Unit 1: Expressions

Question 1

Wise up

Answer 1

To become aware of or informed
about something.
Johnny, I’ve asked you three times to be quiet, now wise up and get on with you assignment.

Question 2

Dumb down

Answer 2

To simplify or reduce the intelectual
content of something so as to make it accesible to a
larger audience.
Why do some newspapers dumb down the words
they use? Do they think their readers are not clever enough to understand challenging vocabulary?

Question 3

Box clever

Answer 3

To use your intelligence to get ahead.
Maria is box clever; she always comes up with innovative ideas before anye one else.

Question 4

A no-brainer

Answer 4

Something that requires little mental effort.
Tim asked me if we should be doing anything to help the environment. I told him that was a no-brainer and that his
question didn’t even require an answer.

Question 5

Streetwise

Answer 5

To have the necessary knowledge to deal with modern urban life.
My brother is travelling round Europe, but I’m not worried about hime because he’s very streetwise and knows how to take care of himself.

Question 6

A bright-spark

Answer 6

An intelligent person who is full of energy
Kelvin is a bright spark and full of initiative.