The modern world Flashcards
Regulations and authority, social issues
given special treatment that makes you feel as comfortable as possible or gives you whatever you want:
He was a ….. rich kid who was driven to school in a limousine.
pampered
He was a pampered rich kid who was driven to school in a limousine.
A comfortable, wealthy, …… life doesn’t necessarily guarantee longevity.
A comfortable, wealthy, pampered life doesn’t necessarily guarantee longevity.
given special treatment that makes you feel as comfortable as possible or gives you whatever you want:
He was a ….. rich kid who was driven to school in a limousine.
pampered
He was a pampered rich kid who was driven to school in a limousine.
to give someone special treatment, making that person as comfortable as possible and giving them whatever they want:
She ….. her dog with the finest steak and salmon.
Our children are …. by their grandparents.
to give someone special treatment, making that person as comfortable as possible and giving them whatever they want:
She pampers her dog with the finest steak and salmon.
Our children are pampered by their grandparents.
living for a long time:
To what do you attribute your …..?
He attributed his …. to exercise and a healthy diet.
living for a long time:
To what do you attribute your longevity?
He attributed his longevity to exercise and a healthy diet.
a belief or idea:
[+ that] The show’s director rejects the ….. that seeing violence on television has a harmful effect on children.
I have only a vague …. of what she does for a living.
a belief or idea:
[+ that] The show’s director rejects the notion that seeing violence on television has a harmful effect on children.
I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living.
existing only as an idea, not as something real:
Almost everyone will have to pay a higher tax bill than the ….. amount suggested by the Treasury Secretary.
There is a …. improvement in air quality that cannot be demonstrated.
existing only as an idea, not as something real:
Almost everyone will have to pay a higher tax bill than the notional amount suggested by the Treasury Secretary.
There is a notional improvement in air quality that cannot be demonstrated.
(adjective)
a fact or situation that influences the result of something:
Diet and exercise can influence a person’s weight, but heredity is also a …….
Smoking is a causative …. in the development of several seriousdiseases, including lung cancer.
a fact or situation that influences the result of something:
Diet and exercise can influence a person’s weight, but heredity is also a factor.
Smoking is a causative factor in the development of several seriousdiseases, including lung cancer.
to have more money than you had in the past or more money than most other people:
Obviously we’re ….. …. now that we’re both working.
When his parents died, he found himself $100,000 ….. ….. (= he had $100,000 more than before).
to have more money than you had in the past or more money than most other people:
Obviously we’re better off now that we’re both working.
When his parents died, he found himself $100,000 better off (= he had $100,000 more than before).
without the money, possessions, education, opportunities, etc. that the average person has:
Children from an ….. family background are statisticallymore likely to become involved in crime.
without the money, possessions, education, opportunities, etc. that the average person has:
Children from an underprivileged family background are statistically more likely to become involved in crime.
having a privilege:
As an ambassador, she enjoys a very …. status.
having a privilege:
As an ambassador, she enjoys a very privileged status.
an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or because they are rich:
Healthcare should be a right, not a …...
a life of ….
an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or because they are rich:
Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
a life of privilege
(something that causes) difficult or unpleasant conditions of life, or an example of this:
economic ….
The 1930s were a time of high unemployment and economic ….
extreme/real/severe ….
(something that causes) difficult or unpleasant conditions of life, or an example of this:
economic hardship
The 1930s were a time of high unemployment and economic hardship.
extreme/real/severe hardship
very poor:
an ….. young actor
He warned that the breakdown of the family unit would lead to an ….. society.
very poor:
an impoverished young actor
He warned that the breakdown of the family unit would lead to an impoverished society.
to make someone very poor:
The new law is likely to further ….. single parents.
He was made to pay a ruinous fine that ……his family.
to make someone very poor:
The new law is likely to further impoverish single parents.
He was made to pay a ruinous fine that impoverished his family.
the condition of being or becoming very poor, or the act of making someone very poor:
The drought reduced many farmers to ……
Progress has meant continued …. and a growing contrast between the wealth of the few and the poverty of the many.
the condition of being or becoming very poor, or the act of making someone very poor:
The drought reduced many farmers to impoverishment.
Progress has meant continued impoverishment and a growing contrast between the wealth of the few and the poverty of the many.
the act or result of making something weaker or worse in quality:
There was widespread ……. of tenants and small farmers.
the act or result of making something weaker or worse in quality:
There was widespread impoverishment of tenants and small farmers.
tenant: a person who pays rent for the use of land or a building
very bad:
….. weather
The drive home was …..
….. injuries
Prisoners were kept in the most …. conditions.
very bad:
appalling weather
The drive home was appalling.
appalling injuries
Prisoners were kept in the most appalling conditions.
in a way that is shocking and very wrong:
The number of casualties was ….. high in both wars.
