Sir Faisal Amin

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2012-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

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Part1
Download Sentence and Have

Part2
Download Have as a state verb

Part3
Pronouns .mp3

Part4
Existing and changing states.mp3

Part5
Tenses whole lecture Using Switch.mp3

Part6
Modals (Available Soon)

Part7
Causatives.mp3

Part8
Causatives, Conditionals and Passives.mp3

Contrast

2012-05-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

When we want to make two points, and emphasise that one of them contrasts with the other, there are a number of different words and expressions that we can use.

Probably the most common and simplest word to use is the conjunction but. It comes between the two clauses that you wish to contrast:

			The team lost the game, but* Paul scored three goals.*
			I don't like most sweet food, but* I love chocolate.*

Although is also a conjunction, and can come either at the beginning of a sentence, or between the two clauses that you wish to contrast:

			*Although* it was raining, they went on a picnic.
			They went on a picnic although* it was raining.*

Though can be used in exactly the same way, and is more common in informal speech:

			*Though* it was raining, they went on a picnic.
			They went on a picnic though it was raining.

If we use even though in this way, the word even stresses that what follows is surprising:

Even though he's almost ninety, he's entered the marathon.

Though can also be used as an adverb, used especially at the end of the sentence to add a fact or an opinion that
makes the previous statement less strong or less important.

			Our team lost. It was a good game though.
			"Have you ever been to Australia?" "No, I’d like to, though."

Even so also means however (see below), and comes at the beginning of the sentence:

They come from a very rich family. Even so, they're really mean with their money.

However, nevertheless, mind you, still, yet, and in spite of this can all be used as adverbs to show that something you are saying contrasts with something else.

However and nevertheless emphasise the fact that the second thing that you are saying contrasts with the first. Nevertheless is more formal.

			The children had a lovely day. However, they arrived home very sunburnt.
			The government vowed to reduce inflation. Nevertheless, one year later, the rate has increased by 3 percent.

We use mind you and still to introduce whatever contrasts as an afterthought:

			He's a horrible man. Mind you, many people like him.
			The weather was awful all week. Still, we had a nice rest.

Yet, still and in spite of this all emphasise that something is surprising, considering what has already been said:

			He's been an invalid since he was a child and yet* has had a brilliant career.*
			United were four goals down at halftime, and were still able to win the game.
			He claims that he's a vegetarian. In spite of this, he does enjoy a bit of ham every now and again.

In spite of can also be used as a preposition. In spite of + noun is very similar to although + clause (see above):

			He looks very fit in spite of his age (=although* he's very old)*
			He went to the gym in spite of* his broken leg (=although he had a broken leg)*

In spite of can be followed by an -ing form.

In spite of not being able to swim, she survived for almost an hour in the sea.

We can also use despite in the same way as in spite of in more formal English:

He was considered for the position despite his lack of experience.

Contrasting ideas

But
However
Although / even though
Despite / despite the fact that
In spite of / in spite of the fact that
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
While
Whereas
Unlike
In theory… in practice…

But is more informal than however. It is not normally used at the beginning of a sentence.

"He works hard, but he doesn't earn much."
"He works hard. However, he doesn't earn much."

Although, despite and in spite of introduce an idea of contrast. With these words, you must have two halves of a sentence.

"Although it was cold, she went out in shorts."
"In spite of the cold, she went out in shorts."

Despite and in spite of are used in the same way as due to and owing to. They must be followed by a noun. If you want to follow them with a noun and a verb, you must use the fact that.

"Despite the fact that the company was doing badly, they took on extra employees."

Nevertheless and nonetheless mean in spite of that or anyway.

"The sea was cold, but he went swimming nevertheless." (In spite of the fact that it was cold.)
"The company is doing well. Nonetheless, they aren't going to expand this year."

While, whereas and unlike are used to show how two things are different from each other.

"While my sister has blue eyes, mine are brown."

"Taxes have gone up, whereas social security contributions have gone down."

"Unlike in the UK, the USA has cheap petrol."

Summary of Gerunds

2012-05-22T08:21:00.003-07:00

The Gerund
Gerund forms:
                                      Active                             Passive
simple                           Playing                           being played
perfect                           having played               having been played

2.        A simple gerund is the ing form of a verb, e.g. jumping, meeting, dancing.
            Jogging is good for health.
            It was nice meeting you.
            Note:
            a) An ing-form can be gerund or an active participle, depending            on how we use it in a
            sentence.
            Gerund: Jogging is good for you.
            Participle: We watched the students jogging round the campus.
            But in some contexts it may be difficult to say whether an ing-form is a gerund or
            participle, and it is not always important to know the difference. Remember that using
            the gerund form correctly is more important than naming it.

3.        We use perfect gerund for something before the time of the main clause.
            Sarah remembered having visited the place before. (The visit was before the memory)
            But we don’t need to use perfect if it is clear form the context that the time was earlier.
            Sarah remembered visiting the place before.

4.        In negative, not comes before the gerund.
            It’s difficult not smoking for the whole day.
            I can’t help not being amused by these silly jokes.
Gerund clauses:
1.        A gerund clause can just be a gerund on its own, or there can be an object or adverbial
            after it.
            No one likes washing the car.
            Going on holiday always makes me feel uneasy.

            Note: An adverb can come sometimes before the gerund rather than after it.
            We didn’t want to risk completely spoiling the evening.
2.        A subject can come before the gerund.
            We rely on our neighbors watering the plants while we are away.
            I dislike people asking me personal questions.
•         The subject can be possessive, especially when it is a personal pronoun or a name.
            It is a bit inconvenient you/your coming late.
            Do you mind me/my sitting here?
            I’m fed up with Sarah/Sarah’s laughing at my accent.
            The possessive is more formal, and it is less usual in everyday speech.
•        But we are more likely to use a possessive at the beginning of a sentence.
            Your coming in late is a bit of inconvenient.
            Sarah’s laughing at my accent is getting on my nerves.
Some patterns with the gerunds
1.        Gerund clause as subject
            Digging is hard work.
            But choosing the colour won’t be easy.
            Keeping a copy of your letter is a good idea.
            I think walking in the country is a lovely way to spend a day.

2.        Patterns with it, there and have
a)        Here are some patterns with it and a gerund.
            It is no good arguing. I’ve made up my mind.
            It might be worth taking the guided tour.
            It wouldn’t be much use trying to stick the pieces together again.
            It is nuisance (=sb/sth that annoys or causes trouble for you) being without electricity.
            It is a great fun skiing.
            Note:
            a) After use, experience, nuisance and fun we can also use a to-infinitive.
            b) There are also these patterns with worth.
            It might be worth it to take the guided tour.
            The guided tour might be worth taking.

b)       We can use there with problem/difficulty and a gerund.
            There won’t be any problem parking.
c)        There is also a pattern with have (=experience) and a gerund.
            You won’t have any problem parking.
            We had great fun skiing.
3)        Gerund clause as complement after be
            Sarah’s hobby is inventing computer games.
            What I suffer from is not being able to sleep.
4)        Verb + gerund
a)       We can use a gerund after some verbs.
            Someone suggested going for a walk.
            Do you mind waiting a moment?
            I can’t help feeling depressed sometimes.
            Imagine never having been abroad.
            For a list of verbs taking the gerund
            admit, advise, allow, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, can’t help, confess, consider,
          delay, deny, detest, dislike, enjoy, escape, excuse, fancy(=want), finish, give up,
          imagine, involve, justify, keep (on), leave off, mention, mind, miss, permit,
`       postpone, practise, put off, quit, recommend, resent, resist, resume, risk, save,
          stand, suggest, tolerate.
Note: a)      Afford (=have enough money/time) and stand (=tolerate) go after can/could
                    or be able to.
          Do you think we’ll be able to afford to go to India?
          I can’t stand sitting around doing nothing.

          b)      We can use agree with a to-infinitive but NOT accept.
          She agreed to pay half the cost.
          c)       We use be dying(=want very much) only in the continuous.
          I’m dying to have a swim.
          d)      Care and mind are normally in a negative sentence or a question.
          Would you care to come along with us?
          Do you mind carrying this bag for me?
          e)      After help we can leave out to.
          We all helped (to) put up the tent.
          f) When advise, recommend, allow or permit has another object, it takes a to-
          infinitive.
          I advised taking a taxi.
          I advised the girls to take a taxi.

b)       Sometimes, we can use a finite clause.
            Someone suggested (that) we might go out for a walk.
            But with some verbs this is not possible.
            NOT I’ve finished that I tidy my room.
5)        Verbs + object + gerund
            I hate people laughing at me.
            The arrangements involve you/your giving every one a lift.
            How can they justify lives being put at risks?
            We can use an object + gerund after these verbs.
            avoid, can’t help, dislike, dread, enjoy, excuse, (not) forget, hate, imagine, involve,
            justify, like, love, mean, mention, mind, miss, prefer, prevent, remember, resent,
            resist (angry about being forced to accept sb/sth), resist, risk, save, stop, tolerance,
            understand.
Note: For an object + infinitive after some verbs of wanting and liking.
            I hate people to laugh at me.
6)        Preposition + gerund
a)       A gerund often comes after a verb + preposition, an adjective + preposition or a noun +
            preposition. We don’t use a to-infinitive in these patterns.
            We believe in giving people the freedom to choose.
            My husband is not very good at cooking.
            It is just a matter of filling in a form.
b)        We can also use a gerund after than, as and like expressing comparison.
            A holiday is nicer than sitting at a desk.
            She insist on reading the letter.
            Let’s go on with addressing the envelopes.
•          We can use a gerund after these prepositional verbs:
            admit to, (dis)agree with, aim at, apologize for, (dis)approve of, believe in, benefit from,
            care for, confess to, count on, depend on, feel like, get on with, insist on, object to,
            pay for, put up with, rely on, resort to (to do sth that you don’t want to do because you
            can’t find any other way), , succeed in, succeed in, think of, vote for.
•         We can also use verbs with about e.g. talk about, think about, worry about.
            People were complaining about having to walk so far.
•         With most of the verbs in this pattern, the gerund can have a subject.
            She insists on everyone reading the letter.
7.        A gerund can also follow a verb + object + preposition
            I would like to congratulate you on breaking the world record.
            The article accuses the government of concealing important information.
•          We can use:
            accuse … of, blame …for, charge … with, congratulate … on, deter … from ( to prevent sb
            from doing sth), discourage …from, excuse … for, excuse … from, forgive … for,
            prevent … from, punish … for, remind … of, stop … from, strike …as, thank … for,
            use … for.
            Note: We can also use verbs with about, e.g. tell, inform, warn
            I warned you about leaving your money around.
8.        A gerund can also follow an adjective + preposition
          I am nervous of saying the wrong thing.
            What’s wrong with borrowing a little money?
            We can use:
            afraid of, amazed at, angry about/at, annoyed about/at, anxious about, ashamed of,
            aware of, bad at, bored with, capable of, content (pleased with your situation and not
            hoping for change) with, dependent on, different from/to, excited about/at, famous for,
            fed up with, fond of, good at, grateful for, guilty of, happy about/with, interested in,
            keen on, nervous of, pleased about/with, ready for, responsible for, satisfied with,
            sorry for/about, successful in, surprised at, use to, worried about, wrong with.

9.        After some verbs and adjectives we can use either a preposition + gerund or a to-
            infinitive, with no difference in meaning.
            The people voted for joining/voted to join the Community.
•         We can use these expressions.
            aim at doing/to do, amazed at finding/to find, angry at finding/to find, annoyed at
            finding/to find, content with being/to be, grateful for having/to have, pay for having/to
            have, ready for taking/to take, satisfied with being/to be, thankful for having/to have,
            surprised at finding/to find, vote for doing/to do.
•          But sometimes the to-infinitive has a different meaning from the preposition + gerund.
            Details are in the notes below.
Note:
a)        Agree with means to think that something is right, but agree to means to make a
            decision.
            I don’t agree with cutting down trees.
            I think it’s wrong.
            We all agreed to meet the next day.
b)       We use tell … about and remind … of to report statements and thoughts.
            I told you about losing my credit card.
            This reminds me climbing years ago.
            But tell/remainder to do sth reports an order or remainder.
            I told you to keep that card safe.
            Why didn’t you remind me to bring a compass?
c)        Keen on/interested in usually means a general interest, but keen to/interested to means
            a wish to do a particular thing.
            Simon is keen on cycling/interested in cycling. He does quite a lot of it.
            Simon is keen to go on the trip. He has never cycled in Scandinavia before.
            Simon was interested to hear about your cycle tour.
d)       Happy about and pleased about express pleasure. We can also use a to-infinitive.
            Sam was pleased about winning/pleased to win a prize.
          Happy to and pleased to are also often used in polite statements.
            I’m pleased to meet you.
            We shall be pleased to accept your offer.

e)       Afraid to can only express unwillingness caused by fear. Afraid of can have the same
            meaning, or it can express fear about what might happen.
            Many old people are afraid to cross/afraid of crossing the road in case they have an
            accident.
            Many old people are afraid of having an accident when they cross the road.
            NOT afraid to have an accident.
f)         Anxious to means “willing to” but anxious about means “worried about”.
            I’m anxious to get this business settled quickly.
            She was anxious about making a mistake.
g)       Ashamed of expresses shame about something. Ashamed to expresses unwillingness
            caused by shame.
            I do feel rather ashamed of having told Lucy a lie.
            I don’t think he can afford to pay us back, but I expect he’s ashamed to admit it.
h)       Sorry about/for or sorry to have done expresses an apology for an earlier action. Sorry
            with a simple to-infinitive expresses an apology for a present action.
            I’m sorry for causing/sorry to have caused all that trouble yesterday.
            Sorry to disturb you, but can I have a word?
            Note: We also use sorry with a simple to-infinitive to express regret about what we say
            hear.
            I’m sorry to have to say this, but your work is far from satisfactory.
            I was sorry to hear your bad news.

10)      To do or doing?
            To can be part of to-infinitive, or it can be a preposition.
            I hope to see you soon. ( hope + to-infinitive )
            I look forward to seeing you soon. ( look forward to + gerund )
•         We can also put a noun phrase after the preposition to.
            I look forward to next weekend.
•         We can use a gerund (but not infinitive) with the verbs admit to, confess to, face up to,
            look forward to, object to, prefer … to, resort to, take to; the adjectives accustomed to,
            close to, opposed to, resigned to, used to; and the preposition is addition to.

11)      Some verbs and adjective can take a preposition + gerund, e.g. succeed in doing,
            grateful for having. We can also use a preposition + gerund after a related noun.
            We expressed our gratitude for having had the opportunity.
            I noticed Jeff’s success in getting the price reduced.
•         Some other nouns can also take a preposition + gerund.
            How would you like the idea of living in a caravan?
            There is a small advantage in moving fast.
•         We can use these expression:
            advantage of/in, aim of/in, amazement at, anger about/at, annoyance about/at,
            anxiety about, apology for, awareness of, belief in, boredom with, danger of/in,
            difficulty (in), effect of, excitement about/at, expense of/in, par of, gratitude for,
            idea of, insistence on, interested in, job of, matter of, objection to, pleasure of/in,
            point of/in, possibility of, problem of/in, prospect of, purpose of/in, question about/of,
            reason for, satisfaction with, success in, surprise at, task of, work of, worry about.
12)      The pattern before leaving
i)          Please switch off the lights before leaving.
            Instead of staying at home, we had to go to office.
            The picture was hung upside down with anyone noticing it.
            She succeeded in business by being completely single-minded.
            How about coming round this evening?
            I still feel tired in spite of having slept eight hours.
            Despite your reminding me, I forgot.
•          We can use a gerund after these prepositions:
            after, against, as a result of, as well as, because of, before, besides, by, by means of,
            despite, for, how about, in, in addition to, in favour of, in spite of, instead of, on,
            on account of, since, through, what about, with, without.
Note:
a)        A similar pattern is conjunction + participle.
            Although having slept for eight hours, I still feel tired.
b)       On and in have special meanings in this pattern.
            On turning the corner, I saw a most unexpected sight.
            (=As soon as I had turned the corner … )

            In building a new motorway, they attracted new industry to the area.
13)     Determiner + gerund
•         We can use a gerund after the, this, that, some, no, a lot of, a little, a bit of and much.
            Nancy likes her new job, but the driving makes her tired.
            This constant arguing gets on my nerves.
            I would like to find time for some fishing at the weekend.
            No parking (=Parking is not allowed)
            I’ve got a bit of shopping to do.
•         The + gerund is specific rather than general.
            The driving makes her tired. (= the driving she does in her job)
            Driving makes her tired. (= all driving, driving in general)
Note:
a)        We can use an adjective before a gerund.
            My boss was fined for dangerous driving.
b)       A gerund means action.
            Crossing the road here is dangerous.
            Building is a skilled job.
14)
a)        A gerund clause can have an object.
            An important part of our work is keeping records.
            Playing ball games is not allowed.
•         When we use a determiner + gerund, the object has of before it.
            An important part of our work is the keeping records.
            The playing of ball game is prohibited.
          Note: This pattern with of can be rather formal and is typical of an official, written style.
b)       Instead of gerund, we often use other abstract nouns in this pattern.
            The management of small business, the education of young children.
            Here management and education are more usual than managing and educating.

Summary of Infinitives

2012-05-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

The infinitives
Infinitive forms:

                                      Bare-infinitive               To-infinitive
simple                           Play                                to play
perfect                           have played                   to have played
continuous                             be playing                      to be playing
perfect continuous       have been playing        to have been playing

1.       A simple infinitive is the base form of verb, with or with out to
          Bare- infinitive: I would rather sit at the back.
          To-infinitive   :     I would prefer to sit at the back.
          Examples:           I missed the program. I would like to have seen it.
                                      (=I regret that I didn’t do or couldn’t do it.)
                                      The weather seems to be getting worse.
2.       A simple infinitive refers to the same time as in the main clause.
          I’m pleased to meet you.(=The pleasure and the meeting are both in the present.)
          You were lucky to win. (=The luck and the victory are both in the past.)
          Note: We use a perfect infinitive for something before the time and the main clause
          I would like to have seen the program yesterday.
          (=The desire is in the present but the program is in the past.)
          You are lucky to be winning. (=You are winning at the moment.)
          Note: In the negatives, not comes before the infinitive.
          I would rather not sit at the front.
          I would prefer not to sit at the front.
          It’s better to do it now than (to) leave it to the last minute.
          I’m going to go out and have a good time.

3.       An infinitive clause can be just an infinitive on its own, or there can be an object or
          adverbial.
          A ride on a London bus is the best way to see the city.
          We need to act quickly.

4.       A preposition comes in its normal place, usually after a verb or adjective.
          Your meals are all you have to pay for.
          There’s noting to get excited about.
          I need a vase to put these flowers in.
5.       We can sometimes use to-infinitive clause as subject
          To defrost this fridge takes ages.
          To turn down the invitation seems rude.
          Not to take a holiday now and then is a great mistake.
Note: But this pattern is not very usual. More often we use if as an empty subject.
          It takes ages to defrost this fridge.
          Would it seem rude to turn down the invitation?
          It’s a great mistake not to take a holiday now and then.
Note: But we often use a gerund clause as a subject.
          Defrosting this fridge takes ages.
Note: A to-infinitive clause can be a complement after be.
          Her ambition is to go to America.
          The important thing is not to panic.
          The idea was to surprise everybody.

6.      A to-infinitive clause can express purpose.
          I’m writing to enquire about activity holidays.
Note: In informal British English we use the forms go and come and rather than go to/
          come to.
          Come and have a look at this.
          I’ll go and fetch a hammer.
          After going or coming we use to-infinitive.
          Mark is coming to look at the photos.
7.       We can sometimes use a to-infinitive clause to express result, although this use is
          rather literary.
          She came home to find her house on fire.
          He grew up to be a handsome young man.

Note: The to-infinitive can express the idea of “Bad News” following “Good News”. We
          often use only before the infinitive.
          I found my keys only to lose them again.
          He arrived for the concert (only) to find it had been cancelled.

Note: An infinitive clause can also express a comment on the sentence.
          To be frank, you didn’t make a very good impression.
          I’m a bit tired of sightseeing, to tell you the truth.

8.      We can use to-infinitive after some verbs.
          I plan to visit India next year.
          People are refusing to pay the new tax.
9.       We can use seem, appear, happen, tend, come, grow, turn out and prove with a
          to-infinitive.
          The plane seems to be losing height.(=It was apparently losing height.)
          We happened to meet in the street. (=We met by chance in the street.)
10.    Verbs taking only to-infinitive.
          afford, agree, aim, appear, arrange, ask, attend, be, be dying, back, can’t wait, care,
          choose, claim, come, dare, decide, demand, expect, fail, get(=succeed), grow,
          guarantee, happen, hasten, have, help, hesitate, hope, learn, long, manage, neglect,
          offer, omit, ought to, plan, prepare, pretend, promise, prove, refuse, see, seem,
          swear, tend, threaten, train, turn out, undertake, used to, wish.
11.     Verbs taking only Gerund
          admit, advise, allow, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, can’t help, confess, consider,
          delay, deny, detest, dislike, enjoy, escape, excuse, fancy(=want), finish, give up,
          imagine, involve, justify, keep (on), leave off, mention, mind, miss, permit,
`       postpone, practise, put off, quit, recommend, resent, resist, resume, risk, save,
          stand, suggest, tolerate.
Note: a)      Afford (=have enough money/time) and stand (=tolerate) go after can/could
                    or be able to.
          Do you think we’ll be able to afford to go to India?
          I can’t stand sitting around doing nothing.

          b)      We can use agree with a to-infinitive but NOT accept.
          She agreed to pay half the cost.
          c)       We use be dying(=want very much) only in the continuous.
          I’m dying to have a swim.
          d)      Care and mind are normally in a negative sentence or a question.
          Would you care to come along with us?
          Do you mind carrying this bag for me?
          e)      After help we can leave out to.
          We all helped (to) put up the tent.
          f) When advise, recommend, allow or permit has another object, it takes a to-
          infinitive.
          I advised taking a taxi.
          I advised the girls to take a taxi.

12.     Some verbs can take either a to-infinitive or a gerund with almost no difference in
          meaning.
          I hate to leave/hate leaving everything to the last time.
          When the president appeared, the crowd began to cheer/began cheering.
        These verbs are: begin, bother, can’t bear, cease, commence, continue, hate,           intend, like, love, prefer, purpose, start.
          a)      With the verbs of liking and hating, sometimes the gerund gives a sense of the action really happening, while the infinitive often points to a possible action.
          I hate doing the same thing all the time.
          It gets really boring sometimes.
          Note: Like, love and hate usually take a gerund, but would like, would love and           would hate normally take a to-infinitive.
          I love swimming.
          I would love to go for a swim.
          Note:
          I did not like to complain. (=I didn’t complain because it wasn’t a good idea)
          I did not like complaining. (=I complained, but I didn’t enjoy it.)

          b)      After start, begin and continue, a state verb usually has the to-infinitive form.
                    after it.
          The spectators were beginning to arrive. NOT beginning arriving.
          c)       Bother is normally in a negative sentence or question.
                   Don’t bother to wash/bother washing up.
13.    Either forms but different meanings
          The to-infinitive and gerund have different meanings after remember, forget,
          regret, dread, try, stop, mean, go on, need, want, require and deserve.
          a)      We use remember and forget with a to-infinitive to talk about necessary
                    actions and whether we do them or not.
          Did you remember to turn off the electricity?
          You forgot to sign the cheque.~ Oh, sorry.
          Note: We use a gerund to talk about the memories of the past.
        I will never forget sneezing in the middle of the meeting.
          I don’t know. I can’t remember turning it off.

          b) We use regret + to-infinitive for a present action, especially when giving bad
          news. We use a gerund to express regret about the past.
          We regret to inform you that your application has been turned down.
          I regret wasting/having wasted so much time last year.

          c) Sorry about/for or sorry to have done expresses an apology for an earlier action.
          Sorry with a simple to-infinitive to express regret about what we say or hear.
          I’m sorry to have to say this, but your work is far from satisfactory.
          I was sorry to hear your bad news.

          d) We use dread + to-infinitive mainly in the expression I dread to think/imagine…
          We use a gerund for something that causes fear.
          I dread to think what might happen to you all alone in a big city.
          I always dreaded being punished by my teacher.
          e) Try+ to-infinitive means “attempt to do” and try+ gerund means “do something
          which might solve the problem”.
          I am trying to light a fire, but this wood won’t burn.~ Why don’t you try pouring
          some petrol on it?
          Note: In informal English we can use try and instead of try to.
          Let’s try and move the cupboard away from the wall.
          f)       After stop we use the to-infinitive of purpose. But stop+ gerund means to end
          an action.
          At the next station he stopped to buy a newspaper.
          You better stop dreaming and get on with some work.
          g)       Mean+ to-infinitive has the sense of “intend”. But mean+ gerund expresses
          result, what is involved in something.
          I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to step on your foot.
          I have to be at the air port at nine. It means getting up early.
          h)      Go on + to-infinitive means to do something different, to do the next thing.
          Go on + gerund means to continue doing something.
          After receiving the award, the actor went on to thank all the people who had
          helped him in his career.
          The band went on playing even after everyone had left.
          i) We usually use need, want and deserve with a to-infinitive.
          We need to leave at eight.
          Tony wants to borrow your typewriter.
•        A gerund after these verbs has a passive meaning.
          The typewriter needs/wants cleaning.
14.    Verbs + object + to-infinitive
          Some verbs can take an object and a to-infinitive.
          I expected Dave to meet me at the airport.
          Your landlady wants you to post these letters.
          We asked the teacher not to give us any homework.
Here Dave is the object of the verb expected. It also functions as the subject of to meet.
Compare these sentences.
          I expected to see Dave. (=I expected (that) I would see Dave.)
Note: Verbs meaning “order” or “request”.
          The doctor told her to stay in bed.
          We persuaded our neighbours to turn the music down.
•        We can similarly use these verbs; advise, ask, beg, command, encourage, instruct,
          advise, order, persuade, recommend, remind, request, tell, urge, warn.
Note: Verbs meaning “cause” or “help”
          The crisis has forced the government to act.
          This portable phone enables me to keep in touch with the office.
          We can use allow, authorize, cause, compel, drive, enable, forbid, force, get, help,
          intend, lead, mean, oblige, permit, require, teach, train.
Note: Verbs meaning “say” or “think”
          The judges announced the result to be a draw.
          The police believed the Mafia to have committed the crime.
          This pattern can be rather formal. We can use announce, assume, believe, consider,
          declare, discover, estimate, expect, feel, find, imagine, judge, know, presume,
          report, reveal, show, suppose, understand.
Note: Verbs meaning “wanting” or “liking”
          I want everyone to enjoy themselves.
          I’d like you to hold the door open for me.
•        We can use want, wish, (would) like, (would) love, (would) prefer, (would) hate,
          and can’t bear.
•        The main clause can’t be passive.
          NOT Every one is wanted to enjoy themselves.
•        But the infinitive can be passive.
          I would like the door to be held open.
15.     The pattern It was easy to write the letter.
          A common pattern is it + is linking verb + adjective + to-infinitive clause.
          It was marvelous to visit the Grand Canyon.
          It is difficult to solve the problem.
          It is rare to see a horse and cart nowadays.
          It felt very strange to be watched by so many people.
•        Good/bad: marvellous, terrific, wonderful, perfect, great, good, nice, pleasant,
          lovely, terrible, awful, dreadful, horrible.
•        Adjective in ing: interesting, exciting, depressing, confusing, embarrassing,
          amusing.
•        Difficulty, danger and expense: easy, difficult, hard, convenient, possible,
          impossible, safe, dangerous, cheap, expensive.
•        Necessity: necessary, vital, essential, important, advisable, better/best.
•        Frequency: usual, normal, common, rare.
•        Comment: strange, odd, incredible, natural, understandable.
•        Personal qualities: good, nice, kind, helpful, mean, generous, clever, intelligent,
          sensible, right, silly, stupid, foolish, careless, wrong, polite, rude.
16.     The pattern The letter was easy to write
          Here we understand the letter as the object of to write.
          The Grand Canyon was marvellous to visit.
          The problem is difficult to solve.
          Would gas be any cheaper to cook with?
Note: In this pattern we can use some adjectives meaning “good” or “bad” and adjectives
of difficulty, danger and expense.
•        There is no object after the to-infinitive in this pattern.
          NOT The problem is difficult to solve it.
•        We can use impossible in this pattern, but we cannot use possible.
          The problem is impossible to solve.
•        The adjective can come before a noun.
          It was a marvellous experience to visit the Grand Canyon.
          It is a difficult problem to solve.
          It is a rare thing to see a horse and cart nowadays.

•       In adjective + to-infinitive patterns we often use too or enough.
          It is too difficult to work the figures out in your head.
          The coffee was too hot to drink.
          This rucksack isn’t big enough to get everything in.
•        Here subject of the main clause is a person.
          We were sorry to hear your bad news. (=We were sorry when we heard)
          I’m quite prepared to help.
          You were clever to find that out.
          You were lucky to win the game.
•        Here are some examples of adjectives in this pattern.
          Feelings: happy, glad, pleased, delighted, amused, proud, grateful, surprised,
          interested, sad, sorry, angry, annoyed, ashamed, horrified.
          Willing/Unwilling: willing, eager, anxious, keen, impatient, determined, ready,
          prepared, unwilling, reluctant, afraid
          Some adjectives of personal qualities: mean, clever, sensible, right, silly
          The adjectives lucky and fortunate.
•        Compare these patterns with an adjective expressing a personal quality
          It was mean (of you) not to leave a tip.
          You were mean not to leave a tip.
          We can use quick and slow to express manner.
          The government has been quick to act. (=The government has acted quickly)
•        In this pattern we can use likely, sure and certain.
          The peace talks are likely to last several weeks.
          The party is sure to be a great success.
17.     Noun phrase + to-infinitive
•        We can use a to-infinitive clause after some verbs and adjectives.
          I need to write a letter.
          We are determined to succeed.
          We will never lose our determination to succeed.
          Our decision to oppose the scheme was the right one.
          Every one laughed at Jerry’s attempt to impress the girls.
          Some nouns in this pattern are:
          ability, agreement, ambition, anxiety, arrangement, attempt, choice, decision,
          demand, desire, determination, eagerness, failure, intention, need, offer, plan,
          preparations, promise, proposal, refusal, reluctance, request, willingness, wish
•        Some other nouns with similar meanings can take a to-infinitive, e.g. chance,
          effort, opportunity, scheme, time
          There will be an opportunity to inspect the plans.
•       But some nouns take a preposition + ing-form, not an infinitive.
          There is no hope of getting there in time.
Note: We can use these expressions
          advantage of/in, aim of/in, amazement at, anger about/at, annoyance about/at,
          anxiety about, apology for, awareness of, belief in, boredom with, danger of/in,

          Difficulty (in), effort of, excitement about/at, expense of/in, gratitude for, idea of,
          insistence on, interested in, job of, matter of, objection to, pleasure of/in,
          point of/in, possibility of, problem of/in, prospect of, purpose of/in, question
          about/in, reason for, satisfaction with, success in, surprise at, task of, work of,
          worry about.
18.     The pattern letters to write
          In this pattern to-infinitive expresses necessity or possibility.
          I’ve got some letters to write. (= letters that I have to write)
          Take something to read on the train. (= something that you can read)
          The doctor had a number of patients to see.
Note: The to-infinitive clause here is shorter and neater than the clause with have to and can.
          Compare these sentences
          I have some work to do. (= I have/ There is some work that I need to do.)
          I have to do some work. (= I must do/I need to do some work.)
19.     Question word + to-infinitive:
i)      We can use a question word or phrase before a to-infinitive.
          I just don’t know what to say.
          She wasn’t sure how much to tip the porter.
          Do you have any idea how to open this packet?
          No one told us where to meet.
          Note: This pattern expresses an indirect question about what the best action is.
          What to say means “ What I should say”.
•        We can’t use why in this pattern
•        We can use whether but not if.
          I was wondering whether to ring you.
          We’ll have to decide whether to go (or not).
•       After what, which, whose, how many and how much we can use a noun.
          I didn’t know what size to buy.
          The driver wasn’t sure which way to go to.
•        Here are some verbs that we can use before the question word:
          advise sb, ask sb, choose, consider, decide, discover, discuss, explain, find out,
          forget, know, learn, remember, show sb, teach sb, tell sb, think, understand,
          wonder, workout.
•        We can also use have an idea , make up your mind and the adjectives clear,
          obvious and sure.
•        We can also use this pattern after a preposition.
          I was worried about what to wear.
          There is the problem of how much luggage to take.
20.    For and of with a to-infinitive
i)       The pattern I will wait for you to finish
          I’ll wait for you to finish your breakfast.
          We’ve arranged for a photographer to take some photos.
          We can use apply for, arrange for, ask for, call for (=demand), long for, prepare for,
          wait for.
ii)     The pattern It’s important for you to finish
          It’s important for you to finish the course and get a qualification.
          It can be difficult for young people to buy their own home.
          I’m anxious for the matter to be settled.
•        We can use many adjectives in this pattern
          anxious, awful, better/best, cheap, convenient, dangerous, difficult, eager, easy,
          essential, expensive, important, keen, marvellous, necessary, nice, ready, reluctant,
          safe, silly, stupid, terrible, willing, wonderful, wrong, difficult.
iii)     Patterns with too and enough
          Before the for pattern, we can use too or enough with a quantifier, adjective or
          adverb
          There’s too much work for you to finish today.
          The kitchen is too small for the whole family to eat in.
          The light wasn’t shinning brightly enough for anyone to notice it.
iv)      The pattern It’s a good idea for you to finish
          It’s a good idea for you to finish the course and get a qualification.
          It’s a nuisance for tourists to have to get visas.
          We can use some nouns, e.g. advantage, demand, disadvantage, disaster, idea,
          mistake, nuisance, plan.

Compare these examples
          It was nice of Tom to take the dog for a walk.
          (Nice expressing a personal quality: It was a kind action by Tom)
          It was nice for Tom to take the dog for a walk.
          (It was pleasant experience for Tom)
v)       For experiencing purpose
          These are telephones for drivers to call for help if they break down.
          For plants to grow properly, you have to water them regularly.
vi)    Pattern with the bare infinitive
a)     After had better, would rather/would sooner and rather than
          We’d better not be late.
          I didn’t enjoy it. I’d rather have stayed at home.
          They decided to accept the offer rather than go/going to court.
b)      Verb + object + bare infinitive
•       Make, let and have can take an object + bare infinitive.
          The officials forced me to fill in a form.
          The headmaster allowed the pupils to go home early.
          I’ll get the porter bring up your luggage.
Note: For allow, and get take a to-infinitive
          The officials forced me to fill in a form.
          The headmaster allowed the pupils to go home early.
          I’ll get the porter to bring up your luggage.
•        A verb of perception can take an object + bare infinitive.
          Someone saw the men leave the building.
          I thought I heard someone knock on the door.
•       When the pattern with the bare infinitive is made passive, we always use a
          to-infinitive.
          The men were seen to leave the building at half past six.
21.     Other patterns
•        After except and but (=except) we normally use a bare infinitive.
          As for the house work, I do everything except cook.
          You’ve done nothing but grumble all day.

•        We sometimes put an infinitive after be when we are explaining what kind of action
          we mean.
          The only thing I can do is (to) apologize.
          What the police did was (to) charge into the crowd.

Summary of Participles

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The Participle
Participle forms:
                                      Active                                                         Passive
                                       Playing                 Simple                           played
                                       played                  Continuous being played

          Perfect                 having played having been played
                Past                      Played

2.        An active participle is the ing form of a verb, e.g. laughing, waiting.
            I heard you laughing.
            We sat there waiting patiently.
3.        A passive or past participle is a form such as covered, annoyed, broken, left.
            Although covered by insurance, Tom was annoyed about the accident.
          I stepped on some broken glass.
            There are two parcels left on the doorstep.
4.       A passive participle can be simple or continuous.
            Simple:         They wanted the snow cleared away.
            Continuous: We saw the snow being cleared away.
5.        A participle can also be perfect.
            Having waited an hour, the crowd were getting impatient.
            Having been delayed for an hour, the concert started at nine o’clock.
6.        In the negative, not comes before the participle.
            He hesitated, not knowing what to do.
            Not having been informed, we were completely in the dark.

            Participle clauses
1.       A participle clause can just be a participle on its own.
            Every one just stood there talking.
            There can be an object or adverbial.
            We saw a policeman chasing someone.
            Cut above the right eye, the boxer was unable to continue.
            An adverbial usually comes after the participle, and an object always comes after it.
            NOT We saw a policeman someone chasing.
2.        A participle can sometimes have a subject.
            The lights having gone out, we couldn’t see a thing.
            If there is no subject, then it is understood to be the same as in the main clause.
            The men sat around the table playing cards. (=The men were playing cards)
            Note:
            The understood subject is usually the same as in the main clause.
            Walking across the field, we saw a plane fly past.
            (= As we were walking … , we saw … )
            We can’t use a main clause without we, the understood subject of the participle.
            NOT Walking across the field, a plane flew past.
            This suggests that the plane was walking across the field, which is nonsense.
            Now look at this example.
            Sitting at a table, the band played for them.
            This might lead to a misunderstanding because it suggests that the band was sitting at a
            table.
            The following sentence is correct.
            Sitting at a table, they listened to the band.
            (= As they were sitting …, they listened … )

Note: Here the understood subject of the participle is the same as the subject of the main clause.
            But sometimes the subjects can be different when there is no danger of misunderstanding.
            Knowing how little time she had, this new delay infuriated her.
            (=Because she knew …, she was infuriated … )
            When adjusting the machine, the electricity supply should be disconnected.
            (= When you adjust …, you should disconnect)
•         Here the understood subject of the participle can also be understood as the subject of the
            main clause.
            The subjects do not need to be the same when we use following (=after), considering
            (=in view of), and regarding (=about)
            Following the lecture, we were able to ask questions.
            Considering the awful weather, our Open Day was a great success.
            No action has been taken regarding your complaint.
            The subjects can also be different with strictly speaking, having said that and talking of.

            Participle + noun
1)        We can use an active or passive participle before a noun.
            Active:          Boiling water turns to steam. (=water which is boiling)
                                    The team was welcomed by cheering crowds.
            Passive:        I had a reserved seat. (= a seat which had been reserved)
                                    The experiment must be done under controlled conditions.
                                    The terrorist used a stolen car.
            The pattern is often neater than using a finite clause as When water boils, it turns to steam,
            or The terrorists used a car they had stolen. The participle modifies a noun like adjective.
            Compare hot water, enthusiastic crowds, a special seat. But we can’t always use the
            pattern. For example, we can say a barking dog but NOT an eating dog.
Note:
a)        Be + passive participle can express either a state or an action.
            State:            The terrorists’ car was stolen. It wasn’t theirs.
            Action:          The car was stolen two days before the accident.
b)        Adjective in ing expresses what something is like, the effect it has on us. Such as, a show
            can be amusing, interesting or boring. Adjectives in ed express how feel about something.
            For example, the audience can feel amused, interested or bored.
            Some pairs of adjectives like this are:
            alarming/alarmed, amusing/amused, annoying/annoyed, confusing/confused,
            depressing/depressed, disappointing/disappointed, exciting/excited,
            fascinating/fascinated, puzzling/puzzled, relaxing/relaxed, surprising/surprised,
            tiring/tired.
2)        Sometimes we put an adverb before the participle.
            Fanatically cheering crowds, properly trained staff.
            We can also form compounds with adverbs or nouns.
            a fast-growing economy, a wood burning stove, handwritten notes, undercooked meat,
            a nuclear-powered submarine.
            But we can’t use longer phrases.
            NOT written in pencil notes.
            NOT at the top of their voices cheering crowds.
3)       We can use a few past participles in this pattern.
            the escaped prisoner, a retired teacher, fallen rocks.
4)        We can sometimes add ed to a noun to form a similar kind of modifier.
            a walled city (=a city with a wall)
            This happens mostly with compounds.
            a dark-haired man (=a man with dark hair)
            a short-sleeved shirt (=a shirt with short sleeves)
Verb + participle
1)        The pattern We stood watching
            We can use a participle after stand, sit, lie, go and run.
            The whole family stood waving in the road.
            She sat at the table reading a newspaper.
            The girl lay trapped under the wreckage for three days.
            People ran screaming for help.
Note: We also use busy + active participle
            She was busy doing the accounts.

2)       Go shopping and do the shopping
a)       We use go/come + active participle to talk about some activities away from home,
            especially leisure activities.
            I would love to go swimming.
            Come cycling with us.
            We went riding yesterday.
            She goes jogging every morning.
  b)      We use do the + gerund for some kind of work, especially housework.
            I usually do the washing at the weekend.
            Someone comes in to do the cleaning for us.
            Have you done the ironing yet?
Note: Go shopping usually means leisure shopping, for example for clothes. Do the shopping
            means buying food.
c)        We can do some …, do a lot of/ a bit of … etc for both leisure and work.
            I once did some surfing in California?
            She does a lot of cooking.
            I don’t do much fishing these days.
Note: We can use do + gerund.
            I can’t do sewing. I always make a mess of it.

Participle clause of time, reason etc
1)        Time
a)        A clause with an active participle (e.g. playing, serving) means an action at the same time
            as the action of the main clause.
            Mike hurt his hand playing badminton.
            We were rushing about serving tea to every one.
Note: For conjunction + participle, e.g. Mike hurts his hand while playing badminton.
b)        The participle clause can come first, but this is rather literary.
            Coming up the steps, I fell over.
c)         We can also use a participle clause when two short, connected actions are close in time,
            even if they do not happen at exactly the same time.
            Taking a note from her purse, she slammed it down on the counter.
            Opening the file, the detective took out a newspaper cutting.
            This pattern is rather literary. It is more neutral to use two main clauses.
            She took a note from her purse and slammed it down on the counter.

Note: We mention the actions in the order they happen. The participle usually comes in the first
            clause, but it can sometimes come in the second.
            She took a note from her purse, slamming it down on the counter.

d)        We can also use a perfect participle for an action which comes before another connected
            one.
            Having filled his glass/Filling his glass, Max took a long drink.
Note: But when the first action is not short, we must use the perfect.
            Having dug a hole in the road, the men just disappeared.
            NOT Digging a hole in the road, the men just disappeared.
            The clause with the perfect participle can come after the main clause.

e)       In the passive we can use a simple, continuous or perfect participle.
            The old woman walked slowly to the lift, assisted by the porter.
            I don’t want to stay out here being bitten by insects.
            A hole having been dug, the men just disappeared.

