lexico bae Flashcards
to breathe loudly and with difficulty, trying to get more air
gasp /ɡɑːsp/
He pulled her aboard the boat and she sprawled on the deck, coughing and gasping for breath.
to do an activity, esp. one that others can watch
put on sth
The second graders want to put a play on.
a political party or an idea or belief becomes more popular or accepted
gain ground
For busy people in today’s society, lifestyle management is gaining ground.
to reduce or be reduced in size or importance
diminish
We’ve seen our house diminish greatly in value over the last six months.
These memories will not be diminished by time.
a bank account that has money in it
in the black
Until your finances are in the black, it’s not a good idea to take out the loan.
to do something that might be dangerous
run/take a risk
people who are overweight run a risk of a heart attack or stroke.
the quality of being famous, especially for being a singer, actor, etc.
stardom
From childhood, Britney Spears seemed destined for stardom. (she intended to be famous)
attracting public approval and praise from critic
critically acclaimed (collo)
They produced a string of popular and critically acclaimed albums.
completely serious
in deadly earnest (phr)
He told me, in deadly earnest, that he knew he was the man for the job.
to explain something in a very clear way with details
spell sth out
The government has so far refused to spell out its plans
to never do something because you think it is wrong
draw the line (idiom)
I swear a lot, but even I draw the line at saying certain words.
fat that a child sometimes has that disappears as the child grows older
puppy fat
David still had puppy fat on his cheeks as he entered adolescence.
to sometimes like or be interested in something or someone and sometimes not, so people are confused about how you feel
blow hot and cold (idiom)
He’s been blowing hot and cold about the trip to Brazil.
a group of people who are involved in an activity together, especially a visit
party
a party of tourists
to have more money or a better social position than you had before
go/come up in the world (idiom)
Roger and Ann have gone up in the world - these days they only ever travel first-class.
an event or period that is important because it represents a big change in how people do or think about something
watershed
The year 1969 was a watershed in her life - she changed her career and remarried.
Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, but _____, margarine will do
failing that
( without that )
to make someone unable to work or do things normally, or unable to do what they intended to do
incapacitate /ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.teɪt/
Poor health has incapacitated him from working all his life.
using a situation to get power or an advantage
opportunistic
He made an opportunistic grab for power, which resulted in a civil war.
a situation or event that makes it possible for the best features of something to be seen
showcase
The Venice Film Festival has always been the showcase of Italian cinema.
brave in a silly way, taking unnecessary risks
foolhardy /ˈfuːlˌhɑː.di/
< it is foolhardy to >
It would be foolhardy to try and predict the outcome of the talks at this stage.
to keep or intend something for a particular purpose
be earmarked for
Five billion dollars of this year’s budget is already earmarked for hospital improvements.
so great in amount or level that it can not be measured or expressed in words
untold
The demise of the country has caused untold misery to thousands of hardworking tradesmen.
an activity or product that stops or reduces stress
stressbuster
Reading a book can be a great stress buster.
