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English > Collocation/Idioms > Flashcards

Collocation/Idioms Flashcards

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Proverbs and Idioms flashcards
1
Q

I’m an _____ admirer of your work

A

ardent
/ˈɑːd(ə)nt/

One who is a devoted follower or supporter of someone or something

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2
Q

This new process is a _____ advance in technology

A

significant

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3
Q

He knows the interviewer already and that will give him an _____ advantage over me

A

unfair

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4
Q

I wouldn’t upset him. He can be a _____ adversary

A

dangerous

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5
Q

He gave me some _____ advice and I took it

A

blunt

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6
Q

We know very little about this. We need to bring in an _____ adviser to help us

A

outside

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7
Q

I don’t like this at all. It’s a really _____ affair.

A

ugly

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8
Q

It’s not a very challenging job. I only have to deal with _____ affairs

A

everyday

commonplace or usual; ordinary

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9
Q

They don’t always agree but I think there is a bond of _____ affection between them.

A

deep

a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something

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10
Q

It seems no time at all since I started work and here I am at _____ age

A

retirement

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11
Q

That type of behaviour was possible in a _____ age but we are more tightly regulated these days

A

bygone

Bygone means happening or existing a very long time ago

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12
Q

I don’t trust him. I think he has a _____ agenda

A

hidden

a secret reason for doing something

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13
Q

We cannot tolerate this sort of _____ aggression from a competitor in one of our key markets

A

naked

that is not hidden and is shocking

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14
Q

We have a _____ agreement with them and we must respect it

A

binding

an agreement enforceable by law

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15
Q

I think they must be providing them with some kind of _____ aid. But I don’t know what.

A

covert
/ˈkʌvət,ˈkəʊvəːt/

Covert activities or situations are secret or hidden

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16
Q

I agree with the _____ aims of what you are trying to do but not with some of the details.

A

broad

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17
Q

I’m sure he’s got the job. He’s walking around with a _____ air

A

triumphant
/trʌɪˈʌmf(ə)nt/

Joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

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18
Q

You need to open the windows and get rid of the _____ air in here

A

stale

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19
Q

The problems in Tokyo have caused _____ alarm on Wall Street

A

considerable

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20
Q

He definitely wasn’t there. He has a _____ alibi.

A

cast-iron

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21
Q

abject apology

A

indicating humiliation

I come back to my abject apology of not having a prepared answer

22
Q

point-blank

A

direct and without explanation

he refuses point-blank to be photographed

23
Q

take issue with

A

disagree with

I take issue with parents who push their children too hard

24
Q

excite speculation

A

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

25
Q

air one’s grievances

A

complain publicly

Jane was afraid to complain at work but freely aired her grievances at home

26
Q

tipping point

A

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

27
Q

stand a good chance

A

to have a very good opportunity to success

I think she stands a good chance of winning the election

28
Q

under new management

A

to be controlled by a different person or people than before

The restaurant is now under new management

29
Q

play on words

A

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.

30
Q

no matter how

A

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

31
Q

under no circumstance

A

never, whatever the situation is or might be

Under no circumstances are you to go out

32
Q

feel like something

A

to have a desire to do or have something.

The atmosphere was so bad, I just felt like leaving the room immediately

33
Q

take aback

A

to be shocked or surprised

I was just taken aback when he told me my work was poor

34
Q

reap the benefit

A

to get something good as a result of your own actions.

She studied every evening and reaped the benefit at exam time

35
Q

feel at ease

A

freedom from labour, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest

I felt at ease after the doctor’s report

36
Q

under the impression

A

Thinking, assuming, or believing something.

I was under the impression that Tom was coming to visit today

37
Q

so as not to

A

in order not to do something

We went along silently on tiptoe so as not to disturb anyone

38
Q

Gauge

A

To make judgement about something, usually feelings

It’s difficult to gauge how they’ll react

39
Q

Flatly

A

Showing little interest or emotion

The witness responded flatly to the judge’s questions

40
Q

Disclosure

A

The act of making something known

Any public disclosure of this information would be very damaging to the company

41
Q

Incompetence

A

Lack of ability to do something successfully

Management have demonstrated almost unbelievable incompetence in their handling of the dispute

42
Q

At the flick of a switch

A

Quickly and easily, especially by using a computer

He can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch

43
Q

For the time being

A

At this time

The union voted not to strike for the time being

44
Q

In a bit of a jam

A

To be in troublesome situation

I’m in a bit of a jam—I accidentally made plans with two different men tonight!

45
Q

To give somebody a boot

A

To fire, sack or eject someone

I’m sorry for your children but I have to give you the boot

46
Q

Business acumen

A

Keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a business situation

47
Q

Hammer something home

A

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

48
Q

Rat race

A

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.

49
Q

Treadmill

A

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

50
Q

Half-hearted

A

Without enthusiasm or energy

A half-hearted attempt

English (10 decks)

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