UNIT 1Inept = acting or done with no skill. She was left feeling inept and inadequate. an inept remarkHigh-flyer = a person who has the desire and the ability to be very successful in their job or their studies. academic high-flyersin the public eye = well known to many people through newspapers and television. She doesn't want her children growing up in the public eye.Obliging (formal) = helpful, very willing to help. They were very obliging and offered to wait for us.Idioms with changering the changes (with sth) (BrE) to make changes to sth in order to have greater variety. Ring the changes with a new colour.a change of heart = if you have a change of heart, your attitude towards sth changes, usually making you feel more friendly, helpful, etc. Dan did not want to get married but recently he's had a change of heart.a change for the better/worse = a person, thing, situation, etc. that is better/worse than the previous or present one. Voters see the new leader as a change for the better.A change of scene = to see and experience new surroundings. They went abroad for a change of scene change hands = to pass to a different owner. The house has changed hands several times. change your/sb's mind = to change a decision or an opinion. Nothing will make me change my mind. change your tune (informal) = to express a different opinion or behave in a different way when your situation changes. Wait until it happens to himhe'll soon change his tune. change your ways = to start to live or behave in a different way from before. He was in trouble with the police as a teenager but now he's completely changed his ways.change places (with sb) (usually used in negative sentences) = to be in sb else's situation. I'm perfectly happyI wouldn't change places with anyone.Change smb/the baby = to put clean clothes or a clean nappy / diaper on a baby. The baby needs changing. There are baby changing facilities in all our stores.Change smth/the bad = sth to put clean sheets, etc. on a bed, to change the sheets. Could you help me change the bed?Change the subject = start talking about sth else. I wish you'd change the subjectA change of clothes, etc. = an extra set of clothes, etc. She packed a change of clothes for the weekend. I keep a change of shoes in the car.step in = to help sb in a disagreement or difficult situation. A local businessman stepped in with a large donation for the school. The team coach was forced to step in to stop the two athletes from coming to blows.Jump at the chance/opportunity = to accept an opportunity, offer, etc. with enthusiasm. She asked whether I could run her up something to wear on the show and I jumped at the chance.fall into place = 1 if sth complicated or difficult to understand falls or slots into place, it becomes organized or clear in your mind. Then I found his diary and it all began to fall into place. 2 if things fall into place in a situation, they happen in a satisfactory way, without problems. If a project is well-planned, everything should fall into place. go downhill = gradually become worseon the cards = likely to happenthe rest is history = used when you are telling a story to say that you do not need to tell the end of it, because everyone knows it alreadyantiquity = the ancient past, especially the times of the Greeks and Romansroadworthy (of a vehicle) = in a safe condition to driveget in with sb (informal) = to become friendly with sb, especially in order to gain an advantage. People often manage to advance their careers by getting in with the right people.Build smth up = to create or develop sth. She's built up a very successful business. These finds help us build up a picture of life in the Middle Ages.Domesticity = home or family life. Domesticity seems to suit Ella shes really happy with her home life.Windbreak = a row of trees, a fence, etc. that provides protection from the windWindfall = an amount of money that sb/sth wins or receives unexpectedly. The hospital got a sudden windfall of 300000.settle in/into smth = to move into a new home, job, etc. and start to feel comfortable there. How are the kids settling into their new school? It's not always easy for a new player to settle in. knock sb sideways (informal) = to surprise or shock sb so much that they are unable to react immediatelybeyond the means = more than you can afford. Private school fees are beyond the means of most people. I'd been living beyond my means for a good long time and some debts finally caught up with me.

Dismal = gloomy, miserable, causing or showing sadness. dismal conditions/surroundings/weather Christmas will be dismal without the children.

to make a good/decent/meagre living = to earn enough/little of money. I make a good living fromtennis

rut = a boring way of life that does not change. I was in a rut, my job was going nowhere.

hang around (informal) = to wait or stay near a place, not doing very much. You hang around here in case he comes, and I'll go on ahead.cut back on smth = to reduce sth. If we don't sell more we'll have to cut back production. to cut back on spendinglook back on smth = to think of or remember what has happened in the past. to look back on your childhoodtrack smb/smth down = trace, to find someone or something after searching for them. The police have so far failed to track down the attacker. I finally tracked the reference down in a book of quotations.chuck indraw inget in withstay inpay off = to pay all of a debt. We paid off our mortgage after fifteen years.rabbit onpick outbreak upcatch up with smb = to finally start to cause problems for sb after they have managed to avoid this for some time. She was terrified that one day her past problems would catch up with her.cheer smb up = to become more cheerful; to make sb/sth more cheerful. Oh, come oncheer up! Give Mary a call; she needs cheering up. Bright curtains can cheer up a dull room.end up = to find yourself in a place or situation that you did not intend or expect to be in. Well, for some reason, I ended up on a slow train going south, without realising my mistakerun upturn up = (of a person) to arrive. We arranged to meet at 7.30, but she never turned up.wake upget down to smth = to begin to do sth; to give serious attention to sth. Let's get down to business. I like to get down to work by 9.

UNIT 2Travelling idiomsOff the beaten track = far away from other people, houses, etc. They live miles off the beaten track.Chill out (informal)= to spend time relaxing; to relax and stop feeling angry or nervous about sth. They sometimes meet up to chill out and watch a movie. Sit down and chill out!Rough it (informal) = to live in a way that is not very comfortable for a short time. We can sleep on the beach. I don't mind roughing it for a night or two.On a shoestring budget (informal) = using very little money. In the early years, the business was run on a shoestring.(get/go etc) back to nature = to return to a simple kind of life in the country, away from cities. When you're camping, you can get back to nature.In the lap of luxury = in easy, comfortable conditions, and enjoying the advantages of being rich. We spent two weeks in the hotel living in the lap of luxury.Collocations with travelerInveterate (formal, often disap.) = (of a person) always doing sth or enjoying sth, and unlikely to stop. an inveterate liarDiscerning (app.) = able to show good judgement about the quality of sb/sth. LuxVac is the resort for discerning travelers ones who know how to appreciate the good things in life.Weary = very tired, especially after you have been working hard or doing sth for a long time. a weary travelerUnwary = not aware of the possible dangers or problems of a situation and therefore likely to be harmed in some way. The hotel touts lie in wait for unwary travelers and then take them to unsuitable lodgings.Seasoned = (of a person) having a lot of experience of a particular activity. a seasoned campaigner/performer/traveller, etc.Frequent = happening or doing sth often. Dr Parr was a frequent traveler to Dublin.Intrepid (formal, often humorous) = fearless. Im fed up with reading about all these intrepid travelers going up the Amazon river in a canoe.have a memory like a sieve (informal) = to have a very bad memory; to forget things easily(like) water off a duck's back (informal) = used to say that sth, especially criticism, has no effect on sb/sth. I can't tell my son what to do; it's water off a duck's back with him.as clean as a whistle (informal) = very cleanas white as a sheet = pale because of emotion or illness. She went white as a sheet when she heard the news.(as) deaf as a post (informal) = very deaflike a bat out of hell (informal) = very fast. She was driving like a bat out of hell.Like chalk and cheese (BrE) = completely different. Frank and I will never get along. We're chalk and cheese.As warm as toast = very warm. You'll be as warm as toast in here.(as) good as gold (informal) = behaving in a way that other people approve of. The kids have been as good as gold all day.On the grounds (of smth) = a good or true reason for saying, doing or believing sth. The case was dismissed on the grounds that there was not enough evidence. He retired from the job on health grounds. Employers cannot discriminate on grounds of age.in lieu (of sth) (formal) = instead of. They took cash in lieu of the prize they had won. We work on Saturdays and have a day off in lieu during the week.be on edge = to be nervous, excited or bad-tempered. The class were on efge the morning before they took the exam.Disquiet (formal) = unease. feelings of worry and unhappiness about sth. There is considerable public disquiet about the safety of the new trains.in keeping (with sth) = appropriate or expected in a particular situation; in agreement with sth. The latest results are in keeping with our earlier findings.on the verge/brink of sth = very near to the moment when sb does sth or sth happens. He was on the verge of tears. They are on the verge of signing a new contract. These measures brought the republic to the verge of economic collapse.On the fringe = on the outer edge of an area or a group. on the northern fringe of the city. Nina remained on the fringe of the crowd.in the region of = approximately, used when you are giving a number, price, etc. to show that it is not exact. He earns somewhere in the region of 50000.in vain = without success. They tried in vain to persuade her to go. She waited in vain for her son to return.in conjunction with (formal) = together with. The police are working in conjunction with tax officers on the investigation.Enervating (formal) = to make sb feel weak and tired. an enervating disease/climatePore over smth = examine. to look at or read sth very carefully. His lawyers are poring over the small print in the contract.get sb's goat (informal) to annoy sb very much. Conservative ideas about women in the workplace really get my goat.be/get carried away = to get very excited or lose control of your feelings. I got a bit carried away when I went shopping and spent far too much money.fork out (for sth) (informal) to spend a lot of money on sth, especially unwillingly. How much did you fork out for your new shoes?Hefty = (of an amount of money) large; larger than usual or expected. They sold it easily and made a hefty profit.Run wild = to grow or develop freely without any control. Let your imagination run wild and be creative.Coin smth = to invent a new word or phrase that other people then begin to use. The term cardboard city was coined to describe communities of homeless people living in cardboard boxes.Allure (formal) = the quality of being attractive and exciting. sexual allure. the allure of the big cityPlague smb/smth (with sth) = 1 trouble, to cause pain or trouble to sb/sth over a period of time. to be plagued by doubt. Financial problems are plaguing the company. The team has been plagued by injury this season. 