Think in English Flashcards
1) The queue is not moving at all.
2) He refuses to change his mind.
1) The queue in the bank hasn’t budged.
2) He wouldn’t budge on his decision.
it is a dream come true when she wins a gold medal in the women’s 100m backstroke.
She lived out her childhood dream when she produced a stunning swim to take out gold in the women’s 100m backstroke.
He sweared during the interview excite everyone on social media.
He set the social media alight when he dropped an F-bomb in her post race interview.
I got this designer shirt in the sales. At 100 pound cheaper than the original price, it’s so cheap/it’s a bargain
I got this designer shirt in the sale. At 100 pound cheaper than the original price it’s a steal
You can use the logbook in this application to capture patients in just seconds.
Logbook can be used to capture patients in just seconds, right there in the palm of your hand.
I have spent 2 months in a studio - I must be crazy
She get angry/ excited when I said I was going to leave the job.
I have spent 2 months in studio - I must be bananas
She went bananas when I said I was going to leave the job.
she is a little sensitive about her age.
she is a little touchy about her age.
normally he never took naps, but that afternoon, he returned from class feeling extremely tired and slept long and hard.
normally i never took naps, but that afternoon, he returned from class feeling extremely wiped out and he slept long and hard.
My mother threw me a party without my knowledge.
Unbeknownst/unbeknown to me, my mother throw me a party.
He cried loudly when the dog snatched his toy.
He started bawling (cry or shout loudly) when the dog snatched his toy.
Dad feels disgusting when killing roaches.
Dad was squeamish about killing roaches.
She waited her turn for audition, trying to look calm
She waited her turn to audition, trying to look nonchalant (behaving in a calm manner, showing that you are not worried or frightened)
it took a while before i understand what is going on
it took a while for the reality of my situation to sink in.
Bunch of useless people!
Bunch of arsewipe (UK, australia, NZ, slang)
I cant stand how arrogant he is!
I cant stand how stuck up he is! (acting as if you are more important than other people)
She has extensive knowledge on all issues
on all issues she appeared formidably well informed (having or showing much knowledge about a wide range of subjects, or about one particular subject)
“Firefighting sparks my interest, “he naughtily play with the word.
“Firefighthing sparks my interest,” he punned.
she is a skillful pilot whose career has - no pun intended - really taken off.
pun mean humorous way of using a word in such as way as to suggest two or more of its meaning or the meanjng of another word in similar sound
I could never meet up to her expectation
I could never measure up to her expectation
Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing experience for the shoppers
Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing ordeal (a severe trial or experience) for the shoppers.
I feel like my legs threaten to bend beneath me
I felt my legs threaten to buckle beneath me and grabbed the counter to keep from collapsing.
Her face remained motionless theoughout the trial.
Her face remained impassive throughout the trial.
She remained impassive as the officers informed her of her son’s death.
Music is the only thing he thinks about now
His all-consuming passion was music
I was going to go bungee jumping, but I decide not to do in the end as i m too frightened
I was going to go bungee jumping, but I chickened out
Fatima is a bit of inconsistent; she takes up a hobby for a couple of weeks, then she gets bored and starts something difficult.
Fatima’s a bit of a dabbler; she takes up a hobby for a couple of weeks, then she gets bored and starts something different. (person who never keeps doing one activity for long)
The disadvantage of this approach is lack of clear leadership
the downside of this approach is a lack of clear leadership
One segment of people who have avoided shots is strongly opposed to the idea.
One segment of people who have avoided shots is VEHEMENTLY opposed to the idea.
the government considered making everyone pay the tax but u turn
the government considered to make everybody pay the tax but relented.
hold a coffee in hand
clutched a coffee in hand
I have no profit interest in the sale of these books
I have no vested interest in the sale of these books
He showed warmth, undestanding, generosity, empathy, and caring
He exuded warmth, understanding, generosity, empathy and caring
They may receive unwavering devotion from you but arent motivate to return your kindness and consideration
They may receive unwavering devotion from you but aren’t motivated to reciprocate your kindness and consideration.
Let me give you a brief review of the situation
Let me give you a brief rundown of the situation
He squeezes out gel onto an ultrasound probe
He squirted gel onto an ultrasound gel
She was searching for word in her mind which would express what she thought.
She blew out the candle and search her way to the door/she searches for her spectacles blindly.
They touch each other wildly in the taxi
She was groping for the words which would express what she thought.
She blew out the candle and groped her way to the door/ she groped for her spectacles
They groped each other wildly in the taxi (fondle someone for sexual pleasure roughly or clumsily)
I had an argument with the ticket collector
I had an altercation (noisy agreement especially in the public) with the ticket collector
They respind to the reaction automatic and unthinking way
they respond in a knee jerk reaction
BBC learning english is an app rhst hep me to lesrn english anytimes and anywhere I want
BBC learning english is an app that help me to learn english on the move.
He is very unhappy about the company’s prospect.
You look unhappy and quiet. What’s up?
He is very glum about company’s prospect.
You look glum. What’s up?
I would like to stay there and listen when my father explains to my mother that he spent $1200 on anew set of golf clubs
I would love to be a fly on the wall (to be able to secretly hear or observe sth) when my father explains to my mother that he spent $1200 on a new set of golf clubs.
This little stream can become a flood when it rains heavily
we have been flooded with replies
this little stream can become a DELUGE when it rains heavily / the city was DELUGED when the river burst its banks
We have been DELUGED with replies
The lovers lie close together in front of the fire
The lovers SNUGGLE UP in front of the fire
Going to the beach today is probably not a good idea, it is cloudy and windy, and those clouds look like they could burst at any point
Going to the beach is probably not a good idea. There is OVERCAST, and those clouds look like they could burst at any point
The sounds of the raindrops on the window panes were fascinating to my new puppy
The sounds of the raindrops PATTERING on the window panes were fascinating to my new puppy
They issued an apology statement and promised to fix the problem quickly
they issued an apology and promised to RECTIFY the issue quickly
a draft version was loat in a computer technical error
a draft version was lost in a computer GLITCH
when my uncle starts dancing-it’s really make me feel embarassing
when she told me how she had sat in the wrong meeting for an hour before realising, I feel embarrassed.
when my uncle starts dancing - it’s really CRINGE
when she told me how she had sat in the wrong meeting for an hour before realising, I cringed.
Her performance is too exaggerated
Her performance GOES OVER THE TOP
she told me honestly that she did not want to go
she told me STRAIGHT UP that she did not want to go up
I dont even care about what they say.
I DONT GIVE A HOOT about what they say
Just wait a minute, I will be there very soon
Just wait a minute, I will be there IN A JIFFY
The call is on you in making a wise decision
All the decisions were left TO YOUR DISCRETION (freedom to act or judge on one’s own)
Damn that pesky fly
DARN that pesky fly
I overheard her say disrespectful things about me
I overheard her say DISPARAGING things about me
He embraced conservative political view
He ESPOUSED conservative political view
After the collision, Nicola’s balance was worse than usual
This milk smells awful- it is bad
After the collision, Nicola’s balnce was OFF. OR
This milk smells awful- it’s gone off.
Have you noticed how wet these shelves are?
I shouldnt really laugh about the incident-it’s my unpleasant sense of humour
Have u noticed how WARPED (bent because of damage by heat or water) these shelves are?
I shouldn’t really laugh about the accident - It’s my WARPED (strange and unpleasant) sense of humour!
THE SCOOP
Information about sth that is currently important or happening or that is interesting to many people
Eg:
Did you talk to him? What’s the scoop?
She always know the scoop on fashion.
I was there when it happened, so I have got the inside scoop.
Doubtful source/statement
APOCRYPHAL source/statement
The critics was generous with their praise.
He was generous in his praise.
The critics were LAVISH with their praise.
He was UNSTINTING in his praise.
He invited actors to create dialogue impromptu
He invites actors to IMPROVISE dialogue
I IMPROVISE a costume for myself out of an old blue dress (produce sth from whatever is available)
If we are not prepare the presentation properly, we could have problems
If we are not BANG-ON with our preparation, we could have problems.
my look is set to be BANG ON trend.
I think this is a BANG ON analysis of froster’s novel.
BANG ON- if someone is bang on with sth, they are exactly right in their opinions or actions
He approaches me in the club and asked if I would like to dance
He CAME UP TO me in the club and asked I would like to dance
the cat jumped on the mouse and kill it.
he suddenly criticize me for not returning his book
the cat POUNCED ON the mouse (jump, leap, or bound onto someone or sth) and kill it
he suddenly POUNCED ON me (to criticise or attack someone verbally) for not returning his book
I know I shouldnt be meddling in other people’s business, but my curiosity overcome me
I know we could have beaten them in last week’s game, but they just better than us from the start
I know I shouldnt be meddling in other people’s business, but my curiosity GOT THE BETTER OF ME
I know we could have beaten them in last week’s game, but they just GOT THE BETTER OF US from the start.
the father laughs and jovially run his hand through his son’s hair
the father laughs and jovially RUFFLES his son’s through it
he pokes his sore elbow carefully with one finger
He PRODDED his sore elbow carefully with his finger
My opinion on the problem is that we need to devote more of our resources to expanding our marketing campaign
My TAKE ON THE PROBLEM is that wee need to devote more of our resources to expanding our marketing campaign.
He always changes his mind
He is fickle / inconstant
William hung around for a bite of lunch and do some networking for his business
William hung around for a bite of lunch and a schmooze (a lively and friendly conversation, typically one conducted in order to impress or manipulate others)
I try to make my room more lively with some bright yellow cushions
I try to ZHUZH UP my living room with some bright yellow cushions.
Try zhuzhing up your suit with a colored tie.
She zhuzhed up her cooking by adding a bit of chilli powder.
meaning: make sth more interesting or attractive by changing it slightly
The joke he tells is so embarrasing
did you hear the terrible joke he told! it was so CRINGE!
when she told me how she had sat in the wrong meeting for an hour before realising, I cringed.
- use to describe something or someone that make u feel embarrassed. cringey as an adjective
John’s new car is amazing
John’s new car is lit
Boring and ordinary matters such as paying bills and shopping for foods do not interest her
MUNDANE matters such as paying bills and shopping for food do not interest her
We’ve got to postpone on the deadline for the project. There’s still lots of work to be done.
We’ve got to PUSH BACK on the deadline for the project. There’s still lots of work to be done.
Their house is incredible-decorated with true style and taste! And dont get me started on the furniture - it is impressed/amazing!
Their house is incredible-decorated with true style and taste! And dont get me started on the furniture - it slays!
I wish I was as good as her at painting- she’s the best in art
I wish I was as good as her at painting- She is the CEO of art.
Our builder came highly recommeded, but when the ceiling fell in, I knew he’d done a bad job
Our builder came highly recommeded, but when the ceiling fell in, I knew he’d done a BOTCH JOB
Her promotion is still uncertain despite months of waiting
Management kept her promotion IN LIMBO for months
the double whammy of high interest rate and low wage increases.
double or triple whammy: two or three unpleasant or difficult situation occur at the same time or one after the other
there will be a network suspension/down from 8-10am
there will be a network OUTAGE from 8-10am
The rain save us from the noise of the construction machinery
The rain REPRIEVED us from the noise of the construction machinery.
mom devoted to dad although they always quarrel over petty things
mon devoted to dad although they SQUABBLE all the time.
She remained unwaveringly loyal through thick and thin
She remained true blue friend through thick and thin
dont be too friendly when meet someone for the first time
dont get palsy-walsy when meet someone for the first time
I will support you, so just go ahead
I will be rooting for u (show support especially when someone is struggling or facing challenge), so just go ahead
I had surprise visitors yesterday, thankfully I manage to prepare a meal fast
I had surprise visitors yesterday, thankfully I manage to whip up a meal
Please tell me what happen last night in detail
please fill me in on what happen last night.
please fill in the committee on the details
These cakes are very tasty, make me want to eat more
These cakes are very moreish (causing a desire for more, usually food)
The patient gained speedy recovery after the fever broke.
The housing market increased sharply in price after a decline in the spring.
The patient rallied after the fever broke.
The housing market rallied in the spring.
throw me the key
chuck me the key (to throw carelessly)
they criticize me for falling the course.
they put me down for failing the course.
He looks hesitant and not confident when giving his speech
he fumbles through the speech
You really impress me by copying exactly my ethical speech
You really impress me by parroting (repeat or imitate the words or actions of another unintelligently) my ethical speech
her reputation is tarnished after the affair with a married
man
her reputation was sullied after the affair with a married man
the sick boy was cheered up by the friendly teasing of his friend.
the sick boy was cheered up by the noisy banter (teasing or joking talk that is amusing and friendly) of his friend.
witty banter (they have about 10 seconds to make witty banter about the status of their careers)
i have talked too much about myself and felt like a garrulous old fool
garrulous mean having the habit of talking a lot esp about unimportant things
the angry customer who feel he is being treated unfairly complained to the manager
the indignant customer complained to the manager (angry, usually because of some wrong that has been done to oneself or others)
the charity used photos of starving children in an attempt to shock the public and give conscience to oublic
the charity used photos of starving children in an attempt to jolt the public conscience.
