1. interpret v.
1. If you interpret something in a particular way, you decide that this is its
meaning or significance.
The whole speech might well be interpreted as a coded message to the Americans...
The judge quite rightly says that he has to interpret the law as it's been passed...
Both approaches agree on what is depicted in the poem, but not on how it should be interpreted.
2 If you interpret what someone is saying, you translate it immediately
into another language.
The chambermaid spoke little English, so her husband came with her to interpret...
Interpreters found they could not interpret half of what he said.
2. take in
1. If you take someone in, you allow them to stay in your house or your
country, especially when they do not have anywhere to stay or are in
trouble.
He persuaded Jo to take him in...
The monastery has taken in 26 refugees.
2 PHRASAL VERB V n P, also V P n (not pron.)
If the police take someone in, they remove them from their home in
order to question them.
The police have taken him in for questioning in connection with the murder of a girl.
3 PHRASAL VERB be V-ed P, V n P
If you are taken in by someone or something, you are deceived by
them, so that you get a false impression of them.
I married in my late teens and was taken in by his charm–which soon vanished...
I know I was a naive fool to trust him but he is a real charmer who totally took me in.
4 PHRASAL VERB V n P, V P n (not pron.)
If you take something in, you pay attention to it and understand it when you hear it or read it.
Lesley explains possible treatments but you can tell she's not taking it in...
Gazing up into his eyes, she seemed to take in all he said.
5 PHRASAL VERB V P n (not pron.), also V n P
If you take something in, you see all of it at the same time or with just one look.
The eyes behind the lenses were dark and quick-moving, taking in everything at a glance.
6 PHRASAL VERB no passive, V P n (not pron.), also V n P
If you take in something such as a film or a museum, you go to see it.
(INFORMAL)
I was wondering if you might want to take in a movie with me this evening.
7 PHRASAL VERB V P n (not pron.), also V n P
If people, animals, or plants take in air, drink, or food, they allow it to enter their body, usually by breathing or swallowing.
They will certainly need to take in plenty of liquid.
8 PHRASAL VERB V P n (not pron.), also V n P
If you take in a dress, jacket, or other item of clothing, you make it smaller and tighter.
She had taken in the grey dress so that it hugged her thin body.
≠ l et out
9PHRASAL VERB V P amount
If a store, restaurant, theatre, or other business takes in a certain
amount of money, they get that amount from people buying goods or
services. (mainly AM BUSINESS; in BRIT, usually use take)
They plan to take in $1.6 billion.
3. but then
You use but then before a remark which suggests that what you have just said should not be regarded as surprising.
He was a fine young man, but then so had his father been...
Sonia might not speak the English language well, but then who did?
4. jar v.
1. If something jars on you, you find it unpleasant, disturbing, or
shocking.
Sometimes a light remark jarred on her father.
...televised congressional hearings that jarred the nation's faith in the presidency...
You shouldn't have too many colours in a small space as the effect can jar.
• jar|ring ADJ
In the context of this chapter, Dore's comments strike a jarring note.
2 VERB V, V n
If an object jars, or if something jars it, the object moves with a fairly hard shaking movement.