2 hound, to annoy sb or create problems, especially by asking for sth, demanding attention, etc. Rock stars have to get used to being plagued by autograph hunters.from scratch = 1 without any previous preparation or knowledge. I learned German from scratch in six months. He built the orchestra up from scratch. 2 from the very beginning, not using any of the work done earlier. They decided to dismantle the machine and start again from scratch.shoulder responsibility = to accept the responsibility for sth. to shoulder the responsibility/blame for sth thumb a lift (BrE) = to make a signal with your thumb to passing drivers to ask them to stop and take you somewhere. We managed to thumb a lift with a lorry driver.foot the bill (informal) = to be responsible for paying the cost of sth. Once again it will be the taxpayer who has to foot the bill. Who will be footing the bill for the party?toe the line = to say or do what sb in authority tells you to say or do, even if you do not share the same opinions, etc. One or two of them refused to toe the line.Elbow your way = to push sb with your elbow, usually in order to get past them. He elbowed his way through the crowd.face the music (informal) = to accept and deal with criticism or punishment for sth you have done. The others all ran off, leaving me to face the music.thumb your nose at sb/sth = to make a rude sign with your thumb on your nose; to show that you have no respect for sb/sth. The company just thumbs its nose at the legislation on pollution.Corner sb/sth = to get a person or an animal into a place or situation from which they cannot escape. The man was finally cornered by police in a garage. If cornered, the snake will defend itself.table a question (BrE) = to present a question formally for discussion. to table a question in ParliamentTiptoe = to walk using the front parts of your feet only, so that other people cannot hear you. I tiptoed over to the window.Ship goods = to send or transport sb/sth by ship or by another means of transport. The company ships its goods all over the world.House smb = to provide a place for sb to live. The government is committed to housing the refugees.Coat smth (with smth) = to cover sth with a layer of a substance. cookies thickly coated with chocolatecash in (on sth) (disapproving) = to gain an advantage for yourself from a situation, especially in a way that other people think is wrong or immoral. The film studio is being accused of cashing in on the singer's death.Derisory (formal) = laughable, too small or of too little value to be considered seriously. They offered us a derisory 10 a week.Unrivalled (formal) = unsurpassed, better or greater than any other. The hotel enjoys an unrivalled position overlooking the lake. an unrivalled knowledge of antiques.Specimen = 1 sample, a small amount of sth that shows what the rest of it is like. Astronauts have brought back specimens of rock from the moon. Can you give me a specimen of your handwriting? 2 a single example of sth, especially an animal or a plant. The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish. Redwood trees can live for a long time; one specimen is 4000 years old. , Qualms (about sth) = misgiving, a feeling of doubt or worry about whether what you are doing is right. He had been working very hard so he had no qualms about taking a few days off.Apprehension = anxiety, worry or fear that sth unpleasant may happen. There is growing apprehension that fighting will begin again. He watched the election results with some apprehension. There is apprehension about the safety of the missing children. They shivered with apprehension.Disquiet (about/over sth) (formal) = unease, feelings of worry and unhappiness about sth. There is considerable public disquiet about the safety of the new trains.Unwieldy (of an object) = cumbersome, difficult to move or control because of its size, shape or weight UNIT 3doom and gloom = a general feeling of having lost all hope, and of pessimism. Despite the obvious setbacks, it is not all doom and gloom for the England team.the life and soul of the party, etc. (BrE) = the most amusing and interesting person at a party, etc.give and take = 1 willingness in a relationship to accept what sb else wants and give up some of what you want. If the dispute is to be resolved there must be some give and take. Marriage is a give-and-take relationship. 2 an exchange of words or ideas. to encourage a lively give and taketime and (time) again = often; on many or all occasions. Time and again, we see this pattern of behavior repeating itself.high and dry = 1 (of a boat, etc.) in a position out of the water. Their yacht was left high and dry on a sandbank. 2 in a difficult situation, without help or moneyfame and fortune : She went to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune.your (own) flesh and blood = a person that you are related to. You can't do that to your own flesh and blood.at sixes and sevens (informal) = in confusion; not well organized. I haven't had time to clear up, so I'm all at sixes and sevens.in black and white = in writing or in print. I never thought they'd put it in black and white on the front page.through thick and thin = even when there are problems or difficulties. He's supported the team for over ten years through thick and thin. In marriage, you have to stick together through thick and thin.Touch and go (informal) = used to say that the result of a situation is uncertain and that there is a possibility that sth bad or unpleasant will happen. She's fine now, but it was touch-and-go for a while (= there was a possibility that she might die). It was touch-and-go whether they'd allow him into the country or not.Safe and sound = not harmed. They turned up safe and sound.first and foremost = more than anything else. He does a little teaching, but first and foremost he's a writer.Date as far back as smth : Our friendship dates as far back as to the late 70s. Regional economic cooperation in Africa dates as far back as the beginning of the last century.put sth to good use = to be able to use sth for a purpose, and get an advantage from doing so. She'll be able to put her languages to good use in her new job.make use of sth/sb = to use sth/sb, especially in order to get an advantage. We could make better use of our resources. You should make use of your contacts.as yet = until now or until a particular time in the past. an as yet unpublished report. As yet little was known of the causes of the disease.given that : It was surprising the government was re-elected, given that they had raised taxes so much.Bliss = extreme happinessAstonishment = amazement, a feeling of very great surprise. To my utter astonishment, she remembered my name.Incredulity = disbelief. a look of surprise and incredulityDejection = a feeling of unhappiness and disappointment. She sat in the corner in utter dejection.Revulsion (formal)= repugnance, a strong feeling of disgust or horror. She felt a deep sense of revulsion at the violence.Tedium = boredom, the quality of being boring. She longed for something to relieve the tedium of everyday life.Discretion = care in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment to or difficulty for sb; the quality of being discreet. This is confidential, but I know that I can rely on your discretion. Jane is the soul of discretion (= you can trust her). Use the utmost discretion when you talk to her. Discreet = tactful, careful in what you say or do, in order to keep sth secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty for sb. He was always very discreet about his love affairs. You ought to make a few discreet enquiries before you sign anything. A discreet glance at the clock told me the interview had lasted an hour. , Premonition = a feeling that sth is going to happen, especially sth unpleasant. a premonition of disaster. He had a premonition that he would never see her again. Synonyms of BEHAVIOURWays = the typical way of behaving and living of a particular group of people. After ten years I'm used to the strange British ways.Conduct = a person's behaviour in a particular place or in a particular situation. The sport has a strict code of conduct. improving standards of training and professional conductBearing = the way in which you stand, walk or behave. Her whole bearing was alert. a man of upright, military bearingDeportment (formal) = (BrE) the way in which a person stands and moves. lessons for young ladies in deportment and etiquette He has good deportment. deportment classesDemeanour (formal) = the way that sb looks or behaves. He maintained a professional demeanour throughout.Habit = usual behavior. I only do it out of habit. I'm a creature of habit (= I have a fixed and regular way of doing things).Industrious (approving) = hard-working; busy. industrious studentSynonyms of SIGNMisgivings about smth = feelings of doubt or anxiety about what might happen, or about whether or not sth is the right thing to do. I had grave misgivings about making the trip. She decided to go despite her misgivings. Hunch = a feeling that sth is true even though you do not have any evidence to prove it. It seemed that the doctor's hunch had been right. My hunch is that the burglars are still in the area.Foreboding = a strong feeling that sth unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen. She had a sense of foreboding that the news would be bad. The letter filled him with foreboding. Sure sign of smth = If an interview is too easy, it's a sure sign that you haven't got the job. Sneaking = if you have a sneaking feeling for sb or about sth, you do not want to admit it to other people, because you feel embarrassed, or you are not sure that this feeling is right. I have a sneaking suspicion that she knows more than she's telling us. Omen = a sign of what is going to happen in the future. good/bad omen; an omen of death/disaster. The omens for their future success are not good.UNIT 4foot the bill (informal) = to be responsible for paying the cost of sth, esp. when it should be done by smb else. Once again it will be the taxpayer who has to foot the bill. Who will be footing the bill for the party?In vogue = fashionableNub = the central or essential point of a situation, problem, etc. The nub of the matter is that business is declining. She's too selfish to help. That's the nub.the icing on the cake = something extra and not essential that is added to an already good situation or experience and that makes it even better. It's