2)        Comparison of patterns
            a)        After he had left the building, the man hailed a taxi
            b)        After leaving the building …
            c)         After having left the building …
            d)        Having left the building …
            e)        Leaving the building …
            Sentence (a) is the most neutral in style and the most usual of these pattern in everyday
            speech. (b) is also fairly usual, although a little more formal. (c) is less usual because after
            and having both repeat the idea of one action following the other. (d) and (e) are rather
            literary. (e) means that the two actions were very close in time.
3)       Conjunction + participle
            We can use active or passive participle after when, where, whenever, while, once, until,
            if and although.
            You should wear gloves when using an electric saw.
            Once opened, the contents should be consumed within three days.
            Although expecting the news, I was greatly shocked by it.
            This pattern is little more formal than a finite clause such as when you use an electric saw.
4)       Reason
a)       A participle clause can express reason.
            Crowds were waiting at the airport, hoping to see Madonna arrive.
            (=because they were hoping to see her arrive.)
            Not feeling very well, James decided to lie down.
            Having lost my passport, I have to apply for a new one.
            The restaurant having closed, there was nowhere to eat.
            Being rather busy, I completely forgot the time.
b)       In the passive we can use a simple, continuous and perfect participle.
            He died at thirty, stuck down by a rare disease.
            In summer the ducks have it easy, always being fed by the tourists.
            Having been renovated at great expense, the building looks magnificent.

c)        We can use with before participle clause with a subject.
            With prices going up so fast, we can’t afford luxuries.
          It was a large room, with bookshelves covering most of the walls.|
5)        Result
            An active participle after the main clause can express result.
            They pumped waste into the river, killing all the fish.
            The film star made a dramatic entrance, attracting everyone’s attention.
6)       Conditions
            A participle clause can express a condition.
            All being well, we should be home about six. (= if all is well … )
            We plan to eat outside, weather permitting.
            Taken daily, vitamin pills can improve your health.
7)       Idioms
            We can use a participle clause in some idiomatic phrases which comment on a statement
            or relate it to a previous one.
            Strictly speaking, you can’t come in here unless you’re a club member.
            Things don’t look too good. But having said that, there are still grounds for optimism.
          I’m going on a computer course next week. ~ Talking of computers, ours broke down.

            Verb + object + participle
1)       The pattern I saw you doing it.
a)       I saw two men cutting down a tree.
            We heard you arguing with your brother.
            Can you smell something burning?
            We can use an object + active participle after these verbs of perception: see, look, watch,
            notice, observe; hear, listen to; feel; smell.
b)       A verb of perception can also take an object + bare infinitive.
            I saw two men cut down a tree.
            We didn’t notice anyone leave the building.
            A bare infinitive means the complete action, but the participle means an action for a period
            of time, whether or not we see the whole action.
            I saw them cut the tree down. It didn’t take long. (= I saw them. They cut it down)

            I saw them cutting the tree down as I went past. (= I saw them. They were cutting it.)
            But when we talk about a short action, we can use either pattern.
            She saw the horse jump/jumping the horse.
            We didn’t notice anyone leave/leaving the building.
            Note: We can use these passive forms.
            We saw the lions fed. We saw the lions being fed.
2)        The patterns I kept you waiting
            The trainer had the players running round the field.
            We soon got the machine working again.
            Doctor Jones is rather slow. He often keeps his patients waiting.
            The driver left us standing at the side of the road.
            They caught a student cheating in the exam.
            We can use an object + active participle after have, get, start, keep, leave, find, and catch.
            The participle here means action for a period of time.
            Note:
            a)        We can also use a passive participle.
                        We had/got the machine working.
                        Police found a body buried in the garden.
            b)        After have, get, and leave we can use a infinitive for an action seen as a whole.
                        The trainer had the players run/got the players to run round the field.
                        The driver left us to find our own way home.
            c)         We can also use have in the sense of “have something happening to you”.
                        She suddenly realized she had two dogs following him.
                        I won’t have people treating this house like a hotel.
3)        The pattern I spent some time waiting
            I’ve spent half an hour looking for that letter.
            The company wasted millions of pounds investing in out-of-date technology.
            We can also use a participle after spend, waste or lose and an expression of time or money.
4)       The pattern You were seen doing it.
            The men were seen cutting down the tree.
            We were left standing at the side of the road.

5)        The pattern I want it done
            She wanted the carpet (to be) cleaned.
          I’d like this drawing (to be) photocopied, please.
            We prefer the lights (to be) turned down.
            We can use an object + passive participle ( or passive to-infinitive) after want, need,
            (would) like, (would) love, (would) prefer, (would) hate.

Passives

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When people or things do something we use active voice but when something happens to them we use passive voice or when the action of the verb is more important than its doer, we use passive voice.

.When do we use passive voice?
In some sentences, passive voice can be perfectly acceptable. You might use it in the following cases:

1. The actor is unknown:
The cave paintings of Lascaux were made in the Upper Old Stone Age. [We don't know who made them.]

2. The actor is irrelevant:
An experimental solar power plant will be built in the Australian desert. [We are not interested in who is building it.]

3. You want to be vague about who is responsible:
Mistakes were made. [Common in bureaucratic writing!]

4. You are talking about a general truth:
Rules are made to be broken. [By whomever, whenever.]

5. You want to emphasize the person or thing acted on. For example, it may be your main topic:

Insulin was first discovered in 1921 by researchers at the University of Toronto. It is still the only treatment available for diabetes.

6. You are writing in a scientific genre that traditionally relies on passive voice. Passive voice is often preferred in lab reports and scientific research papers, most notably in the Materials and Methods section:

The sodium hydroxide was dissolved in water. This solution was then titrated with hydrochloric acid.

         Things to remember when making passives
         We can’t make passive when a sentence has a state verb.
         We can’t make passive when there isn’t object in the sentence.
         We can’t make passive when a sentence has intransitive verb.
         We can’t make passives when a sentence has verbs like go, come and happen

1.      Object + is/am/are + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     Chairs are dusted properly.
eg)     Is floor swept and then mopped?
eg)     Clothes are washed and then put on the washing line.
eg)     Clothes are pressed and then folded.
eg)     House isn’t whitewashed every year.
eg)     Is tea made thrice a day?
eg)     Children are given money every day.
eg)     Everybody is given a chance one by one.
eg)     Books are bound for their safety.
eg)     Health is not taken care of.

PASSIVES OF IMPERATIVE SENTENCES
Various ideas like commands/orders/requests may be expressed in Passive Voice.
Form: You are commands/orders/requests/suggestions/advice + to +verb …
eg)     Cut the wire. ►You are ordered to cut the wire.
eg)     Wash the clothes. ► You are ordered to wash the clothes.
eg)     Don’t come late. ►You are ordered not to come late.
eg)     Please, don’t get me wrong. ►You are requested not to get me wrong.
eg)     Take care of your health. ►You are advised to take care of your health.
eg)     Don’t stick bills on the wall. ►You are ordered not to stick bills on the wall.
eg)     Apply for leave. ►You are advised to apply for leave.
eg)     Please, blow out the candle. ►You are requested to blow out the candle.
eg)     Wake up early in the morning. ►You are advised to wake up early in the morning.
eg)     Give charity on every Thursday. ►You are advised to give charity on every Thursday.
eg)     Don’t go in deep water. ► You are ordered not to go in the deep water.
eg)     Respect your elders. ►You are advised to respect your elders.

PASSIVE VOICE WITH “LET”:
Imperative sentences can be made into Passive Voice by using “Let”.
Form: Let + Object + be + verb 3^rd form …

eg)        Follow the rules. ►Let the rules be followed.
eg)        Shut the door. ► Let the door be shut.
eg)        Make tea for us. ► Let the tea be made for us.
eg)        Keep your voice down. ► Let your voice be kept down.
eg)        Punish the students. ► Let the students be punished.
eg)        Revise the lesson. ► Let the lesson be revised.

Direct and Indirect objects

A direct object refers to the person or thing affected by the action of the verb. It comes immediately after a transitive verb.

An indirect object usually refers to the person who “benefit” from the action expressed in the verb. Someone you give something to, or buy something for. It comes immediately after the verb.
eg) She gave me some flowers.
eg) She gave some flowers to me.
To or for?
We give something to someone, and we buy/do something for someone.
We can use to with these verbs: bring, feed, give, hand, lend, offer, owe, pass, pay, post, promise, read, sell, send, show, take, teach, tell, throw, write.

Examples:

My father brings me gifts.

____________________________________

I am feeding porridge to the baby.

____________________________________

I have given you a chance.

____________________________________

Could you hand me the towel?

____________________________________

She lent me her car.

____________________________________

I can offer you a good job.

____________________________________

She still owes me £3 000.

____________________________________

Pass me the salt, please.

____________________________________

I paid a hefty amount to him.

____________________________________

Is it OK if I post the cheque to you next week?

____________________________________

I promised my students a picnic.

____________________________________

The teacher is reading children a story.

____________________________________

I sold an old car to him.

____________________________________

I’ll send you a text message.

____________________________________

She has shown some pictures to me.

____________________________________
Shall I take my host family a gift?

____________________________________

I’ll teach a good lesson to them.

____________________________________

I’m throwing you a ball.

____________________________________

I write you a letter.

____________________________________

We can use for with these verbs: book, bring, build, buy, choose, cook, fetch, find, get, leave, make, order, pick, reserve, save.

Examples:

I’ve booked you a seat.

____________________________________

She has brought a cake for us.

____________________________________

They are building us a house.

____________________________________

She buys us fruits.

____________________________________

I chose a pen for you.

____________________________________

My mother will cook us Chinese rice.

____________________________________

Fetch me some water to drink.

____________________________________

I’ll find you a good job.

____________________________________

Please get me something to drink.

____________________________________

Leave me some pizza.

____________________________________

She is making me coffee.

____________________________________
I ordered you fried fish.

____________________________________

Pick me a number.

____________________________________

I have reserved you a table.

____________________________________

My father is saving me money.

____________________________________

2.     Object + is/am/are + being + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     Children are being taken to the zoo.
eg)     One-day cricket match is being played between Pakistan and Australia.
eg)     Streets are being decorated with buntings.
eg)     Rose petals are being showered on the guests.
eg)     Flowers are being plucked.
eg)     Kids are being punished for their misbehaviour.
eg)     Announcement is being made for the missing child.
eg)     Money is being collected for the flood victims.
eg)     The house is being renovated.
eg)     Garden is being looked after very carefully.

3.     Object + have/has + been + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     Books have been placed in the shelves.
eg)     You have been informed.
eg)     Songs have been recorded.
eg)     Prisoners have been released/ freed.
eg)     Photographs haven’t been developed.
eg)     Permission hasn’t been given to the students.
eg)     Eyes have been tested.
eg)     FIR has been registered/lodged.
eg)     Dinner has been served to the guests.

4.   Object + was/were + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     I wasn’t informed.
eg)     Books were bought a week ago.
eg)     Prime minister was banished from the country.
eg)     A survey was carried out/conducted.
eg)     An emergency operation was performed.
eg)     Signature was put in a haste.
eg)     A car was rented for a week.
eg)     He was kidnapped long ago.
eg)     Was I criticized severely?

5.   Object + was/were + being + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     Pictures were being taken.
eg)     Cribs were being used in the examination Hall.
eg)     Sweets were being distributed.
eg)     Thieves were being burned alive.
eg)     Bodies were being buried.
eg)     The thieves were being arrested.
eg)     An announcement was being made.
eg)     This road wasn’t being used.
eg)     A story was being told when I entered the room.

6.   Object + had been + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     A terrible mistake had been made by the boss.
eg)     The room hadn’t been cleaned when we reached.
eg)     Had the question papers been distributed when we came in?
eg)     When the guests arrived, dinner had been already cooked.
eg)     The investigation had been started before we got back.
eg)     The robbers had been burnt alive before the police reached the crime scene.
eg)     More than hundred snaps had been taken before the guests arrived.
eg)     Hadn’t the students been searched before the paper started?

7.   Object + will be + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     You won’t be left alone at home.
eg)     Why will I be suspended?
eg)     How many applicants will be appointed in this department?
eg)     Everybody’s license will be confiscated.
eg)     The students will be punished.
eg)     These criminals will be given capital punishment.
eg)     Special arrangements will be made in your honour.
eg)     The floor will be swept then mopped.
eg)     This book will be published soon.

8.   Object + will have been + verb^3rd from + ( by + subject)
eg)     Prompt will have been taken to track down the culprits.
eg)     Invitation cards will have been sent to all the relatives by this evening.
eg)     Dinner will have been served to the guests by 11:00.
eg)     Curfew will have been lifted by tomorrow.
eg)     Why will the meeting have been called off till Friday?
eg)     The injured passengers will have been given the first aid shortly.
eg)     The fight will have been started by 5:00.
eg)     Will the problem have been solved by tomorrow?
eg)     A new album will have been recorded till next month.

Get
We can use get instead of be in the passive.
eg)     There was a fight at the party, but nobody got hurt. (= nobody was hurt)
eg)     I don’t often get invited to parties. (= I’m not often invited)
eg)     I’m surprised she didn’t get offered the job. (= She wasn’t offered the job)
We can use get only when things happen accidentally or unexpectedly. For example, you can’t use get in the following sentences:
eg)     She is liked by every body. ( not gets liked- this is not a happening)
eg)     He was a mystery man. Very little was known about him. ( not got known)

Passives: verbs with prepositions
The objects of prepositional verbs can become subjects in passive structures.
We have looked at the plan carefully. → The plan has been carefully looked at.
Nobody listens to her. → she is never listened to.
Somebody has paid for your meal. . → Your meal has been paid for.
Note the word order. The preposition cannot be dropped.
I don’t like to be shouted at. ( NOT ~~I don’t like to be shouted~~)

PASSIVES IN MODALS
1.      Object + modal (can, could, may, might, should, would, must) + be + Past participle + (by + subject)
eg)     He can’t be defeated.
eg)     Can she be forced to live alone?
eg)     How can they be silenced?
eg)     They could be terminated from their jobs.
eg)     Arrangement couldn’t be made on such a short notice.
eg)     I may be accused of leaking the news to the media.
eg)     She mayn’t be given one more chance.
eg)     Am I likely to be left alone here?
eg)     Is she likely to be gunned down?
eg)     Are we likely to be allowed to wait here?
eg)     You mightn’t be suspended.
eg)     Alice might be gifted.
eg)     You shouldn’t be given a chance to give speech.
eg)     Should children be ignored?
eg)     How much money should be spent?
eg)     How many boys should be expelled from the team?
eg)     How far should pain be borne?
eg)     What kind of music shouldn’t be listened to while driving?
eg)     How often should children be taken to dine out?
eg)     How long should it be kept in oven?
eg)     What colour should be chosen?
eg)     He would be threatened in school days.
eg)     When your father was alive, you would be scolded every day.
eg)     She must be given balanced diet.
eg)     His parents are poor. He can’t be taken out to dine.
eg)     He work as a bell-boy in a local hotel. Can’t he be tipped heavily?
eg)     Her father has many cars. Why can’t she be given any of them to drive?

2.      Object + modal (can, could, may, might, should, would, must) + have + been + Past participle + (by + subject)
eg)     She could have been seen.
eg)     Could guests have been waited for another hour?
eg)     What could have been said to save his face?
eg)     The meeting could have been delayed?
eg)     He may have been given a chance to rectify his mistakes.
eg)     Decision mayn’t have been taken.
eg)     Who can have been held responsible?
eg)     Fee can’t have been paid.
eg)     Can they have been criticized?
eg)     Children can’t have been punished.
eg)     Can’t every body have been given a chance?
eg)     Injustice can’t have been done to them.
eg)     Car might have been parked away from home.
eg)     They might have been forgiven.
eg)     We mightn’t have been ignored.
eg)     Kids shouldn’t have been taken to the cinema.
eg)     He should have been sent to England for higher studies.
eg)     Should he have been arrested in front of his family?
eg)     He would have been sentenced life imprisonment.
eg)     We reached on time or else/otherwise flight would have been missed.
eg)    A witness was brought before the judge in the nick of time or else she would have convicted of fraud.
eg)     The child noticed suddenly otherwise he would have been knocked down by the biker.
eg)     He must have been compelled.
eg)     He can’t have been forced to stay any longer.
eg)     She must been scolded on reaching late.
eg)     The problem must have been solved soon after the arrival of the team.

INFINITIVE COMBINATIONAS

1.      Verbs of liking / loving /wanting / wishing etc. + object + infinitive form their passive with the passive infinitive.
         Active:            He wants someone to take photograph.
         Passive:          He wants photographs to be taken.

2.      With verbs of command / request /advice / invitation + indirect object + infinitive we form the passive by using the
         passive form of the main verb:
         Active:            He invited me to go.
         Passive:          I was invited to go.

3.     But with advise / beg / order / recommend / urge (=advise or try hard to persuade) + infinitive + object we can form
         the passive in two ways: by making the main verb passive, as above, or by advise etc + that … should + passive
         infinitive.
         Active:            He urged the Council to reduce the rates.
         Passive:          The Council was/were urged to reduce the rates or
                                    He urged that the rates should be reduced.

4.     Agree / be anxious / arrange / be determined / determine / decide / demand + infinitive + object are usually
         expressed in the passive by that … should, as above:
         Active:            He decided to sell the house.
         Passive:          He decided that the house should be sold.

GERUND COMBINATIONAS

1.     Advise / insist / propose / recommend / suggest + gerund + object are usually expressed in the passive by that …
         should, as above.
         Active:            He recommended using bullet-proof glass.
         Passive:          He recommended that bullet-proof glass should be used.

2.      It / they need + gerund can also be expressed by it /they + need + passive infinitive. Both forms are passive in
         meaning. Other gerund combinations are expressed in the passive by the passive gerund:
         Active:            I remember them taking me to the Zoo.
         Passive:          I remember being taken to the Zoo.

IT-PATTERN
People say               → It is said
People think              → It is thought
People believe          → It is believed

1.      People say (that) she teaches English.
         It is said (that) English is taught.
         English is said to be taught.

         People say (that) they sell drugs in this area.
         It is said (that) drugs are sold in this area.
         Drugs are said to be sold in this area.

         People say (that) you don’t take bribe.
         It is said (that) bribe is not taken (by you)
         Bribe isn’t said to be taken (by you.)

         People say (that) you don’t punish your kids.
         Kids aren’t said to be punished.

         People think he overcharges his patients.
         His patients are thought to be overcharged.

         People think you don’t respect the elder.
         The elder aren’t thought to be respected.

         People believe they don’t water the plants.
         Plants aren’t believed to be watered.

         People believe the government doesn’t solve the issues.
         Issues aren’t believed to be solved.



2.     People say (that) she has been terminated.
         She is said to have been terminated.

         People say (that) plane has been hijacked.
         Plane is said to have been hijacked.

         People believe (that) the curfew has been lifted.
         Curfew is believed to have been lifted.

         People believed (that) he has been killed cold-bloodedly.
         He is believed to have been killed cold-bloodedly.

         People think (that) the meeting has been delayed on purpose.
         The meeting is thought to have been delayed on purpose.

         People think (that) nobody has been sent abroad.
         Nobody is thought to have been sent abroad.

         People say (that) mistakes have been made.
         Mistakes are said to have been made.

3.     People said (that) she had been terminated.
         She was said to have been terminated.

         People said (that) plane had been hijacked.
         Plane was said to have been hijacked.

         People believed (that) the curfew had been lifted.
         Curfew was believed to have been lifted.

         People believed (that) he had been killed cold-bloodedly.
         He was believed to have been killed cold-bloodedly.

         People think (that) the meeting had been delayed on purpose.
         The meeting was thought to have been delayed on purpose.

         People think (that) nobody had been sent abroad.
         Nobody was thought to have been sent abroad.

         People said (that) mistakes had been made.
         Mistakes were said to have been made.

Notes on Different areas In Grammar

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Vocabulary

2011-12-01T04:07:00.001-08:00

The Sounds of English

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Reading

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Novels

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Audio Lectures

2011-12-01T04:03:00.001-08:00

Newspaper Articles

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Informative Articles on English Language

2011-11-26T03:28:00.000-08:00

Exercises & Quiz

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New Vocabulary 2

2011-11-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

308. Charity (n) [countable] An organization that gives money, goods, or help to people who are poor, sick etc [↪ charitable]:
Several charities sent aid to the flood victims.
Refugees living on charity(=money or gifts given to help people who are poor, sick etc)
Her pride wouldn't allow her to accept charity.

309. I’ll get you nowhere (adv) (=to have no success or make no progress)
A negative attitude will get you nowhere.
I soon realized that being tough was getting me nowhere fast (=was not helping me achieve anything).

310. blank face/look/expression/eyes
Zoe looked at me with a blank expression.
She gazed at him in blank astonishment.
311. Parting (v)
He gave her a light kiss on parting.
An emotional parting at the airport(=an occasion when two people leave each other)
The moment of parting
312. Confide (v) BrE / kənfaɪd / NAmE / kənfaɪd /
to tell sb secrets and personal information that you do not want other people to know
~ sth (to sb) She confided all her secrets to her best friend.
~ (to sb) that… He confided to me that he had applied for another job.
+ speech ‘It was a lie,’ he confided.
Confide in sb to tell sb secrets and personal information because you feel you can trust them
It is important to have someone you can confide in.
She used to confide in him whenever she had a problem.

313. Have an accident (v)
She had an accident last year.
314. Counter (v)
to do something in order to prevent something bad from happening or to reduce its bad effects:
Exercise helps to counter the effects of stress.
He was determined to counter the bribery allegations.(= to say something in order to try to prove that what someone said was not true or as a reply to something)
315. Pamper (v) to look after someone very kindly, for example by giving them the things that they want and making them feel warm and comfortable:
She spent her childhood as the pampered daughter of a wealthy family.

316. Accuse sb of sth/doing sth (v)
He was accused of murder.
Smith accused her of lying.
The professor stands accused of (=has been accused of) stealing his student's ideas and publishing them.

317. Anyway (adv)= in spite of the fact that you have just mentioned:
Catherine wasn't sure the book was the right one, but she bought it anyway.
This idea probably won't work, but let's try it anyway.
►Used when adding something that corrects or slightly changes what you have just said:
Let's think about it for a while, for a few days anyway.
There seems to have been a technical problem - anyway, that's what they told me.
318. Cuddle/hug/embrace (v)
to hold someone or something very close to you with your arms around them, especially to show that you love them [↪ hug]:
Both friends were cuddling on the sofa.
cuddle up (phrasal verb)
to lie or sit very close to someone or something
cuddle up to/together
The children cuddled up to each other for warmth.
We stood there crying and hugging each other(=to put your arms around someone and hold them tightly to show love or friendship) (= embrace)
She went to her daughter and hugged her tightly.

319. I’ve splitting headache.(=a very bad headache)
320. Wave (v)
She turned to wave to the approaching soldiers.
Enid waved at us and we waved back.
The nurses came out to wave Grand dad goodbye. (=say goodbye to someone by waving to them)
321. Bring disgrace on sb (v)
His actions brought disgrace on the family.(= the loss of other people's respect because you have done something they strongly disapprove of)
The UK rail system is a national disgrace.(= used to say that something or someone is so bad or unacceptable that the people involved with them should feel ashamed)
You are a disgrace to the medical profession.
It's an absolute disgrace, the way he treats his wife.
322. Come up to sth (Phrv)
This doesn't come up to the standard of your usual work.(= to reach a particular standard or to be as good as you expected)
The resort certainly failed to come up to expectations.

323. Forgive (v)
I've tried to forgive him.
He never forgave her for walking out on him(=to leave your husband, wife etc suddenly and go and live somewhere else)
If anything happened to the kids I'd never forgive myself.
He didn't look the sort of man to forgive and forget (=forgive someone and no longer think about it).

324. Mislead (v)
Politicians have misled the public.
Don't be misled by appearances, he's a good worker.
Don't be misled into thinking that scientific research is easy.
325. Hide and seek (n)
A children's game in which one player shuts their eyes while the others hide, and then goes to look for them.
326. Naughty/puckish (adj)
You're a very naughty boy! Look what you've done!(= a naughty child does not obey adults and behaves badly)
327. Opportunity (n)
This is an ideal opportunity to save money on a holiday to Switzerland.
Games and songs provide the perfect opportunity for classroom interaction and language development.
When the opportunity for promotion came, I wanted to be ready.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work.
The view of America as a land of opportunity
Our window of opportunity for winning the championship is the next couple of seasons.

328. Fragile /delicate (adj)
fragile bones(=easily broken or damaged)
Be careful with that vase - it's very fragile.
The country's fragile economy (=a fragile situation is one that is weak or uncertain, and likely to become worse under pressure)
Relations between the two countries are in a fragile state.
The party's fragile unity.

329. Fray (v) if cloth or other material frays, or if something frays it, the threads become loose because the material is old
The collar had started to fray on Ed's coat.
He had frayed the bottom of his jeans.
330. Frayed (adj)
The carpet was badly frayed.

331. Embroil (v) to involve someone or something in a difficult situation
I became embroiled in an argument with the taxi driver.

332. Take revenge on sb (v)
He took revenge on his employers by setting fire to the factory.
333. Baffle (v) if something baffles you, you cannot understand or explain it at all
The question baffled me completely.
334. Rely/rest/bank/count on sb/sth/ (Phrv)
Many working women rely on relatives to help take care of their children
Many people now rely on the Internet for news.
They have to rely on the river for their water (=to depend on something in order to continue to live or exist)
(formal) Success in management ultimately rests on good judgment.
I was banking on being able to get some coffee on the train.
You can count on me.
We're all counting on winning this contract.
They were counting on him not coming out of hospital.

335. Breeze/Mickey-mouse-job/doddle (n,Idm, n)
Don't think that learning English will be a breeze.

336. Simultaneous (adj) BrE / sɪmlteɪniəs / NAmE / saɪmlteɪniəs /
happening or done at the same time as sth else
There were several simultaneous attacks by the rebels.
Any ceasefire would be simultaneous with the withdrawal of US forces.
simultaneous translation/interpreting
simultaneity / BrE sɪmltəneɪəti ; NAmE saɪmltəniəti / noun [ uncountable ]
simultaneously / BrE sɪmlteɪniəsli ; NAmE saɪmlteɪniəsli / adverb
The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.

337. Beat about the bush (Idm) to avoid or delay talking about something embarrassing or unpleasant:
Don't beat around the bush. Ask for your account.
338. Exploit(v) /ûk"spléût/ [transitive] to treat someone unfairly by asking them to do things for you, but giving them very little in return - used to show disapproval:
Home workers can easily be exploited by employers.
To try to get as much as you can out of a situation, sometimes unfairly:
The violence was blamed on thugs(=a violent man) exploiting the situation.
To use something fully and effectively:
The new TV companies are fully exploiting the potential of satellite transmission.
To develop and use minerals, forests, oil etc for business or industry:
The urgent need to exploit the resources of the Irish Sea.

339. Be(hell) bent on doing sth (Idm)
very determined to do something, especially something that other people do not approve of
Young people who are hell-bent on having a good time.
340. Expletive (n) ( formal ) BrE / ɪksplitɪv / NAmE / eksplətɪv /
A rude word that you use when you are angry or in pain, for example 'shit' [= swear word]
He smoked and drank heavily, and his language was rich in expletives
He dropped the book on his foot and muttered several expletives under his breath.

341. It is beyond me.
To be too difficult for someone to understand:
The whole problem was quite beyond him.
Why Joan ever married such an idiot in the first place is beyond me.

342. Bicker over sth with sb (v)
to argue, especially about something very unimportant:
I wish you two would stop bickering.
Bicker about/over
They kept bickering over who should answer the phone.
343. Bingo! (interj) used when you have just done something successfully and are pleased:
Bingo! That's the one I've been looking for.

344. Think/Speak ill of sb (Idm) (formal) to think or say unpleasant things about someone:
She really believes you should never speak ill of the dead.

345. Behind sb’s back (Idm) without sb’s knowledge or permission:
Have you been talking about me behind my back.

346. Blaze up/flare up (Phrv) to suddenly become very angry.
When I heard the new I blazed up.

347. Blind man’s buff/bluff (Idm) a children's game in which one player whose eyes are covered tries to catch the others

348. Blind fold (v,n) to cover someone's eyes with a piece of cloth:
Blindfold the prisoner!
The hostages were tied up and blindfolded.
(Noun) a piece of cloth that covers someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing anything
(adjective, also blindfolded) With eyes covered.
The reporter was taken blindfold(ed) to a secret location.
(adverb) I could do that blindfold(=very easily, with no problems).
I knew the way home blindfold(=because it was so familiar)

349. Keep sth dark (Idm) to keep sth secret and not tell people about it.
He’s got two children? Well he has kept that dark, hasn’t he!

350. Blood shed (n) BrE / blʌdʃed / NAmE / blʌdʃed /
the killing or wounding of people, usually during fighting or a war
The two sides called a truce to avoid further bloodshed.
The march ended in violence and bloodshed.

351. Drag somebody/something up (phrasal verb)
to mention an unpleasant or embarrassing story from the past, even though it upsets someone:
Why do you have to drag that up again?
drag something out (phrasal verb)
to make an event or situation last longer than is necessary:
Neither of them wanted to drag the divorce out longer than they had to.
Be dragged up (British English) if a child is dragged up, their parents do not teach them to behave properly - used humorously:
Those children have been dragged up, not brought up!
drag something out (phrasal verb)
To make an event or situation last longer than is necessary:
Neither of them wanted to drag the divorce out longer than they had to.
352 Split hair (Idm) to argue that there is a difference between two things, when the difference is really too small to be important:
This is just splitting hairs.
353. Stone (v)to throw stones at someone or something:
Rioters blocked roads and stoned vehicles.
stone somebody to death to kill someone by throwing stones at them, used as a punishment
354. Pensive (adj)pensûv BrE / pensɪv /
thinking deeply about sth, especially because you are sad or worried
a pensive mood
to look pensive
pensively / BrE pensɪvli ; NAmE pensɪvli / adverb
thinking a lot about something, especially because you are worried or sad:
He gazed pensively out of the window.

355. You haven’t lived. you haven't lived (if/until...) (spoken) used to say that someone's life will be boring if they do not do a particular exciting thing:
You haven't lived until you've tasted champagne.
356. be in seventh heaven (idm,informal) to be extremely happy
Now that he’s promoted he’s in seventh heaven.

357. Deserted (adj) empty and quiet because no people are there:
The streets were deserted.
The old mine now stands completely deserted.
deserted wife/husband/child etc a wife etc who has been left by her husband etc

358. Bumpy (adj) BrE / bʌmpi / NAmE / bʌmpi / ( bump • ier , bumpi • est )
1 ( of a surface ) not even; with a lot of bumps
a bumpy road/track
bumpy ground
2 ( of a journey ) uncomfortable with a lot of sudden unpleasant movements caused by the road surface, weather conditions, etc
a bumpy ride/flight
Have/give sb a bumpy ride
to have a difficult time; to make a situation difficult for sb
359. Fag (n) BrE / fæɡ / NAmE / fæɡ /
1 [ countable ] ( BrE , informal ) = cigarette
2 [ singular ] ( BrE , informal ) something that is boring and tiring to do
It's too much of a fag to go out.
Travelling all that way to work every day is a real fag.
360. Gumption BrE / ɡʌmpʃn / NAmE / ɡʌmpʃn / noun
[ uncountable ] ( old-fashioned , informal )
1 the intelligence needed to know what to do in a particular situation
He didn't have the gumption to keep his mouth shut.
2 courage and determination
She won't tell him because she hasn't got the gumption.
361. Drowse (v) BrE / draʊz / NAmE / draʊz / [ intransitive ]
to be in a light sleep or almost asleep
My mother was sitting on the porch drowsing in the sun.
362. Plod (v) BrE / plɒd / NAmE / plɑd / ( -dd- ) [ intransitive , transitive ]
to walk slowly with heavy steps, especially because you are tired =trudge
Our horses plodded down the muddy track.
We plodded on through the rain.
Plod along/on to make very slow progress, especially with difficult or boring work.
363. Eradicate BrE / ɪrædɪkeɪt / NAmE / ɪrædɪkeɪt / verb =root sth out (Phrv)
to destroy or get rid of sth completely, especially sth bad =wipe out
~ sth from sth We are determined to eradicate racism from our sport.
eradica tion / BrE ɪrædɪkeɪʃn ; NAmE ɪrædɪkeɪʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
364. Get in sb’s hair (Idm) to annoy someone, especially by always being near them.
keep your hair on (British English) (spoken) used to tell someone to keep calm and not get annoyed:
All right, all right, keep your hair on! I'm sorry.

365. Rumble/see through sb/sth (v,Phrv)
to realize that someone is trying to deceive you:
I saw through his excuses.
I could never lie to her because I know she'd see through me straight away.
I can't bluff - she'd see right through me.

rumble(v) [transitive] (British English informal) to find out what someone is secretly intending to do:
How did you rumble them?
rumble on (phrasal verb)
if a disagreement rumbles on, it continues for a long time:
The row about pay is still rumbling on.
366. I’m in a rush/haste/hurry.
367. Repent (v) BrE / rɪpent / NAmE / rɪpent / [ intransitive , transitive ] ( formal )
to feel and show that you are sorry for sth bad or wrong that you have done
God welcomes the sinner who repents.
~ of sth She had repented of what she had done.
~ sth He came to repent his hasty decision (= wished he had not taken it) .

368. Shape up (Phrv)
1 to develop in a particular way, especially in a good way
Our plans are shaping up nicely (= showing signs that they will be successful) .
2 ( informal ) to improve your behaviour, work harder, etc
If he doesn't shape up, he'll soon be out of a job.
369. the accused BrE / əkjuzd / NAmE / əkjuzd / noun ( pl. the ac • cused )
a person who is on trial for committing a crime
The accused was found innocent.
All the accused have pleaded guilty.
370. Run (v) BrE / rʌn / NAmE / rʌn /
run after sb/sth to run to try to catch sb/sth =pursue
run around with sb ( NAmE also run with sb ) ( usually disapproving ) to spend a lot of time with sb
He's always running around with older men.
run at sb [ no passive ] to run towards sb to attack or as if to attack them
He ran at me with a knife.
run away (from sb/…) to leave sb/a place suddenly; to escape from sb/a place
He ran away from home at the age of thirteen.
Looking at all the accusing faces, she felt a sudden urge to run away.

run away from sth to try to avoid sth because you are shy, lack confidence, etc
You can't just run away from the situation.

run away with you if a feeling runs away with you , it gets out of your control
Her imagination tends to run away with her.

run away/off with sb | run away/off (together) to leave home, your husband, wife, etc. in order to have a relationship with another person
She ran away with her boss.
She and her boss ran away together.

run away with sth
1 to win sth clearly or easily
2 to believe sth that is not true
I don't want you to run away with the impression that all I do is have meetings all day.

run back over sth to discuss or consider sth again =review
I'll run back over the procedure once again.

run down
1 to lose power or stop working
The battery has run down.
2 to gradually stop functioning or become smaller in size or number
British manufacturing industry has been running down for years.

run sth down
1 to make sth lose power or stop working
If you leave your headlights on you'll soon run down the battery.
2 to make sth gradually stop functioning or become smaller in size or number
The company is running down its sales force.

run sb/sth down
1 ( of a vehicle or its driver ) to hit sb/sth and knock them/it to the ground
2 to criticize sb/sth in an unkind way
He's always running her down in front of other people.
3 to find sb/sth after a search

run into sb ( informal ) to meet sb by chance
Guess who I ran into today!

run into sth
1 to enter an area of bad weather while travelling
We ran into thick fog on the way home.
2 to experience difficulties, etc
Be careful not to run into debt.
to run into danger/trouble/difficulties
3 to reach a particular level or amount
Her income runs into six figures (= is more than £100 000, $100 000, etc.) .

run into sb/sth to crash into sb/sth
The bus went out of control and ran into a line of people.

run sth into sb/sth to make a vehicle crash into sb/sth
He ran his car into a tree.
run off ( BrE ) ( of a liquid ) to flow out of a container
run off with sth to steal sth and take it away
The treasurer had run off with the club's funds.

run on to continue without stopping; to continue longer than is necessary or expected
The meeting will finish promptly—I don't want it to run on.

run out
1 if a supply of sth runs out , it is used up or finished
Time is running out for the trapped miners.
2 if an agreement or a document runs out , it becomes no longer valid =expire

run out (of sth) to use up or finish a supply of sth
We ran out of fuel.
Could I have a cigarette? I seem to have run out.

run out on sb ( informal ) to leave sb that you live with, especially when they need your help

run sb out [ often passive ] ( in cricket ) to make a player stop batting by hitting the wicket with the ball before the player has completed his or her run

run over if a container or its contents run over , the contents come over the edge of the container =overflow

run sb/sth over ( of a vehicle or its driver ) to knock a person or an animal down and drive over their body or a part of it
Two children were run over and killed.

run over sth to read through or practise sth quickly
She ran over her notes before giving the lecture.

run through sth
1 to discuss, repeat or read sth quickly
He ran through the names on the list.
Could we run through your proposals once again?
2 [ no passive ] to pass quickly through sth
An angry murmur ran through the crowd.
Thoughts of revenge kept running through his mind.
3 [ no passive ] to be present in every part of sth
A deep melancholy runs through her poetry.
4 to perform, act or practise sth
Can we run through Scene 3 again, please?
related noun run-through
5 to use up or spend money carelessly
She ran through the entire amount within two years.

run to sth
1 to be of a particular size or amount
The book runs to nearly 800 pages.
2 ( especially BrE ) if you or your money will not run to sth , you do not have enough money for sth
Our funds won't run to a trip abroad this year.

run up against sth to experience a difficulty
The government is running up against considerable opposition to its tax reforms.

run with sth to accept or start to use a particular idea or method
OK, let's run with Jan's suggestion.

371. Take (v)
be taken aback (idm)
to be very surprised about something:
Emma was somewhat taken aback by his directness.
take after somebody (phrasal verb)
to look or behave like an older relative:
Jenni really takes after her mother.
take somebody/something apart (phrasal verb)
1) to separate something into all its different parts [≠ put together]:
Tom was always taking things apart in the garage.
2) to search a place very thoroughly:
The police took the house apart looking for clues.
3) to beat someone very easily in a game, sport, fight etc
4) to show that someone is wrong or something is not true:
Tariq takes several gay myths apart in his book.
take against somebody/something (phrasal verb)
to begin to dislike someone or something, especially without a good reason:
Voters took against the relationship between the government and the unions in the 1970s.
take somebody/something ↔ away (phrasal verb)
1) to remove someone or something, or make something disappear:
She whisked the tray off the table and took it away.
He was taken away to begin a prison sentence.
This should take some of the pain away.
take away from something (phrasal verb)
to spoil the good effect or success that something has:
The disagreement between the two men should not take away from their accomplishments.
1) take something ↔ back
to admit that you were wrong to say something:
You'd better take back that remark!
2) take something ↔ back
to take something you have bought back to a shop because it is not suitable:
If the shirt doesn't fit, take it back.
3) to make you remember a time in the past:
Having the grandchildren around takes me back to the days when my own children were small.
take something ↔ down phrasal verb
1) to move something that is fixed in a high position to a lower position:
She made us take down all the posters.
2) to write down information:
Can I just take some details down?
take somebody/something ↔ in phrasal verb
1) be taken in to be completely deceived by someone who lies to you:
Don't be taken in by products claiming to help you lose weight in a week.
2) take somebody ↔ in
to let someone stay in your house because they have nowhere else to stay:
Brett's always taking in stray animals.
3) take something ↔ in
to understand and remember new facts and information [= absorb]:
He watches the older kids, just taking it all in.
His eyes quickly took in the elegance of her dress.

4) take something ↔ in (American English) to collect or earn a particular amount of money:
5) to visit a place while you are in the area:
They continued a few miles further to take in Hinton House.
8) take something ↔ in
to make a piece of clothing fit you by making it narrower [≠ let out]
take off phrasal verb
1) remove take something ↔ off
to remove a piece of clothing [≠ put on]:
He sat on the bed to take his boots off.
Charlie was taking off his shirt when the phone rang.
2) aircraft: if an aircraft takes off, it rises into the air from the ground [= lift off; ↪ takeoff]:
I felt quite excited as the plane took off from Heathrow.
3)success: to suddenly start being successful:
Mimi became jealous when Jack's career started taking off.
4) holiday: take something off (something) to have a holiday from work on a particular day, or for a particular length of time
take time off (work/school)
I rang my boss and arranged to take some time off.
take a day/the afternoon etc off
Dad took the day off to come with me.
5) copy somebody take somebody ↔ off (British English informal)
to copy the way someone speaks or behaves, in order to entertain people
take somebody/something ↔ on (phrasal verb)
1) take somebody ↔ on to start to employ someone [↪ hire]:
We're taking on 50 new staff this year.
2) take something ↔ on to agree to do some work or be responsible for something:
Don't take on too much work - the extra cash isn't worth it.
3) take something ↔ on to begin to have a particular quality or appearance:
Her face took on a fierce expression.
His life had taken on a new dimension.
4) take somebody ↔ on to compete against someone or start a fight with someone, especially someone bigger or better than you:
Nigeria will take on Argentina in the first round of the World Cup on Saturday.
He was prepared to take on anyone who laid a finger on us.
5) take something ↔ on if a plane or ship takes on people or things, they come onto it:
We stopped to take on fuel.

take somebody/something ↔ out (phrasal verb)
1) take somebody ↔ out to take someone as your guest to a restaurant, cinema, club etc
take somebody ↔ out for
We're taking my folks out for a meal next week.
2) take something ↔ out to make a financial or legal arrangement with a bank, company, law court etc
take out a policy/injunction/loan etc
Before taking a loan out, calculate your monthly outgoings.
3) take something ↔ out to get money from your bank account [= withdraw]:
How much would you like to take out?
4) take something ↔ out to borrow books from a library:
You can take out six books at a time.
5) take somebody/something ↔ out (informal) to kill someone or destroy something:
The building was taken out by a bomb.
take something out on somebody (phrasal verb)
to treat someone badly when you are angry or upset, even though it is not their fault:
Don't take it out on me just because you've had a bad day.
take your anger/frustration etc out on somebody
Irritated with herself, she took her annoyance out on Bridget.
take over (phrasal verb)
to take control of something [↪ takeover]
take something ↔ over
His only reason for investing in the company was to take it over.
Ruth moved into our apartment and promptly took over.
take to somebody/something phrasal verb
1) to start to like someone or something:
Sandra took to it straight away.
Charles was an odd character whom Kelly had never really taken to.
2) to start doing something regularly
take to doing something
Dee's taken to getting up at 6 and going jogging.
3) take to your bed: to get into your bed and stay there:
He was so depressed, he took to his bed for a week.
take something up (phrasal verb)
1) take something ↔ up to become interested in a new activity and to spend time doing it:
Roger took painting up for a while, but soon lost interest.
2) to start a new job or have a new responsibility:
Peter will take up the management of the finance department.
take up a post/a position/duties etc
The headteacher takes her duties up in August.
3) take something ↔ up if you take up a suggestion, problem, complaint etc, you start to do something about it:
Now the papers have taken up the story.
take something ↔ up with
The hospital manager has promised to take the matter up with the member of staff involved.
I am still very angry and will be taking it up with the authorities.
4) to fill a particular amount of time or space
be taken up with something
The little time I had outside of school was taken up with work.
take up space/room
old books that were taking up space in the office
5) take something ↔ up to accept a suggestion, offer, or idea:
Rob took up the invitation to visit.
take up the challenge/gauntlet
Rick took up the challenge and cycled the 250 mile route alone.
6) to move to the exact place where you should be, so that you are ready to do something:
The runners are taking up their positions on the starting line.
7) take something ↔ up to make a piece of clothing shorter [≠ let down]
8) take something ↔ up to continue a story or activity that you or someone else had begun, after a short break:
I'll take up the story where you left off.
take somebody up on something (phrasal verb)
to accept an invitation or suggestion
take somebody up on an offer/a promise/a suggestion etc
I'll take you up on that offer of a drink, if it still stands.
372. blink verb, BrE / blɪŋk / NAmE / blɪŋk /
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sth) when you blink or blink your eyes or your eyes blink , you shut and open your eyes quickly
He blinked in the bright sunlight.
Lucy blinked at him in astonishment.
I'll be back before you can blink (= very quickly) .
When I told him the news he didn't even blink (= showed no surprise at all) .
2 [ intransitive ] to shine with an unsteady light; to flash on and off
Suddenly a warning light blinked.

blink sth away/back to try to control tears or clear your eyes by blinking
She bravely blinked back her tears.

