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Question Answer
scrape through (skreɪp θruː)
Even though she had missed lots of classes, Helena managed to scrape through the exam and got an 'E'.
start learning
to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation
pick a fight (pɪk eɪ faɪt)
Toby won't change his mind so it's not worth picking a fight with him.
start learning
to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone
master's degree (ˈmɑːst əz dɪˈɡriː)
After I graduate, I want to do a master's degree in biochemistry.
start learning
a university degree such as an MA, M.Sc., or M.S., that you can get by studying for one or two years after your first degree
work placement (wɜːk ˈpleɪsmənt)
In their second year, students can do a work placement and get some valuable real-life experience.
start learning
a job, usually as part of a course of study, which gives you experience of a particular type of work
shadow (ˈʃædəʊ)
Detectives shadowed him for weeks.
start learning
to follow someone closely in order to watch what they are doing
set one's heart on (ˈset wʌnz ˌhɑːt ɒn)
I know you've set your heart on studying abroad, but won't you miss your friends?
start learning
to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do something
against the odds (əˈɡenst ðə ɒdz)
Against the odds Leo, the son of immigrants and from a poor neighbourhood, was accepted by Oxford University.
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overcome difficulties which make a good result seem very unlikely
take someone on (teɪk ˈsʌmwʌn ɒn)
At the age of 14, my granddad was taken on by a plumbing company and trained as a plumber.
start learning
to start to employ someone
half-hearted (ˌhɑːf ˈhɑːtəd)
Congress has made half-hearted attempts at finance reform.
start learning
done without much effort and without much interest in the result
take something in your stride (teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn jə straɪd)
When the boss asked Judy to stay late, she took it in stride
start learning
to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you
competitive (kəmˈpetətɪv, kəmˈpetɪtɪv)
Some US industries are not as competitive as they have been in the past.
start learning
determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses
CV (ˌsiː ˈviː)
Remember to include your contact details on your CV.
start learning
a short written document that lists your education and previous jobs, which you send to employers when you are looking for a job
foresee (fɔːˈsiː)
I’ve put your name on the list and I don’t foresee any problems.
start learning
to think or know that something is going to happen in the future
networking (ˈnetwɜːkɪŋ)
I’m hoping to do some networking at the conference next week in London.
start learning
the practice of meeting other people involved in the same kind of work, to share information, support each other etc
portfolio (pɔːtˈfəʊliəʊ)
You’ll need to prepare a portfolio of your work.
start learning
a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc
vouch for (vaʊtʃ fə)
Sorry, I can't vouch for Anna because I've never met her.
start learning
to say that you believe that someone will behave well and that you will be responsible for their behaviour, actions etc
close-knit (ˌkləʊs ˈnɪt)
We all get on really well in my family; we're very close-knit.
start learning
a close-knit group of people is one in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support when they need it
take something personally (teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ ˈpɜːsənəli)
Don’t take it personally; she’s rude to everyone.
start learning
to get upset by the things other people say or do, because you think that their remarks or behaviour are directed at you in particular
make the best of something (meɪk ðə best əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ)
We are stuck here, so we might as well make the best of it.
start learning
to accept a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can to make it better
take no for a answer (teɪk nəʊ fə eɪ ˈɑːnsə)
I've never met someone as stubborn as Liam; he won't take no for an answer.
start learning
accept it when somebody refuses you
hand in your resignation (hænd ɪn jə ˌrezɪɡˈneɪʃən)
Tomorrow I'm going to hand in my resignation, so I can start my new job in four weeks' time
start learning
officially say that you want to resign
be taken aback by (bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk baɪ)
I was really taken aback when Lauren and Bill split up; I thought there would get married!
start learning
to be very surprised or shocked by something
take no notice of (teɪk nəʊ ˈnəʊtəs əv)
Take no notice of Geoff -- he's just being silly.
start learning
not pay attention to someone or something
take pity on (teɪk ˈpɪti ɒn)
When I saw the tiny kitten I took pity on it and took it home with me.
start learning
feel sorry for someone and treat them with sympathy
take advantage of (teɪk ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ əv)
I think your boss is taking advantage of you -- you should ask for more money if you have to work such long hours.
start learning
to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded
high salary (haɪ ˈsæləri)
I think job satisfaction is more important than a high salary.
start learning
a lot of money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for
main priority (meɪn praɪˈɒrəti)
My main priority is to find a job that I love.
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the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else
tight deadlines (taɪt ˈded laɪnz)
You can expect to have very tight deadlines if you work as a journalist.
start learning
a date or time by which you have to do or complete something, which is not long away
heavy workload (ˈhevi ˈwɜːkləʊd)
My workload is so heavy, I'm worried I won't be able to finish everything.
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a large amount of work that a person or organization has to do
have an impact (v ən ˈɪmpækt)
My granddad was a doctor and he really had an impact on my choice of career.
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have an effect or influence an event, situation etc
stand someone in good stead (stænd ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn ɡʊd sted)
Learning karate has really stood my in good stead -- I learnt about hard work, discipline and respect.
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to be very useful to someone when needed
snap something up (snæp ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌp)
When I saw how cheap the t-shirt was, I snapped it up.
start learning
to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap
from all walks of life (frəm ɔːl wɔːks əv laɪf)
Our club is open to people from all walks of life -- rich or poor, young or old.
start learning
every position in society
part and parcel (pɑːt ənd ˈpɑːsəl)
Writing essays and taking exams are all part and parcel of university life.
start learning
to be a necessary feature of something
crop up (krɒp ʌp)
Your name kept cropping up in conversation.
start learning
if a problem crops up, it happens or appears suddenly and in an unexpected way
deceptive (dɪˈseptɪv)
Some snakes move with deceptive speed (=move faster than you think or expect).
start learning
something that is deceptive seems to be one thing but is in fact very different
recruitment (ri ˈkruːt mənt)
Our recruitment process involves an application form, an exam and an interview.
start learning
to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc
playfulness (ˈpleɪf əlnəs)
The thing I love about my grandma is her playfulness, even though she's 72!
start learning
very active, happy, and wanting to have fun
additional (əˈdɪʃənəl)
Additional information can be obtained from the centre.
start learning
more than what was agreed or expected
productive (prəˈdʌktɪv)
Most of us are more productive in the morning.
start learning
producing or achieving a lot
competitor (kəmˈpetətə, kəmˈpetɪtə)
Last year they sold twice as many computers as their competitors.
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a person, team, company etc that is competing with another
doubtless (ˈdaʊtləs)
Doubtless there would be lots of rumours.
start learning
used when saying that something is almost certain to happen or be true
trendy (ˈtrendi)
I didn't recognise Katrina when I saw her in her new trendy clothes.
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influenced by the most fashionable styles and ideas
cutting edge (ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ)
The technology is this new mobile phone is cutting-edge.
start learning
the newest and most exciting stage in the development of something
fumble around for (ˈfʌmbəl əˈraʊnd fə)
I was fumbling around for my keys and knocked the glass off the table onto the floor.
start learning
to try to hold, move, or find something with your hands in an awkward way
favourable (ˈfeɪvərəbəl)
Being well dressed always help to create a favourable impression.
start learning
a favourable report, opinion, or reaction shows that you think that someone or something is good or that you agree with them
feasible (ˈfiːzəbəl, ˈfiːzɪbəl)
I'm afraid it's not feasible to offer you a pay rise this year.
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a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work
no-no (ˈnəʊ nəʊ)
Colouring your hair was a no-no at that time.
start learning
something that you must not do because it is considered to be unacceptable behaviour
butterflies in the stomach (ˈbʌtəflaɪz ɪn ðə ˈstʌmək)
I always get butterflies in my stomach before I go on stage.
start learning
to feel very nervous before doing something
link (lɪŋk)
Police think the murders are linked.
start learning
if two things are linked, they are related in some way
slouch (slaʊtʃ)
Jimmy slouched back in his chair.
start learning
to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch
fidget (ˈfɪdʒət, ˈfɪdʒɪt)
The kids had started to fidget.
start learning
to keep moving your hands or feet, especially because you are bored or nervous
long-winded (ˌlɒŋ ˈwɪndəd)
His speeches tend to be rather long- winded.
start learning
continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring
moderate (ˈmɒdərət, ˈmɒdərɪt)
Even moderate amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.
start learning
not very large or very small, very hot or very cold, very fast or very slow etc
mumble (ˈmʌmbəl)
He bumped into someone and mumbled an apology.
start learning
to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you
pay off (peɪ ɒf)
I’ll pay off all my debts first.
start learning
to give someone all the money you owe them
ramble on (ˈræmbəl ɒn)
My father kept rambling on about the war.
start learning
to talk or write for a long time in a way that other people find boring
slouch (slaʊtʃ)
Jimmy slouched back in his chair.
start learning
to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch
long-winded (ˌlɒŋ ˈwɪndəd)
His speeches tend to be rather long- winded.
start learning
continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring
switch off (swɪtʃ ɒf)
When he started talking about football, I just switched off -- I find it so boring.
start learning
to stop listening to someone
vary (ˈveəri)
Test scores vary from school to school.
start learning
if several things of the same type vary, they are all different from each other
restless (ˈrestləs)
The children had been indoors all day, and were getting restless.
start learning
unwilling to keep still or stay where you are, especially because you are nervous or bored
crash course (kræʃ kɔːs)
I'm really impatient to learn Spanish; perhaps I'll go on a crash course.
start learning
a course in which you learn a lot about a particular subject in a very short period of time
be reliant on (bi rɪˈlaɪənt ɒn)
I want to get a job so that I'm not reliant on anyone.
start learning
dependent on someone or something
in the vicinity (ɪn ðə vəˈsɪnəti)
A tall man dressed in black was seen in the vicinity of the burglary.
start learning
in the area around a particular place
liaise (liˈeɪz)
Council officers are liaising closely with local groups.
start learning
to exchange information with someone who works in another organization or department so that you can both be more effective
assimilate (əˈsɪməleɪt, əˈsɪmɪleɪt)
It took me a long time to assimilate when I moved from London to Madrid.
start learning
if people assimilate or are assimilated into a country or group, they become part of that group and are accepted by the people in that group
run-down (ˌrʌn ˈdaʊn)
That neighbourhood is so run-down that no one wants to live there.
start learning
a building or area that is run-down is in very bad condition
master (ˈmɑːstə)
I've been playing the piano since I was six and I've almost mastered it.
start learning
to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it
stretch (stretʃ)
This job will really stretch you, but I think you'll be able to cope.
start learning
to make someone use all of their skill, abilities, or intelligence
affluent (ˈæfluənt)
Some of the houses in this affluent neighbourhood cost millions of pounds.
start learning
having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc
allocate (ˈæləkeɪt)
We will allocate you a budget and three members of staff to work for you.
start learning
to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made
initiative (ɪˈnɪʃətɪv)
I wish my son would show more initiative.
start learning
the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do
grasp of (ɡrɑːsp əv)
She has only a limited grasp of Chinese, so she won't understand much when she gets to Beijing.
start learning
your ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject
challenging (ˈtʃæləndʒɪŋ)
Teaching young children is a challenging and rewarding job.
start learning
difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way
mutual respect (ˈmjuːtʃuəl rɪˈspekt)
I really like my boss and she treats me kindly; we have mutual respect.
start learning
respect that two or more people have for each other
get over (an idea) (ɡet ˈəʊvə (ən aɪˈdɪə))
I was so angry I found it difficult to get over my point.
start learning
to succeed in communicating ideas or information to other people
disadvantaged (ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd)
He may have been disadvantaged when he was young, but he's highly successful now.
start learning
having social problems, such as a lack of money or education, which make it difficult for you to succeed
pilot project (ˈpaɪlət ˈprɒdʒekt)
In the pilot project, neighbours will grow fruit and vegetables together in the communal garden areas.
start learning
a small project which is carried out as a test to see if an idea, product, etc will be successful
apprehensive (ˌæprɪˈhensɪv)
We’d been a little apprehensive about their visit.
start learning
worried or nervous about something that you are going to do, or about the future
directionless (dəˈrekʃənləs, dɪˈrekʃənləs, daɪ-)
I felt directionless and lost.
start learning
lacking a clear direction or aim
disillusioned (ˌdɪsəˈluːʒənd, ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒənd)
As she grew older, Laura became increasingly disillusioned with politics.
start learning
disappointed because you have lost your belief that someone is good, or that an idea is right
distracted (dɪˈstræktəd, dɪˈstræktɪd)
He tried to concentrate on his work, but was distracted by the long blonde hair of the girl sitting in front of him.
start learning
anxious and unable to think clearly
engaged (ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd)
I didn't feel like the interviewers were engaged with what I was saying.
start learning
paying attention and interested
inspired (ɪnˈspaɪəd)
an inspired leader
start learning
having very exciting special qualities that are better than anyone or anything else
intimidated (ɪnˈtɪmədeɪtəd, ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtəd)
I was shy, and felt intimidated by the older students.
start learning
feeling worried and lacking confidence because of the situation you are in or the people you are with
motivated (ˈməʊtəveɪtəd)
The students are all highly motivated.
start learning
very keen to do something or achieve something, especially because you find it interesting or exciting
muddled (ˈmʌdld)
When they asked me about my exam grades, I got muddled up and gave them incorrect information.
start learning
confused
overwhelmed (ˌəʊv ə ˈwelmd)
I've got so much homework to do that I feel really overwhelmed.
start learning
if work or a problem overwhelms someone, it is too much or too difficult to deal with
passive (ˈpæsɪv)
Kathy seems to take a very passive role in the relationship.
start learning
someone who is passive tends to accept things that happen to them or things that people say to them, without taking any action
pressurised (ˈpreʃəraɪzd)
My parents never pressurised me to go to university; they let me do what I want.
start learning
feeling worried, or making you feel worried, because of the number of things you have to do
relieved (rɪˈliːvd)
She looked immensely relieved when she heard the news.
start learning
feeling happy because you are no longer worried about something
self-conscious (ˌself ˈkɒntʃ əs)
Jerry’s pretty self-conscious about his weight.
start learning
worried and embarrassed about what you look like or what other people think of you
well-supported (wel səˈpɔːɪd)
I have always been well-supported by my family -- both emotionally and financially.
start learning
to have enough money, emotional support, etc for what you need
demoralising (dɪˈmɒrəlaɪzɪŋ)
It was really demoralising when my six- year-old cousin beat me at chess.
start learning
reducing or destroying someone's courage or confidence
video clip (ˈvɪdiəʊ klɪp)
Have you seen this video clip of a cat riding a bicycle?
start learning
a short part of a film or television programme that is shown by itself, especially as an advertisement
communal (ˈkɒmjənəl)
In our student accommodation, we have communal bathrooms and a communal kitchen.
start learning
shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together
virtuoso (ˌvɜːtʃuˈəʊsəʊ)
I can't believe you can play the violin so brilliantly -- you're a really virtuoso!
start learning
someone who is a very skilful performer, especially in music
not have a leg to stand on (nɒt v eɪ leɡ tə stænd ɒn)
If you didn’t sign a contract, you won’t have a leg to stand on.
start learning
to be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say
drop out (drɒp aʊt)
The group gets smaller as members move away or drop out.
start learning
to no longer do an activity or belong to a group
hostile (ˈhɒstaɪl)
Southampton fans gave their former coach a hostile reception.
start learning
angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them
cram (kræm)
Zara crammed for six hours the night before the exam, but still couldn't remember anything.
start learning
to prepare yourself for an examination by learning a lot of information quickly
figure out (ˈfɪɡə aʊt)
I can't figure out how to use this app -- can you help me?
start learning
to think about a problem or situation until you find the answer or understand what has happened
desperate (ˈdespərət, ˈdespərɪt)
I had no money left and was desperate.
start learning
willing to do anything to change a very bad situation, and not caring about danger
turn someone round (tɜːn ˈsʌmwʌn raʊnd)
The love of his new adoptive parents really turned his life around.
start learning
if a person turns around, he/she changes and starts to develop in a positive way
expel (ɪkˈspel)
Two girls were expelled from school for taking drugs.
start learning
to officially force someone to leave a school or organization
mutual (ˈmjuːtʃuəl)
Mutual respect is necessary for any partnership to work.
start learning
mutual feelings such as respect, trust, or hatred are feelings that two or more people have for each other
nurture (ˈnɜːtʃə)
European union is an ideal that has been nurtured since the post-war years.
start learning
to help a plan, idea, feeling etc to develop
pull yourself together (pʊl jɔːˈself təˈɡeðə)
With an effort Mary pulled herself together.
start learning
to force yourself to stop behaving in a nervous, frightened, or uncontrolled way
shame (ʃeɪm)
When Toby made fun of my new haircut I went red with shame.
start learning
the feeling you have when you feel guilty and embarrassed because you, or someone who is close to you, have done something wrong
rage (reɪdʒ)
When I told him I had crashed his car, heflew into a rage.
start learning
a strong feeling of uncontrollable anger
rough and ready (rʌf ənd ˈredi)
The tests are only a rough and ready guide to a pupil’s future development.
start learning
not perfect, but good enough for a particular purpose
scheme (skiːm)
The money will be used for teacher training schemes.
start learning
an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training
shift (ʃɪft)
Joe listened, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to another.
start learning
to move from one place or position to another, or make something do this
skive off (skaɪv ɒf)
Rachel got a detention for skiving off maths.
start learning
to avoid work or school by staying away or leaving without permission
substantial (səbˈstænʃəl)
We have the support of a substantial number of parents.
start learning
large in amount or number
trigger (ˈtrɪɡə)
The assassination triggered off a wave of rioting.
start learning
to make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events
instinctive (ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv)
Her musical skill is completely instinctive.
start learning
based on instinct and not involving thought
aggressive (əˈɡresɪv)
Jim’s voice became aggressive.
start learning
behaving in an angry threatening way, as if you want to fight or attack someone
hostile (ˈhɒstaɪl)
Southampton fans gave their former coach a hostile reception.
start learning
angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them
scornful (ˈskɔːnfəl)
Patrick was scornful of his younger brother's attempts to ride a bike.
start learning
feeling or showing scorn
distressed (dɪˈstrest)
Hannah was deeply distressed by the news.
start learning
very upset
indifferent (ɪnˈdɪfərənt)
Sarah was absolutely indifferent to him, and it hurt.
start learning
not at all interested in someone or something
disaffected (ˌdɪsəˈfektəd, ˌdɪsəˈfektɪd)
With huge student loans to pay and few jobs, many young people feel disaffected.
start learning
not satisfied with your government, leader etc, and therefore no longer loyal to them or no longer believing they can help you
resistant (rɪˈzɪstənt)
an infection that’s resistant to antibiotics
start learning
not damaged or affected by something
see eye to eye (siː aɪ tə aɪ)
We didn’t exactly see eye to eye.
start learning
if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other
do as you are told (duː əz jə ə təʊld)
Why can't you children just do as you are told?
start learning
behave in the way someone has asked you to
get your own way (ɡet jə əʊn weɪ)
Bella is dad's favourite and he always lets her get her own way.
start learning
achieve the result you want
keep yourself to yourself (kiːp jɔːˈself tə jɔːˈself)
I don't like to get involved in office politics; I prefer to keep myself to myself.
start learning
to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other people
rub people up the wrong way (rʌb ˈpiːpəl ʌp ðə rɒŋ weɪ)
Robbie always rubs people up the wrong way -- it's no wonder he has so few friends.
start learning
to annoy someone by the things you say or do, usually without intending to
on a whim (ɒn eɪ wɪm)
I bought these shoes on a whim, and now I've decided I don't like them.
start learning
a sudden feeling that you would like to do or have something, especially when there is no important or good reason
look up to (lʊk ʌp tə)
I've always looked up to my cousin because she's so cool and funny.
start learning
admire and respect
become close to someone (bɪˈkʌm kləʊz tə ˈsʌmwʌn)
I became very close to my aunt after my uncle died.
start learning
develop a strong relationship with someone
come across as (kʌm əˈkrɒs əz)
Mr Potts can come across as rude, but really he's a very kind man.
start learning
appear to have a particular quality, when this may or may not be true
good fun (ɡʊd fʌn)
Leah is funny and popular -- she's really good fun.
start learning
enjoyable to be with because they are happy and amusing
dry sense of humour (draɪ sens əv ˈhjuːmə)
You've got such a dry sense of humour; sometimes I can't tell if you're joking.
start learning
someone with a dry sense of humour says funny and clever things while seeming to be serious
take after someone (teɪk ˈɑːftə ˈsʌmwʌn)
I take after my mum -- we both worry a lot.
start learning
to look or behave like an older relative
have your heart set on (v jə hɑːt set ɒn)
I've got my heart set on getting a new car once I get a job.
start learning
to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do something
run in the family (rʌn ɪn ðə ˈfæməli)
Diabetes appears to run in families.
start learning
if something such as a quality, disease, or skill runs in the family, many people in that family have it
high expectations (haɪ ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz)
Paula felt under a lot of pressure to go to university -- everyone in the family had high expectations of her.
start learning
a feeling or belief that something or someone should be a success
alternately (ɔːl ˈtɜːn ətli)
It's alternately sunny and rainy outside -- I don't know what to wear!
start learning
two things happening one after the other in a regular pattern
rough and ready (rʌf ənd ˈredi)
The tests are only a rough and ready guide to a pupil’s future development.
start learning
not perfect, but good enough for a particular purpose
on the brink of (ɒn ðə brɪŋk əv)
I was on the brink of asking Penny to go for a coffee when her phone rang and she walked away.
start learning
a situation when you are almost in a new situation
indulgence (ɪnˈdʌldʒəns)
An occasional glass of wine was his only indulgence.
start learning
the habit of allowing yourself to do or have whatever you want, or allowing someone else to do or have whatever they want
stability (stəˈbɪləti, stəˈbɪlɪti)
Stability within the family is very important for childhood development.
start learning
the condition of being steady and not changing
inwardly (ˈɪn wədli)
I managed to smile, but inwardly I was furious.
start learning
felt or experienced in your own mind but not expressed to other people
associate (əˈsəʊʃieɪt, əˈsəʊsi-)
I don’t associate him with energetic sports.
start learning
to make a connection in your mind between one thing or person and another
consistent (kənˈsɪstənt)
She’s the team’s most consistent player.
start learning
always behaving in the same way or having the same attitudes, standards etc – usually used to show approval
misbehave (ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪv)
George has been misbehaving at school.
start learning
to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people
substantial (səbˈstænʃəl)
We have the support of a substantial number of parents.
start learning
large in amount or number
chaotic (keɪˈɒtɪk)
a chaotic mixture of images
start learning
a chaotic situation is one in which everything is happening in a confused way
spiral (ˈspaɪərəl)
Unemployment rose and the city went into a spiral of decline.
start learning
a process, usually a harmful one, in which something gradually but continuously gets worse or better
bond (bɒnd)
I have a really strong bond with my pet dog.
start learning
something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea
underachieving (ˌʌndərəˈtʃiːvɪŋ)
Any underachieving police officers will have to take further training.
start learning
not doing as well at school or at work as they could do if they worked harder
lump together (lʌmp təˈɡeðə)
You can't just lump us all together -- we're individuals with different needs.
start learning
to put two or more different people or things together and consider them as a single group, sometimes wrongly
group dynamic (ɡruːp daɪˈnæmɪk)
There is a very tense group dynamic in this classroom.