They treat their staff …..
in a way that is shocking and very wrong:
The number of casualties was appallingly high in both wars.
They treat their staff appallingly.
to make someone have strong feelings of shock or of disapproval:
I was ….. at/by the lack of staff in the hospital.
The state of the kitchen …. her.
to make someone have strong feelings of shock or of disapproval:
I was appalled at/by the lack of staff in the hospital.
The state of the kitchen appalled her.
not supporting any of the sides involved in an argument:
…. advice
A trial must be fair and ….
not supporting any of the sides involved in an argument:
impartial advice
A trial must be fair and impartial.
in a way that does not show support for any of the sides involved in an argument:
Many people do not believe that complaints against the police are ….. handled.
It is the obligation of the judge to ….. apply the law.
in a way that does not show support for any of the sides involved in an argument:
Many people do not believe that complaints against the police are impartially handled.
It is the obligation of the judge to impartially apply the law.
the fact of not supporting any of the sides involved in an argument:
The state must ensure the independence and ….. of the justice system.
He is often chosen as a mediator, reflecting his reputation for ….
the fact of not supporting any of the sides involved in an argument:
The state must ensure the independence and impartiality of the justice system.
He is often chosen as a mediator, reflecting his reputation for impartiality.
perfectly clean or tidy:
dressed in an ….. white suit
an …… garden
perfectly clean or tidy:
dressed in an immaculate white suit
an immaculate garden
in a way that is perfectly clean or tidy:
The cemeteries of Gallipoli are ….. kept.
The seafront is kept ….. tidy by an army of street cleaners.
….. dressed
in a way that is perfectly clean or tidy:
The cemeteries of Gallipoli are immaculately kept.
The seafront is kept immaculately tidy by an army of street cleaners.
immaculately dressed
a person’s desire to use all their abilities to achieve and be everything that they possibly can.
The expression is used by Maslow in his theory of human motivation.
Certainly, many subjectivists think that the good life consists in something subtler than happiness : wellbeing or ……, for example.
self-actualization
a person’s desire to use all their abilities to achieve and be everything that they possibly can.
The expression is used by Maslow in his theory of human motivation.
Certainly, many subjectivists think that the good life consists in something subtler than happiness : wellbeing or self-actualization, for example.
something difficult needing a lot of skill, strength, courage, etc. to achieve it:
The Eiffel Tower is a remarkable ….. of engineering.
She performed remarkable …. of organization for the company.
Getting the house painted was quite a …...
something difficult needing a lot of skill, strength, courage, etc. to achieve it:
The Eiffel Tower is a remarkable feat of engineering.
She performed remarkable feats of organization for the company.
Getting the house painted was quite a feat.
to give someone official authority or the freedom to do something:
[+ to infinitive] This amendment ….. the president to declare an emergency for a wide range of reasons.
The first step in ….. the poorest sections of society is making sure they vote.
to give someone official authority or the freedom to do something:
[+ to infinitive] This amendment empowers the president to declare an emergency for a wide range of reasons.
The first step in empowering the poorest sections of society is making sure they vote.
to encourage and support the ability to do something:
We want to ….. individuals to get the skills they need.
We …. our sales staff to make decisionswithout always having to consult their supervisor.
to encourage and support the ability to do something:
We want to empower individuals to get the skills they need.
We empower our sales staff to make decisions without always having to consult their supervisor.
the process of gaining freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you:
female/youth …..
political/economic ……
Part of the philosophy of the World Wide Web is the …. of the individual.
the process of gaining freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you:
female/youth empowerment
political/economic empowerment
Part of the philosophy of the World Wide Web is the empowerment of the individual.
confident and in control of your life:
It’s important that girls feel …. and in control of what happens to them.
confident and in control of your life:
It’s important that girls feel empowered and in control of what happens to them.
having a pleasant and flowing sound:
a deep ……. voice
the ……. sound of the cello
mellifluous
having a pleasant and flowing sound:
a deep mellifluous voice
the mellifluous sound of the cello
unable to be removed:
an ……. right
unable to be removed:
an inalienable right
a right that cannot be taken away from you:
an ……. right to sth
Employees should have an …….. right to participate in decisions that affect them.
a right that cannot be taken away from you:
an inalienable right to sth
Employees should have an inalienable right to participate in decisions that affect them.
an activity that you spend time doing, usually when you are not working:
I enjoy outdoor ……, like hiking and riding.
I don’t have much opportunity for leisure …… these days.
an activity that you spend time doing, usually when you are not working:
I enjoy outdoor pursuits, like hiking and riding.
I don’t have much opportunity for leisure pursuits these days.
to prevent something or someone from doing something or going somewhere, or to not allow something:
The centre of the town was …… to football supporters.
