1.before long 不久以后
例句：Before long, rumours of an affair between Spencer and his leading lady of the time, Selena Royle, began to circulate.
不久以后，斯潘塞和他当时的女主角塞琳娜·罗伊尔开始幽会。

2.how the cards lie 真实情况
例句：I guess I'd best let you know how the cards lie
我想我还是把真实情况告诉你吧。

3.wait a bit 等一会儿
例句：There might be drinks if you wait a bit.
如果你等一会儿，可能会有酒。

4.such a fright 吓了一大跳
例句：My mother gave my girlfriend and I such a fright when she caught us kissing in the dark.
我妈妈发现我和女友在黑暗里接吻时，把我们吓了一大跳。