an added bonusthe icing on the cake.the apple of sb's eye = a person or thing that is loved more than any other. She is the apple of her father's eye.put all your eggs in one basket = to rely on one particular course of action for success rather than giving yourself several different possibilities. I've applied for several jobs. I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.have bigger/other fish to fry = to have more important or more interesting things to doa dog's breakfast/dinner (BrE, informal) = mess, a thing that has been done badly. He's made a real dog's breakfast of these accounts.take sth with a pinch of salt = to be careful about believing that sth is completely true. If I were you, I'd take everything he says with a pinch of salt.spill the beans (informal) = to tell sb sth that should be kept secret or privatesell like hot cakes = to sell quickly or in great numbershave egg on/all over your face (informal) = to be made to look stupid. They were left with egg on their faces when only ten people showed up.eat humble pie (BrE) = to say and show that you are sorry for a mistake that you madehave more holes than Swiss cheeseDescribing fruitsfleshy (of plants or fruit) = thick and soft. fleshy fruit/leavesjuicy = containing a lot of juice and good to eat. soft juicy pears. The meat was tender and juicy.fibrous =soft = pulpy =tender (of food) = easy to bite through and cut. This meat is extremely tender. Boil the beans until they are tender.tart = having an unpleasant sour taste. tart applessour = having a taste like that of a lemon or of fruit that is not ready to eat. sour apples. a sour flavourbitter (of food, etc.) = having a strong, unpleasant taste; not sweet. Black coffee leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.Sharp (flavor, smell) = strong and slightly bitter. The cheese has a distinctively sharp taste.watery (of food, drink, etc.) = containing too much water; thin and having no taste. The vegetables were watery and tasteless. watery soup. sweet =sugary = 1 containing sugar; tasting of sugar. sugary snacks 2 seeming too full of emotion in a way that is not sincere. a sugary smile. sugary pop songs overripe =luscious = delicious, having a strong pleasane taste (fruit, wine etc). luscious fruitsensuous = giving pleasure to your senses. Sensuous music. I'm drawn to the poetic, sensuous qualities of her paintings.Heavenly (informal) = wonderful, very pleasant. a heavenly morning/feeling. This place is heavenly.exquisite = extremely beautiful or carefully made. exquisite craftsmanship. Her wedding dress was absolutely exquisite.blissful = extremely happy; showing happiness. We spent three blissful weeks away from work. a blissful smile We preferred to remain in blissful ignorance of (= not to know) what was going on.Insipid (disapp.) = flavourless. a cup of insipid coffeePalatable (of food and drink) = having a pleasant or acceptable taste. a very palatable local wineDelectable (of food and drink) = delicious, extremely pleasant to taste, smell or look at. the delectable smell of freshly baked bread; delectable chocolate trufflesSavoury = having a taste that is salty not sweet. savoury snacksput sth down to sth = attribute, to consider that sth is caused by sth. What do you put her success down to? - -nothing if not = extremely; very. The trip was nothing if not varied.Savour sth = relish smth, to enjoy a feeling or an experience thoroughly. I wanted to savour every moment. He sat for a few moments, savouring the memory to the full. Relish smth = enjoy sth, to get great pleasure from sth; to want very much to do or have sth. to relish a fight/challenge/debate, to relish the idea/thought of sth. I don't relish the prospect of getting up early tomorrow. , Swallow smth = to accept that sth is true; to believe sth. I found her excuse very hard to swallow. He told her a pack of lies, but she swallowed it whole.Devour smth = to read or look at sth with great interest and enthusiasm. She devoured everything she could lay her hands on: books, magazines and newspapers. ; , Effeminacy (disapp.) (of a man or a boy) = the quality of looking, behaving or sounding like a woman or a girl. Fastidious = 1 meticulous, being careful that every detail of sth is correct. Everything was planned in fastidious detail. He was fastidious in his preparation for the big day. 2 (sometimes disapproving) not liking things to be dirty or untidy. She wasn't very fastidious about personal hygiene. Tamper-proof = that cannot be easily changed or damaged. a tamper-proof identity cardto return fire = to fire back at sb who is shooting at youUNIT 5Disgruntled = annoyed or disappointed because sth has happened to upset you. I left feeling disgruntled at the way I'd been treated. , Teething troubles = small problems that a company, product, system, etc. has at the beginning. New cars often suffer from teething troubles. Juicy story = an interesting story maybe with some scandal/gossip.Take measures to do smth/against smth = to do smth to solve a problem.Meet deadlines = finish smth in time.Concede = to admit that sth is true, logical, etc. He was forced to concede (that) there might be difficulties. I had to concede the logic of this., Phrasal verbslook into = investigatefind out = discoverpoint out = mentionput up with = toleratetry out = testSet phrases with right & wrongDo the right thing = morally good, correct according to law or a persons duty. I hope we're doing the right thing.two wrongs don't make a right (saying) = used to say that if sb does sth bad to you, the situation will not be improved by doing sth bad to themin the wrong = responsible for an accident, a mistake, an argument, etc. The motorcyclist was clearly in the wrong. It took a lot of courage to admit that she was in the wrong.The rights and wrongs of smth = the true facts. It was difficult to establish the rights and wrongs of the matter.The right way round = . I rotate my pictures the right way round before I upload them.By rights = Justly, in fairness, if justice were done. By rights he should have been chosen first. By rights, we should split the profits among the three of us. -By right = smb has a right to it. The property belongs to her by right. To serve someone right = used to say that sth that has happened to sb is their own fault and they deserve it. Left you, did she? It serves you right for being so selfish. In the right = to be morally or legally correct in what you do or believe. Naturally, both parties think they are in the right. He wouldn't apologize. He knew he was in the right. To be right under your nose (informal) = 1 if sth is under sb's nose, it is very close to them but they cannot see it. I searched everywhere for the letter and it was under my nose all the time! 2 if sth happens under sb's nose, they do not notice it even though it is not being done secretly. The police didn't know the drugs ring was operating right under their nosesAs right as rain (informal) = in excellent health or condition. A few days in bed and youll be as right as rain.To make all the right noises = to say things that make people think you are interested in something. She makes all the right noises about economic reform.strike the right/wrong note (especially BrE) = to do, say or write sth that is suitable/not suitable for a particular occasion. It is a bizarre tale and the author hits just the right note of horror and disbelief.Right on timeThe film/book rights = the authority to perform, publish, film, etc. a particular work, event, etc. He sold the rights for $2 million.To be within your rights = to have the moral or legal authority to do something. You are quite within your rights to sue them. Making uncountable countableA loaf of breadA burst of applauseA pane of glassA stroke of luckA grain of sandA gust of windA speck of dustA stream of abuseA ray of sunshineA source of amusementAn item of clothing/newsA rumble of thunderA puff of smokeA state of emergencyA wealth of evidenceDamages = an amount of money that a court decides should be paid to sb by the person, company, etc. that has caused them harm or injury. He was ordered to pay damages totalling 30000. They intend to sue for damages. Works = 1 (often in compounds) activities involving building or repairing sth. Roadworks. They expanded the shipyards and started engineering works. A contract can ensure that landlords carry out the works for which they are legally responsible. 2 a book, piece of music, painting, etc. The collected/complete works of Tolstoy. Works of fiction/literature Irons = chains or other heavy objects made of iron, attached to the arms and legs of prisoners, especially in the past. An iron = a machine for smoothing garments. A comfort = a person or thing that helps you when you are suffering, worried or unhappy. The children have been a great comfort to me through all of this. It's a comfort to know that she is safe. Comforts = a thing that makes your life easier or more comfortable. The hotel has all modern comforts/every modern comfort. material comforts (= money and possessions) Capital = moneyA capital = chief cityCapitals = capital letters. Use block capitals (= separate capital letters). Please write in capitals/in capital letters.Pigeonhole sb (as sth) = categorize, label, to decide that sb belongs to a particular group or type without thinking deeply enough about it and considering what other qualities they might have. He has been pigeonholed as a children's writer.Contend that (formal) = maintain, to say that sth is true, especially in an argument. I would contend that the minister's thinking is flawed on this point. Savvy (informal) =having practical knowledge and understanding of sth; having common sense. Savvy shoppers. More people are cholesterol savvy today than five years ago.Frantic = done quickly and with a lot of activity, but in a way that is not very well organized. They made frantic attempts to revive him. Things are frantic in the office right now. Obituary = an article about sb's life and achievements, that is printed in a newspaper soon after they have died. an obituary column/notice Tiptoe = to walk using the front parts of your feet only, so that other people cannot hear you. I tiptoed over to the window.Mutilate smb/smth = to damage sb's body very severely, especially by cutting or tearing off part of it. The body had been badly mutilated. , ride sth out = to manage to survive a difficult situation or time without having to make great changes. Do you think we can ride out the recession?Intact = undamagedHail smb (as smth) = to say publicly how good or important someone or something is. The courts ruling was immediately hailed as a victory for freedom.put your feet up = to sit down and relax, especially with your feet raised and supported. After a hard day's work, it's nice to get home and put your feet up.Cost of living = the amount of money that people need to pay for food, clothing and somewhere to live. a steady rise in the cost of living; the high cost of living in LondonPoverty line = the official level of income that is necessary to be able to buy the basic things you need such as food and clothes and to pay for somewhere to live. A third of the