The incident led to him being …… from the country/barred from entering the country.
to bar
to prevent something or someone from doing something or going somewhere, or to not allow something:
The centre of the town was barred to football supporters.
The incident led to him being barred from the country/barred from entering the country.
unfair or cruel treatment over a long period of time because of race, religion, or political beliefs:
They left the country out of fear of ……
refugees escaping from political ……
persecution
unfair or cruel treatment over a long period of time because of race, religion, or political beliefs:
They left the country out of fear of persecution.
refugees escaping from political persecution
to encourage an activity or development or make it happen faster:
Rising consumer sales have the effect of …… the economy to faster growth.
……. (on) by her early success, she went on to write four more novels in rapidsuccession.
to spur
to encourage an activity or development or make it happen faster:
Rising consumer sales have the effect of spurring the economy to faster growth.
Spurred (on) by her early success, she went on to write four more novels in rapidsuccession.
to encourage an activity or development, or to cause something to develop faster:
The huge new factory ……. economic growth in the entire region.
to spur
to encourage an activity or development, or to cause something to develop faster:
The huge new factory spurred economic growth in the entire region.
to experience great difficulties or be completely unable to decide what to do or say next:
He lost the next page of his speech and …… around/about for a few seconds.
Although his business was a success, his marriage was …..
to flounder
to experience great difficulties or be completely unable to decide what to do or say next:
He lost the next page of his speech and floundered around/about for a few seconds.
Although his business was a success, his marriage was floundering.
Richardson resigned as chairman, leaving the company …….
Richardson resigned as chairman, leaving the company floundering.
feeling happy because you are getting everything that you want from life:
For the first time in my life, I feel really …..
fulfilled
feeling happy because you are getting everything that you want from life:
For the first time in my life, I feel really fulfilled.
Now that I have my dream job, for the first time in my life I feel really …..
Now that I have my dream job, for the first time in my life I feel really fulfilled.
making you feel happy and satisfied:
Nursing is hard work, but it can be very …..
fulfilling
making you feel happy and satisfied:
Nursing is hard work, but it can be very fulfilling.
a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction because you are happy with your life:
Wisdom will help you find ……. in every aspect of your life.
They all feel a great sense of …… in their work.
fulfillment
a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction because you are happy with your life:
Wisdom will help you find fulfillment in every aspect of your life.
They all feel a great sense of fulfillment in their work.
Workaholics can only find ….. in their work.
Workaholics can only find fulfillment in their work.
unhappy, annoyed, and disappointed about something:
A ….. former employee is being blamed for the explosion.
The players were ….. with the umpire.
disgruntled
unhappy, annoyed, and disappointed about something:
A disgruntled former employee is being blamed for the explosion.
The players were disgruntled with the umpire (judge, referee)
to calculate an amount, especially by using a measuring device:
Use a thermometer to ….. the temperature.
I tried to …….. (= guess) the weight of the box.
to gauge
to calculate an amount, especially by using a measuring device:
Use a thermometer to gauge the temperature.
I tried to gauge (= guess) the weight of the box.
a long and determined attempt to achieve something that you believe in strongly:
They have long been involved in a ….. for racial equality.
a moral ….. against drugs
crusade
a long and determined attempt to achieve something that you believe in strongly:
They have long been involved in a crusade for racial equality.
a moral crusade against drugs
a very large amount of something, especially a larger amount than you need, want, or can deal with:
There’s a plethora of books about the royal family.
The plethora of regulations is both contradictory and confusing.
plethora
a very large amount of something, especially a larger amount than you need, want, or can deal with:
There’s a plethora of books about the royal family.
The plethora of regulations is both contradictory and confusing.
Bhuthan has a …. of success stories that qualify it as a model for other countries to emulate.
Bhuthan has a plethora of success stories that qualify it as a model for other countries to emulate.
to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have:
They hope to …….. the success of other software companies.
Fitzgerald is eager to ……. Martin’s record of three successive world titles.
to emulate
to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have:
They hope to emulate the success of other software companies.
Fitzgerald is eager to emulate Martin’s record of three successive world titles.
GHP
Gross Happiness Product
to behave in a way that expresses your confidence, importance, or power and earnsyou respect from others:
I really must ……. myself more in meetings.
to behave in a way that expresses your confidence, importance, or power and earnsyou respect from others:
I really must assert myself more in meetings.
to behave in a way that expresses your confidence, importance, or power and earns you respect from others:
The prime minister ….. that he had no intention of resigning.
He made a special appearance on television ….. that the allegations against him were false.
The prime minister asserted that he had no intention of resigning.
He made a special appearance on television asserting that the allegations against him were false.
Critics say the company forces workers to drive recklessly, an a……. the companydenies.
