Antarctic Ozone Hole Begins To Heal, Scientists Say

Key Expressions

1. Take shape

To gradually develop into something more clear, organized, or complete.

Imagine sculpting a statue out of a large block of stone. Initially, it is just a single chunk, but as you carve it, the shapes of the face and limbs gradually begin to emerge. This expression is used when a vague plan, strategy, story, or idea slowly starts taking a clear outline, even if it is not completely finished yet. Because it describes an ongoing process, it is more commonly used in the progressive tense rather than the simple past or present.

A: How's your presentation going? B: It's finally taking shape. I just need to finish the visuals.
Our vacation plans are finally starting to take shape.

2. Come into play

To start becoming important or influential in a situation.

Think of a sports match where a player who has been sitting on the bench joins the game and completely changes the flow. This phrase means that an element that was initially unimportant or unnoticed intervenes and starts to have an effect. If you want to describe actively bringing an element in to utilize it, you can use the variation "bring something into play".

A: Why did the project slow down? B: A few unexpected issues came into play, so we had to adjust.
Several challenges came into play as the deadline approached.

3. Raise the bar

To set a higher standard or expectation for quality, performance, or achievement.

This expression comes from the high jump, where the bar is continually raised every time an athlete successfully passes a level. In addition to "raise," the noun "bar" works very well with other verbs like "lower" or "set".

A: Did you try the new pilates class? B: Yes, and it really raises the bar - the workouts are intense!
The restaurant's new menu raises the bar for local dining.
He set the bar too high for the rest of us.

Power Pattern

Is finally starting to...

The business is finally starting to show a profit.
Billy is finally starting to walk.
Luna is finally starting to sleep through the night, thanks to ondol.

Power Vocab

Lingering

The verb "linger" means to stay longer than expected. While it is originally a neutral word, in everyday conversations it is often used with a nuance of discomfort, implying that something which should have ended is still remaining. Common pairings include "lingering pain," "lingering doubts," or a "lingering sense of regret". However, depending on the context, it can also describe a positive, lasting feeling.

The smell lingered in the room.
She still has lingering doubts about the plan.
The movie left a lingering impression on me.

Bonus Expression

Get away with

This phrase means breaking a rule or doing something wrong but escaping without punishment. Recently, it is also frequently used in the context of fashion to mean successfully pulling off an adventurous or risky style without looking awkward.