[ usually singular noun ]
the act of shutting and opening your eyes very quickly
in the blink of an eye
very quickly; in a short time
on the blink ( informal ) ( of a machine ) no longer working correctly
373. A loser always bites his lips. ( Khisyani billi khamba nochay )
374. A pot is calling the kettle black. ( Ulta chor kotwaal ko daantay )
375. A drowning man catches at a straw. ( Girtay ko tinkay ka sahara )
376. Eat to live but don’t live to eat. ( Jinay kay liay khao khanay kay liay na jeo
377. Live and let us live. ( Geo ur ginay do)

378. Flog BrE / flɒɡ / NAmE / flɑɡ / verb
1 [ often passive ] ~ sb to punish sb by hitting them many times with a whip or stick
He was publicly flogged for breaking the country's alcohol laws.
2 ( BrE , informal ) to sell sth to sb
~ sth (to sb) She flogged her guitar to another student.
~ sth (off) We buy them cheaply and then flog them off at a profit.
~ sb sth I had a letter from a company trying to flog me insurance.
flog a dead horse ( BrE , informal ) to waste your effort by trying to do sth that is no longer possible
flog sth to death ( BrE , informal ) to use an idea, a story, etc. so often that it is no longer interesting
The story has been flogged to death in the press.

379. Beauty with the beast (Idm) ( Hoor ki baghal main langoor )
380. Cast pearls before swine. ( Bhains kay agay been bajana )
381. Guilty conscious needs no accuser. ( Choor ki dari main tinka )

382. bad blood (between A and B) ( old-fashioned ) feelings of hatred or strong dislike
be after/out for sb's blood ( informal , often humorous ) to be angry with sb and want to hurt or punish them
be/run in your blood
to be a natural part of your character and of the character of other members of your family

blood is thicker than water ( saying ) family relationships are stronger than any others

sb's blood is up ( BrE ) somebody is very angry and ready to argue or fight

like getting blood out of/from a stone
almost impossible to obtain
Getting an apology from him was like getting blood from a stone.

make sb's blood boil
to make sb extremely angry
The way he treats his employees really makes my blood boil.
make sb's blood run cold
to make sb very frightened or fill them with horror
The sound of laughter in the empty house made my blood run cold.

new/fresh blood
new members or employees, especially young ones, with new ideas or ways of doing things
This company badly needs to bring in some new blood.

383. Steal the show/limelight/scene
to do something, especially when you are acting in a play, that makes people pay more attention to you than to other people:
As always, the children stole the show.
British bands stole the show at this year’s awards.
He stole the show with a marvellous performance.

384. Stay up/awake (adj)
I was finding it hard to stay awake.

385. be/get carried away
to get very excited or lose control of your feelings
I got carried away and started shouting at the television.
carry sb back (to sth) to make sb remember a time in the past
The smell of the sea carried her back to her childhood.

carry sth off
1 to win sth
He carried off most of the prizes.
2 to succeed in doing sth that most people would find difficult
She's had her hair cut really short, but she can carry it off .

carry on
1 ( especially BrE ) to continue moving
Carry on until you get to the junction, then turn left.
2 ( informal ) to argue or complain noisily
He was shouting and carrying on.

carry on (with sth) | carry sth on to continue doing sth
Carry on with your work while I'm away.
After he left I just tried to carry on as normal (= do the things I usually do) .
Carry on the good work!
~ doing sth He carried on peeling the potatoes.

carry sth out
1 to do sth that you have said you will do or have been asked to do
to carry out a promise/a threat/a plan/an order
2 to do and complete a task
to carry out an inquiry/an investigation/a survey
Extensive tests have been carried out on the patient.

carry sth over
to delay sth until a later time
The match had to be carried over until Sunday.

carry sb through | carry sb through sth to help sb to survive a difficult period
His determination carried him through the ordeal.

carry sth through to complete sth successfully
It's a difficult job but she's the person to carry it through.

carry through (on/with sth) ( NAmE ) to do what you have said you will do
He has proved he can carry through on his promises.

386. Brush (v)
2 [ transitive ] ~ sth + adv./prep. to remove sth from a surface with a brush or with your hand
He brushed the dirt off his jacket.
She brushed the fly away.
3 [ intransitive , transitive ] to touch sb/sth lightly while moving close to them/it
~ against/by/past sb/sth She brushed past him.
His hand accidentally brushed against hers.
~ sth The leaves brushed her cheek.
~ sth with sth He brushed her lips with his.
brush sb/sth aside to ignore sb/sth; to treat sb/sth as unimportant =dismiss
He brushed aside my fears.

brush sth down to clean sth by brushing it
to brush a coat/horse down

brush off to be removed by brushing
Mud brushes off easily when it is dry.

brush sb off to rudely ignore sb or refuse to listen to them
She brushed him off impatiently.

brush sb/yourself off
( BrE brush sb/yourself down )
to make sb/yourself tidy, especially after you have fallen, by brushing your clothes, etc. with your hands

brush sth up | brush up on sth to quickly improve a skill, especially when you have not used it for a time
I must brush up on my Spanish before I go to Seville.

387. Chuck sb out of sth / chuck sb off (Phrv)
To force sb to leave a place or job.
They got chucked off the bus.
You can’t just chuck him out.

388. Chapped (adj) BrE / tʃæpt / NAmE / tʃæpt /
( of the skin or lips ) rough, dry and sore, especially because of wind or cold weather
She noticed Sarah's chapped lips.
389. Calloused (adj) ( also cal • lused ) BrE / kæləst / NAmE / kæləst /
( of the skin ) made rough and hard, usually by hard work
calloused hands
He gripped her fingers against his calloused palm and led her forward.
390. Candid Photograph (adj) A candid photograph is one that is taken without the person in it knowing that they are being photographed.

391. Capacious/roomy/spacious (adj) BrE / kəpeɪʃəs / NAmE / kəpeɪʃəs / ( formal )
having a lot of space to put things in.
capacious pockets
The van was capacious and he decided to fill up the space with a couple of cartons of medicines.
392. trouble with a capital T, fast with a capital F etc (informal)
used with any word in order to emphasize that you are talking about an extreme type of something.

393. Capricious (adj)
1) likely to change your mind suddenly or behave in an unexpected way:
She was as capricious as her mother had been.
2) (literary) changing quickly and suddenly:
a capricious wind
—capriciously adverb

394. Captivating (adj)
very attractive and interesting, in a way that holds your attention:
a captivating smile

395. burst/Prick the bubble (Idm) to make someone suddenly realize that something is not as good as they thought it was

396. Reveal /divulge/disclose (v) BrE / rɪvil / NAmE / rɪvil /
1 to make sth known to sb =disclose
~ sth (to sb) to reveal a secret
Details of the murder were revealed by the local paper.
The doctors did not reveal the truth to him.
Salted peanuts were recently revealed as the nation's favourite snack.
Her expression revealed nothing.
~ (that)… The report reveals (that) the company made a loss of £20 million last year.
it is revealed that… It was revealed that important evidence had been suppressed.
~ how, what, etc… Officers could not reveal how he died.
~ sb/sth to be/have sth Salted peanuts were recently revealed to be the nation's favourite snack.
2 to show sth that previously could not be seen =display
~ sth He laughed, revealing a line of white teeth.
The door opened to reveal a cosy little room.
X-rays revealed a fracture.
~ yourself She crouched in the dark, too frightened to reveal herself.

397. Get rid of sb/sth (Idm)
a) to throw away or destroy something you do not want any more:
It's time to get rid of all these old toys.
Governments should be encouraged to get rid of all nuclear weapons.
b) to take action so that you no longer have something unpleasant that you do not want:
I can't get rid of this cough.
He opened the windows to get rid of the smell.
c) to make someone leave because you do not like them or because they are causing problems:
Are you trying to get rid of me?
It can be difficult for schools to get rid of poor teachers.

398. Slavery (n)
1) the system of having slaves:
Attempts to abolish slavery (=officially end it)
2) the state of being a slave
sell somebody into slavery (=sell someone as a slave)

399. Couldern (n) daigh
400. Wok (n) karhai

401. Filch (v) to steal something small or not very valuable [= pinch, nick British English]
He filched a bottle of wine from the shop.

402. Sift BrE / sɪft / NAmE / sɪft / verb
1 [ transitive ] ~ sth to put flour or some other fine substance through a sieve/sifter
Sift the flour into a bowl.
2 [ transitive , intransitive ] to examine sth very carefully in order to decide what is important or useful or to find sth important
~ sth We will sift every scrap of evidence.
Computers are being used to sift the information.
~ through sth Crash investigators have been sifting through the wreckage of the aircraft.
3 [ transitive ] ~ sth (out) from sth to separate sth from a group of things
He sifted the relevant data from the rest.
She looked quickly through the papers, sifting out from the pile anything that looked interesting.
sift sth out
1 to remove sth that you do not want from a substance by putting it through a sieve
Put the flour through a sieve to sift out the lumps.
2 to separate sth, usually sth you do not want, from a group of things
We need to sift out the applications that have no chance of succeeding.

403. Pull somebody's leg (idm) to tell someone something that is not true, as a joke:
I haven't won, have I? You're pulling my leg.

404. morsel BrE / mɔsl / NAmE / mɔrsl / noun
A small amount or a piece of sth, especially food
A tasty morsel of food
He ate it all, down to the last morsel.
405. Swallow verb, noun BrE / swɒləʊ / NAmE / swɑloʊ / ( Verb)
FOOD/DRINK
1 [ transitive , intransitive ] to make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach
~ (sth) Always chew food well before swallowing it.
I had a sore throat and it hurt to swallow.
~ sth + adj. The pills should be swallowed whole.

MOVE THROAT MUSCLES
2 [ intransitive ] to move the muscles of your throat as if you were swallowing sth, especially because you are nervous
She swallowed hard and told him the bad news.

COMPLETELY COVER
3 [ transitive , often passive ] to take sb/sth in or completely cover it so that they cannot be seen or no longer exist separately
~ sb/sth I watched her walk down the road until she was swallowed by the darkness.
~ sb/sth up Large areas of countryside have been swallowed up by towns.

USE UP MONEY
4 [ transitive ] ~ sb/sth (up) to use up sth completely, especially an amount of money
Most of my salary gets swallowed (up) by the rent and bills.

BELIEVE
5 [ transitive ] to accept that sth is true; to believe sth
~ sth I found her excuse very hard to swallow .
~ sth + adj. He told her a pack of lies, but she swallowed it whole .

FEELINGS
6 [ transitive ] ~ sth to hide your feelings
to swallow your doubts
You're going to have to swallow your pride and ask for your job back.

ACCEPT INSULTS
7 [ transitive ] ~ sth to accept insults, criticisms, etc. without complaining or protesting
I was surprised that he just sat there and swallowed all their remarks.
(Noun)
BIRD
1 a small bird with long pointed wings and a tail with two points, that spends the winter in Africa but flies to northern countries for the summer

OF FOOD/DRINK
2 an act of swallowing; an amount of food or drink that is swallowed at one time
She took a swallow of coffee.
one swallow doesn't make a summer ( saying ) you must not take too seriously a small sign that sth is happening or will happen in the future, because the situation could change

406. Vortex BrE / vɔteks / NAmE / vɔrteks / noun
( pl. vor • texes or vor • ti • ces / BrE vɔtɪsiz ; NAmE vɔrtɪsiz / )
1 ( technical ) a mass of air, water, etc. that spins around very fast and pulls things into its centre
whirlpool , whirlwind
2 ( literary ) a very powerful feeling or situation that you cannot avoid or escape from
They were caught up in a whirling vortex of emotion.
407. Spin verb, noun BrE / spɪn / NAmE / spɪn / verb( spin • ning , spun , spun / BrE spʌn ; NAmE spʌn / ) TURN ROUND QUICKLY
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to turn round and round quickly; to make sth do this
(+ adv./prep.) The plane was spinning out of control.
a spinning ice skater
My head is spinning (= I feel as if my head is going around and I can't balance) .
His theories on economics are enough to make your head spin (= make you feel very confused) .
~ (round/around) The dancers spun round and round.
~ sth (round/around) to spin a ball/coin/wheel
We placed our bets and the croupier spun the roulette wheel.
2 [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sb) round/around | + adv./prep. to turn round quickly once; to make sb do this
He spun around to face her.
She spun on her heel and walked out.

MAKE THREAD
3 [ intransitive , transitive ] to make thread from wool, cotton, silk, etc. by twisting it
She sat by the window spinning.
~ sth to spin and knit wool
~ A into B spinning silk into thread
~ B from A spinning thread from silk

OF SPIDER/SILKWORM
4 [ transitive ] ~ sth to produce thread from its body to make a web or cocoon
a spider spinning a web
A silkworm spins a cocoon that can yield 800 metres of pure silk.

DRIVE/TRAVEL QUICKLY
5 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. to drive or travel quickly
They went spinning along the roads on their bikes.

DRY CLOTHES
6 [ transitive ] ~ sth to remove the water from clothes that have just been washed, in a spin dryer

PRESENT INFORMATION
7 [ transitive ] ~ sth (as sth) to present information or a situation in a particular way, especially one that makes you or your ideas seem good
An aide was already spinning the senator's defeat as ‘almost as good as an outright win’.

spin (sb) a yarn, tale, etc.
to try to make sb believe a long story that is not true

spin sth out to make sth last as long as possible
noun

FAST TURNING MOVEMENT
1 [ countable , uncountable ] a very fast turning movement
the earth's spin
the spin of a wheel
The dance was full of twists and spins.
Give the washing a short spin.
We calculated the rate of spin.
2 [ countable , usually singular ] if an aircraft goes into a spin , it falls and turns round rapidly

IN CAR
3 [ countable ] ( informal , becoming old-fashioned ) a short ride in a car for pleasure
Let's go for a spin .
He asked if he could take the car for a spin.

IN TENNIS/CRICKET
4 [ uncountable ] the way you make a ball turn very fast when you throw it or hit it
She puts a lot of spin on the ball.
a spin bowler (= in cricket , a bowler who uses spin)
see also topspin

ON INFORMATION
5 [ singular , uncountable ] ( informal ) a way of presenting information or a situation in a particular way, especially one that makes you or your ideas seem good
Politicians put their own spin on the economic situation.

in a (flat) spin
very confused, worried or excited
Her resignation put her colleagues in a spin.

408. Sip verb, noun BrE / sɪp / NAmE / sɪp / verb ( -pp- ) [ intransitive , transitive ]
to drink sth, taking a very small amount each time
~ (at sth) She sat there, sipping at her tea.
~ sth He slowly sipped his wine.
(Noun)
a very small amount of a drink that you take into your mouth
to have/take a sip of water

409. cure verb, noun BrE / kjʊə(r) / NAmE / kjʊr / verb
1 ~ sb (of sth) to make a person or an animal healthy again after an illness
Will you be able to cure him, Doctor?
2 ~ sth to make an illness go away
TB is a serious illness, but it can be cured.
3 ~ sth to deal with a problem successfully
I finally managed to cure the rattling noise in my car.
4 ~ sb of sth to stop sb from behaving in a particular way, especially a way that is bad or annoying
5 ~ sth to treat food or tobacco with smoke, salt, etc. in order to preserve it
(Noun)
1 ~ (for sth) a medicine or medical treatment that cures an illness
the search for a cure for cancer
There is no known cure but the illness can be treated.
The only real cure is rest.
2 the act of curing sb of an illness or the process of being cured
Doctors cannot effect a cure if the disease has spread too far.
The cure took six weeks.
3 ~ (for sth) something that will solve a problem, improve a bad situation, etc
a cure for poverty
see prevention is better than cure at prevention

410. Treat verb, noun BrE / trit / NAmE / trit / verb

BEHAVE TOWARDS SB/STH
1 to behave in a particular way towards sb/sth
~ sb/sth (with sth) to treat people with respect/consideration/suspicion, etc.
Treat your keyboard with care and it should last for years.
~ sb/sth like sth My parents still treat me like a child.
~ sb/sth as sth) He was treated as a hero on his release from prison.

CONSIDER
2 ~ sth as sth to consider sth in a particular way
I decided to treat his remark as a joke.
All cases involving children are treated as urgent.
3 ~ sth + adv./prep. to deal with or discuss sth in a particular way
The question is treated in more detail in the next chapter.

ILLNESS/INJURY
4 ~ sb (for sth) (with sth) to give medical care or attention to a person, an illness, an injury, etc
She was treated for sunstroke.
The condition is usually treated with drugs and a strict diet.
The hospital treated forty cases of malaria last year.

USE CHEMICAL
5 ~ sth (with sth) to use a chemical substance or process to clean, protect, preserve, etc. sth
to treat crops with insecticide
wood treated with preservative

PAY FOR STH ENJOYABLE
6 ~ sb/yourself (to sth) to pay for sth that sb/you will enjoy and that you do not usually have or do
She treated him to lunch.
Don't worry about the cost—I'll treat you.
I'm going to treat myself to a new pair of shoes.
treatable / BrE ; NAmE / adjective
a treatable infection
treat sb like dirt ( informal ) to treat sb with no respect at all
They treat their workers like dirt.
treat sb to sth to entertain sb with sth special
The crowd were treated to a superb display of tennis.
noun
something very pleasant and enjoyable, especially sth that you give sb or do for them
We took the kids to the zoo as a special treat .
You've never been to this area before? Then you're in for a real treat.
When I was young chocolate was a treat.
Let's go out for lunch— my treat (= I will pay) .
a treat ( BrE , informal ) extremely well or good
His idea worked a treat (= was successful) .
I don't know whether she can act but she looks a treat.
more at trick or treat at trick n.

411. Siege BrE / sidʒ / NAmE / sidʒ /
noun
1 a military operation in which an army tries to capture a town by surrounding it and stopping the supply of food, etc. to the people inside
the siege of Troy
The siege was finally lifted (= ended) after six months.
The police placed the city centre under a virtual state of siege (= it was hard to get in or out) .
2 a situation in which the police surround a building where people are living or hiding, in order to make them come out
The siege was finally brought to an end when the terrorists surrendered.
see also besiege
under siege
1 surrounded by an army or the police in a siege
The city was under siege for six months.
2 being criticized all the time or put under pressure by problems, questions, etc
The government is already under siege for its economic policy.
lay siege to sth
1 to begin a siege of a town, building, etc
The crusaders laid siege to Lisbon.
2 to surround a building, especially in order to speak to or question the person or people living or working there
Crowds of journalists laid siege to the star's apartment.

412. Snatch verb, noun BrE / snætʃ / NAmE / snætʃ / verb
1 [ transitive , intransitive ] to take sth quickly and often rudely or roughly
grab
~ sth (+ adv./prep.) She managed to snatch the gun from his hand.
Gordon snatched up his jacket and left the room.
(+ adv./prep.) Hey, you kids! Don't all snatch!
2 [ transitive ] ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) to take sb/sth away from a person or place, especially by force; to steal sth

steal
The raiders snatched $100 from the cash register.
The baby was snatched from its parents' car.
3 [ transitive ] ~ sth to take or get sth quickly, especially because you do not have much time
I managed to snatch an hour's sleep.
The team snatched a dramatic victory in the last minute of the game.
snatch at sth
1 to try to take hold of sth with your hands
He snatched at the steering wheel but I pushed him away.
2 to take an opportunity to do sth
We snatched at every moment we could be together.
noun
1 a very small part of a conversation or some music that you hear
snippet
a snatch of music
I only caught snatches of the conversation.
2 an act of moving your hand very quickly to take or steal sth
a bag snatch
to make a snatch at sth
3 ( taboo , slang ) an offensive word for a woman's outer sex organs
in snatches
for short periods rather than continuously
Sleep came to him in brief snatches.

413. Unripe BrE / ʌnraɪp / NAmE / ʌnraɪp / adjective
not yet ready to eat
unripe fruit
ripe

414. Piggy bank
a container in the shape of a pig, with a narrow opening in the top for putting coins in, used by children to save money
compare money box

415. Grocery BrE / ɡrəʊsəri / NAmE / ɡroʊsəri / noun ( pl. gro • ceries ) 1 ( especially BrE )
( NAmE usually grocery store )
[ countable ] a shop/store that sells food and other things used in the home. In American English ‘ grocery store ’ is often used to mean ‘supermarket’.
2 groceries [ plural ] food and other goods sold by a grocer or at a supermarket
gro • cery adjective [ only before noun ]
the grocery bill

416. Ven tilate BrE / ventɪleɪt / NAmE / ventɪleɪt / verb
1 ~ sth to allow fresh air to enter and move around a room, building, etc
a well-ventilated room
The bathroom is ventilated by means of an extractor fan.
2 ~ sth ( formal ) to express your feelings or opinions publicly
air
ventilation / BrE ventɪleɪʃn ; NAmE ventɪleɪʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
a ventilation shaft
Make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the room before using the paint.

417. Put in a (good) word for sb (Idm)
to try to help someone get or achieve something by saying good things about them to someone else:
I got the job because Paul put in a good word for me.

418. Abandon verb, noun BrE / əbændən / NAmE / əbændən / verb
1 to leave sb, especially sb you are responsible for, with no intention of returning
~ sb The baby had been abandoned by its mother.
People often simply abandon their pets when they go abroad.
~ sb to sth The study showed a deep fear among the elderly of being abandoned to the care of strangers.
2 to leave a thing or place, especially because it is impossible or dangerous to stay
leave
~ sth Snow forced many drivers to abandon their vehicles.
He gave the order to abandon ship (= to leave the ship because it was sinking) .
~ sth to sb/sth They had to abandon their lands to the invading forces.
3 ~ sth to stop doing sth, especially before it is finished; to stop having sth
They abandoned the match because of rain.
She abandoned hope of any reconciliation.
We had to abandon any further attempt at negotiation.
4 to stop supporting or helping sb; to stop believing in sth
~ sb The country abandoned its political leaders after the war.
~ sth By 1930 he had abandoned his Marxist principles.
5 ~ yourself to sth ( literary ) to feel an emotion so strongly that you can feel nothing else
He abandoned himself to despair.
noun
[ uncountable ] ( formal )
an uncontrolled way of behaving that shows that sb does not care what other people think
He signed cheques with careless abandon.
see with gay abandon at gay adj.

419. Go astray (v)
a) to be lost or stolen:
The letter had gone astray in the post.
b) if a plan or action goes astray, it goes wrong:
The best-laid plans can go astray.
lead somebody astray
a) to encourage someone to do bad or illegal things that they would not normally do:
The older boys led him astray.

b) to make someone believe something that is not true:
It's easy to be led astray by the reports in the papers.

420. Back to back/at a stretch /on the trot (Idm)
happening one after another:
They have had five back-to-back wins.
She rarely sleeps for eight hours at a stretch (=without stopping).

421. On the trot (British English,informal)
a) one directly following another:
The class has been cancelled three weeks on the trot now.
b) busy doing something [= on the go]:
I've been on the trot all day.

422. Stretch verb, noun BrE / stretʃ / NAmE / stretʃ / verb
MAKE BIGGER/LOOSER
1 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) to make sth longer, wider or looser, for example by pulling it; to become longer, etc. in this way
Is there any way of stretching shoes?
This sweater has stretched.
2 [ intransitive ] ( of cloth ) to become bigger or longer when you pull it and return to its original shape when you stop
The jeans stretch to provide a perfect fit.

PULL TIGHT
3 [ transitive ] to pull sth so that it is smooth and tight
~ sth Stretch the fabric tightly over the frame.
~ sth + adj. Make sure that the rope is stretched tight.

YOUR BODY
4 [ intransitive , transitive ] to put your arms or legs out straight and contract your muscles
He stretched and yawned lazily.
~ sth The exercises are designed to stretch and tone your leg muscles.

REACH WITH ARM
5 [ intransitive , transitive ] to put out an arm or a leg in order to reach sth
+ adv./prep. She stretched across the table for the butter.
~ sth + adv./prep. I stretched out a hand and picked up the book.

OVER AREA
6 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. to spread over an area of land
extend
Fields and hills stretched out as far as we could see.
Beyond the mountains stretches a vast desert.

OVER TIME
7 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. to continue over a period of time
The town's history stretches back to before 1500.
The training stretches over a period of 16 months.
Endless summer days stretched out before us.
The talks look set to stretch into a second week.

MONEY/SUPPLIES/TIME
8 [ intransitive ] ~ (to sth) ( used in negative sentences and questions about an amount of money ) to be enough to buy or pay for sth
I need a new car, but my savings won't stretch to it.
There are lots of things I'd like to buy, but our budget just won't stretch that far.
9 [ transitive ] ~ sb/sth to make use of a lot of your money, supplies, time, etc
The influx of refugees has stretched the country's resources to the limit .
We can't take on any more work—we're fully stretched as it is.

SB'S SKILL/INTELLIGENCE
10 [ transitive ] ~ sb/sth to make use of all sb's skill, intelligence, etc
I need a job that will stretch me.
She was never really stretched at school.
The book really stretches your imagination.

TRUTH/BELIEF
11 [ transitive ] ~ sth to use sth in a way that would not normally be considered fair, acceptable, etc
He admitted that he had maybe stretched the truth a little (= not been completely honest) .
stretch a point
to allow or do sth that is not usually acceptable, especially because of a particular situation
I was hoping they would stretch a point and let me stay on for a while.
stretch out | stretch yourself out to lie down, usually in order to relax or sleep
He stretched himself out on the sofa and fell asleep.

OF BODY
4 [ countable , uncountable ] an act of stretching out your arms or legs or your body and contracting the muscles; the state of being stretched
We got out of the car and had a good stretch .
Only do these more difficult stretches when you are warmed up.
Stay in this position and feel the stretch in your legs.

at full stretch
using as much energy as possible, or the greatest possible amount of supplies
Fire crews have been operating at full stretch.
not by any stretch of the imagination | by no stretch of the imagination
used to say strongly that sth is not true, even if you try to imagine or believe it
She could not, by any stretch of the imagination, be called beautiful.
By no stretch of the imagination could the trip be described as relaxing.

423. Total/pitch/complete darkness
The room was in total darkness.
We lit our campfire as darkness fell (=it became night).
He stared out the window at the gathering darkness (=the night slowly coming).
424. Outage BrE / aʊtɪdʒ / NAmE / aʊtɪdʒ / noun ( NAmE )
a period of time when the supply of electricity, etc. is not working
a power outage
425. Damn sb/sth with faint praise (Idm)
Show that you think someone or something is not good by only praising them a little)
426. Sprain BrE / spreɪn / NAmE / spreɪn / verb
~ sth
to injure a joint in your body, especially your wrist or ankle, by suddenly twisting it
I stumbled and sprained my ankle.
sprain noun
a bad ankle sprain
427. Ram pant BrE / ræmpənt / NAmE / ræmpənt / adjective
1 ( of sth bad ) existing or spreading everywhere in a way that cannot be controlled
unchecked
rampant inflation
Unemployment is now rampant in most of Europe.
Pickpocketing is rampant in the downtown area.
Corruption soon became rampant
2 ( of plants ) growing thickly and very fast in a way that cannot be controlled
rampant ly / BrE ræmpəntli ; NAmE ræmpəntli / adverb

428. Labyrinth BrE / læbərɪnθ / NAmE / læbərɪnθ / noun ( formal )
a complicated series of paths, which it is difficult to find your way through
We lost our way in the labyrinth of streets.
( figurative ) a labyrinth of rules and regulations
compare maze
labyrinthine / BrE læbərɪnθaɪn ; NAmE læbərɪnθaɪn ; læbərɪnθɪn / adjective : ( formal ) labyrinthine corridors
labyrinthine legislation
429. Play goose berry (Idm) ( kabab main haddi banna )

430. Cut your coat according to your cloth (Proverb) ( Chadar dekh kar paoon phelana )
to spend only as much money as you can afford

431. Think before you leap (Proverb)
used to say that it is sensible to think about possible dangers or difficulties of something before doing it
432. Cram BrE / kræm / NAmE / kræm / verb
1 [ transitive , intransitive ] to push or force sb/sth into a small space; to move into a small space with the result that it is full
~ sb/sth into/onto sth He crammed eight people into his car.
~ sth in I could never cram in all that she does in a day.
~ sth + adv./prep. I managed to cram down a few mouthfuls of food.
~ sth Supporters crammed the streets.
~ sth full I bought a large basket and crammed it full of presents.
~ into/onto sth We all managed to cram into his car.
2 [ intransitive ] ~ (for sth) ( NAmE , informal or rather old-fashioned , BrE ) to learn a lot of things in a short time, in preparation for an exam
swot
He's been cramming for his exams all week.

433. Mug sth up (Phrv) to try to learn something in a short time, especially for an examination [= swot up]

434. Good mind good find (Proverb)
435. By hook or by crook (Idm)
if you are going to do something by hook or by crook, you are determined to do it, whatever methods you have to use:
The police are going to get these guys, by hook or by crook.
436. Hope sustains life (Proverb) ( Umeed pay dunyan qaim hay )
437. Don’t put off till tomorrow. ( Aj ka kaam kal per mat choro )
438. It’s no big deal (Infml) ( Yay koi bari baat naheen hay )
439. Barking dogs seldom bite. (Proverb) ( Jo garajtay hain wo barastay naheen )
440. Diamond cuts diamond. (Proverb) ( Loha lohay ko karta hay )
441. To add fuel to fire (Idm)
to make an argument or disagreement worse:
Rather than providing a solution, their statements merely added fuel to the fire.
442. It is useless to cry over spilt milk. (Idm)
443. Earn reward (v)
444. To err is human to forgive is divine (Idm) ( Insaan ka kaam galti karna aur Allah ka maaf karna )
445. Every cock fights best on his own dunghill. (Proverb) ( Apni gali main to kutta bhi sheer hota hay)
446. Remind BrE / rɪmaɪnd / NAmE / rɪmaɪnd / verb~ sb (about/of sth)
to help sb remember sth, especially sth important that they must do
~ sb I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name. Can you remind me?
That (= what you have just said, done, etc.) reminds me , I must get some cash.
‘You need to finish that essay.’ ‘ Don't remind me (= I don't want to think about it) .’
‘Don't forget the camera.’ ‘Remind me about it nearer the time.’
~ sb to do sth Remind me to phone Alan before I go out.
~ sb (that)… Passengers are reminded (that) no smoking is allowed on this train.
~ sb what, how, etc… Can someone remind me what I should do next?
~ sb + speech ‘You had an accident,’ he reminded her.
remind sb of sb/sth if sb/sth reminds you of sb/sth else, they make you remember or think about the other person, place, thing, etc. because they are similar in some way
You remind me of your father when you say that.
That smell reminds me of France.

447. flaw BrE / flɔ / NAmE / flɔ/ noun
1 a mistake in sth that means that it is not correct or does not work correctly
defect , fault
The argument is full of fundamental flaws.
~ in sth The report reveals fatal flaws in security at the airport.
There is still a basic flaw in your selection procedure.
2 ~ (in sth) a crack or fault in sth that makes it less attractive or valuable
The vase is in excellent condition except for a few small flaws in its base.
3 ~ (in sb/sth) a weakness in sb's character
There is always a flaw in the character of a tragic hero.

448. Enrage BrE / ɪnreɪdʒ / NAmE / ɪnreɪdʒ / verb
[ usually passive ] ~ sb
to make sb very angry
infuriate
She was enraged at his stupidity.
The newspaper article enraged him.

449. Put up with sb/sth (Phrv)
to accept an unpleasant situation or person without complaining:
She put up with his violent temper.
450. Compensate BrE / kɒmpenseɪt / NAmE / kɑmpenseɪt / verb
EXAMPLE BANK
1 [ intransitive ] ~ (for sth) to provide sth good to balance or reduce the bad effects of damage, loss, etc.
make up for
Nothing can compensate for the loss of a loved one.
2 [ transitive ] ~ sb (for sth) to pay sb money because they have suffered some damage, loss, injury, etc
Her lawyers say she should be compensated for the suffering she had been caused.
com • pen • sa • tory / BrE ˌkɒmpenˈseɪtəri ; NAmE kəmˈpensətɔːri / adjective
He received a compensatory payment of $20 000.

451. Make up for sb/sth (Phrv)
to make a bad situation better, or replace something that has been lost:
The team will be anxious to make up for a disappointing start to the season.
I don't eat breakfast but I make up for it at lunch.
The good days more than make up for the bad ones.
452. Atone BrE / ətəʊn / NAmE / ətoʊn / verb [ intransitive ] ~ (for sth) ( formal )
to act in a way that shows you are sorry for doing sth wrong in the past
make amends
to atone for a crime
a desire to atone
atonement / BrE ətəʊnmənt ; NAmE ətoʊnmənt / noun [ uncountable ]
to make atonement for his sins
Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement

453. Retort verb, noun BrE / rɪtɔt / NAmE / rɪtɔrt / verb
to reply quickly to a comment, in an angry, offended or humorous way
+ speech ‘Don't be ridiculous!’ Pat retorted angrily.
~ that… Sam retorted that it was my fault as much as his.
(noun)
1 a quick, angry or humorous reply
rejoinder , riposte
She bit back (= stopped herself from making) a sharp retort.
2 a closed bottle with a long narrow bent spout that is used in a laboratory for heating chemicals
454. lethal BrE / liθl / NAmE / liθl / adjective
1 causing or able to cause death deadly , fatal
a lethal dose of poison
a lethal weapon
( figurative ) The closure of the factory dealt a lethal blow to the town.
The snake's venom is rarely lethal to humans.
2 ( informal ) causing or able to cause a lot of harm or damage
You and that car—it's a lethal combination!
lethally / BrE liθəli ; NAmE liθəli / adverb

455. Defile BrE / dɪfaɪl / NAmE / dɪfaɪl / verb
~ sth ( formal or literary )
to make sth dirty or no longer pure, especially sth that people consider important or holy
Many victims of burglary feel their homes have been defiled.
The altar had been defiled by vandals.
defilement / BrE dɪfaɪlmənt ; NAmE dɪfaɪlmənt / noun [ uncountable , countable ]
456. Exploit verb, noun verb / BrE ɪksplɔɪt ; NAmE ɪksplɔɪt /
1 ~ sth ( disapproving ) to treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself
He exploited his father's name to get himself a job.
She realized that her youth and inexperience were being exploited.
The opposition parties will always exploit government problems to their own advantage.
2 ~ sb ( disapproving ) to treat sb unfairly by making them work and not giving them much in return
What is being done to stop employers from exploiting young people?
3 ~ sth to use sth well in order to gain as much from it as possible
She fully exploits the humour of her role in the play.
Teachers should be exploiting computers in education.
~ sth for sth countries exploiting the rainforests for hardwood
exploiter noun [ countable ]
noun
/ BrE eksplɔɪt ; NAmE eksplɔɪt / [ usually plural ]
a brave, exciting or interesting act
the daring exploits of Roman heroes
The papers were full of her latest amorous exploits.

457. purify BrE / pjʊərɪfaɪ / NAmE / pjʊrɪfaɪ / verb
( puri • fies , puri • fy • ing , puri • fied , puri • fied )
1 ~ sth to make sth pure by removing substances that are dirty, harmful or not wanted
One tablet will purify a litre of water
2 ~ sb/sth/yourself to make sb pure by removing evil from their souls
Hindus purify themselves by bathing in the river Ganges.
to purify the soul
3 ~ sth (from sth) ( technical ) to take a pure form of a substance out of another substance that contains it
purification / BrE pjʊərɪfɪkeɪʃn ; NAmE pjʊrɪfɪkeɪʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
a water purification plant

458. Worth adjective, noun
BrE / wɜθ / NAmE / wɜrθ / adjective
[ not before noun ] ( used like a preposition, followed by a noun, pronoun or number, or by the -ing form of a verb )
1 ~ sth having a value in money, etc
Our house is worth about £100 000.
How much is this painting worth?
to be worth a bomb/packet/fortune (= a lot of money)
It isn't worth much.
If you answer this question correctly, it's worth five points.
2 used to recommend the action mentioned because you think it may be useful, enjoyable, etc.
~ sth The museum is certainly worth a visit.
~ doing sth This idea is well worth considering.
It's worth making an appointment before you go.
3 ~ sth/doing sth important, good or enjoyable enough to make sb feel satisfied, especially when difficulty or effort is involved
Was it worth the effort?
The new house really wasn't worth all the expense involved.
The job involves a lot of hard work but it's worth it .
The trip was expensive but it was worth every penny .
see also worthwhile
4 ~ sth ( of a person ) having money and possessions of a particular value
He's worth £10 million.
for all sb/it is worth
1 with great energy, effort and determination
He was rowing for all he was worth.
2 in order to get as much as you can from sb/sth
She is milking her success for all it's worth.
for what it's worth ( informal ) used to emphasize that what you are saying is only your own opinion or suggestion and may not be very helpful
I prefer this colour, for what it's worth.
(the game is) not worth the candle ( old-fashioned , saying ) the advantages to be gained from doing sth are not great enough, considering the effort or cost involved
If the price goes up again, he may decide that the game's not worth the candle.
not worth the paper it's written/printed on ( of an agreement or official document ) having no value, especially legally, or because one of the people involved has no intention of doing what they said they would
worth your/its salt
deserving respect, especially because you do your job well
Any teacher worth her salt knows that.
worth your/its weight in ˈgold
very useful or valuable
A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.
worth sb's while
interesting or useful for sb to do
It will be worth your while to come to the meeting.
He'll do the job if you make it worth his while (= pay him well) .

noun
[ uncountable ]
1 ten dollars', £40, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that has the value mentioned
The winner will receive ten pounds' worth of books.
a dollar's worth of change
2 a week's, month's, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that lasts a week, etc.
3 the financial, practical or moral value of sb/sth
Their contribution was of great worth.
The activities help children to develop a sense of their own worth.
A good interview enables candidates to prove their worth (= show how good they are) .
a personal net worth of $10 million

459. Try your damndest to do sth (Idm)
to try very hard to do something:
I'll do my damnedest to fix it, but I can't promise anything.
458. What’ s the damage (Idm,spoken) used humorously to ask how much you have to pay for something
460. Dare devil BrE / deədevl / NAmE / derdevl / noun
A person who enjoys doing dangerous things, in a way that other people may think is stupid
a reckless daredevil
dare • devil adjective [ only before noun ] Don't try any daredevil stunts.

461. Never darken my door again (Idm) said when you do not want to see someone again - now used humorously
462. Cut a dash (Idm) to look very impressive and attractive in particular clothes:
With her new image, she'll certainly cut a dash
463. Dash sb’s hopes (Idm)
to disappoint someone by telling them that what they want is not possible:
His hopes were dashed when his appeal was denied.
464. In a daze (Idm)
feeling confused and not able to think clearly:
She wandered round in a daze, not quite sure what to do.
465. Be a dead ringer for sb (Idm)
someone who looks exactly like someone else
Dave's a dead ringer for Paul McCartney.
466. Cut sb dead (Idm)
to deliberately ignore someone when you meet them:
I saw Ian in town but he cut me dead.
467. Dead beat (Spoken)
very tired [= exhausted]:
I'm beat.
Come and sit down, you must be dead beat.
468. debris BrE / debri / BrE / deɪbri / NAmE / dəbri / noun
[ uncountable ]
1 pieces of wood, metal, brick, etc. that are left after sth has been destroyed
Emergency teams are still clearing the debris from the plane crash.
Several people were injured by flying debris in the explosion.
2 ( formal ) pieces of material that are not wanted and rubbish/garbage that are left somewhere
Clear away leaves and other garden debris from the pond.
the debris of their lunch
469. defy BrE / dɪfaɪ / NAmE / dɪfaɪ / verb
EXAMPLE BANK
( de • fies , defy • ing , de • fied , de • fied )
1 ~ sb/sth to refuse to obey or show respect for sb in authority, a law, a rule, etc
I wouldn't have dared to defy my teachers.
Hundreds of people today defied the ban on political gatherings.
2 ~ belief, explanation, description, etc. to be impossible or almost impossible to believe, explain, describe, etc
a political move that defies explanation
The beauty of the scene defies description.
3 ~ sth to successfully resist sth to a very unusual degree
The baby boy defied all the odds and survived (= stayed alive when it seemed certain that he would die) .
I defy you/anyone to do sth
used to say that sb should try to do sth, as a way of emphasizing that you think it is impossible to do it
I defy anyone not to cry at the end of the film.
I defy you to leave without buying something.

