[156] New Robot to Work at Department Store

TRAVEL NEWS WIRE…

New Robot to Work at Department Store A lifelike robot was demonstrated at a Tokyo department store recently, allowing customers to ask questions and get replies from the human-looking machine. Despite the robot’s cute appearance, some people commented that the female-looking robot had eyes that were “empty” or “spooky.”

THIS WEEK’S NATURAL PHRASE

too pushy

Mia: I’m so tired of those annoying salesmen coming to my house and my office wanting to sell me things that I don’t want.

Alexis: I know what you mean. Some of them are just too pushy! If they keep pressuring you, you should contact the police.

Explanation: When we say that someone is “pushy” or “too pushy” we mean that they are rude, apply pressure to you, and won’t go away when you tell them.

THIS WEEK’S MEDICAL PHRASE

drug-eluting mesh

Patient: Is there any danger that my stomach might get infected after the surgery?

Doctor: There is always some small risk, but we will implant a drug-eluting mesh over the surgery area, which will help to prevent infection.

Explanation: The phrase “drug-eluting mesh” means that a type of material is put inside the body, which slowly releases drugs such as antibiotics.

THIS WEEK’S BUSINESS/EMAIL PHRASE

skill set

Dear Eleanor:

I think we should hire Mr. Williams as soon as possible. He has good experience as an engineer, he is a proven manager, and he speaks several Asian languages. He has a really great skill set. Can you ask him to start work on Monday?

Explanation: When we say that someone has a great “skill set” we mean that they have a useful combination of abilities.

Similar words: job qualifications, professional abilities