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.
