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607 Cards in this Set
- Front
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adjourn
|
close a meeting; suspend the business of a meeting; desband; recess
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rant
He's always ranting (on) about the government. I get fed up with my mother ranting and raving (about my clothes) all the time. |
to speak or shout in a loud, uncontrolled or angry way, often saying confused or silly things
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hands-on
She's very much a hands-on manager. |
Someone with a hands-on way of doing things becomes closely involved in managing and organizing things and in making decisions
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There was a break out at the local prison last night
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break out: Escape
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....forbidden (collocation)
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strictly
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NB
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Note well
from nota bene |
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Pass the buck
Government ministers always pass the bulk if they are challenged with poverty |
blame somebody else/ refuse to accept responsibility
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astute
|
shrewd; wise, perpicacious; sagacious, crafty, cunning, sly
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amputee
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a person who has had an arm or leg cut off
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hit it off informal
I didn't really hit it off with his friends. Jake and Sue hit it off immediately. |
to like someone and become friendly immediately
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outspoken
She always speaks out and gives her opinion She is very outspoken |
outspoken:
1.uttered or expressed with frankness or without reserve: outspoken criticism. 2.free or unreserved in speech. |
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...cold
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bitterly
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i.e.
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that is
from id est |
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acting the fool/goat
Stop acting the goat |
acting stupidly
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censure
|
act of blaming; hostile criticism; rebuke; reprimand
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fornicate
|
to have sex with someone who you are not married to
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be snowed under
She wants me to take some time off but I'm snowed under with work at the moment. [often + with] |
to have so much work that you have problems dealing with it all
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The school took in some outstanding students last year
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take in: admit
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... cars
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fast
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AD
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years since Christ birth
from Anno Domini |
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kill two birds with one stone
I killed two birds with one stone and saw some old friends while I was in Leeds visiting my parents. |
to manage to do two things at the same time instead of just one, because it is convenient to do both
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demolish
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tear down; destroy; raze; smash; wreck
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feud
a family feud a 10-year-old feud between the two countries a bitter feud over land |
an argument which has existed for a long time between two people or groups, causing a lot of anger or violence
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red tape
My passport application has been held up by red tape. |
official rules which do not seem necessary and make things happen very slowly
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It was an experience that put everyone off
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put off: Confuse
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.... meal
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quick
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bedsit
|
one room which is a bedroom and a sitting room
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in the blink of an eye
In the blink of an eye the handsome prince was transformed into an ugly frog |
extremely quickly
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a bone of contention
The main bone of contention was deciding who would take care of the children after the divorce. |
something that people argue about for a long time
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discharge
|
unload, dismiss;fire
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sniveling
That sniveling creep/coward! |
used to describe someone you do not like because they are weak and unpleasant
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breathe down sb's neck
It's awful having to work with a boss who's breathing down your neck the whole time. |
to pay very close attention to what someone does in a way that annoys or worries them
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A lorry which had broken down was blocking the road
A broken down lorry was blocking the road |
1.shattered or collapsed, as with age; infirm.
2.having given way with use or age; out of working order: a broken-down chair |
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.... glance
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quick
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PTO
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Please turn over
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be as dry as a bone
I don't think he's been watering these plants - the soil's as dry as a bone. |
to be extremely dry
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dissent
|
differ in opinion; desagree; object
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.... to the rules
= not violate |
keep/stick
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rabbi
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks [as form of address] Good morning, Rabbi. |
a religious leader and teacher in the Jewish religion
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well-being
People doing yoga benefit from an increased feeling of well-being. |
the state of feeling healthy and happy
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Shake-up
Big shake-up expected in education |
a thorough change in a business, department, or the like, as by dismissals, demotions, etc.
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pcm
|
per calender month
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rough and ready
I've done a rough and ready translation of the instructions. I hope it's clear enough. |
if you do something in a rough and ready way, you do it quickly and without preparing it carefully
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equitable
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fair to all concerned; just; impartial; objective; unbiased
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.... engine
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powerful
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bogus
On investigation, his claim was found to be bogus. She produced some bogus documents to support her application. |
false, not real or not legal
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Cover-up
Minister denies cover-up |
1.any action, stratagem, or other means of concealing or preventing investigation or exposure.
2.Also, cov·er·up . any of various women's garments, as loose blouses, jump suits, caftans, or sarongs, worn over a swimsuit, exercise clothing, or the like. |
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pw
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per week
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Cool, calm and collected
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relaxed ,in control and not nervous
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exonerate
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free from blam; clear from accusation; acquit; absolve
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..... monument
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ancient
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gash
|
a long deep cut, especially in the skin
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Lockout
Lockout continues at aviation plant |
the temporary closing of a business or the refusal by an employer to allow employees to come to work until they accept the employer's terms.
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inc excl
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including excluding facilities
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to cut a long story short British & Australian, American to make a long story short
Anyway, to cut a long story short, we left at midnight and James left somewhat later. |
something that you say when you are about to stop telling someone all the details of something that happened and tell them only the main facts
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extemporaneous
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composed or spoken without preparation; offhand; impromptu; improvised
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.... an effort
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make
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stride
The West made impressive strides in improving energy efficiency after the huge rises in oil prices during the seventies. The group has made strides to expand internationally. |
an important positive development
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Shutdown
Power plant shutdown leaves 5000 home in darkness |
a shutting down; a closing of a factory or the like for a time.
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n/s
|
non smoking
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by hook or by crook
I decided that I was going to get that job by hook or by crook. |
if you intend to do something by hook or by crook, you are determined not to let anything stop you doing it and are ready to use any methods
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extricate
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free from difficulties; disentangle; desencumber; release
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.... dark
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pitch
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pariah
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a person who is not accepted by a social group, especially because he or she is not liked, respected or trusted
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Knock down
They are knocking down the old hotel |
to sell at auction by a blow of the hammer or to a bidder.
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ch
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central heating
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be at loggerheads
They're constantly at loggerheads with the farmers' union. [often + with] The Senate and the House are still at loggerheads over the most crucial parts of the bill. [sometimes + over] |
if two people or groups are at loggerheads, they disagree strongly about something
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forfeit
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lose or have to give up as a penalty for some error, neglect, or fault; sacrifice
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poverty .... crime
= causes |
breeds
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stub your toe
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to hurt your toe by hitting it against a hard object by accident
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branch off
The path branched off to the river |
If a road or path branches off, it goes in another direction
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overshadow
Our garden is overshadowed by the block of apartments next door She always felt overshadowed by her older more successful sister |
1.
to be more important or significant by comparison: For years he overshadowed his brother. 2. to cast a shadow over; cover with shadows, clouds, darkness, etc.; darken or obscure: clouds overshadowing the moon. 3. to make sad or hang heavily over; cast a pall on: a disappointment that overshadowed their last years. |
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pay through the nose informal
If you want a decent wine in a restaurant, you have to pay through the nose for it. [usually + for] |
to pay too much for something
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illegible
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not able to be read; very hard to read; not legible; undecipherable
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a ... meal
=big |
substantial
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flinch
He didn't even flinch when the nurse cleaned the wound. |
to make a sudden small movement because of pain or fear
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Sort out
The plumber soon sorted out the shower problem |
to put in order; clarify
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Overstep
He overstepped the mark when he said that |
to go beyond; exceed: to overstep one's authority.
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have second thoughts
You're not having second thoughts about coming to Brighton with me, are you? [often + about] |
if you have second thoughts about something, you change your opinion or start to have doubts about it
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inadvertently
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not done on purpose; unintentionally; thoughtlessly; accidentally; carelessly
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... disappointed
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bitterly
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pony up sth or pony sth up American, informal, old-fashioned
It's about time the US ponied up its share of the UN's operating budget. |
to pay an amount of money for something
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The noise of the train died away
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die away, (of a sound) to become weaker or fainter and then cease: The hoofbeats gradually died away.
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understaffed
The company is really understaffed |
having an insufficient number of personnel: The hospital is understaffed.
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as free as a bird
She'd been traveling alone round the Greek islands for a year - free as a bird. |
completely free to do what you want and without any worries
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inappropriate
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not fitting; unsuitable; unbecoming; not appropriate; improper
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... snow
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heavy
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affable
He struck me as an affable sort of a man. She was quite affable at the meeting. |
friendly and easy to talk to
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Move up
Tina was so clever that teacher moved her up to a higher class |
to advance to a higher level.