start learning
the way in which people in a group behave, react, and affect each other
misbehave (ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪv)
George has been misbehaving at school.
start learning
to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people
despise (dɪˈspaɪz)
She despised her neighbours.
start learning
to dislike and have a low opinion of someone or something
lurk (lɜːk)
She didn’t see the figure lurking behind the bushes.
start learning
to wait somewhere quietly and secretly, usually because you are going to do something wrong
aspect (ˈæspekt)
Dealing with people is the most important aspect of my work.
start learning
one part of a situation, idea, plan etc that has many parts
awkward (ˈɔːkwəd)
I hoped he would stop asking awkward questions.
start learning
making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say
catch unawares (kætʃ ˌʌnəˈweəz)
Tom caught me totally unawares when he asked me out on a date.
start learning
if something catches you unawares, it happens when you are not expecting it and are not prepared
cotton on (ˈkɒtn ɒn)
It took me a while to cotton on.
start learning
to begin to understand something
turn down (tɜːn daʊn)
Thank you, I never turn down the offer of a cup of tea.
start learning
refuse
obsessive (əbˈsesɪv)
Please stop being so obsessive about your food -- just eat it!
start learning
thinking or worrying about something all the time, so that you do not think about other things enough – used to show disapproval
implication (ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃən, ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən)
What are the implications of these proposals?
start learning
a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc
wear off (weə ɒf)
The effects of the anaesthetic were starting to wear off.
start learning
if pain or the effect of something wears off, it gradually stops
turn out (to be) (tɜːn aʊt (tə bi))
I can't believe it -- it turns out Sophia knew about the surprise party all along!
start learning
to happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially one that you did not expect
put one's foot down (pʊt wʌnz fʊt daʊn)
I must put my foot down -- the dog is not sleeping in my bed.
start learning
to say very firmly that someone must do something or must stop doing something
dawn on (dɔːn ɒn)
It dawned on me that I have a better relationship with my grandparents than with my parents.
start learning
if a fact dawns on you, you realize it for the first time
simplistic (sɪmˈplɪstɪk)
This is a very simplistic approach to the problem.
start learning
treating difficult subjects in a way that is too simple
tendency (ˈtendənsi)
Greg’s tendency to be critical made him unpopular with his co-workers.
start learning
if someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become it
subtlety (ˈsʌtlti)
The play lacks subtlety.
start learning
the quality that something has when it has been done in a clever or skilful way, with careful attention to small details
impact (ˈɪmpækt)
We need to assess the impact on climate change.
start learning
the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something
be glued to (bi ɡluːd tə)
During the Olympics, I was glued to the television.
start learning
to look at something with all your attention
split up with (splɪt ʌp wɪð)
Danny and Kate had a massive argument and split up.
start learning
if people split up, they end a marriage or relationship with each other
can't help oneself (kɑːnt help wʌnˈself)
When I see chocolate, I can't help myself and just have to eat it.
start learning
used to say that someone is unable to change their behaviour or feelings, or to prevent themselves from doing something
take in one's stride (teɪk ɪn wʌnz straɪd)
Lilian took the criticism in her stride and said she would try harder next time.
start learning
to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you:
go over old ground (ɡəʊ ˈəʊvə əʊld ɡraʊnd)
We've had this same argument a thousand times -- do we really have to go over the same old ground?
start learning
talk about the same things
liable (ˈlaɪəbəl)
The car is liable to overheat on long trips.
start learning
likely to do or say something or to behave in a particular way, especially because of a fault or natural tendency
sneak (sniːk)
I managed to sneak another slice of cake when no one was looking.
start learning
to quickly and secretly steal something unimportant or of little value
flatter (ˈflætə)
Perry would always flatter Mrs. Mitchell by praising her cooking.
start learning
to praise someone in order to please them or get something from them, even though you do not mean it
astounded (əˈstaʊndəd, əˈstaʊndɪd)
She was astounded by his arrogance.
start learning
very surprised or shocked
accountable (əˈkaʊntəbəl)
The government should be accountable to all the people of the country.
start learning
responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain or be criticized for them
be woven into (bi ˈwəʊvən ˈɪntə)
Summers at the beach are woven into my childhood memories.
start learning
past participle of weave; to put many different ideas, subjects, stories etc together and connect them smoothly
a fair bit of (eɪ feə bɪt əv)
My brother plays a fair bit of sport but I prefer listening to music.
start learning
a reasonable amount
constructive (kənˈstrʌktɪv)
The meeting was very constructive.
start learning
useful and helpful, or likely to produce good results
impose limitations (ɪmˈpəʊz ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz)
You're 18 now so I can't impose limitations on you anymore.
start learning
force to accept rules
peer (pɪə)
American children did less well in maths than their peers in Japan.
start learning
your peers are the people who are the same age as you, or who have the same type of job, social class etc
so much the better (səʊ mʌtʃ ðə ˈbetə)
If they can do them both at the same time, then so much the better.
start learning
used to say that something would be even better or bring even more advantages
radical (ˈrædɪkəl)
They are proposing radical changes to the way the company is run.
start learning
a radical change or difference is very big and important
rave notice (reɪv ˈnəʊtəs)
The local ballet company received rave notices for its production of Swan Lake.
start learning
strong praise for a new play, book etc
reluctant (rɪˈlʌktənt)
She gave a reluctant smile.
start learning
slow and unwilling
intend (ɪnˈtend)
I intend to spend the night there.
start learning
to have something in your mind as a plan or purpose
rigorous (ˈrɪɡərəs)
a rigorous analysis of defence needs
start learning
careful, thorough, and exact
soft option (sɒft ˈɒpʃən)
Leaving school at 16 isn't necessarily the soft option, because you'll have to find a job.
start learning
easy choice
fire with (faɪə wɪð)
After I read Dan Brown's book, I was fired with determination to write a best- seller.
start learning
made to feel interested in something and excited about it
come to terms with (kɒm tə tɜːmz wɪð)
I still haven't come to terms with my best friend going out with my ex-boyfriend.
start learning
to accept an unpleasant or sad situation and no longer feel upset or angry about it
demanding (dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ)
The course was so demanding that I almost gave up.
start learning
needing a lot of ability, effort, or skill
transferable (træntsˈfɜːrəbəl)
I may only have a Saturday job in a café, but I'm learning transferable skills.
start learning
the quality of being able to move from one place, school, job etc to another
brief (briːf)
The architect’s brief is to design an extension that is modern but blends with the rest of the building.
start learning
official instructions that explain what someone’s job is, what their duties are etc
chunk (tʃʌŋk)
I break my revision down into small chunks; it helps me remember things.
start learning
a large thick piece of something that does not have an even shape
marble (ˈmɑːbəl)
The columns were of white marble.
start learning
a type of hard rock that becomes smooth when it is polished, and is used for making buildings, statues etc
protagonist (prəʊˈtæɡənəst, prəʊˈtæɡənɪst)
The protagonist of the story is an escaped prisoner.
start learning
the most important character in a play, film, or story
squeaky (ˈskwiːki)
The brakes on your bike are very squeaky -- can't you oil them?
start learning
making very high noises that are not loud
subliminal (sʌbˈlɪmənəl, sʌbˈlɪmɪnəl)
When I listen to my favourite band, I sometimes think they are sending me subliminal messages through their music.
start learning
affecting your mind in a way that you are not conscious of
surface (ˈsɜːfəs, ˈsɜːfɪs)
Dead leaves floated on the surface of the water.
start learning
the top layer of an area of water or land
swagger (ˈswæɡə)
He swaggered over towards me.
start learning
to walk proudly, swinging your shoulders in a way that shows you are very confident - used to show disapproval
clumsy (ˈklʌmzi)
A clumsy waiter spilled wine all over her new skirt.
start learning
moving or doing things in a careless way, especially so that you drop things, knock into things etc
slap (slæp)
Sarah slapped Aaron across the face.
start learning
to hit someone with the flat part of your hand
flap (flæp)
The flags were flapping in the breeze.
start learning
if a bird flaps its wings, it moves them up and down in order to fly
swishing (ˈswɪʃ ɪŋ)
She looked really beautiful as she came swishing down the stairs in her ballgown.
start learning
to move or make something move quickly through the air with a quiet sound
tarmac (ˈtɑːmæk)
Journalists waited on the tarmac to question him.
start learning
a mixture of tar and very small stones, used for making the surface of roads
tiptoe (ˈtɪptəʊ)
His mother tiptoed into the room.
start learning
to walk quietly and carefully on your toes, so that nobody hears you
chunk (tʃʌŋk)
ice chunks
start learning
a large thick piece of something that does not have an even shape
continuity (ˌkɒntəˈnjuːəti, ˌkɒntɪˈnjuːəti)
We should ensure continuity of care between hospital and home.
start learning
the state of continuing for a period of time, without problems, interruptions, or changes
tinny (ˈtɪni)
tinny music
start learning
a tinny sound is high, weak, and unpleasant, and sounds like it is coming out of something made of metal
culminate (ˈkʌlməneɪt, ˈkʌlmɪneɪt)
A series of events for teachers and students will culminate in a Shakespeare festival next year.
start learning
if a process culminates in or with a particular event, it ends with that event
gravel (ˈɡrævəl)
a gravel path
start learning
small stones, used to make a surface for paths, roads etc
enhance (ɪnˈhɑːns)
Good lighting will enhance any room.
start learning
to improve something
flap (flæp)
The flags were flapping in the breeze.
start learning
if a bird flaps its wings, it moves them up and down in order to fly
prevalent (ˈprevələnt)
Solvent abuse is especially prevalent among younger teenagers.
start learning
common at a particular time, in a particular place, or among a particular group of people
rectify (ˈrektəfaɪ, ˈrektɪfaɪ)
I did my best to rectify the situation, but the damage was already done.
start learning
to correct something that is wrong
insert (ɪnˈsɜːt)
His hand shook slightly as he inserted the key into the lock.
start learning
to put something inside or into something else
resemble (rɪˈzembəl)
It’s amazing how closely Brian and Steve resemble each other.
start learning
to look like or be similar to someone or something
guarantee (ˌɡærənˈtiː)
I guarantee you’ll love this film.
start learning
to promise to do something or to promise that something will happen
convey (kənˈveɪ)
All this information can be conveyed in a simple diagram.
start learning
to communicate or express something, with or without using words
cover up (ˈkʌvə ʌp)
The doctor tried to cover up his mistake, but he was found out eventually.
start learning
an attempt to prevent the public from discovering the truth about something
move on (muːv ɒn)
The mobile phone has moved on enormously since the 1990s.
start learning
to change, progress, improve, or become more modern as time passes
root around in (ruːt əˈraʊnd ɪn)
You have a look in the cupboard while I root around in this drawer.
start learning
to search for something by moving things around
set up (set ʌp)
The play was set up as a love story right from the very first scene.
start learning
establish
pick out (pɪk aʊt)
Can you pick out your favourite dress?
start learning
choose one from many
pull up (pʊl ʌp)
He pulled up in front of the gates.
start learning
to stop the vehicle that you are driving
scrape (skreɪp)
Scrape the carrots and slice them thinly.
start learning
to remove something from a surface using the edge of a knife, a stick etc
rustle (ˈrʌsəl)
She moved nearer, her long silk skirt rustling around her.
start learning
if leaves, papers, clothes etc rustle, or if you rustle them, they make a noise as they rub against each other
crunch (krʌntʃ)
Their boots crunched loudly on the frozen snow.
start learning
to make a sound like something being crushed
slam (slæm)
We heard a car door slam.
start learning
if a door, gate etc slams, or if someone slams it, it shuts with a loud noise
scrape through (skreɪp θruː)
Even though she had missed lots of classes, Helena managed to scrape through the exam and got an 'E'.
start learning
to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation
rustle up (ˈrʌsəl ʌp)
If you're hungry, I can quickly rustle up a sandwich.
start learning
to make a meal quickly
when it comes to the crunch (wen ɪt kʌmz tə ðə krʌntʃ)
When it came to the crunch, Francis admitted he had never loved Sarah.
start learning
when you reach an important time, especially one when a difficult decision has to be made
get into a flap (ɡet ˈɪntə eɪ flæp)
We're only going to be two minutes late so don't get into a flap.
start learning
become very excited or worried about something
ram opinions down one's throat (ræm əˈpɪnjənz daʊn wʌnz θrəʊt)
I'll never agree with you so there's no point ramming your opinions down my throat.
start learning
to try to make someone accept an idea or opinion by repeating it many times, especially when they are not interested
rooted to the spot (ˈruːt ɪd tə ðə spɒt)
The first time I saw Janet I was rooted to the spot; I knew I was going to marry her.
start learning
so shocked, surprised, or frightened that you cannot move
limitless (ˈlɪmətləs, ˈlɪmɪtləs)
limitless possibilities
start learning
without a limit or end
in terms of (ɪn tɜːmz əv)
In terms of music, I like pop best.
start learning
f you explain or describe something in terms of a particular fact or event, you are explaining or describing it only in relation to that fact or event
come up with (kʌm ʌp wɪð)
My dad came up with a great idea for a holiday.
start learning
to think of an idea, answer etc
dominate (ˈdɒməneɪt, ˈdɒmɪneɪt)
The industry is dominated by five multinational companies.
start learning
to control someone or something or to have more importance than other people or things
curl up (kɜːl ʌp)
I just wanted to curl up and go to sleep.
start learning
to move so that you are lying or sitting with your arms and legs bent close to your body
put off from (pʊt ɒf frəm)
My friend had a bad skiing accident, which put me off from doing the sport.
start learning
to make you dislike something or not want to do something
innovative (ˈɪnəvətɪv)
an innovative approach to language teaching
start learning
an innovative idea or way of doing something is new, different, and better than those that existed before
intimidating (ɪˈtɪmədeɪtɪŋ, ɪˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ)
Some people find interview situations very intimidating.
start learning
making you feel worried and not confident
fussy (ˈfʌsi)
I prefer plain designs to something fussy.
start learning
fussy clothes, objects, buildings etc are very detailed and decorated - used to show disapproval
get a buzz (ɡet eɪ bʌz)
I really got a buzz from seeing my first book in print.
start learning
have a strong feeling of excitement, pleasure, or success, or a similar feeling from drinking alcohol or taking drug
get off to a good start (ɡet ɒf tə eɪ ɡʊd stɑːt)
I didn't get off to a good start when I left my mobile phone on the bus.
start learning
begin well
in common (ɪn ˈkɒmən)
My grandma and me have so much in common, she's my favourite relative!
start learning
have the same interests, attitudes etc as someone else
initially (ɪˈnɪʃəli)
Stan initially wanted to go to medical school.
start learning
at the beginning
in the same boat (ɪn ðə seɪm bəʊt)
All first-years at university are in the same boat -- no one knows anyone.
start learning
to be in the same unpleasant situation as someone else
curl up (kɜːl ʌp)
I just wanted to curl up and go to sleep.
start learning
to move so that you are lying or sitting with your arms and legs bent close to your body
issue (ˈɪʃuː, ˈɪsjuː)
Abortion is a highly controversial issue.
start learning
a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about, especially a social or political matter that affects the interests of a lot of people
underestimate (ˌʌndərˈestəmeɪt, ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt)
We underestimated how long it would take to get there.
start learning
to think or guess that something is smaller, cheaper, easier etc than it really is
introverted (ˈɪntrəvɜːtəd, ˈɪntrəvɜːtɪd)
My sister is introverted, but I love going out and meeting new people.
start learning
someone who is introverted is quiet and shy and does not enjoy being with other people
crucial factor (ˈkruːʃəl ˈfæktə)
When making a film, the crucial factor is the storyline.
start learning
the extremely important part that everything else depends on
cultivate (ˈkʌltəveɪt, ˈkʌltɪveɪt)
If you cultivate good relationships at work, it can help you in the future.
start learning
to make an effort to develop a friendly relationship with someone, especially someone who can help you
accommodating (əˈkɒmədeɪtɪŋ)
an accommodating child
start learning
helpful and willing to do what someone else wants
eccentric (ɪkˈsentrɪk)
His eccentric behaviour lost him his job.
start learning
behaving in a way that is unusual and different from most people
caption (ˈkæpʃən)
a photograph of the couple captioned ‘rebuilding their romance’
start learning
words printed above or below a picture in a book or newspaper or on a television screen to explain what the picture is showing
drive to distraction (draɪv tə dɪˈstrækʃən)
I used to dance non-stop when I was a teenager; it drove my parents to distraction.
start learning
to continue annoying or upsetting someone very much
clutter (ˈklʌtə)
the clutter of soaps, shampoos, and towels in the bathroom
start learning
a large number of things that are scattered somewhere in an untidy way
cuddle up (ˈkʌdl ʌp)
The children cuddled up to each other for warmth.
start learning
to lie or sit very close to someone or something
exasperate (ɪɡˈzɑːspəreɪt)
It exasperates me to hear comments like that.
start learning
to make someone very annoyed by continuing to do something that upsets them
hoard (hɔːd)
families who hoarded food during the strike
start learning
to collect and save large amounts of food, money etc, especially when it is not necessary to do so
inventory (ˈɪnvəntri)
We made an inventory of everything in the apartment.
start learning
a list of all the things in a place
weird (wɪəd)
A really weird thing happened last night.
start learning
very strange and unusual, and difficult to understand or explain
giggle (ˈɡɪɡəl)
If you can’t stop giggling you’ll have to leave the room.
start learning
to laugh quickly, quietly, and in a high voice, because something is funny or because you are nervous or embarrassed
be done for (bi dʌn fə)
If we get caught, we’re done for.
start learning
to be in serious trouble or likely to fail
awkward (ˈɔːkwəd)
I hoped he would stop asking awkward questions.
start learning
making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say
loft (lɒft)
Our neighbours have just done a loft conversion (=changed the loft into bedrooms).
start learning
a room or space under the roof of a building, usually used for storing things in
merchandise (ˈmɜːtʃəndaɪz, -daɪs)
A range of official Disney merchandise was on sale.
start learning
goods that are being sold
string of passions (strɪŋ əv ˈpæʃənz)
When I was a teenager my string of passions included pop music, bright make-up, tight jeans and horse-riding.
start learning
a very strong liking for one thing after another
cost a fortune (kɒst eɪ ˈfɔːtʃən)
I'm not going to buy those shoes because they cost a fortune.
start learning
cost a very large amount of money
bizarre (bəˈzɑː, bɪˈzɑː)
a bizarre coincidence
start learning
very unusual or strange
craze (kreɪz)
She started a craze for this type of jewellery.
start learning
a fashion, game, type of music etc that becomes very popular for a short time
fulfilling (fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ)
Nursing is still one of the most fulfilling careers.
start learning
making you feel happy and satisfied because you are doing interesting, useful, or important things
uplifting (ʌpˈlɪftɪŋ)
an uplifting experience
start learning
making you feel happier and more hopeful
have someone in fits (v ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn fɪts)
Alice always has a funny story to tell -- she has me in fits every time I talk to her.
start learning
make someone laugh in a way that they cannot control
inspire (ɪnˈspaɪə)
We need someone who can inspire the team.
start learning
to encourage someone by making them feel confident and eager to do something
moving (ˈmuːvɪŋ)
Bayman’s book about his illness is deeply moving.
start learning
making you feel strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy
see someone live (siː ˈsʌmwʌn lɪv)
I really want to see Lady Gaga live.
start learning
see a performance in which the entertainer performs for people who are watching, rather than a film, record etc
be blown away by (bi bləʊn əˈweɪ baɪ)
I wasn't completely blown away by their performance, to be honest with you.
start learning
to feel very surprised and excited by something
pack a lot into (pæk eɪ lɒt ˈɪntə)
They really packed a lot into the show; it was full of tricks and special effects.
start learning
o do a lot in a limited period of time, or fit a lot of information, ideas etc into a limited space
on stage (ɒn steɪdʒ)
Being on stage for three hours every night must be exhausting.
start learning
performing on the raised area in a theatre which actors or singers stand on
put on a show (pʊt ɒn eɪ ʃəʊ)
The college is planning to put on a show at the end of the year.
start learning
to arrange for a concert, play etc to take place, or to perform in it
front row (frʌnt rəʊ)
We're so excited because we've got tickets in the front row for the gig.
start learning
the first line of seats in a theatre or cinema
take part in (teɪk pɑːt ɪn)
Do you want to take part in the show at the end of the year?
start learning
to be involved in an activity, sport, event etc with other people
take off (teɪk ɒf)
Interest in dance classes has really taken off at our school.
start learning
to suddenly start being successful
soak up (səʊk ʌp)
If you ever go to Pompeii, take some time to just soak up the atmosphere.
start learning
o enjoy a place by watching it or becoming involved in it
belt out (belt aʊt)
Do you think it gives her a sore throat, belting out those songs every night?
start learning
to sing a song or play an instrument loudly
take out of yourself (teɪk aʊt əv jɔːˈself)
Whenever I hear this song, it takes me out of myself and I forget all my worries.
start learning
to make someone forget their problems and feel more confident
chill out (tʃɪl aʊt)
Chill out -- there's no point getting so stressed.
start learning
to relax completely instead of feeling angry, tired, or nervous
bear a resemblance to (beə eɪ rɪˈzembləns tə)
This shopping bears no resemblance to what I asked you to buy.
start learning
look like
loosen up (ˈluːsən ʌp)
She loosened up after she’d had a drink.
start learning
to stop worrying and become more relaxed, or to make someone do this
take great strides towards (teɪk ɡreɪt straɪdz təˈwɔːdz)
Little Jonny has taken great strides towards writing and can now read his name.
start learning
make an improvement in a situation or in the development of something
initiate (ɪˈnɪʃieɪt)
They have decided to initiate legal proceedings against the newspaper.
start learning
to arrange for something important to start, such as an official process or a new plan
invaluable (ɪnˈvæljuəbəl, -jəbəl)
Your advice has been invaluable to us.
start learning
extremely useful
preliminary (prɪˈlɪmənəri, prɪˈlɪmɪnəri)
the preliminary stages of the competition
start learning
happening before something that is more important, often in order to prepare for it
emanate from (ˈeməneɪt frəm)
An odd smell seems to be emanating from the kitchen.
start learning
to come from or out of something
communal (ˈkɒmjənəl, ˈkɒmjʊnəl, kəˈmjuːnl)
a communal bathroom
start learning
shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together
nuisance (ˈnjuːsəns)
The dogs next door are a real nuisance.
start learning
a person, thing, or situation that annoys you or causes problems
setting (ˈsetɪŋ)
an old farmhouse in a beautiful setting
start learning
the place where something is or where something happens, and the general environment
distinctive (dɪˈstɪŋktɪv)
a rock band with a distinctive sound
start learning
having a special quality, character, or appearance that is different and easy to recognize
allot (əˈlɒt)
Try and allot two or three hours a day to revision.
start learning
to use a particular amount of time for something, or give a particular share of money, space etc to someone or something
relegate (ˈreləɡeɪt, ˈrelɪɡeɪt)
Women tended to be relegated to typing and filing jobs.
start learning
to give someone or something a less important position than before
ritual (ˈrɪtʃuəl)
Every Sunday morning my ritual includes buying a newspaper from the local shop, making coffee and eating a croissant.
start learning
something that you do regularly and in the same way each time
slump (slʌmp)
She slumped against the wall.
