Winter Sports

slope

When you're out there on the slopes.

In the example "slope" refers to a ski run or path on a mountain.  In more general terms, a slope is ground that has an incline, like the side of a hill or mountain.  Notice the following:

1. The road to my house has a steep slope.
   
2. My legs are tired from skiing on the slopes all day.
   

cruise

You can cruise down.

To "cruise" is to go at a fast, but controlled speed.  You can use this word to talk about driving a car, skiing, running, or anything were there is movement forward.  Notice the following:

1. He likes to cruise around in his car when the weather is nice.
   
2. She cruised past me on her bicycle.
   

practice makes perfect

You know, practice makes perfect, right!

This is a common phrase that we use to say that if you practice something for a long time you can become very good at it.  Notice the following:

1. I know that practice makes perfect, but she has been playing the same song on the piano for two hours!!
   
2. My mother always tells me that practice makes perfect.
   

full-blown

Spend a couple of days and you'll be a full-blown skier.

We use "full-blown" as an adjective to say that someone or something is completely developed or at a high level of ability or strength.  Notice the following:

1. I saw him a few years ago, before he was a full-blown politician. 
   
2. It started out as only a few raindrops, but now it's a full-blown storm.
   

train

Have you trained somebody how to ski?

To "train" someone how to do something is to teach them, usually by showing them how to do it rather than telling them.  We use this word to describe teaching sports and technical skills.  Notice the following:

1. When you first start the job they will train you for two weeks before you start.
   
2. Have you had computer training?