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underfoot
It is quite wet underfoot. Didi it rain last night? |
1.
under the foot or feet; on the ground; underneath or below: The climb was difficult because there were so many rocks underfoot. 2. so as to form an obstruction, as in walking; in the way: the ends of her sash falling constantly underfoot. |
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give sb a free hand
His manager had given him a free hand to make whatever changes he felt necessary. [often + to do sth] |
to allow someone to do whatever they think is necessary in a particular situation
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lucrative
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moneymaking; profitable; advantageous; remunerative
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... jealous of sb.
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desperately
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coop
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a cage (= small space surrounded by bars, wire, etc.) where small animals are kept, especially chickens
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Move up
Tina moved up to a higher class |
to advance to a higher level.
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underhand
He did it in a very underhand way |
1.
not open and aboveboard; secret and crafty or dishonorable: an underhand deal with the chief of police. 2. executed with the hand below the level of the shoulder and the palm turned upward and forward: an underhand delivery of a ball. |
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well-to-do
In Johannesburg's well-to-do suburbs, residents are hiring security guards to protect their homes. |
rich
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permanent
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lasting; enduring; intended to last; stable
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nads
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testicles
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Drop off
I can drop you off at the station |
drive you somewhere and leave you ther
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give sb a .... to somewhere
= ride |
lift
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upturn
There has been an upturn in the economy |
sudden change for the better
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out of the blue British, American & Australian, American & Australian out of a clear (blue) sky
Then one day, completely out of the blue, I had a letter from her. The invasion came out of a clear blue sky and caught everyone off guard. |
if something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and you are not expecting it
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prohibit
|
forbid; ban; enjoin; interdict
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mirage
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an image, produced by very hot air, of something which seems to be far away but does not really exist
• literary a hope or wish that has no chance of being achieved Electoral victory is just a distant mirage. |
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Drop off
I was sitting in the armchair and I dropped off |
Fall asleep
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to ... demands on sb
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make
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commiserate
|
to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity.
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put your foot down
When Anna came home drunk one afternoon I decided it was time to put my foot down. |
to tell someone in a strong way that they must do something or that they must stop doing something
You can't just let him do what he wants, you'll have to put your foot down. |
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punctual
|
on time; prompt; timely
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Siamese twins
|
conjoined twins (= two people with the same mother who were born at the same time, with some part of their bodies joined together)
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associate with
I always associate that song with our holiday in Vegas |
to connect or bring into relation, as thought, feeling, memory, etc
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to ... divorced
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get
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congeal
|
1.
to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid. 3. to make or become fixed, as ideas, sentiments, or principles: Some philosophic systems lost their vitality and congealed. . |
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put/set the cat among the pigeons British & Australian
Tell them all they've got to work on Saturday. That should set the cat among the pigeons. |
to do or say something that causes trouble and makes a lot of people angry or worried
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rebuke
|
express disapproval of; criticize sharply; censure severely; remprimand; reprove
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frivolous
I think he sees her as a frivolous young woman. |
behaving in a silly and thoughtless way when you should be serious
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mark down
The teacher marked two students down/marked down two students |
to reduce the price or grade of: These towels have been marked down.
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..... ones time
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spend
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overleaf
A detailed list of awards is given overleaf |
on the other side of the page or sheet.
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safe and sound
It was a difficult drive but we all arrived safe and sound. |
if you are safe and sound, you are not harmed in any way, although you were in a dangerous situation
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frivolous
I feel like doing something completely frivolous today. |
describes an activity or object which is silly or not important rather than useful or serious
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cut off
The accident cut of domestic and industrial water and electricity supply |
to interrupt.
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to ... a (exciting) life
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lead
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overbearing
He has a very overbearing personality |
1.
domineering; dictatorial; haughtily or rudely arrogant. 2. of overwhelming or critical importance. |
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lie through your teeth
The man's lying through his teeth. He never said anything of the sort. |
to tell someone something that you know is completely false
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molest
The girl had been molested frequently by her stepfather from the age of eight. The man had previously been arrested several times for molesting young boys. |
to touch or attack someone in a sexual way against their wishes
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contend with
We've had to contend with a lot of problems lately |
deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation
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to ... a call
= to call |
give
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abdicate
The aging founder of the firm decided to abdicate. |
to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, especially in a formal manner
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drive/send sb round the bend informal
You're driving me round the bend with your constant complaining. |
to make someone very angry, especially by continuing to do something annoying
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eerie
She heard the eerie noise of the wind howling through the trees. He had the eerie feeling that he had met this stranger before. |
strange in a frightening and mysterious way
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put up with
I will not put up with such a bad behavior |
tolerate
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to ... oneself a bath
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run
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abscond
The cashier absconded with the money. |
to depart in a sudden and secret manner, especially to avoid capture and legal prosecution
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pick up the bill/tab informal
When we go out for dinner it's always Jack who picks up the bill. It's the taxpayer who picks up the tab for all these crazy government |
to pay for something, often something that is not your responsibility
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patsy
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a person who it is easy to cheat or make suffer
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look down on/upon
They look down on all foreigners. |
to regard with scorn or disdain
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a ... pain
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sharp
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ablaze
They set the logs ablaze |
1.
burning; on fire: They set the logs ablaze. 2. gleaming with bright lights, bold colors, etc. 3. excited; eager; zealous; ardent. |
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come (back) down to earth (with a bang/bump/jolt)
We came down to earth with a bump when we got back from our holidays to find we had a burst pipe. |
to have to start dealing with the unpleasant or boring things that happen every day after a period of excitement and enjoyment
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flex
First, straighten your legs, then flex your feet. He tried to impress me by flexing his huge muscles. |
to bend an arm, leg, etc. or tighten a muscle
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get on with
My boss and I get on very well" [syn: get along with] |
have smooth relations
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to ... the pain
= make it better |
ease
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afloat
The ship was set afloat. cargo afloat and ashore. The main deck was afloat. |
1.
floating or borne on the water; in a floating condition: The ship was set afloat. 2. on board a ship, boat, raft, etc.; at sea: cargo afloat and ashore. 3. covered with water; flooded; awash: The main deck was afloat. |
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hold/stand your ground
The union stood its ground in negotiations despite pressure by management to accept a pay cut. |
to refuse to change your opinions or behaviour, even if other people try to force you to do this
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stride across/down/into, etc
She strode across the stage. |
› to walk somewhere with long steps:
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face up to
to face up to the facts. He refused to face up to his problems. |
a.to acknowledge; admit: to face up to the facts.
b.to meet courageously; confront: He refused to face up to his problems. |
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a ... bend/turn
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sharp
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adrift
The survivors were adrift in the rowboat for three days. |
floating without control; drifting; not anchored or moored: The survivors were adrift in the rowboat for three days.
2. lacking aim, direction, or stability. |
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put/stick the knife in British & Australian, informal
'No one in the office likes you, you know, Tim', she said, putting the knife in. The reviewer from The Times really stuck the knife in, calling it the worst play he'd seen in years. |
to do or say something unpleasant to someone in an unkind way
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gourmet
|
someone who enjoys good food and drink and knows a lot about it
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freeze over
The lake freezes over for several months each year. |
to coat or become coated with ice
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a .... contrast/difference/ distinction
|
sharp
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terrestrial
|
1.
pertaining to, consisting of, or representing the earth as distinct from other planets. 2. of or pertaining to land as distinct from water. 3. Botany . a. growing on land; not aquatic. b. growing in the ground; not epiphytic or aeria |
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be banging/hitting your head against a brick wall
I've been trying to get the rules changed for years now but I'm hitting my head against a brick wall. He never listens to me - sometimes I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall. |
to keep asking someone to do something which they never do
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freewheeling
There is an independence and freewheeling spirit in Alaska. |
willing to experiment and take risks by going beyond the usual rules or accepted ways of doing things:
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standby
My wife's a pilot and she's on standby over the weekend We're keeping the old equipment as a standby, in case of emergencies |
ready to be used if necessary
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a ... increase/rise/drop
|
sharp
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extraterrestrial
|
outside, or originating outside, the limits of the earth.