The allegations are patently unreasonable.
The allegations are patently absurd.
if it’s illegal for someone under 21 to drink, it should be illegal for them to drink and drive, it is a straight forward answer to it.
if it’s illegal for someone under 21 to drink, it should be illegal for them to drink and drive, that’s a no-brainer.
we used to steal biscuits from the kitchen
we used to nick biscuits from the kitchen
I try to make a dinner from what i found in the refrigerator
i improvised a dinner from what i found in the refrigerator
there’s a lot of reasons why he didn’t get the job
there’s a whole host of reasons why he didn’t get the job
Its really sad having to leave home
It’s a real wrench (feeling of unhappiness when have to leave a place , person or thing that u love) having to leave home
I believe her explaination
i thought her explaination was perfectly PLAUSIBLE (possibly true: believable or realistic).
Plausible excuse
He had always been so fussy about his appearance
He had always been so meticulous about his appearance (show great attention to detail)
He tried to entertain the crowd with jokes
He amused the crowd with jokes
My enthusiasm was fading away
My enthusiasm was ebbing away
It took several years for him to stop the immune suppressing medications completely
i tried telling a few jokes but they didn’t make the crowd laugh
It took several years for him to come off the immune suppressing medications completely
I tried telling a few jokes but they didn’t come off
He couched from the side as she scaled and cleaned the fish.
He couched from the sidelines as she scaled and cleaned the fish.
The shop was flooded with fans wanting the celebrity’s autograph
The shop was swamped with fans wanting the celebrity’s autograph.
we’ve been swamped with calls from people wanting tickets.
In a few seconds, the building was in flames
In a matter of seconds, the building was in flames
At the reunion, the former classmates recall about their experience about their old teachers
At the reunion, the former classmates reminisced (to enjoy remembering past event) about their old teachers.
Ann and I reminisced about our childhood in the country.
I never seen her worried or anxious in any way-she’s so easy going
I never seen her worried or anxious in any way- she ‘s so laid-back (relaxed in manner and character).
I m a little busy right nw, but ur brother probably can go for basketball
I m a little busy right nw, but ur brother probably up for a game of basketball
When she said her sponge cake wasnt nice, she respond back and said she made bad cups of tea
When she said her sponge cake wasnt nice, she clapped back and said she made bad cups of tea (clap back / retort)
I am very determined to lose weight, so please don’t bring any sweets into the house
I am BOUND AND DETERMINED to lose weight, so please don’t bring any sweets into the house
His difficulties prevent him from leading a normal life
His difficulties PRECLUDE him from leading a normal life
I m very hungry-where’s supper?
a stage star who was hungry for attention
I m revenous-where’s supper?
a stage star who was ravenous for attention
ALTERNATIVES FOR “i think” TO MAKE UR SPEECH MORE BEAUTIFUL AND DIVERSIFY
1) i guess
2) i m not quite sure
3) i suppose
4) to the best of my knowledge/belief
5) as far as i know
6) if i m not mistaken
7) correct me if i m wrong
8) I have a feeling
9) In my opinion
10) it seems to me
11) to tell the truth
12) to be honest
13) to my mind
14) If u ask me
15) i believe
16) i presume
17) i would say
18) the way i see it
19) to me
20) as far as i m concerned/ as far as i can tell op
Dont let those bullies threaten you, just walk away from them
Dont let those bullies INTIMIDATE you; just walk away from them (to frighten or threaten someone, usually in order to persuade the person to do sth he or she doesnt wish to do)
As I walked up my grandma’s steps, I realise the smell of her food was enough to stimulate my appetite.
The president gave journalists just enough information to stimulate their curiosities.
As I walked up my grandma’s steps, I realise the smell of her food was enough to whet my appetite.
The president gave journalists just enough information to whet their curiosities.
a valid excuse
a legitimate excuse
the hotel specialises in complete luxury.
the hotel specializes in full-on luxury.
She saw an ugly face at the window and screamed
She saw a hideous face at the window and screamed
A company cars and a mobile phone are some of the benefits that come with the job.
Having such easy assess to some of the best cinema and theatre is one of the advantage living in Sydney.
A company cars and a mobile phone are some of the PERKS that come with the job.
Having such easy assess to some of the best cinema and theatre is one of the PERKS living in Sydney.
She knows a lot about international laws.
She knows a thing or two about international laws.
She is elegant and take care of her appearance
She is elegant and well put together. (looks good and dresses well)
They havent been talking to each other since that big argument they had at university
They havent been on speaking terms since that big argument they had at university
I was confused and agitated by my teacher’s comments and began to stumble over my words
I was flustered by my teacher’s comments and began to stumble over my words
Welcome to the neighbourhood! I’m always here to help if u need
Welcome to the neighbourhood! I m at your disposal if you need help with anything.
He will have a car at his disposal for the whole month.
I m glad to finally have some time to relax after such a busy week.
I cant afford a lot of system down in the computer i buy.
I m glad to finally have some downtime (a period of relaxation or decreased activity) after such a busy week.
I cant afford a lot of down time (the time when a computer is not operating) in the system I buy.
Stop critisizing me and everything I do.
Ken is always critisizing my report.
Stop sniping at me and everything I do.
Ken is always sniping at my report.
He’s so two-faced, acting all buddy-buddy with people in the office and then sniping at them when they’re out of earshot.
Engineers are trying hard to locate the source of the problem
Engineers are endeavouring to locate the source of the problem
Noun: crossing the north pole on foot was an amazing feat of human endeavour.
In spite of our best endeavours, it has proven impossible to contact her.
The mountains form a dramatic background to the little village
An impressive rocky coastline with a background of green hills continues southward
The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the little village
An impressive rocky coastline with a backdrop of green hills continues southward
The system should get better as engineers fine tune its performance
The system should get better as engineers tweak (make adjustment to) its performance
Tweak the tuner a little and see if you can get that station just a little bit clearer.
Obviously we have more money that we’re both working.
When his parents died, he found himself had 100,000 more than before
He’d be in a better situation if working for a bigger company
The new tax will not have a serious impact on the rich people.
Obviously we’re better off now that we’re both working.
When his parents died, he found himself 100,000 better off.
He’d be better off working for a bigger company
The new tax will not have a serious impact on the better off.
Fur coats are an extranvagant thing.
Sport cars are an expensive thing.
At christmas he liked to reward himself with something that he always wanted to do
Fur coats are an indulgence.
Sport cars are an expensive indulgence.
At christmas he liked to indulge himself.
I grew up in a tiny town in Kansas, longing for the day I’d get a chance to move somewhere exciting like New York or L.A
I grew up in a tiny town in Kansas, yearning for the day I’d get a chance to move somewhere exciting like New York or L.A
I have to praise/compliment you for your extraordinary bravery in a dangerous situation. I’m sure all of the people you rescued from the fire see you as a hero
I have to commend you for your extraordinary bravery in a dangerous situation. I’m sure all of the people you rescued from the fire see you as a hero.
everyone’s rave about the new club.
the teacher paid tribute to all the students for their hardwork.
I have to commend Jacob for an excellent job.
Jenny always compliment the kids when they tidy their rooms.
i found the movie absolutely interesting
i found the movie absolutely riveting (fascinating; wholly absorbing or engrossing one’s attention)
the book was gripping (cause feeling of happiness or enthusiasm) - I couldnt put it down.
It’s a very intriguing (arousing interest or curiosity) situation
alternatives to say I m tired
I m bunched/ shattered /wrecked / exhausted / knackered / shagged / zonked
I m spent. Its been a long day.
Natasha was worn out by the end of her exam.
Lee has been doing overtime. He is shattered.
No more bargain hunting today. I m on my last legs. Let’s go home.
I am done in (no more energy).
Communication
1) to butt in
- to interrupt
eg: do u mind if i butt in here?
2) to witter
- to talk and talk without any real sense
eg: she always witters about the old times; everybody’s heard the story a hundred times
3) to bicker
- to argue or fight about things that are nt important
eg: children used to bicker about who got the window seat
4) to grumble
- to be annoyed or angry about sth and mutter in discontent
eg: they used to grumble when they had that job because the pay was so poor
No worries, we still have lots of time to finish our homework.
Dont sweat it! We still have lots of time to finish our homework.
ALTERNATIVE TO “please”
Alternatives to “please”
1) If you would be so kind
- Can you pass me the salt, if you would be so kind.
2) If you don’t mind
-We’ll start now, if you don’t mind.
3) Kindly
-Kindly send your response by the end of the day.
4) If that’s alright with you
-We need to finish that in an hour, if that’s alright with you.
5) I’d love if you could
-I’d love if you could help me there.
5 alternatives to “angry”
1) Infuriated
- Miguel is a bad loser. He becomes infuriated when he loses.
2) Outraged
- The protestos were outraged by the government’s plan.
3) Incensed
- My boss was incensed when I told him I was quitting.
4) Livid
- Anita was livid that her party was cancelled.
5) Irate
- Molly was irate after seeing Ian’s message.
6) cross
- My dad gets cross with me if i left the kitchen in a mess.
ALTERNATIVE TO “nearly”
1) Almost
2) Just short of
Eg: My grandma’s amazing! She’s just short of her 70th birthday and she still rides a bicycle!
3) A little under
- I m not happy- I was promised a 500 pound pay rise, but I only got a little under 300 pound.
4) Approaching
- I m geeting worried about my son. It’s approaching
midnight and he’s not home.
5) Nigh on
- It’s hot! I think it’s nigh on 35 degrees.
ALTERNATIVES TO”but”
5 alternatives to “but”
1) However
2) Although
3) And yet
4) Nevertheless
5) Even so
Eg: My dog’s old, smelly and he pees in the house. Even so, I love him to bits.
Keep your letter concise and to the point
Keep your letter succinct and to the point
let’s summarise the main ideas
let’s recapitulate the main ideas
they cheat the money out of the old man.
they gouge (cheat someone out of sth) the money out of the old man.
the crooks gouged the life savings out of the old lady.
Christmas delights young and old similarly
Christmas delights young and old alike.
British town centers are full of pubs
Gifts were left spread across the town
British town centers are dotted with pubs
Gifts were left dotted all over the town (spread across the area)
What to say when you feel stuck?
1) i think i went brain dead. I cant rmb what I wanted to say
2) I forgot what I wanted to say! Hopefully it will come back to me in a moment
3) Oh! I lost the word. It’s on the tip of my tongue.
4) I m having trouble thinking of the word I want. Maybe you can help.
In order to hasten the work of collecting and sending flood waste to landfills, he said the KPKT had also increased manpower by appointing more contractors to go to the affected areas, including those that were previously inaccesible.
In order to expedite the work of collecting and sending flood waste to landfills, he said the KPKT had also increased manpower by appointing more contractors to go to the affected areas, including those that were previously inaccesible.
It is so rare to see this model car in pristine condition - you’ve really done an outstanding job of taking care of it throughout the years
It is so rare to see this model car in mint condition - you’ve really done an outstanding job of taking care of it throughout the years
All expenses that I have paid previously by myself will be reimbursed by the company
All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed by the company
The last minute changes ruin our plan
The last minute changes caused our plan to go awry (away from the correct course)
Anything that goes awry in the office is blamed on Pete.
Condiment
sth use to enhance flavour of food , eg vinegar, salt, relish
The guard was fired for neglect in his duty
The guard was fired for shirking his duty (neglect one’s job or task)
In Silicon Valley’s world of make-believe, the philosophy “fake it until you make it” finally gets what it deserves
In Silicon Valley’s world of make-believe, the philosophy “fake it until you make it” finally gets its comeuppance. (a punishment or retribution that one deserves)
he was groping clumsily in the dark for the money he had dropped
he was fumbling in the dark for the money he had dropped
Bad handwriting
Bad manner
Atrocious handwriting (bad quality)
an atrocious film
Atrocious manner
Atrocious crime (extremely brutal or wicked)
He attempted an atrocious imitation of my English accent
5 alternatives to “very big”
1) vast
2) gigantic
3) humungous
4) massive
5) whopping great
His parents pay the bill for his college education.
His parents footed the bill for his college education.
scramble
1) move or climb quickly but with difficulty, often using your hands to help you
eg: she scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks.
As the burning plane landed, the terrified passengers scrambled for the door (tried to reach the door quickly)
2) to compete with other people for sth there is very little of
eg: People are scrambling to buy property before prices rise even further.
3) to put things such as words or letters in the wrong order so that they do not make sense
eg: He had a habit of scrambling his words when excited.
scramble
1) move or climb quickly but with difficulty, often using your hands to help you
eg: she scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks.
As the burning plane landed, the terrified passengers scrambled for the door (tried to reach the door quickly)
2) to compete with other people for sth there is very little of
eg: People are scrambling to buy property before prices rise even further.