470. deliverance BrE / dɪlɪvərəns / NAmE / dɪlɪvərəns / noun
[ uncountable ] ~ (from sth) ( formal )
the state of being rescued from danger, evil or pain

471. demystify BrE / dimɪstɪfaɪ / NAmE / dimɪstɪfaɪ / verb
VERB FORMS
( de • mys • ti • fies , de • mys • ti • fy • ing , de • mys • ti • fied , de • mys • ti • fied ) ~ sth
to make sth easier to understand and less complicated by explaining it in a clear and simple way
This book demystifies the male worlds of plumbing and carpentry.
demysti fication / BrE dimɪstɪfɪkeɪʃn ; NAmE dimɪstɪfɪkeɪʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
472. deprive BrE / dɪpraɪv / NAmE / dɪpraɪv / verb
deprive sb/sth of sth to prevent sb from having or doing sth, especially sth important
They were imprisoned and deprived of their basic rights.
Why should you deprive yourself of such simple pleasures?

473. detest BrE / dɪtest / NAmE / dɪtest / verb
( not used in the progressive tenses ) ~ sb/sth | ~ doing sth to hate sb/sth very much
loathe
They detested each other on sight.
detestation / BrE ditesteɪʃn ; NAmE ditesteɪʃn / noun [ uncountable ]

474. detoxify BrE / ditɒksɪfaɪ / NAmE / ditɑksɪfaɪ / verb
( detoxifies , detoxifying , detoxified , detoxified )
1 ~ sth to remove harmful substances or poisons from sth
2 ~ sb to treat sb in order to help them stop drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
475. Dewy eyed (adj) ( disapproving )
showing emotion about sth, perhaps with a few tears in the eyes =sentimental
She gets slightly dewy-eyed as she talks about her early days in show business.
476. It’s beneath your dignity.(spoken)
He felt it would be beneath his dignity to comment(= not good enough or suitable for someone)

477. Dine out (Phrv)(formal) to eat dinner in a restaurant or in someone else's house:
They would dine out together once a month.
478. disen tangle BrE / dɪsɪntæŋɡl / NAmE / dɪsɪntæŋɡl /
1 ~ sth (from sth) to separate different arguments, ideas, etc. that have become confused
It's not easy to disentangle the truth from the official statistics.
It is important to disentangle all the factors that may be causing your stress.
2 ~ sth/sb (from sth) to free sb/sth from sth that has become wrapped or twisted around it or them
He tried to disentangle his fingers from her hair.
( figurative ) She has just disentangled herself from a painful relationship.
3 ~ sth to get rid of the twists and knots in sth
He was sitting on the deck disentangling a coil of rope.
compare entangle

479. Do without (phrasal verb)
1 )to live or do something without a particular thing:
I don't have any sugar so you'll have to do without.
You can do without a carpet but you've got to have somewhere to sit.
2) can do without something used to say that something is annoying you or causing you problems:
You can do without all that hassle.
Those are the type of stupid remarks I can do without.
480. Indolent BrE / ɪndələnt / NAmE / ɪndələnt / adjective ( formal )
not wanting to work
lazy
indolence / BrE ɪndələns ; NAmE ɪndələns / noun [ uncountable ]

481. off the cuff ( of speaking, remarks, etc. ) without previous thought or preparation
I'm just speaking off the cuff here—I haven't seen the results yet.
an off-the-cuff remark
482. Improvise BrE / ɪmprəvaɪz / NAmE / ɪmprəvaɪz / verb
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to make or do sth using whatever is available, usually because you do not have what you really need
There isn't much equipment. We're going to have to improvise.
~ sth We improvised some shelves out of planks of wood and bricks.
2 [ intransitive , transitive ] to invent music, the words in a play, a statement, etc. while you are playing or speaking, instead of planning it in advance
‘It'll be ready some time next week, I expect,’ she said, improvising.
~ on sth He improvised on the melody.
~ sth an improvised speech
impro visation / BrE ɪmprəvaɪzeɪʃn ; NAmE ɪmprɑvəzeɪʃn / noun [ uncountable , countable ]

483. Put sth off (Phrv)
to delay doing something or to arrange to do something at a later time or date, especially because there is a problem or you do not want to do it now [= delay, procrastinate]:
The match has been put off until tomorrow because of bad weather.
484. Put sth out (Phrv)
The rescue services are still trying to put out the fire(=to make a fire etc stop burning [= extinguish]
485. writhe BrE / raɪð / NAmE / raɪð / verb [ intransitive ] ~ (about/around) (in/with sth)
to twist or move your body without stopping, often because you are in great pain
She was writhing around on the floor in agony.
The snake writhed and hissed.
( figurative ) He was writhing (= suffering a lot) with embarrassment.

486. Bully (n,v)
Bullies are often cowards(=someone who uses their strength or power to frighten or hurt someone who is weaker)
Don't let them bully you into working on Saturdays(=to put pressure on someone in order to make them do what you want)
487. hooligan BrE / hulɪɡən / NAmE / hulɪɡən / noun
a young person who behaves in an extremely noisy and violent way in public, usually in a group
English football hooligans
hooliganism / BrE hulɪɡənɪzəm ; NAmE hulɪɡənɪzəm / noun [ uncountable ]
488. broke BrE / brəʊk / NAmE / broʊk / adjective [ not before noun ] ( informal )
having no money
I'm always broke by the end of the month.
During the recession thousands of small businesses went broke (= had to stop doing business) .
flat/stony broke (= completely broke)
go for broke ( informal ) to risk everything in one determined effort to do sth
489. Destitute BrE / destɪtjut / NAmE / destɪtut / adjective
1 without money, food and the other things necessary for life
When he died, his family was left completely destitute.
2 the destitute noun [ plural ] people who are destitute
3 ~ of sth ( formal ) lacking sth
They seem destitute of ordinary human feelings.
destitution / BrE destɪtjuʃn ; NAmE destɪtuʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
homelessness and destitution

490. Paternal BrE / pətɜnl / NAmE / pətɜrnl / adjective
1 connected with being a father; typical of a kind father
paternal love
He gave me a piece of paternal advice.
2 related through the father's side of the family
my paternal grandmother (= my father's mother)
paternally / BrE pətɜnli ; NAmE pətɜrnli / adverb
He smiled paternally at them.
compare maternal

491. Maternal BrE / mətɜnl / NAmE / mətɜrnl / adjective
1 having feelings that are typical of a caring mother towards a child
maternal love
I'm not very maternal.
She didn't have any maternal instincts.
2 connected with being a mother
Maternal age affects the baby's survival rate.
the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy
3 [ only before noun ] related through the mother's side of the family
my maternal grandfather (= my mother's father)
maternally / BrE mətɜnəli ; NAmE mətɜrnəli / adverb
She behaved maternally towards her students.

492. Outspoken BrE / aʊtspəʊkən / NAmE / aʊtspoʊkən / adjective
saying exactly what you think, even if this shocks or offends people blunt
an outspoken opponent of the leader
outspoken comments
~ in sth She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan.
outspokenly / BrE aʊtspəʊkənli ; NAmE aʊtspoʊkənli / adverb
outspokenly critical
out spokenness / BrE ; NAmE / noun [ uncountable ]
I admire his outspokenness.
493. famine BrE / fæmɪn / NAmE / fæmɪn / noun [ countable , uncountable ]
a lack of food during a long period of time in a region
a severe famine
disasters such as floods and famine
the threat of widespread famine in the area
to raise money for famine relief

494. Make sth/sb out (phrv)
He could just make out a dark shape moving towards him.(= to be just able to see or hear something)
I couldn't make out what I had done to annoy her(=to understand)
He's a strange guy - I can't make him out at all(=to understand someone's character and the way they behave)
She was making out a list of people to invite(=to write something such as a bill or cheque)
495. Confiscate BrE / kɒnfɪskeɪt / NAmE / kɑnfɪskeɪt / verb ~ sth
to officially take sth away from sb, especially as a punishment
Their land was confiscated after the war.
The teacher threatened to confiscate their phones if they kept using them in class.
confiscation / BrE kɒnfɪskeɪʃn ; NAmE kɑnfɪskeɪʃn / noun [ uncountable , countable ]
If found guilty of this crime they face heavy fines, confiscation of goods and even imprisonment.

496. Extort BrE / ɪkstɔt / NAmE / ɪkstɔrt / verb ~ sth (from sb)
to make sb give you sth by threatening them
The gang extorted money from over 30 local businesses.
extortion / BrE ɪkstɔʃn ; NAmE ɪkstɔrʃn / noun [ uncountable , countable ]
He was arrested and charged with extortion.
497. Extor tionate BrE / ɪkstɔʃənət / NAmE / ɪkstɔrʃənət / adjective( rather informal , disapproving )
( of prices, etc. ) much too high excessive , outrageous
They are offering loans at extortionate rates of interest.
The prices they charge are extortionate.
extortionately / BrE ɪkstɔʃənətli ; NAmE ɪkstɔrʃənətli / adverb
extortionately priced

498. Live/Come up to sb’s expectation (Spoken)
His performance did not live up to our expectations(=was not as good as we expected)
499. fasten BrE / fɑsn / NAmE / fæsn / verb
1 [ transitive , intransitive ] to close or join together the two parts of sth; to become closed or joined together
do up
~ sth Fasten your seatbelts, please.
~ sth up He fastened up his coat and hurried out.
~ (up) The dress fastens at the back.
unfasten
2 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) to close sth firmly so that it will not open; to be closed in this way
Fasten the gates securely so that they do not blow open.
The window wouldn't fasten.
unfasten
3 [ transitive ] ~ sth + adv./prep. to fix or place sth in a particular position, so that it will not move
He fastened back the shutters.
4 [ transitive ] ~ A to B | ~ A and B (together) to attach or tie one thing to another thing
He fastened the papers together with a paper clip.
5 [ transitive , intransitive ] if you fasten your arms around sb, your teeth into sth, etc, or if your arms, teeth, etc. fasten around, into, etc. sb/sth, you hold the person/thing firmly with your arms, etc
~ sth + adv./prep. The dog fastened its teeth in his leg.
+ adv./prep. His hand fastened on her arm.
6 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) (on sb/sth) if you fasten your eyes on sb/sth or your eyes fasten on sb/sth, you look at them for a long time
He fastened his gaze on her face.
fasten on(to) sb/sth to choose or follow sb/sth in a determined way
latch on to sb/sth

500. Diction BrE / dɪkʃn / NAmE / dɪkʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
1 the way that sb pronounces words
clear diction
2 ( technical ) the choice and use of words in literature
Wordsworth rejected poetic diction in favour of ordinary language.
501. Sunken BrE / sʌŋkən / NAmE / sʌŋkən / adjective
1 [ only before noun ] that has fallen to the bottom of the sea or the ocean, or of a lake or river
submerged
a sunken ship
sunken treasure
2 ( of eyes or cheeks ) hollow and deep as a result of disease, getting old, or not having enough food
His eyes were dark and sunken.
3 [ only before noun ] at a lower level than the area around
a sunken garden
502. Agile BrE / ædʒaɪl / NAmE / ædʒl / adjective
1 able to move quickly and easily
nimble
a strong and agile athlete
2 able to think quickly and in an intelligent way
an agile mind/brain
agil ity / BrE ədʒɪləti ; NAmE ədʒɪləti / noun [ uncountable ]
He had the agility of a man half his age.

503. ill-treat verb
to treat sb in a cruel or unkind way
ill-treatment / BrE ; NAmE / noun [ uncountable ]
the ill-treatment of prisoners
504. quarrelsome
BrE / kwɒrəlsəm / NAmE / kwɔrəlsəm / NAmE / kwɑrəlsəm / adjective
( of a person ) liking to argue with other people
When he drinks too much he becomes moody and quarrelsome.

505. agog
BrE / əɡɒɡ / NAmE / əɡɑɡ / adjective
[ not before noun ]
excited and very interested to find out sth
We were all agog with curiosity.

506. prank BrE / præŋk / NAmE / præŋk / noun
a trick that is played on sb as a joke
a childish prank
The incident was a prank that went wrong.
prankster / BrE præŋkstə(r) ; NAmE præŋkstər / noun
Student pranksters have done considerable damage to the school buildings.

507. blaspheme
BrE / blæsfim / NAmE / blæsfim / verb [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sb/sth)
to speak about God or the holy things of a particular religion in an offensive way; to swear using the names of God or holy things
blasphemer / BrE blæsfimə(r) ; NAmE blæsfimər / noun

508. frightfully
BrE / fraɪtfəli / NAmE / fraɪtfəli / adverb ( old-fashioned , especially BrE )
very; extremely
awfully , frightfully
I'm frightfully sorry.

509. Blow out (Phrv)
if you blow a flame or a fire out, or if it blows out, it stops burning:
The match blew out in the wind.
blow something ↔ out
Blow out all the candles.
510. eager BrE / iɡə(r) / NAmE / iɡər / adjective
very interested and excited by sth that is going to happen or about sth that you want to do =keen
eager crowds outside the stadium
~ for sth She is eager for (= wants very much to get) her parents' approval.
~ to do sth Everyone in the class seemed eager to learn.
They're eager to please (= wanting to be helpful) .
eagerly / BrE ; NAmE / adverb
the band's eagerly awaited new CD
They eagerly accepted my offer of hospitality.
eagerness / BrE ; NAmE / noun [ uncountable , singular ]
I couldn't hide my eagerness to get back home.
511. plunder verb, noun
BrE / plʌndə(r) / NAmE / plʌndər / verb [ intransitive , transitive ]
to steal things from a place, especially using force during a time of war =loot
The troops crossed the country, plundering and looting as they went.
~ sth (of sth) The abbey had been plundered of its valuables.
~ sth (from sth) Only a small amount of the money that he plundered from his companies has been recovered.
compare pillage
plunderer / BrE ; NAmE / noun
[ uncountable noun ]
1 the act of plundering
2 things that have been stolen, especially during a war, etc
The army returned loaded down with plunder.

512. bistro
BrE / bistrəʊ / NAmE / bistroʊ / noun ( pl. bis • tros )
a small informal restaurant

513. deceive
BrE / dɪsiv / NAmE / dɪsiv / verb1 [ transitive ] to make sb believe sth that is not true
~ sb Her husband had been deceiving her for years.
~ sb into doing sth She deceived him into handing over all his savings.
2 [ transitive ] ~ yourself (that…) to refuse to admit to yourself that sth unpleasant is true
You're deceiving yourself if you think he'll change his mind.
3 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sb) to make sb have a wrong idea about sb/sth
mislead
Unless my eyes deceive me, that's his wife.
see also deceptive
deceiver / BrE dɪsivə(r) ; NAmE dɪsivər / noun

514. drown
BrE / draʊn / NAmE / draʊn / verb1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to die because you have been underwater too long and you cannot breathe; to kill sb in this way
Two children drowned after falling into the river.
He had attempted to rescue the drowning man.
~ sb/sth/yourself She tried to drown herself.
He was drowned at sea.
They had drowned the unwanted kittens.
2 [ transitive ] ~ sth (in sth) to make sth very wet; to completely cover sth in water or another liquid
drench
The fruit was drowned in cream.
3 [ transitive ] ~ sb/sth (out) ( of a sound ) to be louder than other sounds so that you cannot hear them
She turned up the radio to drown out the noise from next door.
drown • ing / BrE draʊnɪŋ ; NAmE draʊnɪŋ / noun [ uncountable , countable ]
death by drowning
Alcohol plays a part in an estimated 30% of drownings.
drown your fears/loneliness/sorrows, etc. ( especially humorous ) to get drunk in order to forget your problems

515. mischief BrE / mɪstʃɪf / NAmE / mɪstʃɪf / noun [ uncountable ]
1 bad behaviour (especially of children) that is annoying but does not cause any serious damage or harm
Those children are always getting into mischief .
I try to keep out of mischief .
It's very quiet upstairs; they must be up to some mischief !
2 the wish or tendency to behave or play in a way that causes trouble
Her eyes were full of mischief.
3 ( formal ) harm or injury that is done to sb or to their reputation
The incident caused a great deal of political mischief.
do yourself a mischief ( BrE , informal ) to hurt yourself physically
Watch how you use those scissors—you could do yourself a mischief!
make mischief
to do or say sth deliberately to upset other people, or cause trouble between them

516. Escape verb, noun BrE / ɪskeɪp / NAmE / ɪskeɪp / verb
1 [ intransitive ] to get away from a place where you have been kept as a prisoner or not allowed to leave
Two prisoners have escaped.
They were caught trying to escape.
~ from sb/sth He escaped from prison this morning.
2 [ intransitive , transitive ] to get away from an unpleasant or dangerous situation
~ (from sth) She managed to escape from the burning car.
~ (into sth) ( figurative ) As a child he would often escape into a dream world of his own.
~ sth They were glad to have escaped the clutches of winter for another year.
3 [ transitive , no passive ] to avoid sth unpleasant or dangerous
~ sth She was lucky to escape punishment.
The pilot escaped death by seconds.
There was no escaping the fact that he was overweight.
~ doing sth He narrowly escaped being killed.
4 [ intransitive ] to suffer no harm or less harm than you would expect
~ (with sth) I was lucky to escape with minor injuries.
+ adj. Both drivers escaped unhurt .
5 [ transitive , no passive ] ~ sb/sth to be forgotten or not noticed
Her name escapes me (= I can't remember it) .
It might have escaped your notice , but I'm very busy at the moment.
6 [ intransitive ] ( of gases, liquids, etc. ) to get out of a container, especially through a hole or crack
Put a lid on to prevent heat escaping.
toxic waste escaping into the sea
7 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) ( of a sound ) to come out from your mouth without you intending it to
A groan escaped her lips.

(Noun)
1 [ countable , uncountable ] ~ (from sth) the act or a method of escaping from a place or an unpleasant or dangerous situation
an escape from a prisoner of war camp
I had a narrow escape (= I was lucky to have escaped) .
There was no hope of escape from her disastrous marriage.
He took an elaborate escape route from South Africa to Britain.
As soon as he turned his back, she would make her escape .
see also fire escape
2 [ singular , uncountable ] a way of forgetting sth unpleasant or difficult for a short time
For her, travel was an escape from the boredom of her everyday life.
3 [ countable ] the fact of a liquid, gas, etc. coming out of a pipe or container by accident; the amount that comes out
an escape of gas
4 [ uncountable ]
( also escape key [ countable ] )
( computing ) a button on a computer keyboard that you press to stop a particular operation or leave a program
Press escape to get back to the menu.
make good your escape ( formal ) to manage to escape completely
He made good his escape from a crowd of journalists by jumping over a barrier.
more at close, etc. the barn door after the horse has escaped at barn

517. ungrateful
BrE / ʌnɡreɪtfl / NAmE / ʌnɡreɪtfl / adjective
not showing or expressing thanks for sth that sb has done for you or given to you
grateful
ungratefully / BrE ʌnɡreɪtfəli ; NAmE ʌnɡreɪtfəli / adverb

518. divine adjective, verb BrE / dɪvaɪn / NAmE / dɪvaɪn / adjective
1 [ usually before noun ] coming from or connected with God or a god
divine law/love/will
divine intervention (= help from God to change a situation)
2 ( old-fashioned ) wonderful; beautiful
That mango tasted divine!
divinely / BrE dɪvaɪnli ; NAmE dɪvaɪnli / adverb
(verb)
EXAMPLE BANK
1 [ transitive ] ~ what, whether, etc… | ~ sth ( formal ) to find out sth by guessing
She could divine what he was thinking just by looking at him.
2 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) to search for underground water using a stick in the shape of a Y, called a divining rod

519. Diligent BrE / dɪlɪdʒənt / NAmE / dɪlɪdʒənt / adjective ( formal )
showing care and effort in your work or duties
a diligent student/worker
diligently / BrE dɪlɪdʒəntli ; NAmE dɪlɪdʒəntli / adverb
They worked diligently on the task they had been given.

520. Divine intervention (Coll) coming from or relating to God

521. straighten BrE / streɪtn / NAmE / streɪtn / verb
1 [ transitive , intransitive ] to become straight; to make sth straight
~ sth (out) I straightened my tie and walked in.
~ (out) The road bends here then straightens out.
2 [ transitive , intransitive ] to make your body straight and vertical
~ sth He stood up and straightened his shoulders.
~ sth/yourself up I straightened myself up to answer the question.
~ (up) Straighten up slowly, then repeat the exercise ten times.
straighten sb out to help sb to deal with problems or understand a confused situation
straighten sth out to deal with a confused situation by organizing things that are causing problems
I need time to straighten out my finances.
straighten sth up to make sth neat and tidy

522. behalf
BrE / bɪhɑf / NAmE / bɪhæf / noun
in behalf of sb | in sb's behalf ( US ) in order to help sb
We collected money in behalf of the homeless.
on behalf of sb | on sb's behalf
1 as the representative of sb or instead of them
On behalf of the department I would like to thank you all.
Mr Knight cannot be here, so his wife will accept the prize on his behalf.
2 in order to help sb
They campaigned on behalf of asylum seekers.
3 because of sb; for sb
Don't worry on my behalf.

523. in full view (of sb/sth)
completely visible, directly in front of sb/sth
He was shot in full view of a large crowd.
in view of sth ( formal ) considering sth
In view of the weather, the event will now be held indoors.
524. Circumstance
BrE / sɜkəmstəns / BrE / sɜkəmstɑns / BrE / sɜkəmstæns / NAmE / sɜrkəmstæns /
1 [ countable , usually plural ] the conditions and facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action
The company reserves the right to cancel this agreement in certain circumstances.
changing social and political circumstances
I know I can trust her in any circumstance.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's death.
The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.
She never discovered the true circumstances of her birth.
2 circumstances [ plural ] the conditions of a person's life, especially the money they have
Grants are awarded according to your financial circumstances .
family/domestic/personal circumstances
3 [ uncountable ] ( formal ) situations and events that affect and influence your life and that are not in your control
a victim of circumstance (= a person who has suffered because of a situation that they cannot control)
He had to leave the country through force of circumstance (= events made it necessary) .
We were simply thrown together by circumstance on the long journey.
in/under the circumstances
used before or after a statement to show that you have thought about the conditions that affect a situation before making a decision or a statement
Under the circumstances, it seemed better not to tell him about the accident.
She did the job very well in the circumstances.
in/under no circumstances
used to emphasize that sth should never happen or be allowed
Under no circumstances should you lend Paul any money.
Don't open the door, in any circumstances.

525. Whole adjective, noun, adverb BrE / həʊl / NAmE / hoʊl / adjective1 [ only before noun ] full; complete
He spent the whole day writing.
We drank a whole bottle each.
The whole country (= all the people in it) mourned her death.
Let's forget the whole thing .
She wasn't telling the whole truth .
2 [ only before noun ] used to emphasize how large or important sth is
We offer a whole variety of weekend breaks.
I can't afford it—that's the whole point .
3 not broken or damaged
in one piece
Owls usually swallow their prey whole (= without chewing it) .
wholeness / BrE həʊlnəs ; NAmE hoʊlnəs / noun [ uncountable ]
see also wholly
Most idioms containing whole are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example go the whole hog is at hog .
a whole lot ( informal ) very much; a lot
I'm feeling a whole lot better.
a whole lot (of sth) ( informal ) a large number or amount
There were a whole lot of people I didn't know.
I lost a whole lot of money.
the whole lot
everything; all of sth
I've sold the whole lot.

(noun)
1 [ countable ] a thing that is complete in itself
Four quarters make a whole.
The subjects of the curriculum form a coherent whole.
2 [ singular ] the ~ of sth all that there is of sth
The effects will last for the whole of his life.
as a whole
as one thing or piece and not as separate parts
The festival will be great for our city and for the country as a whole.
on the whole
considering everything; in general
On the whole, I'm in favour of the idea.
(Adverb)
~ new/different/other… ( informal )
completely new/different
It's a whole new world out here.
That's a whole other story.
I suddenly saw him in a whole different light.

526. Bar gain noun, verb BrE / bɑɡən / NAmE / bɑrɡən / noun
1 a thing bought for less than the usual price
I picked up a few good bargains in the sale.
The car was a bargain at that price.
bargain prices
2 ~ (with sb) an agreement between two or more people or groups, to do sth for each other
He and his partner had made a bargain to tell each other everything.
I've done what I promised and I expect you to keep your side of the bargain (= do what you agreed in return) .
Finally the two sides struck a bargain (= reached an agreement) .
into the bargain ( BrE )
( NAmE in the bargain )
( used to emphasize an extra piece of information ) also; as well
Volunteers learn a lot and enjoy themselves into the bargain.

[verb intransitive ]
to discuss prices, conditions, etc. with sb in order to reach an agreement that is acceptable
negotiate
~ (with sb) (about/over/for sth) In the market dealers were bargaining with growers over the price of coffee.
He said he wasn't prepared to bargain.
bargain sth away to give sth away and not get sth of equal value in return
They felt that their leaders had bargained away their freedom.
bargain for/on sth ( usually in negative sentences ) to expect sth to happen and be prepared for it
We hadn't bargained for this sudden change in the weather.
When he agreed to answer a few questions, he got more than he bargained for (= he got more questions, or more difficult ones, than he had expected) .
~ doing sth I didn't bargain on finding them here as well.
~ sb doing sth I hadn't bargained on them being here.

527. Off and on (Idm)
for short periods but not regularly, over a long period of time:
We've been going out together for five years, off and on.

528. all to the good
used to say that if sth happens, it will be good, even if it is not exactly what you were expecting
If these measures also reduce unemployment, that is all to the good.
be no good | not be any/much good
1 to not be useful; to have no useful effect
This gadget isn't much good.
It's no good trying to talk me out of leaving.
Was his advice ever any good?
2 to not be interesting or enjoyable
His latest film isn't much good.
do good | do sb good
to have a useful effect; to help sb
Do you think these latest changes will do any good?
Don't you think talking to her would do some good?
I'm sure a few days off would do you a power of good (= improve your health) .
for good
( BrE also for good and all )
permanently
This time she's leaving for good (= she will never return) .
I'd like an excuse to get rid of him for good and all.
to the good
used to say that sb now has a particular amount of money that they did not have before
We are £500 to the good.
up to no good ( informal ) doing sth wrong or dishonest
Those kids are always up to no good.

529. From time to time (Idm) sometimes, but not regularly or very often:
These food safety scares happen from time to time.

530. At present (Idm) at this time [= now]:
The item you want is not available at present.
At present, the airport handles 110 flights a day.

531. All of a sudden (Idm) suddenly:
All of a sudden the lights went out.

532. In connection with something : Concerning or involving something
arrest/charge/question etc somebody
in connection with a crime
Two men have been arrested in connection with the attack.
visits made to Spain in connection with her business
his work in connection with refugees

533. In respect of something (formal) concerning or in relation to something:
This is especially true in respect of the UK.

534. With respect to something (formal)
a) concerning or in relation to something:
The freedom of a property owner to make a contract with respect to his property
b) used to introduce a new subject, or to return to one that has already been mentioned:
With respect to your request, I am not yet able to agree.
535. In one respect/in some respects etc used to say that something is true in one way, in some ways etc:
In many respects the new version is not as good as the old one.
Mum is very stubborn, and Kim takes after her in that respect.

536. be fond of (doing) something (adj) to like something, especially something you have liked for a long time:
I'm not overly fond of cooking.
I'd grown fond of the place and it was difficult to leave.

537. It's about time (also) it's high time (spoken) used to say strongly that you think something should happen soon or should already have happened:
It's about time our team won.
It's high time we had a party.

538. There's no harm in doing something/it does no harm to do something (spoken) used to suggest something to someone:
There's no harm in trying.
It does no harm to ask.

539. I’m in a rush/haste/hurry.

540. In rags (Idm) wearing old torn clothes:
Children in rags begged money from the tourists.

541. Destiny (n) the things that will happen to someone in the future, especially those that cannot be changed or controlled [= fate]
It was a country that he had no control over its destiny and needed the world's attention.
The government wants to give people more control over their own destinies.

542. Rebuff (noun,formal) an unkind or unfriendly answer to a friendly suggestion or offer of help:
He received a humiliating rebuff from his manager.
Rebuff [transitive verb]
He rebuffed all her suggestions.

543. Ransom (n) an amount of money that is paid to free someone who is held as a prisoner:
The kidnappers were demanding a ransom of $250,000.
The government refused to pay the ransom.
Hold somebody for ransom (also) hold somebody to ransom (British English) to keep someone prisoner until money is paid:
His daughter was kidnapped and held for ransom.
Ransom [verb]to pay an amount of money so that someone who is being held as a prisoner is set free:
They were all ransomed and returned unharmed.

544. Adequate (adj)
enough in quantity or of a good enough quality for a particular purpose [= sufficient; ≠ inadequate]:
Farmers have been slow to make adequate provision for their retirement.
Some creams we tested failed to give adequate protection against UV light.
The standard of his work is barely adequate.
The company has yet to provide an adequate explanation for its actions.
adequate for
Are the parking facilities adequate for 50 cars?
adequate to do something
The lunchtime menu is more than adequate to satisfy the biggest appetite.
2) fairly good but not excellent:
Her performance was adequate but lacked originality.

545. Pavement (n) a hard level surface or path at the side of a road for people to walk on [= sidewalk American English]
A small group of journalists waited on the pavement outside her house.
a pavement café

546. Pound/hit the pavement to work very hard to get something, especially a job, by going to a lot of different places:
He spent the next six months pounding the pavement in search of a job. Come about (Phrv)

547. Have a down on sb/sth (Idm) To have a bad opinion of a person or a thing.
For some reason, he had a down on me.

548. Down-to-earth (adj) practical and direct in a sensible honest way:
Fran's a friendly, down-to-earth person.
A chef with a down-to-earth approach to cooking

549. Be quick/fast on the draw ( informal )
to be quick to understand or react in a new situation
You can't fool him— he's always quick on the draw.
550. Be Dressed to kill (Idm)
wearing very attractive clothes so that everyone notices and admires you

551. It’s (like) chalk and cheese (Idm)
The two brothers are as different as chalk and cheese(=completely different from each other)

552. Drought (n) a long period of dry weather when there is not enough water for plants and animals to live.
A severe drought has caused most of the corn crop to fail.
Central Africa is suffering one of the worst droughts of the century.
553. Druggie (n) someone who often takes illegal drugs

554. Junkie (n) (1) someone who takes dangerous drugs and is dependent on them
2) A TV/sports etc junkie someone who likes something so much that they seem to be dependent on it - used humorously: eg) a technology junkie

555. Dub verb, noun BrE / dʌb / NAmE / dʌb / verb ( -bb- )
1 ~ sb + noun to give sb/sth a particular name, often in a humorous or critical way
The Belgian actor Jean–Claude Van Damme has been dubbed ‘Muscles from Brussels’.
2 ~ sth (into sth) to replace the original speech in a film/movie or television programme with words in another language an American movie dubbed into Italian compare subtitle
3 ~ sth ( especially BrE ) to make a piece of music by mixing sounds from different recordings
[ uncountable noun ]
a type of West Indian music or poetry with a strong beat
556. Epithet
BrE / epɪθet / NAmE / epɪθet / noun
1 an adjective or phrase that is used to describe sb/sth's character or most important quality, especially in order to give praise or criticism
The film is long and dramatic but does not quite earn the epithet ‘epic’.
2 ( especially NAmE ) an offensive word or phrase that is used about a person or group of people
Racial epithets were scrawled on the walls.

557. Epitaph BrE / epɪtɑf / NAmE / epɪtæf / noun
1 words that are written or said about a dead person, especially words on a gravestone
His epitaph read: ‘A just and noble countryman’.
2 ~ (to sb/sth) something which is left to remind people of a particular person, a period of time or an event
These slums are an epitaph to the housing policy of the 1960s.
558. Dyspeptic (adj)
1) suffering from dyspepsia
2) (old-fashioned) bad-tempered
We can therefore discount(=to regard something as unlikely to be true or important) his dyspeptic remarks about Jim.

559. Be all ears (Idm) to be very keen to hear what someone is going to tell you:
As soon as I mentioned money, she was all ears.

560. Easy going (adj) not easily upset, annoyed, or worried:
Her easy-going nature made her popular.

561. Eat humble pie (Idm) (also) eat crow (American English) to admit that you were wrong and say that you are sorry.
His victory in the semi-final has forced many of her critics to eat humble pie.

562. Illegitimate (adj) not allowed or acceptable according to rules or agreements:
A distinction between legitimate and illegitimate trade.

563. Burn a hole in sb’s pocket (Idm) if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you can

564. Industrious (adj) someone who is industrious works hard [= hard-working]
Most of the students I knew at college were serious and industrious.

565. Authentic BrE / ɔθentɪk / NAmE / ɔθentɪk / adjective
1 known to be real and genuine and not a copy
I don't know if the painting is authentic.
inauthentic
2 true and accurate
an authentic account of life in the desert
the authentic voice of young black Americans
inauthentic
3 made to be exactly the same as the original
an authentic model of the ancient town
Take a trip on an authentic Spanish galleon to the famous Papagayo beach.
authentically / BrE ɔθentɪkli ; NAmE ɔθentɪkli / adverb
authentically flavoured Mexican dishes
an authentically constructed Wild West town

566. Hypocrite
BrE / hɪpəkrɪt / NAmE / hɪpəkrɪt / noun
( disapproving )
a person who pretends to have moral standards or opinions that they do not actually have
Charles was a liar and a hypocrite who married her for money.
hypocritical / BrE hɪpəkrɪtɪkl ; NAmE hɪpəkrɪtɪkl / adjective
It would be hypocritical of me to have a church wedding when I don't believe in God.
hypocritically / BrE hɪpəkrɪtɪkli ; NAmE hɪpəkrɪtɪkli / adverb

567. Categorical
BrE / kætəɡɒrɪkl / NAmE / kætəɡɔrɪkl / adjective
[ usually before noun ] ( formal )
expressed clearly and in a way that shows that you are very sure about what you are saying
to make a categorical statement
to give a categorical assurance
categorically / BrE kætəɡɒrɪkli ; NAmE kætəɡɔrɪkli / adverb
He categorically rejected our offer.

568. Taunt verb, noun BrE / tɔnt / NAmE / tɔnt / verb ~ sb
to try to make sb angry or upset by saying unkind things about them, laughing at their failures, etc
The other kids continually taunted him about his size.
(noun)
an insulting or unkind remark that is intended to make sb angry or upset
Black players often had to endure racist taunts.
She ignored his taunt.
569. Criticize ( BrE also -ise )
BrE / krɪtɪsaɪz / NAmE / krɪtɪsaɪz / verb
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to say that you disapprove of sb/sth; to say what you do not like or think is wrong about sb/sth
All you ever do is criticize!
~ sb/sth The decision was criticized by environmental groups.
~ sb/sth for sth The government has been criticized for not taking the problem seriously.
2 [ transitive ] ~ sth ( BrE ) to judge the good and bad qualities of sth
We were taught how to criticize poems.

570. Miracle BrE / mɪrəkl / NAmE / mɪrəkl / noun
1 [ countable ] an act or event that does not follow the laws of nature and is believed to be caused by God
wonder
2 [ singular ] ( informal ) a lucky thing that happens that you did not expect or think was possible
wonder
an economic miracle
It's a miracle (that) nobody was killed in the crash.
It would take a miracle to make this business profitable.
a miracle cure/drug
3 [ countable ] ~ of sth a very good example or product of sth
wonder
The car is a miracle of engineering.
work/perform miracles
to achieve very good results
Her exercise programme has worked miracles for her.

571. Rinse verb, noun BrE / rɪns / NAmE / rɪns / verb
EXAMPLE BANK
1 ~ sth to wash sth with clean water only, not using soap
Rinse the cooked pasta with boiling water.
2 ~ sth to remove the soap from sth with clean water after washing it
3 ~ sth + adv./prep. to remove dirt, etc. from sth by washing it with clean water
She rinsed the mud from her hands.
I wanted to rinse the taste out of my mouth.
He showered quickly, rinsing away the dirt of the journey.
rinse sth out to make sth clean, especially a container, by washing it with water
Rinse the cup out before use.

(noun)
1 [ countable ] an act of rinsing sth
I gave the glass a rinse.
Fabric conditioner is added during the final rinse.
2 [ countable , uncountable ] a liquid that you put on your hair when it is wet in order to change its colour
a blue rinse
3 [ countable , uncountable ] a liquid used for cleaning the mouth and teeth

572. Paragon (n)
someone who is perfect or is extremely brave, good etc - often used humorously
paragon of
a paragon of beauty

573. Stuffy BrE / stʌfi / NAmE / stʌfi / adjective
( stuffier , stuffiest )
1 ( of a building, room, etc. ) warm in an unpleasant way and without enough fresh air
a stuffy room
It gets very hot and stuffy in here in summer.
2 ( informal , disapproving ) very serious, formal, boring or old-fashioned
a stuffy, formal family
plain, stuffy clothes
3 ( especially NAmE ) if you have a stuffy nose, your nose is blocked because you have a cold
stuffi ness / BrE stʌfinəs ; NAmE stʌfinəs / noun [ uncountable ]

574. Sultry
BrE / sʌltri / NAmE / sʌltri / adjective
( sul • trier , sul • tri • est )
1 ( of the weather or air ) very hot and uncomfortable
muggy
a sultry summer afternoon
The weather was still very heavy and sultry.
2 ( formal ) ( of a woman or her appearance ) sexually attractive; seeming to have strong sexual feelings
sexy
a sultry smile
a sultry singer
sultriness / BrE sʌltrinəs ; NAmE sʌltrinəs / noun [ uncountable ]

575. Suffocate BrE / sʌfəkeɪt / NAmE / sʌfəkeɪt / verb
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to die because there is no air to breathe; to kill sb by not letting them breathe air
Many dogs have suffocated in hot cars.
~ sb/sth The couple were suffocated by fumes from a faulty gas fire.
He put the pillow over her face and suffocated her.
( figurative ) She felt suffocated by all the rules and regulations.
2 [ intransitive ] be suffocating if it is suffocating , it is very hot and there is little fresh air
Can I open a window? It's suffocating in here!
suffocation / BrE sʌfəkeɪʃn ; NAmE sʌfəkeɪʃn / noun [ uncountable ]
to die of suffocation
576. Go on rampage (Idm) rushing about in a wild and violent way, often causing damage:
Rioters went on the rampage through the town.

577. Gobsmacked BrE / ɡɒbsmækt / NAmE / ɡɑbsmækt / adjective( BrE , informal )
so surprised that you do not know what to say
I was gobsmacked when she told me the news.
578. Ridiculous BrE / rɪdɪkjələs / NAmE / rɪdɪkjələs / adjective
very silly or unreasonable
absurd , ludicrous
I look ridiculous in this hat.
Don't be ridiculous! You can't pay £50 for a T-shirt!
It was ridiculous that this should be so difficult to say.
They ate and drank a ridiculous amount.
ridiculously / BrE rɪdɪkjələsli ; NAmE rɪdɪkjələsli / adverb
The meal was ridiculously expensive.
She was wearing a pair of ridiculously high-heeled shoes.
ridiculousness / BrE rɪdɪkjələsnəs ; NAmE rɪdɪkjələsnəs / noun [ uncountable ]
The ridiculousness of the situation made us laugh.

579. Blister noun, verb BrE / blɪstə(r) / NAmE / blɪstər / noun
1 a swelling on the surface of the skin that is filled with liquid and is caused, for example, by rubbing or burning
These shoes have given me blisters on my heels.
see also fever blister
2 a similar swelling, filled with air or liquid, on metal, painted wood or another surface
(verb)
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to form blisters ; to make sth form blisters
His skin was beginning to blister.
~ sth Her face had been blistered by the sun.
2 [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sth) when a surface blisters or sth blisters it, it swells and cracks
3 [ transitive ] ~ sb ( NAmE ) to criticize sb strongly
blistered / BrE blɪstəd ; NAmE blɪstərd / adjective
cracked and blistered skin
blistered paintwork

580. Unconscious adjective, noun
BrE / ʌnkɒnʃəs / NAmE / ʌnkɑnʃəs / adjective
1 in a state like sleep because of an injury or illness, and not able to use your senses
She was knocked unconscious .
They found him lying unconscious on the floor.
2 ( of feelings, thoughts, etc. ) existing or happening without you realizing or being aware; not deliberate or controlled
unconscious desires
The brochure is full of unconscious humour.
compare subconscious
3 ~ of sb/sth not aware of sb/sth; not noticing sth; not conscious
oblivious to
She is unconscious of the effect she has on people.
He was quite unconscious of the danger.
conscious
noun
the unconscious [ singular ] ( psychology )
the part of a person's mind with thoughts, feelings, etc. that they are not aware of and cannot control but which can sometimes be understood by studying their behaviour or dreams
compare subconscious

581. Exclusive adjective, noun
BrE / ɪksklusɪv / NAmE / ɪkskusɪv / adjective
1 only to be used by one particular person or group; only given to one particular person or group
The hotel has exclusive access to the beach.
exclusive rights to televise the World Cup
His mother has told ‘The Times’ about his death in an exclusive interview (= not given to any other newspaper) .
2 ( of a group, society, etc. ) not very willing to allow new people to become members, especially if they are from a lower social class
He belongs to an exclusive club.
3 of a high quality and expensive and therefore not often bought or used by most people
an exclusive hotel
exclusive designer clothes
4 not able to exist or be a true statement at the same time as sth else
The two options are not mutually exclusive (= you can have them both) .
5 ~ of sb/sth not including sb/sth
The price is for accommodation only, exclusive of meals.
inclusive
exclusively / BrE ɪksklusɪvli ; NAmE ɪksklusɪvli / adverb
a charity that relies almost exclusively on voluntary contributions
exclusiveness / BrE ɪksklusɪvnəs ; NAmE ɪksklusɪvnəs / noun [ uncountable ]
noun
an item of news or a story about famous people that is published in only one newspaper or magazine
We feature an exclusive on the mothers whose babies were swapped at birth.

582. Gladden
BrE / ɡlædn / NAmE / ɡlædn / verb
( old-fashioned )
to make sb feel pleased or happy
~ sth The sight of the flowers gladdened her heart .
it gladdens sb to do sth It gladdened him to see them all enjoying themselves.

583. Implore BrE / ɪmplɔ(r) / NAmE / ɪmplɔr / verb ( formal or literary )
to ask sb to do sth in an anxious way because you want or need it very much
beseech , beg
~ sb to do sth She implored him to stay.
~ (sb) + speech ‘Help me,’ he implored.
~ sb Tell me it's true. I implore you.
imploring / BrE ; NAmE / adjective
She gave him an imploring look.