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frighten/scare the (living) daylights out of sb
Don't come up behind me like that. You scared the living daylights out of me! |
to frighten someone very much
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spur
The huge new factory spurred economic growth in the entire region. |
to encourage an activity or development, or to cause something to develop faster:
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letdown
I had been looking forward to the concert for weeks but it turned out to be a terrible letdown |
disappointment
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try every possible way
|
I've tried every possible way to help him
|
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extraneous
extraneous substances in our water. an extraneous remark; extraneous decoration. |
1.
introduced or coming from without; not belonging or proper to a thing; external; foreign: extraneous substances in our water. 2. not pertinent; irrelevant: an extraneous remark; extraneous decoration. |
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against (all) the odds, against all odds
Against all the odds, she conceived her first child at the age of 56. He struggled against the odds to keep his business going during the recession. |
if you do or achieve something against all the odds, you do or achieve it although there were a lot of problems and you were not likely to succeed
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proprietary
This is proprietary software, and you have no right to copy it without a license from the owner. |
owned and legally controlled by a particular company:
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back-up
Neil can provide technical back-up if needed |
support
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find a way
|
I must find a way to help him
|
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-ridden
guilt-ridden crime-ridden bedridden |
a combining form meaning “obsessed with,” “overwhelmed by” ( torment-ridden ) or “full of,” “burdened with” ( debt-ridden ).
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hit sb where it hurts (most)
She hit him where it hurt most - in his bank account. If you want to hit her where it really hurts, tell her she's putting on weight again. |
to do something which will upset someone as much as possible
|
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vintage
|
the wine made in a particular year, or a particular year in which wine was made
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onset
The match was canceled because of the onset of rain |
start( of sth unpleasant)
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find ones way
|
Can you find your way back to my house?
|
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leisurely
a leisurely conversation |
1.
acting, proceeding, or done without haste; unhurried; deliberate: a leisurely conversation. 2. showing or suggesting ample leisure; unhurried: a leisurely manner. |
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not look a gift horse in the mouth
Okay, it's not the job of your dreams but it pays good money. I'd be inclined not to look a gift horse in the mouth if I were you. |
if someone tells you not to look a gift horse in the mouth, they mean that you should not criticize or feel doubt about something good that has been offered to you
|
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indulgence
[U] Heavy indulgence in fatty foods should be avoided. [C] I do not much like self-quotation, but I shall ask your indulgence. |
the attitude of allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, or the act of having something enjoyable:
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input
try to come to the meeting. We would value your input |
contribution
|
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give way
|
You must give way to traffic from the right
|
|
miserly
a miserly man |
of, like, or befitting a miser; penurious; stingy; niggardly.
|
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be pushing up (the) daisies humorous
It won't affect me anyway. I'll be pushing up the daisies long before it happens. |
to be dead
|
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trepidation
With some trepidation, I set out to find my first job. |
worry or anxiety about something that is going to happen:
|
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Overkill
Shall I add more decorations to the cake or would that be overkill? |
more of sth that is needed
|
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.... worried
|
desperately
|
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continual
I've had continual problems with this car ever since I bought it. I'm sorry - I can't work with these continual interruptions. |
happening repeatedly, usually in an annoying or not convenient way
|
|
Definition
on the brink of sth The country is on the brink of civil war. We are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. She is on the brink of international stardom. |
if someone or something is on the brink of a situation, that situation is likely to happen soon
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incumbent
The incumbent president faces problems which began many years before he took office |
officially having the named position
|
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Stowaway
Stowaway found on plane |
a person who hides on a ship, aircraft or other vehicle
|
|
give sb a ...
= to give sb a call |
ring
|
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opposite number
Philip is my opposite number in the company's New York office |
a person who has a very similar job or rank to you but in a different organization
|
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rapport
We'd worked together for years and developed a close/good rapport. She has an excellent rapport with her staff. |
a good understanding of someone and an ability to communicate well with them
|
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tie yourself (up) in knots
They tied themselves in knots over the seating arrangements. [often + over] |
to become very confused or worried when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem
|
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irrevocable
irrevocable decisions |
impossible to change or stop:
|
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standoff
noun MAINLY AMERICAN & AUSTRALIAN Many people feared the standoff between demonstrators and the police could turn violent. The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic standoff. Stand-off in trade talks |
an argument or fight in which no agreement is reached or in which neither side can get an advantage
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to ... the requirements
|
meet
|
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workmate
I went out for a drink with a few workmates. |
a person who works in the same place as you, especially one who you are friendly with
|
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be man enough to do sth
He was man enough to admit he had made a mistake. |
to be brave enough to do something
|
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nimble
nimble fingers |
able to move quickly and easily:
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Walkout
Senior union workers staged (= had) a walkout this afternoon at the annual conference over the proposed changes in funding. |
the act of leaving an official meeting as a group in order to show disapproval, or of leaving a place of work to start a strike
|
|
to ... a course in sth.
|
do
|
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talk shop
Even at a party they have to talk shop! |
to talk about your job with those you work with when not at work
|
|
a slime ball informal
I don't know what she sees in him - he's such a slime ball! |
an unpleasant man who is friendly in a way which is not sincere
|
|
spiel
a sales spiel They gave us a long spiel about why we needed to install double glazing in our house. |
a speech, especially one which is long and spoken quickly and is intended to persuade the listener about something
|
|
to .... pain
(the experience of being in pain) |
to suffer pain
to be racked with pain to complain of pain to feel pain to experience pain |
|
Breakdown
I had a breakdown (= my car stopped working) in the middle of the road. Both sides blamed each other for the breakdown of talks. |
a failure to work or be successful
|
|
jobshare
The city council is encouraging jobsharing to make it easier for parents of young children to work. |
to divide the duties and the pay of one job between two people who work at different times during the day or week
|
|
There's no peace/rest for the wicked! humorous
I can't talk - I've got to finish this essay. There's no rest for the wicked. |
something that you say which means you must continue an activity although you might like to stop
|
|
condone
His comments appeared to condone drug abuse. |
to accept or allow behavior that is wrong:
|
|
to ... pain
(making pain go away) |
to alleviate pain
to ease pain to relieve pain to soothe pain to lessen pain |
|
ongoing
We've had an ongoing problem with the computers |
one that continues
|
|
clock in
What time did you clock in this morning? Clocking-in time is 9.00 a.m. |
to record the time you arrive at work on a special machine
|
|
from/since time immemorial literary
Her family had farmed that land from time immemorial. |
for longer than anyone can remember
|
|
reap
Sometimes, this approach can reap tremendous rewards. |
to get something good by working hard for it:
|
|
inflict
The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people. |
to impose as something that must be borne or suffered: to inflict punishment.
2.to impose (anything unwelcome): The regime inflicted burdensome taxes on the people. 3.to deal or deliver, as a blow. |
|
worn-out
She was wearing old, worn-out shoes |
weak, damaged through much use
|
|
clock out
|
to leave work, especially by recording the time you leave on a special machine
|
|
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. old-fashioned
If 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away,' then why have I got this terrible cold? |
something that you say which means eating an apple every day will keep you healthy
|
|
entrench
to establish something, especially [R] The government's main task was to prevent inflation from entrenching itself. |
an idea or a problem, firmly so that it cannot be changed
|
|
to .. pain
( to make others experience pain) |
to cause pain
to inflict pain |
|
Broken-down
In our garage we've got a broken-down fridge |
one that stopped working
|
|
nine to five
a nine-to-five routine She's tired of working nine to five. |
describing or relating to work that begins at nine o'clock in the morning and finishes at five, which are the hours worked in many offices from Monday to Friday
|
|
stuff your face very informal
We've been stuffing our faces with Susannah's delicious chocolate cake. [usually in continuous tenses] |
to eat a lot of food
|
|
alleviate
to alleviate sorrow; to alleviate pain. |
to make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate: to alleviate sorrow; to alleviate pain.