start learning
to fall or lean against something because you are not strong enough to stand
wander off (ˈwɒndə ɒf)
Please keep hold of your little sister's hand so that she doesn't wander off.
start learning
to walk away from where you are supposed to stay
variation (ˌveəriˈeɪʃən)
White bread is really just a variation of French bread.
start learning
a difference between similar things, or a change from the usual amount or form of something
stifle (ˈstaɪfəl)
When he fell over, I had to stifle a laugh.
start learning
to stop a feeling from being expressed
twist (twɪst)
The robbery took a deadly new twist as the robber pulled out a gun.
start learning
an unexpected feature or change in a situation or series of events
hectic (ˈhektɪk)
I’ve had a pretty hectic day.
start learning
very busy or full of activity
confront (kənˈfrʌnt)
The problems confronting the new government were enormous.
start learning
if a problem, difficulty etc confronts you, it appears and needs to be dealt with
conversely (kənˈvɜːsli, ˈkɒnvɜːsli)
We could go to the beach if it's sunny. Conversely, we could go to the outdoor pool.
start learning
used when one situation is the opposite of another
slumber (ˈslʌmbə)
The baby closed its eyes and drifted off into a deep slumber.
start learning
to sleep
nod off (nɒd ɒf)
I missed the movie because I kept nodding off.
start learning
to begin to sleep, usually when you do not intend to and are sitting somewhere
twist (twɪst)
The robbery took a deadly new twist as the robber pulled out a gun.
start learning
an unexpected feature or change in a situation or series of events
sidelines (ˈsaɪdlaɪnz)
Jenny had been waiting on the sidelines for a chance to show she was good enough to be part of the team.
start learning
not taking part in an activity even though you want to or should do
wakefulness (ˈweɪk fəlnəs)
The alarm clock rang, launching Brian rudely into a state of wakefulness.
start learning
not sleeping or unable to sleep
recline (rɪˈklaɪn)
I spent Sunday reclining in a deck chair.
start learning
to lie or lean back in a relaxed way
springy (ˈsprɪŋi)
The grass was soft and springy.
start learning
something that is springy is soft and comes back to its normal shape after being pressed or walked on
bedding (ˈbedɪŋ)
It's cold in this bedroom -- do you need any more bedding?
start learning
sheets, covers etc that you put on a bed
equate (ɪˈkweɪt)
Most people equate wealth with success.
start learning
to consider that two things are similar or connected
rouse (raʊz)
His banging roused the neighbours.
start learning
to wake someone who is sleeping deeply
rebellion (rɪˈbeljən)
If we don't give our staff a pay rise this year, there could be a rebellion.
start learning
when someone opposes or fights against people in authority or ideas which they do not agree with
disordered (dɪsˈɔːdəd)
An extreme diet is sometimes the starting point for people who are eating disordered.
start learning
if someone is mentally disordered, their mind is not working in a normal and healthy way
crucial (ˈkruːʃəl)
This aid money is crucial to the government’s economic policies.
start learning
something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it
preferable (ˈprefərəbəl)
For this dish, fresh herbs and garlic are preferable.
start learning
better or more suitable
sensory (ˈsensəri)
sensory stimuli such as music
start learning
relating to or using your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch
overload (ˈəʊvələʊd)
the modern day information overload
start learning
to put too many things or people on or into something
doze (dəʊz)
Granddad was dozing in his chair.
start learning
to sleep lightly for a short time
kip (kɪp)
There are rooms for drivers to kip down for the night.
start learning
to sleep somewhere, especially somewhere that is not your home
nap (næp)
Napping for 20 minutes in the afternoon can increase your levels of concentration.
start learning
to sleep for a short time during the day
snooze (snuːz)
Dad was snoozing in his armchair.
start learning
to sleep lightly for a short time
crash out (kræʃ aʊt)
The kids are so tired, they crashed out as soon as they got into bed.
start learning
to go to bed, or go to sleep very quickly, because you are very tired
heated discussion (ˈhiːtəd dɪˈskʌʃən)
I'm not sure what the problem is but they're having quite a heated discussion.
start learning
an argument etc that is full of angry and excited feelings
drift off (drɪft ɒf)
I was just drifting off when the phone rang.
start learning
to gradually fall asleep
drop off (drɒp ɒf)
She kept dropping off at her desk.
start learning
to begin to sleep
nod off (nɒd ɒf)
I missed the movie because I kept nodding off.
start learning
to begin to sleep, usually when you do not intend to and are sitting somewhere
make the case for (meɪk ðə keɪs fə)
I'm going to make the case for introducing exercise classes at work.
start learning
give a set of reasons why something should happen or be done
hang on to (hæŋ ɒn tə)
I want to hang onto this coat for sentimental reasons, even though it doesn't fit me.
start learning
to keep something
as and when (əz ənd wen)
I put money into my savings account as and when I can afford it.
start learning
from time to time
by and large (baɪ ənd lɑːdʒ)
By and large, the new arrangements have worked well.
start learning
used when making a general statement
off and on (ɒf ənd ɒn)
We’ve been going out together for five years, off and on.
start learning
for short periods but not regularly, over a long period of time
part and parcel (pɑːt ənd ˈpɑːsəl)
Jet lag is part and parcel of international travel.
start learning
to be a necessary feature of something
through thick and thin (θruː θɪk ənd θɪn)
Then, families stuck together through thick and thin.
start learning
in spite of any difficulties or problems
touch and go (tʌtʃ ənd ɡəʊ)
It was touch and go for a while, but my dog survived the operation and is much better now.
start learning
uncertain
intake (ˈɪnteɪk)
Try to reduce your intake of fat.
start learning
the amount of food, drink etc that you take into your body
onset (ˈɒnset)
the onset of winter
start learning
the beginning of something, especially something bad
back-up (bæk ʌp)
I can rely on my brother for back-up when I'm arguing with my parents.
start learning
people or things that can be used to provide support and help if they are needed
setback (ˈsetbæk)
The December elections were a major setback for the party.
start learning
a problem that delays or prevents progress, or makes things worse than they were
grin and bear it (ɡrɪn ənd beə ɪt)
The dinner Joe cooked was awful, but I managed to grin and bear it.
start learning
to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation without complaining, usually because you realize there is nothing you can do to make it better
baffle (ˈbæfəl)
The question baffled me completely.
start learning
if something baffles you, you cannot understand or explain it at all
show off (ʃəʊ ɒf)
He couldn’t resist showing off on the tennis court.
start learning
to try to make people admire your abilities, achievements, or possessions – used to show disapproval
make a fuss (meɪk eɪ fʌs)
What are you making a fuss about? It's just some spilt milk.
start learning
to complain or become angry about something, especially when this is not necessary
play something down (pleɪ ˈsʌmθɪŋ daʊn)
Management has been playing down the possibility of job losses.
start learning
to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is
get on one's nerves (ɡet ɒn wʌnz nɜːvz)
My sister sings the same song all the time and it really gets on my nerves.
start learning
if someone gets on your nerves, they annoy you, especially by doing something all the time
come out and say (kʌm aʊt ənd seɪ)
I can tell you're upset -- why don't you just come out and say what's wrong?
start learning
be honest and explain clearly
know where you are (nəʊ weə jə ə)
I might upset people when I talk so honestly, but at least you know where you are with me.
start learning
know what the person is feeling
toe the line (təʊ ðə laɪn)
You toe the line or you don’t stay on the team!
start learning
to do what other people in a job or organization say you should do, whether you agree with them or not
conventional (kənˈvenʃənəl)
Internet connections through conventional phone lines are fairly slow.
start learning
a conventional method, product, practice etc has been used for a long time and is considered the usual type
vitality (vaɪˈtæləti, vaɪˈtælɪti)
Despite her eighty years, Elsie was full of vitality.
start learning
great energy and eagerness to do things
immaculate (ɪˈmækjələt, ɪˈmækjʊlət)
He wore an immaculate dark blue suit.
start learning
very clean and tidy
melting pot (ˈmeltɪŋ pɒt)
New York has always been a great melting pot.
start learning
a place where people from different races, countries, or social classes come to live together
social norm (ˈsəʊʃəl nɔːm)
Getting married is less of a social norm than it used to be.
start learning
the usual or normal situation, way of doing something in a society
apologetic (əˌpɒləˈdʒetɪk)
The manager was very apologetic about everything.
start learning
showing or saying that you are sorry that something has happened, especially because you feel guilty or embarrassed about it
be put out (bi pʊt aʊt)
I was really put out when you didn't call me to cancel our date.
start learning
annoyed and upset
outfits (ˈaʊtfɪts)
The children wear special outfits for the festival.
start learning
a set of clothes worn together, especially for a special occasion
straightforward (ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd)
Installing the program is relatively straightforward.
start learning
simple and easy to understand
tattoo (təˈtuː, tæˈtuː)
He has a tattoo of a snake on his left arm.
start learning
a picture or writing that is permanently marked on your skin using a needle and ink
activist (ˈæktəvəst, ˈæktɪvəst)
activist groups
start learning
someone who works hard doing practical things to achieve social or political change
infrastructure (ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə)
Some countries lack a suitable economic infrastructure.
start learning
the basic systems and structures that a country or organization needs in order to work properly, for example roads, railways, banks etc
mobility (məʊˈbɪləti, məʊˈbɪlɪti)
It's normal to have limited mobility after knee surgery.
start learning
the ability to move easily
come up with (kʌm ʌp wɪð)
I'm trying to come up with a way to make my room look better without spending a lot of money.
start learning
think of
cycle rack (ˈsaɪkəl ræk)
You can park your bike in the cycle rack outside the station.
start learning
a frame where you can store a bicycle
be dotted around (bi ˈdɒt ɪd əˈraʊnd)
There are plenty of litter bins dotted around the park.
start learning
if an area is dotted with things, there are a lot of them there but they are spread far apart
jump on the bandwagon (dʒʌmp ɒn ðə ˈbændˌwæɡən)
Shirley got a tattoo first, then Lisa and Cheryl jumped on the bandwagon and got tattoos too.
start learning
to start doing or saying something that a lot of people are already doing or saying - used to show disapproval
guerrilla (ɡəˈrɪlə)
American troops found themselves fighting a guerrilla war.
start learning
a member of a small unofficial military group that fights in small groups
slogan (ˈsləʊɡən)
an advertising slogan
start learning
a short phrase that is easy to remember and is used in advertisements, or by politicians, organizations etc
chuck (tʃʌk)
Tania chucked her bag down on the sofa.
start learning
to throw something in a careless or relaxed way
enforce (ɪnˈfɔːs)
Governments make laws and the police enforce them.
start learning
to make people obey a rule or law
creep around (kriːp əˈraʊnd)
There's no point creeping around -- we can all see you!
start learning
to move in a quiet, careful way, especially to avoid attracting attention
cash in on (kæʃ ɪn ɒn)
Why don't you cash in on the craze for motorbikes and sell yours for more than you paid for it?
start learning
to make a profit from a situation in a way that other people think is wrong or unfair
stuff (stʌf)
I enjoy reading, listening to music, watching TV -- that kind of stuff.
start learning
used when talking about different activities, subjects, or ideas, when you do not say exactly what these are:
aggressive (əˈɡresɪv)
Jim’s voice became aggressive.
start learning
behaving in an angry threatening way, as if you want to fight or attack someone
homelessness (ˈhəʊm ləsnəs)
Even the richest cities in the world have problems with homelessness.
start learning
without a home
be bothered with (bi ˈbɒðəd wɪð)
I'm not bothered with getting a job because I want to continue studying.
start learning
if you are not bothered with something, it is not important to you
empower (ɪmˈpaʊə)
The Voting Rights Act was needed to empower minority groups.
start learning
to give someone more control over their own life or situation
distribute (dɪˈstrɪbjuːt)
Clothes and blankets have been distributed among the refugees.
start learning
to share things among a group of people, especially in a planned way
graffiti (ɡræˈfiːti, ɡrə)
Some people don't like graffiti but I think it's a form of art.
start learning
rude, humorous, or political writing and pictures on the walls of buildings, trains etc
petition (pəˈtɪʃən, pɪˈtɪʃən)
a petition against the new road
start learning
a written request signed by a lot of people, asking someone in authority to do something or change something
make someone back down (meɪk ˈsʌmwʌn bæk daʊn)
You can't change my mind; I'm never going to back down.
start learning
make someone admit that they are wrong or that they have lost an argument
have your say on (v jə seɪ ɒn)
You've talked for 30 minutes, now can I have my say on the issue?
start learning
have an opportunity to speak and give your opinion
traffic congestion (ˈtræfɪk -ˈdʒestʃən)
There is a real problem with traffic congestion in the city centre.
start learning
very heavy traffic and traffic jams
well-briefed (wel briːft)
You will be well briefed before we ask you to start work.
start learning
given all the information you need
credible candidate (ˈkredəbəl ˈkændədət)
Some people don't think he is a credible candidate because he has served time in prison.
start learning
a candidate that deserves to be trusted/believed
utmost importance (ˈʌtməʊst ɪmˈpɔːtəns)
It is of the utmost importance that I speak to a doctor immediately.
start learning
the greatest possible importance
debatable (dɪˈbeɪtəbəl)
a debatable point
start learning
things that are debatable are not certain because people have different opinions about them
(idea) take off ((aɪˈdɪə) teɪk ɒf)
The idea really took off when people saw how much money they could save.
start learning
to suddenly start being successful
far afield (fɑː əˈfiːld)
She has fans from as far afield as Chile and Japan.
start learning
far away, especially from home
catch on (kætʃ ɒn)
The idea of glasses being a fashion item has been slow to catch on.
start learning
to become popular and fashionable
onlooker (ˈɒnˌlʊkə)
A crowd of onlookers had gathered at the scene of the accident.
start learning
someone who watches something happening without being involved in it
recipient (rɪˈsɪpiənt)
the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
start learning
someone who receives something
derivative (dɪˈrɪvətɪv)
Heroin is a derivative of morphine.
start learning
something that has developed or been produced from something else
source (sɔːs)
They get their money from various sources.
start learning
a thing, place, activity etc that you get something from
equate (ɪˈkweɪt)
Most people equate wealth with success.
start learning
to consider that two things are similar or connected
equivalent (ɪˈkwɪvələnt)
The word has no equivalent in English.
start learning
something that has the same value, purpose, job etc as something else
hog (hɒɡ)
How much longer are you going to hog the bathroom?
start learning
to keep, use, or have all of something that should be shared
impact (ˈɪmpækt)
We need to assess the impact on climate change.
start learning
the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something
alleviate (əˈliːvieɪt)
a new medicine to alleviate the symptoms of flu
start learning
to make something less painful or difficult to deal with
dual (ˈdjuːəl)
The bridge has a dual role, carrying both road and rail.
start learning
having two of something or two parts
offspring (ˈɒfˌsprɪŋ)
a young mother trying to control her offspring
start learning
someone’s child or children – often used humorously
spirited (ˈspɪrətəd, ˈspɪrɪtəd)
a spirited and energetic girl
start learning
having energy and determination – used to show approval
surplus to requirements (ˈsɜːpləs tə rɪˈkwaɪəmənts)
This paper is surplus to requirements so I'm going to recycle it.
start learning
an amount of something that is more than what is needed
dispose (dɪˈspəʊz)
I dispose of all my glass at a recycling bank.
start learning
to get rid of something, especially something that is difficult to get rid of
landfill (ˈlændfɪl)
There is no room left in my town for landfill.
start learning
the practice of burying waste under the ground, or the waste buried in this way
instil (ɪnˈstɪl)
A manager’s job is to instil determination into his players.
start learning
to teach someone to think, behave, or feel in a particular way over a period of time
dispute (dɪˈspjuːt)
The main facts of the book have never been disputed.
start learning
to say that something such as a fact or idea is not correct or true
opportunistic (ˌɒpətjuːˈnɪstɪk)
opportunistic thefts from cars
start learning
someone who uses every opportunity to gain power, money, or unfair advantages – used to show disapproval
predator (ˈpredətə)
The shark is the most powerful predator in the sea.
start learning
an animal that kills and eats other animals
detrimental (ˌdetrəˈmentl, ˌdetrɪˈmentl)
Smoking is detrimental to your health.
start learning
causing harm or damage
mammal (ˈmæməl)
Humans are mammals, just like chimpanzees and dogs.
start learning
a type of animal that drinks milk from its mother’s body when it is young. Humans, dogs, and whales are mammals.
contemplate (ˈkɒntəmpleɪt)
He had even contemplated suicide.
start learning
to think about something that you might do in the future
neuter (ˈnjuːtə)
a neutered tomcat
start learning
to remove part of the sex organs of an animal so that it cannot produce babies
dusk (dʌsk)
The street lights go on at dusk.
start learning
the time before it gets dark when the sky is becoming less bright
advocate (ˈædvəkeɪt)
Extremists were openly advocating violence.
start learning
to publicly support a particular way of doing something
finite (ˈfaɪnaɪt)
the Earth’s finite resources
start learning
having an end or a limit
feline (ˈfiːlaɪn)
She moves with feline grace.
start learning
relating to cats or other members of the cat family, such as lions
premium (ˈpriːmiəm)
I only buy premium cheese, I don't like the taste of the cheap products.
start learning
of very high quality
sinner (ˈsɪnə)
When I asked for a plastic bag she looked as me as though I were a sinner.
start learning
someone who has sinned by not obeying God’s laws
excess (ˈekses)
Cut any excess fat from the meat.
start learning
additional and not needed because there is already enough of something
spark off (spɑːk ɒf)
The hot weather sparked off some dramatic thunderstorms.
start learning
to be the cause of something, especially trouble or violence
thin on the ground (θɪn ɒn ðə ɡraʊnd)
Supporters of the politician are thin on the ground -- no more than a handful.
start learning
if a particular type of person or thing is thin on the ground, there are very few available
emit (ɪˈmɪt)
The kettle emitted a shrill whistle.
start learning
to send out gas, heat, light, sound etc
give rise to (ɡɪv raɪz tə)
The flooding gave rise to a lot of damage in homes.
start learning
to be the reason why something happens, especially something bad or unpleasant
wipe out (waɪp aʊt)
Whole villages were wiped out by the floods.
start learning
to destroy, remove, or get rid of something completely
spray (spreɪ)
She sprayed herself with perfume.
start learning
to force liquid out of a container so that it comes out in a stream of very small drops and covers an area
build-up (bɪld ʌp)
a heavy build-up of traffic on the motorway
start learning
an increase over a period of time
ozone layer (ˈəʊzəʊn ˈleɪə)
the hole in the ozone layer
start learning
a layer of gases in the sky that prevents harmful radiation from the sun from reaching the Earth
famine (ˈfæmən, ˈfæmɪn)
the great potato famine in Ireland
start learning
a situation in which a large number of people have little or no food for a long time and many people die
genetically- modified (dʒəˈnetɪkli ˌmɒdɪfaɪd)
Consumers are turning their backs on genetically-modified ingredients, and demanding organic products.
start learning
genetically-modified foods and plants have had their GENETIC (=the materials that control the development of particular qualities) structure changed so that they are not affected by certain diseases or harmful insects
imminent (ˈɪmənənt, ˈɪmɪnənt)
He was in imminent danger of dying.
start learning
an event that is imminent, especially an unpleasant one, will happen very soon
oblivious (əˈblɪviəs)
He seemed oblivious to the fact that he had hurt her.
start learning
not knowing about or not noticing something that is happening around you
implication (ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃən, ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən)
What are the implications of these proposals?
start learning
a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc
pollinate (ˈpɒləneɪt, ˈpɒlɪneɪt)
flowers pollinated by bees
start learning
to give a flower or plant pollen so that it can produce seeds
crucial (ˈkruːʃəl)
This aid money is crucial to the government’s economic policies.
start learning
something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it
inevitable (ɪˈnevətəbəl, ɪˈnevɪtəbəl)
A further escalation of the crisis now seems inevitable.
start learning
certain to happen and impossible to avoid
knock-on effect (ˌnɒk ˈɒn ɪˈfekt)
We have had no rain for six months and the knock-on effect is that many plants have died.
start learning
o start a process in which everything that happens causes something else to happen
availability (əˌveɪləˈbɪləti, əˌveɪləˈbɪlɪti)
the availability of affordable housing
start learning
something that is available is able to be used or can easily be bought or found
be right up there with (bi raɪt ʌp ðeə wɪð)
My wedding day is right up there as one of the happiest moments of my life.
start learning
is amongst the best/most important
scenario (səˈnɑːriəʊ, sɪˈnɑːriəʊ)
Imagine a scenario where only 20% of people have a job.
start learning
a situation that could possibly happen
deteriorate (dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt)
Ethel’s health has deteriorated.
start learning
to become worse
corresponding (ˌkɒrəˈspɒndɪŋ, ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndɪŋ)
The war and the corresponding fall in trade have had a devastating effect on the country.
start learning
caused by or connected with something you have already mentioned
repetitive (rɪˈpetətɪv, rɪˈpetɪtɪv)
repetitive tasks like washing and ironing
start learning
done many times in the same way, and boring
diversity (daɪˈvɜːsəti, daɪˈvɜːsɪti, də-)
The curriculum will take account of the ethnic diversity of the population.
start learning
the fact of including many different types of people or things
be prone to (bi prəʊn tə)
We live near a river and our house is prone to flooding.
start learning
likely to do something or suffer from something, especially something bad or harmful
immune system (ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm)
My immune system is not as strong as it ought to be.
start learning
the system by which your body protects itself against disease
thrive (θraɪv)
plants that thrive in tropical rain forests
start learning
to become very successful or very strong and healthy
infect (ɪnˈfekt)
People with the virus may feel perfectly well, but they can still infect others.
start learning
to give someone a disease
pesticide (ˈpestəsaɪd, ˈpestɪsaɪd)
Pesticides are useful for farmers because they increase the size of the harvest.
start learning
a chemical substance used to kill insects and small animals that destroy crops
wipe out (waɪp aʊt)
Whole villages were wiped out by the floods.
start learning
to destroy, remove, or get rid of something completely
disoriented (dɪsˈɔːrientəd, dɪsˈɔːrientɪd)
When he emerged into the street, he was completely disoriented.
start learning
confused and not understanding what is happening around you
habitat (ˈhæbətæt, ˈhæbɪtæt)
watching monkeys in their natural habitat
start learning
the natural home of a plant or animal
further afield (ˈfɜːðə əˈfiːld)
If you want something unusual, you should look further afield rather than in just the local shops.
start learning
further away
phenomenon (fɪˈnɒmənən, fɪˈnɒmɪnən)
the growing phenomenon of telecommuting
start learning
something that happens or exists in society, science, or nature, especially something that is studied because it is difficult to understand
pest (pest)
a chemical used in pest control
start learning
a small animal or insect that destroys crops or food supplies
virtually (ˈvɜːtʃuəli)
Virtually all the children come to school by bus.
start learning
almost
bitterly (ˈbɪtəli)
He complained bitterly about his exam grades.
start learning
in a way that produces or shows feelings of great sadness or anger
unspoilt (ˌʌn ˈspɔɪəlt)
This stretch of coastline is really natural and unspoilt.
start learning
an unspoilt place is beautiful because it has not changed for a long time and does not have a lot of new buildings
dependent (dɪˈpendənt)
Norway’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources.
