Collocation/Idioms Flashcards
I’m an _____ admirer of your work
ardent
/ˈɑːd(ə)nt/
One who is a devoted follower or supporter of someone or something
This new process is a _____ advance in technology
significant
He knows the interviewer already and that will give him an _____ advantage over me
unfair
I wouldn’t upset him. He can be a _____ adversary
dangerous
He gave me some _____ advice and I took it
blunt
We know very little about this. We need to bring in an _____ adviser to help us
outside
I don’t like this at all. It’s a really _____ affair.
ugly
It’s not a very challenging job. I only have to deal with _____ affairs
everyday
commonplace or usual; ordinary
They don’t always agree but I think there is a bond of _____ affection between them.
deep
a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something
It seems no time at all since I started work and here I am at _____ age
retirement
That type of behaviour was possible in a _____ age but we are more tightly regulated these days
bygone
Bygone means happening or existing a very long time ago
I don’t trust him. I think he has a _____ agenda
hidden
a secret reason for doing something
We cannot tolerate this sort of _____ aggression from a competitor in one of our key markets
naked
that is not hidden and is shocking
We have a _____ agreement with them and we must respect it
binding
an agreement enforceable by law
I think they must be providing them with some kind of _____ aid. But I don’t know what.
covert
/ˈkʌvət,ˈkəʊvəːt/
Covert activities or situations are secret or hidden
I agree with the _____ aims of what you are trying to do but not with some of the details.
broad
I’m sure he’s got the job. He’s walking around with a _____ air
triumphant
/trʌɪˈʌmf(ə)nt/
Joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
You need to open the windows and get rid of the _____ air in here
stale
The problems in Tokyo have caused _____ alarm on Wall Street
considerable
He definitely wasn’t there. He has a _____ alibi.
cast-iron
abject apology
indicating humiliation
I come back to my abject apology of not having a prepared answer
point-blank
direct and without explanation
he refuses point-blank to be photographed
take issue with
disagree with
I take issue with parents who push their children too hard
excite speculation
encourage people to discuss something especially when they don’t know the facts
The cut in US interest rates excited speculation of a similar cut in the UK
air one’s grievances
complain publicly
Jane was afraid to complain at work but freely aired her grievances at home
tipping point
the point at which a series of small changes or incidents becomes significant enough to cause a larger, more important change
The earth has already passed the tipping point in terms of global warming
stand a good chance
to have a very good opportunity to success
I think she stands a good chance of winning the election
under new management
to be controlled by a different person or people than before
The restaurant is now under new management
play on words
a humorous way of using a word or phrase so that more than one meaning is suggested
A clever play on words can always make me laugh.
no matter how
used for saying that something is not important or will not have an effect
No matter how much you protect your children, they will still make mistakes
under no circumstance
never, whatever the situation is or might be
Under no circumstances are you to go out
feel like something
to have a desire to do or have something.
The atmosphere was so bad, I just felt like leaving the room immediately
take aback
to be shocked or surprised
I was just taken aback when he told me my work was poor
reap the benefit
to get something good as a result of your own actions.
She studied every evening and reaped the benefit at exam time
feel at ease
freedom from labour, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest
I felt at ease after the doctor’s report
under the impression
Thinking, assuming, or believing something.
I was under the impression that Tom was coming to visit today
so as not to
in order not to do something
We went along silently on tiptoe so as not to disturb anyone
Gauge
To make judgement about something, usually feelings
It’s difficult to gauge how they’ll react
Flatly
Showing little interest or emotion
The witness responded flatly to the judge’s questions
Disclosure
The act of making something known
Any public disclosure of this information would be very damaging to the company
Incompetence
Lack of ability to do something successfully
Management have demonstrated almost unbelievable incompetence in their handling of the dispute
At the flick of a switch
Quickly and easily, especially by using a computer
He can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch
For the time being
At this time
The union voted not to strike for the time being
In a bit of a jam
To be in troublesome situation
I’m in a bit of a jam—I accidentally made plans with two different men tonight!
To give somebody a boot
To fire, sack or eject someone
I’m sorry for your children but I have to give you the boot
Business acumen
Keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a business situation
Hammer something home
to make certain that something is understood by expressing it clearly and forcefully
The boss hopes to hammer the firm’s poor financial position home to the staff
Rat race
A way of life in which people are in competitive struggle for wealth
She is quitting the rat race to spend time with her family.
Treadmill
any type of repeated work that is boring and makes you feel tired and seems to have no positive effect and no end
There were days when having kids seemed like an endless treadmill of feeding, washing, and nappy-changing
Half-hearted
Without enthusiasm or energy
A half-hearted attempt