|
|
off-putting
He's slightly aggressive, which a lot of people find a bit off-putting when they first meet him. What I found off-putting was the amount of work that you were expected to do. |
slightly unpleasant or worrying so that you do not want to get involved in any way
|
|
flextime
|
a system of working in which people work a set number of hours within a fixed period of time, but can change the time they start or finish work
|
|
.... color
(not dark) |
bright
|
|
give sb pause (for thought) formal
something It was a tragedy which gave us all pause for thought. |
if something gives you pause, it is surprising or worrying and it makes you think more carefully about
|
|
watered down
I would never accept any watered down proposals |
made less strong in order to make more people agree with them
|
|
teleworking
|
the activity of working at home, while communicating with your office by telephone, fax or computer
|
|
... chat
(short) |
brief
|
|
Under the weather
Mark has been feeling under the weather for weeks |
not very well
|
|
tire sb out
Let the kids run around in the garden and that'll soon tire them out. We were all really tired out after our long journey. |
to make someone very tired
tired out adjective very much in need of rest or sleep |
|
mechanical
The garbageman worked in a slow, mechanical way. |
without thinking about what you are doing, esp. because you do it often
|
|
... problem
(big) |
major
|
|
like death (warmed over)
The poor guy looked like death warmed over. |
if you feel or look like death warmed up, you feel or look very ill
|
|
downcast
I thought you were looking a little downcast this morning. |
sad and without hope
|
|
knock off
I don't knock off until six. What time do you knock off work? |
to stop working, usually at the end of the day
|
|
... issue
(important) |
key
|
|
recharge your batteries
A week away would give you time to rest and recharge your batteries. |
to rest in order to get back your strength and energy
|
|
forthcoming
We have just received the information about the forthcoming conference. |
happening soon
|
|
monotonous
a monotonous job a monotonous voice The music became monotonous after a while. |
staying the same and not changing and therefore boring
|
|
The economy ..... in 1990s
(It was strong) |
boomed
|
|
be off-color
He had flu a couple of months ago and he's been a bit off-color ever since. |
to not be feeling as well as usual
|
|
live-in
a live-in lover live-in nanny needed for 3-year-old |
describes someone's sexual partner who lives in their home but is not married to them
|
|
glamorous
a glamorous woman/outfit a glamorous job She was looking very glam. |
attractive in an exciting and special way
|
|
be on the mend
He's still a bit tired but he's definitely on the mend. |
if you are on the mend, your health is improving after an illness
|
|
The company has ... and now has 50 employees
|
grown
|
|
fold-up
fold-up picnic chair. As new |
something that folds up
|
|
anti-social
anti-social behaviour Increasingly, smoking is regarded as an anti-social habit. • |
harmful to society
|
|
By the end of the week he returned to work as fit as a fiddle
My Dad's nearly eighty now but he's as fit as a fiddle. |
to be very healthy
|
|
The company has .... and now has branches in most major cities
|
expanded
|
|
fallback
Do we have a fallback position for these negotiations? |
describes a plan or position which can be used if other plans do not succeed or other things are not available
|
|
anti-social
I hope they won't think I'm anti-social if I don't join them in the bar. |
often avoiding spending time with other people
|
|
be as right as rain
I'll be as right as rain as soon as I take my pills. He's been as right as rain ever since |
to feel well
|
|
The price increase .... a problem for us
(is a problem) |
poses
|
|
leave sb/sth out
You can leave the butter out of this recipe if you're on a low-fat diet. I've made a list of names - I hope I haven't left anyone out. None of the other children play with her, and I think she feels rather left out (= feels that no one wants to be her friend). |
to not include someone or something
|
|
be (stuck) in a rut
At forty my life was in a rut, so I gave up work and travelled to India. It's clear the economy is still stuck in a rut. |
to do the same things all the time so that you become bored, or to be in a situation where it is impossible to make progress
|
|
not be all there informal
Some of the things she said made me think she's not quite all there. She is not all there |
to be slightly crazy
|
|
.... opportunities
(bring new opportunities) |
create
|
|
worked out
It's easy to get worked up when you're tired and everything seems to be against you. He was very worked up about seeing his family again after so many years. |
upset or very excited about something
|
|
dead-end job
|
a job in which there is no chance of being raised to a better, more important job
|
|
be off your trolley humorous
What are you doing eating chocolate and cheese again? You're off your trolley! She's off her trolley |
to be crazy
|
|
As Sam read the lies about him he felt a ... of ....
(literary: sudden angry feeling) |
a surge of anger
|
|
outstretched
He ran up to her, his arms outstretched. She put some pesos into the little girl's outstretched hand. |
reaching out as far as possible
|
|
perk
A company car and a mobile phone are some of the perks that come with the job. |
informal an advantage or extra thing, such as money or goods, which you are given because of your job
|
|
not be right in the head informal
His aunt's not right in the head, poor soul - you sometimes see her wandering up the street in her nightie. He's not right in the head |
to be mentally ill
|
|
pore over sth
She spends her evenings poring over textbooks. He pored over the letter searching for clues about the writer. |
to look at and study something, usually a book or document, carefully
|
|
Every parent feels a ...... when their child wins something
[feels proud) |
a sense of pride
|
|
perk
Having such easy access to some of the best cinema and theater is one of the perks of living in Sydney. |
an advantage
|
|
have a screw loose informal
I think that woman has a screw loose - she goes out in her slippers. She's got a screw loose |
to be crazy
|
|
riddled
riddled with holes He wore an old jacket riddled with holes. The plan was riddled with problems |
full of holes
|
|
I felt a ... of nostalgia when I saw the old photos of the village where I grew up
|
a pang of nostalgia
|
|
a glass ceiling
in broadcasting is the glass ceiling. Women rise but not to the top. |
the opinions of people in a company which prevent women from getting such important positions as men
The problem for women |
|
a basket case
INFORMAL She'll never get a job. She's a basket case. She's a basket case Twenty years ago the country was an economic basket case. |
someone who is crazy and unable to organize their life
a very poor country which needs economic help from other countries, or a business that is in a very bad financial situation |
|
keep in with sb
I like to keep in with my ex-employer, you never know when you might need a reference. |
to continue to try to be friendly with someone, especially because they can help you
|
|
As Jack went on stage to receive his gold medal his parents were ....
[looking extremely proud] |
swelling with proud
|
|
overworked
an overworked civil servant I'm overworked and underpaid. |
having to work too much
|
|
be off your rocker informal
Spending that much on a car! He must be off his rocker! He's off his rocker |
to be crazy
|
|
dash off
I'm going to have to dash off - I've got a doctor's appointment at four. You dashed off after the show and I didn't get a chance to speak to you. |
to leave a place quickly
|
|
I was .... with horror when I read the newspaper report of explosion
|
filled
|
|
be one sandwich short of a picnic humorous, humorous be a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic
After talking to him for about 10 minutes I decided he was definitely one sandwich short of a picnic. She's one sandwich short of a picnic |
if someone is one sandwich short of a picnic, they are stupid or crazy
|
|
sail through (sth)
Rachel sailed through all her exams with top marks. |
to succeed very easily, especially in a test, examination etc.
