What's the meaning of "a piece of the rock" in this sentence? Thanks! I told him about what a great piece of property it was, an incredible location, a piece of the rock, nothing like it, how smart he was to come and see me about it.

What's the meaning of "You must have a strong hold on life!" in this dialogue ? Thanks! "And you came from---?"

"From Lowood school."

"Ah! A charitable concern. How long were you there?"

"Eight years."

"Eight years! You must have a strong hold on life! I would have thought that time in such a place would have ruined anybody's health!"

What's the meaning of "Only" in this paragraph ? Thanks! Remember that other people may be totally wrong. But they don't think so. Don't condemn them. Any fool can do that. Try to understand them. Only wise, tolerant, exceptional people even try to do that.

What's the meaning of "and so on and on" in this sentence? Thanks! He pointed out that the best is eventually the cheapest, that one can't expect to get quality and artistic taste at bargain-basement prices, and so on and on.

What's the meaning of "hard-to-fill" in this sentence? Thanks! He told me how he had successfully found the right applicant for a hard-to-fill position.

What's the meaning of "up" in this sentence? Thanks! I often went fishing up in Maine during the summer.

What's the meaning of " she took to her bed" here? Thanks! "She took to her bed; and for ten years her old mother traveled to the third floor and back, carrying trays, nursing her."

What's the meaning of "rather" in this sentence? What's the meaning of "rather" in this sentence : "Thornfield is a fine old hall, rather neglected of late years perhaps, but still it is a respectable place. "

I looked it up in the dictionary, but couldn't decide the exact answer. Thanks!

What’s the meaning of “approach...as...”in this sentence？ What’s the meaning of “approach...as...”in this sentence： “Some people, feeling excluded from what they see as its secret language and mysterious structure, approach poetry as something that must be deciphered. “

Is it a common phrase？I haven't found it in the dictionary.