Critics say the company forces workers to drive recklessly, an assertion the companydenies.
a statement that you strongly believe is true:
I certainly don’t agree with his ….. that men are better drivers than women.
a statement that you strongly believe is true:
I certainly don’t agree with his assertion that men are better drivers than women.
to get something good or to earn a lot of money from something:
[+ two objects] She …… herself a fortune when she sold her company.
to get something good or to earn a lot of money from something:
[+ two objects] She netted herself a fortune when she sold her company.
She ….. $10 million (for herself) from the sale of her company.
She netted $10 million (for herself) from the sale of her company.
the opposite:
In the US, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, but in the UK the ….. applies.
the opposite:
In the US, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, but in the UK the converse applies.
he opposite:
However, the ….. of this theory may also be true.
he opposite:
However, the converse of this theory may also be true.
to consider something to be caused, created, or owned by someone or something:
To what do you …. the enormous success of your latest book?
to consider something to be caused, created, or owned by someone or something:
To what do you ascribe the enormous success of your latest book?
People like to …. human feelings to animals (= believe animals have human feelings).
People like to ascribe human feelings to animals (= believe animals have human feelings).
to be extremely good at something:
Rebecca always ….. in languages at school.
to be extremely good at something:
Rebecca always excelled in languages at school.
to do something better than you usually do:
The British team have ….. themselves this year to reach the finals.
to do something better than you usually do:
The British team have excelled themselves this year to reach the finals.
the quality of being excellent:
The school is noted for its academic …..
the quality of being excellent:
The school is noted for its academic excellence.
the quality of being excellent:
The school is noted for its academic ….
the quality of being excellent:
The school is noted for its academic excellence.
to (make someone) feel something or want to do something:
The prime minister is believed to be …. towards an April election.
to (make someone) feel something or want to do something:
The prime minister is believed to be inclining towards an April election.
to have an opinion about something, but not a strong opinion:
He was ….. to agree with them.
to have an opinion about something, but not a strong opinion:
He was inclined to agree with them.
Are human beings …. to think positively?
Are human beings inclined to think positively?
to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination:
He’s good at …. language games that you can play with students in class.
to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination:
He’s good at devising language games that you can play with students in class.
to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination:
Clinton and Zedillo ordered their respective Cabinets to ….. a common counter-drug strategy.
to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination:
Clinton and Zedillo ordered their respective Cabinets to devise a common counter-drug strategy.
He d….. a new way to treat mental depression.
He devised a new way to treat mental depression.
If someone or something is hardwired to do a particular thing, they automatically do it and cannot change that behaviour:
Humans are …… to love fattening foods.
If someone or something is hardwired to do a particular thing, they automatically do it and cannot change that behaviour:
Humans are hardwired to love fattening foods.
This led researchers to consider that our brains might be …… for optimism.
This led researchers to consider that our brains might be hardwired for optimism.
As employers we need to be seen to be …….. (= dealing with) these issues sympathetically.
As employers we need to be seen to be addressing (= dealing with) these issues sympathetically.
The service offers confidential help to filers who cannot …… an issue through normal channels.
The service offers confidential help to filers who cannot resolve an issue through normal channels.
to disagree strongly with someone:
…. issue with sb over sth
I ….. issue with him over his interpretation of the instructions.
to disagree strongly with someone:
take issue with sb over sth
I took issue with him over his interpretation of the instructions.
Can economic migration been seen as … …. … …, rather than always seen as a problem that must be tackled?
Can economic migration been seen as a force for good rather than always seen as a problem that must be tackled?
Kenya is currently hosting some 48,500 Somali refugees fleeing the ……. in Somalia since 1991.
Kenya is currently hosting some 48,500 Somali refugees fleeing the breakdown of law and order in Somalia since 1991.
Ongoing student ….. ….. following controversy about educational policy and broader social issues: it culminates in the famous Globus …..
Ongoing student riots erupt following controversy about educational policy and broader social issues: it culminates in the famous Globus riots.
The social …… of this town allows for a harmonious life together.
The social fabric of this town allows for a harmonious life together.
Lions are mobilizing more than $6.1 million to … … for the people of Haiti through Lions’ generous support.
Lions are mobilizing more than $6.1 million to provide relief for the people of Haiti through Lions’ generous support.
With this beautiful new table runners, you will easily bring …. ….. to your table.
With this beautiful new table runners, you will easily bring fresh drive to your table.
There should be a … …. for regulatory and administrative convergence at the international level, in particular in transatlantic trade relations.
There should be a fresh drive for regulatory and administrative convergence at the international level, in particular in transatlantic trade relations.
I was contacted by women’s organisations in Germany and Spain and I was asked to …. … …. on their behalf
for equal funding.