start learning
needing someone or something in order to exist, be successful, be healthy etc
beneficial (ˌbenəˈfɪʃəl, ˌbenɪˈfɪʃəl)
a drug that has a beneficial effect on the immune system
start learning
having a good effect
hacker (ˈhækə)
A hacker had managed to get into the system.
start learning
someone who secretly uses or changes the information in other people’s computer systems
breed (briːd)
Spaniels are my favourite breed of dog.
start learning
a type of animal that is kept as a pet or on a farm
threat (θret)
The team we're playing this weekend is a bit of a threat, but I'm sure we can beat them.
start learning
someone or something that is regarded as a possible danger
acknowledge (əkˈnɒlɪdʒ)
The family acknowledge the need for change.
start learning
to admit or accept that something is true or that a situation exists
bound to be (baʊnd tə bi)
You're bound to feel a bit lonely when your sister goes to university.
start learning
to be very likely to do or feel a particular thing
in perspective (ɪn pəˈspektɪv)
You might not have got an A grade, but you need to get things into perspective -- you can still go to university.
start learning
judge the importance of something correctly
privacy (ˈprɪvəsi, ˈpraɪ-)
With seven people squashed in one house, you don’t get much privacy.
start learning
the state of being able to be alone, and not seen or heard by other people
scandalous (ˈskændələs)
a scandalous waste of public money
start learning
completely unfair and wrong
ferret through (ˈferət θruː)
I can't find the invitation; could you ferret through that pile of paper while I look upstairs?
start learning
to search for something that is lost or hidden among a lot of things or inside a drawer, box etc
discard (dɪsˈkɑːd)
Discard any old cleaning materials.
start learning
to get rid of something
scary (ˈskeəri)
a scary moment
start learning
frightening
hush something up (hʌʃ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌp)
The whole affair was hushed up by the government.
start learning
to prevent people from knowing about something dishonest or immoral
unsettle (ʌnˈsetl)
The sudden changes unsettled Judy.
start learning
to make someone feel slightly nervous, worried, or upset
hardened (ˈhɑːdnd)
Dan is a hardened smoker -- I think he'll find it very difficult to give up now.
start learning
a criminal, police officer etc who has had a lot of experience of things that are shocking and is therefore less affected by them
fall for (fɔːl fə)
The criminal tricked me out of my money -- I can't believe I fell for it!
start learning
to be tricked into believing something that is not true
stalk (stɔːk)
a tiger stalking its prey
start learning
to follow a person or animal quietly in order to catch and attack or kill them
hold hostage (həʊld ˈhɒstɪdʒ)
The workers were kidnapped and held hostage in a secret location for 10 days.
start learning
keep someone as a prisoner so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
unforgivable (ˌʌnfəˈɡɪvəbəl)
I really find it unforgiveable that my best friend stole my boyfriend.
start learning
an unforgivable action is so bad or cruel that you cannot forgive the person who did it
one step ahead (wʌn step əˈhed)
You've already made cakes for the party? You're always one step ahead!
start learning
already doing what needs to be done
outsmart (aʊtˈsmɑːt)
The older kids outsmart the young ones when trading cards.
start learning
to gain an advantage over someone using tricks or your intelligence
dire (daɪə)
warnings of dire consequences that often don’t come true
start learning
extremely serious or terrible
on your guard (ɒn jə ɡɑːd)
These men are dangerous so you’ll need to be on your guard.
start learning
to be paying attention to what is happening in order to avoid danger, being tricked etc
mugger (ˈmʌɡə)
A mugger took my mum's phone from her when she was walking home last night.
start learning
someone who attacks people in a public place and robs them
fire off (faɪə ɒf)
I was so angry I fired off an email to my boss. The next day I regretted it.
start learning
send quickly and without much thought
sheer (ʃɪə)
The sheer size of the country makes communications difficult.
start learning
used to emphasize that something is very heavy, large etc
instantaneous (ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəs)
modern methods of instantaneous communication
start learning
happening immediately
scam (skæm)
He got involved in a credit card scam.
start learning
a clever but dishonest way to get money
sharp-witted (ˌʃɑːpˈwɪtəd, ˌʃɑːpˈwɪtɪd)
I've never been sharp-witted, so busy cities with lots of people frighten me a bit.
start learning
able to think and react very quickly
body scan (ˈbɒdi skæn)
The last time I went through security at an airport, I had to have a body scan.
start learning
a scan with a special machine that produces a picture of something outside your body, for security purposes
CCTV camera (ˌsiː siː tiː ˈviː ˈkæmərə)
I don't mind CCTVs cameras -- the only people who should worry about them are criminals.
start learning
security cameras that help police find criminals
fencing (ˈfensɪŋ)
The lord put fencing all around his land to keep trespassers out.
start learning
fences or the pieces of wood, metal etc used to make them
phone tap (fəʊn tæp)
Governments sometimes put a phone tap on people who they believe are criminals.
start learning
an act of secretly listening to someone's telephone, using electronic equipment
swipe card (swaɪp kɑːd)
This swipe card gives me access to my office.
start learning
a special plastic card that you slide through a machine in order to get into a building or open a door
intimidating (ɪˈtɪmədeɪtɪŋ, ɪˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ)
Some people find interview situations very intimidating.
start learning
making you feel worried and not confident
pick up (pɪk ʌp)
I find it very difficult to pick up languages, it takes me lots of practice.
start learning
to learn something by watching or listening to other people
constant (ˈkɒnstənt)
There was a constant stream of visitors to the house.
start learning
happening regularly or all the time
state of flux (steɪt əv flʌks)
Nature is always in a state of flux -- some things growing, some things dying.
start learning
a situation in which things are changing a lot and you cannot be sure what will happen
disuse (dɪsˈjuːs)
The building eventually fell into disuse.
start learning
a situation in which something is no longer used
productive (prəˈdʌktɪv)
Most of us are more productive in the morning.
start learning
producing or achieving a lot
deserted (dɪˈzɜːtəd, dɪˈzɜːtɪd)
The streets were deserted.
start learning
empty and quiet because no people are there
practically (ˈpræktɪkli)
I’ve read practically all of his books.
start learning
almost
literate (ˈlɪtərət, ˈlɪtərɪt)
My great-grandmother was the first person in my family to be literate.
start learning
able to read and write
give the green light (ɡɪv ðə ɡriːn laɪt)
The council has given the green light for 20 new homes to be built on the edge of town.
start learning
to allow a project, plan etc to begin
virtually (ˈvɜːtʃuəli)
Virtually all the children come to school by bus.
start learning
almost
notably (ˈnəʊtəbli)
Some early doctors, notably Hippocrates, thought that diet was important.
start learning
used to say that a person or thing is a typical example or the most important example of something
come across as (kʌm əˈkrɒs əz)
Julian often comes across as bossy, but really he just wants to get the job done well.
start learning
if someone comes across in a particular way, they seem to have particular qualities
pretentious (prɪˈtenʃəs)
a pretentious film
start learning
if someone or something is pretentious, they try to seem more important, intelligent, or high class than they really are in order to be impressive
particularly (pəˈtɪkjələli, pəˈtɪkjʊləli)
Steve was in a particularly bad mood when he got back.
start learning
more than usual or more than others
clumsy (ˈklʌmzi)
A clumsy waiter spilled wine all over her new skirt.
start learning
moving or doing things in a careless way, especially so that you drop things, knock into things etc
wind someone up (wɪnd ˈsʌmwʌn ʌp)
My older brother knows exactly what to say to wind me up.
start learning
to deliberately say or do something that will annoy or worry someone, as a joke
fade away (feɪd əˈweɪ)
My memories of my grandparents have faded away over time.
start learning
to gradually disappear
turn back the clock (tɜːn bæk ðə klɒk)
You may be wearing more fashionable clothes, but it's not going to turn back the clock.
start learning
to return to a good situation that you experienced in the past or to make someone remember such a situation
driving force (ˈdraɪvɪŋ fɔːs)
Hawks was the driving force behind the project.
start learning
someone or something that strongly influences people and makes them do something
take short cuts (teɪk ʃɔːt kʌts)
You can't take short cuts with this recipe -- it has to cook for a long time.
start learning
use a quicker way of doing something
motivator (ˈməʊtəveɪtə, ˈməʊtɪveɪtə)
Money is a good motivator.
start learning
something or someone that makes you want to do or achieve something
vibrant (ˈvaɪbrənt)
Hong Kong is a vibrant, fascinating city.
start learning
full of activity or energy in a way that is exciting and attractive
obtrusive (əbˈtruːsɪv)
obtrusive TV antennas
start learning
noticeable in an unpleasant or annoying way
adapt (əˈdæpt)
The children are finding it hard to adapt to the new school.
start learning
to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes in order to be successful in a new situation
revel in (ˈrevəl ɪn)
I revel in the fact that there are so many wonderful theatres near my house.
start learning
to enjoy something very much
applaud (əˈplɔːd)
I'd like to applaud everyone who has raised money for our charity today.
start learning
to express strong approval of an idea, plan etc
a wealth of (eɪ welθ əv)
You'll find a wealth of interesting objects in our museum.
start learning
a lot of something useful or good
get your message over (ɡet jə mesɪdʒ əʊvə)
I explained it three times to Neil but I'm still not sure I got my message over.
start learning
make someone understand what you are saying
get through to (ɡet θruː tə)
I spent a long time telling her my side of the story, but I just couldn't get through to her.
start learning
make yourself understood to someone
bring up (a subject) (brɪŋ ʌp (eɪ ˈsʌbdʒɪkt))
She's still upset about the divorce so it's best not to bring up the subject.
start learning
to mention a subject or start to talk about it
crop up (krɒp ʌp)
Your name kept cropping up in conversation.
start learning
if a problem crops up, it happens or appears suddenly and in an unexpected way
talk someone out of (tɔːk ˈsʌmwʌn aʊt əv)
Luckily I managed to talk my daughter out of getting a tattoo.
start learning
dissuade someone from doing something
talk over (tɔːk ˈəʊvə)
If you're worried about the exams, why don't you talk it over with your teacher?
start learning
discuss something
on behalf of (ɒn bɪˈhɑːf əv)
I speak on behalf of all the teachers when I wish this year's students good luck.
start learning
instead of someone, or as their representative
needless to say (ˈniːdləs tə seɪ)
Needless to say, any contributions of money will be gratefully received.
start learning
used when you are telling someone something that they probably know or expect
on speaking terms with (ɒn ˈspiːk ɪŋ tɜːmz wɪð)
They had an argument in 1992 and have not been on speaking terms since.
start learning
have a good relationship with someone
talk sense into (tɔːk sens ˈɪntə)
I tried to talk sense into him but he wouldn't listen and bought a motorbike anyway.
start learning
try to make someone behave in a more sensible way
make small talk (meɪk smɔːl tɔːk)
I'm not very good at making small talk with strangers.
start learning
have a polite friendly conversation about unimportant subjects
go without saying (ɡəʊ wɪðˈaʊt ˈseɪ-ɪŋ)
It goes without saying that I will send Mary a birthday card.
start learning
if something goes without saying, it doesn't need to be mentioned
miss the point of (mɪs ðə pɔɪnt əv)
You've missed the point -- I'm trying to tell you I'm sorry.
start learning
not recognise the purpose or aim of something
make head or tail of (meɪk hed ə teɪl əv)
These instructions are so confusing, I can't make head or tail of them.
start learning
to be completely unable to understand something
have a go at someone (v eɪ ɡəʊ ət ˈsʌmwʌn)
Please don't have a go at me -- I was only trying to help.
start learning
to criticize someone
go on about (ɡəʊ ɒn əˈbaʊt)
I get so bored when Liam starts going on about his car.
start learning
talk endlessly, in a boring way
drop hints about (drɒp hɪnts əˈbaʊt)
I've been dropping hints about getting married for years, but he still hasn't asked me.
start learning
say or do something to suggest something to someone, without telling them directly
a good grounding in (eɪ ɡʊd ˈɡraʊndɪŋ ɪn)
This class will give you a good grounding in grammar.
start learning
training in the basic parts of a subject or skill
reassurance (ˌriːəˈʃʊərəns)
Parents are looking for reassurance about their children’s safety.
start learning
something that is said or done which makes someone feel calmer and less worried or frightened about a problem
availability (əˌveɪləˈbɪləti, əˌveɪləˈbɪlɪti)
the availability of affordable housing
start learning
something that is available is able to be used or can easily be bought or found
inconsiderate (ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərət, ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərɪt)
inconsiderate motorists
start learning
not caring about the feelings, needs, or comfort of other people
a minority of (eɪ maɪˈnɒrəti əv)
A minority of young people give teenagers a bad reputation.
start learning
a small group of people or things within a much larger group
approval (əˈpruːvəl)
The president has already given his approval to the plan.
start learning
when a plan, decision, or person is officially accepted
a means to an end (eɪ miːnz tə ən end)
For Geoff, the job was simply a means to an end.
start learning
something that you do only to achieve a result, not because you want to do it or because it is important
actually (ˈæktʃuəli, -tʃəli)
I’ve known Barbara for years. Since we were babies, actually.
start learning
used to add new information to what you have just said, to give your opinion, or to start a new conversation
open someone's eyes to (ˈəʊpən ˌsʌmwʌnz aɪz tə)
When I fell ill, it opened my eyes to how unhealthy my lifestyle was.
start learning
make someone realise something
stuck in a rut (stʌk ɪn eɪ rʌt)
I think our relationship ended because we got stuck in a rut.
start learning
living or working in a situation that never changes, so that you feel bored
get by on (ɡet baɪ ɒn)
When I was a student I got by on £20 a week.
start learning
to have enough money to buy the things you need, but no more
incentive (ɪnˈsentɪv)
As an added incentive, there’s a bottle of champagne for the best team.
start learning
something that encourages you to work harder, start a new activity etc
tough going (tʌf ˈɡəʊɪŋ)
Recovering from my skiing accident was tough going.
start learning
difficult to do or deal with
payoff (peɪ ɒf)
The payoff for spending hours learning the guitar is that I can now play in a band.
start learning
an advantage or profit that you get as a result of doing something
inadequate (ɪnˈædəkwət, ɪnˈædɪkwət)
inadequate resources
start learning
not good enough, big enough, skilled enough etc for a particular purpose
take a year out (teɪk eɪ jɪə aʊt)
When I lost my job I decided to take a year out to go travelling.
start learning
to stop doing something for a year
from scratch (frəm skrætʃ)
We had to start again from scratch.
start learning
if you start something from scratch, you begin it without using anything that existed or was prepared before
end up as (end ʌp əz)
Despite studying physics, May ended up as a fashion designer.
start learning
to be in a particular situation, state, or place after a series of events, especially when you did not plan it
change tack (tʃeɪndʒ tæk)
When she looked confused I changed tack and explained it a different way.
start learning
change the way you deal with a particular situation or a method that you use to achieve something
have time on your hands (v taɪm ɒn jə hændz)
I started to work as a volunteer because I had time on my hands.
start learning
have time to spare
comfort zone (ˈkʌmfət zəʊn)
Learning to fly a plane really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
start learning
your comfort zone is the range of activities or situations that you feel happy and confident in
narrow something down (ˈnærəʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ daʊn)
The police have narrowed down their list of suspects.
start learning
to reduce the number of things included in a range
switch (swɪtʃ)
She worked as a librarian before switching to journalism.
start learning
to change from doing or using one thing to doing or using another
conduct research (kənˈdʌkt rɪˈsɜːtʃ)
Very little research has been conducted into what our dreams mean.
start learning
to carry out a particular activity or process, especially in order to get information or prove facts
intuition (ˌɪntjuˈɪʃən)
feminine intuition
start learning
the ability to understand or know something because of a feeling rather than by considering the facts
a (guitar) freak (eɪ (ɡɪˈtɑː) friːk)
I've always been a TV freak -- I watch anything!
start learning
someone who is extremely interested in a particular subject so that other people think they are strange or unusual
take for granted (teɪk fə ˈɡrɑːntəd)
I never realised how much I took my mum's cooking for granted until I moved into my own flat.
start learning
to believe that something is true without making sure
go along with (ɡəʊ əˈlɒŋ wɪð)
I wasn't that interested in going to the party, but I went along with it to keep Sarah happy.
start learning
agree to do something that someone else wants to do
dawn on someone (dɔːn ɒn ˈsʌmwʌn)
It was only when I saw the list of marks that it dawned on me I had come first in the class.
start learning
if a feeling or idea dawns, you have it for the first time
detail (ˈdiːteɪl)
The report details the progress we have made over the last year.
start learning
to list things or give all the facts or information about something
snap judgement (snæp ˈdʒʌdʒmənt)
I made a snap judgement and close the office.
start learning
a judgment or decision made quickly, without careful thought or discussion
mull over (mʌl ˈəʊvə)
We mulled over getting a pet for weeks, and finally decided on a cat.
start learning
to think about a problem, plan etc for a long time before making a decision
flash onto (flæʃ ˈɒntə)
It makes my head ache when so many different images flash onto the screen.
start learning
to be shown quickly on television, on a computer, or on a film
participant (pɑːˈtɪsəpənt, pɑːˈtɪsɪpənt)
an active participant in the negotiations
start learning
someone who is taking part in an activity or event
distract (dɪˈstrækt)
Try not to distract the other students.
start learning
to take someone’s attention away from something by making them look at or listen to something else
unconscious (ʌnˈkɒnʃəs)
Even while you're sleeping, your unconscious mind will try to solve your problems.
start learning
a feeling or thought that is unconscious is one that you have without realizing it
store (stɔː)
Squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.
start learning
to put things away and keep them until you need them
kaleidoscopic (kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk)
The flowerbeds are full of kaleidoscopic colour.
start learning
kaleidoscopic scenes, colours, or patterns change often and quickly
electrode (ɪˈlektrəʊd)
The monkeys have electrodes implanted into the brain to measure their brain activity.
start learning
a small piece of metal or a wire that is used to send electricity through a system or through a person’s body
dream up (driːm ʌp)
I love dreaming up poems and then singing them.
start learning
to think of a plan or idea, especially an unusual one
eminently (ˈemɪnəntli)
Woods is eminently suitable for the job.
start learning
completely and without a doubt – use this to show approval
livid (ˈlɪvəd, ˈlɪvɪd)
She was absolutely livid that he had lied.
start learning
extremely angry
burst into tears (bɜːst ˈɪntə tɪəz)
I was so sad when he told me the news, I burst into tears.
start learning
start crying suddenly
in two minds (ɪn tuː maɪndz)
I'm in two minds about moving to Oxford because I really love living in London.
start learning
unsure about
stranded (ˈstrændəd, ˈstrændɪd)
Air travellers were left stranded because of icy conditions.
start learning
a person or vehicle that is stranded is unable to move from the place where they are
tingle (ˈtɪŋɡəl)
My body tingled all over and I had a terrible headache.
start learning
if a part of your body tingles, you feel a slight stinging feeling, especially on your skin
wind someone up (wɪnd ˈsʌmwʌn ʌp)
Ricky is always late and it really winds me up.
start learning
to deliberately say or do something that will annoy or worry someone, as a joke
wear thin (weə θɪn)
His embarrassing jokes are starting to wear thin.
start learning
if something is wearing thin, you are bored with it because it is not interesting any more, or has become annoying
be down (bi daʊn)
I'd been ill for so long, I felt really down.
start learning
feel depressed
grouchy (ˈɡraʊtʃi)
Don't be grouchy -- I'm sure your boss didn't mean to upset you.
start learning
in a bad temper, especially because you are tired
cheer up (tʃɪə ʌp)
Cheer up! The worst is over.
start learning
to become less sad, or to make someone feel less sad
in high spirits (ɪn haɪ ˈspɪrɪts)
It was Christmas day and everyone was in high spirits.
start learning
excited and happy
out of sorts (aʊt əv sɔːts)
I can't say what's wrong exactly, I just feel out of sorts.
start learning
feeling a little ill or upset
lose one's cool (luːz wʌnz kuːl)
When Ben said he had ruined my shirt, I lost my cool and shouted at him.
start learning
to stop being calm in an annoying or frightening situation
fly into a rage (flaɪ ˈɪntə eɪ reɪdʒ)
I got home late last night and dad flew into a rage.
start learning
suddenly become very angry
do one's head in (duː wʌnz hed ɪn)
Mum is always telling me to tidy up -- it does my head in.
start learning
to make you feel confused and annoyed
on reflection (ɒn rɪˈflekʃən)
On reflection, I should probably apologise for the things I said.
start learning
after careful thought, or an idea or opinion based on this
in the heat of the moment (ɪn ðə hiːt əv ðə ˈməʊmənt)
I didn't mean it -- I just said those things in the heat of the moment.
start learning
when feelings were very strong
ratty (ˈræti)
I feel guilty about getting ratty with the children.
start learning
becoming annoyed quickly or easily
beside oneself (bɪˈsaɪd wʌnˈself)
When Emma didn't come home, I was beside myself with worry.
start learning
to be feeling so angry, excited etc that you find it difficult to control yourself
make a scene (meɪk eɪ siːn)
Your food was a bit cold, but I don't think it's worth making a scene.
start learning
have a loud angry argument, especially in a public place
pull oneself together (pʊl wʌnˈself təˈɡeðə)
You'll have to pull yourself together and stop crying if you're going to drive the car.
start learning
to force yourself to stop behaving in a nervous, frightened, or uncontrolled way
get to someone (ɡet tə ˈsʌmwʌn)
My brother always seems to be my parents' favourite child and it really gets to me.
start learning
to make someone feel annoyed or upset
keep one's head (kiːp wʌnz hed)
To win an argument, you need to keep your head and not get emotional.
start learning
to remain calm and sensible in a difficult or frightening situation
laid-back (ˌleɪd ˈbæk)
I don’t know how you can be so laid-back about your exams.
start learning
relaxed and seeming not to be worried about anything
uncharacteristically (ʌnˌkærətəˈrɪstɪkli)
He was uncharacteristically quiet.
start learning
not typical of someone or something and therefore surprising
high-pitched (ˌhaɪ ˈpɪtʃt)
That dog has a really annoying high- pitched bark.
start learning
a high-pitched voice or sound is very high
be taken aback (bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk)
Emma was somewhat taken aback by his directness.
start learning
to be very surprised about something
downside (ˈdaʊnsaɪd)
Digital mobile phones offer more security, but the downside is that they have less power.
start learning
the negative part or disadvantage of something
stir up (stɜː ʌp)
That photo stirred up memories of a holiday I took with my parents.
start learning
to make someone have a strong feeling or a reaction
implicit (ɪmˈplɪsət, ɪmˈplɪsɪt)
Her words contained an implicit threat.
start learning
suggested or understood without being stated directly
trigger (ˈtrɪɡə)
The assassination triggered off a wave of rioting.
start learning
to make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events
retrieve (rɪˈtriːv)
She bent down to retrieve her earring.
start learning
to find something and bring it back
distinct (dɪˈstɪŋkt)
two entirely distinct languages
start learning
clearly different or belonging to a different type
explicit (ɪkˈsplɪsət, ɪkˈsplɪsɪt)
The contrast could not have been made more explicit.
start learning
expressed in a way that is very clear and direct
seemingly (ˈsiːmɪŋli)
seemingly unrelated bits of information
start learning
appearing to have a particular quality, when this may or may not be true
take on (identity) (teɪk ɒn (aɪˈdentəti))
When I talked to the actor, I took on the characteristics of a love-sick teenager.