|
|
When she spilled juice on her new skirts the little girl ... into tears
|
burst
|
|
pop your clogs British, humorous
This place hasn't been the same since poor old Harry popped his clogs. She's popped her clogs |
to die
|
|
hanker after/for sth
Even after all these years I still hanker after a motorbike. |
to want something very much, especially something that you know you should not want
|
|
She pulled .... on the rope and helped him to safety
[firmly and evenly] |
steadily
|
|
give up the ghost
She'd been trying to break into acting for ten years without success and was just about to give up the ghost. We've had the same television for fifteen years and I think it's finally about to give up the ghost.She's given up the ghost |
to die
to stop trying to do something because you know that you will not succeed (humorous) if a machine gives up the ghost, it stops working |
|
put forward sth or put sth forward
A number of theories have been put forward about the possible causes of cancer. The US has put forward a five-point plan for peace in the Middle East. [sometimes + for] |
to state an idea or opinion, or to suggest a plan, so that it can be considered or discussed
|
|
He placed the vase ... on the window edge
|
gently
|
|
bite the dust
INFORMAL Three hundred more people lost their jobs in the same region when another firm bit the dust. She can't make it on Saturday? Oh, well, another good idea bites the dust! Two Hollywood stars of the thirties have recently bitten the dust.He's bitten the dust |
to fail or to stop existing
(humorous) to die |
|
be gunning for sb informal
He's been gunning for me ever since I got the promotion he wanted. |
to try to harm someone or cause trouble for someone
|
|
'I love you' Derek whispered ... to Marsha
|
softly
|
|
Definition
fall off your perch British, old-fashioned, humorous By the time I fall off my perch, Britain may well be a republic. he's fallen off his perch |
to die
|
|
gang up informal
She says the other kids in her class have been ganging up on her. [often + on] I think I felt sorry for him because the rest of the family were ganging up against him. [often + against] |
to form a group in order to attack or oppose someone, often unfairly
|
|
She smiled .... when she looked at her new grandson's photos
|
proudly
|
|
a sore point/spot
I tried not to make any reference to Mike's drinking habits - I know it's a sore point with Kay at the moment. [often + with] Try not to mention baldness while he's here. It's his sore point |
a subject which someone would prefer not to talk about because it makes them angry or embarrassed
|
|
hang about/around/round together informal
There were ten of us who used to hang around together. |
if people hang around together, they spend time together
|
|
They are .... married
|
happily
|
|
give sb a dose/taste of their own medicine
She's always turning up late for me so I thought I'd give her a taste of her own medicine and see how she likes it. Refusing to lend him money now would give him a taste of his own medicine he never lent you any |
to do the same bad thing to someone that they have often done to you, in order to show them how unpleasant it is
|
|
I am ... aware that there are serious problems
[know well] |
fully
|
|
shoot down sb/sth or shoot sb/sth down
They shot down two enemy planes during the raid. He was shot down over enemy territory. Any suggestions that I made in the meeting were shot down. |
to destroy an aircraft or make it fall to the ground by firing bullets or weapons at it
(informal) to criticize someone's ideas or suggestions and refuse to consider them |
|
a bitter pill (to swallow), bitter medicine
Losing the championship to a younger player was a bitter pill to swallow. Cuts in salaries are a dose of bitter medicine that may help the company to survive Losing my job was initially a bitter pill to swallow |
a situation that is unpleasant but must be accepted
|
|
Harry was ... unaware that he was in danger
[Harry had no idea at all, often used about something unpleasant] |
blissfully
|
|
be asking for sth informal
Drinking and driving is just asking for trouble. Coming into work late almost every morning - he was really asking for it! |
to behave stupidly in a way that is likely to cause problems for you
|
|
sugar/sweeten the pill British, American & Australian, American sugar-coat the pill
The government have cut income tax to sweeten the pill of a tough budget. The boss has sugared the overtime pill by offering a large extra payment |
to make something bad seem less unpleasant
|
|
blissful
blissfully happy blissfully unaware |
1. serenely joyful or glad
2. blissful ignorance unawareness or inexperience of something unpleasant |
|
couldn't ask for sb/sth
She's great to work for - I really couldn't ask for a better boss. |
if you say that you couldn't ask for someone or something better, you mean that that person or thing is the best of their kind
|
|
I can't stay in one place for more than a year without getting itchy feet
have itchy feet British & Australian, informal Why've you got all these travel brochures? Do you have itchy feet? |
to want to travel or to do something different
|
|
tread
to tread on a person's foot. to tread .... [adverb] |
1.
to set down the foot or feet in walking; step; walk. 2. to step, walk, or trample so as to press, crush, or injure something (usually followed by on or upon ): to tread on a person's foot. 3.(of a male bird) to copulate. tread carefully Carefully |
|
accede to sth formal
The government finally acceded to the nationalists' demand for independence. |
to agree to something that someone has asked for [e.g. request, demand], often after disagreeing with it
|
|
be on cloud nine informal
For a few days after I heard I'd got the job, I was on cloud nine. I'm on cloud nine |
to be very happy
|
|
a ... of emotion
|
surge
|
|
attend to sb/sth
FORMAL I've got to go into the office. I have one or two matters to attend to. |
to deal with a situation or problem
|
|
be over the moon informal
Marie got the job. She's over the moon. I'm over the moon |
to be extremely pleased about something
|
|
Feel-good return of Williams sisters could be ......embarrassing for women's tennis
|
acutely
|
|
ascribe sth to sth formal
If this had been the first time such a disaster had occurred, it could have been ascribed to misfortune. He ascribes his phenomenal success to being in the right place at the right time. |
to believe or say that something is caused by something else
|
|
be thrilled to bits British, American & Australian, informal, American, informal be thrilled to pieces
'So what did your parents say when they heard you were pregnant?' 'Oh, they were thrilled to bits.' I'm thrilled to bits |
to be extremely pleased
|
|
.... with laughter
|
roar
|
|
predispose sb to/towards sth formal
They've now discovered a gene that seems to predispose people to colon cancer. |
to make someone likely to behave or think in a particular way or to suffer from a particular illness
|
|
be on top of the world
She'd just discovered she was pregnant and she felt on top of the world. I am/feel on top of the world |
to feel very happy
|
|
a ... factor
[important] |
key
|
|
preside over sth
FORMAL He presided over some of the most far-reaching reforms his country has ever seen. Judge Langdale is to preside over the official inquiry into the case. |
to be in charge of an event or situation and have official responsibility for it
|
|
be in seventh heaven humorous
Since they got married they've been in seventh heaven. I'm in seventh heaven |
to be extremely happy
|
|
Much to my surprise Ben suddenly ....into song.
|
burst
to suddenly begin to sing/cry/laugh |
|
preside over sth
She presides over a business which has thrived even in the recession. |
(formal) to be in charge of a company or other organization
|
|
get a kick out of sth/doing sth informal
Anyone who gets a kick out of horror movies will love this show. I get a real kick out of shopping for new shoes. I get a (real) kick out of going for a run first thing before everyone is up |
to enjoy doing something very much
|
|
bear on/upon sth formal
A number of court cases that bear on women's rights will be coming up soon. |
to be directly connected to something, or to influence something
|
|
I'm bored ... in this lesson
[extremely bored] |
stiff
|
|
for kicks informal
Local kids steal cars and race them up and down the street, just for kicks. Sandra is keen to have a go on bungee jumping- just for kicks |
if you do something for kicks, especially something dangerous, you do it because you think it is exciting
|
|
call on/upon sth formal
She would have to call on all her strength if she was to survive the next few months. |
to use something, especially a quality that you have, in order to achieve something
|
|
I'll have .... about it
[I'll think about it] |
a think
|
|
jump for joy
Tina jumped for joy when she found out she'd be in the team. Rowena jumped for joy when she heard she had won the first prize |
to be very happy about something good that has happened
|
|
want for formal
As a child, I wanted for nothing. I made sure that they should never want for anything. |
if someone does not want for anything, they have everything they need in order to have a satisfactory life
|
|
Passengers must not .... the bus whilst in motion (formal)
[get off] |
alight from
|
|
be floating/walking on air
When the doctor told me I was going to have a baby, I was walking on air. I've been walking on air ever since Chris and I started going out together |
to be very happy and excited because something very pleasant has happened to you
|
|
live up to sth
Did the trip live up to your expectations? He's striving to live up to his reputation as a world-class athlete. |
if someone or something lives up to people's expectations or a particular standard, they are as good as they were expected to be
|
|
Cyclists must ... here
[get off their bicycle] |
dismount
|
|
make sb's day
Go on, tell him you like his jacket. It'll make his day! I was so pleased to hear from Peter. It really made my day.It's great to hear from you. it made my day |
to make someone very happy
|
|
go on at sb