I was contacted by women’s organisations in Germany and Spain and I was asked to make a plea on their behalf
for equal funding.
I … … …. to Ministers: they must take this report seriously as well as the views of this House today.
I make a plea to Ministers: they must take this report seriously as well as the views of this House today.
To …. …. …. of poverty and violent conflict, the international community must become more active in the affected regions, urges the report.
To break the cycle of poverty and violent conflict, the international community must become more active in the affected regions, urges the report.
One of the most frequently asked questions concerning the DOV is “How do you …. ….. ….. of violence?
One of the most frequently asked questions concerning the DOV is “How do you break the cycle of violence?
For example, new green spaces may play a part in a project to renovate a …. … …. and new modes of transport must take energy efficiency into account, as well as a reduction in air and noise pollution.
For example, new green spaces may play a part in a project to renovate a run-down area and new modes of transport must take energy efficiency into account, as well as a reduction in air and noise pollution.
The archives had been kept secret for a long time in the … …. …. of zone 6 near the barracks Mariscal Zavala of Guatemala City.
The archives had been kept secret for a long time in the run-down area of zone 6 near the barracks Mariscal Zavala of Guatemala City.
Antisocial ….., …. drinking and ….. families all come under intense scrutiny in this wide-ranging study.
Antisocial behaviour, underaged drinking and dysfunctional families all come under intense scrutiny in this wide-ranging study.
Our renatured quarries and aggregates pits …. ….. for rare animal and plant species.
Our renatured quarries and aggregates pits provide shelter for rare animal and plant species.
However, three of the four districts examined were found to be ….. for human …..
However, three of the four districts examined were found to be unfit for human habitation.
Russian politicians and faith organisations have played in ….. violence and hatred against LGBT people.
Russian politicians and faith organisations have played in inciting violence and hatred against LGBT people.
A jointly insured person may … …. under the accident insurance by contacting the Insurer directly without the Policy holder’s consent.
A jointly insured person may claim benefits under the accident insurance by contacting the Insurer directly without the Policy holder’s consent.
If the insured violates his obligations toward Sanitas in the event of a …., benefits may be reduced or refused.
If the insured violates his obligations toward Sanitas in the event of a claim, benefits may be reduced or refused.
….. and order is the condition of a society in which laws are ….., and social life and business go on in an organized way.
Law and order is the condition of a society in which laws are obeyed, and social life and business go on in an organized way.
Reason enough for the US government to …… a law in December 2006 to instruct the Environmental Protection Agency
Reason enough for the US government to pass a law in December 2006 to instruct the Environmental Protection Agency
The developer architect will introduce …….. to control the activities of the building contractors.
The developer architect will introduce regulations to control the activities of the building contractors.
The Federal Network Agency is planning to …… regulations for this sector in the near future.
The Federal Network Agency is planning to introduce regulations for this sector in the near future.
to continue to obey, believe in, or support something, esp. a custom or belief:
College coaches have to …… to the rules about recruiting high school students.
to continue to obey, believe in, or support something, esp. a custom or belief:
College coaches have to adhere to the rules about recruiting high school students.
the fact of someone behaving exactly according to rules, beliefs, etc.:
He was noted for his strict ….. to the rules.
the fact of someone behaving exactly according to rules, beliefs, etc.:
He was noted for his strict adherence to the rules.
He insists upon ….. to every rule, no matter how silly.
He insists upon adherence to every rule, no matter how silly.
She has long been an …..of the Communist Party.
She has long been an adherent of the Communist Party.
to act according to an order, set of rules, or request:
There are serious penalties for failure to ….. with the regulations.
There are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations.
He was jailed for refusing to …. with the court order.
The builders have not ….. with the architect’s instructions.
He was jailed for refusing to comply with the court order.
The builders have not complied with the architect’s instructions.
You have a legal ….. to (= the law says you must) ensure your child receives an education.
You have a legal obligation to (= the law says you must) ensure your child receives an education.
something that you must do:
It’s her moral ….. to tell the police what she knows.
something that you must do:
It’s her moral obligation to tell the police what she knows.
You have a legal ….. to inform the police about the crash.
You have a legal obligation to inform the police about the crash.
to make someone feel morally or legally forced to do something:
I’m in favor of ….. welfare recipients to do more.
I felt …. to speak up and defend my friend’s reputation.
to make someone feel morally or legally forced to do something:
I’m in favor of obligating welfare recipients to do more.
I felt obligated to speak up and defend my friend’s reputation.
the process of finding out how much risk is involved in doing something:
He has responsibility for financial management, strategic planning and ……
…. out/do a …. assessment
the process of finding out how much risk is involved in doing something:
He has responsibility for financial management, strategic planning and risk assessment.
carry out/do a risk assessment
The hospital is ….. … tests to find out what’s wrong with her.
