Shrink to think

[lilac]

Test No. incompl/elem-31 "Responses (4)", question 1

Mike: 'Do you know what I did last night?'
Jane: '.........'

(a) I shrink to think.
(b) I don't think.
(c) I will not think.
(d) I do not think.

Test No. incompl/elem-31 "Responses (4)", answer 1

Mike: 'Do you know what I did last night?'
Jane: 'I shrink to think.'

Correct answer: (a) I shrink to think.

Your answer was: incorrect
Mike: 'Do you know what I did last night?'
Jane: 'I do not think.'
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Please help, what is mean " I shrink to think"

thanks

[Alan]

This means I daren't think.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Relative Pronoun

[Fooz]

Hi Alan,

I "daren't" think

Does "daren't" stand for "dare not to" or just "dare not"

[Alan]

Hi Fooz,

I daren't means (is a short form of) I dare not.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Good Bye Summer

[Cookie]

Hello Mr Townend ! Please explain to me why the guy in your test shrinks to think. Does this mean he thinks that he did something embarrasing the night before?

[Alan]

Hi Cookie,

There is that suggestion, if you like. It's the sort of remark that is said in a half joking way because you don't honestly expect the other person to say anything really frightening.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A spring in your step

[Yankee]

Hi Alan

How common is the expression "shrink to think" in the UK?
.

[Csiska]

Hi Alan
When we work on tests, do you know about the score also? i never finish the tests and i dont know when to stop. Thank you.

Csiska

[Torsten]

Hi Csiska,

Welcome to english-test.net and many thanks for your question. Yes, we know your score and hope you will keep up the great work.
Best regards,
Torsten
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Filcanlas]

Hello Torsten

I want to ask a questions? is there any difference between British idioms and American idioms?

How about this phrase " I shrink to think" is this idiom's response?

Thank you
fil

[Torsten]

Hi Fil,

Welcome to english-test.net many thanks for your question. Yes, there are different idioms that are used by different people. It's probably the same with Arabic phrases and expressions. It's quite possible that the idiom 'I shrink to think' is more used in Great Britain or the UK than in the US or Canada.

Regards,
Torsten
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Azdeh]

i think 'shrink to think' is not as formal as "i dont think".could it be used beetween friend to mean ' I dont know."
or it doesnt have a nything to do with "i dont know"

[Alan]

Hi Azdeh,

You have to imagine that you are talking to someone you know very well and also that you are speaking in a joking way. In that sense you are right because this expression is used informally and really suggests: I haven't the slightest idea and I want you to tell me. Take this exchange:

A Do you know what I did last night?

B I shrink to think what you did! Do tell me. I'd love to hear.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Phrasal Verbs/bring

[Azdeh]

hi alan.
its me again. i am a teacher of english. I do acknowledge that i have to use formal speech only while i am being at school. is it normal if i mistakenly use some informals when i talk to the principal?
and one more question please: i am not sure about my english being of american or british accent.

[Lost_Soul]