She'd been going on at him for ages to have his hair cut. [often + to do sth] I wish you wouldn't go on at me about my clothes. [often + about] |
to criticize someone continuously
|
|
..... will be prosecuted
[People who go to someone's land or enter their building] |
trespassers
|
|
be out of sorts
I'd been feeling tired and headachy and generally out of sorts for some time. |
to feel slightly ill or slightly unhappy
|
|
look into sth
Police are reported to be looking into the case. We're looking into the possibility of merging the two departments. |
to discover and examine the facts about a problem or situation
|
|
Axe jobs
Computer factories to axe jobs |
make staff redundant
|
|
be down in the dumps informal
Things hadn't been going so well for her at work and she was feeling a bit down in the dumps. Will is down in the dumps because he doesn't like his teacher this year |
to be unhappy
|
|
get back to sb
I'll get back to you later this afternoon with more details. He said he'd get back to me in a couple of days. |
if you get back to someone, you talk to them, usually on the telephone, in order to give them some information that they have asked you for, or because you were not able to speak to them before
|
|
receptacle
a receptacle for trash. |
a container, device, etc., that receives or holds something:
|
|
not be the end of the world
If I don't get the job, it won't be the end of the world. I've told him that it's not the end of the world |
if you say that if something happens it won't be the end of the world, you mean it will not cause very serious problems
|
|
go for sth
When you're buying a computer, go for one with a lot of memory. |
to choose something
|
|
slash prices
Airline slashes prices |
cut prices drastically
|
|
crack down
police crack down on speeding |
start dealing with it in a more severe way
|
|
grin and bear it
I don't want to spend the whole weekend working but I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it. |
to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation because there is nothing you can do to improve it
|
|
go for sth
One-bedroom apartments go for about $80,000 in this part of town. I found this silver tray in a local junk shop where it was going for a song. (= being sold very cheaply) |
if something goes for a particular amount of money, it is sold for that amount
|
|
submit a tender
Builders will be asked to submit a tender for the work. |
present a document offering to do a job and stating the price
|
|
a misery guts informal
Of course, your father, old misery guts, wanted to come home after half an hour because he was bored. |
someone who complains all the time and is never happy
|
|
go for sth
As he was going for the ball, he tripped and fell. I've decided to go for that job in the sales department. INFORMAL 'Do you think I should apply for that job?' 'Yeah, go for it!' |
to try to get or achieve something
|
|
sour grapes
I don't think it's such a great job - and that's not just sour grapes because I didn't get it. |
if you say that something someone says is sour grapes, you mean that they said it because they are jealous
|
|
... likely/unlikely
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
fall through
The company had agreed to finance the project, but the deal is now in danger of falling through. Our plans to go on holiday together fell through when John became ill. |
if a plan or agreement falls through, it fails to happen
|
|
put a damper/dampener on sth
Steve lost his wallet so that rather put a damper on the evening. We were both ill while we were in Boston, which put a bit of a dampener on things. |
to stop an occasion from being enjoyable
A damper is a device used on piano strings to make the sound less loud. |
|
...unusual
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
put out sth or put sth out
The sort of books that they put out are never likely to be best-sellers. |
to produce or publish something for the public to buy or use
|
|
be fed up/sick to the back teeth British & Australian, informal
He's been treating me badly for two years and, basically, I'm fed up to the back teeth with it. [often + with] You're probably sick to the back teeth of hearing about my problems! [often + of] |
to be bored or angry because a bad situation has continued for too long or a subject has been discussed too much
|
|
successful
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
go over to
Some key party members have already gone over to the opposition. She has a few enemies ever since she went over to the other side. (= joined an opposing group) |
to leave one group or organization and join a group or organization that is competing against them
|
|
be at your wits' end
I've tried everything I can think of to make her eat and she flatly refuses. I'm really at my wits' end. |
to be very worried or upset because you have tried every possible way to solve a problem but cannot do it
|
|
.... competitive
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
ask out sb or ask sb out
There's some girl in the office he fancies but he's too scared to ask her out. She phoned him to ask him out for a drink. [sometimes + for] |
to invite someone to come with you to a place such as the cinema or a restaurant, especially as a way of starting a romantic relationship
|
|
have had it (up to here) informal
I've had it! From now on they can clear up their own mess. I've had it up to here with lawyers! [often + with] |
to be so angry about something that you do not want to continue with it or even think about it any more
|
|
....profitable
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
get by
I don't know how he gets by on so little money. [often + on] |
to have just enough money to pay for the things that you need, but nothing more
|
|
have/throw a fit
My mother threw a fit when she saw the mess we'd made. |
to be very angry
|
|
...effective
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
get by
We can just about get by with four computers but ideally we'd have another. [often + with] I can get by in Italian but I'm by no means fluent. |
to have or know just enough of something to be able to deal with a particular situation but not have or know as much as you would like
|
|
go off the deep end informal
One minute we were having a perfectly reasonable discussion and the next minute you just went off the deep end! |
to suddenly become very angry or upset and start shouting at someone
|
|
....controversial
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
gloss over sth
The company's profits dropped dramatically last year, a fact which the director was keen to gloss over. |
to avoid discussing something, or to discuss something without talking about the details in order to make it seem unimportant
|
|
go spare British & Australian, informal
She'd go spare if she found out he was spending all that money. |
to become very angry
|
|
.... recommend
[intensifying] |
highly
|
|
carry forward sth or carry sth forward
Some businesses tried to avoid tax by carrying forward losses from earlier years. |
to include an amount of money in a later set of calculations
|
|
do your nut British & Australian, informal
If she has to walk from the station again she'll do her nut. |
to become extremely angry
|
|
...ridiculous
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
square up
Do you want to square up now? If you pay for the meal, I'll square up with you later. [often + with] |
(informal) to pay someone the money you owe them
|
|
blow a fuse/gasket informal
Jim'll blow a fuse if he finds you here. When her husband realized how much she'd spent he blew a gasket. |
to become very angry and shout or behave in a violent way
|
|
....stupid
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
run over
I ran over a rabbit as I was driving home |
hit sb/sth with a moving vehicle and injure or kill them
|
|
sb's blood is up
Now Tom's blood was up - he ran at Bob waving his fists. |
if someone's blood is up, they are very angry or excited about something and may act in a violent way
|
|
...impossible
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
run over
The meeting run over so I missed my train |
go on after its expected time
|
|
be after sb's blood
He'd cheated them and now they were after his blood. |
to want to catch someone in order to hurt them or punish them
|
|
....wrong
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
run over
Could we just run over the schedule again to make sure it's all working well |
read quickly to make sure it is correct
|
|
be out for blood
These people are out for blood and if they find out you're involved you're in serious trouble. |
if you are out for blood, you are determined to find someone to attack or blame for something
|
|
....alone
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
brush off
I brushed off the dust from my shoes |
use a brush or hand to remove sth
|
|
drive sb up the wall informal
I was being driven up the wall by their silly chatter. Working in a factory would have driven me up the wall. |
to make someone very angry or very bored
|
|
....appalled
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
brush off
The boss just brushed him off and told him to get back to work |
refuse to listen to what someone says or refuse to think about sth seriosly
|
|
rub sb up the wrong way British & Australian, American rub sb the wrong way
It's not her fault - she just rubs me up the wrong way. Whenever they meet, they always manage to rub each other the wrong way. |
to annoy someone without intending to
|
|
.....convinced
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
shoot up
The price of gas has shot up this year |
gone up sharply and rapidly
|
|
get/put sb's back up informal
When a cat feels angry it raises its back. She put my back up immediately by interrupting everything I said. |
to do or say something which annoys someone
|
|
....devastated
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
dive into
I don't wanna dive into a new job without carefully considering it |
start doing sth suddenly and energetically without thinking about it
|
|
ruffle sb's feathers
He wasn't asked to speak at the conference, and I know that ruffled his feathers a bit. |
to make someone annoyed