3) to put things such as words or letters in the wrong order so that they do not make sense
eg: He had a habit of scrambling his words when excited.
Hand
1) have a hand in
- be involved in
eg: I’d would like to thank everyone who had a hand in this project.
2) get out of hand
- become uncontrolled
eg: The police were called to stop the protesters from getting out of hand.
3) a firm hand
- strict control
eg: I run my business with a firm hand. That’s why I am successful.
4) lend a hand
- give help
eg: Could you lend a hand with the cleaning please? I cant manage it alone.
5) take in hand
- take control of
eg: My son has been skipping school and staying out late. I m going to have to take him in hand.
6) short-handed
- without the usual amount of workers
eg: Sorry the service is a little bit slow today. We re short handed.
7) a big hand
- a lot of applause
eg: Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big hand to this evening’s star performer.
she gave him a long kiss
the defeat ends any remaining hopes she might have had of winning the championship
she gave him a long, lingering kiss
the defeat ends any lingering hopes she might have had of winning the championship
a smell that lingered in the air; doubts that still lingered in my mind (to continue or persist)
He bends down and reaches towards the coin
Craig wouldnt bends down to thieving
He stooped down and reached towards the coin.
Craig wouldnt stoop to thieving.
People line up to wait for bus
People stand in line (US) to wait for bus.
People form a queue (UK) to wait for bus.
I ll be stopping in Paris on the way to Germany
I ll be stopping in Paris en route to Germany.
Meg’s hair is very smart/fashionable. who is her hairdresser?
Meg’s hair is very chic. Who’s her hairdresser?
Alternative to cute
1) sweet
the way she looks at me is so “sweet”- I cant say no to anything she asks for!
2) dinky (UK)
- UK approving : She’s got dinky little feet.
dinky (US)
- US disapproving: they live in dinky one-room apartment
3) adorable
- Jamilia looks adorable in her new dress
4) charming
- there are some charming ornaments in that shop window
5) dainty
- Milie is wearing a very dainty outfit
call
call it a night
- Listen, I m kind of tired. Can we call it a night?
wake up call
- if sth is a wake up call, it makes you realise that you need to change a situation. Also a shock event that changes the way you think.
call sth off
- cancel an event
And there were a lot of reasons to call off my wedding.
close call
- Phew, that was a close call.
A situation in which sth bad, unpleasant or dangerous almost happens, but you manage to avoid it.
alternative “what to say when you have enough “
1) I cant take anymore
2) I have had my fill of it
3) I cant go on
4) I quit
5) I cant do it anymore
He spent his money extravagantly on sunglassess
He splurged his last dollar on sunglasses.
alrernative to “more than”
1) just above
- the temperature peaked at just above 34 degrees
2) a little over
- he weighs a little over 65 kilos
3) a touch over
- it took a touch over three hours to get there
4) greater than
- the storm damage was greater than the weather forecasters’ predictions
5) beyond
- I was beyond angry when I found out he’d been lying to me.
disappointment
- i m really disappointed in you
- its not as good as I’d hoped
- I m absolutelly gutted
- i m a bit sad about it
- I feel so let down
- you really put me off (the actor in the film were good, but the terrible soundtrack put me off)
to consider a change in career
to contemplate changing jobs/a change in career
It’s nothing one, all he had to do was collect the documents and deliver them to the office. Unfortunately, he got lost.
Making the pancakes is easy - there’s nothing to it - just add milk, eggs and flour.
There was nothing to it - all he had to do was collect the documents and deliver them to the office. Unfortunately, he got lost.
All you have to do it push this button and the coffee comes out here - there’s really nothing to it.
Her story about being chased away from schol by wolves seems pretty not logical
Her story about being chased away from school by wolves seems pretty far-fetched (difficult to believe and unlikely to be true)
Do you agree with that statement?
Both parties agree in urging passage of the bill
Do you concur (to accord in opinion; agree) with that statement?
Both parties concur (to cooperate, work or act together) in urging passage of the bill.
5 alternatives to “no”
1) Absolutely not
2) Not on your life
Am I going to tell the boss he’s wrong? Not on your life!
3) No way am I
No way am I going to run a marathon! But I’m happy to watch you.
4) Not in a million years
I wont marry her. Not in a million years!
5) No way José
Me, go for dinner with you? No way José.
Encroach
to take control or possession of something in a gradual way and often without being noticed
eg:
1) Farmers encroached on forest land to grow crops.
2) These devices are encroaching on people’s privacy.
3)
Its so annoying to see him talking about the computer
He’s always blabbering on about computer
they do not go blabbering to everyone about it.
SYNONYM:
My grandma loves to engage in IDLE (aimless/futile) chatter with her neighbours.
She’d have PRATTLED on about her new job for the whole afternoon if I’d let her.
Stop your PRATTLING and go to sleep!
Emily just walked leisurely on our hike, looking at every little flower and insect on the trail.
I spent the rest of the day walking leisurely in the theater district
Emily just sauntered along on our hike, looking at every little flower and insect on the trail.
I spent the rest of the day sauntering along in the theater district
5 alternatives to say “something is very bad”
1) dreadful
- Jimmy’s behaviour was dreadful today.
2) awful
- Mae’s test scores were awful.
3) terrible
- Rich thinks brocolli tastes terrible.
4) atrocious
- Mel hates rock music. She says it sounds atrocious.
5) abysmal
- this weather is abysmal.
Phrases of “heart”
1) my heart isnt in it
- I m not motivated to do this
eg: I’ve decided to quit my job. The money’s good, but my heart isn’t in it.
2) a heart-to-heart
- a serious, intimate and honest conversation
eg: I had a long heart-to-heart with my partner about our relationship problems.
3) learn by heart
- memorize
eg: When I was an actor, I really struggled to learn my lines by heart. I had to write them on my hand.
4) a heart of gold
- kind, thoughtful and generous
eg: Leon took me into his house when I had nowhere to live. He wouldn’t accept a penny. He really has got a heart of gold.
5) lose your heart
- fall in love
eg: When that cat looked at me with his big green eyes, I just lost my heart.
6) lose heart
- lose hope, confidence or courage
eg: Your grade has been poor this term, but dont lose heart. With a bit of extra tuiton, you can improve next year.
7) cross my heart
- a promise that you are telling the truth
eg: I wont post that picture of you on the internet-cross my heart.
Is it ok if i take the train?
Sure, as long as you get her by 8.
Is it ok if i take the train?
Sure, just so you get her by 8.
the ghost story didnt disturb the children
the ghost story didnt faze (worry or disturb) the children.
No one is fazed (surprise or worry someone) by the sight of guns here any more.
Speaking in public doesnt faze her (upset or confuse someone).
Many parents find it hard to balance between children and a career
Many parents find it hard to juggle children and a career. (to succeed in arranging your life so that you have time to involve yourself in two or more different activities or groups of people)
To try to do two or more jobs or activities at the same time, because you do not have a lot of time:
Senior executives are under pressure to juggle the increasing demands of their workload.
If you juggle data or resources, you use them in a way that will bring you an advantage or that may be dishonest:
Analysts think the Treasury may be able to juggle its accounts for the next few months.
the steel industry is coddled by trade protection and massive subsides.
coddle: to protect someone or something too much .
synonym: cosset (care for and protect in an overindulgent way)
eg: all her life she’d been cosseted by her family.
the country has been cosseted by the government for so long that people have forgotten how to take responsibility for themselves.
Its annoying that we cant travel until Thursday, but the good thing is that tickets are cheaper then
Its annoying that we cant travel until Thursday, but the upside (advantage of a situation) is that tickets are cheaper then.
Novelty
1) the quality of being new and unusual
- Sales of the new game are high, but they will soon start to drop as the novelty wears off.
2) sth that is new and unusual
- Flexible schedules, once a novelty, are now more commonplace.
- I fear that by swiping and scrolling our boredom away these days, that we’re losing that creativity because we’ve got so much to entertain us - but it seems that the more we have to entertain us, the more bored we seem to be! And there’s a reason for that - and that’s because we actually get addicted to stimulation and to novelty.
3) a cheap unusual object such as a small toy, often given as a present:
- We sell toys, glassware, handicrafts, table decorations, and novelties at moderate prices.
tweak
to change something slightly, especially in order to make it more correct, effective or suitable
eg: the software is pretty much there- it just needs a little tweaking.
You just need to tweak the last paragraph and then it’s done.
heady
having a powerful effect, making you feel slightly drunk or excited.
eg:
-a heady wine / perfume
-In the heady days of their youth, they thought anything was possible.
Alternatives to “so”
1) I got up early, and now I’m really tired
2) It’s sunny! That means we can go to the beach.
3) There was an accident and because of that I was late.
4) He shouted at me, which made me angry.
5) It rains all day and as a result, water came through the roof.
a web browser with easy to use interface and smooth
a web browser with intuitive and seamless interface
based on feelings rather than facts or proof:
an intuitive approach/judgment
Most people have an intuitive sense of right and wrong.
able to know or understand something because of feelings rather than facts or proof:
Good agents are certainly extroverted, but are grounded, rather than intuitive.
easy to use or learn without any special knowledge:
It has a stunning and intuitive user interface.
Despite the daunting scale of the rules, I found them quite intuitive and learnt them very quickly.
The preconception around eating insect are already sort of planted deep in society, so we already think before we’ve even tried them, they’re going to taste disgusting or gross
The preconception around eating insect are already sort of ingrained (to establish sth such as a belief so firmly that it is not likely to change) in society, so we already think before we’ve even tried them, they’re going to taste disgusting or gross
I’ll need tremedous effort to get the new proposals accepted
I’ll be an uphill struggle to get the new proposals accepted
I dont get confrontational when people react very emotionally
I dont get confrontational when people react very viscerally - having an emotional reaction rather than one based on fact or reason
Your book is truly catching my eyeball
I found your book absolutely entralling (keep someone’s interest and attention completely)
The play received extravagantly enthusiastic opinion and review.
The play received raves.
Critics raved about the new play.
the little boy draws irregular curve or twist all over the wall
the little boy draws squiggles all over the wall
informal ways to tell someone not to be lazy
1) Quit being so lazy.
2) Don’t waste the day.
3) Get off your backside.
4) Don’t be such a couch potato.
the complete and non editted version of “war and peace”
the unabridged version of “war and peace”
baffled
1) to cause someone to be completely unable to understand or explain sth
eg: she was completely baffled by his strange behaviour.
I m sure she feels the same way I do because we’re always in agreement with each other.
I m sure she feels the same way I do because we’re always in tune with each other.
Alternatives to say I dont understand
1) I didn’t catch that
2) I don’t follow
3) Could you run that by me again?
4) I don’t know what you mean
5) You’ve lost me
oversight
Because of a bank oversight, the money had not been credited to my account.
Gaffe
a remark or action that is a social mistake and not considered polite:
1) I made a real gaffe- I called his new wife “Judy”, which is the name of his ex wife.
2) You started eating before anyone else has been served ? What a gaffe!
He secretly tell my boss that I’d been making long distance call during work.
He snitched to my boss (secretedly tell someone in authority that someone else has done sth bad, often in order to cause trouble)that I’d been making long distance call during work.
She thought I’d snitched on her.
quaint
attractive because of being unusual and esp. old fashioned
eg: In spain, we visited a cobblestone plaza with quaint little cafes around its perimeter.
caught sight of sth or someone
to see sth only for a moment
eg: I caught sight of someone with red hair and knew it was you.
It is hard to digest so much information
You shouldn’t expect immigrants to blend into an alien culture immediately.
It is hard to assimilate so much information.
You shouldn’t expect immigrants to assimilate into an alien culture immediately.
The government has tried to relieve the public’s fear.
The government has tried to assuage the public’s fear.
We cut short the conversation when other people enter the room.
We curtail the conversation when other people enter the room.
he maintained a mixed attitude to religion throughout his life.
he maintained an ambivalent attitude to religion throughout his life.
I learn to soften my criticism
I learn to temper my criticism.
My enthusiasm for the venture was tempered (to make something less strong or extreme) by my knowledge of the hard work that would be involved.
To temper one’s expectation regarding the benefit of medication.
You must have unintentionally pressed the wrong button.
You must have inadvertently pressed the wrong button.
Glean
to collect information in small amounts and often with difficulty
eg: From what I was able to glean, the news isnt good.
They’re leaving on Tuesday - I managed to glean that much (from them).
In those days, a trip to West was an difficult and tiring journey.
In those days, a trip to West was an arduous journey. (needing a great deal of effort)
pejorative
expressing disapproving
eg: Make sure students realize that “fat” is a pejorative word.
It comes as quite a shock to still hear a judge describing a child as “illegitimate”, with all the pejorative overtones of that word.
the dispute was finally settled in a very peaceful manner.
The dispute was finally settled in a very amicable manner.
she receives a lot of doubt from her community.
she receives a lot of reservations from her community.
Slump over
To slouch, droop, or hunch forward or to one side.
You need to stop slouching over like that while you work at the computer, or you’ll give yourself major back pain down the line!