Our soldiers …. …. a successful attack last night.
It is hoped that the kidnappers will not … ….. their threat to kill the hostages.
The hospital is carrying out tests to find out what’s wrong with her.
Our soldiers carried out a successful attack last night.
It is hoped that the kidnappers will not carry out their threat to kill the hostages.
to be breaking a particular law or rule:
The theatre was in ….. of the safety laws for having no fire doors.
to be breaking a particular law or rule:
The theatre was in breach of the safety laws for having no fire doors.
They b….. the agreement they had made with their employer.
They breached the agreement they had made with their employer.
The organization’s conduct during the conflict ….. international law, according to a leading human rights group.
The organization’s conduct during the conflict breached international law, according to a leading human rights group.
You ….. a legal obligation to (= the law says you must) ensure your child receives an education.
You have a legal obligation to (= the law says you must) ensure your child receives an education.
You have a legal ….. to inform the police about the crash.
You have a legal obligation to inform the police about the crash.
If you wish to build, say, an extension to your house, it is … essential to seek permission to do so.
If you wish to build, say, an extension to your house, it is absolutely (not very) essential to seek permission to do so.
Official permission has been …. for more building near the river.
Official permission has been granted for more building near the river.
The authorities have …. permission for the demonstration to take place.
The authorities have refused permission for the demonstration to take place.
Today’s court case is to ….. permission to convene meetings with shareholders.
Today’s court case is to seek permission to convene meetings with shareholders.
Today’s court case is to r… permission to convene meetings with shareholders.
Today’s court case is to request permission to convene meetings with shareholders.
You must o…. permission from the Inland Revenuebefore going abroad.
You must obtain permission from the Inland Revenuebefore going abroad.
The Council has decided to r….. permission for the development to go ahead.
The Council has decided to refuse permission for the development to go ahead.
to bring together a group of people for a meeting, or to meet for a meeting:
The prime minister ….. (a meeting of) his cabinet to discuss the matter.
to bring together a group of people for a meeting, or to meet for a meeting:
The prime minister convened (a meeting of) his cabinet to discuss the matter.
to bring together a group of people for a meeting, or to meet for a meeting:
The council will be ….. on the morning of the 25th.
to bring together a group of people for a meeting, or to meet for a meeting:
The council will be convening on the morning of the 25th.
to meet formally as a group, or to arrange a meeting of people or groups for a serious purpose:
[I] Peace talks will …. next month.
to meet formally as a group, or to arrange a meeting of people or groups for a serious purpose:
[I] Peace talks will convene next month.
to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way:
[+ two objects] They …. her an entry visa.
He was ….. asylum.
formal She …. their request/wish.
to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way:
[+ two objects] They granted her an entry visa.
He was granted asylum.
formal She granted their request/wish.
If you take situations or people for …., you do not realize or show that you are grateful for how much you get from them:
One of the problems with relationships is that after a while you just take each other for ….
If you take situations or people for granted, you do not realize or show that you are grateful for how much you get from them:
One of the problems with relationships is that after a while you just take each other for granted.
If your plan is approved, than you will be …. permission to build.
If your plan is approved, than you will be granted permission to build.
a large formal meeting of people who do a particular job or have a similar interest, or a large meeting for a political party:
the national Democratic …..
Where are they holding their party …..?
a large formal meeting of people who do a particular job or have a similar interest, or a large meeting for a political party:
the national Democratic convention
Where are they holding their party convention?
a law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a parliament:
[+ to infinitive] The government has promised to ….. legislation to limit fuel emissions from cars.
a law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a parliament:
[+ to infinitive] The government has promised to introduce legislation to limit fuel emissions from cars.
Such unpopular legislation is unlikely to be … before the next election.
Such unpopular legislation is unlikely to be introduced before the next election.
to make a rule, system, or law stronger and more difficult to ignore:
….. controls/rules/regulation There were renewed calls to ….. controls on imported products.
to make a rule, system, or law stronger and more difficult to ignore:
tighten controls/rules/regulation There were renewed calls to tighten controls on imported products.
It can take quite some time after … in an application for permission to be given.
It can take quite some time after putting in an application for permission to be given.
having no clear characteristics and therefore not interesting:
… bureaucrats
having no clear characteristics and therefore not interesting:
faceless bureaucrats
Be wary of treating the planning officers as … bureaucrats; they are in position of considerable authority.
Be wary of treating the planning officers as faceless bureaucrats; they are in position of considerable authority.
The United Nations has u… its authority to restore peace in the area.
The United Nations has e….. its authority to restore peace in the area.
The United Nations has e…. its authority to restore peace in the area.