start learning
to begin to have a particular quality or appearance
identity (aɪˈdentəti, aɪˈdentɪti)
The identity of the killer is still unknown.
start learning
someone’s identity is their name or who they are
attitude (ˈætətjuːd, ˈætɪtjuːd)
As soon as they found out I was a doctor, their whole attitude changed.
start learning
the opinions and feelings that you usually have about something, especially when this is shown in your behaviour
defensive (dɪˈfensɪv)
There's no need to get so defensive, I was only making a suggestion.
start learning
behaving in a way that shows you think someone is criticizing you even if they are not
defiant (dɪˈfaɪənt)
Mark smashed a fist on the desk in a defiant gesture.
start learning
clearly refusing to do what someone tells you to do
regression (rɪˈɡreʃən)
People sometimes experience regression when they are hypnotised.
start learning
the act of returning to an earlier condition that is worse or less developed
interaction (ˌɪntərˈækʃən)
I work from home and miss interaction with other people.
start learning
the activity of talking to other people, working together with them etc
spark off (spɑːk ɒf)
One small comment sparked off a huge row between them.
start learning
to be the cause of something, especially trouble or violence
subconscious (sʌb ˈkɒnʃəs)
Because I got lost when I was very young, I now have a subconscious fear of being left alone.
start learning
subconscious feelings, desires etc are hidden in your mind and affect your behaviour, but you do not know that you have them
irrelevant (ɪˈreləvənt, ɪˈrelɪvənt)
We’re focussing too much on irrelevant details.
start learning
not useful or not relating to a particular situation, and therefore not important
impact (ˈɪmpækt)
We need to assess the impact on climate change.
start learning
the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something
connection (kəˈnekʃən)
the causal connection between smoking and cancer
start learning
the way in which two facts, ideas, events etc are related to each other, and one is affected or caused by the other
evaluate (ɪˈvæljueɪt)
You should be able to evaluate your own work.
start learning
to judge how good, useful, or successful something is
occurrence (əˈkʌrəns)
Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom.
start learning
something that happens
differentiate (ˌdɪfəˈrenʃieɪt)
It’s important to differentiate between fact and opinion.
start learning
to recognize or express the difference between things or people
act out (ækt aʊt)
Stop acting out your frustrations from your childhood and just behave like an adult!
start learning
to express your feelings about something through your behaviour or actions, especially when you have been feeling angry or nervous
behavioural (bɪˈheɪvjərəl)
behavioural science
start learning
the things that a person or animal does
outburst (ˈaʊtbɜːst)
There was an outburst of cheering when the band came onto the stage.
start learning
a sudden short increase in an activity
lapse (læps)
Despite the occasional lapse, this was a fine performance by the young saxophonist.
start learning
a short period of time during which you fail to do something well or properly, often caused by not being careful
sensitive (ˈsensətɪv, ˈsensɪtɪv)
a sensitive and intelligent young man
start learning
able to understand other people’s feelings and problems
identify (aɪˈdentəfaɪ, aɪˈdentɪfaɪ)
I'm so different from my parents, I've never really identified with them.
start learning
to feel sympathy with someone or be able to share their feelings
internalise (ɪnˈtɜːnəlaɪz)
I don't like talking about emotions -- I tend to internalise them instead.
start learning
if you internalize a particular belief, attitude, behaviour etc, it becomes part of your character
overwhelmed (ˌəʊv ə ˈwelmd)
I was so overwhelmed with all my homework, I was sure I wouldn't be able to cope.
start learning
if work or a problem overwhelms someone, it is too much or too difficult to deal with
accusation (ˌækjəˈzeɪʃən, ˌækjʊˈzeɪʃən)
A number of serious accusations have been made against her.
start learning
a statement saying that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong
harsh (hɑːʃ)
A prison term of 10 years for stealing some eggs seems a bit harsh.
start learning
severe, cruel, or unkind
perceive (pəˈsiːv)
Even as a young woman she had been perceived as a future chief executive.
start learning
to understand or think of something or someone in a particular way
severe (səˈvɪə, sɪˈvɪə)
His injuries were quite severe.
start learning
severe problems, injuries, illnesses etc are very bad or very serious
depend on (dɪˈpend ɒn)
I depended on my mum and dad financially until I was 22.
start learning
to need the support, help, or existence of someone or something in order to exist, be healthy, be successful etc
scenario (səˈnɑːriəʊ, sɪˈnɑːriəʊ)
Imagine a scenario where only 20% of people have a job.
start learning
a situation that could possibly happen
cohesive (kəʊˈhiːsɪv)
a cohesive community
start learning
connected or related in a reasonable way to form a whole
limitation (ˌlɪməˈteɪʃən, ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃən)
Any limitation to the king’s power could be permanent.
start learning
the act or process of controlling or reducing something
intense (ɪnˈtens)
Young people today are under intense pressure to succeed.
start learning
having a very strong effect or felt very strongly
feel at home (fiːl ət həʊm)
I feel really at home at my best friend's house; I am always welcome there.
start learning
to feel comfortable in a place or with a person
hit home (hɪt həʊm)
Graham didn’t reply, but she could see her words had hit home.
start learning
if a remark, criticism etc about you hits home, you realize that it is true
eat out of house and home (iːt aʊt əv haʊs ənd həʊm)
I have three teenage boys and I have to go shopping four times a week -- they eat me out of house and home.
start learning
to eat a lot of someone's supply of food, so that they have to buy more - used humorously
come home to someone (kʌm həʊm tə ˈsʌmwʌn)
As Annabel got onto the train, it came home to me that I might never see her again.
start learning
to realise, in a deep or sudden way
feature (ˈfiːtʃə)
The exhibition features paintings by Picasso.
start learning
to include or show something as a special or important part of something, or to be included as an important part
relate to something (rɪˈleɪt tə ˌsʌmθɪŋ)
That story is related to something I heard on the radio yesterday.
start learning
if two things relate, they are connected in some way
fragment (fræɡˈment)
the dangers of fragmenting the Health Service
start learning
to break something, or be broken into a lot of small separate parts – used to show disapproval
workforce (ˈwɜːkfɔːs)
Women now represent almost 50% of the workforce.
start learning
all the people who work in a particular industry or company, or are available to work in a particular country or area
belonging (bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ)
It’s important to have a sense of belonging.
start learning
if something belongs somewhere, that is the right place or situation for it
concept (ˈkɒnsept)
the concept of total patient care
start learning
an idea of how something is, or how something should be done
tough (tʌf)
It was a tough race.
start learning
difficult to do or deal with
unexpected (ˌʌnɪkˈspektəd, ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd)
The experiment produced some unexpected results.
start learning
used to describe something that is surprising because you were not expecting it
stuff like (stʌf laɪk)
I enjoy skiing and cycling, stuff like that.
start learning
used when talking about different activities, subjects, or ideas, when you do not say exactly what these are
take for granted (teɪk fə ˈɡrɑːntɪd)
It wasn't until I left home that I realised how much I took my family for granted.
start learning
to expect that someone or something will always be there when you need them and never think how important or useful they are
option (ˈɒpʃən)
There are a number of options available.
start learning
a choice you can make in a particular situation
uproot (ʌpˈruːt)
He rejected the idea of uprooting himself and moving to America.
start learning
to pull a plant and its roots out of the ground
kind of (kaɪnd əv)
I’m kind of glad I didn’t win.
start learning
slightly but not exactly, or in some ways
grow apart from (ɡrəʊ əˈpɑːt frəm)
I've grown apart from my brother -- we rarely see or speak to each other.
start learning
if people drift or grow apart, their relationship slowly becomes less close
commute (kəˈmjuːt)
My morning commute takes 45 minutes.
start learning
the journey to work every day
pointless (ˈpɔɪntləs)
Life just seemed pointless to me.
start learning
worthless or not likely to have any useful result
green issue (ɡriːn ˈɪʃuː)
I don't know a lot about green issues like climate change and recycling.
start learning
problems related to the environment
investigate (ɪnˈvestəɡeɪt, ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt)
The state police are investigating the incident.
start learning
to try to find out the truth about something such as a crime, accident, or scientific problem
breakthrough (ˈbreɪkθruː)
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer.
start learning
an important new discovery in something you are studying, especially one made after trying for a long time
pitch (tent) (pɪtʃ (tent))
It was the first time we had ever pitched a tent and it took us four hours.
start learning
to put up
put something aside (pʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ əˈsaɪd)
Each month I put something aside so I can have a holiday at the end of the year.
start learning
keep to be used later
cramped (kræmpt)
The kitchen was small and cramped.
start learning
a cramped room, building etc does not have enough space for the people in it
sustainable (səˈsteɪnəbəl)
The government should do more to promote sustainable agriculture.
start learning
able to continue without causing damage to the environment
owl (aʊl)
Did you hear that sound outside? I think it was an owl.
start learning
a bird with large eyes that hunts at night
hoot (huːt)
The car behind was hooting at me.
start learning
if a vehicle or ship hoots, it makes a loud clear noise as a warning
set up (set ʌp)
On my first day at work, everything was set up for me at my desk -- computer, chair, phone, everything.
start learning
to prepare the equipment that will be needed for an activity so that it is ready to be used
shell out (ʃel aʊt)
I had to shell out a lot to buy my first flat.
start learning
to pay a lot of money for something, especially unwillingly
fair enough (feə ɪˈnʌf)
‘I think we should split the bill.’ ‘Fair enough.’
start learning
used to say that you agree with someone’s suggestion or that something seems reasonable
do one's own thing (duː wʌnz əʊn θɪŋ)
I like living on my own because I can do my own thing and don't have to worry about upsetting anyone.
start learning
please yourself
drift (drɪft)
Liam drifted in at 2a.m., not even aware of how late it was.
start learning
to move, change, or do something without any plan or purpose
hassle (ˈhæsəl)
I don’t feel like cooking tonight, it’s too much hassle.
start learning
something that is annoying, because it causes problems or is difficult to do
slot in (slɒt ɪn)
Stewart has slotted in well.
start learning
to fit something or someone into a plan, organization etc, or to fit in
a stone's throw (eɪ ˈstəʊnz θrəʊ)
My office is only a stone's throw from where I live, so I walk to work.
start learning
very close to
uproot (ʌpˈruːt)
He rejected the idea of uprooting himself and moving to America.
start learning
to pull a plant and its roots out of the ground
on the spur of the moment (ɒn ðə spɜː əv ðə ˈməʊmənt)
We would often decide what to play on the spur of the moment.
start learning
suddenly, without any previous planning or thought
in a rush (ɪn eɪ rʌʃ)
I was in such a rush this morning that I put on one brown shoe and one black shoe.
start learning
a situation in which you need to hurry
take part in (teɪk pɑːt ɪn)
I'm taking part in a fun run next weekend.
start learning
to be involved in an activity, sport, event etc with other people
stick to something (stɪk tə ˈsʌmθɪŋ)
Have you been sticking to your diet?
start learning
to do or keep doing what you said you would do or what you believe in, even when it is difficult
tick something off (tɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɒf)
There are still lots of places to tick off my dream holiday list.
start learning
to mark the things on a list with a tick to show that they have been dealt with, chosen etc
snap (photo) (snæp (fəʊtəʊ))
I snapped a photo of my favourite actor when I was in Hollywood.
start learning
to take a photograph
itinerary (aɪˈtɪnərəri)
This is the itinerary for the trip -- it contains all the times and places we will visit.
start learning
a plan or list of the places you will visit on a journey
endless (ˈendləs)
an endless stream of visitors
start learning
very large in amount, size, or number
savour (ˈseɪvə)
When I came first in the cycling race, I really savoured my victory.
start learning
to fully enjoy a time or experience
backwash effect (ˈbækwɒʃ ɪˈfekt)
Learning English has had a backwash effect on my life -- it has helped me in my career, and I even met my wife at English classes.
start learning
an influence on other areas of your life
face up to (feɪs ʌp tə)
Now I'm 28, I have to face up to the fact that I will never be a professional footballer.
start learning
to accept and deal with a difficult fact or problem
overcome (ˌəʊvəˈkʌm)
He struggled to overcome his shyness.
start learning
to successfully control a feeling or problem that prevents you from achieving something
reserve (rɪˈzɜːv)
Vicky is known for her reserve, so don't expect her to say very much.
start learning
a quality in someone's character that makes them not like expressing their emotions or talking about their problems
be blown away by (bi bləʊn əˈweɪ baɪ)
I was blown away by my parents' gift of a second-hand car for my 18th birthday.
start learning
to make someone feel very surprised, especially about something they like or admire
courteous (ˈkɜːtiəs)
The staff are always courteous and helpful.
start learning
polite and showing respect for other people
set out (set aʊt)
Kate set out for the house on the other side of the bay.
start learning
to start a journey, especially a long journey
lasting (ˈlɑːstɪŋ)
The reforms will bring lasting benefits.
start learning
strong enough, well enough planned etc to continue for a very long time
virtual world (ˈvɜːtʃuəl wɜːld)
I don't believe the friendships you have in the virtual world are as strong as the friendships you have in the real world.
start learning
the world made, done, seen etc on the Internet or on a computer, rather than in the real world
substitute (ˈsʌbstətjuːt, ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt)
You can use margarine as a substitute for butter.
start learning
a person or thing that you use instead of the one that you usually have, because the usual one is not available
in the presence of (ɪn ðə ˈprezəns əv)
Our signatures were witnessed in the presence of a lawyer.
start learning
with someone or in the same place as you
tag along (tæɡ əˈlɒŋ)
Kate tagged along with mum and Vicky.
start learning
to go somewhere with someone, especially when they have not asked you to go with them
humdrum (ˈhʌmdrʌm)
the prisoners’ humdrum routine
start learning
boring and ordinary, and having no variety or interest
select (səˈlekt, sɪˈlekt)
The party was small and select.
start learning
a select group of people or things is a small special group that has been chosen carefully
have time to oneself (v taɪm tə wʌnˈself)
When I have time to myself, I have a long hot bath.
start learning
have time when you don't have to do anything or be anywhere
self reliant (self rɪˈlaɪənt)
Although she's only 16, Ellen is very self- reliant.
start learning
able to do or decide things by yourself, without depending on the help or advice of other people
soak up (səʊk ʌp)
It was wonderful to soak up the atmosphere as the sun began to set.
start learning
to enjoy a place by watching it or becoming involved in it
tricky (ˈtrɪki)
I can get you tickets for the show but it’ll be tricky.
start learning
something that is difficult to deal with or do because it is complicated and full of problems
fraught with danger (frɔːt wɪð ˈdeɪndʒə)
Travel in the country is fraught with danger, including robbery, road accidents and illness.
start learning
full of danger
stranded (ˈstrændəd, ˈstrændɪd)
Air travellers were left stranded because of icy conditions.
start learning
a person or vehicle that is stranded is unable to move from the place where they are
sleep rough (sliːp rʌf)
I had no money for a hotel so I had to sleep rough.
start learning
to sleep outside with nothing to protect you from the weather, especially because you have no home to live in
pack in (pæk ɪn)
We packed a lot of sightseeing into two weeks.
start learning
to do a lot in a limited period of time, or fit a lot of information, ideas etc into a limited space
be marooned in the middle of nowhere (bi məˈruːnd ɪn ðə ˈmɪdl əv ˈnəʊweə)
The car broke down and I had no mobile reception -- I was marooned in the middle of nowhere.
start learning
to be left in a place where there are no other people and where you cannot escape
run the risk of (rʌn ðə rɪsk əv)
If you drink the local tap water, you run the risk of getting ill.
start learning
to be in a situation where there is a possibility that something bad could happen to you
take time off (teɪk taɪm ɒf)
I can take some time off next month if you want to go on holiday.
start learning
take a holiday from a job or studies
fend for oneself (fend fə wʌnˈself)
As soon as I left home, I had to learn to fend for myself.
start learning
to look after yourself without needing help from other people
kick oneself for (kɪk wʌnˈself fə)
I kicked myself when I realised I could have bought the jeans cheaper online.
start learning
used to say that you are annoyed with yourself because you have done something silly, made a mistake etc
brighten up (ˈbraɪtn ʌp)
I think a new colour on the walls will really brighten up this room.
start learning
to make something lighter or brighter
souvenir (ˌsuːvəˈnɪə,ˈsuːvənɪə)
I bought a model of the Eiffel Tower as a souvenir of Paris.
start learning
an object that you buy or keep to remind yourself of a special occasion or a place you have visited
sentimental value (ˌsentəˈmentl ˈvæljuː)
My grandma gave me this toy plane. It's not worth anything, but it has lots of sentimental value.
start learning
valuable based on or relating to your feelings rather than on practical reasons
mass-produced (mæs prəˈdjuːst)
mass-produced furniture
start learning
produced in large numbers using machinery, so that each object is the same and can be sold cheaply
in common with (ɪn ˈkɒmən wɪð)
My husband and I have nothing in common, but somehow our relationship works.
start learning
to have the same interests, attitudes etc as someone else
dodgy (ˈdɒdʒi)
Norton Disk Doctor can perform miracles on a dodgy hard disk.
start learning
not working properly or not in good condition
venture (ˈventʃə)
We have started a venture selling second- hand books in the market.
start learning
a new business activity that involves taking risks
take off (ie success) (teɪk ɒf (səkˈses))
The business took off immediately and we had to employ more staff.
start learning
suddenly become a success
expand (ɪkˈspænd)
We sell dog food, but we're going to expand into dog beds soon.
start learning
if a company, business etc expands, or if someone expands it, they open new shops, factories etc
lucrative (ˈluːkrətɪv)
He inherited a lucrative business from his father.
start learning
a job or activity that is lucrative lets you earn a lot of money
take on a life of its own (teɪk ɒn eɪ laɪf əv ɪts əʊn)
I advertised the cleaning business locally, and it took on a life of its own. I had customers calling me day and night.
start learning
if something takes on a life of its own, it seems to move or work by itself
tight deadline (taɪt ˈdedlaɪn)
I'm a journalist so I'm used to working to tight deadlines.
start learning
a date or time by which you have to do or complete something, which is difficult to achieve
not all plain sailing (nɒt ɔːl pleɪn ˈseɪlɪŋ)
Running a café is not plain sailing -- you have to think about ordering food, accounts and employing staff.
start learning
not very easy to do or achieve
turn down (tɜːn daʊn)
I turned down this applicant because he doesn't have the right experience.
start learning
to refuse an offer, request, or invitation
split (splɪt)
There is a split in our household: my husband looks after the garden and I look after the house.
start learning
the way in which something, especially money, is shared between several people
expertise (ˌekspɜːˈtiːz)
What he’s bringing to the company is financial expertise.
start learning
special skills or knowledge in a particular subject, that you learn by experience or training
brand (brænd)
What brand of detergent do you use?
start learning
a type of product made by a particular company, that has a particular name or design
strong point (strɒŋ pɔɪnt)
Rupert's strong points are that he is reliable and hard-working.
start learning
a positive quality or feature that something or someone has
crack on with (kræk ɒn wɪð)
Stop chatting and start working -- we need to crack on with this!
start learning
to continue working hard at something in order to finish it
think things through (θɪŋk θɪŋz θruː)
I didn't take enough time to think things through, which is why the business failed.
start learning
to think carefully about the possible results of something
start up (stɑːt ʌp)
Tax breaks help new companies start up.
start learning
if you start up a business, company etc, or it starts up, it begins to exist
disillusioned (ˌdɪsəˈluːʒənd, ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒənd)
As she grew older, Laura became increasingly disillusioned with politics.
start learning
disappointed because you have lost your belief that someone is good, or that an idea is right
tie in with one's values (taɪ ɪn wɪð wʌnz ˈvæl juːz)
I'd like to work for an environmentally friendly company that ties in with my values.
start learning
matches one's attitudes and beliefs
reckless (ˈrekləs)
He was accused of causing death by reckless driving.
start learning
not caring or worrying about the possible bad or dangerous results of your actions
get up and running (ɡet ʌp ənd ˈrʌnɪŋ)
It didn't take us long to get the business up and running, but it was a long time before we made a profit.
start learning
get working
bags of energy (bæɡz əv ˈenədʒi)
Donna gets up at 6 a.m., goes for a run before work, finishes work at 8 p.m. and goes to bed at 2 a.m. She's got bags of energy.
start learning
lots of energy
take the plunge (teɪk ðə plʌndʒ)
We took the plunge and set up our own business.
start learning
to decide to do something important or risky, especially after thinking about it for a long time
take over (teɪk ˈəʊvə)
His only reason for investing in the company was to take it over.
start learning
to take control of something
messy (ˈmesi)
a messy room
start learning
dirty or untidy
launch (lɔːntʃ)
The organization has launched a campaign to raise $150,000.
start learning
to start something, usually something big or important
retain (rɪˈteɪn)
You have the right to retain possession of the goods.
start learning
to keep something or continue to have something
maximise (ˈmæksəmaɪz)
After work I study part-time because I want to maximise my chances of promotion.
start learning
to use something in a way that gives you the greatest practical value or the best results
set up (set ʌp)
They want to set up their own import– export business.
start learning
to start a company, organization, committee etc
work-life balance (wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns)
You can’t have a proper work-life balance if you’re in the office for 12 hours a day.
start learning
the ability to give a sensible amount of time and effort to your work and to your life outside work, for example to your family or to other interests
practise what one preaches (ˈpræktəs wɒt wʌn ˈpriːtʃ ɪz)
As the boss, I think it's important to practise what I preach, so I never check my work email at the weekend.
start learning
to do the things that you advise other people to do
double-edged sword (ˌdʌbəl ˈedʒd sɔːd)
Getting a promotion is a double-edged sword: you get more money, but you also get more stress and responsibilities.
start learning
something that seems to be good, but that can have a bad effect
pop (home) (pɒp (həʊm))
I only work around the corner so I can pop home whenever I like.
start learning
to go somewhere quickly, suddenly, or in a way that you did not expect
tread on someone's toes (tred ɒn ˈsʌmwʌnz təʊz)
The new manager is very confident -- she doesn't seem to mind treading on people's toes, does she?
start learning
to offend someone, especially by becoming involved in something that they are responsible for
perception (pəˈsepʃən)
Before I got to know Donald, the perception I had of him was that he was cold and unfriendly.
start learning
the way you think about something and your idea of what it is like
client-focused (ˈklaɪənt ˈfəʊkəst)
Our customer service staff must be client- focused so that our customers remain happy.
start learning
paying careful attention to the customer
cross paths (krɒs pɑːðz)
I first crossed paths with Enid at a training seminar.
start learning
if two people's paths cross, they meet by chance
embark on (ɪmˈbɑːk ɒn)
I was 40 before I finally decided to embark on a career as a writer.
start learning
to start something, especially something new, difficult, or exciting
retail (ˈriːteɪl)
a manager with twenty years’ experience in the retail business
start learning
the sale of goods in shops to customers, for their own use and not for selling to anyone else
stumble across (ˈstʌmbəl əˈkrɒs)
They stumbled across the idea when they realised the product they needed did not exist.
start learning
to find or discover something by chance and unexpectedly
spill over (spɪl ˈəʊvə)
The conflict might spill over into neighbouring towns.