Everyone in the meeting had started to slouch over, their eyes glossing over out of sheer boredom.
Hoard
1) keep a large number of things that are not needed or have no value because you suffer from medical condition
eg: She hoarded dirty bottles, old newspapers, broken appliances, even plastic bags from cereal boxes.
collect large amounts of sth and keep it for youself.
eg: there would be enough food on a daily basis if people were not hoarding.
a convict still not captured yet
a convict still at large (not in confinement or captivity).
the escaped prisoners are still at large.
Taking all your clothes off can making me carefree
Taking all your clothes off can be a liberating experience (making you feel free and able to behave as you like).
He saw a girl he liked at a party but was too shy to approach her
He saw a girl he liked at a party but was too shy to make a move (to try to start a romantic relationship with someone).
alternative to sad
1) Jackie was miserable after Kim left town.
2) Ger was depressed after losing his job.
3) Jelly felt down in the dumps after spending her birthday alone.
4) Jelly often feels a little melancholy in winter.
5) Chaz got the blues after being ignored by classmates.
i like my tea with a small amount of milk.
i like my tea with a dash of milk.
I love chocolate
I’m hooked on chocolate.
I can’t get enough chocolate.
ways to ask for an opinion about your clothes
1) what do u think about this suit?
2) can I get away with this colour?
3) Does this jacket suit me?
4) What do you reckon to these jeans?
5) Do I look OK in this?
The fact that your application was not successful this time does not prevent the possibility of you applying again next time.
The fact that your application was not successful this time does not preclude (to prevent sth of make it impossible, or prevent someone from doing sth) the possibility of you applying again next time.
He has an mysterious ability to pick a winner.
He has an uncanny (strange or mysterious; difficult or impossible to explain) ability to pick a winner.
I m considering going abroad for a year.
I m contemplating going abroad for a year.
Her passion for basketball impressed me.
Her ardour for basketball impressed me.
A teenager in unkempt jeans and a baggy t shirt
a teenager in scruffy jeans and a baggy t shirt.
His employer has got used to seeing his face becoming scruffier each spring. (short, bristly hairs as a result of not having been shaving for a while).
Everything seems goes wrong today.
I’m having a bad hair day.
there is nothing like
- to describe sth exceptional or unique
eg: there is nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend.
eg: There is nothing like the taste of my mom’s cooking.
eg: There is nothing like a good meal with friends.
Eg: There is nothing like a cold drink on a hot day.
The robber bravely carried the stolen painting to the getaway car under broad day light.
the robber brazenly (in an obvious way, with no effort to hide sth) stolen painting to the getaway car.
I don’t know how you cn lie to me so brazenly.
They are brazenly defying the law.
We invited them to dinner and a week later they invite us as well.
We invited them to dinner and a week later they reciprocated (to share the same feeling as someone else, or to behave in the same way as someone else).
Hemingway loved stein and she reciprocated his love.
We gave them information, but they didn’t reciprocate.
antics
amusing, silly or strange behaviour
eg: The antics of the clowns amused the children.
He loves to tell the story of how he had played professional football when he was 19.
He was fond of recounting how he had played professional football when he was 19.
He recounted his adventures since he had left home.
She recounted some of her experiences working as a nurse in hospital emergency room.
You can decide on your own.
I leave the decision to your discretion (= for you to decide).
Student can be expelled at the discretion of the principal (the right or ability to do sth).
Can you trust him with this? “Yes, he’s the soul of discretion” (= he will not tell other people). Here, it means the ability to behave without causing embarrassement or attracting too much attention, especially by keeping information secret.
jolt
to cause sth or someone to move suddenly and violently
eg: the train stopped unexpectedly and we were jolted forward.
the truck jolted along the rough track through the field.
As a plane touched the ground, there was a massive jolt and we were thrown forward.
- to shock someone in order to change their behaviour or way of thinking
eg; the charity uses photo of starving children in an attempt to jolt the public conscience (to make people guilty and take action).
she squeezes the paper into ball and throws it in the bin.
She scrunched the letter up and threw into bin.
the cat was hiding, scrunching up under the sofa (to make sth or yourself smaller to fit into a small space).
He was red with anger and his face was all scrunched up (to make ur face or part of ur face a tight shape in order to show an emotion).
we’re always pleased to receive praise from our guests
we’re always pleased to receive accolade from our guests.
The hotel has won numerous accolades (an award or privilege granted as a special honour or as an acknoledgement of merit).
encompass
1) to include entirely or comprehensively
- this book encompasses the whole range of knowledge.
2) to include different types of things
- the festival is to encompass everything from music, theatre and ballet to literature, cinema and the visual arts.
the bank said it will buy the shares at the market price at that time.
the bank said it will buy the shares at the prevailing market price.
the chief executive said the poor figure resulted from the prevailing economic conditions.
I need a decision on the contract before off work.
Lets try and sell all the cakes before we close the shop.
After the game ends, our cricket team were in the lead.
I need a decision on the contract by close of play.
Lets try and sell all the cakes by close of play.
At close of play, our cricket team were in the lead.
a sticky cake
a gooey cake (thick and sticky of a substance)
5 alternatives to delicious
1) scrumptious
This cake is scrumptious!Can I have the recipe?
2) delectable
We were served some delectable cocktails.
3) super-tasty
Wow! This is some super-tasty cheese!
4) Yummy
I love my mum’s chocolate mousse. It’s absolutely yummy.
5) Nom
These noodles are totally nom. I’m going to have another bowl.
He did it of his own free will, without being forced to.
He did it of his own accord, without being forced to.
He tried to avoid the reporter’s question.
He tried to duck the reporter’s question.
ways to talk about dinner plans
1) Let’s have curry for a change
2) do you fancy a kebab?
3) shall we rustle up a stir-fry?
4) I havent had sushi for a while
5) How about pizza for tea?
well okay, perhaps I was a little hard on her, “ he admitted.
well okay, perhaps I was a little hard on her, “ he conceded. (to admit, often unwillingly, that sth is true).
if i rmb correctly, we actually meet before in Italy.
If my memory serves me correctly, we actually meet before in Italy.
in the pipeline
in progress or about to be started or implemented
eg: don’t worry, your raise is in the pipeline for next quarter.
I hear some big changes are in the pipeline.
laced something with something
- To mix some substance, typically alcohol or drugs of some kind, into another, especially without the knowledge of other people. Often used in passive constructions.
You’re going to lace the punch with booze? Do you know how childish and cliché that is?
When she woke up the next morning, her friend told her that her drink had been laced with kind of blackout drug, and they had all carried her home in a taxi to make sure she was safe.
- To adulterate something, such as the truth, with something unnecessary or corrupting. Often used in passive constructions.
The state-sponsored news network always laces stories with pro-government propaganda.
I know you have this idea in your head about what happened, but remember that our memories are laced with all kinds of mistakes and fabrications.
5 alternatives to correct
1) true
- what you have said is true, that is what happened.
2) right
- hw many questions did you get right?
3) accurate
- your calculations are accurate, as is your answer.
4) spot on
- that answer is spot on.
5) bang on
- her guess was absolutely bang on.
acumen
the ability to make correct judgement
Mr Estavez has real business acumen.
5 alternatives for expensive
1) dear
- its a nice coffee. But at 5 pound a cup, its a little dear.
2) pricey
3) costly
4) exorbitant
- its a nice hotel but its prices are exorbitant.
5) extortionate
- 1000 pound! wow, my phone bill is extortionate.
her latest novel is really good
her latest novel is a real page-turner.
the good review attracts me to see the movie.
the good review enticed me to see the movie.
he fell down and sustain abrasion wound over his knee.
he fell down and grazed his knee (break the surface of skin by rubbing against sth rough).
our holiday plans were put on hold by the airline pilots’ strike.
our holiday plans were thwarted by the airline pilots’ strike. (to sth from happening or stop someone from doing sth)
the witness had confirmed the boy’s account of the attack.
the witness had corroborated the boy’s account of the attack.
Do you know Daphne?
no, I’m afraid we dont kw each other.
Do you know Daphne?
No, I m afraid we’re not acquainted.
I am not personally acquianted with the gentleman in question.
We got acquainted when they gave us a ride home last night.
- be acquianted with sth
to know or be familiar with aomething, because you have studied it or have experienced it before:
Police said the thieves were obviously well acquianted with the alarm system at the department store.
I hope my teacher will consider that i was ill just before the exams when she marks my paper.
I hope my teacher will take into account the fact that I was ill just before the exams when she marks my paper.
A good architect takes into account the building’s surroundings. (to consider or rmb sth when judging a situation).
chunky
used to describe clothes that are thick and heavy, or jewellery made of large pieces:
a chunky sweater
a chunky necklace
a person who is chunky is strong and built solidly
She’s a chunky woman with a powerful personality.
adage
a wise saying or proverb:
He remembered the old adage, “Look before you leap.”
a glass of wine in the evening helps me to relax after work.
a glass of wine in the evening helps me to unwind after work.
(to relax and allow your mind to be free from worry after a period of work or some other activity that has made you worried)
5 ways to say “party”
1) bash
i m having a birthday bash on friday. Come along.
2) get-together
we are having a get-together after work if you want to join.
3) shindig
that was a great shindig. i had so much fun.
4) do
we had a small do for Lana’s birthday.
5) soiree
my boss invited me to a soirée this weekend.
5 alternatives to old
1) ancient
- there is an ancient monument just off the main road
2) aged
- my aged parents will be staying with me over the summer.
3) antiquated
- I’m not sure this antiquated equipment will work well enough for this job.
4) getting on a bit
- My dog’s getting on a bit, but he still loves his morning walks!
5) mature
- this dress style suits the mature lady.
a tasteless or plain cooking
a bland cooking
the food is tantalizingly delicious
the food looked mouthwatering, but also tasted really good that I was immediately sold on the place.
9 phrases about time
1) do time
- spend time in prison
eg: Martha did time for fraud a few years ago.
2) take time out
- have a break
eg: you look tired! Why not take some time out?
3) in no time
- very quickly
eg: don’t walk - take a taxi and you’ll be there in no time.
4) a devil of a time
- a lot of difficulty
eg: I had a devil of a time getting that old laptop to work.
5) in good time
- with no risk of being late
eg: if you leave now you’ll arrive in good time for the start of the show.
6) time will tell
- you will learn the truth or result in the future
eg: the relationship has started well, but will it last? Time will tell.
7) bide your time
- wait for the right moment to do sth
eg: I don’t like this job. I’m just biding my time until I find a better one.
what to say when you are ill
1) I’m laid up with a flu
2) I’ve come down with a cold
3) I’m not feeling my best
4) I’m a little under the weather
5) I feel like death warmed up
He did it at his wife’s order.
He did it at his wife’s behest.
a rich lifestyle
an opulent lifestyle
veritable
used to describe something as another, more exciting, interesting, or unusual thing, as a way of emphasizing its character:
My garden had become a veritable jungle by the time I came back from holiday.
The normally sober menswear department is set to become a veritable kaleidoscope of colour this season.
5 ways to say “very small”
1) tiny
although Jamal made a tiny mistake, he still got full mark.
2) diminutive
the dimunitive singer captivated the audience with her big voice.
3) minuscule
the house is minuscule, I cant live here.
4) wee
I might be a wee bit late. Please, wait for me.
5) mini
pay respect
I came here to pay my respects to the widow. I’m sorry for your loss.
5 alternatives to very sad
1) gutted
I was gutted that I couldnt come to your wedding.
2) devastated
I’ve got to get a new goldfish today - the kids would be devastated if they knew the old one had died.
3) desolate
Candy is desolate following her divorce.
4) inconsolable
Kee failed all his exam - he’s inconsolable.
5) a broken (wo)man
Hiro lost his job after 20 years and now he’s a broken man.
delved
search, rummage
eg: he delved into his rucksack and pulled out a folder.
she delved into her mother’s past.
to discuss or explain sth in detail
eg: The article delves into the problems facing the banking system.
mind-boggling
- Extremely hard to understand; very confusing.
Susan hasn’t seen her son in 15 years. It is just mind-boggling to me how anyone could cut their mother out of their life like that.
I don’t think I’m cut out for advanced calculus. These equations are mind-boggling to look at. - Staggering; surprising.
Hollywood now churns out huge blockbuster movies at a mind-boggling pace.
The camera on this fancy new smartphone is mind-boggling. I mean, look at all the detail on that flower petal!
the girls were deceived by drug smugglers into carrying heroin for them.
to deceive someone, usually by making that person do something that they did not intend to do:
The girls were duped by drug smugglers into carrying heroin for them.
append
to add sth to a document
eg; a confidentiality agreement was appended to the contract agreement.
to add sth to the end of a piece of writing
eg: several footnotes were appended to the text.
the author appends a short footnote to the text explaining the point.
5 ways to say u r hungry
1) famished
I’m famished. I havent eat whole day.
2) ravenous
Gemma is ravenous.