584. pat verb, noun, adjective, adverb
BrE / pæt / NAmE / pæt / verb
( -tt- )
to touch sb/sth gently several times with your hand flat, especially as a sign of affection
~ sth She patted the dog on the head.
He patted his sister's hand consolingly.
~ sth + adj. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
pat sb/yourself on the back ( informal ) to praise sb or yourself for doing sth well

(noun)
1 [ usually singular ] a gentle friendly touch with your open hand or with a flat object
a pat on the head
He gave her knee an affectionate pat.
2 ~ of butter a small, soft, flat lump of butter
baked potatoes with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of paprika

a pat on the back (for sth/for doing sth) ( informal ) praise or approval for sth that you have done well
He deserves a pat on the back for all his hard work.
Give yourself a pat on the back!

(Adjective)
( usually disapproving ) ( of an answer, a comment, etc. )
too quick, easy or simple; not seeming natural or realistic
The ending of the novel is a little too pat to be convincing.
There are no pat answers to these questions.
(adverb)
have/know sth off pat ( BrE )
( NAmE have/know sth down pat )
to know sth perfectly so that you can repeat it at any time without having to think about it
He had all the answers off pat.
stand pat ( especially NAmE ) to refuse to change your mind about a decision you have made or an opinion you have

585. Gatecrash
BrE / ɡeɪtkræʃ / NAmE / ɡeɪtkræʃ /
( also informal crash ) verb
[ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth)
to go to a party or social event without being invited
gatecrasher / BrE ɡeɪtkræʃə(r) ; NAmE ɡeɪtkræʃər / noun

586. Dubi ous
BrE / djubiəs / NAmE / dubiəs / adjective
1 [ not usually before noun ] ~ (about sth)/(about doing sth) ( of a person ) not certain and slightly suspicious about sth; not knowing whether sth is good or bad
doubtful
I was rather dubious about the whole idea.
2 ( disapproving ) probably not honest
suspicious
They indulged in some highly dubious business practices to obtain their current position in the market.
3 that you cannot be sure about; that is probably not good
They consider the plan to be of dubious benefit to most families.
( ironic ) She had the dubious honour of being the last woman to be hanged in England (= it was not an honour at all) .
dubiouly / BrE djubiəsli ; NAmE dubiəsli / adverb

587. Suspicious
BrE / səspɪʃəs / NAmE / səspɪʃəs / adjective
1 ~ (of/about sb/sth) feeling that sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest, without having any proof
They became suspicious of his behaviour and contacted the police.
a suspicious look
You have a very suspicious mind (= you always think that people are behaving in an illegal or dishonest way) .
2 making you feel that sth is wrong, illegal or dishonest
Didn't you notice anything suspicious in his behaviour?
She died in suspicious circumstances .
Police are not treating the fire as suspicious.
It might look suspicious if we arrived together.
It was all very suspicious.
3 ~ (of sb/sth) not willing or able to trust sb/sth
sceptical
I was suspicious of his motives.
Many were suspicious of reform.
see also suspect

588. Sun stroke
BrE / sʌnstrəʊk / NAmE / sʌnstroʊk / noun [ uncountable ]
an illness with fever, weakness, headache, etc. caused by too much direct sun, especially on the head

589. Stroke noun, verb BrE / strəʊk / NAmE / stroʊk / noun
HITTING MOVEMENT
1 an act of hitting a ball, for example with a bat or racket
What a beautiful stroke!
He won by two strokes (= in golf , by taking two fewer strokes than his opponent) .
2 a single movement of the arm when hitting sb/sth
His punishment was six strokes of the cane.

IN SWIMMING/ROWING
3 any of a series of repeated movements in swimming or rowing
She took a few more strokes to reach the bank.
He swam with long powerful strokes.
4 ( often in compounds ) a style of swimming
Butterfly is the only stroke I can't do.
see also backstroke , breaststroke
5 the person who sets the speed at which everyone in a boat rows

GENTLE TOUCH
6 [ usually singular ] ( especially BrE ) an act of moving your hand gently over a surface, usually several times
He gave the cat a stroke.

OF PEN/BRUSH
7 a mark made by moving a pen, brush, etc. once across a surface
to paint with fine brush strokes
At the stroke of a pen (= by signing sth) they removed thousands of people from the welfare system.

ACTION
8 ~ (of sth) a single successful action or event
Your idea was a stroke of genius .
It was a stroke of luck that I found you here.
It was a bold stroke to reveal the identity of the murderer on the first page.
She never does a stroke (of work) (= never does any work) .
see also masterstroke

OF CLOCK
9 each of the sounds made by a clock or bell giving the hours
At the first stroke it will be 9 o'clock exactly.
on the stroke of three (= at 3 o'clock exactly)

ILLNESS
10 a sudden serious illness when a blood vessel (= tube) in the brain bursts or is blocked, which can cause death or the loss of the ability to move or to speak clearly
to have/suffer a stroke
The stroke left him partly paralysed.
at a (single) stroke | at one ˈstroke
with a single immediate action
They threatened to cancel the whole project at a stroke.
put sb off their stroke ( BrE ) to make sb make a mistake or hesitate in what they are doing
My speech was going well until I was put off my stroke by an interruption.

590. nasty BrE / nɑsti / NAmE / næsti / adjective
( nas • tier , nas • ti • est )
1 very bad or unpleasant
a nasty accident
The news gave me a nasty shock.
I had a nasty feeling that he would follow me.
He had a nasty moment when he thought he'd lost his passport.
This coffee has a nasty taste.
Don't buy that coat—it looks cheap and nasty .
2 unkind; unpleasant
mean
to make nasty remarks about sb
the nastier side of her character
to have a nasty temper
Don't be so nasty to your brother.
That was a nasty little trick.
Life has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
3 dangerous or serious
a nasty bend (= dangerous for cars going fast)
a nasty injury
4 offensive; in bad taste
to have a nasty mind
nasty jokes
see also video nasty
nastily / BrE nɑstɪli ; NAmE næstɪli / adverb
‘I hate you,’ she said nastily.
nastiness / BrE nɑstinəs ; NAmE næstinəs / noun [ uncountable ]
get/turn nasty
1 to become threatening and violent
You'd better do what he says or he'll turn nasty.
After the game, things turned nasty and there were fights in the streets.
2 to become bad or unpleasant
It looks as though the weather is going to turn nasty again.
a nasty piece of work ( BrE , informal ) a person who is unpleasant, unkind or dishonest
Don't trust him; he's a nasty piece of work.
more at leave a bad/nasty taste in the mouth at taste n.

591. threshold
BrE / θreʃhəʊld / NAmE / θreʃhoʊld /
noun
WORD ORIGIN
EXAMPLE BANK
1 the floor or ground at the bottom of a doorway , considered as the entrance to a building or room
She stood hesitating on the threshold.
He stepped across the threshold.
2 the level at which sth starts to happen or have an effect
He has a low boredom threshold (= he gets bored easily) .
I have a high pain threshold (= I can suffer a lot of pain before I start to react) .
My earnings are just above the tax threshold (= more than the amount at which you start paying tax) .
3 [ usually singular ] the point just before a new situation, period of life, etc. begins
She felt as though she was on the threshold of a new life.

592. Disciple BrE / dɪsaɪpl / NAmE / dɪsaɪpl / noun
1 a person who believes in and follows the teachings of a religious or political leader
follower
a disciple of the economist John Maynard Keynes
2 (according to the Bible) one of the people who followed Jesus Christ and his teachings when he was living on earth, especially one of the twelve Apostles

593. gist BrE / dʒɪst / NAmE / dʒɪst / noun
( usually the gist ) [ singular ] ~ (of sth)
the main or general meaning of a piece of writing, a speech or a conversation
to get (= understand) the gist of an argument
I missed the beginning of the lecture—can you give me the gist of what he said?
I'm afraid I don't quite follow your gist (= what you really mean) .
Students are taught the skills of reading and listening for gist.

594. Perspire BrE / pəspaɪə(r) / NAmE / pərspaɪər / verb
[ intransitive ] ( formal )
to produce sweat on your body
sweat
The game of squash left me perspiring profusely.
He mopped his perspiring face with a handkerchief.

595. Pant
BrE / pænt / NAmE / pænt / verb
[ intransitive , transitive ] (+ speech)
to breathe quickly with short breaths, usually with your mouth open, because you have been doing some physical exercise, or because it is very hot
She finished the race panting heavily.
She could hear him panting up the stairs (= running up and breathing quickly) .
He found her panting for breath at the top of the hill.
pant noun [ usually plural ]
His breath came in short pants.
pant for/after sb/sth to want sth/sb very much
The end of the novel leaves you panting for more.

596. Fatal BrE / feɪtl / NAmE / feɪtl / adjective
EXAMPLE BANK
1 causing or ending in death
a fatal accident/blow/illness
a potentially fatal form of cancer
If she gets ill again it could prove fatal .
compare mortal
2 causing disaster or failure
a fatal error/mistake
Any delay would be fatal.
There was a fatal flaw in the plan.
It'd be fatal to try and stop them now.
fatally / BrE feɪtəli ; NAmE feɪtəli / adverb
fatally injured/wounded
The plan was fatally flawed from the start.

597. Privilege noun, verb BrE / prɪvəlɪdʒ / NAmE / prɪvəlɪdʒ / noun
1 [ countable ] a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has
Education should be a universal right and not a privilege.
You can enjoy all the benefits and privileges of club membership.
Try not to abuse the privilege of being allowed more freedom.
2 [ uncountable ] ( disapproving ) the rights and advantages that rich and powerful people in a society have
As a member of the nobility, his life had been one of wealth and privilege.
3 [ singular ] something that you are proud and lucky to have the opportunity to do
honour
I hope to have the privilege of working with them again.
It was a great privilege to hear her sing.
4 [ countable , uncountable ] ( technical ) a special right to do or say things without being punished
parliamentary privilege (= the special right of members of parliament to say particular things without risking legal action)
breach of privilege (= the breaking of rules about what a member of parliament can say and do)
verb
VERB FORMS
WORD ORIGIN
~ sb/sth ( formal )
to give sb/sth special rights or advantages that others do not have
favour
education policies that privilege the children of wealthy parents

598. sissy ( BrE also cissy ) BrE / sɪsi / NAmE / sɪsi / noun
( pl. sissies , BrE also cissies ) ( informal , disapproving )
a boy that other men or boys laugh at because they think he is weak or frightened, or only interested in the sort of things girls like
wimp
The other boys kept calling him a sissy and a wimp.
sissy adjective

599. Famished
BrE / fæmɪʃt / NAmE / fæmɪʃt / adjective
[ not usually before noun ] ( informal , becoming old-fashioned )
very hungry
starving
When's lunch? I'm famished!
famished refugees

600. Don’t stand on ceremony. (Spoken)
Come on, Mal, don't stand on ceremony here at home(=to not worry about the formal rules of polite behaviour)
601. Abstain from sth (v)
to not do or have something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health
Pilots must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before flying.
Junior politicians are supposed to abstain from criticizing the government.
Most of the church members drink only moderately or abstain completely.
Three members of the committee abstained(=to choose not to vote for or against something)
602. Abuse noun, verb noun/ BrE əbjus ; NAmE əbjus /
1 [ uncountable , singular ] the use of sth in a way that is wrong or harmful
misuse
alcohol/drug/solvent abuse
The system of paying cash bonuses is open to abuse (= might be used in the wrong way) .
~ of sth He was arrested on charges of corruption and abuse of power .
What she did was an abuse of her position as manager.
2 [ uncountable , plural ] unfair, cruel or violent treatment of sb
child abuse
sexual abuse
reported abuses by the secret police
She suffered years of physical abuse.
3 [ uncountable ] rude and offensive remarks, usually made when sb is very angry
insults
to scream/hurl/shout abuse
a stream/torrent of abuse
The man burst into a torrent of foul-mouthed racist abuse.
verb
/ BrE əbjuz ; NAmE əbjuz /
1 ~ sth to make bad use of sth, or to use so much of sth that it harms your health
to abuse alcohol/drugs
He systematically abused his body with heroin and cocaine.
2 ~ sth to use power or knowledge unfairly or wrongly
She abused her position as principal by giving jobs to her friends.
He felt they had abused his trust by talking about him to the press (= tricked him, although he had trusted them) .
3 ~ sb/sth to treat a person or an animal in a cruel or violent way, especially sexually
All the children had been physically and emotionally abused.
He had abused his own daughter (= had sex with her) .
The boy had been sexually abused.
4 ~ sb to make rude or offensive remarks to or about sb
insult
The referee had been threatened and abused.
abuser / BrE əbjuzə(r) ; NAmE əbjuzər / noun
a drug abuser
a child abuser

603. Accommodate BrE / əkɒmədeɪt / NAmE / əkɑmədeɪt / verb
EXAMPLE BANK
1 [ transitive ] ~ sb to provide sb with a room or place to sleep, live or sit
The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests.
The aircraft is capable of accommodating 28 passengers.
2 [ transitive ] ~ sb/sth to provide enough space for sb/sth
Over 70 minutes of music can be accommodated on one CD.
The old town hall now accommodates a Folk Museum.
3 [ transitive ] ~ sth ( formal ) to consider sth, such as sb's opinion or a fact, and be influenced by it when you are deciding what to do or explaining sth
Our proposal tries to accommodate the special needs of minority groups.
She modified her views so as to accommodate the objections of American feminists.
4 [ transitive ] ~ sb (with sth) ( formal ) to help sb by doing what they want
oblige
I have accommodated the press a great deal, giving numerous interviews.
I'm sure the bank will be able to accommodate you.
5 [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sth/yourself) to sth ( formal ) to change your behaviour so that you can deal with a new situation better
I needed to accommodate to the new schedule.

604. Abide by sth ( formal ) to accept and act according to a law, an agreement, etc
You'll have to abide by the rules of the club.
We will abide by their decision.
605. comply BrE / kəmplaɪ / NAmE / kəmplaɪ / verb
( com • plies , com • ply • ing , com • plied , com • plied ) [ intransitive ] ~ (with sth)
to obey a rule, an order, etc
They refused to comply with the UN resolution.

606. Amiable BrE / eɪmiəbl / NAmE / eɪmiəbl / adjective
pleasant; friendly and easy to like
agreeable
an amiable tone of voice
Her parents seemed very amiable.
amiability / BrE eɪmiəbɪləti ; NAmE eɪmiəbɪləti / noun [ uncountable ]
amiably / BrE eɪmiəbli ; NAmE eɪmiəbli / adverb
‘That's fine,’ he replied amiably.

607. Track sb/sth down to find sb/sth after searching in several different places
The police have so far failed to track down the attacker.
I finally tracked the reference down in a book of quotations.

608. Be in your element
to be in a situation that you enjoy, because you are good at it:
Graham was in his element, cooking the steaks(=a large thick piece of any good quality red meat)
609. Elevate BrE / elɪveɪt / NAmE / elɪveɪt / verb
1 ( formal ) to give sb/sth a higher position or rank, often more important than they deserve
raise , promote
~ sb/sth (to sth) He elevated many of his friends to powerful positions within the government.
~ sth (into sth) It was an attempt to elevate football to a subject worthy of serious study.
2 ~ sth ( technical or formal ) to lift sth up or put sth in a higher position
It is important that the injured leg should be elevated.
3 ~ sth ( technical ) to make the level of sth increase
Smoking often elevates blood pressure.
4 ~ sth ( formal ) to improve a person's mood, so that they feel happy
The song never failed to elevate his spirits.

610. Elixir
BrE / ɪlɪksə(r) / BrE / ɪlɪksɪə(r) / NAmE / ɪlɪksər / noun
( literary )
a magic liquid that is believed to cure illnesses or to make people live for ever
the elixir of life/youth

611. Embolden
BrE / ɪmbəʊldən / NAmE / ɪmboʊldən / verb
VERB FORMS
1 [ usually passive ] ( formal ) to make sb feel braver or more confident
~ sb Emboldened by the wine, he went over to introduce himself to her.
~ sb to do sth With such a majority, the administration was emboldened to introduce radical new policies.
2 ~ sth ( technical ) to make a piece of text appear in bold print

612. Elope
BrE / ɪləʊp / NAmE / ɪloʊp / verb
[ intransitive ] ~ (with sb)
to run away with sb in order to marry them secretly
elopement / BrE ɪləʊpmənt ; NAmE ɪloʊpmənt / noun [ countable , uncountable ]

613. On an empty stomach (Coll) to do something when you have not eaten:
You shouldn't take the pills on an empty stomach.
614. Enchant BrE / ɪntʃɑnt / NAmE / ɪntʃænt / verb
1 ~ sb ( formal ) to attract sb strongly and make them feel very interested, excited, etc.
delight
The happy family scene had enchanted him.
2 ~ sb/sth to place sb/sth under a magic spell (= magic words that have special powers)
bewitch

615. Enchanting BrE / ɪntʃɑntɪŋ / NAmE / ɪntʃæntɪŋ / adjective
attractive and pleasing
an enchanting view
enchantingly / BrE ɪntʃɑntɪŋli ; NAmE ɪntʃæntɪŋli / adverb

616. Encroach BrE / ɪnkrəʊtʃ / NAmE / ɪnkroʊtʃ / verb ( formal )
1 [ intransitive ] ~ (on/upon sth) ( disapproving ) to begin to affect or use up too much of sb's time, rights, personal life, etc
I won't encroach on your time any longer.
He never allows work to encroach upon his family life.
2 [ intransitive ] ~ (on/upon sth) to slowly begin to cover more and more of an area
The growing town soon encroached on the surrounding countryside.
the encroaching tide (= that is coming in)
encroachment / BrE ɪnkrəʊtʃmənt ; NAmE ɪnkroʊtʃmənt / noun [ uncountable , countable ]
~ (on/upon sth) the regime's many encroachments on human rights

617. Arrogant BrE / ærəɡənt / NAmE / ærəɡənt / adjective
behaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other people
arrogantly / BrE ærəɡəntli ; NAmE ærəɡəntli / adverb

618. Have airs and graces ( BrE , disapproving ) a way of behaving that shows that sb thinks that they are more important, etc. than they really are
Even when he became a star he didn't have any airs and graces.
I hate the way she puts on airs .

619. float/walk on air
to feel very happy
Most couples feel they are walking on air on their wedding day.
in the air
felt by a number of people to exist or to be happening
There's romance in the air.
on/off (the) air
broadcasting or not broadcasting on television or radio
We will be back on air tomorrow morning at 7.
The programme was taken off the air over the summer.
up in the air
not yet decided
Our travel plans are still up in the air.

620. Talk at sb to speak to sb without listening to what they say in reply
You can't have a real conversation with him—he just talks at you all the time.
talk back (to sb) to answer sb rudely, especially sb in authority
related noun back talk
talk sth down to make sth seem less important or successful than it really is
You shouldn't talk down your own achievements.
talk down to sb to speak to sb as if they were less important or intelligent than you
talk sb into/out of sth to persuade sb to do/not to do sth
I didn't want to move abroad but Bill talked me into it.
~ doing sth She tried to talk him out of leaving.
talk sth out to discuss sth thoroughly in order to make a decision, solve a problem, etc
We need to talk out the issue with the others before making a decision.
talk sth over (with sb) to discuss sth thoroughly, especially in order to reach an agreement or make a decision
You'll find it helpful to talk things over with a friend.
They talked over the proposal and decided to give it their approval.
talk sb round (to sth) ( BrE ) to persuade sb to accept sth or agree to sth
We finally managed to talk them round to our way of thinking.

621. Cast somebody/something ↔ aside (phrasal verb)
to remove or get rid of someone or something because you no longer want or need them:
When Henry became King, he cast aside all his former friends.
cast aside inhibitions/doubts etc
Cast aside your fears.

622. Mend your ways (Idm)
If he doesn't mend his ways, he'll be asked to leave(=to improve the way you behave)
623. Sun will discover the filth under the white snow (Saying) (Dudh ka dudh aur pani ka pani ho jai ga )
624. Knock sb dead (Idm) (spoken) to surprise and please someone by being very impressive:
With that dress, you'll knock him dead.
625. Stuck in a groove (Idm) to do something in the same way for a long time so that it becomes boring:
Our product range was stuck in a groove.
626. pluck up (the) courage (to do something) to force yourself to be brave and do something you are afraid of doing:
He finally plucked up enough courage to ask her out.
627. Answer sb back (Phrv) to reply in a rude way to someone that you are supposed to obey
Don't answer me back young man!
628. Enmity BrE / enməti / NAmE / enməti / noun [ uncountable , countable ] ( pl. en • mities )
feelings of hatred towards sb
personal enmities and political conflicts
Her action earned her the enmity of two or three colleagues.
~ between A and B the traditional problem of the enmity between Protestants and Catholics
see also enemy

629. Enslave BrE / ɪnsleɪv / NAmE / ɪnsleɪv / verb [ usually passive ]
1 ~ sb to make sb a slave
2 ~ sb/sth (to sth) ( formal ) to make sb/sth completely depend on sth so that they cannot manage without it
Our civilization remains enslaved to materialism.
enslavement / BrE ɪnsleɪvmənt ; NAmE ɪnsleɪvmənt / noun [ uncountable ]
In the US the enslavement of Africans and their descendants continued well into the second half of the 19th century.
the enslavement of man by technology

630. Entangle
BrE / ɪntæŋɡl / NAmE / ɪntæŋɡl / verb
[ usually passive ]
1 ~ sb/sth (in/with sth) to make sb/sth become caught or twisted in sth
The bird had become entangled in the wire netting.
2 to involve sb in a difficult or complicated situation
~ sb in sth He became entangled in a series of conflicts with the management.
~ sb with sb She didn't want to get entangled (= emotionally involved) with him.

631. Come up to something/somebody (phrasal verb)
1) to reach a particular standard or to be as good as you expected:
This doesn't come up to the standard of your usual work.
The resort certainly failed to come up to expectations.

632. Evasive BrE / ɪveɪsɪv / NAmE / ɪveɪsɪv / adjective
not willing to give clear answers to a question
cagey
evasive answers/comments/replies
Tessa was evasive about why she had not been at home that night.
John, normally so honest, was now being evasive in the extreme.
evasively / BrE ɪveɪsɪvli ; NAmE ɪveɪsɪvli / adverb
‘I'm not sure,’ she replied evasively.
evasiveness / BrE ɪveɪsɪvnəs ; NAmE ɪveɪsɪvnəs / noun [ uncountable ]
Politicians are often accused of evasiveness.
take evasive action
to act in order to avoid danger or an unpleasant situation
The pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision.

633. Expostulate BrE / ɪkspɒstʃuleɪt / NAmE / ɪkspɑstʃuleɪt / verb
[ intransitive ] (+ speech) ( formal )
to argue, disagree or protest about sth
ex postulation / BrE ɪkspɒstʃuleɪʃn ; NAmE ɪkspɑstʃuleɪʃn / noun [ uncountable , countable ]

634. Eye-catching adjective ( of a thing ) immediately noticeable because it is particularly interesting, bright or attractive
an eye-catching advertisement
beautiful clothes in eye-catching colours

635. Fabricate BrE / fæbrɪkeɪt / NAmE / fæbrɪkeɪt / verb [ often passive ]
1 ~ sth to invent false information in order to trick people
make up
The evidence was totally fabricated.
The prisoner claimed the police had fabricated his confession.
2 ~ sth ( technical ) to make or produce goods, equipment, etc. from various different materials
manufacture
fabrication / BrE fæbrɪkeɪʃn ; NAmE fæbrɪkeɪʃn / noun [ countable , uncountable ] ( formal )
Her story was a complete fabrication from start to finish.

636. Facilitate BrE / fəsɪlɪteɪt / NAmE / fəsɪlɪteɪt / verb ~ sth ( formal )
to make an action or a process possible or easier
The new trade agreement should facilitate more rapid economic growth.
Structured teaching facilitates learning.
facilitation / BrE fəsɪlɪteɪʃn ; NAmE fəsɪlɪteɪʃn / noun [ uncountable , singular ]
the facilitation of international communication

637. Far-sighted adjective
1 having or showing an understanding of the effects in the future of actions that you take now, and being able to plan for them
the most far-sighted of politicians
a far-sighted decision

638. Festoon verb, noun BrE / festun / NAmE / festun / verb
[ usually passive ] ~ sb/sth (with sth)
to decorate sb/sth with flowers, coloured paper, etc, often as part of a celebration
The streets were festooned with banners and lights.
(noun)
WORD ORIGIN
a chain of lights, coloured paper, flowers, etc, used to decorate sth

639. Fetching BrE / fetʃɪŋ / NAmE / fetʃɪŋ / adjective( informal )
( especially of a person or their clothes ) attractive
She looked very fetching in a little red hat.
a fetching blue sweater
a fetching smile
fetchingly / BrE fetʃɪŋli ; NAmE fetʃɪŋli / adverb
Strands of hair hung fetchingly around her face.
640. Figment of sb’s imagination: something that you imagine is real, but does not exist
These two men actually lived; they weren't figments of some writer's imagination.
641. Flutter verb, noun BrE / flʌtə(r) / NAmE / flʌtər / verb
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to move lightly and quickly; to make sth move in this way
Flags fluttered in the breeze.
Her eyelids fluttered but did not open.
~ sth He fluttered his hands around wildly.
She fluttered her eyelashes at him (= tried to attract him in order to persuade him to do sth) .
2 [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sth) when a bird or an insect flutters its wings, or its wings flutter , the wings move lightly and quickly up and down
3 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. ( of a bird or an insect ) to fly somewhere moving the wings quickly and lightly
The butterfly fluttered from flower to flower.
4 [ intransitive ] ( of your heart, etc. ) to beat very quickly and not regularly
I could feel a fluttering pulse.
( figurative ) The sound of his voice in the hall made her heart flutter.
( figurative ) He felt his stomach flutter (= he felt nervous) when they called his name.
noun
1 [ countable , usually singular ] a quick, light movement
the flutter of wings
with a flutter of her long, dark eyelashes
( figurative ) to feel a flutter of panic in your stomach
2 [ countable , usually singular ] ~ (on sth) ( BrE , informal ) a small bet
to have a flutter on the horses
3 [ singular ] a state of nervous or confused excitement
Her sudden arrival caused quite a flutter.
to be in a flutter/to be all of a flutter
4 [ countable ] a very fast heartbeat , caused when sb is nervous or excited
Her heart gave a flutter when she saw him.
5 [ uncountable ] ( medical ) a medical condition in which you have a fast, unsteady heartbeat
6 [ uncountable ] ( technical ) rapid changes in the pitch or volume of recorded sound
compare wow

642. Twitch verb, noun BrE / twɪtʃ / NAmE / twɪtʃ / verb
1 [ intransitive , transitive ] ~ (sth) if a part of your body twitches , or if you twitch it, it makes a sudden quick movement, sometimes one that you cannot control
Her lips twitched with amusement.
The cats watched each other, their tails twitching.
The animal lay on the ground, its whole body twitching and jerking.
2 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) to give sth a short sharp pull; to be pulled in this way
He twitched the package out of my hands.
The curtains twitched as she rang the bell.
(noun)
1 a sudden quick movement that you cannot control in one of your muscles
She has a twitch in her left eye.
a nervous twitch
2 a sudden quick movement or feeling
He greeted us with a mere twitch of his head.
At that moment she felt the first twitch of anxiety.

643. Formulate BrE / fɔmjuleɪt / NAmE / fɔrmjuleɪt / verb
1 to create or prepare sth carefully, giving particular attention to the details
~ sth to formulate a policy/theory/plan/proposal
The compost is specially formulated for pot plants.
~ sth to do sth This new kitchen cleaner is formulated to cut through grease and dirt.
2 ~ sth to express your ideas in carefully chosen words
She has lots of good ideas, but she has difficulty formulating them.
He struggled to formulate an answer.
formulation / BrE fɔmjuleɪʃn ; NAmE fɔrmjuleɪʃn / noun [ uncountable , countable ]
the formulation of new policies
new formulations of existing drugs

644. Wound noun, verb
BrE / wund / NAmE / wund / noun
1 an injury to part of the body, especially one in which a hole is made in the skin using a weapon
a leg/head, etc. wound
a bullet/knife/gunshot/stab wound
an old war wound
The nurse cleaned the wound .
The wound healed slowly.
He died from the wounds he had received to his chest.
see also flesh wound
2 mental or emotional pain caused by sth unpleasant that has been said or done to you
After a serious argument, it can take some time for the wounds to heal.
Seeing him again opened up old wounds .

verb
[ often passive ]
1 ~ sb/sth to injure part of the body, especially by making a hole in the skin using a weapon
He had been wounded in the arm.
2 ~ sb to hurt sb's feelings
She felt deeply wounded by his cruel remarks.

645. Daydream BrE / deɪdrim / NAmE / deɪdrim / noun
pleasant thoughts that make you forget about the present
She stared out of the window, lost in a daydream.
daydream verb [ intransitive ]
~ (about sb/sth) I would spend hours daydreaming about a house of my own.

646. fuzzy
BrE / fʌzi / NAmE / fʌzi / adjective
( fuzz • ier , fuzzi • est )
1 covered with short soft fine hair or fur
downy
2 ( of hair ) in a mass of tight curls
3 not clear in shape or sound
a fuzzy image
The soundtrack is fuzzy in places.
These photographs have come out fuzzy.
4 confused and not expressed clearly
fuzzy ideas/thinking
a somewhat fuzzy definition of ‘in the national interest’
fuzzily / BrE ; NAmE / adverb
fuzziness / BrE fʌzinəs ; NAmE fʌzinəs / noun [ uncountable ]

647. Embezzle BrE / ɪmbezl / NAmE / ɪmbezl / verb [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth)
to steal money that you are responsible for or that belongs to your employer
He was found guilty of embezzling $150 000 of public funds.
embezzlement / BrE ɪmbezlmənt ; NAmE ɪmbezlmənt / noun [ uncountable ]
She was found guilty of embezzlement.
embezzler / BrE ɪmbezlə(r) ; NAmE ɪmbezlər / noun
648. Dramatic BrE / drəmætɪk / NAmE / drəmætɪk / adjective
1 ( of a change, an event, etc. ) sudden, very great and often surprising
a dramatic increase/fall/change/improvement
dramatic results/developments/news
The announcement had a dramatic effect on house prices.
2 exciting and impressive
a dramatic victory
They watched dramatic pictures of the police raid on TV.
3 [ usually before noun ] connected with the theatre or plays
a local dramatic society
Students will study various plays and dramatic texts.
a dramatic monologue
4 exaggerated in order to create a special effect and attract people's attention
He flung out his arms in a dramatic gesture .
Don't be so dramatic!
dramat ically / BrE drəmætɪkli ; NAmE drəmætɪkli / adverb
Prices have fallen dramatically.
Prices have increased dramatically in the last few years.
Events could have developed in a dramatically different way.
‘At last!’ she cried dramatically.
The mountains rose dramatically behind them.

649. Deserve BrE / dɪzɜv / NAmE / dɪzɜrv / verb ( not used in the progressive tenses ) if sb/sth deserves sth, it is right that they should have it, because of the way they have behaved or because of what they are
~ sth You deserve a rest after all that hard work.
The report deserves careful consideration.
One player in particular deserves a mention.
What have I done to deserve this?
~ to do sth They didn't deserve to win.
He deserves to be locked up for ever for what he did.
~ doing sth Several other points deserve mentioning.
sb deserves a medal ( informal ) used to say that you admire sb because they have done sth difficult or unpleasant
She deserves a medal for teaching those 5-year-olds all day!
get what you deserve | deserve all/everything you ˈget ( informal ) used to say that you think sb has earned the bad things that happen to them

650. Worth adjective, noun BrE / wɜθ / NAmE / wɜrθ / adjective
[ not before noun ] ( used like a preposition, followed by a noun, pronoun or number, or by the -ing form of a verb )
1 ~ sth having a value in money, etc
Our house is worth about £100 000.
How much is this painting worth?
to be worth a bomb/packet/fortune (= a lot of money)
It isn't worth much.
If you answer this question correctly, it's worth five points.
2 used to recommend the action mentioned because you think it may be useful, enjoyable, etc.
~ sth The museum is certainly worth a visit.
~ doing sth This idea is well worth considering.
It's worth making an appointment before you go.
3 ~ sth/doing sth important, good or enjoyable enough to make sb feel satisfied, especially when difficulty or effort is involved
Was it worth the effort?
The new house really wasn't worth all the expense involved.
The job involves a lot of hard work but it's worth it .
The trip was expensive but it was worth every penny .

4 ~ sth ( of a person ) having money and possessions of a particular value
He's worth £10 million.
for all sb/it is worth
1 with great energy, effort and determination
He was rowing for all he was worth.
2 in order to get as much as you can from sb/sth
She is milking her success for all it's worth.
for what it's worth ( informal ) used to emphasize that what you are saying is only your own opinion or suggestion and may not be very helpful
I prefer this colour, for what it's worth.
(the game is) not worth the candle ( old-fashioned , saying ) the advantages to be gained from doing sth are not great enough, considering the effort or cost involved
If the price goes up again, he may decide that the game's not worth the candle.
not worth the paper it's written/printed on ( of an agreement or official document ) having no value, especially legally, or because one of the people involved has no intention of doing what they said they would
worth your/its salt
deserving respect, especially because you do your job well
Any teacher worth her salt knows that.
worth your/its weight in gold
very useful or valuable
A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.
worth sb's while
interesting or useful for sb to do
It will be worth your while to come to the meeting.
He'll do the job if you make it worth his while (= pay him well) .
(noun)
[ uncountable ]
1 ten dollars', £40, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that has the value mentioned
The winner will receive ten pounds' worth of books.
a dollar's worth of change
2 a week's, month's, etc. ~ of sth an amount of sth that lasts a week, etc.
3 the financial, practical or moral value of sb/sth
Their contribution was of great worth.
The activities help children to develop a sense of their own worth.
A good interview enables candidates to prove their worth (= show how good they are) .
a personal net worth of $10 million

651. Pivotal BrE / pɪvətl / NAmE / pɪvətl / adjective
of great importance because other things depend on it
a pivotal role in European affairs
Accountancy, law and economics are pivotal to a successful career in any financial services area.

652. Peruse
BrE / pəruz /
NAmE / pəruz / verb
~ sth ( formal or humorous )
to read sth, especially in a careful way
A copy of the report is available for you to peruse at your leisure.
perusal / BrE pəruzl ; NAmE pəruzl / noun [ uncountable , singular ]
The agreement was signed after careful perusal.

653. Make sure (of sth/that…)
1) to do sth in order to be certain that sth else happens
Make sure (that) no one finds out about this.
They scored another goal and made sure of victory.
Our staff will do their best to make sure you enjoy your visit.
2) to check that sth is true or has been done
She looked around to make sure that she was alone.
I think the door's locked, but I'll just go and make sure.

654. sure of yourself ( sometimes disapproving ) very confident
She seems very sure of herself.
sure thing ( informal , especially NAmE ) used to say ‘yes’ to a suggestion or request
‘Are you coming?’ ‘Sure thing.’
to be sure ( formal ) used to admit that sth is true
He is intelligent, to be sure, but he's also very lazy.
(adverb)
( informal , especially NAmE )
1 used to say ‘yes’ to sb
‘Will you open the wine?’ ‘Sure, where is it?’
Did it hurt? Sure it hurt.
Sure, no problem.
2 used to emphasize sth that you are saying
Boy, it sure is hot.
‘Amazing view’. ‘Sure is.’
That song sure as hell sounds familiar.
He sure looked unhappy.
3 used to reply to sb who has just thanked you for sth
‘Thanks for the ride.’ ‘Sure—anytime.’
(as) sure as eggs is eggs ( old-fashioned , BrE , informal ) used to say that sth is definitely true
sure enough
used to say that sth happened as expected
I said he'd forget, and sure enough he did.
‘Stop,’ she said, ‘I can hear something.’ Sure enough, in the distance we could hear the sound of a car approaching.

655. Imperil [transitive verb] (formal)
to put something or someone in danger [= endanger]:
Tax increases now might imperil economic recovery.

Conditional Sentences

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Conditional Sentences

Type 1: We use type 1 sentences to talk about something which is highly probable to happen in the future. We usually use present simple in the if-clause and future simple in the main clause.
If present simple, future simple.
If present progressive, can/may + verb 1^st form (for ability and possibility)
If present perfect, imperative sentences/ should.

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1 If I see him I (give) him a lift.

2 The table will collapse if you (stand) on it.

3 If he (eat) all that he will be ill.

4 If I find your passport I (telephone) you at once.

5 The police (arrest) him if they catch him.

6 If he (read) in bad light he will ruin his eyes.

7 Someone (steal) your car if you leave it unlocked.

8 What will happen if my parachute (not open)?

9 If he (wash) my car I'll give him 10.

10 If she (need) a radio she can borrow mine.

11 If you (not go) away I'll send for the police.

12 I'll be very angry if he (make) any more mistakes.

13 If he (be) late we'll go without him.

14 She will be absolutely furious if she (hear) about this.

15 If you put on the kettle I (make) the tea.

16 If you give my dog a bone he (bury) it at once.

17 If we leave the car here it (not be) in anybody's way.

18 He'll be late for the train if he (not start) at once.

19 If you come late they (not let) you in.

20 If he (go) on telling lies nobody will believe a word he says.

21 Unless he (sell) more he won't get much commission.

22 If I lend you ?10 when you (repay) me?

23 We'll have to move upstairs if the river (rise) any higher.

24 If he (work) hard today can he have a holiday tomorrow?

25 Ice (turn) to water if you heat it.

26 If the house (burn) down we can claim compensation.

27 If you (not like) this one I'll bring you another.

28 Unless you are more careful you (have) an accident.

29 Tell him to ring me up if you (see) him.

30 If I tell you a secret, you (promise) not to tell it to anyone else?

31 If you (not believe) what I say, ask your mother.

32 If he (like) the house will he buy it?

33 If you will kindly sit down I (make) enquiries for you.

34 Unless I have a quiet room I (not be able) to do any work.
35 She won't open the door unless she (know) who it is.

36 Should you require anything else please (ring) the bell for the attendant.

Zero conditional

When we talk about things that are generally or always true, we can use:

If/When/Unless plus a present form PLUS present simple or imperative

If he gets there before me, ask him to wait.
When you fly budget airline, you have to pay for your drinks and snacks.
Unless you need more space, a small car is big enough for one person.

Note that we are not talking about a specific event but something which is generally true.

In the condition clause, we can use a variety of present forms. In the result clause, there can only be the present simple or imperative.

If you visit London, go on the London Eye.
If unemployment is rising, people tend to stay in their present jobs.
If you've done that, go and have a coffee.
When you go on holiday, take plenty of sun cream. It'll be very hot.

When I'm concentrating, please don't make so much noise.
When I've finished an article, I always ask Kate to read it through.

Notice that 'unless' means the same as 'if not'.

Unless he asks you politely, refuse to do any more work on the project.
Unless prices are rising, it's not a good investment.
Unless you've been there yourself, you don't really understand how fantastic it is.

Type 2: We use type 2 sentences to talk about unreal or imaginary present and future. We usually use past simple in the if-clause would + verb 1^st form in the main clause.
If past simple, would + verb 1^st form.
If past progressive, could/might + verb 1^st form (for ability and possibility)
If past perfect, would + be + verb 1^st + ing
would be/have (as state verbs) + extra words.
would have been + verb 1^st + ing

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1 If I had a typewriter I (type) it myself.

2 If I (know) his address I'd give it to you.

3 He (look) a lot better if he shaved more often.

4 If you (play) for lower stakes you wouldn't lose so much.

5 If he worked more slowly he (not make) so many mistakes.

6 I shouldn't drink that wine if I (be) you.

7 More tourists would come to this country if it (have) a better climate.

8 If I were sent to prison you (visit) me?

9 If someone (give) you a helicopter what would you do with it?
10 I (buy) shares in that company if I had some money.

11 If he (clean) his windscreen he'd be able to see where he was going.

12 If you drove your car into the river you (be able) to get out?

13 If you (not belong) to a union you couldn't get a job.

14 If I (win) a big prize in a lottery I'd give up my job.

15 What you (do) if you found a burglar in your house?

16 I could tell you what this means if I (know) Greek.

17 If everybody (give) ?1 we would have enough.

18 He might get fat if he (stop) smoking.

19 If he knew that it was dangerous he (not come).

20 If you (see) someone drowning what would you do?

21 I (be) ruined if I bought her everything she asked for.

22 If you slept under a mosquito net you (not be) bitten so often.

23 I could get a job easily if I (have) a degree.

24 If she (do) her hair differently she might look quite nice.

25 If we had more rain our crops (grow) faster.

26 The whole machine would fall to pieces if you (remove) that screw.

27 I (keep) a horse if I could afford it. '

28 I'd go and see him more often if he (live) on a bus route.

29 If they (ban) the sale of alcohol at football matches there might be less violence.

30 I (offer) to help if I thought I'd be any use. '

31 What would you do if the lift (get) stuck between two floors?

32 If you (paint) the walls white the room would be much brighter.

33 If you (change) your job would it affect your pension?

34 If you knew you had only six weeks to live how you (spend) those six weeks?

35 You wouldn't have so much trouble with your car if you (have) it serviced regularly.

36 I'd climb over the wall if there (not be) so much broken glass on to it.

Type 3: We use type 3 sentences to talk about unreal or imaginary past. We usually use past perfect in the if-clause would +have + verb 3rd form in the main clause.
If past perfect, would + have + verb 3rd form.
If past perfect progressive, could/might + have + verb 3rd form (for ability and possibility)
would + have +been + verb 1^st + ing
would have been/had (as state verbs) + extra words.

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1 If I had known that you were in hospital I (visit) you.