population is living at or below the poverty line.Treat yourself (to smth) = to pay for sth that sb/you will enjoy and that you do not usually have or do. I'm going to treat myself to a new pair of shoes. She treated him to lunch. UNIT 6Set phrases with takeTake part = participateTake the view = personal opinion about smth. We take the view that it would be wrong to interfere.Take place = occur.Take a stand (on sth) = an attitude towards sth or an opinion that you make clear to people. to take a firm stand on sthTake issue = disagreeTake notice = pay attentionTake account of = take into account/conciderationTake exception to = to object strongly to sth; to be angry about sth. I take great exception to the fact that you told my wife before you told me. No one could possibly take exception to his comments.Take for grantedTake seriouslyTake by surpriseTake advantage ofTake second placeDegrees of probabilityThe chances areTheres every likelihood of smthTheres a faint chanceCollocationsSeriously illStrenuously wordedSingularly unsuccessfulKeenly pricedWidely believedCarefully chosenStaggeringly expensiveMusic idioms Play second fiddle to smb = to be treated as less important than sb/sth; to have a less important position than sb/sth else. I'm not going to play second fiddle to anyone. The narrative in this book plays second fiddle to the excellent photographs.Be in/out of tune with smb = to be/not be in agreement with sb/sth; to have/not have the same opinions, feelings, interests, etc. as sb/sth. These proposals are perfectly in tune with our own thoughts on the subject. The President is out of tune with public opinion.Go for a song (informal) = very cheaply; at a low price. She bought the painting for a song. The property is going for a song because they need to sell it fast.Settle the score with smb = to hurt or punish sb who has harmed or cheated you in the past. Who would do such a thing? Maybe someone with an old score to settle.Strike a chord with smb = to say or do sth that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasm. The speaker had obviously struck a chord with his audience.Strike a note with smb = refer to or be relevant or familiar to. Everybody has hit the market late with mediocre products that don't strike a note with consumers.have another string/more strings to your bow = to have more than one skill or plan that you can use if you need to. The exhibition shows that he has other strings to his artistic bow.drum sth into sb = to make sb remember sth by repeating it a lot of times. We had it drummed into us that we should never talk to strangers. drum sb out (of sth) = to force sb to leave an organization as a punishment for doing sth wrong. He was drummed out of the army.Have the brass to do smth (informal) = to have the confidence to do something that is rude or shows a lack of respect, without caring whether people approve. How does she have the brass to ask for a day off during our busiest period? He had the brass balls to announce his engagement to Sally in front of his ex-wife. Hushed = (of a place) quiet because nobody is talking; much quieter than usual. A hushed courtroom listened as the boy gave evidence. (of voices) speaking very quietly. They were deep in hushed conversation.Expectant = hoping for sth, especially sth good and exciting. Children with expectant faces waiting for the fireworks to begin. A sudden roar came from the expectant crowd.Rarefied (disapp.) = understood by only a very small group of people.Conducive to smth = -Extortionate (informal, disapp.) = (of a price) much too highA rip-off (informal) = something that is not worth what you pay for it. $70 for a T-shirt! What a rip-off!A bargain = a thing bought for less than the usual price. I picked up a few good bargains in the sale.Revelatory (formal) = making people aware of sth that they did not know before. a revelatory insightPre-eminent (formal) = outstanding, more important, more successful or of a higher standard than others. a pre-eminent example of the artist's work. Dickens was pre-eminent among English writers of his day.Contentious (formal) = likely to cause disagreement between people. a contentious issue/topic/subject. Both views are highly contentious. Try to avoid any contentious wording. UNIT 7Vindicate (formal) = justify. I have every confidence that this decision will be fully vindicated. New evidence emerged, vindicating him completely.Keep an eye on smth = take care of smth. We've asked the neighbours to keep an eye on the house for us while we are away.Put a stop/an end to smth = to stop. It is time to put a stop to the violence. Let's put an end to these rumours once and for all.add/give/lend colour to sth = make it brighter, more interesting, etc.liken sth/sb to sth/sb (formal)= to compare one thing or person to another and say they are similar. Life is often likened to a journey.Make a point = to express opinion or state a fact. She made several interesting points in the article.make/avoid eye contact with sb = to look/avoid looking at them at the same time as they look at you.Intimidate sb (into sth/into doing sth) = to frighten or threaten sb so that they will do what you want. They were accused of intimidating people into voting for them. She refused to be intimidated by their threats.resort to sth = to make use of sth, especially sth bad, as a means of achieving sth, often because there is no other possible solution. They felt obliged to resort to violence. Catch someones eye = to attract sb's attention. Can you catch the waiter's eye?Cast an eye/your eyes over smth = to look at or examine sth quickly. Could you just run your eyes over this report?Have an eye for smth = to be able to judge if things look attractive, valuable, etc. I've never had much of an eye for fashion. She has an eye for a bargain.Turn a blind eye to smth = to pretend not to notice sth bad that is happening, so you do not have to do anything about it. The authorities were either unaware of the problem or turned a blind eye to it.Not see eye to eye with smb = to not share the same views as sb about sth. The two of them have never seen eye to eye on politics.in course of sth (formal) = going through a particular process. The new textbook is in course of preparation.Dazzling = brilliant. a dazzling display of oriental danceFlamboyant =brightly coloured and noticeable. flamboyant clothes/designs. Gratuitous (disapp.) = unnecessary, done without any good reason or purpose and often having harmful effects. Unnecessary/gratuitous violence on televisionInspiring = exciting and encouraging you to do or feel sth. an inspiring teacherSensational (informal) = fantastic, extremely good; wonderful. You look sensational in that dress!Stunning (informal) = beautiful, extremely attractive or impressive. You look absolutely stunning! A stunning view of the lakePrecarious =1 (of a situation) not safe or certain; dangerous. He earned a precarious living as an artist. The museum is in a financially precarious position. . 2 likely to fall or cause sb to fall. That ladder looks very precarious.Gaze = stare, to look steadily at sb/sth for a long time, either because you are very interested or surprised, or because you are thinking of sth else. He sat for hours just gazing into space. Savour = relish, to enjoy the full taste or flavour of sth, especially by eating or drinking it slowly. He ate his meal slowly, savouring every mouthful. He sat for a few moments, savouring the memory to the full. Catch smb unawares = when not expected. The camera had caught her unawares. Merit smth (formal) = deserve. He claims that their success was not merited.Push back the boundaries of smth = extend the boundaries. Scientists continue to push back the boundaries of human knowledge. Slavish (disapp.) = following or copying sb/sth exactly without having any original thought at all. a slavish adherence to the rules, slavish obedience. It was a slavish imitation of his professors work. , Deem (formal) = consider. The evening was deemed a great success.Smbs pet hate = something that you particularly dislikeHell-bent on smth = determined to do sth even though the results may be bad. He seems hell-bent on drinking himself to death.Make your debut = make the first public appearance of a performer or sports player. He will make his debut for the first team this week.Top sth = to be in the highest position on a list because you are the most successful, important, etc. The band topped the charts for five weeks with their first single.Strip smb of smth = sb of sth to take away property or honours from sb, as a punishment. He was disgraced and stripped of his title.Spawn sth (often disapproving) = to cause sth to develop or be produced. The band's album spawned a string of hit singles. wade in/into sth (informal) = to enter a fight, a discussion or an argument in an aggressive or not very sensitive way. The police waded into the crowd with batons. You shouldn't have waded in with all those unpleasant accusations. subvert smth(formal) = undermine. 1 to try to destroy the authority of a political, religious, etc. system by attacking it secretly or indirectly 2 to try to destroy a person's belief in sth or sb. , unwittingly = without being aware of what you are doing or the situation that you are involved in. She had broken the law unwittingly, but still she had broken it. demise = 1 the end or failure of an institution, an idea, a company, etc. 2 (formal or humorous) death. his imminent/sudden/sad demisecrop up = come up, to appear or happen, especially when it is not expected. His name just cropped up in conversation. I'll be latesomething's cropped up at home.bring sb down = to make sb lose power or be defeated. The scandal may bring down the government. insolence (rather formal) = a quality of being extremely rude and showing a lack of respect. an insolent child/smile. contrivance (formal) (usually disapproving) = something that sb has done or written that does not seem natural; the fact of seeming artificial. The film is spoilt by unrealistic contrivances of plot. The story is told with a complete absence of contrivance. Examinations are a contrivance to see how a student tackles new problems.SYNONYMS of SEEPerceive (formal) = 1 to notice or become aware of sth. I perceived a change in his behaviour. She perceived that all was not well. The patient was perceived to have difficulty in breathing. 2 see (usu. Passive), to understand or think of sb/sth in a particular way. This discovery was perceived as a major breakthrough. She did not perceive herself as disabled. , Discern smth (formal) = 1 detect, to know, recognize or understand sth, especially sth that is not obvious. It is possible to discern a number of different techniques in her work. 2 make out, to see or hear sth, but not very clearly. We could just discern the house in the distance. Witness = to see sth happen (typically a crime or an accident). She was shocked by the violent scenes she had witnessed. Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.Behold (old or literary) = to look at or see sb/sth. Her face was a joy to behold.Distinguish smth = differentiate, make out, to be able to see or hear sth. I could not distinguish her words, but she sounded agitated. She could not distinguish the make and colour of the car in the fading light.Visualise = imagine. Try to visualize him as an old man. I can't visualize what this room looked like before it was decorated.Imagine = Envisage smth = to imagine what will happen in the future. What level of profit do you envisage? I can't envisage her coping with this job. I don't envisage working with him again. It is envisaged that the talks will take place in the spring. I envisage that the work will be completed next year. It is difficult to envisage how people will react. , Conceive smth (formal) = imagine, to form an idea, a plan, etc. in your mind. He conceived the idea of transforming the old power station into an arts centre. God is often conceived of as male. I cannot conceive (= I do not believe) (that) he would wish to harm us. I cannot conceive what it must be like. UNIT 8Astute = shrewd, very clever and quick at seeing what to do in a particular situation, especially how to get an advantage. An astute businessman/politician/observer. It was an astute move to sell the shares then. She was astute enough to realize that what Jack wanted was her money.Staggering (informal) = astounding, so great, shocking or surprising that it is difficult to believe. They paid a staggering 5 million for the house.Turnstile =a gate at the entrance to a public building, stadium, etc. that turns in a circle when pushed, allowing one person to go through at a time. Token = 1 a round piece of metal or plastic used instead of money to operate some machines or as a form of payment. a parking token. 2 expression, mark something that is a symbol of a feeling, a fact, an event, etc. Please accept this small gift as a token of our gratitude. in a trice = in an instant, very quickly or suddenly. He was gone in a trice.Wanting (in smth) (formal) 1 lacking, not having enough of sth. The students were certainly not wanting in enthusiasm. 2 not good enough. This explanation is wanting in many respects. The new system was tried and found wanting. by all accounts = according to what other people say. I've never been there, but it's a lovely place, by all accounts.Bewail sth (formal or humorous) = to express great sadness about sth.Bust (of a person or business) = bankrupt, failed because of a lack of money. We're bust! We lost our money when the travel company went bust.Contravene sth (formal) = infringe, to do sth that is not allowed by a law or rule. The company was found guilty of contravening safety regulations.Contravention (formal) = infringement. These actions are in contravention of European law.Ponder (formal) = consider, to think about sth carefully for a period of time. She pondered over his words. They were left to ponder on the implications of the announcement. The senator pondered the question for a moment. We intend to ponder all the alternatives before acting. Dregs = the worst and most useless parts of sth. the dregs of societyMob = a large crowd of people, especially one that may become violent or cause trouble. mob rule (= a situation in which a mob has control, rather than people in authority). an excited mob of fansScum (informal) = an insulting word for people that you strongly disapprove of. Don't waste your sympathy on scum like that. Drug dealers are the scum of the earth (= the worst people there are).Abject (formal) = terrible and without hope. abject poverty/misery/failureboard sth up = to cover a window, door, etc. with wooden boards. Most buildings along the street had been boarded up. Florid (usually disapproving) = having too much decoration or detail. Florid poetry/speeches Glaring (of sth bad) = blatant, very easily seen. glaring error/omission/inconsistency/injustice the most glaring example of this problem. Vacuous (formal) = showing no sign of intelligence or sensitive feelings. a vacuous expression/personality Fatuous (formal) = stupid. a fatuous remark/comment/grinHackneyed /hknid/ = clichd, used too often and therefore boring. a hackneyed phrase/subject/ideaTrepidation (formal) = great worry or fear about sth unpleasant that may happen. He knocked on the door with some trepidation., Rickety = not strong or well made; likely to break. a rickety chair We climbed up the rickety wooden stairs which led to the third floor. Steel yourself for smth/to do smth = to prepare yourself to deal with sth unpleasant. As she waited, she steeled herself for disappointment. He steeled himself to tell them the truth.burn your bridges = to do sth that makes it impossible to return to the previous situation later. Think carefully before you resignyou don't want to burn your bridges.get your fingers burnt = to suffer as a result of doing sth without realizing the possible bad results, especially in business. He got his fingers badly burnt dabbling in the stock market. burn a hole in your pocket = if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you have it burn the midnight oil = to study or work until late at night.sb's ears are burning = a person thinks that other people are talking about them, especially in an unkind way. I bumped into your ex-wife last night. I thought I could feel my ears burning!(not) a bed of roses = (not) an easy or a pleasant situation. Their life together hasn't exactly been a bed of roses.eat humble pie = to say and show that you are sorry for a mistake that you made. spill the beans (informal) = to tell sb sth that should be kept secret or private. in a nutshell = in a very clear way, using few words. To put it in a nutshell, we're bankrupt.be in the bag (informal) = if sth is in the bag, it is almost certain to be won or achieved.strike (it) lucky (informal) = to have good luck. We certainly struck it lucky with the weather.strike gold = to find or do sth that brings you a lot of success or money. He has struck gold with his latest novel.Strike a chord (with sb) = to say or do sth that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasm. The speaker had obviously struck a chord with his audience.be in/out of the frame = be taking part/not taking part in sth. We won our match, so we're still in the frame for the championship.the best of both/all possible worlds = the benefits of two or more completely different situations that you can enjoy at the same time. If you enjoy the coast and the country, you'll get the best of both worlds on this walk.the grass is (always) greener on the other side (of the fence) (saying) = said about people who never seem happy with what they have and always think that other people have a better situation than they haveprecedence (over sb/sth) = the condition of being more important than sb else and therefore coming or being dealt with first priority. She had to learn that her wishes did not take precedence over (=dominate) other people's needs. The speakers came on to the platform in order of precedence (= the most important one first). Environmental concerns must be given precedence over commercial interest.Capacity for smth/to do smth = the ability to understand or to do sth. intellectual capacity. She has an enormous capacity for hard work. Limited resources are restricting our capacity for developing new products. your capacity to enjoy lifeCull = the act of killing some animals (usually the weakest ones) of a group in order to prevent the group from getting too large. the annual seal cull Cluster = to come together in a small group or groups. The children clustered together in the corner of the room. The doctors clustered anxiously around his bed. UNIT 9Snap = made or done quickly and without careful thought or preparation. It was a snap decision. They held a snap election. I try not to make snap judgements on people when I first met them.speak volumes (about/for sth/sb) = to tell you a lot about sth/sb, without the need for words. His achievement speaks volumes for his determination. What you wear speaks volumes about you.the tip of the iceberg = only a small part of a much larger problem. This figure represents only the tip of the iceberg, since as many as 90% of cases go unreported.Harbour smth = to keep feelings or thoughts, especially negative ones, in your mind for a long time. The arsonist may harbour a grudge against the company.Foster smth = encourage, promote, to encourage sth to develop. The club's aim is to foster better relations within the community. They were discussing the best way to foster closer cooperation between departments. Constrain smth (formal) = to restrict or limit sb/sth. Research has been constrained by a lack of funds. She felt constrained from continuing by the threat of losing her job. Men and women are becoming less constrained by stereotyped roles.Detrimental (to sb/sth) (formal) = harmful, damaging. the sun's detrimental effect on skin The policy will be detrimental to the peace process.dressed (up) to the nines (informal) = wearing very elegant or formal clothes.Set phrases with comecome off it (informal) = used to disagree with sb rudely. Come off it! We don't have a chance.come clean = to tell the truth about something that you have kept secret. clean about/on/over. It is time that the Opposition came clean about their plans for the self-employed. come clean with It was time to come clean with my mother. Let me come clean, I wear trousers because I think my legs look fat.come forward = to offer your help, services, etc. Several people came forward with information. Police have asked witnesses of the accident to come forward.come to blows (over sth) = to start fighting because of sth. We almost came to blows over what colour the new carpet should be.come/go down/up in the world = to become less/more important or successful in society.come to terms with sth = to accept sth unpleasant by learning to deal with it. She is still coming to terms with her son's death.come to terms with smb = to reach an agreement with sb; to find a way of living or working together. The enemy was eventually forced to come to terms.Neat = 1 tidy and in order; carefully done or arranged. She was wearing a neat black suit. They sat in her neat and tidy kitchen. 2 (of people) liking to keep things tidy and in order; looking tidy or doing things in a tidy way. Try and be neater! He had a neat methodical mind. Immaculate = 1 spotless, extremely clean and tidy. She always looks immaculate. The property is in immaculate condition. 