3) could eat a horse
After a tough workout, I could eat a horse.
4) peckish
Deayne always feel peckish in the afternoon.
5) starving.
My cat is always starving. he eats everything he can find.
after all that exercise, I was thirsty.
after all that exercise, I was parched.
I need my caffeine fix!
of your own accord
1) If you do something of your own accord, you do it without being asked to do it:
She came of her own accord. No one asked her to come.
All the demonstrators took part of their own accord.
Did you sign the contract of your own accord?
2) to treat someone specially, usually by showing respect:
[ + two objects ]
The massed crowds of supporters accorded him a hero’s welcome.
Certainly in our society teachers don’t enjoy the respect that is accorded to doctors and lawyers.
covet
to want to have something very much, especially something that belongs to someone else:
eg:
She always coveted power but never quite achieved it.
The Booker Prize is the most coveted British literary award.
on time vs in time
on time:
according to a schedule or deadline
eg: If i’dont finish my work on time, my boss will be angry.
My train is never on time.
in time:
not too late to be successful
eg; I missed my deadline, but I still got my presentation finished in time for the meeting.
my train was late but it still arrived in time for me to get to work early.
I didn’t get home on time but I was still in time to make dinner for everyone.
is there any possibility of weather improving?
Is there any prospect of the weather improving? (the possibility that sth good might happen in the future)
There seems little prospect of an end to the dispute.
[ + that ] There’s not much prospect that this war will be over soon.
There’s every prospect of success.
2) the possibility of being successful, especially at work:
She’s hoping the course will improve her career prospects.
Prospects of/for (= opportunities for) employment remain bleak for most people in the area.
3) the idea of something that will or might happen in the future:
The prospect of spending three whole days with her fills me with horror.
I’m very excited at the prospect of seeing her again.
We face the prospect of having to start all over again.
front of mind/ top of mind
if a brand or company is front of mind, it is the first one ppl think of when they are considering buying something:
We need advertising that will keep the brand front of mind and help reinforce brand values.
considered very important and usually thought of first by people:
Food safety issues affect everyone and are becoming increasingly front of mind with consumers today.
He was overweight and out of shape, and he got SOB easily after done some exercise.
He was overweight and out of shape, and he got winded easily (difficulty in breathing, usually because you have just done some physical activity that causes you to breathe too quickly)
Mark is so unfit- he got winded just from walking up a flight of stairs.
solicit donation
- To seek to obtain by persuasion, entreaty, or formal application: a candidate who solicited votes among the factory workers.
- To petition persistently; importune: solicited the neighbors for donations.
vocabulary for leaving work
1) stand down- leave a position of responsibility voluntarily
eg: Jack decided to stand down from his leadership job. I will be standing down as chief accountant in July.
2) hand in your notice
- officially tell your employer that you are going to leave soon.
eg: I’ve handed in my notice. I’ll be leaving in six weeks.
You can hand in your notice by email or letter.
come on, see if you can persuade her to dance for us- I hear she’s a trained ballroom dancer.
come on, see if you can coax her to dance for us- I hear she’s a trained ballroom dancer.
the kids coaxed her to let them swimming (to urge someone to do sth)
I began to ponder about the possibility of starting my own business.
I began to muse about the possibility of starting my own business.
I couldn’t understand his writing.
I couldn’t decipher (to make out the meaning of sth obscure or difficult to read or understand) his handwriting.
5 ways to say decreasing quickly
1) plummet
Temperatures are plummeting. It’s cold.
2) plunge
House prices are plunging.
3) slump
Lockdown caused sales to slump.
4) take a nosedive
Our company’s profits took a nosedive.
5) tumble
Smartphone prices have been tumbling.
the building was destroyed by fire
the building was gutted by fire.
hand
1) have a hand in
- be involved in
eg: I’d like to thank everyone who had a hand in this project.
2) get out of hand
- become uncontrolled
eg: the police were called to stop the protesters from getting out of hand
3) a firm hand
- strict control
eg: I run my business with a firm hand. That’s why I m successful.
4) could you lend a hand with the cleaning please? I can’t manage it alone.
5) take in hand
- take control of
eg: My son’s been skipping school and staying out late. I’m going to have to take him in hand.
6) sorry the service is a little bit slow today. We’re short handed.
7) Ladies and gentleman, please give a big hand to this evening star performer.
two-way street
A situation in which both sides must put forth an equal amount of effort to achieve a desired result.
Respect is a two-way street—you have to give it if you expect to receive it.
leg
1) a leg up
- an advantage
eg: A master’s degree will definitely give you a leg up in this industry.
2) on your last legs
- exhausted; close to death
eg: thank goodness the race is nearly over! I’ve been running for hours and I’m on my last legs.
5 alternatives to “avoid”
1) duck out of
- sorry everyone, but I’m going to have to duck out of this afternoon’s meeting. I have to leave early today.
2) steer clear of
- Jan saw her ex on the high street, but she managed to steer clear of him.
3) dodge
- the politician keeps dodging the question. It’s very difficult to get a straight answer from her.
4) give (sth) a miss
- thanks for the party invite, but I’ll be on holiday then so I’ll have to give it a miss.
5) circumvent
- the thieves circumvented the alarm system.
discard the whole marketing plan
jettison the whole marketing plan
she saw the look on Nick’s face but had no idea of what it meant.
she saw the look on Nick’s face but had no inkling ( a slight idea that sth is true or likely to happen, although it is nt certain) of what it meant.
He must have had some inkling of what was happening.
I didn’t have the slightest inkling that she was unhappy.
how to describe hot weather
1) the air was stifling in the closed room (very hot or stuffy).
2) It’s sweltering
3) It’s absolutely roasting out there.
4) It’s ridiculously hot
5) It’s like a furnace
6) It’s a scorcher
my parents often have arguments, but my dad does most of the shouting.
my parents often have rows, but my dad does most of the shouting.
I cant concentrate because of the row (loud noise) the builders are making.
have you two had a lovers’ tiff? (a slight argument)
we had a little tiff over whose turn it was to walk the dog.
It’s almost impossible to keep up to date of all the latest developments in computing.
It’s almost impossible to keep abreast of all the latest developments in computing.
I hate camping, but I’ll join you this time, just to please you
I hate camping, but I’ll join you this time, just to humour you.
5 alternatives to “party”
1) bash
I’ll be having a big bash for my 21st birthday. I’ll make sure you are invited.
2) do
The boss’s leaving do will be held in the main boardroom.
3) get-together
we have a big family get-together every yr.
4) celebration
Our wedding ceremony didnt cost a lot, but everybody said they had a lovely time.
5) festivities
We’re going to have a big party to celebrate graduation. You’ll be most welcome to join in with the festivites.
alternatives to difficult
1) problematic
2) onerous
the system is very onerous and takes a long time to learn.
3) complicated
this surgery is complicated. Very few surgeons have the necessary experience to do it.
4) painful
most people say the application process is long and painful.
5) challenging
the company reached a dead alley in negotiations
the company reached an impasse in negotiations.
the operator answered the phone with an indifferent greeting.
the operator answered the phone with a perfunctory greeting.
A long-distance romance followed with massive phone bills.
A long-distance romance followed with hefty phone bills.
Hefty annual fee
it is necessary that we leave.
it is imperative that we leave. (absolutely necessary or required).
Arranging childcare over the school holiday can be a real brain teaser for working parents.
Arranging childcare over the school holiday can be a real conundrum for working parents.
someone discloses their plans to their competitors
someone divulged their plans to their competitors.
He did not divulge details of his plan. (to make sth secret known).
hone
1) to direct something such as an ability to make it more effective:
He helps performers hone their skills as dancers and singers.
2) to make something perfect or completely suitable for its purpose:
His physique was honed to perfection.
Her debating skills were honed in the students’ union.
The tv network claimed that this was the beginning of “a new protocol for commercial televison”.
The tv network claimed that this was the beginning of “a new paradigm for commercial televison”.
His account of the effects of globalization does not fit into either of the economic paradigms that are dominant today (a set of theories that explain the way a particular subject is understood at a particular time).
My cars is always breaking down. It really irritates me that they can’t fix it.
My car is always breaking down. It really bugs me that they can’t fix it.
My friend is bugging me about going to the cinema, but I don’t want to go.
I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bug you by asking you again, but I forgot if you wanted tea or coffee.
a persistent reporter was bugging me.
entrenched idea
entrenched ideas are so fixed or have existed for so long that they cannot be changed:
It’s very difficult to change attitudes that have become so deeply entrenched over the years.
The organization was often criticised for being too entrenched in its view.
you could well place us both in danger.
you could well place us both in peril.
the journey through the mountains was fraught with peril.
You’re always finding fault on me - it’s so annoying!
you’re always nitpicking - it’s so annoying! (to find fault in details that are not important)
I just need an entertaining read for the beach- nothing too difficult.
I just need an entertaining read for the beach-nothing too taxing (difficult or needing a lot of thought or effort).
It costs a whooping £50,000 per week to keep the museum open for public.
It costs a staggering £50,000 per week to keep the museum open for public (very shocking and surprising).
I have been thinking hard all day but I cant rmb her name
I have been racking my brains all day but I cant rmb her name.
sprawled
He was sprawled out on the floor.
Their favourite napping positions are lying flat on their backs with their legs sprawled out.
It deserves praise that the author draws on qualitative and quantitative measures throughout these chapters.
It is commendable that the author draws on qualitative and quantitative measures throughout these chapters.
He had held a secret meeting of military personnel.
He had convened a secret meeting of military personnel.
the government will implement new measures to combat terrorism.
to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin:
The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism.
The standard of the students’ work is very bad.
the standard of the students’ work is abysmal.
An elderly man from Hull has surprised doctors by recovering after he was officially declared dead.
An elderly man from Hull has confounded doctors by recovering after he was officially declared dead.
The singer confounded her critics with a remarkable follow-up album (to confuse and very much surprise someone, so that they are unable to explain or deal with a situation).
She likes to confound others’ expectations about her. (to confuse someone by being difficult to explain or deal with).
They need to do something to strengthen their image.
They need to do somethjng to bolster their image.
More money is needed to bolster the industry.
She tried to bolster my confidence/morale by telling me that I had a special talent.
an fair tax system
an equitable tax system (treating everyone fairly and in the same way)
her voice was utterly attractive
her voice was utterly captivating.
it is a visually captivating and unusual film.
Plan B
Contingency plan : a plan devised for an outcome other than in the usual (expected) plan.
the consequences of her comments could be serious.
the repercussions of her comments could be serious.
Any decrease in tourism could have serious repercussions for the local economy.
I m going to tidy up before my family comes to visit.
to remove things you do not need from a place, in order to make it more pleasant and more useful:
I’m going to declutter before my family comes to visit.
Declutter your kitchen worktops to give yourself more space to cook.
enthralling
1) keeping someone’s interest and attention completely:
I found your book absolutely enthralling!
Quigley hit me hard smartly across the side of the head.
to hit someone or something with the hand or with a heavy object:
Quigley clouted me smartly across the side of the head.
power and influence over other people or events:
The Queen may have privilege but she has no real political clout
5 alternatives to “try”
1) attempt
Marco will attempt to significantly improve his test scores this yr.
2) have a bash at
I m not paying £40 for a child’s hair cut. I’ll have a bash at it myself.
3) endeavour
We endeavoured to finish as quickly as possible.
4) give (sth) a go
I’ve never skiing but I’d like to give it a go.
5) Have a crack at
can I have a crack at finishing the crossword?
demeanor
a way of looking and behaving:
There was nothing in his demeanor that suggested he was anxious.
She has the demeanor of a woman who is contented with her life.
The boss has a calm, reassuring demeanor.
She found no guilty of all the charges against her.
to decide officially in a law court that someone is not guilty of a particular crime:
She was acquitted of all the charges against her.
Five months ago he was acquitted on a shoplifting charge.
2) to do better than expected in a difficult situation:
I thought that he acquitted himself admirably in today’s meeting.
If Holmes acquits herself well in today’s race, she may earn a place in the national team.
The three starting forwards acquitted themselves quite well in last night’s game.
3) to cause yourself to perform or behave in the stated way:
She acquitted herself well, finishing second.
spanking
1) (used with some adjectives) very, completely:
a spanking new suit
spanking white sheets
2) the act of hitting someone with the hand, usually several times on the bottom as a punishment or for sexual pleasure:
He needs a good spanking.
3) very quick:
They raced by at a spanking pace.
She managed to gather the courage to ask him to the cinema.
to produce or encourage something such as an emotion or support:
She managed to muster the courage to ask him to the cinema.
The team will need all the strength they can muster to win this game.
Opponents are unlikely to be able to muster enough votes to override the veto.
His colleagues allienated him after he criticised the company in public.
to avoid someone intentionally, or to prevent someone from taking part in the activities of a group:
His colleagues ostracized him after he criticized the company in public.
Roberts collect and compare the data on which the study was based.
Roberts collated the data on which the study was based.