2 The ground was very soft. But for that, my horse (win).

3 If you (arrive) ten minutes earlier you would have got a seat.

4 You would have seen my garden at its best if you (be) here last week.

5 But for his quickness I (be) killed.

6 I shouldn't have believed it if I (not see) it with my own eyes.

7 If he had slipped he (fall) 500 metres.

8 If he had asked you, you (accept)?

9 If I (had) a map I would have been all right.
10 If I (know) that you were coming I'd have baked a cake.

11 I (offer) to help him if I had realized that he was ill.

12 If you had left that wasp alone it (not sting) you.

13 If I (realize) what a bad driver you were I wouldn't have come with you.

14 If I had realized that the traffic lights were red I (stop).

15 But for the fog we (reach) our destination ages ago.

16 If you had told me that he never paid his debts I (not lend) him the money.

17 If you (not sneeze) he wouldn't have known that we were there.

18 If you (put) some mustard in the sandwiches they would have tasted better.

19 The hens (not get) into the house if you had shut the door.

20 If he had known that the river was dangerous he (not try) to swim across it.

21 If you (speak) more slowly he might have understood you.

22 If he had known the whole story he (not be) so angry.

23 I shouldn't have eaten it if I (know) that there was ginger in it.

24 If I (try) again I think that I would have succeeded.

25 You (not get) into trouble if you had obeyed my instructions.

26 If you hadn't been in such a hurry you (not put) sugar into the sauce instead of salt.

27 If I (be) ready when he called he would have taken me with him.

28 She had a headache; otherwise she (come) with us.

29 If she had listened to my directions she (not turn) down the wrong street.

30 If you (look) at the engine for a moment you would have seen what was missing.

31 Rome (be captured) by her enemies if the geese hadn't cackled.

32 He would have been arrested if he (try) to leave the country.

33 I (take) a taxi if I had realized that it was such a long way.

34 You (save) me a lot of trouble if you had told me where you were going.

35 They would have forced their way into the house if I (not call) for help.

36 If he had put out his pipe before putting it in his pocket he (not burn) a hole in his coat.

Finish these sentences, taking care to use the correct tenses.

1 If he had taken my advice . . .

2 If you ate less . . .

3 We'll send for the doctor if . . .
4 If she practised more . . .

5 If there isn't enough wine in that bottle . . .

6 If you had checked the petrol before we started . . .

7 This clock wouldn't have run down if . . .

8 Try on the blue one if . . .

9 If these gates are locked . . .

10 If we leave before breakfast . . .

11 If the river rises any higher . . .

12 Her life might have been saved if . . .

13 If the volcano starts erupting ...

14 The grass would look better if . . .

15 Unless it is a nice day . . .

16 If you don't put enough stamps on a letter, the person who gets it . . .

17 He would lend it to you if . . .

18 Unless this hotel gets another cook . . .

19 If the storm becomes worse . . .

20 If your uncle sees you . . .

21 If you tried to climb it without a guide . . .

22 If you didn't shake the camera so much, your photographs . . .

23 I'd have brought my coat . . .

24 If (=as) you don't like the picture . . .

25 He would have given her diamonds if . . .

26 If you had asked his permission . . .

27 If the fire had been noticed earlier . . .

28 If you had any sense . . .

29 You would have been angry if . . .

30 If he had put the flowers into water at once . . .

31 I should have ordered more coal if . . .

32 If you leave the gate open . . .

33 You will have to go to the dentist if . . .
34 He would have been drowned if . . .
35 If I'd had a car . . .

36 If Tom rings while I'm out . . .

Would

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Would

1) We use would + verb 1^st form to talk about past repeated actions not states.
eg) We would get up at 4:00am when we were in Army.
eg) My father would bring me gifts very often.
eg) We would go to Switzerland in every summer vacation.
eg)In those days people would make their own entertainment.
eg) You must practise at home.
eg) You mustn’t skip Namaz.
eg) Must we wash hands before eating?
eg) Mustn’t we perform wudu before touching the Holy Quran?

2) We use would + verb 1^st form to talk about future in the past.
eg) He said he would help us.
eg) She knew I would try again.
eg) I was sure he would apologize to me.
eg) Did you know they would take revenge on us?
eg) I knew he would call the next day.
eg) Did you know kids would cheat even in the presence of teacher?
eg) People were thinking nothing would happen at all.

3) We use would you like to to talk about polite offers and invitations.
eg) Would you like to join us at the dinner?
eg) Would you like to walk on the beach?
eg) Would you like to stay one more day at the hotel?
eg) Would you like to have a cup of coffee?
eg) Would you like to have some ice-cream?
eg) Would you like to meet the principal in this matter/regard/respect/connection?
eg) Would you like to drive?

4) We use would you mind + verb 1^st form + ing to make a polite request.
eg) Would you mind trying again?
eg) Would you mind keeping quiet?
eg) Would you mind driving faster?
eg) Would you mind hurrying it up?
eg) Would you mind moving aside?
eg) Would you mind taking this responsibility?
eg) Would you mind stopping this nonsense?

5) We use would you be kind/good enough + to + verb 1^st form to make a very polite request.
eg) Would you be kind/enough to let me have some moments alone?
eg) Would you be kind/enough to inform us about the changes in the plan?
eg) Would you be kind/enough to grant me a week off?
eg) Would you be kind/enough to spare some time for the discussion?
eg) Would you be kind/enough to try again to contact them?
eg) Would you be kind/enough to wait a little longer?
eg) Would you be kind/enough to give us a four days respite?

Must

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We use must + verb 1^st form to give a strong piece of advice.
eg) We must offer Namaz five times a day.
eg) You mustn’t speak up here.
eg) Must I take your permission?
eg)Students mustn’t cheat during test.
eg) You must practise at home.
eg) You mustn’t skip Namaz.
eg) Must we wash hands before eating?
eg) Mustn’t we perform wudu before touching the Holy Quran?
Note: Besides variation no: 1, we make negatives of must with can’t and questions with can.

1a) We use must + verb 1^st form to say that something certainly happens.
eg) His father is education minister. Can he study?
eg) You are busy whole day. When can you study?
eg) This man doesn’t have hands. How can he eat food?
eg) He is uneducated. What can he do sitting with you people?
eg) He is Dubai. He must earn a lot of money.
eg) He is very strict teacher. He must scold his students a lot.
eg) He stays awake the whole night. When can he sleep?
eg) She remains ill. She can’t take care of her health.

1b) We use must + have + verb 3^rd form of verb to say that something (has) certainly happened.
eg) Ali has stomach ache. He must have eaten out.
eg) Electricity wasn’t there throughout the night. He can’t have completed his work.
eg) Yesterday was Sunday. He must have washed his clothes.
eg) Her eyes are getting red. She must have slept late last night.
eg) Nobody was in Ali’s home in the morning. They must have gone for outing.
eg) John came earlier in the party. He must have met all the guests.
eg) I lost my purse yesterday. I must have forgotten it somewhere.
eg) Your sister was annoyed with you. You must have said something to her.

2a) We use must + be + verb 1^st form + ing to say that something is certainly happening now.
eg) It’s 4. Children must be waiting.
eg) Asif is with her elder brother. He can’t be getting scared.
eg) The AC is working. Why can kids be sweating?
eg) I have just given the children toys. Why can they be crying?
eg) You must be thinking wrong.
eg) What can they be doing at this time?
eg) How can people be surviving in such cold weather with no warm clothes?

2b) We use must + have + been + verb 1^st form + ing to say that something was certainly happening.
eg) Neighbours must have been making noise that’s why I couldn’t sleep.
eg) Children can’t have been studying that’s why you got cross(=annoyed)
eg) Principal was in class. Can kids have been making nosie?
eg) Policemen were stopping every vehicle. They must have been searching for the drugs.
eg) Lecture was way too hard. Students can’t have been getting it.
eg) Lights were on. Can they have been staying up at that time?
eg) Mr. John was absent. Who can have been conducting the workshop?

4a) We use must + be + extra words for the possible states in the present.
eg) It’s January. It must be very cold there.
eg) You don’t resemble each other. You can’t be brothers.
eg) If A is bigger than B and B is bigger than C. Then A must be the biggest one.
eg) She has lost her job. She must be very worried.
eg) He has failed. Can’t he be embarrassed?
eg) You have got a job in dream company. You must be over-joyed.
eg) Curry had been on the dining table for five hours. It must be stale now.
eg) You have come home late again. Your father must be very angry at you.

4b) We use must + have + been + extra words for the possible states in the past.
eg) Teacher didn’t let her enter the class. She must have been late.
eg) A guy fell down from the top floor. He can’t have been alive.
eg) He didn’t resist. He must have been compelled.
eg) She didn’t buy the wrist watch. It must have been out of her range.
eg) They postponed going for picnic. There must have been some problem.
eg) He came to see us on his bike. His car must have been broken down.
eg) She didn’t pick the phone last night. She must have been asleep.

5a) We use must + have + extra words for the possible states in the past.
eg) John is also going with us to Shopping Mall. He must have money.
eg) The box is too heavy. What can it have?
eg) The speed of the computer is too slow. It must have virus.
eg) He is an intelligent boy. He can’t have cribs.
eg) She is here to buy a new car. Can’t she have enough money.
eg) Last night I gave him a pill. He can’t have fever now.

5b) We use must + have + had + extra words for the possible states in the past.
eg) He didn’t take even a bite. He can’t have had stomach for it.
eg) He reached office in no time. He must have had a car.
eg) We couldn’t understand what he was saying. He must have had something in his mouth.
eg) He was finding it difficult to read. He can’t have had his glasses with him.
eg) People were comfortable in the hall in such hot weather. It must have had centrally AC system.
eg) You must have had a strong reason to be absent.

Idioms with only Meanings

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A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush:
Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.

A Blessing In Disguise:
Something good that isn't recognized at first.

A Chip On Your Shoulder:
Being upset for something that happened in the past.

A Dime A Dozen:
Anything that is common and easy to get.

A Doubting Thomas:
A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.

A Drop in the Bucket:
A very small part of something big or whole.

A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted:
It's easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money.

A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand:
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.

A Leopard Can't Change His Spots:
You cannot change who you are.

A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned:
By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little).

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words:
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

A Piece of Cake:
A task that can be accomplished very easily.

A Slap on the Wrist:
A very mild punishment.

A Taste Of Your Own Medicine:
When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.

A Toss-Up:
A result that is still unclear and can go either way.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.

Add Fuel To The Fire:
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.

Against The Clock:
Rushed and short on time.

All Bark And No Bite:
When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight.

All Greek to me:
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.

All In The Same Boat:
When everyone is facing the same challenges.

An Arm And A Leg:
Very expensive. A large amount of money.

An Axe To Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.

Apple of My Eye:
Someone who is cherished above all others.

As High As A Kite:
Anything that is high up in the sky.

At The Drop Of A Hat:
Willing to do something immediately.

B

Back Seat Driver:
People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.

Back To Square One:
Having to start all over again.

Back To The Drawing Board:
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

Baker's Dozen:
Thirteen.

Barking Up The Wrong Tree:
A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve.

Beat A Dead Horse:
To force an issue that has already ended.

Beating Around The Bush:
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.

Bend Over Backwards:
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.

Between A Rock And A Hard Place:
Stuck between two very bad options.

Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:
To take on a task that is way to big.

Bite Your Tongue:
To avoid talking.

Blood Is Thicker Than Water:
The family bond is closer than anything else.

Blue Moon:
A rare event or occurance.

Break A Leg:
A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite.

Buy A Lemon:
To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.

C

Can't Cut The Mustard :
Someone who isn't adequate enough to compete or participate.

Cast Iron Stomach:
Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything.

Charley Horse:
Stiffness in the leg / A leg cramp.

Chew someone out:
Verbally scold someone.

Chip on his Shoulder:
Angry today about something that occured in the past.

Chow Down:
To eat.

Close but no Cigar:
To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short.

Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.

Come Hell Or High Water:
Any difficult situation or obstacle.

Crack Someone Up:
To make someone laugh.

Cross Your Fingers:
To hope that something happens the way you want it to.

Cry Over Spilt Milk:
When you complain about a loss from the past.

Cry Wolf:
Intentionally raise a false alarm.

Cup Of Joe:
A cup of coffee.

Curiosity Killed The Cat:
Being Inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.

Cut to the Chase:
Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point.

D

Dark Horse:
One who was previously unknown and is now prominent.

Dead Ringer:
100% identical. A duplicate.

Devil's Advocate:
Someone who takes a position for the sake of argument without believing in that particular side of the arguement. It can also mean one who presents a counter argument for a position they do believe in, to another debater.

Dog Days of Summer:
The hottest days of the summer season.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch:
Don't rely on it until your sure of it.

Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth:
When someone gives you a gift, don't be ungrateful.

Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket:
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Doozy:
Something outstanding.

Down To The Wire:
Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds.

Drastic Times Call For Drastic Measures:
When you are extremely desperate you need to take extremely desperate actions.

Drink like a fish:
To drink very heavily.

Drive someone up the wall:
To irritate and/or annoy very much.

Dropping Like Flies:
A large number of people either falling ill or dying.

Dry Run:
Rehearsal.

E

Eighty Six:
A certain item is no longer available. Or this idiom can also mean, to throw away.

Elvis has left the building:
The show has come to an end. It's all over.

Ethnic Cleansing:
Killing of a certain ethnic or religious group on a massive scale.

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining:
Be optomistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink:
Almost everything and anything has been included.

Excuse my French:
Please forgive me for cussing.

Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.

Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.

F

Feeding Frenzy:
An aggressive attack on someone by a group.

Field Day:
An enjoyable day or circumstance.

Finding Your Feet:
To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing.

Finger lickin' good:
A very tasty food or meal.

Fixed In Your Ways:
Not willing or wanting to change from your normal way of doing something.

Flash In The Pan:
Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end.

Flea Market:
A swap meet. A place where people gather to buy and sell inexpensive goods.

Flesh and Blood:
This idiom can mean living material of which people are made of, or it can refer to someone's family.

Flip The Bird:
To raise your middle finger at someone.

Foam at the Mouth:
To be enraged and show it.

Fools' Gold:
Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold.

French Kiss:
An open mouth kiss where tongues touch.

From Rags To Riches:
To go from being very poor to being very wealthy.

Fuddy-duddy:
An old-fashioned and foolish type of person.

Full Monty:
This idiom can mean either, "the whole thing" or "completely nude".

Funny Farm:
A mental institutional facility.

G

Get Down to Brass Tacks:
To become serious about something.

Get Over It:
To move beyond something that is bothering you.

Get Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed:
Someone who is having a horrible day.

Get Your Walking Papers:
Get fired from a job.

Give Him The Slip:
To get away from. To escape.

Go Down Like A Lead Balloon:
To be received badly by an audience.

Go For Broke:
To gamble everything you have.

Go Out On A Limb:
Put yourself in a tough position in order to support someone/something.

Go The Extra Mile:
Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand.

Good Samaritan:
Someone who helps others when they are in need, with no discussion for compensation, and no thought of a reward.

Graveyard Shift:
Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8:00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping.

Great Minds Think Alike:
Intelligent people think like each other.

Green Room:
The waiting room, especially for those who are about to go on a tv or radio show.

Gut Feeling:
A personal intuition you get, especially when feel something may not be right.

H

Haste Makes Waste:
Quickly doing things results in a poor ending.

Hat Trick:
When one player scores three goals in the same hockey game. This idiom can also mean three scores in any other sport, such as 3 homeruns, 3 touchdowns, 3 soccer goals, etc.

Have an Axe to Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.

He Lost His Head:
Angry and overcome by emotions.

Head Over Heels:
Very excited and/or joyful, especially when in love.

Hell in a Handbasket:
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.

High Five:
Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture.

High on the Hog:
Living in Luxury.

Hit The Books:
To study, especially for a test or exam.

Hit The Hay:
Go to bed or go to sleep.

Hit The Nail on the Head:
Do something exactly right or say something exactly right.

Hit The Sack:
Go to bed or go to sleep.

Hocus Pocus:
In general, a term used in magic or trickery.

Hold Your Horses:
Be patient.

I

Icing On The Cake:
When you already have it good and get something on top of what you already have.

Idle Hands Are The Devil's Tools:
You are more likely to get in trouble if you have nothing to do.

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another:
When one thing goes wrong, then another, and another...

In Like Flynn:
To be easily successful, especially when sexual or romantic.

In The Bag:
To have something secured.

In The Buff:
Nude.

In The Heat Of The Moment:
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

In Your Face:
An aggressive and bold confrontation.

It Takes Two To Tango:
A two person conflict where both people are at fault.

It's A Small World:
You frequently see the same people in different places.

Its Anyone's Call:
A competition where the outcome is difficult to judge or predict.

Ivy League:
Since 1954 the Ivy League has been the following universities: Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard.

J

Jaywalk:
Crossing the street (from the middle) without using the crosswalk.

Joshing Me:
Tricking me.

K

Keep An Eye On Him:
You should carefully watch him.

Keep body and soul together:
To earn a sufficient amount of money in order to keep yourself alive .

Keep your chin up:
To remain joyful in a tough situation.

Kick The Bucket:
Die.

Kitty-corner:
Diagonally across. Sometimes called Catty-Corner as well.

Knee Jerk Reaction:
A quick and automatic response.

Knock On Wood:
Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid some bad luck.

Know the Ropes:
To understand the details.

L

Last but not least:
An introduction phrase to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is no less important than those introduced before him/her.

Lend Me Your Ear:
To politely ask for someone's full attention.

Let Bygones Be Bygones:
To forget about a disagreement or arguement.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie:
To avoid restarting a conflict.

Let The Cat Out Of The Bag:
To share a secret that wasn't suppose to be shared.

Level playing field:
A fair competition where no side has an advantage.

Like a chicken with its head cut off:
To act in a frenzied manner.

liquor someone up:
To get someone drunk.

Long in the Tooth:
Old people (or horses).

Loose Cannon:
Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check.

M

Make No Bones About:
To state a fact so there are no doubts or objections.

Method To My Madness:
Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless but in the end are done for a good reason.

Mumbo Jumbo:
Nonsense or meaningless speech.

Mum's the word:
To keep quiet. To say nothing.

N

Nest Egg:
Savings set aside for future use.

Never Bite The Hand That Feeds You:
Don't hurt anyone that helps you.

New kid on the block:
Someone new to the group or area.

New York Minute:
A minute that seems to go by quickly, especially in a fast paced environment.

No Dice:
To not agree. To not accept a proposition.

No Room to Swing a Cat:
An unsually small or confined space.

Not Playing With a Full Deck:
Someone who lacks intelligence.

O

Off On The Wrong Foot:
Getting a bad start on a relationship or task.

Off The Hook:
No longer have to deal with a tough situation.

Off the Record:
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn't want attributed to him/her.

On Pins And Needles:
Anxious or nervous, especially in anticipation of something.

On The Fence:
Undecided.

On The Same Page:
When multiple people all agree on the same thing.

Out Of The Blue:
Something that suddenly and unexpectedly occurs.

Out On A Limb:
When someone puts themself in a risky situation.

Out On The Town:
To enjoy yourself by going out.

Over My Dead Body:
When you absolutely will not allow something to happen.

Over the Top:
Very excessive.

P

Pass The Buck:
Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else.

Pedal to the metal:
To go full speed, especially while driving a vehicle.

Peeping Tom:
Someone who observes people in the nude or sexually active people, mainly for his own gratification.

Pick up your ears:
To listen very carefully.

Pig In A Poke:
A deal that is made without first examining it.

Pig Out :
To eat alot and eat it quickly.

Pipe Down:
To shut-up or be quiet.

Practice Makes Perfect:
By constantly practicing, you will become better.

Pull the plug:
To stop something. To bring something to an end.

Pulling Your Leg:
Tricking someone as a joke.

Put a sock in it:
To tell noisy person or a group to be quiet.

Q

Queer the pitch:
Destroy or ruin a plan.

R

Raincheck:
An offer or deal that is declined right now but willing to accept later.

Raining Cats and Dogs:
A very loud and noisy rain storm.

Ring Fencing:
Seperated usual judgement to guarantee protection, especially project funds.

Rise and Shine:
Time to get out of bed and get ready for work/school.

Rome Was Not Built In One Day:
If you want something to be completely properly, then its going to take time.

Rule Of Thumb:
A rough estimate.

Run out of steam:
To be completely out of energy.

S

Saved By The Bell:
Saved at the last possible moment.

Scapegoat:
Someone else who takes the blame.

Scot-free:
To escape and not have to pay.

Sick As A Dog:
To be very sick (with the flu or a cold).

Sitting Shotgun:
Riding in the front passenger seat of a car.

Sixth Sense:
A paranormal sense that allows you to communicate with the dead.

Skid Row:
The rundown area of a city where the homeless and drug users live.

Smell A Rat:
To detect somone in the group is betraying the others.

Smell Something Fishy:
Detecting that something isn't right and there might be a reason for it.

Son of a Gun:
A scamp.

Southpaw:
Someone who is left-handed.

Spitting Image:
The exact likeness or kind.

Start From Scratch:
To do it all over again from the beginning.

T

The Ball Is In Your Court:
It is your decision this time.

The Best Of Both Worlds:
There are two choices and you have them both.

The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall:
While the bigger and stronger opponent might be alot more difficult to beat, when you do they suffer a much bigger loss.

The Last Straw:
When one small burden after another creates an unbearable situation, the last straw is the last small burden that one can take.

The Whole Nine Yards:
Everything. All of it.

Third times a charm:
After no success the first two times, the third try is a lucky one.

Tie the knot:
To get married.

Til the cows come home:
A long time.

To Make A Long Story Short:
Something someone would say during a long and boring story in order to keep his/her audience from losing attention. Usually the story isn't shortened.

To Steal Someone's Thunder:
To take the credit for something someone else did.

Tongue And Cheek:
humor, not to be taken serious.

Turn A Blind Eye:
Refuse to acknowledge something you know is real or legit.

Twenty three skidoo:
To be turned away.

U

Under the weather:
Feeling ill or sick.

Up a blind alley:
Going down a course of action that leads to a bad outcome.

Use Your Loaf:
Use your head. Think smart.

V

Van Gogh's ear for music:
Tone deaf.

Variety Is The Spice Of Life:
The more experiences you try the more exciting life can be.

W

Wag the Dog:
A diversion away from something of greater importance.

Water Under The Bridge:
Anything from the past that isn't significant or important anymore.

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve:
To openly and freely express your emotions.

When It Rains, It Pours:
Since it rarely rains, when it does it will be a huge storm.

When Pigs Fly :
Something that will never ever happen.

Wild and Woolly:
Uncultured and without laws.

Wine and Dine:
When somebody is treated to an expensive meal.

Without A Doubt:
For certain.

X

X marks the spot:
A phrase that is said when someone finds something he/she has been looking for.

Y

You Are What You Eat:
In order to stay healthy you must eat healthy foods.

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover:
Decisions shouldn't be made primarily on appearance.

You Can't Take it With You:
Enjoy what you have and not what you don't have, since when you die you cannot take things (such as money) with you.

Your Guess Is As Good As Mine:
I have no idea.

Z

Zero Tolerance:
No crime or law breaking big or small will be overlooked.

DICTIONARY OF IDIOMS

2011-06-19T02:16:00.000-07:00

~ A ~

A bit much

If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.

A day late and a dollar short

(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.

A fool and his money are soon parted

This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom. =
A little bird told me

If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.

A OK

If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine.

A penny for your thoughts

This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.

A penny saved is a penny earned

This means that we shouldn't spend or waste money, but try to save it.

A poor man's something

Something or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version;

a writer who uses lots of puns but isn't very funny would be a poor man's Oscar Wilde.

A pretty penny

If something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive.

A rising tide lifts all boats

This idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will

benefit from it.

A rolling stone gathers no moss

People say this to mean that that a go-getter type person is more successful than a person not doing any thing.

A steal

If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth.

A1

If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.

Abide by a decision

If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it.

About face

If someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc,

change their position on an issue.

Above board

If things are done above board, they are carried out in a legal and proper manner.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

This idiom means that when people are apart, their love grows stronger.

Accident waiting to happen

If something is an accident waiting to happen, there's definitely going to be an accident or it's bound to go wrong.

('Disaster waiting to happen' is also used.)

Ace up your sleeve

If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something that will give you an advantage that other people don't know

about.

Achilles' heel

A person's weak spot is their Achilles' heel.

Acid test

An acid test is something that proves whether something is good, effective, etc, or not.

Across the board

If something applies to everybody, it applies across the board.

Across the pond

(UK) This idiom means on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, used to refer to the US or the UK depending on the

speaker's location.

Actions speak louder than words

This idiom means that what people actually do is more important than what they say- people can promise things but

then fail to deliver.

Add fuel to the fire

If people add fuel to the fire, they make a bad situation worse.

Add insult to injury

When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation even worse.

After your own heart

A person after your own heart thinks the same way as you.

Against the clock

If you do something against the clock, you are rushed and have very little time to do it.

Against the grain

If doing something goes against the grain, you're unwilling to do it because it contradicts what you believe in, but you

have no real choice.

Age before beauty

When this idiom is used, it is a way of allowing an older person to do something first, though often in a slightly sarcastic

way.

Agony aunt

An agony aunt is a newspaper columnist who gives advice to people having problems, especially personal ones.

Ahead of the pack

If you are ahead of the pack, you have made more progress than your rivals.

Ahead of time

If something happens ahead of time, it happens early or before the set time.

Albatross around your neck

An albatross around, or round, your neck is a problem resulting from something you did that stops you from being

successful.

Alike as two peas

If people or things are as alike as two peas, they are identical.

All along

If you have known or suspected something all along, then you have felt this from the beginning.

All and sundry

This idiom is a way of emphasising 'all', like saying 'each and every one'.

All ears

If someone says they're all ears, they are very interested in hearing about something.

All eyes on me

If all eyes are on someone, then everyone is paying attention to them.

All fingers and thumbs

If you're all fingers and thumbs, you are too excited or clumsy to do something properly that requires manual dexterity.

'All thumbs' is an alternative form of the idiom.

All hat, no cattle

(USA) When someone talks big, but cannot back it up, they are all hat, no cattle.

All heart

Someone who is all heart is very kind and generous.

All hell broke loose

When all hell breaks loose, there is chaos, confusion and trouble.

All in your head

If something is all in your head, you have imagined it and it is not real.

All mod cons

If something has all mod cons, it has all the best and most desirable features. It is an abbreviation of 'modern

convenience' that was used in house adverts.

All mouth and trousers

(UK) Someone who's all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a lot but doesn't deliver. 'All mouth and no trousers' is also

used, though this is a corruption of the original.

All of the above

This idiom can be used to mean everything that has been said or written, especially all the choices or possibilities.

All over the map

(USA) If something like a discussion is all over the map, it doesn't stick to the main topic and goes off on tangents.

All over the place

If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the place.

All over the shop

If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is all over the shop.

All roads lead to Rome

This means that there can be many different ways of doing something.

All set

If you're all set, you are ready for something.

All skin and bone

If a person is very underweight, they are all skin and bone, or bones.

All square

If something is all square, nobody has an advantage or is ahead of the others.

All talk and no trousers

(UK) Someone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about doing big, important things, but doesn't take any action.

All that glitters is not gold

This means that appearances can be deceptive and things that look or sound valuable can be worthless. ('All that

glistens is not gold' is an alternative.)

All the rage

If something's all the rage, it is very popular or fashionable at the moment.

All the tea in China

If someone won't do something for all the tea in China, they won't do it no matter how much money they are offered.

All your eggs in one basket

If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything at once, instead of trying to spread the risk. (This is often used as a negative imperative- 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'. 'Have your eggs in one basket' is also used.)

All's fair in love and war

This idiom is used to say that where there is conflict, people can be expected to behave in a more vicious way.

All-singing, all-dancing

If something's all-singing, all-dancing, it is the latest version with the most up-to-date features.

Alter ego

An alter ego is a very close and intimate friend. It is a Latin phrase that literally means 'other self'.

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride

If someone is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, they never manage to fulfill their ambition- they get close, but never

manage the recognition, etc, they crave.

Ambulance chaser

A lawyer who encourages people who have been in accidents or become ill to sue for compensation is an ambulance chaser.

Amen

Some use 'Amen' or 'Amen to that' as a way of agreeing with something that has just been said.

An old flame

An old flame is a person that somebody has had an emotional, usually passionate, relationship with, who is still looked on fondly and with affection.

And all that jazz

This idiom means that everything related or similar is included.

Answers on a postcard

This idiom can be used to suggest that the answer to something is very obvious or that the person would really like to

hear what people think.

Ants in your pants

If someone has ants in their pants, they are agitated or excited about something and can't keep still.

Any port in a storm

This means that in an emergency any solution will do, even one that would normally be unacceptable.

Any Tom, Dick or Harry

If something could be done by any Tom, Dick or Harry, it could be done by absolutely anyone.

Apple of your eye

Something or, more often, someone that is very special to you is the 'apple of your' eye.

Apron strings

A man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively dependent on her, especially when it is his mother's apron

strings.

Argue the toss

(UK) If you argue the toss, you refuse to accept a decision and argue about it.

Arm and a leg

If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.

Armchair critic

An armchair critic is someone who offers advice but never shows that they could actually do any better.

Armed to the teeth

If people are armed to the teeth, they have lots of weapons.

Arrow in the quiver

An arrow in the quiver is a strategy or option that could be used to achieve your objective.

As a rule

If you do something as a rule, then you usually do it.

As cold as ice

This idiom can be used to describe a person who does not show any emotion.

As cold as stone

If something is as cold as stone, it is very cold. If a person is as cold as stone, they are unemotional.

As cool as a cucumber

If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don't get worried by anything.

As mad as a hatter

This simile means that someone is crazy or behaves very strangely. In the past many people who made hats went insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury.

As neat as a new pin

This idiom means tidy and clean.

As one man

If people do something as one man, then they do it at exactly the same time or in complete agreement.

As the actress said to the bishop

(UK) This idiom is used to highlight a sexual reference, deliberate or accidental.

As the crow flies

This idiom is used to describe the shortest possible distance between two places.

As you sow, so shall you reap

This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things will happen to you, or good things if you do good things.

Asleep at the switch

If someone is asleep at the switch, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at

the wheel' is an alternative.

Asleep at the wheel

If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at

the switch' is an alternative.

At a loose end

(UK) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.

At arm's length

(India) If something is at arm's length, it is very close to you.

At death's door

If someone looks as if they are at death's door, they look seriously unwell and might actually be dying.

At each other's throats

If people are at each other's throats, they are fighting, arguing or competing ruthlessly.

At full tilt

If something is at full tilt, it is going or happening as fast or as hard as possible.

At loggerheads

If people are at loggerheads, they are arguing and can't agree on anything.

At loose ends

(USA) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.

At odds

If you are at odds with someone, you cannot agree with them and argue.

At sea

If things are at sea, or all at sea, they are disorganized and chaotic.

At the coalface

If you work at the coalface, you deal with the real problems and issues, rather than sitting in a office discussing things in

a detached way.

At the drop of a hat

If you would do something at the drop of a hat, you'd do it immediately.

At the end of the day

This is used to mean 'in conclusion' or 'when all is said and done'.

At the end of your rope

(USA) If you are at the end of your rope, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance.

At the end of your tether

(UK) If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance.

At your wit's end

If you're at your wit's end, you really don't know what you should do about something, no matter how hard you think

about it.

At your wits' end

If you are at your wits' end, you have no idea what to do next and are very frustrated.

Average Joe

An average Joe is an ordinary person without anything exceptional about them.

Avowed intent

If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to attempt to reach a certain goal, this is their avowed intent.

Awe inspiring

Something or someone that is awe inspiring amazes people in a slightly frightening but positive way.

AWOL

AWOL stands for "Absent Without Leave", or "Absent Without Official Leave". Orignially a military term, it is used when

someone has gone missing without telling anyone or asking for permission.

Axe to grind

If you have an axe to grind with someone or about something, you have a grievance, a resentment and you want to get

revenge or sort it out. In American English, it is 'ax'.

~ B ~

Babe in arms

A babe in arms is a very young child, or a person who is very young to be holding a position.

Babe in the woods

A babe in the woods is a naive, defenceless, young person.

Baby boomer

(USA) A baby boomer is someone born in the years after the end of the Second World War, a period when the

population was growing very fast.

Back burner

If an issue is on the back burner, it is being given low priority.

Back foot

(UK) If you are on your back foot, you are at a disadvantage and forced to be defensive of your position.

Back number

Something that's a back number is dated or out of fashion.

Back the wrong horse

If you back the wrong horse, you give your support to the losing side in something.

Back to back

If things happen back to back, they are directly one after another.

Back to square one

If you are back to square one, you have to start from the beginning again.

Back to the drawing board

If you have to go back to the drawing board, you have to go back to the beginning and start something again.

Back to the salt mine

If someone says they have to go back to the salt mine, they have to return to work.

Backseat driver

A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing

something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome.

Bad blood

If people feel hate because of things that happened in the past, there is bad blood between them.

Bad egg

A person who cannot be trusted is a bad egg. Good egg is the opposite.

Bad shape

If something's in bad shape, it's in bad condition. If a person's in bad shape, they are unfit or unhealthy.

Bad taste in your mouth

If something leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth, you feel there is something wrong or bad about it.

Bad workers always blame their tools

"A bad worker always blames their tools" - If somebody does a job badly or loses in a game and claims that they were

let down by their equipment, you can use this to imply that this was not the case.

Bag of nerves

If someone is a bag of nerves, they are very worried or nervous.

Baker's dozen

A Baker's dozen is 13 rather than 12.

Bald as a coot

A person who is completely bald is as bald as a coot.

Ball is in your court

If the ball is in your court, it is up to you to make the next decision or step.

Ballpark figure

A ballpark figure is a rough or approximate number (guesstimate) to give a general idea of something, like a rough

estimate for a cost, etc.

Banana republic

Banana republic is a term used for small countries that are dependent on a single crop or resource and governed badly

by a corrupt elite.

Banana skin

(UK) A banana skin is something that is an embarrassment or causes problems.

Bandit territory

An area or an industry, profession, etc, where rules and laws are ignored or flouted is bandit territory.

Baptism of fire

A baptism of fire was a soldier's first experience of shooting. Any unpleasant experience undergone, usually where it is

also a learning experience, is a baptism of fire.

Bar fly

A bar fly is a person who spends a lot of time drinking in different bars and pubs.

Bare your heart

If you bare your heart to someone, you tell them you personal and private feelings. ('Bare your soul' is an alternative

form of the idiom.)

Barefaced liar

A barefaced liar is one who displays no shame about lying even if they are exposed.

Bark is worse than their bite

Someone who's bark is worse than their bite may well get angry and shout, but doesn't take action.

Barking up the wrong tree

If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstood something or are totally wrong.

Barkus is willing

This idiom means that someone is willing to get married.

Barrack-room lawyer

(UK) A barrack-room lawyer is a person who gives opinions on things they are not qualified to speak about.

Barrel of laughs

If someone's a barrel of laughs, they are always joking and you find them funny.

Basket case

If something is a basket case, it is so bad that it cannot be helped.

Bat an eyelid

If someone doesn't bat an eyelid, they don't react or show any emotion when surprised, shocked, etc.

Batten down the hatches

If you batten down the hatches, you prepare for the worst that could happen to you.

Battle of nerves

A battle of nerves is a situation where neither side in a conflict or dispute is willing to back down and is waiting for the

other side to weaken. ('A war of nerves' is an alternative form.)

Be that as it may

Be that as it may is an expression which means that, while you are prepared to accept that there is some truth in what

the other person has just said, it's not going to change your opinions in any significant manner.

land

Be up the spout

(UK) If a woman is up the spout, she is pregnant.

Bean counter

A bean counter is an accountant.

Bear fruit

If something bears fruit, it produces positive results.

Bear the brunt

People who bear the brunt of something endure the worst of something bad.

Beard the lion in his own den

If you confront a powerful or dangerous rival on their territory, you are bearding the lion in his own den.

Beat about the bush

If someone doesn't say clearly what they mean and try to make it hard to understand, they are beating about (around)

the bush.

Beat someone to the draw

(USA) If you beat someone to the draw, you do something before they do.

Beat swords into ploughshares

If people beat swords into ploughshares, they spend money on humanitarian purposes rather than weapons. (The American English spelling is 'plowshares')

Beat the daylights out of someone

If someone beats the daylights out of another person, they hit them repeatedly. ('Knock' can also be used and it can be made even stronger by saying 'the living daylights'.)

Beat to the punch

If you beat someone to the punch, you act before them and gain an advantage.

Beating a dead horse

(USA) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any hope of succeeding, they're beating

a dead horse. This is used when someone is trying to raise interest in an issue that no-one supports anymore; beating a

dead horse will not make it do any more work.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder means that different people will find different things beautiful and that the

differences of opinion don't matter greatly.

Beauty is only skin deep

This idiom means that appearances can be deceptive and something that seems or looks good may turn out to be bad.

Beck and call

Someone who does everything for you, no matter when you ask, is at your beck and call.

Bedroom eyes

Someone with bedroom eyes has a sexy look in their eyes.

Bee in your bonnet

If someone is very excited about something, they have a bee in their bonnet.

Bee's Knees

If something is the bee's knees, it's outstanding or the best in its class.

Beeline for

If you make a beeline for a place, you head there directly.

Been in the wars

(UK) If someone has been in the wars, they have been hurt or look as if they have been in a struggle.

Beer and skittles

(UK) People say that life is not all beer and skittles, meaning that it is not about self-indulgence and pleasure.

Before the ink is dry

If people make an agreement or contract and then the situation changes very quickly, it changes before the ink is

dry.

Before you can say Jack Robinson

The term Jack Robinson represents 'a short amount of time'.
When you do something before you can say

Jack Robinson, you do it very quickly.

Beg the question

In philosophy "to beg the question" is to assume something to be true that has not yet been proved. I have seen the

idiom also to mean that a question is crying out to be asked.

Beggars can't be choosers

This idiom means that people who are in great need must accept any help that is offered, even if it is not a complete

solution to their problems.

Behind bars

When someone is behind bars, they are in prison.

Behind closed doors

If something happens away from the public eye, it happens behind closed doors.

Behind someone's back

If you do something behind someone's back, you do it without telling them.

Behind the times

Someone that is behind the times is old-fashioned and has ideas that are regarded as out-dated.

Believe in the hereafter

A belief in the hereafter is a belief in the afterlife, or life after death. It is, therefore, associated with religions and the

soul's journey to heaven or to hell, whichever way being just deserts for the person based on how they led their life.

Bells and whistles

Bells and whistles are attractive features that things like computer programs have, though often a bit unnecessary.

Bells on

(USA)
To be somewhere with bells on means to arrive there happy and delighted to attend.

Belly up

If things go belly up, they go badly wrong.

Below par

If something isn't up to standard, or someone isn't feeling or doing very well, they are below par.

Below the belt

If someone says something that is cruel or unfair, it is below the belt, like the illegal punches in boxing.

Belt and braces

(UK) Someone who wears belt and braces is very cautious and takes no risks.

Belt and suspenders

(USA) Someone who wears belt and suspenders is very cautious and takes no risks.

Bend over backwards

If someone bends over backwards, they do everything they can to help someone.

Beside the point

If something is beside the point, it's not relevant to the matter being discussed or considered.

Beside yourself

If you are beside yourself, you are extremely angry.

Best thing since sliced bread

If something is the best thing since sliced bread, it is excellent. ('The greatest thing since sliced bread' is also used.)

Bet your bottom dollar

(USA) If you can bet your bottom dollar on something, you can be absolutely sure about it.

Better late than never

This idiom suggests that doing something late is better than not doing it at all.

Better safe than sorry

This idiom is used to recommend being cautious rather than taking a risk.

Better than a stick in the eye

If something is better than a stick in the eye, it isn't very good, but it is better than nothing.

Better the devil you know

This is the shortened form of the full idiom, 'better the devil you know than the devil you don't', and means that it is

often better to deal with someone or something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than take a

risk with an unknown person or thing.

Between a rock and a hard place

If you are caught between a rock and a hard place, you are in a position where you have to choose between unpleasant

alternatives, and your choice might cause you problems; you will not be able to satisfy everyone.

Between the devil and the deep blue sea

If you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, you are in a dilemma; a difficult choice.

Between the lines

If you read between the lines, you find the real message in what you're reading or hearing, a meaning that is not

available from a literal interpretation of the words.

Between you and me and the cat's whiskers

This idiom is used when telling someone something that you want them to keep secret.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt

If something's beyond a shadow of a doubt, then absolutely no doubts remain about it.

Beyond belief

If people behave in such a way that you find it almost impossible to accept that they actually did it, then you can say

that their behaviour was beyond belief.

Beyond our ken

If something's beyond your ken, it is beyond your understanding.

Beyond the pale

If something's beyond the pale, it is too extreme to be acceptable morally or socially.

Big Apple

(USA) The Big Apple is New York.

Big bucks

If someone is making big bucks, they are making a lot of money.

Big cheese

The big cheese is the boss.

Big fish

An important person in a company or an organisation is a big fish.

Big fish in a small pond

A big fish in a small pond is an important person in a small place or organisation.

Big hitter

A big hitter is someone who commands a lot of respect and is very important in their field.

Big nose

If someone has a big nose, it means they are excessively interested in everyone else's business.

Big picture

The big picture of something is the overall perspective or objective, not the fine detail.

Big time

This can be used to with the meaning 'very much'- if you like something big time, you like it a lot.

Bigger fish to fry

If you aren't interested in something because it isn't important to you and there are more important things for you to

do, you have bigger fish to fry.

Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' is a proverb meaning that it is better to have something that is certain than

take a risk to get more, where you might lose everything.

Bird's eye view

If you have a bird's eye view of something, you can see it perfectly clearly.

Bird-brain

Someone who has a bird-brain, or is bird-brained, is stupid.

Birds and the bees

If a child is taught about the birds and the bees, they are taught about sex.

Birds of a feather flock together

This idiom means that people with similar interests will stick together.

Birthday suit

If you are in your birthday suit, you are naked.

Bit between your teeth

If you take or have the bit between your teeth, you take or have control of a situation. (Bit = piece of metal in a horse's

mouth)

Bit part

If someone has a small or unimportant role in something, they have a bit part.

Bit player

A bit player has a small or unimportant role in something.

Bite off more than you can chew

If you bite off more than you can chew, you take on more responsibilities than you can manage. 'Don't bite off more

than you can chew' is often used to advise people against agreeing to more than they can handle.

Bite the bullet

If you have to bite the bullet, you have to accept or face something unpleasant because it cannot be avoided.

Bite the dust

This is a way of saying that somebody has died, especially if they are killed violently like a soldier in battle.

Bite your lip

If you have to bite your lip, you have to make a conscious effort not to react or to keep quiet about something that

displeases you.

Bite your tongue

If you bite your tongue, you refrain from speaking because it is socially or otherwise better not to.

Bits and bobs

Bits and bobs are small, remnant articles and things- the same as odds and ends.

Bitter end

If you do something to the bitter end, you do it to the very end, no matter how unsuccessful you are.

Bitter pill to swallow

A bitter pill to swallow is something that is hard to accept.

Black and white

When it is very clear who or what is right and wrong, then the situation is black and white.