2 perfect, containing no mistakes. The incident ruined an otherwise immaculate safety record. His sense of timing was immaculate.Houseproud = spending a lot of time making your house look clean and attractive, and thinking that this is important.Spick and span = neat and clean. Their house is always spick and span.Bedraggled = made wet, dirty or untidy by rain, mud, etc. bedraggled hair/clothes. I barely recognized the bedraggled figure who staggered in from the storm. Cluttered (up) (with sb/sth) = covered with, or full of, a lot of things or people, in a way that is untidy. a cluttered room/desk. (figurative) a cluttered mind. In disarray = a state of confusion and lack of organization in a situation or a place. The peace talks broke up in disarray. Our plans were thrown into disarray by her arrival. We're decorating, so everything's in complete disarray at home. Dishevelled (of hair, clothes or sb's general appearance) = unkempt, very untidy. He looked tired and dishevelled.Unkempt (formal) (especially of sb's hair or general appearance) = disheveled, not well cared for; not neat or tidy. greasy, unkempt hair. The children were unwashed and unkempt. a wild and unkempt garden Messy = chaotic, dirty and/or untidy. The house was always messy. The children got really messy playing in the woods.Scruffy = shabby, dirty or untidy. He looked a little scruffy. scruffy pair of jeansWindswept = looking as though you have been in a strong wind. windswept hair Orderly = tidy, arranged or organized in a neat, careful and logical way. a calm and orderly life, vegetables planted in orderly rows, a woman with an orderly mind. , wean sb off/from sth = to make sb gradually stop doing or using sth. The doctor tried to wean her off sleeping pills. concession = something that you allow or do, or allow sb to have, in order to end an argument or to make a situation less difficult. The firm will be forced to make concessions if it wants to avoid a strike. a major/an important concession. She made no concession to his age; she expected him to work as hard as she did. hoard smth = to collect and keep large amounts of food, money, etc, especially secretly. Conversely (formal) = in a way that is the opposite or reverse of sth. You can add the fluid to the powder, or, conversely, the powder to the fluid.Morbid = having or expressing a strong interest in sad or unpleasant things, especially disease or death. He had a morbid fascination with blood. My mind was filled with morbid thoughts of death. , Opinionated (disapproving) = having very strong opinions that you are not willing to change. I've never met anyone so arrogant and opinionated.Pompous (disapproving) = pretentious, showing that you think you are more important than other people, especially by using long and formal words. His speech sounded very pompous and self-congratulatory.Vivacious (approving) (especially of a woman) = having a lively, attractive personality. He had three pretty, vivacious daughters. , Acquisitive (formal, disapproving) = wanting very much to buy or get new possessions. It is an acquisitive company looking for ways to expand.Meticulous = fastidious, thorough, paying careful attention to every detail. meticulous planning/records/research. Their room had been prepared with meticulous care. She planned her trip in meticulous detail. Discriminating (approving) = discerning, able to judge the good quality of sth. a discriminating audience/customer Complacent (about sb/sth) (usually disapproving) = too satisfied with yourself or with a situation, so that you do not feel that any change is necessary; showing or feeling complacency. a dangerously complacent attitude to the increase in unemployment. We must not become complacent about progress. Unobtrusive (formal, often approving) = not attracting unnecessary attention. The service at the hotel is efficient and unobtrusive. simplistic (disapproving) = making a problem, situation, etc. seem less difficult or complicated than it really is. a simplistic approach/view/solution. His interpretation of the figures is far too simplistic. manipulative (disapproving) = skilful at influencing sb or forcing sb to do what you want, often in an unfair way. manipulative behavior. He's extremely manipulative, so don't let him persuade you.Boastful (disapproving) = talking about yourself in a very proud way. I tried to emphasize my good points without sounding boastful.your nearest and dearest (informal) = your close family and friendsperpetrate smth (formal) = to commit a crime or do sth wrong or evil. to perpetrate a crime/fraud/massacreperpetuate sth (formal) = to make sth such as a bad situation, a belief, etc. continue for a long time. to perpetuate injustice. This system perpetuated itself for several centuries.on/at the edge of town : make a/no/ some, etc. difference (to/in sb/sth) = to have an effect/no effect on sb/sth. The rain didn't make much difference to the game. Your age shouldn't make any difference to whether you get the job or not. Changing schools made a big difference to my life.UNIT 10Stir = commotion, excitement, anger or shock that is felt by a number of people. Her resignation caused quite a stir. not turn a hair = to show no emotion when sth surprising, shocking, etc. happens. She listened to his confession without turning a hair.turn of phrase = particular way of expressing yourself. As a letter writer he had a good/neat/nice turn of phrase. not know which way to turn = to not know what to do in a difficult situation. The changes have left a lot of people not knowing which way to turn.turn the clock back = 1 to return to a situation that existed in the past; to remember a past age. I wish we could turn the clock back two years and give the marriage another chance. 2 (disapproving) to return to old-fashioned methods or ideas. The new censorship law will turn the clock back 50 years.turn a blind eye (to sth) = to pretend not to notice sth bad that is happening, so you do not have to do anything about it. The authorities were either unaware of the problem or turned a blind eye to it.Toss and turn = to be unable to sleep, or to sleep badly, especially because something is worrying you. I couldn't sleep but kept tossing and turning in bed all night.Take it in turns = if people take turns or take it in turns to do sth, they do it one after the other to make sure it is done fairly. The male and female birds take turns in sitting on the eggs. We take it in turns to do the housework. The kids took turns on the swing.Turn-up (informal) = something surprising or unexpected that happens. He actually offered to help? That's a turn-up for the books!Appalled = horrified, feeling or showing horror or disgust at sth unpleasant or wrong. an appalled expression/silence. We watched appalled as the child ran in front of the car.wade through sth = to deal with or read sth that is boring and takes a lot of time. I spent the whole day wading through the paperwork on my desk.Denigrate smb/smth (formal) = belittle, to criticize sb/sth unfairly; to say sb/sth does not have any value or is not important. I didn't intend to denigrate her achievements.Dire (formal) = very serious. living in dire poverty. dire warnings/threats. Such action may have dire consequences. We're in dire need of your help. The firm is in dire straits (= in a very difficult situation) and may go bankrupt.Erode (sth) = to gradually destroy sth or make it weaker over a period of time; to be destroyed or made weaker in this way. Her confidence has been slowly eroded by repeated failures. Mortgage payments have been eroded (= decreased in value) by inflation.Parochial (disapproving) = (ORIG. related to parish) only concerned with small issues that happen in your local area and not interested in more important things. They need to be better informed and less parochial in their thinking.Dissemination (formal) = disagreement between people or within a group. dissension within the governmentImmeasurable (formal) = too large, great etc. to be measured. to cause immeasurable harm. Her contribution was of immeasurable importance.Indispensable = essential, too important to be without. Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives. She made herself indispensable to the department. A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language.Console = comfort, to give comfort or sympathy to sb who is unhappy or disappointed. Nothing could console him when his wife died. She put a consoling arm around his shoulders. Enrage = infuriate, to make sb very angry. She was enraged at his stupidity. The newspaper article enraged him.Innocuous (formal) = harmless, not intended to offend or upset anyone. It seemed a perfectly innocuous remark.at the end of the day (BrE, informal) = used to introduce the most important fact after everything has been considered. At the end of the day, he'll still have to make his own decision.all things considered = thinking carefully about all the facts, especially the problems or difficulties, of a situation. She's had a lot of problems since her husband died but she seems quite cheerful, all things considered.in the cold light of day = when you have had time to think calmly about sth; in the morning when things are clearer. These things always look different in the cold light of day.all in all = when everything is considered. All in all it had been a great success.When you come to think of it = lump it (informal) = to accept sth unpleasant because there's no other choice. I'm sorry you're not happy about it but you'll just have to lump it. That's the situationlike it or lump it!Squalor = dirty and unpleasant conditions. the poverty and squalor of the slums. He had lost his job and was living in squalor.Equitable (formal) = fair and reasonable; treating everyone in an equal way. an equitable distribution of resourcesUNIT 11At smbs expense = if you make a joke at sb's expense, you laugh at them and make them feel silly. He thought she was having a laugh at his expense.Put smth down to smth = attribute, put sth down to sth to consider that sth is caused by sth. What do you put her success down to? He put it down to her being lonely and unattached.Put smth in = to spend a lot of time or make a lot of effort doing sth. She often puts in twelve hours' work a day. He was putting in longer hours than he had done.Ditch sth/sb (informal) = to get rid of sth/sb because you no longer want or need it/them. The new road building programme has been ditched. He ditched his girlfriend.Streak = a part of a person's character, especially an unpleasant part. The child has a stubborn streak. There may be a streak of insanity in the family.Fend off = ward off, to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc, especially by avoiding them. She managed to fend off questions about new tax increases. The Prime Minister fended off three challenges to her leadership. To fend off the problem, I threw myself into my job.Pretence = the act of behaving in a particular way, in order to make other people believe sth that is not true. Their friendliness was only pretence. She was unable to keep up the pretence that she loved him.Rally = a large public meeting, especially one held to support a particular idea or political party. to attend/hold a rally; a peace/protest, etc. rally; a mass rally in support of the striketie the knot (informal) = to get married. After dating for five years, we finally decided to tie the knotcast your net wide = to consider a lot of different people, activities, possibilities, etc. when you are looking for sth. It's worth casting your net wide when applying for your first job.a bolt from the blue = an event or a piece of news which is sudden and unexpected; a complete surprise. Her dismissal came as a bolt from the blue.have time on your hands (informal) = to have nothing to do or not be busy. Your problem is that you have too much time on your hands. I don't have time on my hands. I am busy all the time.