Usefulness & Value

I didn't win the grand prize, but receiving a consolation prize is better than nothing.

Tickets for the concert were like gold dust, selling out within minutes of being released.

After surviving a dangerous accident, Lily emerged alive and well, grateful for a second chance at life.

She has the project in hand and is confidently leading the team.

宝藏, 金矿

The archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of ancient artifacts at the excavation site.

考古学家在挖掘现场发现了一批古代文物的宝藏。

Look at the trees – the one that fell and got us and the other one beside it – were both due to come down, they were dead as dodos.

When the batteries in the remote control died, it was as dead as mutton, and we couldn't change the channel.

The fashion trends from the 90s are now considered out of date and unfashionable.

特别的, 特定的

The committee was formed ad hoc to address the urgent issue of employee grievances.

该委员会是ad hoc成立的，旨在解决员工投诉的紧急问题。

After analyzing the potential return on investment, they concluded that the new business venture was worth the candle.

After a week of rest, she's finally up to the mark.

The carpenter's rough and ready tools may not be the most advanced, but they get the job done.

胡言乱语, 无意义的废话

The politician's speech was filled with meaningless mumbo jumbo, leaving the audience confused about his actual stance.

政治家的演讲充满了毫无意义的胡言乱语，让听众对他的实际立场感到困惑。

皇冠上的明珠, 最高成就

Her latest novel is her crowning glory, receiving widespread critical acclaim and topping the bestseller lists.

她最新的小说是她的巅峰之作，获得了广泛的评论赞誉，并登上了畅销书排行榜的榜首。

His suggestion to bring a ladder to fix the roof was as useful as a chocolate teapot since the ladder was too short to reach.

My grandfather is behind the times when it comes to using the internet.

老掉牙的笑话, 陈词滥调

Oh no, not that old chestnut again!I've heard that story a thousand times.

哦不，又是那个老掉牙的故事！我已经听过那个故事一千遍了。

After attending the training, she was up to speed on the new software.

The discovery of vast oil reserves turned the region into a land of black gold, attracting major investments.