The United Nations has used/exerted/exercised its authority to restore peace in the area.
the belief that people must obey completely and not be allowed freedom to act as they wish:
The party supports …… over democracy.
Some people fear the country is sliding towards …..
the belief that people must obey completely and not be allowed freedom to act as they wish:
The party supports authoritarianism over democracy.
Some people fear the country is sliding towards authoritarianism.
an …. regime/government/ruler
His manner is extremely …..
an authoritarian regime/government/ruler
His manner is extremely authoritarian
official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results:
We must c…. …. …. … ….
official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results:
We must cut through the red tape.
Rescue work is often hampered by … ….. at national borders.
Rescue work is often hampered by red tape at national borders.
to prevent someone doing something easily:
Fierce storms have been ….. rescue efforts and there is now little chance of finding more survivors.
to prevent someone doing something easily:
Fierce storms have been hampering rescue efforts and there is now little chance of finding more survivors.
to intentionally not obey a rule, law, or custom:
Many motorcyclists ….. the law by not wearing helmets.
The orchestra decided to ….. convention/tradition, and wear their everyday clothes for the concert.
to intentionally not obey a rule, law, or custom:
Many motorcyclists flout the law by not wearing helmets.
The orchestra decided to flout convention/tradition, and wear their everyday clothes for the concert.
They think they can …. he law and get away with it.
They think they can flout the law and get away with it.
The court …. the ruling.
The court upheld the ruling.
Last but not least, governments around the world should pass and … stricter laws concerning environmental issues.
Last but not least, governments around the world should pass and uphold stricter laws concerning environmental issues.
In the ….. centre you can enjoy high-quality living. (full of busy activity)
In the bustling city you can enjoy high-quality living.
I don’t miss the …. charm of life in the back of …..
I don’t miss the rustic charm of life in the back of beyond.
a place far away from any big town:
They live in some village …. the…. of ….
a place far away from any big town:
They live in some village in the back of beyond.
a place that does not change because it is not influenced by new ideas or events that happen in other places:
He grew up in a rural ……
a place that does not change because it is not influenced by new ideas or events that happen in other places:
He grew up in a rural backwater.
stiff or fixed; not able to be bent or moved:
a …. steel and concrete structure
I was …. with (= stiff and unable to move because of) fear.
stiff or fixed; not able to be bent or moved:
a rigid steel and concrete structure
I was rigid with (= stiff and unable to move because of) fear.
I lived in the middle of nowhere where nothing ever happened and where I was bored …
I lived in the middle of nowhere where nothing ever happened and where I was bored rigid.
to call and attract the attention of someone:
You wait here with our bags while I …. a taxi.
to call and attract the attention of someone:
You wait here with our bags while I hail a taxi.
to call someone in order to attract their attention:
I tried to ….her from across the room.
to call someone in order to attract their attention:
I tried to hail her from across the room.
City councellors last night approved extensive plans for urban r…
City councellors last night approved extensive plans for urban regeneration.
They planned a £300 million cut in …. ….. which would help people to stay in towns.
They planned a £300 million cut in urban regeneration which would help people to stay in towns.
buildings or places are not cared for and are in bad condition:
a ….site
The theatre has been left to stand/lie …..
Derelict buildings or places are not cared for and are in bad condition:
a derelict site
The theatre has been left to stand/lie derelict.
failure to do what you should do:
What you did was a grave …of duty.
failure to do what you should do:
What you did was a grave dereliction of duty.
(especially of a building) a state of not being cared for:
The old railway station was in a state of ……
(especially of a building) a state of not being cared for:
The old railway station was in a state of dereliction.
A …. place is pleasant and has a lot of trees:
a …. lane/suburb
A leafy place is pleasant and has a lot of trees:
a leafy lane/suburb
People love the…. streets and period houses of the area.
People love the leafy streets and period houses of the area.
The lack of a canopy of trees means the sun can reach the ….. plants on the ground
The lack of a canopy of trees means the sun can reach the leafy plants on the ground
Keeping afloat?
having enough money to pay what you owe.
(staying afloat)
having enough money to pay what you owe:
Many small businesses are struggling to …. / ….. afloat.
having enough money to pay what you owe:
Many small businesses are struggling to stay/keep afloat.
They need billion of dollars to keep the company …..
They need billion of dollars to keep the company afloat.
supplement your income
add something to something to make it larger (income)
something that is added to something else in order to improve it or complete it; something extra:
The money I get from teaching eveningnight classes provides a ….. to my main income.
The money I get from teaching eveningnight classes provides a supplement to my main income.
We paid a …. (= an extra amount of money) so that we could have a cabin on board the ship.
We paid a supplement (= an extra amount of money) so that we could have a cabin on board the ship.
extra:
They supported …. funding for disaster-hit areas.
extra:
They supported supplemental funding for disaster-hit areas.
extra:
a …. income
extra:
a supplementary income
He managed to …. …. his debts in two years.