start learning
if a problem or bad situation spills over, it spreads and begins to affect other places, people etc
run something past someone (rʌn ˈsʌmθɪŋ pɑːst ˈsʌmwʌn)
I need a second opinion -- can I just run this idea past you?
start learning
to tell someone something so that they can give you their opinion
launch (lɔːntʃ)
The organization has launched a campaign to raise $150,000.
start learning
to start something, usually something big or important
take a gamble (teɪk eɪ ˈɡæmbəl)
I'm not brave enough to take a gamble so I'm going to continue working for someone else.
start learning
start an action or plan that involves a risk but that you hope will succeed
leap at (an idea) (liːp ət (ən aɪˈdɪə))
When my brother asked me if I wanted to work for him, I leapt at the idea.
start learning
to accept an opportunity very eagerly
be measured (in a reply) (bi ˈmeʒəd (ɪn eɪ rɪˈplaɪ))
I don't like to rush things, I am very measured when someone asks my opinion.
start learning
if you do something in a measured way, you do it in a careful and controlled way, not in an excited or sudden way
recipe for disaster (ˈresəpi fə dɪˈzɑːstə)
Nell and Zara are disorganised and argue all the time, so it was recipe for disaster when they started a business.
start learning
very likely to end badly
play it safe (pleɪ ɪt seɪf)
In the first year of our business, I think we should play it safe rather than spending lots of money.
start learning
to behave in a particular way in a situation, in order to achieve the result or effect that you want
raise funds (reɪz fʌndz)
If we need to raise funds, we can ask the bank for a loan.
start learning
to collect money that you can use to do a particular job or help people
break into (a market) (breɪk ˈɪntə (eɪ ˈmɑːkɪt))
Lots of companies want to break into the China market because it's so big.
start learning
to become involved in a new job or business activity
takeover (ˈteɪkˌəʊvə)
Thornbury has announced a takeover bid of a regional TV company.
start learning
when one company takes control of another by buying more than half its shares
shareholder (ˈʃeəˌhəʊldə)
Shareholders have been told to expect an even lower result next year.
start learning
someone who owns shares in a company or business
feedback (ˈfiːdbæk)
How can I provide feedback without making someone angry?
start learning
advice, criticism etc about how successful or useful something is
turnover (ˈtɜːnˌəʊvə)
The illicit drugs industry has an annual turnover of some £200 billion.
start learning
the amount of business done during a particular period
downturn (ˈdaʊntɜːn)
America’s current economic downturn
start learning
a period or process in which business activity, production etc is reduced and conditions become worse
get down to (business) (ɡet daʊn tə (ˈbɪznəs))
If we're all agreed on the plan, let's get down to business.
start learning
to start doing something that is difficult or needs a lot of time or energy
put (something) down to (pʊt (sʌmθɪŋ) daʊn tə)
I put the company's success down to your hard work.
start learning
to think that something is caused by something else
option (ˈɒpʃən)
There are a number of options available.
start learning
a choice you can make in a particular situation
facilitate (fəˈsɪləteɪt, fəˈsɪlɪteɪt)
Computers can be used to facilitate language learning.
start learning
to make it easier for a process or activity to happen
in recognition of (ɪn ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən əv)
We would like to pay you a bonus in recognition of your hard work.
start learning
public respect and thanks for someone's work or achievements
high-powered (ˌhaɪ ˈpaʊ‿əd)
My dream is to be a high-powered politician, maybe even prime minister.
start learning
very important or successful
associate something with (əˈsəʊʃieɪt ˈsʌmθɪŋ wɪð)
Fast food isn't often associated with good health.
start learning
to make a connection in your mind between one thing or person and another
sceptical (ˈskeptɪkəl)
I’m extremely sceptical about what I read in the press.
start learning
tending to disagree with what other people tell you
unconvinced (ˌʌnkənˈvɪnst)
I remain unconvinced that the idea will work.
start learning
not persuaded that something is true or good
see what the fuss was about (siː wɒt ðə fʌs wəz əˈbaʊt)
Now I have a smart phone, I can see what all the fuss is about.
start learning
understand the attention or excitement something/someone is creating
get hooked (ɡet hʊkt)
I started running when I was 17 and I got hooked -- I run every day.
start learning
if you get hooked on something, you enjoy it very much and you want to do it as often as possible
do well out of something (duː wel aʊt əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ)
My cousin has done very well out of his business and has just bought his first car.
start learning
to be successful because of something, especially in work or business
make a small fortune out of (meɪk eɪ smɔːl ˈfɔːtʃən aʊt əv)
I've made a small fortune out of selling my CDs and I have enough money to buy a house.
start learning
earn a large amount of money
burnt out (bɜːnt aʊt)
After five years working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, I was completely burnt out.
start learning
to work so hard over a period of time that you become unable to continue working because you are tired, ill, or unable to think of any new ideas
low-key (ˌləʊ ˈkiː)
They want the funeral to be as low-key as possible.
start learning
not intended to attract a lot of attention to an event, subject, or thing
worthwhile (ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl)
He wanted to do a worthwhile job.
start learning
if something is worthwhile, it is important or useful, or you gain something from it
mindset (ˈmaɪndset)
The company seems to have a very old- fashioned mindset.
start learning
someone’s general attitude, and the way in which they think about things and make decisions
logical step (ˈlɒdʒəkəl step)
Our office is very full so the next logical step is to move to somewhere bigger.
start learning
sensible or practical stage in a process
meditation (ˌmedəˈteɪʃən, ˌmedɪˈteɪʃən)
Yoga involves breathing exercises, stretching and meditation.
start learning
the practice of emptying your mind of thoughts and feelings, in order to relax completely or for religious reasons
philanthropic (ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk)
Working as a volunteer is not just philanthropic, I also get lots of useful experience.
start learning
a philanthropic person or institution gives money and help to people who are poor or in trouble
from someone's perspective (frəm ˌsʌmwʌnz pəˈspektɪv)
You may think you're being logical, but from my perspective you're being unkind.
start learning
a person's way of thinking about something, especially one which is influenced by the type of person you are or by your experiences
roll out something to (rəʊl aʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ tə)
The new sandwich has been a success locally so now we're rolling it to the national market.
start learning
to make a new product available for people to buy or use
turn up (tɜːn ʌp)
Please do not turn up late the meeting -- you won't be allowed in.
start learning
to arrive at a place, especially in a way that is unexpected
intuitive (ɪnˈtjuːətɪv, ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv)
He seemed to have an intuitive awareness of how I felt.
start learning
an intuitive idea is based on a feeling rather than on knowledge or facts
incorporate (ɪnˈkɔːpəreɪt)
We’ve incorporated many environmentally friendly features into the design of the building.
start learning
to include something as part of a group, system, plan etc
cut-throat (ˈkʌtθrəʊt)
Cut-throat competition is keeping prices low.
start learning
a cut-throat activity or business involves people competing with each other in an unpleasant way
prevail (prɪˈveɪl)
the economic conditions which prevail in England and Wales
start learning
if a belief, custom, situation etc prevails, it exists among a group of people at a certain time
best of both worlds (best əv bəʊθ wɜːldz)
I work part-time and have the best of both worlds -- I can spent time with my young children, but I can also continue in my career.
start learning
a situation in which you have the advantages of two different things without any of the disadvantages
hunched (hʌntʃt)
a hunched figure sitting by the fire
start learning
to bend down and forwards so that your back forms a curve
oblivious (əˈblɪviəs)
He seemed oblivious to the fact that he had hurt her.
start learning
not knowing about or not noticing something that is happening around you
under no circumstance (ˈʌndə nəʊ ˈsɜːkəmstæns)
Under no circumstances can you use company computers for personal emails.
start learning
used to emphasize that something must definitely not happen
competitive (kəmˈpetətɪv, kəmˈpetɪtɪv)
Some US industries are not as competitive as they have been in the past.
start learning
determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses
tucked away (tʌkt əˈweɪ)
I always keep some painkillers tucked away in my handbag, in case I get a headache.
start learning
to store something, especially money, in a safe place
only a stone's throw (ˈəʊnli eɪ stəʊnz θrəʊ)
The park is only a stone's throw from my house, so I go running there every day.
start learning
very close to something
nondescript (ˈnɒndəˌskrɪpt, ˈnɒndɪˌskrɪpt)
a rather nondescript suburban house
start learning
someone or something that is nondescript looks very ordinary and is not at all interesting or unusual
stumble (ˈstʌmbəl)
In her hurry, she stumbled and spilled the milk all over the floor.
start learning
to hit your foot against something or put your foot down awkwardly while you are walking or running, so that you almost fall
fumble about (ˈfʌmbəl əˈbaʊt)
He did a lot of fumbling about, but I'm not sure he fixed the cooker.
start learning
to try to hold, move, or find something with your hands in an awkward way
good-natured (ɡʊd ˈneɪtʃəd)
This is a very good-natured dog. He just wants to be friends with everyone.
start learning
naturally kind and helpful and not easily made angry
intriguing (ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ)
The magazine carries an intriguing mixture of high fashion, gossip and racing.
start learning
something that is intriguing is very interesting because it is strange, mysterious, or unexpected
a wealth of (eɪ welθ əv)
When I went to Italy for the first time, I discovered a wealth of delicious food.
start learning
a lot of something useful or good
steep (stiːp)
How much? That's a bit steep, isn't it?
start learning
steep prices, charges etc are unusually expensive
mediocre (ˌmiːdiˈəʊkə)
I thought the book was pretty mediocre.
start learning
not very good
deafening (ˈdefənɪŋ)
a deafening roar
start learning
very loud
exorbitant (ɪɡˈzɔːbətənt, ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt)
exorbitant rates of interest
start learning
an exorbitant price, amount of money etc is much higher than it should be
cramped (kræmpt)
The kitchen was small and cramped.
start learning
a cramped room, building etc does not have enough space for the people in it
offhand (ˌɒfˈhænd)
She said you were a bit offhand with her this afternoon.
start learning
not very friendly towards someone when you are talking to them
quirky (ˈkwɜːki)
I like his quirky sense of humour.
start learning
unusual, especially in an interesting way
nibble (ˈnɪbəl)
He nibbled the biscuit cautiously.
start learning
to eat small amounts of food by taking very small bites
insubstantial (ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl)
The evidence seemed very insubstantial.
start learning
not solid, large, strong, or definite
packed out (pækt aʊt)
I don't understand why the café is always packed out because the food is terrible.
start learning
a cinema, restaurant etc that is packed out is completely full of people
feel you don't belong (fiːl jə dəʊnt bɪˈlɒŋ)
For the first couple of weeks in my new job, I felt I didn't belong.
start learning
if you feel you belong in a place or situation, you feel happy and comfortable in it, because you have the same interests and ideas as other people
despise (dɪˈspaɪz)
She despised her neighbours.
start learning
to dislike and have a low opinion of someone or something
get rid of (ɡet rɪd əv)
When I left home, my mum got rid of all my old toys without telling me.
start learning
to throw away or destroy something you do not want any more
basics (ˈbeɪsɪks)
the basics of French grammar
start learning
the most important and necessary facts about something, from which other possibilities and ideas may develop
make ends meet (meɪk endz miːt)
When Mike lost his job, we could barely make ends meet.
start learning
to have only just enough money to buy the things you need
uneasy (ʌnˈiːzi)
Ninety percent of those questioned felt uneasy about nuclear power.
start learning
worried or slightly afraid because you think that something bad might happen
transform (trænsˈfɔːm)
A new haircut and you've been transformed from a girl into a woman!
start learning
to completely change the appearance, form, or character of something or someone, especially in a way that improves it
loan (ləʊn)
a loan of £60,000
start learning
an amount of money that you borrow from a bank etc
inherit (ɪnˈherət, ɪnˈherɪt)
He inherited a fortune from his grandmother.
start learning
to receive money, property etc from someone after they have died
trust fund (trʌst fʌnd)
I wish my parents had set up a trust fund for me!
start learning
money belonging to someone that is controlled for them by a trustee
outsider (aʊtˈsaɪdə)
I’m an outsider, the only foreign woman in the group.
start learning
someone who is not accepted as a member of a particular social group
on a grant (ɒn eɪ ɡrɑːnt)
The majority of the students on my course are on a grant because their parents aren't rich.
start learning
receive an amount of money given, especially by the government, for a particular purpose
work ethic (wɜːk ˈeθɪk)
They instilled the work ethic into their children.
start learning
a belief in the moral value and importance of work
laze around (leɪz əˈraʊnd)
On weekends I like to just laze around and watch TV.
start learning
to relax and enjoy yourself in a lazy way
accomplish (əˈkʌmplɪʃ)
We have accomplished all we set out to do.
start learning
to succeed in doing something, especially after trying very hard
great thrill (ɡreɪt θrɪl)
Mountain biking gives me a great thrill; I do it every weekend.
start learning
a sudden strong feeling of excitement and pleasure, or the thing that makes you feel this
posh (pɒʃ)
a posh private school
start learning
a posh restaurant, hotel, car etc is expensive and looks as if it is used or owned by rich people
cost the earth (kɒst ðə ɜːθ)
Their new car cost the earth; I don't know how they can afford it.
start learning
to cost etc a very large amount of money
inundate (ˈɪnəndeɪt)
After the broadcast, we were inundated with requests for more information.
start learning
to receive so much of something that you cannot easily deal with it all
beg (beɡ)
She begged and pleaded with them until they finally agreed.
start learning
to ask for something in an anxious or urgent way, because you want it very much
run out (rʌn aʊt)
I’ve got money you can borrow if you run out.
start learning
to use all of something and not have any more left
burgle (ˈbɜːɡəl)
We’ve been burgled three times.
start learning
to go into a building and steal things
reassuring (ˌriːəˈʃʊərɪŋ)
a reassuring smile
start learning
making you feel less worried or frightened
come into (money) (kʌm ɪntə ˈmʌni)
After her granddad died, Yolanda came into a lot of money.
start learning
to receive money, land, or property from someone after they have died
handle (ˈhændl)
I can't really handle the stress so I'm going to leave my job.
start learning
to not become upset in a difficult situation
so-called (ˌsəʊ ˈkɔːld)
The so-called experts couldn’t tell us what was wrong.
start learning
used to describe someone or something that has been given a name that you think is wrong
money to burn (ˈmʌni tə bɜːn)
They paid more than a million euros for a car? They must have money to burn!
start learning
to have more money than you need, so that you spend it on unnecessary things
scrape by (skreɪp baɪ)
We can scrape by, thanks to what we grow ourselves.
start learning
to have just enough money to live
live beyond one's means (lɪv bɪˈjɒnd wʌnz miːnz)
If you live beyond your means, you'll get into debt.
start learning
spend more money than you can afford
spendthrift (ˈspendˌθrɪft)
Ben spent all his birthday money in one hour, he's such as spendthrift.
start learning
someone who spends money carelessly, even when they do not have a lot of it
on impulse (ɒn ˈɪmpʌls)
I never buy anything on impulse because I like to research everything I buy.
start learning
because of a sudden strong desire to do something without thinking about whether it is a sensible thing to do
shop around (ʃɒp əˈraʊnd)
Take time to shop around for the best deal.
start learning
to compare the price and quality of different things before you decide which to buy
window shopping (ˈwɪndəʊ ˌʃɒpɪŋ)
Window shopping is great because it doesn't cost you anything.
start learning
the activity of looking at goods in shop windows without intending to buy them
shopping spree (ˈʃɒpɪŋ spriː)
I got some money for Christmas so I decided to go on a shopping spree.
start learning
a short period of time when you do a lot of shopping
make ends meet (meɪk endz miːt)
When Mike lost his job, we could barely make ends meet.
start learning
to have only just enough money to buy the things you need
hard times (hɑːd taɪmz)
We're going through hard times at the moment because my husband lost his job.
start learning
a situation or time that is hard is one in which you have a lot of problems, especially when you do not have enough money
chip in (tʃɪp ɪn)
If everyone in the class chips in, we can get the teacher a really nice present.
start learning
if each person in a group chips in, they each give a small amount of money so that they can buy something together
donor (ˈdəʊnə)
We urgently need more assistance from donor countries (=countries that give money, food etc to help in poor countries or disaster areas).
start learning
a person, group etc that gives something, especially money, to help an organization or country
dip into (dɪp ˈɪntə)
I didn't want to dip into my savings, but I crashed the car and it needs to be repaired.
start learning
to use some of an amount of money that you have
raise money (reɪz ˈmʌni)
We're going to sell cakes to raise money for the school's music room.
start learning
to collect money that you can use to do a particular job or help people
subsidy (ˈsʌbsədi, ˈsʌbsɪdi)
international disagreement over trade subsidies
start learning
money that is paid by a government or organization to make prices lower, reduce the cost of producing goods etc
repetitive (rɪˈpetətɪv, rɪˈpetɪtɪv)
repetitive tasks like washing and ironing
start learning
done many times in the same way, and boring
predictable (prɪˈdɪktəbəl)
The snow had a predictable effect on traffic.
start learning
if something or someone is predictable, you know what will happen or what they will do – sometimes used to show disapproval
witty (ˈwɪti)
witty remarks
start learning
using words in a clever and amusing way
excruciatingly (ɪkˈskruːʃieɪtɪŋli)
When I broke my arm it was excruciatingly painful.
start learning
in an extremely painful way
unconvincing (ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ)
an unconvincing smile
start learning
failing to make you believe that something is true or real
thought-provoking (ˈθɔːt prə ˌvəʊk ɪŋ)
a thought-provoking article
start learning
making people think seriously about a particular subject
moving (ˈmuːvɪŋ)
Bayman’s book about his illness is deeply moving.
start learning
making you feel strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy
tedious (ˈtiːdiəs)
The work was tiring and tedious.
start learning
something that is tedious continues for a long time and is not interesting
gripping (ˈɡrɪpɪŋ)
Collins’ gripping detective novel
start learning
a gripping film, story etc is very exciting and interesting
overrated (ˌəʊvəˈreɪtəd, ˌəʊvəˈreɪtɪd)
a vastly overrated film
start learning
not as good or important as some people think or say
implausible (ɪmˈplɔːzəbəl, ɪmˈplɔːzɪbəl)
Margaret found his excuse somewhat implausible.
start learning
difficult to believe and therefore unlikely to be true
far-fetched (fɑː fetʃt)
All this may sound a bit far-fetched, but companies are already developing ‘intelligent’ homes.
start learning
extremely unlikely to be true or to happen
hilarious (hɪˈleəriəs)
a hilarious story
start learning
extremely funny
compelling (kəmˈpelɪŋ)
Lucy had no compelling reason to go into town.
start learning
an argument etc that makes you feel certain that something is true or that you must do something about it
get bogged down (ɡet bɒɡd daʊn)
Before we get bogged down in details, do you generally agree with my idea?
start learning
if a process or plan becomes bogged down, it is delayed so that no progress is made
letdown (letdaʊn)
When I finally saw the film it was a letdown and I was disappointed.
start learning
an event, performance etc that is not as good as you expected it to be
go off at a tangent (ɡəʊ ɒf ət eɪ ˈtændʒənt)
Let’s stay with the topic and not go off at a tangent.
start learning
to suddenly start thinking or talking about a subject that is only slightly related, or not related at all, to the original subject
spine-chilling (ˈspaɪn ˌtʃɪl ɪŋ)
That film is spine-chilling, I couldn't sleep after I had watched it.
start learning
a spine-chilling story or film is very frightening in a way that people enjoy
brisk (brɪsk)
a brisk walk
start learning
quick and full of energy
characterisation (ˌkærəktəraɪˈzeɪʃən, ˌkærɪktəraɪˈzeɪʃən)
Pilcher’s books have humour, good characterization, and lively dialogue.
start learning
the way in which a writer makes a person in a book, film, or play seem like a real person
vanish (ˈvænɪʃ)
My keys were here a minute ago but now they’ve vanished.
start learning
to disappear suddenly, especially in a way that cannot be easily explained
handful (ˈhændfʊl)
Only a handful of the children misbehave -- the rest are very good.
start learning
a very small number of people or things
dot (dɒt)
a pattern of dots
start learning
a small round mark or spot
horizon (həˈraɪzən)
We could see a ship on the horizon.
start learning
the line far away where the land or sea seems to meet the sky
reflect (rɪˈflekt)
She could see her face reflected in the car’s windshield.
start learning
if a person or a thing is reflected in a mirror, glass, or water, you can see an image of the person or thing on the surface of the mirror, glass, or water
first-hand knowledge (ˌfɜːstˈhænd ˈnɒlɪdʒ)
I don't have first-hand knowledge of living abroad, but I imagine it would be exciting.
start learning
experience etc that has been learned or gained by doing something yourself or by talking to someone yourself
orbit (ˈɔːbət, ˈɔːbɪt)
The satellite orbits the Earth every 48 hours.
start learning
to travel in a curved path around a much larger object such as the Earth, the Sun etc
fraction (ˈfrækʃən)
I got these shoes at a fraction of the original price.
start learning
a very small amount of something
stint (stɪnt)
Mark did a two-year stint in the army.
start learning
a period of time spent doing a particular job or activity
veteran (ˈvetərən)
a veteran of the Second World War
start learning
someone who has been a soldier, sailor etc in a war
freefall (ˌfriːˈfɔːl)
The moment when you're in freefall, before the parachute opens, must be very exciting.
start learning
the movement of someone or something through the air without engine power
footage (ˈfʊtɪdʒ)
This old footage is from the day I was christened.
start learning
cinema film showing a particular event
float (fləʊt)
I love watching snowflakes float slowly down to earth.
start learning
if something floats, it moves slowly through the air or stays up in the air
gravity (ˈɡrævəti, ˈɡrævɪti)
the force of gravity
start learning
the force that causes something to fall to the ground or to be attracted to another planet
altitude (ˈæltətjuːd, ˈæltɪtjuːd)
We’re flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet.
start learning
the height of an object or place above the sea
cruise (kruːz)
My brother thinks he's so cool, cruising around town on his motorbike.
start learning
to drive a car slowly through a place with no particular purpose
breakneck speed (ˈbreɪknek spiːd)
Please don't drive at such as breakneck speed -- you'll have an accident!
start learning
extremely and often dangerously fast
dock (dɒk)
We docked at Rangoon the next morning.
start learning
if a ship docks, or if the captain docks it, it sails into a dock so that it can unload
perfect (pəˈfekt)
Mock trials help students perfect their legal skills.
start learning
to make something as good as you are able to
cautious (ˈkɔːʃəs)
a cautious driver
start learning
careful to avoid danger or risks
price tag (praɪs tæɡ)
It’s difficult to put a price tag on such a project (=say how much it costs).
start learning
a piece of paper with a price on it that is attached to something in a shop
equalise (ˈiːkwəlaɪz)
We have tried to equalize the workload between the different teachers.
start learning
to make two or more things the same in size, value, amount etc
hatch (hætʃ)
There is a hatch at the front where the chickens come out and go in.
start learning
a small hole in the wall or floor between two rooms, or the door that covers it
chaos (ˈkeɪ-ɒs)
The country was plunged into economic chaos.
start learning
a situation in which everything is happening in a confused way and nothing is organized or arranged in order
subtle art (ˈsʌtl ɑːt)
There is a subtle art to creating a garden -- you need some flowers, but also grass, trees and somewhere to sit.
start learning
a method that is a skilful and clever
trail (treɪl)
Can't you take your shoes off? Look at this trail of muddy footsteps!
