Language Point 34

Even though you can't reach both at once, is it possible to tie their ends together, using only a pair of pliers? (Para. 13)

Meaning: Even though you can't get both at the same time, do you think it possible to tie the two ends together with a pair of pliers?

at once: at the same time or all at one time

I can't do two things at once.
我不能同時做兩件事情。

She is at once clever and restrained.
她既聰明又謙虛。

end: the two "ends" of something long and narrow are the two points or parts of it that are furthest away from each other.

Every stick has two ends.
凡事總有利又有弊。

She's on the other end of the wire (or line).
她在電話的另一端。

the end of one's nose
鼻子尖

cigarette ends
香煙頭