Chapter XVIII

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading He isn’t the sort of man that you can take liberties with.

English architect (1723-1796)

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

divisible by two

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

come to pass

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

only a very short time before

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

A period of prolonged and intensive questioning or investigation.

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

tending to intrude (especially upon privacy)

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He isn’t the sort of man that you can take liberties with.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

immediately past

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

the act of departing

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

plural of “liberty” — immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence

From this reading He isn’t the sort of man that you can take liberties with.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He isn’t the sort of man that you can take liberties with.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

the next day

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

approval to do something

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

pull or pull out sharply

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

plural of “precinct” — a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

get by special effort

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

for a short time

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading He isn’t the sort of man that you can take liberties with.

carry out

From this reading He isn’t the sort of man that you can take liberties with.

express in words

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

lacking charm and good taste

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I even tried to pluck up courage to ask him, but then I was afraid that it might seem intrusive.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

precisely as stated

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

at the time that

From this reading Events proved that I was not mistaken; indeed, we were hardly clear of the precincts of the Temple when Marion opened the inquisition.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The Last Act Shortly before leaving Thorndyke’s chambers with Marion and Miss Boler I managed to secure his permission to confide to them, in general terms, what was to happen on the morrow; and very relieved I was thereat, for I had little doubt that questions would be asked which it would seem ungracious to evade.

the day immediately before today

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You said yesterday,” she began, “that Dr. Thorndyke might have something to tell us to-day, and I hoped that he might.