(he who pays the piper) calls the tune (informal) = to be the person who controls a situation.carry a torch for sb = to be in love with sb, especially sb who does not love you in return. Hank struggles to raise his teenage daughter Becca, while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen.roll up your sleeves = to prepare to work or fight. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.at death's door (often humorous) = so ill/sick that you may die. I suppose you won't be coming to the party if you're at death's door!give sb the cold shoulder (informal) = to treat sb in an unfriendly way. Why do you always give my mother the cold shoulder when she comes to visit?Get a grip (informal) = make an effort to control your emotionshave your hands tied = to be unable to do what you want to do because of rules, promises, etc. I really wish I could help but my hands are tied.lose your grip (on sth) = to become unable to understand or control a situation. Sometimes I feel I'm losing my grip.have sth up your sleeve = to keep a plan or an idea secret until you need to use it. Actually I do have a few ideas up my sleeve.clutch at straws = to try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely. I know I'm just clutching at straws here, but is it possible that the doctors are wrong?grasp the nettle (BrE) = to deal with a difficult situation firmly and without hesitating. The government now has the opportunity to grasp the nettle of prison reform.get to grips with sth = to begin to understand and deal with sth difficult. I'm slowly getting to grips with the language. They have so far failed to come to grips with the ecological problems.play into sb's hands = to do exactly what an enemy, opponent, etc. wants so that they gain the advantage in a particular situation. If we get the police involved, we'll be playing right into the protesters' hands.up for grabs (informal) = available for anyone who is interested. There are 25000 worth of prizes up for grabs in our competition!Blurt out = to say sth suddenly and without thinking carefully enough. She blurted it out before I could stop her. To blurt out a problem/secret Bottle up = to not allow other people to see that you are unhappy, angry, etc, especially when this happens over a long period of time. Try not to bottle up your emotions. To bottle up a problem/emotions Choke back = to try hard to prevent your feelings from showing. to choke back tears/anger/sobs. Fend off = ward off, to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc, especially by avoiding them. She managed to fend off questions about new tax increases. The Prime Minister fended off three challenges to her leadership. To fend off criticism/a problem/blows/accusations Keep up appearances = hide the true situation and pretend that everything was going well. When she lost all her money, she was determined to keep up appearances.Shoot down = to be very critical of sb's ideas, opinions, etc. His latest theory has been shot down in flames. To shoot down an argument, accusationsSweep aside = to ignore sth completely. All their advice was swept aside. To sweep aside an argument/accusations/criticismTease out = to spend time trying to find out information or the meaning of sth, especially when this is complicated or difficult. The teacher helped them tease out the meaning of the poem. to tease out a problem/secretTone down = to make a speech, an opinion, etc. less extreme or offensive. The language of the article will have to be toned down for the mass market. To tone down criticism, accusationsWhip up = rouse, to deliberately try and make people excited or feel strongly about sth. The advertisements were designed to whip up public opinion. He was a speaker who could really whip up a crowd. To whip up rage/emotionsRevel in smth = to enjoy sth very much. She was clearly revelling in all the attention. He revelled in the freedom he was allowed. Some people seem to revel in annoying others. She revelled in defying the critics.Mendacity (formal) = lying, the act of not telling the truth. politicians accused of hypocrisy and mendacity Tenacity (formal) = determination. Further smth = to help sth to develop or be successful. They hoped the new venture would further the cause of cultural cooperation in Europe. She took the new job to further her career (=advance her professional life).Conform (to smth) = to behave and think in the same way as most other people in a group or society. There is considerable pressure on teenagers to conform. He refused to conform to the local customs.coupled with sb/sth = combined with, to link one thing, situation, etc. to another. Overproduction, coupled with falling sales, has led to huge losses for the company.Cohesion (formal) = unity, the act or state of keeping together. the cohesion of the nuclear family. social/political/economic cohesion Antecedent (formal) = previous. antecedent eventsUNIT 12Minuscule = extremely small. minuscule handwriting jostle (smb) = to push roughly against sb in a crowd. The visiting president was jostled by angry demonstrators. People were jostling, arguing and complaining. unmatched (by sb/sth) (formal) = better than all others. He had a talent unmatched by any other politician of this century.Jumble sth (together/up) = to mix things together in a confused or untidy way. Books, shoes and clothes were jumbled together on the floor. Contrived (disapproving) = planned in advance and not natural or genuine; written or arranged in a way that is not natural or realistic. a contrived situation The book's happy ending seemed contrived. , Handrail = a long narrow bar that you can hold onto for support, for example when you are going up or down stairs. Rung = one of the bars that forms a step in a laddercreep in/into sth = to begin to happen or affect sth. As she became more tired, errors began to creep into her work. Theres more to it than smth = something is much interesting, intelligent etc. than it seems. Of course, theres more to it than just a bag of gudgets.I beg to differ = used to say politely that you do not agree with sth that has just been said. At least she is good at her job. Oh, I beg to differ.boil sth down (to sth) = to make sth, especially information, shorter by leaving out the parts that are not important. The original speech I had written got boiled down to about ten minutes.Stride = an improvement in the way sth is developing. We're making great strides in the search for a cure.Scaffolding = poles and boards that are joined together to make a structure for workers to stand on when they are working high up on the outside wall of a building. The statue is currently surrounded by scaffolding. scaffolding poles. a nail in sb's/sth's coffin = something that makes the end or failure of an organization, sb's plans, etc. more likely to happen. This latest defeat is another nail in the government's coffin. call a spade a spade = to say exactly what you think without trying to hide your opinionblow a fuse (informal) = to get very angrystrings = special conditions or restrictions. Major loans like these always come with strings. It's a business proposition, pure and simple. No strings attached.have shot your bolt (informal) = to have used all your power, money or suppliesget into gear = to start working, or to start sth working, in an efficient waygo down the tubes (informal) (of a plan, company, situation, etc.) = to fail. The education system is going down the tubes.get your wires crossed (informal) = to become confused about what sb has said to you so that you think they meant sth else. We seem to have got our wires crossed. I thought you were coming on Tuesday.twist the knife (in the wound) = to say or do sth unkind deliberately; to make sb who is unhappy feel even more unhappy. Marcia laughed as she twisted the knife still deeper.the weak link (in the chain) = the point at which a system or an organization is most likely to fail. She went straight for the one weak link in the chain of his argument.the naked eye = the normal power of your eyes without the help of an instrument. The planet should be visible with the naked eye.The vanguard = the leaders of a movement in society, for example in politics, art, industry, etc. The company is proud to be in the vanguard of scientific progress.be a double-edged sword = to be sth that has both advantages and disadvantagesthe lay person = a person who does not have expert knowledge of a particular subject. The lay person cannot really understand mental illness.for sth's sake = because of the interest or value sth has, not because of the advantages it may bring. I believe in education for its own sake. art for art's sakeduty bound (formal) = having to do sth because it is your duty. I felt duty-bound to help him.Cusp = the time when one sign of the zodiac ends and the next begins. I was born on the cusp between Virgo and Libra. (figurative) He was on the cusp between small acting roles and moderate fame.subject to sth/sb = under the authority of sth/sb. All nuclear installations are subject to international safeguards. As a diplomat, he is not subject to local laws. get/set the ball rolling = to make sth start happening. wheels (of sth) = an organization or a system that seems to work like a complicated machine that is difficult to understand. the wheels of bureaucracy/commerce/government, etc. It was Rob's idea. I merely set the wheels in motion (= started the process).set sb's teeth on edge (of a sound or taste) = to make sb feel physically uncomfortable. Just the sound of her voice sets my teeth on edge.set in stone (of a decision, plan, etc.) = unable to be changed. People should remember that our proposals aren't set in stone.pull a fast one (on sb) (slang) = to trick sbset the scene (for sth) 1 to create a situation in which sth can easily happen or develop. His arrival set the scene for another argument. 2 to give sb the information and details they need in order to understand what comes next. The first part of the programme was just setting the scene.run rings round sb (informal) = to be much better at doing sth than sb else. I used to beat my son at chess but now he runs rings round me.pull the strings = to control events or the actions of other peoplerun the gauntlet = to be criticized or attacked by a lot of people, especially a group of people that you have to walk through. Some of the witnesses had to run the gauntlet of television cameras and reporters.run a tight ship = to organize sth in a very efficient way, controlling other people very closelyset your heart on sth = to want sth very much. They've set their heart on a house in the country.pull your socks up (BrE, informal) = to try to improve your performance, work, behaviour, etc. You're going to have to pull your socks up.Precedent = an official action or decision that has happened in the past and that is seen as an example or a rule to be followed in a similar situation later. The ruling set a precedent for future libel cases.pull out all the stops (informal) = to make the greatest effort possible to achieve sthset out your stall (BrE) = to show other people that you are determined to do something. We've set out our stall to win the championship and we'll be disappointed if we don't.