|
|
.... miserable
[intensifying] |
absolutely, utterly
|
|
hit out
The leader of the opposition party has hit out at the government new proposals on taxes |
strongly criticized, typical of journalism
|
|
not be on speaking terms
She's not on speaking terms with her ex-husband. [often + with] Jeanette and her mother haven't been on speaking terms since the wedding. |
to be refusing to talk to someone because you have had an argument and are still angry with them
|
|
spur on
My success in the exam spurred me on to study harder |
encourage
spurs are worn on the ankle and are used to make horses go faster |
|
... disappointing/disappointed
|
bitterly
|
|
give sb an earful informal
You can just imagine the earful he gave her when they got home. |
to tell someone how angry you are with them
|
|
fish out
She searched in her handbag and fished out an old photo |
found
|
|
....resent
|
bitterly
|
|
give sb a piece of your mind informal
I've had enough of him coming home late. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind when he gets in tonight. |
to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
|
|
let off steam British, American & Australian, American & Australian blow off steam
Meetings give people the chance to let off steam if something has been bothering them for a long time. After a long journey, the kids need to run around a bit and let off steam. I've told her she can call me and talk any time she wants to blow off steam. |
to do or say something that helps you to get rid of strong feelings or energy
|
|
....criticized
|
bitterly
|
|
know sth inside out informal
Why don't you ask Mike? He knows the system inside out. |
to know everything about a subject
|
|
take the sting out of sth
Humor, of course, can take the sting out of almost any unpleasant situation. |
to make something that is unpleasant a little less unpleasant
|
|
....regret
|
bitterly
|
|
know your stuff informal
When it comes to restoring grand pianos, Mr Morley really knows his stuff. |
to know a lot about a subject, or to be very good at doing something
|
|
cut off your nose to spite your face
'The next time he treats me like that, I'm just going to quit my job.' 'Isn't that a bit like cutting off your nose to spite your face?' |
to do something because you are angry, even if it will cause trouble for you
|
|
...complain
|
bitterly
|
|
have a familiar ring (to it)
I thought that name had a familiar ring. I went to school with that girl. |
if something has a familiar ring, you believe that you have heard it before
|
|
run rings around/round sb
Why does he talk to Alison as if she's stupid, when we all know she could run rings around him? |
to have much more skill, ability, or intelligence than someone else
|
|
....cry
|
bitterly
|
|
ring a bell, ring any bells
Does the name 'Fitzpatrick' ring a bell? No, I'm sorry, that description doesn't ring any bells with me. [often + with] |
if a phrase or a word, especially a name, rings a bell, you think you have heard it before
|
|
turn up the heat
Lorry drivers are discussing whether to turn up the heat on their bosses by holding a one-day strike. [often + on] The United States has turned up the heat by threatening military action. |
to make a situation more serious by trying harder to force someone to do something
|
|
...weep
|
bitterly
|
|
...ashamed
|
deeply
|
|
not have a clue informal
'How much do houses cost in Yorkshire?' 'I haven't got a clue.' Internet researchers in the 1980s didn't have a clue about the exciting online landscapes of the future. [often + about] |
to have no knowledge of or no information about something
|
|
get on like a house on fire informal
I was worried that they wouldn't like each other, but in fact they're getting on like a house on fire. |
if two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and become friends very quickly
|
|
...concerned
|
deeply
|
|
not have the faintest (idea)
'Do you know where Anna is? ' 'I haven't the faintest.' I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about. [often + question word] |
to have no knowledge of or no information about something
|
|
put down roots
It would be hard to leave Brighton after eleven years - he's put down roots there. |
if you put down roots in a place, you do things which show that you want to stay there, for example making friends or buying a home
|
|
...shocked
|
deeply
|
|
not have the foggiest (idea/notion) informal
'Do you know where Kate's gone?' 'I haven't the foggiest.' The photocopier's broken down again, and nobody has the foggiest idea how to fix it. [often + question word] |
to not know the answer to a question
|
|
make up your mind
I can't make up my mind whether to have the salmon or the chicken. [often + question word] At a very early age she made up her mind to become an actress. [often + to do sth] My mind's made up. I'm handing in my resignation tomorrow. |
to decide what to choose
to become very certain that you want to do something |
|
...committed
|
deeply
|
|
can't for the life of me
I know I filed it somewhere but I can't for the life of me remember where. |
if you say you can't for the life of you remember something, you mean that you cannot remember it at all
|
|
get off/start off on the wrong foot
I don't really know why, but somehow Clare and I got off on the wrong foot. [usually in past tenses] If I get off on the wrong foot with one of my paintings, I know it will never be right. |
if you get off on the wrong foot with someone you have just met, your relationship starts badly, often with an argument
to start an activity badly |
|
...moved
|
deeply
|
|
touch base
I had a really good time in Paris. I touched base with some old friends and made a few new ones. [usually + with] |
to talk to someone in order to find out how they are or what they think about something
|
|
Definition
get your act together informal If these people could ever get their act together, they could produce unbeatable wines. You'd better get your act together and start looking for a job. |
to organize your activities so that you do things in an effective way
|
|
...affected
|
deeply
|
|
be out of touch
Some of these judges are so out of touch, they've never even heard of Ecstasy. |
to not know much about modern life
|
|
go around/round in circles
I need some more data to work on, otherwise I'm just going round in circles. We can't go round in circles all day - someone will have to make a decision. |
if you go round in circles when you are discussing something or trying to achieve something, you do not make any progress because you keep going back to the same subjects or the same problems.
|
|
...hurt
|
deeply
|
|
put two and two together
I didn't tell her my husband had left, but she'd noticed his car was missing and put two and two together. |
to guess the truth about a situation from pieces of information which you know about it
|
|
dig your heels in
We suggested it would be quicker to fly, but she dug her heels in and insisted on taking the train. |
to refuse to do what other people are trying to persuade you to do, especially to refuse to change your opinions or plans
|
|
...regret
|
deeply
|
|
get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick informal
Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and got hold of the wrong end of the stick. I said how nice he was and Julie got the wrong end of the stick and thought I wanted to go out with him. |
to not understand a situation correctly
|
|
put in a good word for sb informal
I'm applying for a job in your office. Could you put in a good word for me with your boss? [sometimes + with] |
to try to help someone achieve something by saying good things about them to someone with influence
|
|
....care
|
deeply
|
|
clean up your act informal
There's a very strong anti-press feeling at the moment. A lot of people think it's time they cleaned up their act. |
to stop doing things that other people do not approve of and start to behave in a more acceptable way
|
|
....religous
|
deeply
|
|
make up for lost time
I didn't travel much as a young adult but I'm certainly making up for lost time now. |
to spend a lot of time doing something because you did not have the opportunity to do it previously
|
|
....cheap
|
ridiculously
|
|
come into your/its own
Cars are banned from the city center so a bicycle really comes into its own here. Ferragamo came into his own in last Sunday's match, scoring three goals in the first half. |
to be very useful or successful in a particular situation
|
|
....expensive
|
ridiculously
|
|
Wake up and smell the coffee!
It's time you woke up and smelled the coffee, Don. We're just not getting enough business any more. |
something that you say in order to tell someone that they should try to understand the true facts of a situation or that they should give more attention to what is happening around them
|
|
....easy
|
ridiculously
|
|
pull out all the stops
They pulled out all the stops for their daughter's wedding. [often + to do sth] The airline certainly pulled out all the stops to impress us. |
to do everything you can to make something successful
The stops are handles on an organ (= a large instrument used in churches), which you pull out when you want to play as loudly as possible. |
|
...low
|
ridiculously
|
|
...high
|
ridiculously
|
|
...long
|
ridiculously
|
|
...short
|
ridiculously
|
|
...small
|
ridiculously
|
|
...large
|
ridiculously
|
|
...early
|
ridiculously
|
|
...oppose
|
strongly
|
|
...believe
|
strongly
|
|
....influence
|
strongly
|
|
...deny
|
strongly
|
|
...recommend
|
strongly
|
|
...support
|
strongly
|
|
...condemn
|
strongly
|
|
...suggest
|
strongly
|
|
...feel
|
strongly
|
|
...argue
|
strongly
|
|
...object
|
strongly
|
|
The school can ... arrangements .. pupils with special needs
|
make arrangements for
|
|
The new manager is planning to ... some changes
|
make
|
|
Would anyone like to ... any comments on the talk?
|
make
|
|
She ... a useful contribution to the discussion
|
made
make a contribution |
|
I'm glad it's you to ... the decision not me
|
make the decision
|
|
Joe is really ... effort with his math this term
|
making an effort
|
|
I'm too tired to go out tonight. Let's ... an excuse and stay at home.
