4 - Collocation Flashcards
make an effort (to do sth)
attempt to do sth, especially when it is difficult
e.g.
She made an effort to change the subject of the conversation.
set an example (to sb)
or set a good example
do sth good or well that people can try to copy or achieve.
You should be setting a good example to your younger brother.
treat sb with respect
behave towards sb in a polite and caring way
OPP: treat sb like dirt
e.g.
Despite her seniority, Margot was never treated with much respect.
treat sb like dirt
treat someone unkindly and without respect
OPP: treat sb with respect
e.g.
I don’t know why he stays with her – she treats him like dirt.
take responsibility (for sth/sb)
accept a duty to deal with sth/sb, so that it is your fault if sth goes wrong
OPP: pass the buck
e.g.
Who do you trust to take responsibility for our country’s defense?
pass the buck
to make someone else responsible for something that you should deal with
OPP: take responsibility
e.g.
1.MY boss never accepts responsibility for things. He always passes the buck and make someone else take the blame. He’s awful.
2.She’s always trying to pass the buck and I’m sick of it!
get the credit (for sth)
be admired and given the praise for doing sth successfully
e.g.
Even though Jenny did all the hard work on the project, Mary was the one who got the credit for it.
take the blame (for sth)
If you take the blame for something, you say that you did it or that it is your fault
e.g.
If anything goes wrong, I’ll take the blame.
spread a rumor
tell a lot of people about a piece of news or information that may not be true
e.g.
Someone has been spreading rumors about us.
keep (sth) a scecret
not tell anyone about sth that others must not know
e.g.
Can I trust you to keep a secret?
break the news
be the first person to tell others about sth important
e.g.
I was devastated when the doctor broke the news to me.
roar with laughter
laugh loudly or a lot
e.g.
By this time, Michael was roaring with laughter.
detailed description
a description full of information
OPP: brief description
e.g.
I gave them a detailed description of the burglary.
brief description
e.g.
This is discussed after a brief description of the work.
typical example
very good example
SYN: perfect example
e.g.
It was a typical example of his stupidity.