start learning
a long line or a series of marks that have been left by someone or something
like a bull in a china shop (laɪk eɪ bʊl ɪn eɪ ˈtʃaɪnə ʃɒp)
Slow down and be more careful -- you're like a bull in a china shop.
start learning
if you are like a bull in a china shop, you keep knocking things over, dropping things, breaking things etc
close quarters (kləʊz ˈkwɔːtəz)
Sailors on submarines have to live in very close quarters.
start learning
if something happens or is done at close quarters, it happens inside a small space or is done from a short distance away
swollen (ˈswəʊlən)
swollen glands
start learning
a part of your body that is swollen is bigger than usual, especially because you are ill or injured
erase (ɪˈreɪz)
With good make-up, you can erase spots and fine lines.
start learning
to get rid of something so that it has gone completely and no longer exists
wrinkle (ˈrɪŋkəl)
Her face was a mass of wrinkles.
start learning
wrinkles are lines on your face and skin that you get when you are old
play havoc with (pleɪ ˈhævək wɪð)
Working at night is playing havoc with my sleep.
start learning
create a situation in which there is a lot of damage or a lack of order, especially so that it is difficult for something to continue in the normal way
assault (əˈsɔːlt)
It was a real assault on the senses: a beautiful view, peaceful music and delicious food.
start learning
attack or shock, sometimes in a positive way
continual (kənˈtɪnjuəl)
five weeks of continual rain
start learning
continuing for a long time without stopping
lap (round) (læp (raʊnd))
Penny runs two laps around the park every morning.
start learning
a single journey around a race track
impose (ɪmˈpəʊz)
The court can impose a fine.
start learning
if someone in authority imposes a rule, punishment, tax etc, they force people to accept it
be up and about (bi ʌp ənd əˈbaʊt)
My dad was up and about just two days after his operation.
start learning
be fit and active
glide (ɡlaɪd)
couples gliding over the dance floor
start learning
to move smoothly and quietly, as if without effort
anchor (ˈæŋkɚ)
The boat is anchored to the wall with this chain.
start learning
to lower the anchor on a ship or boat to hold it in one place
hulk (hʌlk)
a hulk of a man
start learning
a large heavy person or thing
interconnecting (ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪŋ)
To put up the tent you need to put these interconnecting rods together.
start learning
if two systems, places etc are interconnected, or if they interconnect, they are joined together
snuggle down (ˈsnʌɡəl daʊn)
The dog snuggled down in its bed and fell asleep.
start learning
to settle into a warm comfortable position
exceptional (ɪkˈsepʃənəl)
an exceptional student
start learning
unusually good
hurtle (ˈhɜːtl)
All of a sudden, a car came hurtling round the corner.
start learning
if something, especially something big or heavy, hurtles somewhere, it moves or falls very fast
crash-land (ˈkræʃ lænd)
The plane crash-landed next to the runway, and no one was hurt.
start learning
an occasion when a pilot has to bring a plane down to the ground in a sudden and dangerous way because the plane has a problem
weightless (ˈweɪtləs)
A feather is almost weightless.
start learning
something that is weightless seems to have no weight, especially when it is floating in space or water
gravity (ˈɡrævəti, ˈɡrævɪti)
the force of gravity
start learning
the force that causes something to fall to the ground or to be attracted to another planet
exert oneself (ɪɡˈzɜːt wʌnˈself)
Why don't you talk to the boss? You'll be able to expert more influence on him.
start learning
to work very hard and use a lot of physical or mental energy
hygiene (ˈhaɪdʒiːn)
the importance of personal hygiene
start learning
the practice of keeping yourself and the things around you clean in order to prevent diseases
once in a blue moon (wʌns ɪn eɪ bluː muːn)
It only happens like this once in a blue moon.
start learning
very rarely
spaced out (speɪst aʊt)
After the operation I had to take a lot of pills and I felt spaced out.
start learning
not fully conscious of what is happening around you, especially because you are extremely tired or have taken drugs
live on another planet (lɪv ɒn əˈnʌðə ˈplænət)
When I hear her crazy ideas, I sometimes think she's living on another planet.
start learning
used humorously to say that someone's ideas are not at all practical or sensible
not rocket science (nɒt ˈrɒkət ˈsaɪəns)
It's not rocket science - you put the pasta in boiling water and wait for it to cook.
start learning
used to say that something is not difficult to do or understand
rocket (ˈrɒkət, ˈrɒkɪt)
Interest rates rocketed up.
start learning
if a price or amount rockets, it increases quickly and suddenly
glance (ɡlɑːns)
The man glanced nervously at his watch.
start learning
to quickly look at someone or something
glimpse (ɡlɪmps)
I glimpsed a figure at the window.
start learning
to see someone or something for a moment without getting a complete view of them
scan (skæn)
I just quickly scanned the article so I didn't read every word.
start learning
to read something quickly
like a fish out of water (laɪk eɪ fɪʃ aʊt əv ˈwɔːtə)
Everyone in my class speaks Spanish except me, I feel like a fish out of water.
start learning
to feel uncomfortable because you feel you do not belong in a place or situation
like a red rag to a bull (laɪk eɪ red ræɡ tə eɪ bʊl)
Just mentioning his ex-wife’s name was like a red rag to a bull.
start learning
very likely to make someone angry or upset
like a dog with a bone (laɪk eɪ dɒɡ wɪð eɪ bəʊn)
I never give up when I believe something is right -- I'm like a dog with a bone.
start learning
extremely stubborn and determined
like two peas in a pod (laɪk tuː piːz ɪn eɪ pɒd)
Your sons look so alike, they're like two peas in a pod.
start learning
exactly the same in appearance, behaviour etc
like water off a duck's back (laɪk ˈwɔːtə ɒf eɪ dʌks bæk)
I don't care if you shout at me, it's like water off a duck's back.
start learning
if criticism, warnings etc are like water off a duck's back, they have no effect on the person you are saying them to
identical (aɪˈdentɪkəl)
four identical houses
start learning
exactly the same, or very similar
unbearable (ʌnˈbeərəbəl)
The pain was almost unbearable.
start learning
too unpleasant, painful, or annoying to deal with
regardless of (rɪˈɡɑːdləs əv)
I'm not going to give you any more money, regardless of how nicely you ask.
start learning
without being affected or influenced by something
(idea) get off the ground ((aɪˈdɪə) ɡet ɒf ðə ɡraʊnd)
Our building project got off the ground last week when the builders arrived.
start learning
to start to be successful
break the mould (breɪk ðə məʊld)
an attempt to break the mould of British politics
start learning
to change a situation completely, by doing something that has not been done before
grab (ɡræb)
You have to grab every opportunity life gives you.
start learning
o take an opportunity, accept an invitation etc immediately:
in control (ɪn kənˈtrəʊl)
I like feeling in control, I don't like uncertainty.
start learning
the state of making someone or something do what you want or making something happen in the way you want
disabled (dɪsˈeɪbəld)
a support group for parents of disabled children
start learning
someone who is disabled cannot use a part of their body properly, or cannot learn easily
sector (ˈsektə)
the agricultural sector of the economy
start learning
a part of an area of activity, especially of business, trade etc
nozzle (ˈnɒzəl)
You can make patterns on the cake using an icing bag and a nozzle.
start learning
a part that is fitted to the end of a hose, pipe etc to direct and control the stream of liquid or gas pouring out
labour-saving device (ˈleɪbə ˈseɪvɪŋ dɪˈvaɪs)
The dishwasher is my favourite labour- saving device.
start learning
a machine that makes it easier for you to do a particular job
redundant (rɪˈdʌndənt)
One day, I think cars will become redundant and we'll fly everywhere.
start learning
not necessary because something else means or does the same thing
in equal measure (ɪn ˈiːkwəl ˈmeʒə)
I was angry and embarrassed in equal measure.
start learning
used when the amount of one thing is the same as the amount of another thing
practicality (ˌpræktɪˈkæləti, ˌpræktɪˈkælɪti)
The main advantage of this self-cleaning oven is its practicality.
start learning
how suitable something is, or whether it will work
smoothly (ˈsmuːðli)
I hope things go smoothly for you in your new job.
start learning
if a planned event, piece of work etc goes smoothly, there are no problems to spoil it
ensure (ɪnˈʃʊə)
facilities to ensure the safety of cyclists
start learning
to make certain that something will happen properly
bow (baʊ)
She bowed and left the stage.
start learning
to bend the top part of your body forward in order to show respect for someone important, or as a way of thanking an audience
unconventional (ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənəl)
unconventional political views
start learning
very different from the way people usually behave, think, dress etc
ashes (ˈæʃ ɪz)
Be careful - those ashes could still be hot.
start learning
the soft grey powder that remains after something has been burned
encased (ɪnˈkeɪst)
Her certificate is encased in glass and a frame, hung on the wall.
start learning
covered or surrounded completely
out of the question (aʊt əv ðə ˈkwestʃən)
It's out of the question - I refuse to pay you that much.
start learning
if something is out of the question, it is definitely not possible or not allowed
precious (ˈpreʃəs)
We cannot afford to waste precious time.
start learning
something that is precious is valuable and important and should not be wasted or used without care
irritate (ˈɪrəteɪt, ˈɪrɪteɪt)
It really irritates me when he doesn’t help around the house.
start learning
to make someone feel annoyed or impatient, especially by doing something many times or for a long period of time
surly (ˈsɜːli)
a surly teenager
start learning
bad-tempered and unfriendly
growth (ɡrəʊθ)
We’ve seen an enormous growth in the number of businesses using the Web.
start learning
an increase in amount, number, or size
accepted wisdom (əkˈseptəd ˈwɪzdəm)
The accepted wisdom is that young children need a nap in the afternoon.
start learning
a belief or opinion that most people have
lobe (ləʊb)
The frontal lobes of the brain help us make decisions.
start learning
a round part of an organ in your body, especially in your brain or lungs
impulse (ˈɪmpʌls)
a sudden impulse to laugh
start learning
a sudden strong desire to do something without thinking about whether it is a sensible thing to do
nerve cell (nɜːv sel)
Nerve cells pass important messages to the brain.
start learning
a neuron
coat with (kəʊt wɪð)
The walls are coated with a red paint.
start learning
to cover something with a thin layer of something else
fatty (ˈfæti)
fatty foods
start learning
containing a lot of fat
substance (ˈsʌbstəns)
The leaves were covered with a strange sticky substance.
start learning
a particular type of solid, liquid, or gas
unacceptable (ˌʌnəkˈseptəbəl)
I found her attitude totally unacceptable.
start learning
something that is unacceptable is so wrong or bad that you think it should not be allowed
bring someone up (brɪŋ ˈsʌmwʌn ʌp)
I was brought up my aunt and uncle.
start learning
to look after and influence a child until he or she is grown up
apprenticeship (əˈprentəsʃɪp, əˈprentɪsʃɪp)
He’s serving an apprenticeship as a printer.
start learning
the job of being an apprentice, or the period of time in which you are an apprentice
hang out with (hæŋ aʊt wɪð)
I don't really hang out with my schoolfriends anymore; I've made new friends.
start learning
to spend a lot of time in a particular place or with particular people
restrain (rɪˈstreɪn)
I had to restrain her from running out into the street.
start learning
to stop someone from doing something, often by using physical force
life skill (laɪf skɪl)
Knowing how to cook is a very important life skill.
start learning
an ability to do something well, which you need for everyday life
erratic (ɪˈrætɪk)
His breathing was becoming erratic.
start learning
something that is erratic does not follow any pattern or plan but happens in a way that is not regular
innate (ˌɪˈneɪt)
Children have an innate ability to learn language.
start learning
an innate quality or ability is something you are born with
hold out against (həʊld aʊt əˈɡenst)
I managed to hold out against the temptation of eating chocolate.
start learning
resist
underestimate (ˌʌndərˈestəmeɪt, ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt)
We underestimated how long it would take to get there.
start learning
to think or guess that something is smaller, cheaper, easier etc than it really is
appealing (əˈpiːlɪŋ)
The city offers an appealing combination of sporting and cultural events.
start learning
attractive or interesting
mess around (mes əˈraʊnd)
He spent his vacation messing around on the farm.
start learning
to spend time lazily, doing things slowly and in a way that is not planned
crucial (ˈkruːʃəl)
This aid money is crucial to the government’s economic policies.
start learning
something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it
programme (ˈprəʊɡræm)
I’ve programmed the video to come on at ten.
start learning
to set a machine to operate in a particular way
biological clock (ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl klɒk)
career women who hear the biological clock ticking
start learning
the system in plants and animals that controls when they sleep, eat, produce babies etc
function (ˈfʌŋkʃən)
Flights in and out of Taipei are functioning normally again.
start learning
to work in the correct or intended way
out of synch (aʊt əv sɪŋk)
The sound on the TV is out of synch with the picture.
start learning
if things are out of sync, they are not working well together at exactly the same time and speed
catch up on (kætʃ ʌp ɒn)
I always try to catch up on my reading when I go on holiday.
start learning
to do what needs to be done because you have not been able to do it until now
radical (ˈrædɪkəl)
They are proposing radical changes to the way the company is run.
start learning
a radical change or difference is very big and important
sponge (spʌndʒ)
You can clear up the water you spilt with that sponge.
start learning
a piece of a soft natural or artificial substance full of small holes, which can suck up liquid and is used for washing
become addicted to (bɪˈkʌm əˈdɪktəd tə)
I'm worried that I've become addicted to internet shopping.
start learning
liking something so much that you do not want to stop doing it or having it
harmful (ˈhɑːmfəl)
the harmful effects of smoking
start learning
causing harm
fast-paced (fɑːst peɪst)
When I moved to the city from the countryside, I noticed how fast-paced life was.
start learning
moving very fast
stimulation (ˌstɪmjəˈleɪʃən, ˌstɪmjʊˈleɪʃən)
Children need variety and stimulation.
start learning
to encourage or help an activity to begin or develop further
overload (ˈəʊvələʊd)
the modern day information overload
start learning
to put too many things or people on or into something
alter (ˈɔːltə)
Her face hadn’t altered much over the years.
start learning
to change, or to make someone or something change
mammal (ˈmæməl)
Even though it is huge and lives in the sea, the blue whale is a mammal.
start learning
a type of animal that drinks milk from its mother’s body when it is young. Humans, dogs, and whales are mammals.
steady (ˈstedi)
Paul is making steady progress.
start learning
continuing or developing gradually or without stopping, and not likely to change
cope (kəʊp)
Sometimes I find it hard to cope.
start learning
to succeed in dealing with a difficult problem or situation
acute (əˈkjuːt)
The housing shortage is more acute than first thought.
start learning
an acute problem is very serious
deficit (ˈdefəsət, ˈdefɪsət)
the country’s widening budget deficit
start learning
the difference between the amount of something that you have and the higher amount that you need
think one one's feet (θɪŋk ɒn wʌnz fiːt)
When they changed the goal, Melanie was able to think on her feet and suggest a new plan.
start learning
to think of ideas and make decisions very quickly
all at sea (ɔːl ət siː)
I'm all at sea -- I don't know where to go or what to do.
start learning
confused or not sure what to do
brainy (ˈbreɪni)
He always was the brainy one.
start learning
able to learn easily and think quickly
dense (dens)
I've explained it three times already, why are you being so dense?
start learning
not able to understand things easily
dim (dɪm)
You'll need to give him something easy to do -- he's a bit dim.
start learning
not intelligent
disoriented (dɪsˈɔːrientəd, dɪsˈɔːrientɪd)
When he emerged into the street, he was completely disoriented.
start learning
confused and not understanding what is happening around you
feeble-minded (ˈfiːbəl ˈmaɪndəd)
a feeble-minded policy
start learning
stupid or not sensible
gifted (ˈɡɪftəd, ˈɡɪftɪd)
She was an extremely gifted poet.
start learning
having a natural ability to do one or more things extremely well
high IQ (haɪ ˌaɪ ˈkjuː)
I don't know if I've got a high IQ because I've never had a test.
start learning
your IQ is your level of intelligence, measured by a special test, with 100 being the average result
knowledgeable (ˈnɒlɪdʒəbəl)
Graham’s very knowledgeable about wines.
start learning
knowing a lot
muddled (ˈmʌdld)
muddled thinking
start learning
confused
perplexed (pəˈplekst)
The student looked at him, perplexed.
start learning
confused and worried by something that you do not understand
precocious (prɪˈkəʊʃəs)
a precocious child who walked and talked early
start learning
a precocious child shows intelligence or skill at a very young age, or behaves in an adult way – sometimes used to show disapproval in British English
quick-witted (ˌkwɪk ˈwɪt ɪd)
Toby was quick-witted and entertaining.
start learning
able to think and understand things quickly
slow on the uptake (sləʊ ɒn ðə ˈʌpteɪk)
Sometimes Tim’s a little slow on the uptake.
start learning
not quick to understand something new
mind like a sieve (maɪnd laɪk eɪ sɪv)
I have to write everything down otherwise I forget -- I've got a mind like sieve.
start learning
to forget things easily
mindless (ˈmaɪndləs)
His drinking bouts often ended in acts of mindless violence.
start learning
completely stupid and without any purpose
reminder (rɪˈmaɪndə)
a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving
start learning
something that makes you notice, remember, or think about something
recollection (ˌrekəˈlekʃən)
My earliest recollections are of my mother bending over my cot.
start learning
something from the past that you remember
recall (rɪˈkɔːl)
You don’t happen to recall his name, do you?
start learning
to remember a particular fact, event, or situation from the past
stable (ˈsteɪbəl)
A wide base will make the structure much more stable.
start learning
steady and not likely to move or change
temperament (ˈtempərəmənt)
Jill has such a lovely relaxed temperament.
start learning
the emotional part of someone’s character, especially how likely they are to be happy, angry etc
nail down (neɪl daʊn)
We asked a lawyer to help us nail down the details in the contract.
start learning
to reach a final and definite agreement or decision about something
insistence (ɪnˈsɪstəns)
his insistence that they discuss the problem
start learning
when you demand that something should happen and refuse to let anyone say no
determined (dɪˈtɜːmənd, dɪˈtɜːmɪnd)
Gwen is a very determined woman.
start learning
having a strong desire to do something, so that you will not let anyone stop you
race track (reɪs træk)
For my birthday, I drove a racing car around a rack track.
start learning
a circular course around which runners, cars etc race, which often has a specially prepared surface
to one's liking (tə wʌnz ˈlaɪkɪŋ)
This coffee cake is not to my liking, but the strawberry one is lovely.
start learning
being just what you wanted
dimension (daɪˈmenʃən, də-)
the moral dimension of world politics
start learning
a part of a situation or a quality involved in it
inevitable (ɪˈnevətəbəl, ɪˈnevɪtəbəl)
A further escalation of the crisis now seems inevitable.
start learning
certain to happen and impossible to avoid
ups and downs (ʌps ənd daʊnz)
We have our ups and downs like all couples.
start learning
the mixture of good and bad experiences that happen in any situation or relationship
blow up (bləʊ ʌp)
The plane blew up in midair.
start learning
to destroy something, or to be destroyed, by an explosion
scenario (səˈnɑːriəʊ, sɪˈnɑːriəʊ)
Imagine a scenario where only 20% of people have a job.
start learning
a situation that could possibly happen
unflappable (ʌnˈflæpəbəl)
The great thing about Suzy is that even if everything is going wrong, she's completely unflappable.
start learning
having the ability to stay calm and not become upset, even in difficult situations
highs and lows (haɪz ənd ləʊz)
We've had many highs and lows in our marriage, but I still love Richard.
start learning
the mixture of good and bad experiences that happen in any situation or relationship
rationalise (ˈræʃənəlaɪz)
When he makes a mistake, Glen always finds a way to rationalize what he’s done.
start learning
if you rationalize behaviour that is wrong, you invent an explanation for it so that it does not seem as bad
come with age (kʌm wɪð eɪdʒ)
Patience often comes with age, although I'm 40 and I'm still waiting!
start learning
develop as you get older
worn (wɔːn)
a worn patch on the carpet
start learning
a worn object is old and damaged, especially because it has been used a lot
load (ləʊd)
a load of wood
start learning
a large quantity of something that is carried by a vehicle, person etc
data (ˈdeɪtə, ˈdɑːtə)
The research involves collecting data from two random samples.
start learning
information or facts
register (ˈredʒəstə, ˈredʒɪstə)
I saw Peter in the shop but I didn't register it was him until he said hello.
start learning
if something registers, or if you register it, you realize or notice it, and then remember it
qualify (ˈkwɒləfaɪ, ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ)
Free school lunches are given to children who qualify.
start learning
to have the right to have or do something, or to give someone this right
refreshing (rɪˈfreʃɪŋ)
She's clever and attractive, but also very modest -- how refreshing!
start learning
pleasantly different from what is familiar and boring
toddler (ˈtɒdlə)
Make sure you keep the toddler away from the fire.
start learning
a very young child who is just learning to walk
go-kart (ˈɡəʊ kɑːt)
It's such fun whizzing around the track in a go-kart.
start learning
a small vehicle with an open frame and four wheels, used in races
run out of (rʌn aʊt əv)
I've completely run out of money -- could you lend me some, please?
start learning
to use all of something and not have any more left
quite the contrary (kwaɪt ðə ˈkɒntrəri)
Some people say I am selfish. Quite the contrary -- I give millions to charity every year.
start learning
the opposite of what has been said or suggested
sponsor (ˈspɒnsə)
Eastman Kodak is a major sponsor of the Olympics.
start learning
a person or company that pays for a show, broadcast, sports event etc, especially in exchange for the right to advertise at that event
stand back (ˈstænd bæk)
Before you try, stand back and watch how the experts do it.
start learning
step away from something in order to be safe
in good hands (ɪn ɡʊd hændz)
Thank you for looking after me, doctor, I know I'm in good hands with you.
start learning
being dealt with or cared for by someone who is capable and responsible
awash in (əˈwɒʃ ɪn)
They’ve won the lottery and now they're awash in cash.
start learning
containing too many things or people of a particular kind
lap (læp)
How long did it take you to do one lap of the course?
start learning
a single journey around a race track
stall (stɔːl)
You need to practise every day if you don't want your progress to stall.
start learning
to stop making progress or developing
invariably (ɪnˈveəriəbli)
It invariably rains when I go there.
start learning
if something invariably happens or is invariably true, it always happens or is true
exacting (ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ)
She was an exacting woman to work for.
start learning
demanding a lot of effort, careful work, or skill
stamina (ˈstæmənə, ˈstæmɪnə)
You need stamina to be a long-distance runner.
start learning
physical or mental strength that lets you continue doing something for a long time without getting tired
endurance (ɪnˈdjʊərəns)
She was pushed beyond her powers of endurance.
start learning
the ability to continue doing something difficult or painful over a long period of time
exceptional (ɪkˈsepʃənəl)
an exceptional student
start learning
unusually good
strain (streɪn)
I couldn’t look after him any more; the strain was too much for me.
start learning
worry that is caused by having to deal with a problem or work too hard over a long period of time
adrenalin (əˈdrenəl-ən, əˈdrenəl-ɪn)
There’s nothing like a good horror film to get the adrenalin going (=make you feel nervously excited).
