6 In the balance 未知的,不可预测的

Said when the outcome¹ of a situation is unknown or unpredictable

Example: His career as a pilot is in the balance, as his eyesight does not seem good enough.

7 Drive a hard bargain 极力讨价还价

To have the negotiating² strength and skills to get the most advantageous³ price and conditions

Example: Amanda is negotiating the best price from the suppliers. She drives a hard bargain.

8 Ring a bell 看上去或听起来非常熟悉

To look, sound or seem familiar

Example: That face rings a bell, where have I seen him before?

9 Tighten⁴ one’s belt 节衣缩食

To cut down on spending because there is less income than before

Example: Now you are out of work, you’ll have to tighten your belt and give up buying new clothes and going out so often.

10 Kill two birds with one stone 一石二鸟

To complete two tasks together, with less effort than doing them separately

Example: Since I’d gone to the store to buy some bread, I thought of killing⁵ two birds with one stone and invited Mr. Biggs to the party.