The poisonous cane toad (scientific name Bufo marinus) was introduced to Australia from South America in the 1930's to control sugar cane beetles in Queensland and rapidly became a major pest.
cane toad - Bufo marinus
at the busiest and liveliest time
Example: When we arrived, the party was in full swing.
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To make up your mind means to make a decision or to decide what to choose.
Example: I can't make up my mind what to eat.
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To keep something out is to stop it from getting into a place
Example: I have a fence to keep the chickens out of the garden.
feeling or regretting the effects of a bad mistake or disaster
Example: I'm still counting the cost of quitting my old job.
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To hold something at bay is to stop it from doing damage.
Example: I held the lion at bay with a chair.
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The dingo is an Australian wild dog
a dingo
Dingoes readily interbreed with escaped domestic dogs and dingoes that have only have wild dogs as their ancestors are increasingly rare.
A reference to the killling of baby Azaria Chamberlain by a dingo in 1980, an event known to all Australians because after a series of sensational trials and inquests the baby's mother was jailed, but later released when she was found to have been telling the truth when she said "the dingo's got my baby".
in addition to; too
Example: They sell tea as well as coffee.
Notice that the plural of dingo is spelled dingoes with an 'e'. For more about spelling plurals of words that end in 'o', follow the link.
two dingoes
more information: plurals of words ending in 'o'.
To sniff out something is to find it by its smell.
Example: Dogs can sniff out hidden food.
For more meanings of the phrasal verb sniff out, follow the link below to our language library.
more information: sniff out
Here taught is the past participle of the irregular verb teach. Follow the link below to find out more.
more information: teach
To have the edge is to have the advantage.
Example: Our team will win because it has the edge.
paid the cost; accepted the expense
Example: I don't have any insurance, so I'm going to have to wear the cost of the acccident.
Here worn is the past participle of the irregular verb wear. Follow the link below to find out more.
more information: wear
Notive that in the possessive case no 'e' is used. Follow the link for more about using the possessive apostrophe.
more information: possessive apostrophe
Broken is the past participle of the irregular verb break. Follow the link below to find out more.
more information: break
To be in charge is to have control or command or something.
Example: The teacher is in charge of the classroom.
A long shot is an attempt that you don't expect to succeed.
Example: I think it's a long shot, but I'll apply for the job anyway.
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Done is the past participle of the irregular verb do. Follow the link below to find out more.
more information: do
Having a go is trying or making an attempt.
Example: I'm going to have a go at playing tennis.
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invent; think of; suggest
Example: We need to come up with new ideas.
For more meanings of the phrasal verb come up with, follow the link below to our language library.
more information: come up with