Try to collate these figures with that other list. I can’t collate these notations with the spreadsheet they go with.
I want detailed financial analysis of the options.
I want rigorous financial analysis of the options.
The selection process is extremely rigorous.
During the war, the government examined all news reports before they were published.
During the war, the government vetted all the news reports before they were published.
The bank carefully vets everyone who applies for an account (to examine sth or someone carefully to make certain that they are acceptable or suitable).
There is no service charge and you decide to whether tipping or not
There is no service charge and tipping is at your discretion./ left to your discretion.
In business, the practical approach to problems is often more successful than an idealistic one.
In business, the pragmatic approach to problems is often more successful than an idealistic one.
He made a pragmatic decision to settle the lawsuit because in the end it would cost more to try it in court.( based on practical judgments rather than principles)
He was eating a bar of chocolate in big mouth.
he was chomping away on a bar of chocolate.
There she sat, happily chomping her breakfast.
Lo and behold
A phrase used to indicate something surprising or unexpected.
I’d been searching for my glasses all over the house when, lo and behold, they were on my head the whole time.
a custom made suit
a bespoke suit (specially made for a particular person, organization or purpose)
It is hard to get away from drug addiction.
Its hard to escape the cycle of drug addiction.
they escaped the cycle of poverty through education. (get away from a situation which keep getting worse).
They put a limit on the number of people who can apply.
They put a cap on the number of people who can apply.
gist
the main subject, without details, of a piece of information:
The gist of what she said was that I didn’t know what I was talking about.
we will do all we can to speed up the procedure.
we will do all we can to expetide the procedure.
At some point we’ve got to discuss money but I don’t know how to begin the discussion of such difficult subject with him.
At some point we’ve got to discuss money but I don’t know how to broach the subject with him.
lowball
1) at a level that is unfairly low:
lowball bid/offer/price
The board issued a statement to make it clear that they would not consider any lowball offers.
to calculate something at a price or level that is unfairly low :
The campaign accused insurance companies of using computer programs designed to lowball claims and increase company profits.
should I add an explaination, or would that be too much?
much more of something than is needed, resulting in less effectiveness:
Should I add an explanation, or would that be overkill?
We’ll have to go away and cost this carefully, but as a estimate figure I’d say that it’ll be about two million dollars.
A ballpark estimate or figure is a number that is a guess, but one that you believe is near the correct number:
We’ll have to go away and cost this carefully, but as a ballpark figure I’d say that it’ll be about two million dollars.
savant
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill, especially someone who is less able in other ways:
There are musical savants who are very awkward physically - until they sit at the piano.
the meeting is so boring. Time passed so slow.
the meeting is so boring. time is dragging.
acumen
skill in making correct decisions and judgments in a particular subject, such as business or politics:
She has considerable business/financial acumen.
The police have only founf a weak connection between the two robberies.
The police have only found a tenuous connection between the two robberies.
exemplify
to be or give a typical example of something:
This painting perfectly exemplifies the naturalistic style which was so popular at the time.
keep someone company
. To spend time with one for the sake of companionship, or in order to keep them from being lonely. In this usage, a noun or pronoun appears between “keep” and “company.”
Can you keep me company for a while? I’ve felt so cooped up without anyone to talk to.
At the very least, Trish will have her dog to keep her company on the trip.
- To associate (with).
The people you keep company with reflect greatly on your character. - dated To court someone.
Lord Nelson has been keeping company with a commoner, and the village is astir.
revarberate
If a loud, deep sound reverberates, it continues to be heard around an area, so that the area seems to shake:
The narrow street reverberated with/to the sound of the workmen’s drills.
If an event or idea reverberates somewhere, it has an effect on everyone or everything in a place or group:
News of the disaster reverberated around the organization.
The surge in US share prices reverberated across the globe.
She thinks for weeks about whether to tell him or not.
to think carefully and for a long period about something:
She ruminated for weeks about whether to tell him or not.
accost
to go up to or stop and speak to someone in a threatening way:
I’m usually accosted by beggars and drunks as I walk to the station.
how scammers use malicious apps to steal banking proof
the scammer phones the victim and pretends as a law enforcement agency or an officer.
Turn off bluetooth when not in use. These can be potential windows for scammers to hijack transactions or install spyware or other malware on your devices.
how scammers use malicious apps to steal banking credentials
the scammer phones the victim and impersonates as a law enforcement agency or an officer.
Turn off bluetooth when not in use. These can be potential windows for scammers to intercept transactions or install spyware or other malware on your devices.
folklore
the traditional stories and culture of a group of people:
Her books are often based on folklore and fairy-tales.
In Irish folklore, the leprechaun had a large piece of gold.
Arguments between directors and stars are part of the folklore of Hollywood.
She might be more acceptance to the idea if you explained how much money it would save.
willing to accept or be influenced by a suggestion:
She might be more amenable to the idea if you explained how much money it would save.
Do you think the new manager will prove more amenable to our proposals?
He was amenable to suggestion, and really worked hard to improve himself.
glisten
to shine by reflecting light from a wet or smooth surface:
The grass glistened in the early-morning dew.
His eyes glistened with tears.
what have you been up to?
How have you been occupying your time lately? Has anything new been going on in your life? Used as part of a greeting when one hasn’t seen someone in a long time.
A: “Hey, Martin, long time no see! What have you been up to?” B: “Oh, not much. Still working at FlemTek. How about you?”
she finally stopped crying and become calm.
to make yourself calm again after being angry or upset:
She finally stopped crying and composed herself.
I was overcome emotionally and it took me some time to compose myself.
Although the players composed themselves, there was no disguising their disappointment at the loss.
After composing himself, Watson spoke to the crowd.
Take a moment to compose yourself, then answer the questions truthfully.
compose your features/thought:
to try to make yourself look or feel calm after being angry or upset:
I tried to compose my features into a smile.
He took a minute or two to compose his thoughts before he replied.
Give yourself a second or two to compose your thoughts before you answer.
When I saw the present, I managed to compose my features and thank her.
We watched as Collins struggled to compose his features.
The family made secret enquiries about his background.
careful not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping sth secret:
the family make discreet enquiries about his background.
they are very good assistants, very discreet-they wouldnt go talking to the press.
she hung the laundry on a line in a discreet corner of the yard.
some of nelle’s acquaintances discreetly suggested she get a divorce.
I gave her very clear and exact directions how to get there.
I gave her very explicit directions how to get there.
She was very explicit about what she thought was wrong with the plans.
I wasnt aware that I would be paying-you certainly didnt make it explicit (state it clearly).
a sexually explicit movie
adamant
impossible to persuade, or unwilling to change an opinion or decision:
[ + that ] I’ve told her she should stay at home and rest but she’s adamant that she’s coming.
The mayor adamantly refused to consider a tax increase.
She was adamant about becoming a dancer.
to use this offer, please click here.
to make use of something:
Over a thousand learners have already availed the opportunity to study at our college.
To avail this offer, please click her.
to help or be useful to someone or something:
Our efforts availed us nothing (= did not help).
use, purpose, advantage, or profit:
We tried to persuade her not to resign, but to no avail (= did not succeed).
My attempts to improve the situation were of little/no avail.
It’s bad when phones’ audio is muffled disturbing conversations.
to make words or messages unclear and difficult to understand:
It’s bad when phones garble conversations.
Alice, if you keep complaining I wont take you.
If you whine, especially as a child, you complain or express disappointment or unhappiness repeatedly:
Alice, if you keep whining I won’t take you - do you understand?
to make a long, high, sad sound:
Leon’s dog was sitting by the door whining, so I thought I’d better take it for a walk.
an unpleasant high sound or voice:
the whine of a circular saw
She delivered the speech in a high-pitched nasal whine.
through to sth
to achieve success in an exam, competition, etc. and progress to the next stage or a higher level:
She’s through to the next round of interviews.
UK “Has she heard about her entrance exams yet?” “Yes, she’s through.”
having finished using or doing something:
I’ve got some work to do but I should be through in an hour if you can wait.
Are you through with that atlas?
the company has reached an dead alley in negotiations
the company has reached an impasse in negotiations
He was completedly shocked when he won the award.
He was completely gobsmacked (so surprised that you cannot speak) when he won the award.
cross my heart and hope to die
vow that one is being truthful.
Billy’s the one who broke the cookie jar—cross my heart and hope to die!
A: “Did you take that money?” B: “No, cross my heart!”
smitten
having suddenly started to like or love something or someone very much:
The story’s about a man smitten with love for his wife’s cousin.
He was so smitten by her that he promised to move to Argentina to be near her.
strongly influenced by someone or feeling the effects of something:
He’s clearly smitten with publicity.
Howard was smitten by her beauty.
I thought we would win, but I didn’t say so- I didn’t want to curse it.
to cause a person or group to experience bad luck:
I thought we would win, but I didn’t say so – I didn’t want to jinx it.
bad luck, or a person or thing that is believed to bring bad luck:
There’s a jinx on this computer – it’s crashed three times this morning!
reinstate
to give someone back their previous job or position, or to cause something to exist again:
A month after being unfairly dismissed, he was reinstated in his job.
The Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.
to put someone back in a job or position previously held, or to put a law or rule back into effect:
She will be reinstated to her full professorship and receive back pay and benefits.
The hospital suspended Goldstein during the investigation but reinstated him when the report cleared him of any wrongdoing.
entrapment
the act of causing someone to do something they would not usually do by tricking them:
The police have been accused of using entrapment to bring charges against suspects.
riddle
to make a lot of holes in something:
The anti-aircraft guns riddled the plane’s wings with bullets.
something that is confusing, or a problem that is difficult to solve:
Scientists may have solved the riddle of Saturn’s rings.
a type of question that describes something in a difficult and confusing way and has a clever or funny answer, often asked as a game
a question that has a surprising or amusing answer, or something that is a mystery or is hard to explain:
Scholars have not completely solved the riddle of the sphinx.
scramble
to move or climb quickly but with difficulty, often using your hands to help you:
She scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks.
He scrambled into his clothes (= put them on quickly) and raced to get help.
As the burning plane landed, the terrified passengers scrambled for the door (= tried to reach the door quickly).
to compete with other people for something there is very little of:
[ + to infinitive ] People are scrambling to buy property before prices rise even further.
to put things such as words or letters in the wrong order so that they do not make sense:
He had a habit of scrambling his words when excited.
[ T ]
to mix food as it is being fried, especially eggs or tofu (= a soft, pale food that has very little flavour but is high in protein, made from the seed of the soya plant):
I’m sure this dish would be just as delicious if you scrambled the eggs first.
You can use any kind of tofu when scrambling it.
buzz
to move around quickly or with a lot of energy:
Reporters were buzzing around, trying to get the full story.
From here you can see cars buzzing along the motorway.
(of a place) to be full of people or activity:
The airport is buzzing as Christmas nears.
At this time on a Saturday, the restaurant is buzzing with customers.
The whole town buzzed with rumours.
of a person or their mind) to be thinking about many different things at the same time:
I had so many questions - my head was buzzing.
My mind was buzzing and I just couldn’t get to sleep.
Karina’s on great form. She’s buzzing with new ideas and projects.
His mind buzzed with all the possibilities that lay before him.
to talk in an excited way about something:
Everyone was buzzing about how cool this place was.
Political bloggers buzzed over this unexpected turn of events.
Her latest movie has got everyone buzzing.
She gets a real buzz from finding a bargain.
Even as an adult, I still get a buzz out of building sandcastles at the beach.
She really gets a buzz out of doing wheelies on her motorcycle in front of an audience.
I get a buzz out of Janene—she’s really hilarious.
clinch
to succeed in making an agreement certain, esp. after a long period of discussion:
- the deal was clinched when they agreed to share the shipping costs.
clinch it= to make someone decide what to do after a lot of thought or discussion:
- When they said the job would involve travelling to Paris, that clinched it for her (that made her certain that she wanted the job).
to finally get or win something
- I hear he finally clinched the deal to buy the land he wanted.
the team showed its determination in the final round
the team showed its mettle in the final round.
the real test of her political mettle came in the May elections (ability and determination when competing or doing sth difficult).
both players were on their mettle in the final around (ready to do sth as well as you can in a difficult situation).
cooking for such important people really puts you on your mettle.
the economic downturn caught many investors off guard.
the economic downturn blindsideed many investors.
to surprise someone, usually with harmful results:
The recession blindsided a lot of lawyers who had previously taken for granted their comfortable income.
slam
She slammed the book on the table.
The wind made the door/window slam (shut).
Close the door carefully, don’t slam it.
He slammed the brakes on (= used them quickly and with force) when a child ran in front of his car.
I had to stop suddenly, and the car behind me slammed into the back of me.
the good review attracted me to see the movie.
To attract (someone), usually to do something, by arousing hope, interest, or desire:
The good review enticed me to see the movie.
That’s an interesting ide, but I’ll have to think about it.
to think about something; to ponder or worry about something.
That’s an interesting idea, but I’ll have to mull it over.