Black as Newgate's knocker

(UK) If things are as black as Newgate's knocker, they are very bad. Newgate was an infamous prison in England, so its

door knocker meant trouble.

Black hole

If there is a black hole in financial accounts, money has disappeared.

Black sheep

Someone who is the black sheep doesn't fit into a group or family because their behaviour or character is not good

enough.

Bleeding edge

Similar to 'cutting edge', this implies a technology or process that is at the forefront or beyond current practices.

However, because it is unproven, it is often dangerous to use (hence the 'bleeding').

Bleeding heart

A bleeding heart is a person who is excessively sympathetic towards other people.

Blessing in disguise

If some bad luck or misfortune ultimately results in something positive, it's a blessing in disguise.

Blind as a bat

If you are in total darkness and can't see anything at all, you are as blind as a bat.

Blind leading the blind

When the blind are leading the blind, the people in charge of something don't know anything more than the people

they are in charge of, when they should have greater knowledge.

Blink of an eye

If something happens in the blink of an eye, it happens so fast it is almost impossible to notice it.

Blood and thunder

An emotional speech or performance is full of blood and thunder.

Blood is thicker than water

This idiom means that family relationships are stronger than others.

Blood is worth bottling

(AU) If an Australian says to you "Your blood is worth bottling", he/she is complimenting or praising you for doing

something or being someone very special.

Blood out of a stone

If something is like getting blood out of a stone, it is very difficult indeed.

Blood out of a stone

'You can't get blood out of a stone' means that it is impossible to get something from someone if they don't have it. We

also say that it was 'like getting blood from a stone' when it was very hard to get an answer from someone. 'Blood from

a rock' is an alternative.

Blood, sweat and tears

If something will take blood, sweat and tears, it will be very difficult and will require a lot of effort and sacrifice.

Blow a gasket

If you blow a gasket, you get very angry.

Blow by blow

A blow-by-blow description gives every detail in sequence.

Blow hot and cold

If you blow hot and cold on an idea, your attitude and opinion keeps changing; one minute you are for it, the next you

are against.

Blow off steam

(USA) If you blow off steam, you express your anger or frustration.

Blow out of the water

If something, like an idea, is blown out of the water, it is destroyed or defeated comprehensively.

Blow the cobwebs away

If you blow the cobwebs away, you make sweeping changes to something to bring fresh views and ideas in.

Blow your own trumpet

If someone blows their own trumpet, they boast about their talents and achievements.

Blow your stack

If you blow your stack, you lose your temper.

Blow your top

If someone blows their top, they lose their temper.

Blue blood

Someone with blue blood is royalty.

Blue-eyed boy

Someone's blue-eyed boy is their favourite person.

Bob's your uncle

(UK) This idiom means that something will be successful: Just tell him that I gave you his name and Bob's your uncle-

he'll help you.

Body politic

A group of people organised under a single government or authority (national or regional) is a body politic.

Bolt from the blue

If something happens unexpectedly and suddenly, it is a bolt from the blue.

Bone of contention

If there is an issue that always causes tension and arguments, it is a bone of contention.

Bone to pick

If you have a bone to pick with someone, you are annoyed about something they have done and want to tell them how

you feel.

Boot is on the other foot

When the boot's on the other foot, a person who was in a position of weakness is now in a position of strength.

Born to the purple

Someone who is born to the purple is born in a royal or aristocratic family. ("Born in the purple" is also used.)

Born with a silver spoon in your mouth

If you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you are born into a rich family.

Bottom line

In accountancy, the bottom line is net income, and is used idiomatically to mean the conclusion.

Bounce off the walls

If someone's bouncing off the walls, they are very excited about something.

Bouquet of orchids

Id someone deserves a bouquet of orchids, they have done something worthy of praise.

Box and dice

Box and dice means everything.

Box clever

(UK) If you box clever, you use your intelligence to get what you want, even if you have to cheat a bit.

Boxing and coxing

If people are boxing and coxing, they are sharing responsibilities so that one of them is working while the other isn't. It

can also be used when couples are sharing a house, but their relationship has broken down and when one is at home,

the other stays out.

Brain surgery

If something is not brain surgery, it isn't very complicated or difficult to understand or master.

Brass monkey

If it's brass monkey weather, or cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey, it is extremely cold.

Brass neck

(UK) Someone who has the brass neck to do something has no sense of shame about what they do.

Brass tacks

If you get down to brass tacks, you get down to the real business.

Bread and butter

Bread and butter issues are ones that affect people directly and in a very important way.

Breadwinner

Used to describe the person that earns the most money. For example - She's the breadwinner in the family.

Break a leg

This idiom is a way of wishing someone good luck.

Break even

If you break even, you don't make any money, but you don't lose any either.

Break ground

If you break ground, or break new ground, you make progress, taking things into a new area or going further than

anyone has gone before. 'Ground-breaking' is used an adjective.

Break the ice

When you break the ice, you get over any initial embarrassment or shyness when you meet someone for the first time

and start conversing.

Break your duck

(UK) If you break your duck, you do something for the first time.

Break your heart

If someone upsets you greatly, they break your heart, especially if they end a relationship.

Breathe down your neck

If someone follows you or examines what you're doing very closely, they are breathing down your neck.

Breathe your last

When you breathe your last, you die.

Bright as a button

A person who is as bright as a button is very intelligent or smart.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

If someone's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, they are full of energy and enthusiasm.

Brighten up the day

If something brightens up your day, something happens that makes you feel positive and happy all day long.

Bring a knife to a gunfight

If someone brings a knife to a gunfight, they are very badly prepared for something.

Bring home the bacon

A person who brings home the bacon earns the money that a family live on.

Bring someone to book

If somebody is brought to book, they are punished or made to account for something they have done wrong.

Bring the house down

Something that brings the house down is acclaimed and praised vigorously.

Broad church

If an organisation is described as broad church, it is tolerant and accepting of different opinions and ideas.

Broad strokes

If something is described or defined with broad stokes, then only an outline is given, without fine details.

Brown nose

When someone tries to make themselves popular with somebody, usually in a position of authority, especially by

flattering them, they are brown nosing.

Brownie points

If you try to earn Brownie points with someone, you do things you know will please them.

Brush under the carpet

If you brush something under the carpet, you are making an attempt to ignore it, or hide it from others.

Bull in a China shop

If someone behaves like a bull in a China shop, they are clumsy when they should be careful.

Bun in the oven

If a woman has a bun in the oven, she is pregnant.

Bundle of nerves

Someone who is a bundle of nerves is very worried or nervous.

Burn the candle at both ends

Someone who burns the candle at both ends lives life at a hectic pace, doing things which are likely to affect their

health badly.

Burn the midnight oil

If you stay up very late working or studying, you burn the midnight oil.

Burn your bridges

If you burn your bridges, you do something that makes it impossible to go back from the position you have taken.

Burning question

A burning question is something we all want to know about.

Bury the hatchet

If you bury the hatchet, you make peace with someone and stop arguing or fighting.

Bury your head in the sand

If someone buries their head in the sand, they ignore something that is obviously wrong.

Busman's holiday

A busman's holiday is when you spend your free time doing the same sort of work as you do in your job.

Busted flush

Someone or something that had great potential but ended up a useless failure is a busted flush.

Busy as a beaver

If you're as busy as a beaver, you're very busy indeed.

Butter wouldn't melt in their mouth

If someone looks as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouth, they look very innocent.

Butterflies in your stomach

The nervous feeling before something important or stressful is known as butterflies in your stomach.

Button your lip

If you button your lip, you keep quiet and don't speak. It is also used as a way of telling someone to shut up.

By a hair's breadth

If a person escapes from some danger by a hair's breadth, they only just managed to avoid it. The breadth is the

thickness of a hair, so they probably feel somewhat lucky because the margin between success and what could easily

have been failure was so close.

By a long chalk

(UK) If you beat somebody by a long chalk, you win easily and comfortably.

By a whisker

If you do something by a whisker, you only just manage to do it and come very near indeed to failing.

By dint of

This means 'as a result of' or 'because of': It would be good to think he'd risen to position of Chief Executive by dint of

hard work.

By heart

If you learn something by heart, you learn it word for word.

By hook or by crook

If you are prepared to do something by hook or by crook, you are willing to do anything, good or bad, to reach your

goal.

By leaps and bounds

Something that happens by leaps and bounds happens very quickly in big steps.

By the back door

If something is started or introduced by the back door, then it is not done openly or by following the proper

procedures.

By the book

If you do something by the book, you do it exactly as you are supposed to.

By the same token

If someone applies the same rule to different situations, they judge them by the same token: If things go well, he's full

of praise, but, by the same token, when things go wrong he gets furious.

By the seat of your pants

If you do something by the seat of your pants, you do it without help from anyone.

By the skin of your teeth

If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just manage to do it and come very near indeed to failing.

By word of mouth

If something becomes known by word of mouth, it gets known by being talked about rather than through publicity or

advertising, etc.

~ C ~

Cake's not worth the candle

If someone says that the cake's not worth the candle, they mean that the result will not be worth the effort put in to

achieve it.

Call a spade a spade

A person who calls a spade a spade is one speaks frankly and makes little or no attempt to conceal their opinions or to

spare the feelings of their audience.

Call the dogs off

If someone calls off their dogs, they stop attacking or criticising someone.

Call the shots

If you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do.

Call the tune

The person who calls the tune makes the important decisions about something.

Can of worms

If an action can create serious problems, it is opening a can of worms.

Can't dance and it's too wet to plow

(USA) When you can't dance and it's too wet to plow, you may as well do something because you can't or don't have

the opportunity to do anything else.

Can't hold a candle

If something can't hold a candle to something else, it is much worse.

Canary in a coal mine

(UK) A canary in a coal mine is an early warning of danger.

Card up your sleeve

If you have a card up your sleeve, you have a surprise plan or idea that you are keeping back until the time is right.

Carpetbagger

A carpetbagger is an opportunist without any scruples or ethics, or a politican who wants to represent a place they have

no connection with.

Carrot and stick

If someone offers a carrot and stick, they offer an incentive to do something combined with the threat of punishment.

Carry the can

If you carry the can, you take the blame for something, even though you didn't do it or are only partly at fault.

Case by case

If things are done case by case, each situation or issue is handled separately on its own merits and demerits.

Cash in your chips

If you cash in your chips, you sell something to get what profit you can because you think its value is going to fall. It can

also mean 'to die'.

Cast doubt on

If you make other people not sure about a matter, then you have cast doubt on it.

Cast pearls before swine

If you cast pearls before swine, you offer something of value to someone who doesn't appreciate it- 'swine' are 'pigs'.

Cast your mind back

If somebody tells you to cast your mind back on something, they want you to think about something that happened in

the past, but which you might not remember very well, and to try to remember as much as possible.

Cast your net widely

If you cast your net widely, you use a wide range of sources when trying to find something.

Castles in the air

Plans that are impractical and will never work out are castles in the air.

Cat among the pigeons

If something or someone puts, or sets or lets, the cat among the pigeons, they create a disturbance and cause trouble.

Cat burglar

A cat burglar is a skillful thief who breaks into places without disturbing people or setting off alarms.

Cat fur and kitty britches

(USA)
When I used to ask my grandma what was for dinner, she would say "cat fur and kitty britches". This was her

Ozark way of telling me that I would get what she cooked.
(Ozark is a region in the center of the United

States)

Cat got your tongue?

If someone asks if the cat has got your tongue, they want to know why you are not speaking when they think you

should.

Cat nap

If you have a short sleep during the day, you are cat napping.

Cat's pajamas

(USA) Something that is the cat's pajamas is excellent.

Cat's whiskers

Something excellent is the cat's whiskers.

Catch as catch can

This means that people should try to get something any way they can.

Catch someone red-handed

If someone is caught red-handed, they are found doing something wrong or illegal.

Caught with your hand in the cookie jar

(USA) If someone is caught with his or her hand in the cookie jar, he or she is caught doing something wrong.

Chalk and cheese

Things, or people, that are like chalk and cheese are very different and have nothing in common.

Change horses in midstream

If people change horses in midstream, they change plans or leaders when they are in the middle of something, even

though it may be very risky to do so.

Change of heart

If you change the way you think or feel about something, you have a change of heart.

Change tack

If you change tack, you use a different method for dealing with something.

Change your tune

If someone changes their ideas or the way they talk about them, they change their tune.

Charity begins at home

This idiom means that family members are more important than anyone else, and should be the focus of a person's

efforts.

Chase rainbows

If someone chases rainbows, they try to do something that they will never achieve.

Cheap as chips

(UK) If something is very inexpensive, it is as cheap as chips.

Cheap at half the price

If something's cheap at half the price, it's very cheap indeed.

Cheap shot

A cheap shot is an unprincipled criticism.

Cheat death

If someone cheats death, they narrowly avoid a major problem or accident.

Cheek by jowl

If things or people are cheek by jowl, they are very close together.

Cherry pick

If people cherry pick, they choose things that support their position, while ignoring things that contradict it.

Chew on a bone.

If someone is chewing on a bone, he or she is thinking about something intently.

Chew the cud

If you chew the cud, you think carefully about something.

Chew the fat

If you chew the fat with someone, you talk at leisure with them.

Chickenfeed

If something is small or unimportant, especially money, it is chickenfeed.

Chinese walls

Chinese walls are regulatory information barriers that aim to stop the flow of information that could be misused,

especially in financial corporations.

Chinese whispers

(UK) When a story is told from person to person, especially if it is gossip or scandal, it inevitably gets distorted and

exaggerated. This process is called Chinese whispers.

Chip off the old block

If someone is a chip off the old block, they closely resemble one or both of the parents in character.

Chip on your shoulder

If someone has a chip on their shoulder, they are resentful about something and feel that they have been treated

badly.

Cigarette paper

If you cannot get or put a cigarette paper between people, they are so closely bonded that nothing will separate them

or their positions on issues.

Circle the wagons

(USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't think the same way as you to avoid their

ideas.

Class act

Someone who's a class act is exceptional in what they do.

Clean as a whistle

If something is as clean as a whistle, it is extremely clean, spotless. It can also be used to mean 'completely', though this

meaning is less common nowadays.

Clean bill of health

If something or someone has a clean bill of health, then there's nothing wrong; everything's fine.

Clean break

If you make a clean break, you break away completely from something.

Clean hands

Someone with clean hands, or who keeps their hands clean, is not involved in illegal or immoral activities.

Clean sheet

When someone has a clean sheet, they have got no criminal record or problems affecting their reputation. In football

and other sports, a goalkeeper has a clean sheet when let no goals in.

Clean slate

If you start something with a clean slate, then nothing bad from your past is taken into account.

Clean sweep

If someone makes a clean sweep, they win absolutely everything in a competition or contest.

Clear as mud

If something is as clear as mud, then it is very confusing and unclear.

Cliffhanger

If something like a sports match or an election is a cliffhanger, then the result is so close that it cannot be predicted and

will only be known at the very end.

Climb on the bandwagon

When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular and everyone else is doing it.

Close at hand

If something is close at hand, it is nearby or conveniently located.

Close but no cigar

(USA) If you are close but no cigar, you are close to success, but have not got there.

Close call

If the result of something is a close call, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the parties involved and to say

who has won or whatever.

Close shave

If you have a close shave, you very nearly have a serious accident or get into trouble.

Close the stable door after the horse has bolted

If people try to fix something after the problem has occurred, they are trying to close the stable door after the horse

has bolted. 'Close the barn door after the horse has bolted' is alternative, often used in American English.

Close to your heart

If something is close to your heart, you care a lot about it. ('Dear to your heart' is an alternative.)

Closed book to me

If a subject is a closed book to you, it is something that you don't understand or know anything about.

Cloud cuckoo land

If someone has ideas or plans that are completely unrealistic, they are living on cloud cuckoo land.

Cloud nine

If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy. ('cloud seven' is a less common alternative)

Cloud of suspicion

If a cloud of suspicion hangs over an individual, it means that they are not believed or are distrusted.

Cloud on the horizon

If you can see a problem ahead, you can call it a cloud on the horizon.

Clutch at straws

If someone is in serious trouble and tries anything to help them, even though their chances of success are probably nil,

they are clutching at straws.

Coals to Newcastle

(UK) Taking, bringing, or carrying coals to Newcastle is doing something that is completely unnecessary.

Cock and bull story

A cock and bull story is a lie someone tells that is completely unbelievable.

Cold feet

If you get cold feet about something, you lose the courage to do it.

Cold fish

A cold fish is a person who doesn't show how they feel.

Cold light of day

If you see things in the cold light of day, you see them as they really are, not as you might want them to be.

Cold shoulder

If you give or show someone the cold shoulder, you are deliberately unfriendly and unco-operative towards them.

Cold sweat

If something brings you out in a cold sweat, it frightens you a lot.

Cold turkey

If someone suddenly stops taking drugs, instead of slowly cutting down, they do cold turkey.

Collateral damage

Accidental or unintended damage or casualties are collateral damage.

Collect dust

If something is collecting dust, it isn't being used any more.

Come a cropper

(UK) Someone whose actions or lifestyle will inevitably result in trouble is going to come a cropper.

Come clean

If someone comes clean about something, they admit to deceit or wrongdoing.

Come hell or high water

If someone says they'll do something come hell or high water, they mean that nothing will stop them, no matter what

happens.

Come out in the wash

If something will come out in the wash, it won't have any permanent negative effect.

Come out of your shell

If someone comes out of their shell, they stop being shy and withdrawn and become more friendly and sociable.

Come rain or shine

If I say I'll be at a place COME RAIN OR SHINE, I mean that I can be relied on to turn up; nothing, not even the vagaries

of British weather, will deter me or stop me from being there.

Come to grips

If you come to grips with a problem or issue, you face up to it and deal with it.

Come up roses

If things come up roses, they produce a positive result, especially when things seemed to be going badly at first.

Come up smelling of roses

(UK) If someone comes up smelling of roses, they emerge from a situation with their reputation undamaged.

Come what may

If you're prepared to do something come what may, it means that nothing will stop or distract you, no matter how hard

or difficult it becomes.

Come with the territory

If something comes with the territory, it is part of a job or responsibility and just has to be accepted, even if unpleasant.

Comfort zone

It is the temperature range in which the body doesn't shiver or sweat, but has an idiomatic sense of a place where

people feel comfortable, where they can avoid the worries of the world. It can be physical or mental.

Constitution of an ox

If someone has the constitution of an ox, they are less affected than most people by things like tiredness, illness,

alcohol, etc.

Cook someone's goose

If you cook someone's goose, you ruin their plans.

Cook up a storm

If someone cooks up a storm, they cause a big fuss or generate a lot of talk about something.

Corner a market

If a business is dominant in an area and unlikely to be challenged by other companies, it has cornered the market.

Couch potato

A couch potato is an extremely idle or lazy person who chooses to spend most of their leisure time horizontal in front of

the TV and eats a diet that is mainly junk food.

Could eat a horse

If you are very hungry, you could eat a horse.

Couldn't give two hoots

If you couldn't give two hoots about something, you don't care at all about it.

Cover all the bases

If you cover all the bases, you deal with all aspects of a situation or issue, or anticipate all possibilities. ('Cover all bases'

is also used.)

Crack a nut with a sledgehammer

If you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you apply too much force to achieve a result. ('Jackhammer' is also used.)

Crash a party

If you crash a party, or are a gatecrasher, you go somewhere you haven't been invited to.

Cream of the crop

The cream of the crop is the best there is.

Creature comforts

If a person said "I hate camping. I don't like giving up my creature comforts." the person would be referring, in

particular, to the comfortable things he/she would have at home but not when camping. At home, for example, he/she

would have complete shelter from the weather, a television, a nice comfortable warm bed, the ability to take a warm

bath or shower, comfortable lounge chairs to relax in and so on. The person doesn't like giving up the material and

psychological benefits of his/her normal life.

Creme de la creme

The creme de la creme is the very best of something.

Crocodile tears

If someone cries crocodile tears, they pretend to be upset or affected by something.

Cross to bear

If someone has a cross to bear, they have a heavy burden of responsibility or a problem that they alone must cope with.

Cry wolf

If someone cries wolf, they raise a false alarm about something.

Cry your eyes out

If you cry your eyes out, you cry uncontrollably.

Cry-baby

A cry-baby is a person who gets emotional and cries too easily.

Curate's egg

(UK) If something is a bit of a curate's egg, it is only good in parts.

Curiosity killed the cat

As cats are naturally curious animals, we use this expression to suggest to people that excessive curiosity is not

necessarily a good thing, especially where it is not their business.

Curry favour

If people try to curry favour, they try to get people to support them. ('Curry favor' is the American spelling.)

Curve ball

(USA) If something is a curve ball, it is deceptive.

Cut and dried

If something is cut and dried, then everything has already been decided and, in the case of an opinion, might be a little

stale and predictable.

Cut corners

If people try to do something as cheaply or as quickly as possible, often sacrificing quality, they are cutting corners.

Cut down the tall poppies

(AU) If people cut down the tall poppies, they criticise people who stand out from the crowd.

Cut it fine

If you cut it fine, you only just manage to do something- at the very last moment. 'Cut things fine' is the same. 'Cut it a

bit fine' is a common variation.

Cut off your nose to spite your face

If you cut off your nose to spite your face, you do something rash or silly that ends up making things worse for you,

often because you are angry or upset.

Cut the Gordian knot

If someone cuts the Gordian knot, they solve a very complex problem in a simple way.

Cut the mustard

(UK) If somebody or something doesn't cut the mustard, they fail or it fails to reach the required standard.

Cut to the chase

If you cut to the chase, you get to the point, or the most interesting or important part of something without delay.

Cut to the quick

If someone's cut to the quick by something, they are very hurt and upset indeed.

Cut your coat according to your cloth

If you cut your coat according to your cloth, you only buy things that you have sufficient money to pay for.

Cut your teeth on

The place where you gain your early experience is where you cut your teeth.

Cute as a bug

(USA) If something is as cute as a bug, it is sweet and endearing.

Cuts no ice

If something cuts no ice, it doesn't have any effect or influence.

Cutting edge

Something that is cutting edge is at the forefront of progress in its area.

~ D ~

Daft as a brush

(UK) Someone who is daft as a brush is rather stupid.

Damp squib

(UK) If something is expected to have a great effect or impact but doesn't, it is a damp squib.

Dark horse

If someone is a dark horse, they are a bit of a mystery.

Day in the sun

If you have your day in the sun, you get attention and are appreciated.

Daylight robbery

If you are overcharged or underpaid, it is a daylight robbery; open, unfair and hard to prevent. Rip-off has a similar

meaning.

Dead air

When there is a period of total silence, there is dead air.

Dead and buried

If something is dead and buried, it has all long been settled and is not going to be reconsidered.

Dead as a dodo

If something's dead as a dodo, it is lifeless and dull. The dodo was a bird that lived the island of Mauritius. It couldn't fly

and was hunted to extinction.

Dead as a doornail

This is used to indicate that something is lifeless.

Dead duck

If something is a dead duck, it is a failure.

Dead from the neck up

Someone who's dead from the neck up is very stupid indeed.

Dead heat

If a race ends in a dead heat, two or more finish with exactly the same result.

Dead in the water

If something is dead in the water, it isn't going anywhere or making any progress.

Dead man walking

A dead man walking is someone who is in great trouble and will certainly get punished, lose their job or position, etc,

soon.

Dead meat

This is used as a way of threatening someone: You'll be dead meat if you don't go along.

Dead men's shoes

If promotion or success requires replacing somebody, then it can only be reached by dead men's shoes' by getting rid of

them.

Dead to the world

If somebody's fast asleep and completely unaware of what if happening around them, he or she's dead to the world.

Dear John letter

A letter written by a partner explaining why they are ending the relationship is a Dear John letter.

Death of a thousand cuts

If something is suffering the death of a thousand cuts, or death by a thousand cuts, lots of small bad things are

happening, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful demise.

Death warmed up

(UK) If someone looks like death warmed up, they look very ill indeed. ('death warmed over' is the American form)

Demon weed

Tobacco is the demon weed.

Derring-do

If a person shows derring-do, they show great courage.

Devil finds work for idle hands

When people say that the devil finds work for idle hands, they mean that if people don't have anything to do with their

time, they are more likely to get involved in trouble and criminality.

Devil is in the detail

When people say that the devil in the detail, they mean that small things in plans and schemes that are often

overlooked can cause serious problems later on.

Devil may care

If you live a devil-may-care life it means you are willing to take more risks than most people.

Devil's advocate

If someone plays Devil's advocate in an argument, they adopt a position they don't believe in just for the sake of the

argument

Diamond in the rough

A diamond in the rough is someone or something that has great potential, but isn't not refined and polished.

Die is cast

If the die is cast, a decision has been made that cannot be altered and fate will decide the consequences.

Different kettle of fish

If something is a different kettle of fish, it is very different from the other things referenced.

Different ropes for different folks

(USA) This idiom means that different people do things in different ways that suit them.

Different strokes for different folks

(USA) This idiom means that different people do things in different ways that suit them.

Dime a dozen

(USA) If something is a dime a dozen, it is extremely common, possibly too common.

Dip your toes in the water

If you dip your toes in the water, you try something tentatively because you are not sure whether it will work or not.

Dirty dog

A dirty dog is an untrustworthy person.

Discerning eye

If a person has a discerning eye, they are particularly good at judging the quality of something.

Discretion is the better part of valour

This idiom means that it is often better to think carefully and not act than to do something that may cause problems.

Dish the dirt

If you dish the dirt on something or someone, you make unpleasant or shocking information public.

Do a Devon Loch

(UK) If someone does a Devon Loch, they fail when they were very close to winning. Devon Loch was a horse that

collapsed just short of the winning line of the Grand National race.

Do a runner

(UK) If people leave a restaurant without paying, they do a runner.

Do the running

(UK) The person who has to do the running has to make sure that things get done. ('Make the running' is also used.)

Do their dirty work

Someone who does someone's dirty work, carries out the unpleasant jobs that the first person doesn't want to do.

Someone who seems to enjoy doing this is sometimes known as a 'henchman'.

Do's and don't's

The do's and don't's are what is acceptable or allowed or not within an area or issue, etc.

Dog and pony show

(USA) A dog and pony show is a presentation or some marketing that has lots of style, but no real content.

Dog days

Dog days are very hot summer days.

Dog eat dog

In a dog eat dog world, there is intense competition and rivalry, where everybody thinks only of himself or herself.

Dog in the manger

(UK) If someone acts like a dog in the manger, they don't want other people to have or enjoy things that are useless to

them.

Dog tired

If you are dog tired, you are exhausted.

Dog's dinner

Something that is a dog's dinner is a real mess.

Dog's life

If some has a dog's life, they have a very unfortunate and wretched life.

Dog-eared

If a book is dog-eared, it is in bad condition, with torn pages, etc.

Doggy bag

If you ask for a doggy bag in a restaurant, they will pack the food you haven't eaten for you to take home.

Doldrums

If a person is in the doldrums, they are depressed. If a project or something similar is in the doldrums, it isn't making

any progress.

Dollars for doughnuts

(USA) If something is dollars for doughnuts, it is a sure bet or certainty.

Don't catch your chickens before they're hatched

This means that you should wait until you know whether something has produced the results you desire, rather than

acting beforehand. ('Don't count your chickens until they've hatched' is an alternative.)

Don't give up the day job

This idiom is used a way of telling something that they do something badly.

Don't hold your breath

If you are told not to hold your breath, it means that you shouldn't have high expectations about something.

Don't judge a book by the cover

This idiom means that you should not judge something or someone by appearances, but should look deeper at what is

inside and more important.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth

This means that if you are given something, a present or a chance, you should not waste it by being too critical or

examining it too closely.

Don't push my buttons!

This can be said to someone who is starting to annoy you.

Don't sweat the small stuff

(USA) This is used to tell people not to worry about trivial or unimportant issues.

Don't take any wooden nickels

(USA) This idiom is used to advise people not to be cheated or ripped off.

Don't upset the applecart

If you are advised not to upset the applecart, you are being told not to disturb the way things are done because it might

ruin things.

Don't wash your dirty laundry in public

(UK) People, especially couples, who argue in front of others or involve others in their personal problems and crises, are

said to be washing their dirty laundry in public; making public things that are best left private. (In American English,

'don't air your dirty laundry in public' is used.)

Done to death

If a joke or story has been done to death, it has been told so often that it has stopped being funny.

Donkey's years

This idiom means 'a very long time'.

Doormat

A person who doesn't stand up for themselves and gets treated badly is a doormat.

Double Dutch

(UK) If something is double Dutch, it is completely incomprehensible.

Double take

If someone does a double take, they react very slowly to something to show how shocked or surprised they are.

Double whammy

A double whammy is when something causes two problems at the same time, or when two setbacks occur at the same

time.

Double-edged sword

If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then they are using a two-edged sword; it

cuts both ways.

Doubting Thomas

A Doubting Thomas is someone who only believes what they see themselves, not what they are told.

Down and out

If someone is down and out, they are desperately poor and need help.

Down at heel

Someone who is down at heel is short of money. ('Down in heel' is used in American English)

Down for the count

If someone is down for the count, they have lost a struggle, like a boxer who has been knocked out.

Down in the doldrums

If somebody's down in the doldrums, they are depressed and lacking energy.

Down in the dumps

If someone's down in the dumps, they are depressed.

Down in the mouth

If someone is down in the mouth, they look unhappy or depressed.

Down the drain

If something goes down the drain, especially money or work, it is wasted or produces no results.

Down the pan

If something has gone down the pan, it has failed or been ruined.

Down the tubes

If something has gone down the tubes, it has failed or been ruined.

Down to the wire

(USA) If something goes down to the wire, like a competition, then it goes to the very last moment before it is clear

who has won.

Down-to-earth

Someone who's down-to-earth is practical and realistic. It can also be used for things like ideas.

Drag your feet

If someone is dragging their feet, they are taking too long to do or finish something, usually because they don't want to

do it.

Drag your heels

If you drag your heels, you either delay doing something or do it as slowly as possible because you don't want to do it.

Draw a blank

If you try to find something out and draw a blank, you don't get any useful information.

Draw a line in the sand

If you draw a line in the sand, you establish a limit beyond which things will be unacceptable.

Draw a long bow

If someone draws a long bow, they lie or exaggerate.

Draw the line

When you draw the line, you set out limits of what you find acceptable, beyond which you will not go.

Draw the shortest straw

If someone draws the shortest straw, they lose or are chosen to do something unpleasant.

Dress to kill

When someone is dressed to kill, they are dressed very smartly.

Dressed to the nines

If you are in your very best clothes, you're dressed to the nines.

Drink like a fish

If someone drinks like a fish, they drink far too much alcohol.

Drive a wedge

If you drive a wedge between people, you exploit an issue so that people start to disagree.

Drive someone up the wall

If something or someone drives you up the wall, they do something that irritates you greatly.

Drop in the bucket

(USA) A drop in the bucket is something so small that it won't make any noticeable difference.

Drop in the ocean

A drop in the ocean implies that something will have little effect because it is small and mostly insignificant.

Drop someone a line

If you drop someone a line, you send a letter to them.

Drop the ball

If someone drops the ball, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities seriously enough and let

something go wrong.

Drunk as a lord

(UK) Someone who is very drunk is as drunk as a lord.

Dry as a bone

If your lawn is as dry as a bone, the soil is completely dry.

Dry spell

If something or someone is having a dry spell, they aren't being as successful as they normally are.

Duck soup

(USA) If something is duck soup, it is very easy.

Duck to water

If you take to something like a duck to water, you find when you start that you have a natural affinity for it.

Ducks in a row

(USA) If you have your ducks in a row, you are well-organized.

Dull as ditchwater

(UK) If something is as dull as ditchwater, it is incredibly boring. A ditch is a long narrow hole or trench dug to contain

water, which is normally a dark, dirty colour and stagnant (when water turns a funny colour and starts to smell bad). (In

American English,'things are 'dull as dishwater'.)

Dunkirk spirit

(UK) Dunkirk spirit is when people pull together to get through a very difficult time.

Dutch auction

If something is sold by setting a price, then reducing it until someone buys it, it is sold in a Dutch auction. It can also

mean that something is changed until it is accepted by everyone.

Dutch courage

Dutch courage is the reckless bravery caused by drinking too much.

Dutch treat

If something like a meal is a Dutch treat, then each person pays their own share of the bill.

Dutch uncle

A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice.

Dwell on the past

Thinking too much about the past, so that it becomes a problem is to dwell on the past.

Dyed-in-the-wool

If someone is a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of a political party, etc, they support them totally, without any questions.

~ F ~

Face like thunder

If someone has a face like thunder, they are clearly very angry or upset about something.

Face the music

If you have to face the music, you have to accept the negative consequences of something you have done wrong.

Face value

If you take something at face value, you accept the appearance rather than looking deeper into the matter.

Facts of life

When someone is taught the facts of life, they learn about sex and reproduction.

Fair and square

If someone wins something fair and square, they follow the rules and win conclusively.

Fair crack of the whip

(UK) If everybody has a fair crack of the whip, they all have equal opportunities to do something.

Fair shake of the whip

(USA) If everybody has a fair shake of the whip, they all have equal opportunities to do something.

Fairweather friend

A fairweather friend is the type who is always there when times are good but forgets about you when things get

difficult or problems crop up.

Fall off the back of a lorry

(UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry, they are trying to sell you stolen goods.

Fall off the turnip truck

(USA) If someone has just fallen off the turnip truck, they are uninformed, naive and gullible. (Often used in the

negative)

Fall on our feet

If you fall on your feet, you succeed in doing something where there was a risk of failure.

Fall on your sword

If someone falls on their sword, they resign or accept the consequences of some wrongdoing.

Familiarity breeds contempt

This means that the more you know something or someone, the more you start to find faults and dislike things about it

or them.

Fast and furious

Things that happen fast and furious happen very quickly without stopping or pausing.

Fat cat

A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position in society.

Fat chance!

This idiom is a way of telling someone they have no chance.

Fat head

A fat head is a dull, stupid person.

Fat hits the fire

When the fat hits the fire, trouble breaks out.

Fat of the land

Living off the fat of the land means having the best of everything in life.

Fate worse than death

Describing something as a fate worse than death is a fairly common way of implying that it is unpleasant.

Feather in your cap

A success or achievement that may help you in the future is a feather in your cap.

Feather your own nest

If someone feathers their own nest, they use their position or job for personal gain.

Feathers fly

When people are fighting or arguing angrily, we can say that feathers are flying.

Fed up to the back teeth

When you are extremely irritated and fed up with something or someone, you are fed up to the back teeth.

Feel at home

If you feel relaxed and comfortable somewhere or with someone, you feel at home.

Feel free

If you ask for permission to do something and are told to feel free, the other person means that there is absolutely no

problem

Feel the pinch

If someone is short of money or feeling restricted in some other way, they are feeling the pinch.

Feeling blue

If you feel blue, you are feeling unwell, mainly associated with depression or unhappiness.

Feet of clay

If someone has feet of clay, they have flaws that make them seem more human and like normal people.

Feet on the ground

A practical and realistic person has their feet on the ground.

Fiddle while Rome burns

If people are fiddling while Rome burns, they are wasting their time on futile things while problems threaten to destroy

them.

Fifth columnist

(UK) A fifth columnist is a member of a subversive organisation who tries to help an enemy invade.

Fifth wheel

(USA) A fifth wheel is something unnecessary or useless.

Fight an uphill battle

When you fight an uphill battle, you have to struggle against very unfavourable circumstances.

Fight tooth and nail

If someone will fight tooth and nail for something, they will not stop at anything to get what they want. ('Fight tooth

and claw' is an alternative.)

Fighting chance

If you have a fighting chance, you have a reasonable possibility of success.

Find your feet

When you are finding your feet, you are in the process of gaining confidence and experience in something.

Fine and dandy

(UK) If thing's are fine and dandy, then everything is going well.

Fine tuning

Small adjustments to improve something or to get it working are called fine tuning.

Fine words butter no parsnips

This idiom means that it's easy to talk, but talk is not action.

Finger in the pie

If you have a finger in the pie, you have an interest in something.

Fingers and thumbs

If you are all fingers and thumbs, you are being clumsy and not very skilled with your hands.

Fire away

If you want to ask someone a question and they tell you to fire away, they mean that you are free to ask what you

want.

Fire on all cylinders

If something is firing on all cylinders, it is going as well as it could.

First come, first served

This means there will be no preferential treatment and a service will be provided to those that arrive first.

First out of the gate

When someone is first out of the gate, they are the first to do something that others are trying to do.

First port of call

The first place you stop to do something is your first port of call.

Fish or cut bait

(USA) This idiom is used when you want to tell someone that it is time to take action.

Fish out of water

If you are placed in a situation that is completely new to you and confuses you, you are like a fish out of water.

Fishy

If there is something fishy about someone or something, there is something suspicious; a feeling that there is

something wrong, though it isn't clear what it is.

Fit as a fiddle

If you are fit as a fiddle, you are in perfect health.

Fit for a king

If something is fit for a king, it is of the very highest quality or standard.

Fit of pique

If someone reacts badly because their pride is hurt, this is a fit of pique.

Fit the bill

If something fits the bill, it is what is required for the task.

Fit to be tied

If someone is fit to be tied, they are extremely angry.

Flash in the pan

If something is a flash in the pan, it is very noticeable but doesn't last long, like most singers, who are very successful for

a while, then forgotten.

Flat out

If you work flat out, you work as hard and fast as you possibly can.

Fleet of foot

If someone is fleet of foot, they are very quick.

Flesh and blood

Your flesh and blood are your blood relatives, especially your immediate family.

Flogging a dead horse

(UK) If someone is trying to convince people to do or feel something without any hope of succeeding, they're flogging a

dead horse. This is used when someone is trying to raise interest in an issue that no-one supports anymore; beating a

dead horse will not make it do any more work.

Flowery speech

Flowery speech is full of lovely words, but may well lack substance.

Fly by the seat of one's pants

If you fly by the seat of one's pants, you do something difficult even though you don't have the experience or training

required.

Fly in the ointment

A fly in the ointment is something that spoils or prevents complete enjoyment of something.

Fly off the handle

If someone flies off the handle, they get very angry.

Fly on the wall

If you are able to see and hear events as they happen, you are a fly on the wall.

Fly the coop

When children leave home to live away from their parents, they fly the coop.

Fly the flag

If someone flies the flag, they represent or support their country. ('Wave the flag' and 'show the flag' are alternative

forms of this idiom)

Food for thought

If something is food for thought, it is worth thinking about or considering seriously.

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me

This means that you should learn from your mistakes and not allow people to take advantage of you repeatedly.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

This idiom is used where people who are inexperienced or lack knowledge do something that more informed people

would avoid.

Foot the bill

The person who foots the bill pays the bill for everybody.

Football's a game of two halves

(UK) If something's a game of two halves, it means that it's possible for someone's fortunes or luck to change and the

person who's winning could end up a loser.

For a song

If you buy or sell something for a song, it is very cheap.

For donkey's years

(UK) If people have done something, usually without much if any change, for an awfully long time, they can be said to

have done it for donkey's years.

For England

(UK) A person who talks for England, talks a lot- if you do something for England, you do it a lot or to the limit.

For kicks

If you do something for kicks, or just for kicks, you do it purely for fun or thrills.

For my money

This idiom means 'in my opinion'.

For the time being

For the time being indicates that an action or state will continue into the future, but is temporary. I'm sharing an office

for the time being.

Forbidden fruit

Something enjoyable that is illegal or immoral is forbidden fruit.

Foregone conclusion

If the result of, say, a football match is a foregone conclusion, then the result is obvious before the game has even

begun.

Forest for the trees

(USA) If someone can't see the forest for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they fail to understand

the bigger picture.

Foul play

If the police suspect foul play, they think a crime was committed.

Four corners of the earth

If something goes to, or comes from, the four corners of the earth, it goes or comes absolutely everywhere.

Four-square behind

If someone stands four-square behind someone, they give that person their full support.

Fourth estate

This is an idiomatic way of describing the media, especially the newspapers.

Free rein

If someone has a free rein, they have the authority to make the decisions they want without any restrictions. ('Free

reign' is a common mistake.)

Fresh from the oven

If something is fresh from the oven, it is very new.

Freudian Slip

If someone makes a Freudian slip, they accidentally use the wrong word, but in doing so reveal what they are really

thinking rather than what they think the other person wants to hear.

Friendly footing

When relationships are on a friendly footing, they are going well.

From a different angle

If you look at something from a different angle, you look at it from a different point of view.

From Missouri

(USA) If someone is from Missouri, then they require clear proof before they will believe something.

From pillar to post

If something is going from pillar to post, it is moving around in a meaningless way, from one disaster to another.

From rags to riches

Someone who starts life very poor and makes a fortune goes from rags to riches.

From scratch

This idiom means 'from the beginning'.

From soup to nuts

If you do something from soup to nuts, you do it from the beginning right to the very end.

From the bottom of your heart

If someone does something from the bottom of their heart, then they do it with genuine emotion and feeling.

From the get-go

(USA) If something happens from the get-go, it happens from the very beginning.

From the horse's mouth

If you hear something from the horse's mouth, you hear it directly from the person concerned or responsible.

From the sublime to the ridiculous

If something declines considerably in quality or importance, it is said to have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous.

From the word go

From the word go means from the very beginning of something.

Full circle

When something has come full circle, it has ended up where it started.

Full Monty

(UK) If something is the Full Monty, it is the real thing, not reduced in any way.

Full of beans

If someone's full of beans, they are very energetic.

Full of hot air

Someone who is full of hot air talks a lot of rubbish.

Full of piss and vinegar

Someone who's full of piss and vinegar is full of youthful energy.

Full of the joys of spring

If you are full of the joys of spring, you are very happy and full of energy.

Full swing

If a something is in full swing, it is going or doing well.

Fullness of time

If something happens in the fullness of time, it will happen when the time is right and appropriate.

~ G ~

Game plan

A game plane is a strategy.

Garbage in, garbage out

If a computer system or database is built badly, then the results will be bad.

Gardening leave

(UK) If someone is paid for a period when they are not working, either after they have given in their notice or when

they are being investigated, they are on gardening leave.

Gather pace

If events gather pace, they move faster.

Gather steam

If something gathers speed, it moves or progresses at an increasing speed.

Get your feathers in a bunch

If you get your feathers in a bunch, you get upset or angry about something.

Get along famously

If people get along famously, they have an exceedingly good relationship.

Get away scot-free

If someone gets away scot-free, they are not punished when they have done something wrong. ('Get off scot-free' is an

alternative.)