start learning
a chemical produced by your body when you are afraid, angry, or excited, which makes your heart beat faster
build up (bɪld ʌp)
the rate at which the pension builds up
start learning
if something builds up somewhere, or if you build it up, it gradually becomes bigger or greater
undergo (ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ)
The country has undergone massive changes recently.
start learning
if you undergo a change, an unpleasant experience etc, it happens to you or is done to you
build (bɪld)
a woman of slim build
start learning
the shape and size of someone’s body
nutrition (njuːˈtrɪʃən)
Nutrition and exercise are essential to fitness and health.
start learning
the process of giving or getting the right type of food for good health and growth
carbohydrate (ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaɪdreɪt, - drət)
Rice and bread are source of carbohydrates.
start learning
a substance that is in foods such as sugar, bread, and potatoes, which provides your body with heat and energy and which consists of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon
stuff oneself (stʌf wʌnˈself)
Don't stuff yourself before you go swimming -- you'll feel sick.
start learning
to eat so much food that you cannot eat anything else
absorb (əbˈsɔːb, əbˈzɔːb)
Plants absorb nutrients from the soil.
start learning
to take in liquid, gas, or another substance from the surface or space around something
dehydration (ˌdiːhaɪˈdreɪʃən)
Dehydration can be a big problem if you do exercise on a hot day.
start learning
to remove the liquid from a substance such as food or a chemical
sweat (swet)
I was sweating a lot despite the air conditioning.
start learning
to have drops of salty liquid coming out through your skin because you are hot, ill, frightened, or doing exercise
cockpit (ˈkɒkˌpɪt)
When I was a little boy, I was allowed to go into the cockpit of an aeroplane when we went on holiday.
start learning
the area in a plane, small boat, or racing car where the pilot or driver sits
skate around (skeɪt əˈraʊnd)
You can ask her if she wants to have children, but she'll probably just skate around the subject.
start learning
to avoid mentioning a problem or subject, or not give it enough attention
sail through (seɪl θruː)
Patricia sailed through the medical and was declared 100% fit.
start learning
to succeed very easily in a test, examination etc
rein in (reɪn ɪn)
Can you rein in your constant criticism? It's getting me down.
start learning
to start to control a situation more strictly
take the wind out of one's sails (teɪk ðə wɪnd aʊt əv wʌnz seɪəlz)
I confessed to the crime and took the wind out of his sails.
start learning
to make someone lose their confidence, especially by saying or doing something unexpected
on the ball (ɒn ðə bɔːl)
an assistant who’s really on the ball
start learning
able to think or act quickly and intelligently
move the goalposts (muːv ðə ˈɡəʊl pəʊsts)
You can't move the goalposts now - I've already started working on the project!
start learning
to change the rules, limits etc for something while someone is trying to do something, making it more difficult for them - used to show disapproval
set aside (ˌset əˈsaɪd)
You are in the same team as Ewan so you're going to have to set aside your differences.
start learning
to decide not to consider a particular feeling or thing because something else is more important
for the good of (fə ðə ɡʊd əv)
Please can you apologise to your sister, for the good of the family.
start learning
in order to help someone or improve a situation
trap (træp)
Twenty miners were trapped underground.
start learning
to prevent someone from escaping from somewhere, especially a dangerous place
thereabouts (ˌðeərəˈbaʊts)
These houses were built in 1930 or thereabouts.
start learning
near a particular time, place, number etc, but not exactly
shift (ʃɪft)
My shift lasts from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
start learning
if workers in a factory, hospital etc work shifts, they work for a particular period of time during the day or night, and are then replaced by others, so that there are always people working
to an extent (tə ən ɪkˈstent)
I like opera to an extent, but it's not my favourite kind of music.
start learning
partly
trust (trʌst)
I just don’t trust him.
start learning
to believe that someone is honest or will not do anything bad or wrong
team spirit (tiːm ˈspɪrət)
If you have a good team spirit, you can stay positive even when everything is going wrong.
start learning
willingness to work as part of a team
keep someone going (kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn ˈɡəʊɪŋ)
Her letters were the only thing that kept me going while I was in prison
start learning
to have or to give someone enough hope and emotional strength to continue living and doing things, in a bad situation
maintain (meɪnˈteɪn, mən-)
I maintain that is was Sarah who broke the vase, not me.
start learning
to strongly express your belief that something is true
contribution (ˌkɒntrəˈbjuːʃən, ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən)
Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to Quantum Theory.
start learning
something that you give or do in order to help something be successful
no point in (nəʊ pɔɪnt ɪn)
There is no point worrying about something that might not happen.
start learning
no purpose or aim of doing something
well (wel)
She lowered her bucket into the well.
start learning
a deep hole in the ground from which people take water
dig (dɪɡ)
They dig a small hole in the sand to bury their eggs.
start learning
to move earth, snow etc, or to make a hole in the ground, using a spade or your hands
apparently (əˈpærəntli)
Apparently the company is losing a lot of money.
start learning
used to say that you have heard that something is true, although you are not completely sure about it
bond (bɒnd)
People who work together in emergency departments in hospitals bond quickly.
start learning
to develop a special relationship with someone
letdown (ˈletdaʊn)
The end of the book was a real letdown.
start learning
an event, performance etc that is not as good as you expected it to be
come to terms with (kʌm tə tɜːmz wɪð)
I had a knee injury when I was 15 and had to come to terms with the fact that I would never play rugby again.
start learning
to accept an unpleasant or sad situation and no longer feel upset or angry about it
back row (bæk rəʊ)
The only seats left at the cinema were in the back row, far from the screen.
start learning
the last line of seats in a theatre or cinema
typecast (ˈtaɪpkɑːst)
He always gets typecast as the villain.
start learning
to always give an actor the same type of character to play
get stuck with (ɡet stʌk wɪð)
My mum gave me her old moped and now I've got stuck with it.
start learning
to have something you do not want because you cannot get rid of it
stressful (ˈstresfəl)
Moving to a new house is a very stressful experience.
start learning
a job, experience, or situation that is stressful makes you worry a lot
sole (səʊl)
the sole American in the room
start learning
the sole person, thing etc is the only one
let go (let ɡəʊ)
I let go of the idea I could be a model long ago -- I'm only 152 cm tall.
start learning
to accept that you cannot change something and stop thinking or worrying about it
in the spotlight (ɪn ðə ˈspɒtlaɪt)
Jeremy loves being in the spotlight and gets annoyed if you don't pay him attention.
start learning
the centre of attention
glamorous (ˈɡlæmərəs)
She led an exciting and glamorous life.
start learning
attractive, exciting, and related to wealth and success
snowflake (ˈsnəʊfleɪk)
Each snowflake fell silently to earth.
start learning
a small soft flat piece of frozen water that falls as snow
peasant (ˈpezənt)
Most villagers are peasant farmers.
start learning
a poor farmer who owns or rents a small amount of land, either in past times or in poor countries
feel part of the scenery (fiːl pɑːt əv ðə ˈsiːnəri)
Nobody takes any notice of me at work; it's like I'm part of the scenery.
start learning
feel that you are in the background and unimportant
efficiency saving (ɪˈfɪʃənsi ˈseɪvɪŋ)
I think there are lots of changes we can make to create efficiency savings.
start learning
improve the quality of doing something, without wasting time, money, or energy
operating theatre (ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ ˌθɪətə)
Once you have changed into the gown, we'll take you to the operating theatre for surgery.
start learning
a room in a hospital where operations are done
at the expense of (ət ðə ɪkˈspens əv)
the growth in short breaks, at the expense of longer package holidays
start learning
if something is done at the expense of someone or something else, it is only achieved by doing something that could harm the other person or thing
concern (kənˈsɜːn)
The recent rise in crime is a matter of considerable public concern.
start learning
a feeling of worry about something important
handover (ˈhændəʊvə)
The president will remain in office until the official handover in April.
start learning
the act of giving someone else control of a place or business
streamline (ˈstriːmlaɪn)
efforts to streamline the production process
start learning
to make something such as a business, organization etc work more simply and effectively
intensive-care (ɪnˈtensɪv keə)
After the accident he was taken to the intensive-care unit.
start learning
a department in a hospital that treats people who are very seriously ill or badly injured, or the continuous and thorough treatment given to patients there
throughput (ˈθruːpʊt)
We want to increase throughput of the factory so we can increase our profits.
start learning
the amount of work, goods, or people that are dealt with in a particular period of time
vital (ˈvaɪtl)
The work she does is absolutely vital.
start learning
extremely important and necessary for something to succeed or exist
intake (ˈɪnteɪk)
This is the fuel intake, which must be kept clean.
start learning
a tube, pipe, etc through which air, gas, or liquid enters a machine
briefing (ˈbriːfɪŋ)
We have a briefing every morning so that our boss can tell us what he wants us to do.
start learning
information or instructions that you get before you have to do something
be taken aback (bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk)
Emma was somewhat taken aback by his directness.
start learning
to be very surprised about something
no wonder that (nəʊ ˈwʌndə ðæt)
It's no wonder you're hungry - you haven't eaten breakfast or lunch.
start learning
used to say that you are not surprised by something
rehearsal (rɪˈhɜːsəl)
a rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet
start learning
a time when all the people in a play, concert etc practise before a public performance
basically (ˈbeɪsɪkli)
Basically, I’m just lazy.
start learning
used to emphasize the most important reason or fact about something, or a simple explanation of something
under pressure (ˈʌndə ˈpreʃə)
I was under a lot of pressure when I was taking my exams.
start learning
a way of working or living that causes you a lot of anxiety, especially because you feel you have too many things to do
rely upon (rɪˈlaɪ əˈpɒn)
You can always rely upon Sylvia to do what she says she'll do.
start learning
to trust or depend on someone or something to do what you need or expect them to do
fatal (ˈfeɪtl)
potentially fatal diseases
start learning
resulting in someone’s death
(7 seconds) flat ((ˌsevən ˈsekəndz) flæt)
I can have a shower, get dressed and leave the house in five minutes flat.
start learning
in exactly three minutes, ten seconds etc - used to emphasize that something happens or is done very quickly
unity (ˈjuːnəti, ˈjuːnɪti)
economic unity
start learning
when a group of people or countries agree or are joined together
flick through (flɪk θruː)
If you flick through the newspaper you'll see the photo I was talking about.
start learning
to look at a book, magazine, set of photographs etc quickly
household name (ˈhaʊshəʊld neɪm)
Nintendo is now a household name.
start learning
a name of a product, company etc that is very well known
swoop (swuːp)
The eagle hovered, ready to swoop at any moment.
start learning
if a bird or aircraft swoops, it moves suddenly down through the air, especially in order to attack something
glide (ɡlaɪd)
couples gliding over the dance floor
start learning
to move smoothly and quietly, as if without effort
acrobat (ˈækrəbæt)
The acrobat did any incredible somersault, landing on one foot.
start learning
someone who entertains people by doing difficult physical actions such as walking on their hands or balancing on a high rope, especially at a circus
reckless (ˈrekləs)
He was accused of causing death by reckless driving.
start learning
not caring or worrying about the possible bad or dangerous results of your actions
feat (fiːt)
They climbed the mountain in 28 days, a remarkable feat.
start learning
something that is an impressive achievement, because it needs a lot of skill, strength etc to do
contortion (kənˈtɔːʃən)
I could not force my body into the contortions required by classical ballet.
start learning
a twisted position or movement that looks surprising or strange
same flesh and blood as (seɪm fleʃ ənd blʌd əz)
They may be the same flesh and blood as me, but I could never do the things they do.
start learning
someone who is part of your family
soar (sɔː)
It must feel wonderful to soar through the air like an eagle.
start learning
to fly, especially very high up in the sky, floating on air currents
unforgiving (ˌʌnfəˈɡɪvɪŋ)
If you fall over when you're ice-skating, the ice is very unforgiving.
start learning
an unforgiving place is very uncomfortable, for example because it is extremely hot or cold
gasp (ɡɑːsp)
With a gasp of pure horror, Lewis jumped up and ran.
start learning
when you take in a breath suddenly in a way that can be heard, especially because you are surprised or in pain
awe (ɔː)
He felt great awe for the landscape.
start learning
a feeling of great respect and liking for someone or something
backstage (ˌbækˈsteɪdʒ)
Everyone backstage is very nervous before the show begins.
start learning
behind the stage in a theatre, especially in the actors’ dressing rooms
physique (fəˈziːk, fɪˈziːk)
She didn’t have the physique to be a dancer.
start learning
the size and appearance of someone’s body
strike someone (straɪk ˈsʌmwʌn)
It struck me that she was very brave to talk about the difficulties she had overcome.
start learning
if something strikes you, you think of it, notice it, or realize that it is important, interesting, true etc:
risk-averse (rɪsk əˈvɜːs)
Financial institutions might be so risk- averse that they will not lend money.
start learning
not willing to take risks
cross-country (ˌkrɒs ˈkʌntr i)
cross-country running
start learning
across fields or not along main roads
in touch with (ɪn tʌtʃ wɪð)
Are you still in touch with Lynda from school?
start learning
talking or writing to someone
gregarious (ɡrɪˈɡeəriəs)
I've never been gregarious, I prefer to stay at home on my own.
start learning
friendly and preferring to be with other people
appeal (əˈpiːl)
The thought of parachuting doesn't appeal to me -- it's far too dangerous.
start learning
if someone or something appeals to you, they seem attractive and interesting
be a drag (bi eɪ dræɡ)
Working overtime at the weekend is a real drag.
start learning
to make it hard for someone to make progress towards what they want
lift your spirits (lɪft jə ˈspɪrɪts)
When I see the faces of my little grandchildren, it lifts my spirits.
start learning
make someone happier
gifted (ˈɡɪftəd, ˈɡɪftɪd)
She was an extremely gifted poet.
start learning
having a natural ability to do one or more things extremely well
ego (ˈiːɡəʊ, ˈeɡəʊ)
Richard has the biggest ego (=thinks he is very clever and important) of anyone I’ve ever met.
start learning
the opinion that you have about yourself
conductor (kənˈdʌktə)
The conductor is in charge of an orchestra.
start learning
someone who stands in front of a group of musicians or singers and directs their playing or singing
like-minded (ˌlaɪk ˈmaɪnd ɪd)
a chance to meet like-minded people
start learning
having similar interests and opinions
constraint (kənˈstreɪnt)
Constraints on spending have forced the company to rethink its plans.
start learning
something that limits your freedom to do what you want
euphoria (juːˈfɔːriə)
There was a general atmosphere of pessimism after the euphoria of last year.
start learning
an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement which usually only lasts for a short time
retired (rɪˈtaɪəd)
a retired teacher
start learning
having stopped working, usually because of your age
get sick of (ɡet sɪk əv)
I get sick of people complaining all the time; why can't they talk about positive things instead?
start learning
to be angry or bored with something that has been happening for a long time
a change of scenery (eɪ tʃeɪndʒ əv ˈsiːnəri)
I went to stay with my daughter for a few days -- it was nice to have a change of scenery.
start learning
when you go to a different place or do something different
unwind (ʌnˈwaɪnd)
a beautiful country hotel that is the perfect place to unwind
start learning
to relax and stop feeling anxious
on the (social) side (ɒn ðə (səʊʃəl) saɪd)
On the plus side, I have made a lot of new friends at my diet club.
start learning
one part or feature of something, especially when compared with another part
fellow (ˈfeləʊ)
We all have obligations to our fellow men.
start learning
people that you work with, study with, or who are in the same situation as you
swap (swɒp)
Do you want to swap umbrellas?
start learning
to give something to someone and get something in return
tip (tɪp)
If you want to make new friends, my tip is to get a dog and take it out for walks.
start learning
a helpful piece of advice
tedious (ˈtiːdiəs)
The work was tiring and tedious.
start learning
something that is tedious continues for a long time and is not interesting
commit to (kəˈmɪt tə)
I've decided to commit to learning Italian, no matter how long it takes me.
start learning
to say that someone will definitely do something or must do something
know the ropes (nəʊ ðə rəʊps)
When you start the job, it will take you a few months to learn the ropes.
start learning
understand all the things someone needs to know to do a job or deal with a system
first-time (ˌfɜːst ˈtaɪm)
First-time buyers find it difficult to save a deposit for a house.
start learning
describes someone who is doing something for the first time
train (treɪn)
All staff will be trained in customer service skills.
start learning
to teach someone the skills of a particular job or activity, or to be taught these skills
nuisance (ˈnjuːsəns)
The dogs next door are a real nuisance.
start learning
a person, thing, or situation that annoys you or causes problems
wag (wæɡ)
‘You naughty girl!’ Mom said, wagging her finger at me.
start learning
if a dog wags its tail, or if its tail wags, the dog moves its tail many times from one side to the other
loyal (ˈlɔɪəl)
The army has remained loyal to the government.
start learning
always supporting your friends, principles, country etc
nevertheless (ˌnevəðəˈles)
What you said was true. It was, nevertheless, a little unkind.
start learning
in spite of a fact that you have just mentioned
merit (ˈmerət, ˈmerɪt)
The film has the merit of being short.
start learning
an advantage or good feature of something
get caught up in (ɡet kɔːt ʌp ɪn)
I got caught up in the moment and started screaming at the band.
start learning
to be or get involved in something, especially something bad
disparate (ˈdɪspərət, ˈdɪspərɪt)
a meeting covering many disparate subjects
start learning
consisting of things or people that are very different and not related to each other
high (haɪ)
After the wedding ceremony, I was on a real high.
start learning
a feeling of great happiness or excitement
strain (streɪn)
I couldn’t look after him any more; the strain was too much for me.
start learning
worry that is caused by having to deal with a problem or work too hard over a long period of time
sibling (ˈsɪblɪŋ)
Most young smokers are influenced by their friends’ and older siblings’ smoking habits.
start learning
a brother or sister
weird (wɪəd)
A really weird thing happened last night.
start learning
very strange and unusual, and difficult to understand or explain
apart (əˈpɑːt)
I don't like being apart from my parents.
start learning
if people are apart, they are not together in the same place, or not having a relationship with each other
turn up (tɜːn ʌp)
If you're going to be late, don't bother to turn up at all.
start learning
to arrive at a place, especially in a way that is unexpected
get along (ɡet əˈlɒŋ)
We’ve always got along quite well.
start learning
if two or more people get along, they have a friendly relationship
let one's hair down (let wʌnz heə daʊn)
Nigel never relaxes; he finds it difficult to let his hair down.
start learning
to enjoy yourself and start to relax, especially after working very hard
sing-song (sɪŋ sɒŋ)
At the party Sandrine played the piano and we had a sing-song.
start learning
when a group of people sing together, informally
row (rəʊ)
Nelly and I had a big row. We haven't spoken since.
start learning
a short angry argument, especially between people who know each other well
break out (breɪk aʊt)
I was still living in London when the war broke out.
start learning
if something unpleasant such as a fire, fight, or war breaks out, it starts to happen
resentment (rɪˈzentmənt)
She was filled with deep resentment at being passed over for promotion.
start learning
a feeling of anger because something has happened that you think is unfair
self-improvement (ˌself ɪm ˈpruːv mənt)
I real lots of books about self- improvement, but I never do anything.
start learning
the process of trying to become a better and happier person, for example by gaining new knowledge
distracting (dɪˈstræktɪŋ)
Your music is so distracting, can you turn it down?
start learning
to take someone’s attention away from something by making them look at or listen to something else
enlightening (ɪn ˈlaɪt ən‿ɪŋ)
I found his book very enlightening and it made me change my opinion about some things.
start learning
the characteristic of explaining something to someone
go off at tangents (ɡəʊ ɒf ət ˈtændʒ ənts)
When Miles tells you a story it goes on for ages because he always goes off at tangents.
start learning
to suddenly start thinking or talking about a subject that is only slightly related, or not related at all, to the original subject
rational (ˈræʃənəl)
Parents need to be fully informed so they can make a rational decision.
start learning
rational thoughts, decisions etc are based on reasons rather than emotions
end up (end ʌp)
He came round for a coffee and we ended up having a meal together.
start learning
to be in a particular situation, state, or place after a series of events, especially when you did not plan it
underestimate (ˌʌndərˈestəmeɪt, ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt)
We underestimated how long it would take to get there.
start learning
to think or guess that something is smaller, cheaper, easier etc than it really is
tendency (ˈtendənsi)
Greg’s tendency to be critical made him unpopular with his co-workers.
start learning
if someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become it
look on the bright side (lʊk ɒn ðə braɪt saɪd)
Come on, try to look on the bright side.
start learning
to see the good points in a situation that seems to be bad
survival (səˈvaɪvəl)
Illegal hunting is threatening the survival of the species.
start learning
the state of continuing to live or exist
evolution (ˌiːvəˈluːʃən, ˌevə-)
the evolution of mammals
start learning
the scientific idea that plants and animals develop and change gradually over a long period of time
outcome (ˈaʊtkʌm)
It was impossible to predict the outcome of the election.
start learning
the final result of a meeting, discussion, war etc – used especially when no one knows what it will be until it actually happens
ceaseless (ˈsiːsləs)
the ceaseless fight against crime
start learning
happening for a long time without stopping
reassurance (ˌriːəˈʃʊərəns)
Parents are looking for reassurance about their children’s safety.
start learning
something that is said or done which makes someone feel calmer and less worried or frightened about a problem
constant (ˈkɒnstənt)
There was a constant stream of visitors to the house.
start learning
happening regularly or all the time
reject (rɪˈdʒekt)
Sarah rejected her brother’s offer of help.
start learning
to refuse to accept, believe in, or agree with something
insecurity (ˌɪnsiˈkjʊərəti)
Student teachers often suffer from a great sense of insecurity.
start learning
not feeling at all confident about yourself, your abilities, or your relationships with people
imagine the worst (ɪˈmædʒən ðə wɜːst)
If you imagine the worst, you can prepare yourself.
start learning
imagine a situation that is worse than anything else
chill out (tʃɪl aʊt)
Spending time with friends is a good way to chill out.
start learning
to relax completely instead of feeling angry, tired, or nervous
inclusive (ɪnˈkluːsɪv)
Our school is very inclusive and all children are given the same opportunities.
start learning
including a wide variety of people, things etc
affordable (ə ˈfɔːd əb
to have enough money to buy or pay for something
start learning
əl)
affordable housing
equipped (ɪ ˈkwɪpt)
Our studio is equipped with the all the art supplies you might need.
start learning
containing all the things that are needed for a particular kind of activity or work
state-of-the-art (ˌsteɪt əv ði ˈɑːt)
state-of-the-art technology
start learning
using the most modern and recently developed methods, materials, or knowledge
under the watchful eye of (ˈʌndə ðə ˈwɒtʃfəl aɪ əv)
The students will complete the project under the watchful eye of the headmaster.
start learning
following someone's instructions or with someone's help
exhilarated (ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪd)
I was exhilarated when I arrived at the bottom of the ski slope.
start learning
feeling extremely happy, excited, and full of energy
holistic (həʊˈlɪstɪk)
a holistic approach to design
start learning
considering a person or thing as a whole, rather than as separate parts
well-being (ˌwel ˈbiː ɪŋ)
Going for a run every morning really improves my feeling of well-being.
start learning
a feeling of being comfortable, healthy, and happy
unwind (ʌnˈwaɪnd)
a beautiful country hotel that is the perfect place to unwind
start learning
to relax and stop feeling anxious
therapy (ˈθerəpi)
new drug therapies
start learning
the treatment of an illness or injury over a fairly long period of time

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