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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
advantage
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From this reading He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
apparently
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From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
arise
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From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
arms
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From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
await
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
blade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
bonds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
boy
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From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
catching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
caused
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From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
close
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From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
constant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom.
effort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
efforts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
essential
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
favorable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
flung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
Fred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
freedom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom.
freely
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From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
Gus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
helpless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
hugging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
immediate
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From this reading He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
knelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
knife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
latter
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From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
limb
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From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
lunge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
mighty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
moistened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
neck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom.
Now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
perspirationnounUS /ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃən/
sweat produced by the body
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
perspire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
prevent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
pricking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
projecting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
purchase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
purpose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
rope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
slipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
straining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
strands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
succeeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
TABLES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He did not take immediate advantage of his freedom.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
thanks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
tormentor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
TURNING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
using
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fred could not arise; but he flung both arms around his tormentor's neck, hugging him so close as to prevent the latter from using his hands.
usually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
vain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
vicious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Now he had a purchase, and by a mighty effort at the moment when Gus made a more than usually vicious lunge, slipped one of his hands from the bonds, thanks to the perspiration which moistened the strands.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was essential to await a favorable opportunity, and this came when Gus knelt before him for the purpose of pricking the apparently helpless boy with the blade of his knife.
wrists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TURNING THE TABLES The constant straining caused Fred to perspire freely, and after many vain efforts he succeeded in catching the rope which was around his wrists, under the point of a projecting limb of the tree.