I’ll mull over your suggestions and reply to you next week.
I need some time to mull over the options before I pick one.
It’s always need to be careful when read a contract before signing it.
It’s always prudent to read a contract carefully before signing it.
advent
the fact of an event happening, an invention being made, or a person arriving:
Life was transformed by the advent of the steam engine.
that comment could be understanded in either of two ways.
that comment could be construed (to understand the meaning of sth in a particular way) in either of two ways.
overarching
most important, because of including or affecting all areas:
the overarching theme of the election campaign was tax cuts.
finesse
great skill or style:
It was a disappointing performance that lacked finesse.
to deal with a situation or a person in a skilful and often slightly dishonest way:
She finessed the interview by playing down her lack of experience and talking about her long-standing interest in the field.
to improve something so it is the best it can possibly be:
After they’d finessed the software, they followed the people using it for several months.
inculcate
to fix beliefs or ideada in someone’s mind, especially by repeating them often
our couch has worked hard to inculcate a team spirit in/into the players.
本能
instinctual:
happening naturally, as a result of instinct, rather than being thought about, planned, or developed by training:
those who struggle to control their instinctual passions
he says his decisions that day were instinctual.
the high drop out rate on the degree programs are a cause for concern.
the high attrition rates (the people who leave an educational or training course before it has finished) on the degree programs are a cause for concern.
Any decrease in tourism could have serious consequences for the local economy.
Any decrease in tourism could have serious repercussions (the effect that an action, event or decision has on sth, especially a bad effect) for the local economy.
adulterated
adulterated food or drugs have been made weaker or worse in quality, especially by having sth added to them:
there has been a government crackdown on adulterated animal feed.
the company was accused of distributing adulterated food.
Do you afraid of compiling, sorting and uploading your receipts every month?
Do you dread compiling, sorting and uploading your receipts every month?
pittance
a very small amount of money, esp money received as payment, income, or a present:
he works hard but he’s paid a pittance.
he couldnt live on the pittance his mother sent him.
expetite
to make something happen more quickly:
Something needs to be done to expedite the process.
to cause something to be done more quickly:
We’re trying to expedite the process of reviewing applications.
You pay more for expedited delivery.
assert
to state an opinion or claim a right forcefully:
[ + that clause ] The companies have asserted that everything they did was appropriate.
If you assert yourself, you act forcefully in a way that expresses your confidence:
You have to learn to speak up and assert yourself at meetings, or you’ll never get anywhere.
to say that something is certainly true:
[ + that ] He asserts that she stole money from him.
to behave in a way that expresses your confidence, importance, or power and earns you respect from others:
I really must assert myself more in meetings.
Don’t be afraid to assert yourself and make your views clear.
Refusing to help with the housework was his way of asserting himself.
Things began to change when women asserted themselves politically.
Boarding school was a tough environment, and she quickly learned to assert herself.
they denounced the investigations as an unnecessary interference with their business.
they denounced the investigations as an unwarranted interference with their business.
people need to be protected against such unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by journalists.
rough voice
If a person or their voice is croaky, their voice sounds rough because they have a sore or dry throat:
He called into work with a croaky voice, saying he was ill.
I’m feeling much better now but I’m still croaky.
impetus
a force that encourages a particular action or makes it more energetic or effective:
Often the impetus for change in education has had to come from outside the school establishment.
The recent publicity surrounding the homelessness has given a fresh impetus to the cause.
be non-judmental and non-partisan
Ernest Tutherford expressed that his work on radioactive substances would be of little or no practical use
Ernest Tutherford opined that (to express an opinion) that his work on radioactive substances would be of little or no practical use.
contemporaneous
happening or existing at the same period of time.
The two events were more or less contemporaneous, with only months between them.
shroud
1) a layer of something that covers or surrounds something
- everything was covered in a thick shroud of dust.
2) a situation that prevents something from being known or understood
- the truth about the accident remains hidden beneath a shroud of secrecy.
3) to hide sth by covering or surrounding it:
- visitors have complained about the scaffolding that shrouds half the castle.
- suddenly all the lights went out and the house was shrouded in darkness.
- the mist shrouding the valley had lifted by eight o’clock.
he regarded Jane’s short temper to her upset stomach
he ascribed Jane’s short temper to her upset stomach.
juicy
used to describe information that is especially interesting because it is shocking or personal:
I’ve got some really juicy gossip for you.
big, important, or of a high quality:
If sales continue like this, we should be showing a nice juicy profit at the end of the year.
We’re now starting to see the bad side of the government’s economic policy.
the opposite, less good, or less popular side of something:
We’re now starting to see the flip side of the government’s economic policy.
inside scoop
The newest information on someone or something, especially when it is only known by a small number of people.
What’s the inside scoop on the acquisition? How worried should I be about layoffs?
If you’re worried about Betsy but don’t want to go to her directly, why don’t you talk to Kristina? She’s her best friend—I bet she has an inside scoop.
euphemistically
in a way that avoids saying an unpleasant or offensive word by using a different word or phrase:
the foreign fighters are euphemistically called “guests”.
he euphemistically referred to the situation as “challenging”.
the most important issue of the country’s exonomic problems is its foreign debt.
the most important or serious part of a matter, problem, or argument:
The crux of the country’s economic problems is its foreign debt.
The issue of an arms embargo will be at the crux of the negotiations in Geneva.
such a large investment inevitably involves some risk.
to make something necessary, or to involve something:
Such a large investment inevitably entails some risk.
[ + -ing verb ] Repairing the roof will entail spending a lot of money.
After our long game of tennis, we quench our thirst with a beer.
to satisfy a feeling of being thirsty or of wanting something:
After our long game of tennis, we slaked our thirst with a beer.
I don’t think Dick will ever manage to slake his lust for power.
the sleeping pills had left her feeing sleepy
the sleeping pills had left her feeling groggy (weak and unable to think clearly or walk correctly, usually because of tiredness or illness).
I felt a little bit groggy for a couple of days after the operation.
is there any possibility that the weather improving?
is there any prospect of the weather improving?
there seems little prospect of an end to the dispute.
there’s not much prospect that this war will be over soon.
confer
to discuss something with somebody, often in order to reach a decision about what action to take:
confer about sth They were in constant contact, conferring about every aspect of the construction project.
confer with sb We asked for some time to confer with our advisers.
nuanced
a quality of sth that is not easy to notice but may be important:
Actors have to study the nuances of facial expression to show the whole range of emotions.
He gives a beautifully nuanced performance in a tricky role.
The painter has managed to capture every nuance of the woman’s expression.
the company is allowing workers to receive cash instead of vacation time
the company is allowing workers to receive cash in lieu of vacation time.
The government is trying to alleviate public fears/concern about the spread of the disease.
If you allay a strong emotion felt by someone, such as fear or worry, you cause them to feel it less or to feel calm again:
The government is trying to allay public fears/concern about the spread of the disease.
her compliments are being sarcastic.
of something said) not clear and usually meaning the opposite of what it seems to mean:
Her backhanded compliments annoyed everyone.
distaste
a dislike of something that you find unpleasant or unacceptable:
His distaste for publicity of any sort is well known.
She looked at the advertisement with distaste before walking quickly on.
the jury took 5 days to consider deeply on the case.
to think or talk seriously and carefully about something:
The jury took five days to deliberate on the case.
The committee has deliberated the question at great length.
[ + question word ] He’s deliberating whether or not to accept the new job that he’s been offered.
She had spent another boring day in the office.
She had spent another dreary day in the office (boring and making you feel unhappy).
It was a grey, dreary day, with periods of rain.
you were late for school twice in the last week.
You were tardy for school twice in the last week.
a tardy payment/delivery
When she asked me to postpone my trip to help her move to her new house, I just got angry.
When she asked me to postpone my trip to help her move to her new house, I just snapped (= got angry).
to say something suddenly in an angry way:
There’s no need to snap at me - it’s not my fault that you lost your wallet.
[ + speech ] “Well, I hate you too!” she snapped.
inexorably
in a way that continues without any possibility of being stopped:
These events led inexorably to war.
The bacteria spread inexorably through many insect populations.
rattle
to worry someone or make someone nervous:
The creaking upstairs was starting to rattle me.
to (cause something to) make a noise like a series of knocks:
The explosion rattled the cups on the table.
The dying man’s voice rattled in his throat.
[ + adv/prep ] The car rattled over the cobblestones.
My car engine is making a strange rattling noise.
they were furious when one of their best managers were steal by another company.
to catch and kill animals without permission on someone else’s land:
The farmer claimed that he shot the men because they were poaching on his land.
to take and use for yourself unfairly or dishonestly something, usually an idea, that belongs to someone else:
Jeff always poaches my ideas, and then pretends that they’re his own.
[ T ] disapproving
to persuade someone who works for someone else to come and work for you:
They were furious when one of their best managers was poached by another company.
to cook something such as a fish, or an egg with its shell removed, by putting it in gently boiling water or other liquid:
We had poached eggs for breakfast.
Do you like pears poached in red wine?
spitball
to quickly suggest ideas to be discussed without thinking about them carefully:
I’m just spitballing here.
The writers sat around for an hour, spitballing ideas for a character.
thought-provoking
thought-provoking questions/film/book
expound
to give a detailed explanation of something:
He’s always expounding on what’s wrong with the world.
She uses her newspaper column to expound her views on environmental issues.
Rachel and Fi had an argument and now they’re not speaking to each other
Rachel and Fi had a falling-out and now they’re not speaking to each other
We change the management system, but the business is doing no better than it was before.
to change or arrange something again, in order to improve it:
We revamped the management system, but the business is doing no better than it was before.
The walled garden was completely revamped last year.
streamline
to improve the effectiveness of an organization such as a business or government, often by making the way activities are performed simpler:
The cost-cutting measures include streamlining administrative procedures in the company.
Leading organizations use software to streamline their workflow.
Streamlining management could save at least 15 percent in costs.
it is a common misunderstanding that women are worse drivers than men.
It is a common fallacy that women are worse drivers than men (an idea that a lot of people think is true but is in fact false).
snooping
to look around a place secretly, in order to discover things or find out information about someone or something:
People were sent out to snoop on rival businesses.
She’s the sort of person you can imagine snooping about your room when you’re not there.
to try to find out about other people’s private lives:
I don’t mean to snoop, but is there something wrong?
Clara’s husband is snooping on her because he thinks she is seeing another man.
sully
to spoil something that is pure or someone’s perfect reputation:
His reputation, he said, had been unfairly sullied by half-truths and innuendos.
to make something dirty:
No speck of dirt had ever sullied his hands.
flatter
choose to believe something favourable about oneself, typically when this belief is unfounded.
“‘Don’t flatter yourself! I wasn’t doing it for your benefit!’”
cause (someone) to feel honoured and pleased.
“I was very flattered to be given the commission”
lavish praise and compliments on (someone), often insincerely and with the aim of furthering one’s own interests.
“she was flattering him in order to avoid doing what he wanted”
sideways
in a direction to the left or right, not forwards or backwards:
The fence is leaning sideways.
If you would move sideways to the left, I can get everyone in the picture.
During the war, the government carefully examines all news reports before they were published.
The bank carefully examine everyone who applies for an account.
During the war, the government vetted all news reports before they were published.
The bank carefully vets everyone who applies for an account.
hogwash
nonsense, or words intended to deceive:
His answer was pure hogwash.
juicy
used to describe information that is especially interesting because it is shocking or personal:
I’ve got some really juicy gossip for you.
big, important, or of a high quality:
If sales continue like this, we should be showing a nice juicy profit at the end of the year.
bummer
a situation or event that is unpleasant or disappointing:
Waiting all day at the airport is a real bummer.
a rude word for something that is very annoying or not convenient:
“I’ve left my wallet at home.” “What a bummer!”
US I locked my keys in the car - bummer!
slanted
showing information about one person, one side of an argument, etc. in such a positive or negative way that it is unfair:
Slanted media coverage is increasing public support for the war.
antsy
very nervous, worried, or unpleasantly excited:
It was a long drive and the children started to get antsy.
I always get antsy about meeting my husband’s boss.
lingering
lasting a long time:
She gave him a long, lingering kiss.
She says she stopped seeing him, but I still have lingering doubts.
The defeat ends any lingering hopes she might have had of winning the championship.
platonic
A platonic relationship or emotion is loving but not sexual:
She knew he was attracted to her, but preferred to keep their relationship platonic.
make amend
make amends
to do something good to show that you are sorry about something you have done:
She tried to make amends by inviting him out to dinner.
I wanted to make amends for the worry I’ve caused you.
even-stevens
to say that things are fair or equal.
eg:
you made breakfast and I made lunch, so we’re even-stevens.
the final score was an even-steven two-all.
faux pas
words or behaviour that are a social mistake or not polite:
I made some remark about his wife’s family, and then realized I’d made a serious faux pas.
a remark or action in a social situation that is a mistake and causes embarrassment or offense:
She made the faux pas of referring to Wales as “part of England.”
formidable
strong and powerful, and therefore difficult to deal with if opposed to you:
There were formidable obstacles to reaching an early settlement of the dispute.
disconcerting
making someone feel uncertain and uncomfortable or worried:
There was a disconcerting silence.
