Lesson 34

to call up someone for service obliged by law, especially the armed services

become glad or happy

to understand and make sense of something after giving it a lot of thought

The novel's intricate plot required readers to fathom the characters' motivations.

to depart suddenly or unexpectedly

The business executives chose to decamp from the downtown office to a more cost-effective location in the suburbs.

to be attentive to advice or a warning

It's important to heed the advice of experienced hikers when trekking in unfamiliar terrain.

to say something impulsively; often without careful thinking or consideration

He blurted an apology as soon as he realized his mistake.

deep soft mud in water or slush

to introduce a subject for discussion, especially a sensitive or challenging matter

At the team meeting, the manager decided to broach the subject of restructuring to improve efficiency.

to seek retribution or take vengeance on behalf of oneself or others for a perceived wrong or harm

Determined to avenge her brother's death, the protagonist embarked on a quest for justice.

to pull out the feathers of a dead bird in order to prepare it for cooking

She learned from her grandmother how to pluck a duck, a skill passed down through generations.

to act in an authoritative role in a ceremony, meeting, etc.

The judge will preside over the trial and ensure that proceedings are conducted fairly.

to take up, follow, or support a cause, belief, ideology, etc.

to blow the chaffs out of the grains

to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a way to show disapproval or to try to bring about a change

Many customers boycotted the store after its poor customer service.

the act of projecting out from something

to give something with a sense of superiority

The professor vouchsafed a small piece of advice to the struggling student, as if imparting wisdom to a child.