|
make an excuse
|
|
Karen is really good at ... friends
|
making friends
|
|
Repainting the room has really ... an improvement
|
made an improvement
|
|
I've got to ... some phone calls before dinner
|
make some phone calls
|
|
Harriet is ... progress with all her schoolwork
|
making progress
|
|
The storm ... some damage to our roof
|
did some damage
|
|
We are ... an experiment to see how the metal reacts with water
|
doing an experiment
|
|
We'll ... some exercises to practice these collocations tomorrow
|
do some exercises
|
|
Scouts and guides are supposed to ... someone a good turn/favor every day
|
do someone a good turn/ favor
|
|
Changing the rules may ... more harm than good
|
do
do harm |
|
No I'm not ready I haven't ... my hair yet
|
done my hair
|
|
I'll ... the washing if you ... the ironing
|
do the washing
do the ironing |
|
We'll ... some work on our project then we'll go to the cinema
|
do some work
|
|
to .. mad
|
to go mad
|
|
to .. bald
|
to go bald
|
|
to ... grey
|
to go grey
[appearance] |
|
to ... blind/deaf
|
to go blind/deaf
[physical ability] |
|
he was very embarrassed and his face ... red
|
went red
[sudden negative change] |
|
Suddenly the sky ... dark and it started to rain
|
went dark
[sudden negative change] |
|
The pages of the book have .. yellow over the years
|
have gone yellow
[slow color changes\ |
|
The sky ... gold as the sun set
When the tomatoes ... red the farmer picks them up and sell them |
turned gold
[turn collocates with colors] |
|
to ... popular/unpopular
|
to become
|
|
to .. extinct
|
to become extinct
|
|
to ... homeless
|
to become
|
|
to ... famous
|
to become
|
|
to ... ill
|
get/become/fall
|
|
to .. silent
|
get/become/fall
|
|
A year ago he ... a heart attack
|
had/suffered a heart attack
|
|
Mr Grey .. an accident last night but he's OK now
|
had an accident
|
|
We .. an argument/ a row about how to fix the car
|
had an argument/a row
|
|
let's .. a break when you finish this exercise
|
have a break
|
|
I hope we'll have time to .. a conversation/chat after the meeting
|
have a conversation/chat
|
|
I .. a frightening experience the other day
|
had an experience
|
|
The class ... difficulty understanding what to do
|
had difficulty
|
|
I ... a nightmare last night
|
had a nightmare
|
|
I ... a feeling that something is wrong
|
have a feeling
|
|
Let's ... a party at the end of the term
|
have a party
|
|
I'll explain what to do and then you can ... a go/try
|
have a go/try
|
|
We're so glad we decided to ... a holiday here
|
take a holiday
|
|
Yesterday we ... a trip to the mountain
|
took
take a trip |
|
First, we ... a train/bus to a little town
|
took
take a train/bus |
|
We took a bus to various villages and got off when we saw on thing that ... a liking to
|
took
take a liking |
|
Some kids ... an interest to us and showed some great places to us
|
took
take an interest |
|
I'd ... a chance and leave if I were you
|
take a chance
|
|
No point in staying somewhere where the boss ... a disliking to you
|
has taken
take a disliking |
|
... action. There's my advice
|
tale action
|
|
you must ... attention to the teacher
|
pay attention
|
|
I was trying to ... her a compliment but she misunderstood
|
pay a compliment
|
|
At a funeral people ... their last respect to the person who has died
|
pay (last) respect
|
|
When Jack retired his boss gave a speech ... tribute to all he had done for the company
|
paying
pay tribute |
|
.... meetings/discussions/conferences
(to end) |
to close
|
|
Before the universe .... time and space did not exist
|
began
|
|
It was cold this morning and I could not ... my car
|
start
|
|
It was a ... decision to make
There were some ... problems to solve (important) |
big
|
|
The film ... with the hero dying
|
ended
|
|
They ... their relationship a year ago
(decided to stop) |
ended
|
|
I haven't ... my homework yet
(completed) |
finish
|
|
He lives in a very lonely place/spot in the mountains
|
lonely
|
|
At first I felt desperately ... when I arrived in London
lonely or alone? |
lonely
|
|
I live ... but i don't like to travel ... It's nice to be with someone
|
alone
|
|
There was just one .... on the otherwise deserted beach
[one person on their own] |
solitary figure
|
|
She was the ... survivor of the crash
[only survivor] |
sole
|
|
I am an ... child. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a brother or a sister
|
only
|
|
.... power
....control .....access |
gain
often used with abstract nouns relating to political authority |
|
.... a reputation
.... publicity .....recognition ..... an advantage Her paintings ... recognition thanks to a major exhibition in NY |
gain
used with abstracts nouns that suggest benefit to the gainer |
|
... an award/ a medal/a prize/ a match
He ... a medal in 2004 Olympics |
win
used in contexts associated with competition |
|
... a battle / a war/ an election
The conservative party ... the 1994 general election |
win
used in contexts associated with fighting |
|
.... success/ goals/ aims
It's difficult to .... success in international sport |
achieve
used with abstract nouns |
|
... a team/ an opponent
He ... his opponent in tennis final |
beat/defeat
defeat is more formal |
|
You'll need to ... warm clothes when you go to Alaska
|
take
(not carry) |
|
I always ... mu mobile phone when I go out
|
carry
|
|
He kindly offered to ... my suitcase for me
|
carry
|
|
a .... smile
(happy) |
sunny
|
|
a ... face
(happy) |
sunny
|
|
a face ... with pleasure
|
shines
|
|
his eyes ... with excitement
|
shine
|
|
if someone's face .... or his eyes .... they show that they suddenly feel happy
|
light up
|
|
if an atmosphere ... or a mood .... it becomes more relaxed than it was
|
lightens
|
|
.... thoughts are gloomy and sinister
|
dark
|
|
if someone's face ... or their eyes .... or their expression .... then we know that the person is unhappy
|
darkens
|
|
ideas...
conversations .... It was a successful meeting ideas ... |
flow
flow suggests that things progress easily without effort |
|
a .... smile
(happy) |
sunny
|
|
a ... face
(happy) |
sunny
|
|
a face ... with pleasure
|
shines
|
|
his eyes ... with excitement
|
shine
|
|
if someone's face .... or his eyes .... they show that they suddenly feel happy
|
light up
|
|
if an atmosphere ... or a mood .... it becomes more relaxed than it was
|
lightens
|
|
.... thoughts are gloomy and sinister
|
dark
|
|
.... days or times are unpleasant times to live through
|
dark
|
|
if someone's face ... or their eyes .... or their expression .... then we know that the person is unhappy
|
darkens
|
|
ideas...
conversations .... It was a successful meeting ideas ... |
flow
flow suggests that things progress easily without effort |
|
a ... of tears
The girl was .... of tears |
a flood of tears
floods of tears |
|
tears ... someone's face
|
stream down
|
|
people .... somewhere
people out of the hall |
stream/pour
pour and stream suggest people moving smoothly in large crowds |
|
people ...into the concert hall
[suggests a few people moving slowly] |
trickle
|
|
a ... of visitors/traffic
[suggests continuous movement] There was a ... of traffic outside our room all night |
stream
|
|
a ... debate/discussion/conversation
[people disagree in an angry way] |
heated
|
|
He has a ... temper
[He often suddenly get angry] |
fiery
|
|
Tempers ...
[People become angry with each other] |
flare
|
|
violence ..../ troubles ....
[problems that existed in the past suddenly become serious again] |
flare up
|
|
if you feel very embarrassed your cheeks ... with embarrassment
|
burn
|
|
a ... of glory/publicity
[There is a lot of it and it is spectacular] |
blaze
|
|
run over
I ran over a rabbit as I was driving home |
hit someone/sth with a moving vehicle and injure or kill them
|
|
run over
The meeting ran over and I missed the train |
go on after its expected time
|
|
run over
Could we just run over the schedule again to make sure it's all going well |
read quickly to make sure sth is correct
|
|
brush off
I brushed off the dust from my shoes |
use a brush or hand to remove sth
|
|
brush off
The boss just brushed him off and told him to get back to work |
refuse to listen to what someone says or refuse to think about sth seriously
|
|
shot up
The prices of gas shot up this year |
go up sharply
|
|
dive into
I don't wanna just dive into a new job without considering it |
start doing sth suddenly and energetically without thinking about it
|
|
hit out at
The leader of the opposition party hit out at the government's new proposal |
strongly criticize
|
|
spur on
My success in the exam purred me on to study even harder |
encourage
|
|
fish out
She searched her bag and fished out an old photo He put his hand in his pocket and fished out his car keys. |
o pull or take something out of a bag or pocket, especially after searching:
|
|
drink sth in
We wandered round the market just drinking in the atmosphere |
to listen to, look at, or experience something with great interest and enjoyment
They drank in the words of their leader. |
|
be glued to sth
The kids were glued to the TV all morning. |
to be watching something, especially television:
|
|
nose about/around (sth)
I caught him nosing around in my office. |
to look around a place, often in order to find something:
|
|
flood
Light flooded the room. Shoppers flooded into the store. |
to fill or enter a place in large numbers or amounts:
|
|
Strike out
She struck out for the opposite bank. |
to start moving towards somewhere in a determined way:
|
|
strike out
I really struck out with her - she wouldn't even let me kiss her goodbye. |
to fail at something:
|
|
sweep aside
They swept his doubts and objections aside. |
to refuse to consider something or to treat it as important
|
|
boil down to sth
The problem boils down to one thing - lack of money. |
If a situation or problem boils down to something, that is the main reason for it:
|
|
eat into sth
|
to use or take away a large part of something valuable, such as money or time
|
|
soldier on
I admired the way she soldiered on when her business ran into trouble. |
to continue doing something although it is difficult
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