His message is deeply disconcerting for anyone who values democracy.
It was rather disconcerting to see that the work had not even started.
I found it disconcerting that everyone seemed to agree with her.
In a world of disconcerting change, we all want something we can cling to.
I had a disconcerting sense of having been through the situation before.
unwavering
never changing or becoming weaker:
Her belief in the project has been unwavering.
never moving or looking away from something:
She met his unwavering stare.
This book is an essential resource for researchers.
His long experience at the United Nations makes him essential to the talks.
Something or someone that is indispensable is so good or important that you could not manage without it, him, or her:
This book is an indispensable resource for researchers.
His long experience at the United Nations makes him indispensable to the talks.
impeccable
perfect, with no problems or bad parts:
impeccable taste/manners/credentials
His English is impeccable.
Mark is so unfit - he gets shortness of breath easily just from walking up a flight of stairs.
temporarily unable to breathe, either when hit in the stomach or after taking hard physical exercise:
Mark is so unfit - he gets winded just from walking up a flight of stairs.
He was overweight and out of shape, and he got winded easily.
pique
a feeling of anger, especially caused by someone damaging your feeling of being proud of yourself:
He stormed from the room in a fit of pique, shouting that he had been misunderstood.
to excite or cause interest:
Labor law piqued his interest in law school.
The film’s plot is predictable and the acting is not very good.
Parents don’t want their children going to average schools.
The film’s plot is predictable and the acting is mediocre.
Parents don’t want their children going to mediocre schools.
motley crew
consisting of many different types that do not appear to go together:
There’s a motley assortment/collection of old furniture in the house we’re renting now.
The people who turned up for the meeting were a motley crew (= a group consisting of many different types of people).
consisting of many different types, parts, or colors that do not seem to belong together:
A motley crew of educators and students gathered at the seminar.
dodge
a clever, dishonest way of avoiding something:
They bought another car as a tax dodge (= a way to avoid paying tax).
to avoid something unpleasant:
The Senator dodged questions about his relationship with the actress.
dexterity
the ability to perform a difficult action quickly and skillfully with the hands
He caught the ball with great dexterity.
Young children lack the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively.
she found some of the interviewer’s questions annoying.
affecting someone in a way that annoys them and makes them feel uncomfortable:
She found some of the interviewer’s questions intrusive.
Investigative journalists are using ever more intrusive methods to reveal stories that are not in the public interest.
intrusive thoughts Obsessions are repetitive and intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images that cause marked anxiety.
intrusive lighting
at one disposal
available to be used by someone:
I would take you if I could, but I don’t have a car at my disposal this week.
Having sold the house she had a large sum of money at her disposal (= to spend as she wanted).
The government will use every tool at its disposal to provide relief for the affected area.
We’re currently using all the resources at our disposal to deal with the crisis.
This will be a tough match and they’ll need all the talent at their disposal to win it.
in my wheelhouse
an area that someone is interested in and skilled at:
Finding new ways of advertising our products has always been my wheelhouse.
I first needed to figure out what was in my wheelhouse.
Unfortunately, for most of the time I had been working outside my wheelhouse
unduly
more than is necessary, acceptable, or reasonable:
There’s no need to be unduly pessimistic about the situation.
He believes this approach would unduly harm the nation’s economy.
As a punishment, the Army cut the soldier’s pay by 20% and took away their leave.
to remove part of something:
As a punishment, the Army docked the soldiers’ pay/wages by 20% and took away their leave.
The lambs’ tails are docked (= cut short) for hygiene reasons.
cheeky
slightly rude or showing no respect, but often in a funny way:
She’s got such a cheeky grin.
Don’t be so cheeky!
used to describe something that you eat, drink, or do, especially when this is done quickly, without planning, or when you should not really do it:
We just went outside for a cheeky cigarette.
he became increasingly confused as he grew older.
he became increasingly muddled as he grew older.
tatty
worn and shabby
tatty upholstered furniture
as it stands
in its present condition.
There are no merits in the Bill as it stands.
in the present circumstances.
The country would struggle, as it stands, to host the next World Cup.
rugged
of clothing, equipment, etc.) strongly made and capable of withstanding rough handling.
the binoculars are compact, lightweight, and rugged.
gauge
to make a judgement about sth, usually people’s feelings:
A poll was conducted to gauge consumers’ attitudes.
Its difficult to gauge how they’ll react.
graze
to break the surface of the skin by rubbing against sth rough:
he fell down and grazed his knee.
he was lucky, the bullet just grazed his leg.
I am proud to be here because of my own ability and not because of who my parents are.
on your (own) merits:
according to the qualities you have or have shown, without considering any other information or comparing you to someone else:
I am proud to be here on my own merits and not because of who my parents are.
the committee will consider each applicant on his or her own merits.
we will listen to all the arguments and judge them on their own merits.
you will be treated fairly and evaluated on your merits.
Did they reach their positions on their own merits?
cringe
to suddenly move away from someone or something because you are frightened:
She didn’t think she was afraid of being vaccinated, but cringed when she saw the needle.
This scene will have audiences cringing in fear.
to feel very embarrassed, and often show this by a physical movement or expression:
I cringed at the sight of my dad dancing.
Their praise was so gushing it made me cringe.
When I hear my own voice played back I just sit there cringing.
banter
conversation that is funny and not serious:
He considered himself a master of witty banter.
to talk to someone in a friendly and humorous way:
They sat inside, bantering and laughing.
banter with: He stood around bantering with his colleagues.
have a bearing on something
to have an influence on something or a relationship to something:
What you decide now could have a considerable bearing on your future.
It was clear that this testimony could have a bearing on the case we were investigating.
The success of each team has a bearing on its finances.
Studies show that height doesn’t appear to have a bearing on a child’s popularity.
The fall in annual profit may have had a bearing on her resignation.
scour
to search a place or thing very carefully in order to try to find something:
The police are scouring the area for the missing child.
I scoured the shops for a blue and white shirt, but I couldn’t find one anywhere.
to remove dirt from something by rubbing it hard with something rough:
You’ll have to scour out those old cooking pots before you use them.
Engross
If something engrosses you, it is so interesting that you give it all your attention:
What is it about Harry Potter that so engrosses children?
downplay
to make something seem less important or less bad than it really is:
The government has been trying to downplay the crisis.
vogue
the state of being popular or fashionable for a period of time:
[ U ] Bowling has come back in vogue.
going out of vogue
indecent
morally offensive, especially in a sexual way:
an indecent act/photograph
She accused him of making indecent suggestions to her.
bogus
false, not real, or not legal:
On investigation, his claim was found to be bogus.
She produced some bogus documents to support her application.
in the interim
in the time between two particular periods or events:
the new secretary starts in June, but in the interim we’re having to type our own letters.
penchant
a liking for or a habit of doing something, esp. something that other people might not like:
Ives had a penchant for musical experimentation.
pamper
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.
Why not pamper yourself after a hard day with a hot bath scented with oils?
partake
to become involved with or take part in something:
She was happy to partake in the festivities.
to eat or drink:
Would you care to partake of a little wine with us?
smudging
(of ink, paint, etc.) the act or process of becoming dirty or not clear because someone or something has touched it:
It is always preferable to work from top to bottom to avoid unwanted smudging.
There is absolutely no smudging or smearing, and no leftover mascara after removal.
haggling
arguing about the price of sth.
I’m really good at haggling for the best price.
she was absolutely embarrassed to hear her son swearing at the teacher.
she was absolutely mortified to hear her son swearing at the teacher.
darnedest thing
used to refer to something that is very surprising:
It’s the darnedest thing I ever heard.
Kids do say the darnedest things.
skirted
to avoid discussing a subject or problem, usually because there are difficulties that you do not want to deal with:
The government has been accused of skirting round the issue of torture.
boring
- tedious
- dull
- dready- My clothes are so dreary! I’m going shopping.
- mind-numbing- we had to read a mind numbing report.
- uninteresting.
embroil
to cause someone to become involved in an argument or a difficult situation:
embroil yourself in something -She had no desire to embroil herself in lengthy lawsuits with the tabloid newspapers.
get someone/something embroiled in something - The United Nations was reluctant to get its forces embroiled in civil war.
come in under budget
it came in $5000 under budget
smother
to give someone too much love and attention so that they do not feel independent or free:
I think she broke off their engagement because she felt smothered by him.
smother
to give someone too much love and attention so that they do not feel independent or free:
I think she broke off their engagement because she felt smothered by him.
side quest
an activity that is done in addition to another activity and is less important than it:
After making a side quest to look for shoes, we carried on with the main business of shopping for a wedding dress.
This match was just a side quest to build more hype around the Fury versus Usyk match.
side quest
an activity that is done in addition to another activity and is less important than it:
After making a side quest to look for shoes, we carried on with the main business of shopping for a wedding dress.
This match was just a side quest to build more hype around the Fury versus Usyk match.
leverage
to use something that you already have in order to achieve something new or better:
We can gain a market advantage by leveraging our network of partners.
Gloating
expressions of great pleasure or satisfaction because of your own success or good luck, or someone else’s failure or bad luck:
Let’s be gracious in victory - no gloating, no jeering
Gloating
expressions of great pleasure or satisfaction because of your own success or good luck, or someone else’s failure or bad luck:
Let’s be gracious in victory - no gloating, no jeering
dubious
thought not to be completely true or not able to be trusted:
These claims are dubious and not scientifically proven.
He has been associated with some dubious characters.
dubious distinction Ruth Ellis has the dubious (= bad) distinction of being the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
dubious
thought not to be completely true or not able to be trusted:
These claims are dubious and not scientifically proven.
He has been associated with some dubious characters.
dubious distinction Ruth Ellis has the dubious (= bad) distinction of being the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
soggy
of a substance) very wet from having absorbed liquid:
They played on a wet, soggy field.
I hate it when cereal goes soggy.
transcend
to go further, rise above, or be more important or better than something, especially a limit:
The best films are those which transcend national or cultural barriers.
The underlying message of the film is that love transcends everything else.
transcend
to go further, rise above, or be more important or better than something, especially a limit:
The best films are those which transcend national or cultural barriers.
The underlying message of the film is that love transcends everything else.
inconceivable
impossible to imagine or think of:
inconceivable to The idea that they might not win was inconceivable to them.
It would be inconceivable for her to change her mind.
He added that it was unconceivable to him that anyone would consent to such a change.
inconceivable
impossible to imagine or think of:
inconceivable to The idea that they might not win was inconceivable to them.
It would be inconceivable for her to change her mind.
He added that it was unconceivable to him that anyone would consent to such a change.
proposition
an offer or suggestion, usually in business:
He wrote to me last week regarding a business proposition he thought might interest me.
I’ve put my proposition to the company director for his consideration.
an idea or opinion:
They were debating the proposition that “All people are created equal”.
endure the heat
brave the heat
to deal with an unpleasant or difficult situation:
Let’s brave the snow and go for a walk (= go for a walk even though it is snowing).
(literary) She braved the wrath of her parents by refusing to marry the man they had chosen.
scuffed
having a rough mark on the surface:
The book’s a little scuffed along the spine, but it was the only copy left on the shelf.
panoply
a wide range or collection of different things:
There is a whole panoply of remedies and drugs available to the modern doctor.
panoply
a wide range or collection of different things:
There is a whole panoply of remedies and drugs available to the modern doctor.
put something into perspective
to compare something to other things so that it can be accurately and fairly judged:
Total investments for this year reached $53 million, and, to put this into perspective, investments this year were double those made in 2013.
People were unset by the sudden rise in violent crime, so he tried to put it in perspective by explaining that crime rates were actually falling.
Let’s look at how some other businesses are doing to put our results in some sort of perspective.
We saw people who were homeless and that put everything into perspective.
Looking at these figures should help you put your fears into perspective.
craft
to make objects, especially in a skilled way:
These bracelets were crafted by Native Americans.
a beautifully crafted silver brooch
nudge
to push someone or something gently, sometimes to get someone’s attention:
My wife nudged me to tell me to get off the phone so that she could use it.
something that encourages or persuades someone to do something in a gentle way, or the act of doing this:
Her words gave me the nudge I needed to learn to bake.
This incentive was a nudge in the right direction.
spine-tingling
very special and exciting:
Watching Bolt win the Olympic hundred metres was one of those spine-tingling moments.
spellbinding
holding your attention completely:
He gave a spellbinding performance.
As a medical examiner I can confirm that his death was accidental.
to be able from your knowledge or experience to say that something is true:
As a medical examiner I can vouch that his death was accidental.
The president praised the rise of market economies around the world.
to praise someone or something:
The president lauded the rise of market economies around the world.
exorbitant
Exorbitant prices, demands, etc. are much too large:
The bill for dinner was exorbitant.
