His tracks

[ngamary]

Dear Teachers,

1) The lion stops dead in his tracks.

-What does this mean?

2) Jut get that lion out of the way.

-What does this mean?

3) Now hurry up! I must be on my way.

-What does “ I must be on my way” mean?

4) A: I bet you’re a good dentist.
B: How can you tell?

-What does “ How can you tell?” mean?

Thanks a lot.

Ngamary.

[sc231426]

1) to stop dead in one's tracks = to suddenly stop moving, as if one just realizes something or suspects that someone else is nearby.

2) "Just get that lion out of the way." = We can't continue on our path unless the lion is gone. Your job is to get rid of the lion for us. I don't care how you do it. Just do it quickly, because we don't have time to waste.

3) "I must be on my way." = I need to leave right away. I should be going now.

Other examples:
- Will he arrive soon? Yes, he's on his way. (He's on the way here right now. = He's coming here right now. He hasn't arrived yet, but he's coming.)
- I really need to go now. OK, get on your way, then (or, "Be on your way.) = Go ahead and leave.
- I went to the store. On my/the way there (While I was travelling), I met my next door neighbor.
- I arrived late because I ran into an old friend on the way here. (I was delayed because I met an old friend while I was coming.)

4) "How can you tell?" = How do you know? Why do you say that?

- I bet you're a good dentist. How can you tell? Because you're well-trained and you're very nice to everyone.
- He's lying. I can tell from the look on his face.
- Believe me. I'll be able to tell what he's up to.
- I can tell you're very talented. How many hours a day do you spend at the piano?

In this context, "tell" has a meaning like "perceive, see, know"