drought

drought (n): lack

• Because of the drought, some farmers began to migrate* to more fertile* regions.
• In time of drought, the crops become scorched*.
• As the drought wore on, people began to grumble against those who had squandered* water when it was more plentiful.

Vandal

Vandal (n): ruffian, hooligan

• Adolescent* vandals wrecked the cafeteria.
• The vandals deliberately* ripped the paintings from the wall.
• We could scarcely* believe the damage caused by the vandals.

deliberate

deliberate (adj): on purpose, planned

• Rico's excuse was a deliberate lie.
• My grandfather walks with deliberate steps.
• Judge Sirica deliberated for a week before making his decision known.

traitor

traitor: conspirator

• The patriot* sneered* when asked to stand on the same platform with the man who was accused of being a traitor.
• No villain* is worse than a traitor who betrays* his country.
• Do not call him a traitor unless you can verify* the charge.

surplus

surplus (n): excess; extra

• The bank keeps a large surplus of money in reserve.
• Surplus wheat, cotton, and soybeans are shipped abroad*.
• No mortal* ever considers* that he has a surplus of good things.

dwindle

dwindle(v): decrease, diminish

• Our supply of unpolluted water has dwindled.
• With no visible* signs of their ship, hopes for the men's safety dwindled with each passing hour.
• After the furious tempest*, the dwindling chances of finding the raft vanished* entirely.

majestic

majestic (adj): grand; noble; dignified; kingly

• The lion is the most majestic creature of the jungle.
• In Greek mythology*, Mt.Olympus was the majestic home of the gods.
• The graduates marched into the auditorium to the music of the majestic symphony.

heir

heir : beneficiary, inheritor

• Though Mr.Sloane is the heir to a gold mine, he lives like a miser*.
• The monarch* died before he could name an heir to the throne.
• It is essential that we locate the rightful heir of once.

to talk over

to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others (S)

• We talked over Carla's plan to install an air conditioner in the room, but we couldn't reach a decision.
• Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my life.

to take one's time

to take one's time: to do without rush, not to hurry

this idiom is often used in the imperative form.(see the first example)

• There's no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time.
• William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in every thing that he does.