set the world on fire (BrE also set the world alight) (informal) (usually used in negative sentences) = to be very successful and gain the admiration of other people. He's never going to set the world on fire with his paintings.pull the other one (it's got bells on) (BrE, informal) = used to show that you do not believe what sb has just saidconvoluted = extremely complicated and difficult to follow. a convoluted argument/explanation a book; with a convoluted plotscratch (BrE) = put together in a hurry using whatever people or materials are available. a scratch teamseize a chance, an opportunity, the initiative, etc. = grab, to be quick to make use of a chance, an opportunity, etc. The party seized the initiative with both hands (= quickly and with enthusiasm).Lose sight of smth = to stop considering sth; to forget sth. We must not lose sight of our original aim. UNIT 13Rife (rather formal) = widespread, if sth bad or unpleasant is rife in a place, it is very common there. It is a country where corruption is rife. Rumours are rife that he is going to resign.Lousy (informal) = terrible, very bad awful. What lousy weather! I've had a lousy day.Ameliorate sth (formal) = to make sth better. Steps have been taken to ameliorate the situation.Prudent (formal) = sensible and careful when you make judgements and decisions; avoiding unnecessary risks. a prudent businessman; a prudent decision/investment. It might be more prudent to get a second opinion before going ahead. Ravage sth = devastate, to damage sth badly. a country ravaged by civil war; a recession that has ravaged the textile industry. Trickle = to flow, or to make sth flow, slowly in a thin stream. Tears were trickling down her cheeks. Trickle some oil over the salad. Wane = decrease, fade, to become gradually weaker or less important . Her enthusiasm for the whole idea was waning rapidly. Their popularity waned during that period. Depreciate = to become less valuable over a period of time. New cars start to depreciate as soon as they are on the road. Shares continued to depreciate on the stock markets today. OPP appreciate Curtail sth (formal) = to limit sth or make it last for a shorter time. Spending on books has been severely curtailed. The lecture was curtailed by the fire alarm going off.Finite = having a definite limit or fixed size. a finite number of possibilities. The world's resources are finite.Tentative = 1 (of an arrangement, agreement, etc.) not definite or certain because you may want to change it later. We made a tentative arrangement to meet on Friday. tentative conclusions. 2 hesitant, not behaving or done with confidence. a tentative greeting. Her English is correct but tentative. I'm taking the first tentative steps towards fitness. Peevish = irritable, easily annoyed by unimportant things; bad-tempered. Sebastian was a sickly, peevish child. Resigned = being willing to calmly accept sth unpleasant or difficult that you cannot change. a resigned sigh. He was resigned to never seeing his birthplace again. in common with sb/sth (formal) = in the same way as sb/sth. Britain, in common with many other industrialized countries, has experienced major changes over the last 100 years.Wage a war, battle, etc. = to begin and continue a war, a battle, etc. The rebels have waged a guerrilla war since 2007. He alleged that a press campaign was being waged against him. , Outcome = the result or effect of an action or event. We are waiting to hear the final outcome of the negotiations.A foregone conclusion = if you say that sth is a foregone conclusion, you mean that it is a result that is certain to happen. The outcome of the vote is a foregone conclusion.Battered = attacked violently and injured; attacked and badly damaged by weapons or by bad weather. battered women/children. The child had suffered what has become known as battered baby syndrome. Rockets and shells continued to hit the battered port.Unbowed (literary) = not defeated or not ready to accept defeat. The losing team left the field bloody but unbowed.Intrepid (formal, often humorous) = fearless, very brave; not afraid of danger or difficulties. an intrepid explorer Grudge (against sb) = a feeling of anger or dislike towards sb because of sth bad they have done to you in the past. I bear him no grudge. He has a grudge against the world. She has harboured a grudge against me for years. I don't hold any grudges now. He's a man with a grudge. England beat New Zealand in a grudge match (= a match where there is strong dislike between the teams). Stowaway = a person who hides in a ship or plane before it leaves, in order to travel without paying or being seenget, etc. somewhere under your own steam (informal) = to go somewhere without help from other people. I'll get to the party under my own steam. in excess of smth = more than smth. The increase will not be in excess of two per cent.Beach smth = to come or bring sth out of the water and onto the beach. He beached the boat and lifted the boy onto the shore.Residue = a small amount of sth that remains at the end of a process. pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables Haunt smth = sb to continue to cause problems for sb for a long time. That decision came back to haunt him. She has been haunted by her past during her career.pile up = accumulate, to become larger in quantity or amount .Work always piles up at the end of the year. Problems were beginning to pile up. precious = rare and worth a lot of money. a precious vase. The crown was set with precious jewelsdiamonds, rubies and emeralds. see also precious metal, precious stone UNIT 14Decrepitude (formal) = the state of being old and in poor condition or health. the decline towards decrepitude and death In moderation = in small quantities. Alcohol should only ever be taken in moderation.To excess = more than is necessary or reasonable. He started drinking to excess after losing his job.Flout smth = defy, to show that you have no respect for a law, etc. by openly not obeying it. Motorists regularly flout the law.Hype (informal, disapproving) = advertisements and discussion on television, radio, etc. telling the public about a product and about how good or important it is. marketing/media hype. Don't believe all the hypethe book isn't that good.if the truth be known/told = used to tell sb the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other peoplelive in clover (informal) = to have enough money to be able to live a very comfortable life.live it up (informal) = to enjoy yourself in an exciting way, usually spending a lot of moneylive by your wits = to earn money by clever or sometimes dishonest meanslive sth down = to be able to make people forget about sth embarrassing you have done. She felt so stupid. She'd never be able to live it down.live up to sth = to do as well as or be as good as other people expect you to. He failed to live up to his parents' expectations.Harangue smb = lecture smb, to speak loudly and angrily in a way that criticizes sb/sth or tries to persuade people to do sth. He walked to the front of the stage and began to harangue the audience.Resolve to do smth/on (doing) smth = decide, to make a firm decision. He resolved not to tell her the truth. We had resolved on making an early start.Swear smth/to do smth = to make a serious promise. He swore revenge on the man who had killed his father.Crave smth/to do smth = long for, to have a very strong desire for sth. She has always craved excitement.Unearth = dig up, to find or discover sth by chance or after searching for it. I unearthed my old diaries when we moved house. The newspaper has unearthed some disturbing facts.by word of mouth = because people tell each other and not because they read about it. The news spread by word of mouth.UNIT 15High-flyer = a person who has the desire and the ability to be very successful in their job or their studies. academic high-flyersRun-of-the-mill (often disapproving) = ordinary, with no special or interesting features. a run-of-the-mill jobUndue (formal) = excessive, more than you think is reasonable or necessary. They are taking undue advantage of the situation. The work should be carried out without undue delay.In the fast lane = where things are most exciting and where a lot is happening. He had a good job, plenty of money and he was enjoying life in the fast lane. Life in the fast lane was proving even more hectic than Henry had imagined.In the slow lane = not making progress as fast as other people, countries, companies, etc. Both companies could end up in the slow lane, due to lack of investment.Fast-track = a quick way to achieve sth, for example a high position in a job. the fast-track route to promotion. Male PAs are on a fast track to the top.Stepping stone = something that allows you to make progress or begin to achieve sth. a stepping stone to a more lucrative careerGain ground (on smb/smth) = to gradually get closer to sb/sth that is moving or making progress in an activity. The police car was gaining ground on the suspects.First/next/top rung on a carrier ladder = one of the bars that forms a step in a ladder. Men increasingly use support roles as a first rung on the career ladder.chivalrous (of men) = gallant, polite, kind and behaving with honour, especially towards women lanky (of a person) = gangling, having long thin arms and legs and moving in an awkward way. a tall, lanky teenagerfledgling (usually before another noun) = a person, an organization or a system that is new and without experience. fledgling democracieslean towards sth = to have a tendency to prefer sth, especially a particular opinion or interest. The UK leant towards the US proposal.tend towards sth = to take a particular direction or often have a particular quality. His views tend towards the extreme. Prices have tended downwards over recent years.UNIT 16Model (app.) = a person or thing that is considered an excellent example of sth. a model student/childSpunky (informal) = brave and determined; full of enthusiasm. She is bright, tough and spunky.Ardent = passionate, very enthusiastic and showing strong feelings about sth/sb. an ardent supporter of European unityOutfit sth/sb (with sth) = equip, to provide sb/sth with equipment or clothes for a special purpose equip. The ship was outfitted with a 12-bed hospital.revel in sth = to enjoy sth very much. She was clearly revelling in all the attention. He revelled in the freedom he was allowed. Some people seem to revel in annoying others. She revelled in defying the critics.Dismay = a worried, sad feeling after you have received an unpleasant surprise. She could not hide her dismay at the result. He looked at her in dismay. To her dismay, her name was not on the list. The news has been greeted with dismay by local business leaders.Disconcert smb = disturb, to make sb feel anxious, confused or embarrassed. His answer rather disconcerted her. I was disconcerted to find that everyone else already knew it. She had the disconcerting habit of saying exactly what she thought.Clandestine (formal) = done secretly or kept secret. a clandestine meeting/relationship the cla