1．a change of pace 节奏变换
You can‘t do these chemistry experiments all day long. You certainly need a change of pace.
2．a far cry from 相距甚远
The published book is far cry from the early manuscript.
3．and how 的确
A： She‘s a good dancer.
B： and how.
4．a matter of time 时间问题
It is only a matter of time.
5．a phone call away 一个电话之远，愿意过来帮忙。
If you need my help， do let me know. Just remember I am a phone call away.
6．a while back 不久以前
7．all along 一直
I knew it all along.
8．anything but 绝对不
I was anything but happy about going.
9．account for 解释
How do you account for it?
10．after all 到底
A： I‘ve just seen the X-rays and your teeth look just fine，
B： I see. Then there is nothing to worry about after all.
11．allergic to 对|……过敏
Oh man! Something in this room is making my eyes itch. I must be allergic to something.
12．at sb‘s service 愿为某人服务
I am at your service at any time.
13．around the clock 24小时不停
Martha studied around the clock for management exam.
14．as far as I know 就我所知
15．at home with 对………很熟悉
She is at home with problems like this.
16．back out
1) 退出
A： Wasn‘t Bert supposed to sing tonight?
B： Yes， but he backed out at last minute