The company … up huge debts.
He managed to pay off his debts in two years.
The company ran up huge debts.
They …. ….. debt to (= owe money to) the bank.
He …. …. debt (= borrowed money) after he lost his job.
They are in debt to (= owe money to) the bank.
He got into debt (= borrowed money) after he lost his job.
The company is …. in debt (= owes a lot of money).
The company is deep in debt (= owes a lot of money).
Investors fear the insurance company will have am….. debts of more than €22.5 million by the end of the year.
Investors fear the insurance company will have amassed debts of more than €22.5 million by the end of the year.
Our credit counselors will work with you to help you to r… your debt.
Our credit counselors will work with you to help you to reduce your debt.
State law allows cities to …. off uncollectable debts with the approval of the city council.
State law allows cities to write off uncollectable debts with the approval of the city council.
By setting up a debt repayment plan he was able to pay off his creditors and …. …. of debt for good.
By setting up a debt repayment plan he was able to pay off his creditors and stay out of debt for good.
long-term debt …. schedules
long-term debt amortization schedules
When applying for a loan, customers may be required to prove heir ability to …. the debt.
When applying for a loan, customers may be required to provetheir ability to clear the debt.
New restrictions require lenders to check a person’s income and ability to …. the loan.
New restrictions require lenders to check a person’s income and ability to payback the loan.
an amount of money that a customer with a bank account is temporarily allowed to owe to the bank, or the agreement that allows this:
to …. ….. an overdraft
UK The bank offers ….. facilities.
an amount of money that a customer with a bank account is temporarily allowed to owe to the bank, or the agreement that allows this:
to run up an overdraft
UK The bank offers overdraft facilities.
the crime of getting money by deceiving people:
credit card ….
He is fighting extradition to Hong Kong to face trial on …. charges.
the crime of getting money by deceiving people:
credit card fraud
He is fighting extradition to Hong Kong to face trial on fraud charges.
Convicted of tax …., he was sentenced to two years in prison.
Convicted of tax fraud, he was sentenced to two years in prison.
someone who gets money by deceiving people:
New measures are needed to prevent …. opening bank accounts with stolen cheques.
someone who gets money by deceiving people:
New measures are needed to prevent fraudsters opening bank accounts with stolen cheques.
a person who gets money by deceiving people:
….s are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to obtain people’s personal details.
a person who gets money by deceiving people:
Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to obtain people’s personal details.
the crime of using someone’s personal information in order to pretend to be them and to get money or goods in their name:
Statistics show that millions of people are victims of … theft each year.
Statistics show that millions of people are victims of identity theft each year.
In cases of ….. ….. and illegal credit card use, it’s especially important to report it and get a police report.
In cases of identity theft and illegal credit card use, it’s especially important to report it and get a police report.
to put something valuable, especially money, in a bank or safe (= strong box or cupboard with locks):
There’s a night safe outside the bank, so you can …. money whenever you wish.
I …. £500 in my account this morning.
There’s a night safe outside the bank, so you can deposit money whenever you wish.
I deposited £500 in my account this morning.
We …. …. …. of £5,000 on the house, and paid the balance four weeks later.
We paid/put a deposit of £5,000 on the house, and paid the balance four weeks later.
he act of repaying someone or something:
mortgage ….
The bank demanded immediate …..
mortgage repayments
The bank demanded immediate repayment.
But if borrowers … … …, banks are obliged to call in loans.
But if borrowers default on repayments, banks are obliged to call in loans.
a loan that must be paid back when the lender asks for payment:
The … …. rate was lowered by a quarter of a percentage point on Oct. 31.
a loan that must be paid back when the lender asks for payment:
The call loan rate was lowered by a quarter of a percentage point on Oct. 31.
He managed to … …. a bill off CHF 17000 at one hotel.
He managed to run up a bill off CHF 17000 at one hotel.
(accumulate a bill)
to change something, such as a document, in order to deceive people:
The certificate had clearly been….
to change something, such as a document, in order to deceive people:
The certificate had clearly been falsified.
to change documents, figures, records, etc. in order to deceive someone:
She was charged with …. bank records.
to change documents, figures, records, etc. in order to deceive someone:
She was charged with falsifying bank records.
Five people were fired for inappropriate behavior and ….. of ….
Five people were fired for inappropriate behavior and falsification of records.
actions taken to reduce the amount that is spent on a service or within an organization:
The recovery was achieved in the old-fashioned way, with …..-….. and price increases.
a ….-…. exercise
….-…. measures
The recovery was achieved in the old-fashioned way, with cost-cutting and price increases.
a cost-cutting exercise
cost-cutting measures
