. Uncle Willie is an old sailor and has really beenaround. Betty likes to go out with Jerry, because he has beenaround. It’s not easy to fool him; he’s been around. […]...
- Значение идиомы by means of [by means of] {prep.} By the use of; with the help of. The fisherman saved himself by means of a floating log. By means of monthly payments, people can buy more than in the past....
- Значение идиомы grab off [grab off] {v.}, {informal} To take quickly; take or grab beforeanybody else can; choose for yourself. The people who got to theshow first grabbed off the best seats. The women hurried to thestore to grab off the things on sale. The prettiest girls at thedance were grabbed off for partners first. Compare: SNAP UP....
- Значение идиомы all right [all right ] {adv. phr.} 1. Well enough. The new machine is running all right. 2. {informal} I am willing; yes. “Shall we watch television?” “All right.” Compare: VERY WELL. 3. {informal} Beyond question, certainly. – Used for emphasis and placed after the word it modifies. It’s time to leave, all right, but the bus […]...
- Значение идиомы let alone [let alone] {conj. phr.} 1. Even less; certainly not. – Used aftera negative clause. I can’t add two and two, let alone dofractions. Jim can’t drive a car, let alone a truck. Compare:MUCH LESS, NOT TO MENTION. 2. [let alone] or [leave alone] {v.} Tostay away from; keep hands off; avoid. When Joel gets mad, […]...
- Значение идиомы as — as — [as — as –] – Used with an adjective or adverb in a comparison or with the effect of a superlative. John is as tall as his father now. I didn’t do as badly today as I did yesterday. John’s father gave him a hard job and told him to do as well as possible. […]...
- Значение идиомы musical chairs [musical chairs] {n. phr.} The transfer of a number of officers in an organization intodifferent jobs, especially each other’s jobs. The boss regularlyplayed musical chairs with department heads to keep them fresh on thejob....
- Значение идиомы scratch the surface [scratch the surface] {v. phr.} To learn or understand very littleabout something. – Usually used with a limiting adverb. We thought we understood Africa but when we made a tripthere we found we had only scratched the surface. High schoolstudents have only scratched the surface of their subjects, and evenafter college graduation, they still find […]...
- Перевод слова negative Negative – отрицательный, негативный Перевод слова Negative answer – отрицательный ответ negative sign – знак минус negative evidence – отсутствие положительных доказательств negative influence – дурное влияние The feedback about the new product was all Negative. Отзыв о новом продукте был целиком негативный. The pregnancy test was Negative. Тест на беременность был отрицательным. A Negative […]...
- Значение идиомы in earnest [in earnest] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} Seriously; in a determined way. The beaver was building his dam in earnest. Bill did hishomework in earnest. – Often used like a predicate adjective. Sometimes used with “dead”, for emphasis. Betty’s friends thoughtshe was joking when she said she wanted to be a doctor, but she was indead […]...
- Значение идиомы food for thought [food for thought] {n. phr.} Something to think about or worththinking about; something that makes you think. The teacher toldJohn that she wanted to talk to his father, and that gave John foodfor thought. There is much food for thought in this book....