Get in on the ground floor

If you get in on the ground floor, you enter a project or venture at the start before people know how successful it might

be.

Get it in the neck

(UK) If you get it in the neck, you are punished or criticised for something.

Get my drift

If you get someone's drift, you understand what they are trying to say. ('Catch their drift' is an alternative form.)

Get on like a house on fire

If people get on like a house on fire, they have a very close and good relationship.

Get on your nerves

If something gets on your nerves, it annoys or irritates you.

Get on your soapbox

If someone on their soapbox, they hold forth (talk a lot) about a subject they feel strongly about.

Get out of bed on the wrong side

If you get out of bed on the wrong side, you wake up and start the day in a bad mood for no real reason.

Get the ball rolling

If you get the ball rolling, you start something so that it can start making progress.

Get the green light

If you get the green light to do something, you are given the necessary permission, authorisation.

Get the nod

(UK) If you get the nod to something, you get approval or permission to do it.

Get to grips

If you get to grips with something, you take control and do it properly.

Get up and go

If someone has lots of get up and go, they have lots of enthusiasm and energy.

Get your feet wet

If you get your feet wet, you gain your first experience of something.

Get your goat

If something gets your goat, it annoys you.

Get your hands dirty

If you get your hands dirty, you become involved in something where the realities might compromise your principles. It

can also mean that a person is not just stuck in an ivory tower dictating strategy, but is prepared to put in the effort and

hard work to make the details actually happen.

Get your head around something

If you get your head around something, you come to understand it even though it is difficult to comprehend.

Get your teeth into

If you get your teeth into something, you become involved in or do something that is intellectually challenging or

satisfying.
('Dig you teeth into' and 'sink your teeth into' are also used.)

Ghost of a chance

If something or someone hasn't got a ghost of a chance, they have no hope whatsoever of succeeding.

Ghostly presence

You can feel or otherwise sense a ghostly presence, but you cannot do it clearly only vaguely.

Gift of the gab

If someone has the gift of the gab, they speak in a persuasive and interesting way.

Gild the lily

If you gild the lily, you decorate something that is already ornate.

Gilded cage

If someone is in a gilded cage, they are trapped and have restricted or no freedom, but have very comfortable

surroundings- many famous people live in luxury but cannot walk out of their house alone.

Girl Friday

A girl Friday is a female employee who assists someone without any specific duties.

Give a dog a bad name

A person who is generally known to have been guilty of some offence will always be suspected to be the author of all

similar types of offence. Once someone has gained a bad reputation, it is very difficult to lose it.

Give and take

Where there is give and take, people make concessions in order to get things they want in negotiations.

Give as good as you get

If you give as good as you get, you are prepared to treat people as badly as they treat you and to fight for what you

believe.

Give it some stick

(UK) If you give something some stick, you put a lot of effort into it.

Give me a hand

If someone gives you a hand, they help you.

Give someone a leg up

If you give someone a leg up, you help them to achieve something that they couldn't have done alone.

Give someone a piece of your mind

If you give someone a piece of your mind, you criticise them strongly and angrily.

Give someone a run for their money

If you can give someone a run for the money, you are as good, or nearly as good, as they are at something.

Give someone enough rope

If you give someone enough rope, you give them the chance to get themselves into trouble or expose themselves. (The

full form is 'give someone enough rope and they'll hang themselves)

Give someone stick

(UK) If someone gives you stick, they criticise you or punish you.

Give the nod

(UK) If you give the nod to something, you approve it or give permission to do it.

Give up the ghost

People give up the ghost when they die.

Give your eye teeth

If you really want something and would be prepared to sacrifice a lot to get it, you would give your eye teeth for it.

Given the day that's in it

(Irish) This idiom is used when something is obvious because of the day that it occurs: traffic, for example would be

busy around a football stadium on game day, given the day that's in it. On any other day the traffic would be

unexplainable, but because its game day its obvious why there is traffic.

Glass ceiling

The glass ceiling is the discrimination that prevents women and minorities from getting promoted to the highest levels

of companies and organisations.

Gloves are off

When the gloves are off, people start to argue or fight in a more serious way. ('The gloves come off' and 'take the

gloves off' are also used. It comes from boxing, where fighters normally wear gloves so that they don't do too much

damage to each other.)

Glutton for punishment

If a person is described as a glutton for punishment, the happily accept jobs and tasks that most people would try to get

out of. A glutton is a person who eats a lot.

Gnaw your vitals

If something gnaws your vitals, it troubles you greatly and affects you at a very deep level. ('Gnaw at your vitals' is also

used.)

Go against the grain

A person who does things in an unconventional manner, especially if their methods are not generally approved of, is

said to go against the grain. Such an individual can be called a maverick.

Go awry

If things go awry, they go wrong.

Go blue

If you go blue, you are very cold indeed. ('Turn blue' is an alternative form.)

Go bust

If a company goes bust, it goes bankrupt.

Go Dutch

If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal.

Go fly a kite

(USA) This is used to tell someone to go away and leave you alone.

Go for broke

If someone goes for broke, they risk everything they have for a potentially greater gain.

Go fry an egg

(USA) This is used to tell someone to go away and leave you alone.

Go hand in hand

If things go hand in hand, they are associated and go together.

Go off on a tangent

If someone goes off on a tangent, they change the subject completely in the middle of a conversation or talk.

Go pear-shaped

If things have gone wrong, they have gone pear-shaped.

Go play in traffic

This is used as a way of telling someone to go away.

Go round in circles

If people are going round in circles, they keep discussing the same thing without reaching any agreement or coming to a

conclusion.

Go south

If things go south, they get worse or go wrong.

Go spare

(UK) If you go spare, you lose your temper completely.

Go the extra mile

If someone is prepared to go the extra mile, they will do everything they can to help or to make something succeed,

going beyond their duty what could be expected of them .

Go the whole hog

If you go the whole hog, you do something completely or to its limits.

Go to seed

If someone has gone to seed, they have declined in quality or appearance.

Go under the hammer

If something goes under the hammer, it is sold in an auction.

Go west

If something goes west, it goes wrong. If someone goes west, they die.

Go with the flow

If you go with the flow, you accept things as they happen and do what everyone else wants to do.

Go-to guy

A go-to guy is a person whose knowledge of something is considerable so everyone wants to go to him or her for

information or results.

Golden handshake

A golden handshake is a payment made to someone to get them to leave their job.

Golden rule

The golden rule is the most essential or fundamental rule associated with something. Originally, it was not a general

reference to an all purpose first rule applicable to many groups or protocols, but referred to a verse in the Bible about

treating people they way you would want them to treat you, which was considered the First Rule of behavior towards

all by all.

Golden touch

Someone with a golden touch can make money from or be successful at anything they do.

Gone fishing

If someone has gone fishing, they are not very aware of what is happening around them.

Gone for a burton

(UK) If something's gone for a burton, it has been spoiled or ruined. If a person has gone for a burton, they are either in

serious trouble or have died.

Gone pear-shaped

(UK) If things have gone pear-shaped they have either gone wrong or produced an unexpected and unwanted result.

Gone to pot

If something has gone to pot, it has gone wrong and doesn't work any more.

Gone to the dogs

If something has gone to the dogs, it has gone badly wrong and lost all the good things it had.

Good antennae

Someone with good antennae is good at detecting things.

Good egg

A person who can be relied on is a good egg. Bad egg is the opposite.

Good fences make good neighbours

This means that it is better for people to mind their own business and to respect the privacy of

others.
('Good fences make good neighbors' is the American English spelling.)

Good shape

If something's in good shape, it's in good condition. If a person's in good shape, they are fit and healthy.

Good spell

A spell can mean a fairly or relatively short period of time; you'll hear weather forecasts predict a dry spell. Sports

commentators will say that a sportsperson is going through a good spell when they're performing consistently better

than they normally do.

Good time

If you make good time on a journey, you manage to travel faster than you expected.

Good walls make good neighbours

Your relationship with your neighbours depends, among other things, on respecting one another's privacy.

Goody two-shoes

A goody two-shoes is a self-righteous person who makes a great deal of their virtue.

Grab the bulls by its horns

If you grab (take) the bull by its horns, you deal head-on and directly with a problem.

Grain of salt

If you should take something with a grain of salt, you shouldn't necessarily believe it all. ('pinch of salt' is an alternative)

Grain of salt

If you should take something with a grain of salt, you shouldn't accept it as true without looking more carefully at it.

Grasp the nettle

(UK) If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem.

Grass roots

This idioms is often used in politics, where it refers to the ordinary people or voters. It can be used to mean people at

the bottom of a hierarchy.

Grass widow

A grass widow is a woman whose husband is often away on work, leaving her on her own.

Graveyard shift

If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift.

Gravy train

If someone is on the gravy train, they have found and easy way to make lots of money.

Grease monkey

A grease monkey is an idiomatic term for a mechanic.

Grease someone's palm

If you grease someone's palm, you bribe them to do something.

Grease the skids

If you grease the skids, you facilitate something.

Greased lightning

If something or someone moves like greased lightning, they move very fast indeed.

Great guns

If something or someone is going great guns, they are doing very well.

Great Scott

An exclamation of surprise.

Great unwashed

This is a term used for the working class masses.

Great white hope

Someone who is expected to be a great success is a great white hope.

Greek to me

If you don't understand something, it's all Greek to you.

Green around the gills

If someone looks green around the gills, they look ill.

Green fingers

(UK) Someone with green fingers has a talent for gardening.

Green light

If you are given the green light, you are given approval to do something.

Green thumb

(USA) Someone with a talent for gardening has a green thumb.

Green-eyed monster

The green-eyed monster is an allegorical phrase for somebody's strong jealousy

Greenhorn

A greenhorn or someone who is described simply as green lacks the relevant experience and knowledge for their job or

task

Grey area

A grey/gray area is one where there is no clear right or wrong.

Grey matter

Grey/gray matter is the human brain.

Grey pound

(UK) In the UK, the grey pound is an idiom for the economic power of elderly people.

Grey suits

The men in grey suits are people who have a lot of power in business or politics, but aren't well-known or charismatic.

Grin and bear it

If you have to grin and bear it, you have to accept something that you don't like.

Grin like a Cheshire cat

If someone has a very wide smile, they have a grin like a Cheshire cat.

Grist for the mill

Something that you can use to your advantage is grist for the mill. ('Grist to the mill' is also used.)

Guinea-pig

If you are a guinea-pig, you take part in an experiment of some sort and are used in the testing.

Gunboat diplomacy

If a nation conducts its diplomatic relations by threatening military action to get what it wants, it is using gunboat

diplomacy.

Gung ho

If someone is gung ho about something, they support it blindly and don't think about the consequences.

~ H ~

Hair of the dog

If someone has a hair of the dog, they have an alcoholic drink as a way of getting rid of a hangover, the unpleasant

effects of having drunk too much alcohol the night before. It is commonly used as a way of excusing having a drink early

on in the day.

Hairy at the heel

(UK) Someone who is hairy at the heel is dangerous or untrustworthy.

Hale and hearty

Someone who is hale and hearty is in very good health.

Half a mind

If you have half a mind to do something, you haven't decided to do it, but are thinking seriously about doing it.

Half-baked

A half-baked idea or scheme hasn't not been thought through or planned very well.

Hammer and tongs

If people are going at it hammer and tongs, they are arguing fiercely. The idiom can also be used hen people are doing

something energetically.

Hand in glove

If people are hand in glove, they have an extremely close relationship.

Hand that rocks the cradle

Women have a great power and influence because they have the greatest influence over the development of children-

the hand that rocks the cradle. ('The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world' is the full form.)

Hand to mouth

Someone who's living from hand to mouth, is very poor and needs the little money they have coming in to cover their

expenses.

Hands down

If someone is better hands down than everyone else, they are much better.

Handwriting like chicken scratch

If your handwriting is very hard to read, it is like chicken scratch.

Hang by a thread

If something hangs by a thread, there is a very small chance indeed of it being successful or surviving.

Hang in the balance

If an outcome is hanging in the balance, there are at least two possibilities and it is impossible to predict which will win

out.

Hang out to dry

If you hang someone out to dry, you abandon them when they are in trouble.

Hangdog expression

A hangdog expression is one where the person's showing their emotions very clearly, maybe a little too clearly for your

liking. It's that mixture of misery and self-pity that is similar to a dog when it's trying to get something it wants but

daren't take without permission.

Hanged for a sheep as a lamb

This is an expression meaning that if you are going to get into trouble for doing something, then you ought to stop

worrying and should try to get everything you can before you get caught.

Hard as nails

A person who is as hard as nails is either physically tough or has little or no respect for other people's feelings.

Hard cheese

(UK) Hard cheese means hard luck.

Hard of hearing

Someone who's hard of hearing is a bit deaf.

Hard sell

If someone puts a lot of pressure on you to do or buy something, they are hard selling it.

Haste makes waste

This idiom means that if you try to do something quickly, without planning it, you're likely to end up spending more

time, money, etc, doing it.

Hat trick

Three successes one after the other is a hat trick.

Hatchet job

A piece of criticism that destroys someone's reputation is a hatchet job.

Have a bash

If you have a bash at something, you try to do it, especially when there isn't much chance of success.

Have a go

If you have a go, you try to do something, often when you don't think you have much chance of succeeding.

Have a trick up your sleeve

If you have a trick up your sleeve, you have a secret strategy to use when the time is right.

Have the floor

If someone has the floor, it is their turn to speak at a meeting.

Have your cake and eat it too

If someone wants to have their cake and eat it too, they want everything their way, especially when their wishes are

contradictory.

Have your collar felt

If someone has their collar felt, they are arrested.

Have your tail up

If someone has their tail up, they are optimistic and expect to be successful.

Have your work cut out

If you have your work cut out, you are very busy indeed.

Having a gas

If you're having a gas, you are having a laugh and enjoying yourself in company.

He'll rue the day

He'll rue the day that he crossed me. This means that the person will one day bitterly regret what they have done.

Head for the hills

If people head for the hills, they run away from trouble.

Head is in the clouds

If a person has their head in the clouds, they have unrealistic, impractical ideas.

Head nor tail

If you can't make head nor tail of something, you cannot understand it at all or make any sense of it.

Head on a spike

If someone wants a head on a spike, they want to be able to destroy or really punish a person.

Head on the block

If someone's head is on the block, they are going to be held responsible and suffer the consequences for something

that has gone wrong.

Head over heels in love

When someone falls passionately in love and is intoxicated by the feeling has fallen head over heels in love.

Heads will roll

If heads will roll, people will be punished or sacked for something that has gone wrong.

Headstrong

A headstrong person is obstinate and does not take other people's advice readily.

Healthy as a horse

If you're as healthy as a horse, you're very healthy.

Hear a pin drop

If there is complete silence in a room, you can hear a pin drop.

Hear on the grapevine

To receive information indirectly through a series of third parties, similar to a rumour.

Heart in the right place

If someone's heart is in the right place, they are good and kind, though they might not always appear to be so.

Heart in the right place

If someone's heart is in the right place, their intentions and feelings are good.

Heart in your boots

If you're heart is in your boots, you are very unhappy.

Heart in your mouth

If your heart is in your mouth, then you feel nervous or scared.

Heart isn't in it

If your heart is not in something, then you don't really believe in it or support it.

Heart misses a beat

If your heart misses a beat, you are suddenly shocked or surprised. ('Heart skips a beat' is an alternative)

Heart of gold

Someone with a heart of gold is a genuinely kind and caring person.

Heaven knows

If you ask someone a question and they say this, they have no idea.

Heavenly bodies

The heavenly bodies are the stars.

Heavy-handed

If someone is heavy-handed, they are insensitive and use excessive force or authority when dealing with a problem.

Hedge your bets

If you hedge your bets, you don't risk everything on one opportunity, but try more than one thing.

Hell for leather

If you do something hell for leather, especially running, you do it as fast as you can.

Hell in a handcart

If something is going to hell in a handcart, it is getting worse and worse, with no hope of stopping the decline.

Herding cats

If you have to try to co-ordinate a very difficult situation, where people want to do very different things, you are

herding cats.

Here today, gone tomorrow

Money, happiness and other desirable things are often here today, gone tomorrow, which means that they don't last

for very long.

Hiding to nothing

If people are on a hiding to nothing, their schemes and plans have no chance of succeeding. 'Hiding to nowhere' is an

alternative.

High and dry

If you are left high and dry, you are left alone and given no help at all when you need it.

High and mighty

The high and mighty are the people with authority and power. If a person is high and mighty, they behave in a superior

and condescending way.

High-handed

If someone is high-handed, they behave arrogantly and pompously.

High-wire act

A high-wire act is a dangerous or risky strategy, plan, task, etc.

Himalayan blunder

A Himalayan blunder is a very serious mistake or error.

Hit a nerve

If something hits a nerve, it upsets someone or causes them pain, often when it is something they are trying to hide.

Hit and miss

Something that is hit and miss is unpredictable and may produce results or may fail.

Hit the airwaves

If someone hits the airwaves, they go on radio and TV to promote something or to tell their side of a story.

Hit the bull's-eye

If someone hits the bull's-eye, they are exactly right about something or achieve the best result possible. "Bulls-eye"

and "bullseye" are alternative spellings.

Hit the ceiling

If someone hits the ceiling, they lose their temper and become very angry.

Hit the fan

When it hits the fan, or, more rudely, the shit hits the fan, serious trouble starts.

Hit the ground running

If someone hits the ground running, they start a new job or position in a very dynamic manner.

Hit the hay

When you hit the hay, you go to bed.

Hit the mark

If someone hits the mark, they are right about something.

Hit the nail on the head.

If someone hits the nail on the head, they are exactly right about something.

Hit the road

When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else.

Hit the roof

If you lose your temper and get very angry, you hit the roof.

Hit the sack

When you hit the sack, you go to bed.

Hoist with your own petard

If you are hoist with your own petard, you get into trouble or caught in a trap that you had set for someone else.

Hold all the aces

If you hold all the aces, you have all the advantages and your opponents or rivals are in a weak position.

Hold the baby

(UK) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the baby.

Hold the bag

(USA) If someone is responsible for something, they are holding the bag.

Hold the fort

If you hold the fort, you look after something or assume someone's responsibilities while they are away.

Hold your horses

If someone tells you to hold your horses, you are doing something too fast and they would like you to slow down.

Hold your own

If you can hold your own, you can compete or perform equally with other people.

Holier-than-thou

Someone who is holier-than-thou believes that they are morally superior to other people.

Hollow victory

A hollow victory is where someone wins something in name, but are seen not to have gained anything by winning.

Holy smoke!

This is a way of expressing surprise: "Holy smoke! Look at all of those geese!"

Home stretch

The home stretch is the last part of something, like a journey, race or project.

Home, James

(UK) This is a cliched way of telling the driver of a vehicle to start driving. It is supposed to be an order to a chauffeur (a

privately employed driver).

Honest truth

If someone claims that something is the honest truth, they wish to sound extra-sincere about something.

Honours are even

If honours are even, then a competition has ended with neither side emerging as a winner.

Hook, line, and sinker

If somebody accepts or believes something hook, line, and sinker, they accept it completely.

Hop, skip, and a jump

If a place is a hop, skip, and a jump from somewhere, it's only a short distance away.

Hope against hope

If you hope against hope, you hope for something even though there is little or no chance of your wish being fulfilled.

Hope in hell

If something hasn't got a hope in hell, it stands absolutely no chance of succeeding.

Hornets' nest

If you stir up a hornets' nest, you do something very controversial that causes a lot of trouble and anger.

Hornets' nest

A hornets' nest is a violent situation or one with a lot of dispute. (If you create the problem, you 'stir up a hornets'

nest'.)

Horns of a dilemma

If you are on the horns of a dilemma, you are faced with two equally unpleasant options and have to choose one.

Horse of a different color

(USA) If something is a horse of a different color, it's a different matter or separate issue altogether.

Horse trading

Horse trading is an idiom used to describe negotiations, especially where these are difficult and involve a lot of

compromise.

Horses for courses

Horses for courses means that what is suitable for one person or situation might be unsuitable for another.

Hostile takeover

If a company is bought out when it does not want to be, it is known as a hostile takeover.

Hot air

Language that is full of words but means little or nothing is hot air.

Hot as blue blazes

If something's as hot as blue blazes, it's extremely hot.

Hot as Hades

If something's as hot as Hades, it's extremely hot.

Hot button

(USA) A hot button is a topic or issue that people feel very strongly about.

Hot foot

If you hot foot it out of a place, you leave very quickly, often running.

Hot ticket

(USA) A hot ticket is something that is very much in demand at the moment.

Hot under the collar

If you're hot under the collar, you're feeling angry or bothered.

Hot water

If you get into hot water, you get into trouble.

Hot-blooded

Someone who is hot-blooded is easily excitable or passionate.

Hot-headed

A hot-headed person gets angry very easily. (The noun 'hothead' can also be used.)

How come

If you want to show disbelief or surprise about an action, you can ask a question using 'how come'. How come he got

the job? (You can't believe that they gave the job to somebody like him)

How do you like them apples

(USA) This idiomatic expression is used to express surprise or shock at something that has happened. It can also be used

to boast about something you have done.

How long is a piece of string

If someone has no idea of the answer to a question, they can ask 'How long is a piece of string?' as a way of indicating

their ignorance.

How's tricks?

This is used as a way of asking people how they are and how things have been going in their life.

Hue and cry

Hue and cry is an expression that used to mean all the people who joined in chasing a criminal or villain. Nowadays, if

you do something without hue and cry, you do it discreetly and without drawing attention.

~ I ~

I hereby give notice of my intention

Hereby is used sometimes in formal, official declarations and statements to give greater force to the speaker' or the

writer's affirmation. People will say it sometimes to emphasise their sincerity and correctness.

I should cocoa

(UK) This idiom comes from 'I should think so', but is normally used sarcastically to mean the opposite.

I'll eat my hat

You can say this when you are absolutely sure that you are right to let the other person know that there is no chance of

your being wrong.

I've got a bone to pick with you

If somebody says this, they mean that they have some complaint to make against the person they are addressing.

I've got your number

You have made a mistake and I am going to call you on it. You are in trouble (a threat). I have a disagreement with you.

I understand your true nature.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Any attempt to improve on a system that already works is pointless and may even hurt it.

If the cap fits, wear it

This idiom means that if the description is correct, then it is describing the truth, often when someone is being

criticised. ('If the shoe fits, wear it' is an alternative)

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride

This means that wishing for something or wanting it is not the same as getting or having it.

If you will

'If you will' is used as a way of making a concession in a sentence: He wasn't a very honest person, a liar if you will.

Here, it is used a way of accepting that the reader or listener might think of the person as a liar, but without commit the

writer or speaker to that position fully.

If you'll pardon my French

(UK) This idiom is used as a way of apologising for swearing.

Ill-gotten gains

Ill-gotten gains are profits or benefits that are made either illegally or unfairly.

In a cleft stick

If you are in a cleft stick, you are in a difficult situation, caught between choices.

In a flash

If something happens in a flash, it happens very quickly indeed.

In a heartbeat

If something happens very quickly or immediately, it happens in a heartbeat.

In a jam

If you are in a jam, you are in some trouble.

In a jiffy

If something happens in a jiffy, it happens very quickly.

In a nutshell

This idiom is used to introduce a concise summary.

In a pickle

If you are in a pickle, you are in some trouble or a mess.

In a tick

(UK) If someone will do something in a tick, they'll do it very soon or very quickly.

In all honesty

If you say something in all honesty, you are telling the complete truth. It can be used as a way of introducing a negative

opinion whilst trying to be polite; in all honesty, I have to say that I wasn't very impressed.

In an instant

If something happens in an instant, it happens very rapidly.

In broad daylight

If a crime or problem happens in broad daylight, it happens during the day and should have been seen and stopped.

In cahoots

If people are in cahoots, they are conspiring together.

In cold blood

If something is done in cold blood, it is done ruthlessly, without any emotion.

In dire straits

If you're in dire straits, you're in serious trouble or difficulties.

In donkey's years

'I haven't seen her in donkey's years.' - This means for a very long time.

In dribs and drabs

If people arrive in dribs and drabs, they come in small groups at irregular intervals, instead of all arriving at the same

time.

In droves

When things happen in droves, a lot happen at the same time or very quickly.

In for a penny, in for a pound

If something is worth doing then it is a case of in for a penny, in for a pound, which means that when gambling or taking

a chance, you might as well go the whole way and take all the risks, not just some.

In full swing

If things are in full swing, they have been going for a sufficient period of time to be going well and very actively.

In high gear

(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast

track.

In hot water

If you are in hot water, you are in serious trouble.

In my bad books

If you are in someone's bad books, they are angry with you. Likewise, if you are in their good books, they are pleased

with you.

In my book

This idiom means 'in my opinion'.

In my good books

If someone is in your good books, you are pleased with or think highly of them at the moment.

In one ear and out the other

If something goes in one ear and out the other, you forget it as soon as you've heard it because it was too complicated,

boring etc.

In over your head

If someone is in over their head, they are out of the depth in something they are involved in, and may end up in a mess.

In rude health

(UK) If someone's in rude health, they are very healthy and look it.

In someone's pocket

If a person is in someone's pocket, they are dependent, especially financially, on them.

In spades

(UK) If you have something in spades, you have a lot of it.

In stitches

If someone is in stitches, they are laughing uncontrollably.

In tandem

If people do things in tandem, they do them at the same time.

In the black

If your bank account is in credit, it is in the black.

In the club

(UK) If a woman's in the club, she's pregnant. 'In the pudding club' is an alternative form.

In the dock

If someone is in the dock, they are on trial in court.

In the doghouse

If someone is in the doghouse, they are in disgrace and very unpopular at the moment.

In the doghouse

If someone is in the doghouse, they are in disgrace because they have done something wrong.

In the face of

If people act in the face of something, they do it despite it or when threatened by it.

In the family way

If a woman is in the family way, she is pregnant.

In the flesh

If you meet or see someone in the flesh you actually meet or see them, rather than seeing them on TV or in other

media.

In the hot seat

If someone's in the hot seat, they are the target for a lot of unwelcome criticism and examination.

In the know

If you are in the know, you have access to all the information about something, which other people don't have.

In the long run

This means 'over a long period of time', 'in the end' or 'in the final result'.

In the loop

If you're in the loop, you are fully informed about what is happening in a certain area or activity.

In the making

When something is in the making, it means it is in the process of being made.

In the offing

If something is in the offing, it is very likely to happen soon.

In the pink

If you are in very good health, you are in the pink.

In the pipeline

If something's in the pipeline, it hasn't arrived yet but its arrival is expected.

In the red

If your bank account is overdrawn, it is in the red.

In the same boat

If people are in the same boat, they are in the same predicament or trouble.

In the soup

If you're in the soup, you're in trouble.

In the swim

If you are in the swim, you are up-to-date with and fully informed about something.

In the swing

If things are in the swing, they are progressing well.

In the twinkling of an eye

If something happens in the twinkling of an eye, it happens very quickly.

In turn

This means one after the other. Example: She spoke to each of the guests in turn.

In two minds

If you are in two minds about something, you can't decide what to do.

In your element

If you are in your element, you feel happy and relaxed because you are doing something that you like doing and are

good at. "You should have seen her when they asked her to sing; she was in her element."

In your face

If someone is in your face, they are direct and confrontational. (It is sometime written 'in yer face'colloquially)

In your sights

If you have someone or something in your sights, they are your target to beat.

Indian file

If people walk in Indian file, they walk in a line one behind the other.

Indian giver

An Indian giver gives something, then tries to take it back.

Indian summer

If there is a period of warmer weather in late autumn, it is an Indian summer.

Ins and outs

If you know the ins and outs of something, you know all the details.

Into each life some rain must fall

This means that bad or unfortunate things will happen to everyone at some time.

Into thin air

If something vanishes or disappears without trace, it vanishes into thin air; no-one knows where it has gone.

Iron fist

Someone who rules or controls something with an iron fist is in absolute control and tolerates no dissent. An iron fist in

a velvet glove is used to describe someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. 'Mailed fist' is

an alternative form.

Irons in the fire

A person who has a few irons in the fire has a number of things working to their advantage at the same time.

Is Saul also among the prophets?

It's a biblical idiom used when somebody known for something bad appears all of a sudden to be doing something very

good.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings

This idiom means that until something has officially finished, the result is uncertain.

It cost an arm and a leg

If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive indeed.

It cost the earth

If something costs the earth, it is very expensive indeed.

It never rains but it pours

'It never rains but it pours' means that when things go wrong, they go very wrong.

It takes two to tango

This idiom is used to suggest that when things go wrong, both sides are involved and neither side is completely

innocent.

It's an ill wind that blows no good

This is said when things have gone wrong; the idea being that when bad things happen, there can also be some positive

results.

It's no use crying over spilt milk

This idiom means that getting upset after something has gone wrong is pointless; it can't be changed so it should be

accepted.

Ivory tower

People who live in ivory towers are detached from the world around them.

~ J ~

Jack Frost

If everything has frozen in winter, then Jack Frost has visited.

Jack-of-all-trades

A jack-of-all-trades is someone that can do many different jobs.

Jam tomorrow

(UK) This idiom is used when people promise good things for the future that will never come.

Jane Doe

Jane Doe is a name given to an unidentified female who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person

in hospital, or dead. John Doe is the male equivalent.

Jersey justice

(UK) Jersey justice is very severe justice.

Jet-black

To emphasise just how black something is, such as someone's hair, we can call it jet-black.

Job's comforter

Someone who says they want to comfort, but actually discomforts people is a Job's comforter. (Job's is pronounced

'jobes', not 'jobs')

Jobs for the boys

Where people give jobs, contracts, etc, to their friends and associates, these are jobs for the boys.

Jockey for position

If a number of people want the same opportunity and are struggling to emerge as the most likely candidate, they are

jockeying for position.

John Doe

John Doe is a name given to an unidentified male who may be party to legal proceedings, or to an unidentified person

in hospital, or dead. Jane Doe is the female equivalent.

John Q Public

(USA) John Q Public is the typical, average person.

Johnny-come-lately

A Johnny-come-lately is someone who has recently joined something or arrived somewhere, especially when they want

to make changes that are not welcome.

Joined at the hip

If people are joined at the hip, they are very closely connected and think the same way.

Juggle frogs

If you are juggling frogs, you are trying to do something very difficult.

Jump on the bandwagon

If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular.

Jump the gun

If you jump the gun, you start doing something before the appropriate time.

Jump through hoops

If you are prepared to jump through hoops for someone, you are prepared to make great efforts and sacrifices for

them.

Jungle out there

If someone says that it is a jungle out there, they mean that the situation is dangerous and there are no rules.

Jury's out

If the jury's out on an issue, then there is no general agreement or consensus on it.

Just around the corner

If something is just around the corner, then it is expected to happen very soon.

Just coming up to

If the time is just coming up to nine o'clock, it means that it will be nine o'clock in a very few seconds. You'll hear them

say it on the radio in the morning.

Just deserts

If a bad or evil person gets their just deserts, they get the punishment or suffer the misfortune that it is felt they

deserve.

Just in the nick of time

If you do something in the nick of time, you just manage to do it just in time, with seconds to spare.

Just off the boat

If someone is just off the boat, they are naive and inexperienced.

Just what the doctor ordered

If something's just what the doctor ordered, it is precisely what is needed.

~ K ~

Kangaroo court

When people take the law into their own hands and form courts that are not legal, these are known as kangaroo court.

Keen as mustard

(UK) If someone is very enthusiastic, they are as keen as mustard.

Keep abreast

If you keep abreast of things, you stay informed about developments.

Keep at bay

If you keep someone or something at bay, you maintain a safe distance from them.

Keep body and soul together

If you earn enough to cover your basic expenses, but nothing more than that, you earn enough to keep body and soul

together.

Keep it under your hat

If you keep something under your hat, you keep it secret.

Keep mum

If you keep mum about something, you keep quiet and don't tell anyone.

Keep posted

If you keep posted about something, you keep up-to-date with information and developments.

Keep someone at arm's length

If you keep someone or something at arm's length, you keep a safe distance away from them.

Keep the wolf at bay

If you keep the wolf at bay, you make enough money to avoid going hungry or falling heavily into debt.

Keep up with the Joneses

People who try to keep up with the Joneses are competitive about material possessions and always try to have the

latest and best things.

Keep your chin up

(UK) This expression is used to tell someone to have confidence.

Keep your chin up

This idiom is used as a way of encouraging someone and telling them not to give up.

Keep your ear to the ground

If you keep your ear to the ground, you try to keep informed about something, especially if there are rumours or

uncertainties.

Keep your eye on the ball

If you keep your eye on the ball, you stay alert and pay close attention to what is happening.

Keep your eyes peeled

If you keep your eyes peeled, you stay alert or watchful.

Keep your fingers crossed

If you are keeping your fingers crossed, you are hoping for a positive outcome.

Keep your hair on

Keep your hair on is advice telling someone to keep calm and not to over-react or get angry.

Keep your head above water

If you are just managing to survive financially, you are keeping your head above water.

Keep your nose clean

If someone is trying to keep their Nose Clean, they are trying to stay out of trouble by not getting involved in any sort of

wrong-doing.

Keep your nose to the grindstone

If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you work hard and seriously.

Keep your options open

If someone's keeping their options open, they aren't going to restrict themselves or rule out any possible course of

action.

Keep your pecker up

If someone tells you to keep your pecker up, they are telling you not to let your problems get on top of you and to try

to be optimistic.

Keep your powder dry

If you keep your powder dry, you act cautiously so as not to damage your chances.

Keep your shirt on!

This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down.

Keep your wig on!

(UK) This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down.

Kettle of fish

A pretty or fine kettle of fish is a difficult problem or situation.

Kick a habit

If you kick a habit, you stop doing it.

Kick away the ladder

If someone kicks away the ladder, they remove something that was supporting or helping someone.

Kick in the teeth

Bad news or a sudden disappointment are a kick in the teeth.

Kick something into the long grass

If an issue or problem is kicked into the long grass, it is pushed aside and hidden in the hope that it will be forgotten or

ignored.

Kick the ballistics

It means you realise the intensity of a situation. For example, there is too much unemployment now, so the prime

minister must kick the ballistics and change his policy.

Kick the bucket

When someone kicks the bucket, they die.

Kick up your heels

If you kick up your heels, you go to parties or celebrate something.

Kid gloves

If someone is handled with kid gloves, they are given special treatment and handled with great care.

Kill the goose that lays the golden egg

If you kill the goose that lays the golden egg, you ruin something that is very profitable.

Kill two birds with one stone

When you kill two birds with one stone, you resolve two difficulties or matters with a single action.

Kindred spirit

A kindred spirit is someone who feels and thinks the way you do.

King of the castle

The king of the castle is the person who is in charge of something or in a very comfortable position compared to their

companions.

Kiss of death

The kiss of death is an action that means failure or ruin for someone, a scheme, a plan, etc.

Kiss something goodbye

If someone tells you that you can kiss something goodbye, you have no chance of getting or having it.

Kissing cousin

A kissing cousin is someone you are related to, but not closely.

Kitchen-sink

(UK) Kitchen-sink drama deals with ordinary people's lives.

Kith and kin

Your kith and kin are your family; your next of kin are close relations you nominate to deal with your affairs in the event

of your death on a document, like a passport.

Knee-jerk reaction

A knee-jerk reaction is an instant, instinctive response to a situation.

Knight in shining armour

A knight in shining armour is someone who saves you when you are in great trouble or danger.

Knit your brows

If you knit your brows, you frown or look worried.

Knock 'em dead

'Knock 'em dead' is used as a way of wishing someone luck before they give a performance or have to appear before

people, as in an interview, etc. ('em = them)

Knock on wood

This idiom is used to hope for good luck.

Knock on wood

This idiom is used to wish for good luck. ('Touch wood' is also used.)

Knock your socks off

If something knocks your socks off, it amazes and surprises you, usually in a positive way.

Know a hawk from a handsaw

If someone knows a hawk from a handsaw, they are able to distinguish things and assess them.

Know full well

When you know full well, you are absolutely sure that you know.

Know the ropes

Someone who is experienced and knows how the system works know the ropes.

Know which side one's bread is buttered on

If you know which side one's bread is buttered on, you know where your interests lie and will act accordingly to protect

or further them.

Know your onions

If someone is very well-informed about something, they know their onions.

Know your place

A person who knows their place doesn't try to impose themselves on others.

~ L ~

Labor of love

A labor of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial

or otherwise.

Labour of love

A labour of love is a project or task undertaking for the interest or pleasure in doing it rather than the reward, financial

or otherwise.

Lame duck

If something or someone is a lame duck, they are in trouble.

Land of nod

If someone has gone to the land of nod, they have fallen asleep or gone to bed.

Lap of the gods

If something is in the lap of the gods, it is beyond our control and fate will decide the outcome.

Larger than life

If something is excessive or exaggerated, it is larger than life.

Last hurrah

If an elderly person does something special before they die, it is a last hurrah.

Last laugh

The person who has the last laugh ends up with the the advantage in a situation after some setbacks.

Last straw

The last straw is the final problem that makes someone lose their temper or the problem that finally brought about the

collapse of something. It comes from an Arabic story, where a camel was loaded with straw until a single straw placed

on the rest of the load broke its back.

Last-ditch

A last-ditch attempt is a desperate attempt that will probably fail anyway.

Laugh to see a pudding crawl

(UK) Someone who would laugh to see a pudding crawl is easily amused and will laugh at anything.

Laughing stock

If someone becomes a laughing stock they do something so stupid or wrong that no one can take them seriously and

people scorn and laugh at them.

Law unto yourself

If somebody's a law unto themselves, they do what they believe is right regardless of what is generally accepted as

correct.

Lay down the law

If someone lays down the law, they tell people what to do and are authoritarian.

Lead someone up the garden path

If someone leads you up the garden path, they deceive you, or give you false information that causes you to waste your

time. 'Lead someone down the garden path' is also used.

Lead with the chin

If someone leads with their chin, they speak or behave without fear of the consequences.

Leave no stone unturned

If you look everywhere to find something, or try everything to achieve something, you leave no stone unturned.

Leave well alone

If you leave something well alone, you keep a safe distance from it, either physically or metaphorically.

Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing

If the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, then communication within a company, organisation, group,

etc, is so bad that people don't know what the others are doing.

Left in the dark

If you are left in the dark about something, you aren't given the information that you should have.

Left to your own devices

If someone is left to their own devices, they are not controlled and can do what they want.

Left-handed compliment

A left-handed compliment is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting meaning. ('Backhanded compliment' is an

alternative form.)

Legend in your own lunchtime

Somebody who becomes a legend in their own lifetime acquires fame, but often only to a select or specialist audience,

while they are still alive.

Lend an ear

If you lend an ear, you listen to what someone has to say. ('Lend your ear' is an alternative form.)

Leopard can't change its spots

This idiom means that people cannot change basic aspects of their character, especially negative ones. ("A leopard

doesn't change its spots" is also used.)

Lesser of two evils

Something that is the lesser of two evils, is an unpleasant option, but not as bad as the other.

Let alone

This is used to emphasise how extreme something could be: 'We hadn't got the money to phone home, let alone stay in

a hotel.' This emphasises the utter impossibility of staying in a hotel.

Let bygones be bygones

If people decide to let bygones be bygones, they decide to forget old problems or grievances they have with each other.

Let sleeping dogs lie

If someone is told to let sleeping dogs lie, it means that they shouldn't disturb a situation as it would result in trouble or

complications.

Let the cat out of the bag

If you accidentally reveal a secret, you let the cat out of the bag.

Let the chips fall where they may

This means that we shouldn't try to control events, because destiny controls them.

Let the devil take the hindmost

This idiom means that you should think of yourself and not be concerned about other people; look after yourself and

let the devil take the hindmost.

Let the genie out of the bottle

If people let the genie out of the bottle, they let something bad happen that cannot be put right or controlled.

Let the grass grow round your feet

If you let the grass grow round your feet, you delay doing things instead of taking action.

Let your hair down

If someone lets their hair down, they relax and stop feeling inhibited or shy.

Letter of the law

If people interpret laws and regulations strictly, ignoring the ideas behind them, they follow the letter of the law.

Level playing field

If there's a level playing field everybody is treated equally.

Lie low

If someone lies low, they try not to be found or caught.

Lie through your teeth

Someone who is always lying, regardless of what people know, lies through their teeth.

Life and limb

When people risk life and limb, they could be killed or suffer serious injuries.

Light at the end of the tunnel

If you can see light at the end of the tunnel, then you can see some signs of hope in the future, though things are

difficult at the moment.

Light bulb moment

A light bulb moment is when you have a sudden realisation about something, like the light bulbs used to indicate an

idea in cartoons.

Light years ahead

If you are light years ahead of others, you are a long way in front of them in terms of development, success, etc.

Lightning rod

Someone or something that attracts a lot of negative comment, often diverting attention from other problems, is a

lightning rod.

Like a beached whale

Once a whale is on a beach, it cannot get back into the easily, so if you are completely stuck somewhere and can't get

away, you are stranded like a beached whale.

Like a bear with a sore head

(UK) If someone's like a bear with a sore head, they complain a lot and are unhappy about something.

Like a cat on hot bricks

If someone is like a cat on hot bricks, they are very nervous or excited.

Like a cat that got the cream

If someone looks very pleased with themselves and happy, they look like a cat that got the cream.

Like a duck to water

If someone has a natural talent for something and enjoys it, they take to it like a duck to water.

Like a fish needs a bicycle

If someone needs something like a Fish Needs a Bicycle, they do not need it at all, originally a feminist slogan: A woman

needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.

Like a fish out of water

If someone feels like a fish out of water, they are very uncomfortable in the situation they are in.

Like a hawk

If you watch something or someone like a hawk, you observe very closely and carefully.

Like a headless chicken

If someone rushes about like a headless chicken, they move very fast all over the place, usually without thinking.

Like a rat deserting a sinking ship

If people leave a company because they know that it's about to have serious problems, or turn their back on a person

about to be in a similar situation, they are said to be like rats deserting a sinking ship.

Like clockwork

If something happens like clockwork, it happens at very regular times or intervals.

Like father, like son

This idiom is used when different generations of a family behave in the same way or have the same talents of defects.

Like lambs to the slaughter

If somebody does something unpleasant without any resistance, they go like lambs to the slaughter.

Like peas in a pod

If people or things are like peas in a pod, they look identical.

Like pulling teeth

If something if like pulling teeth, it is very difficult, especially if trying to extract information or to get a straight answer

from someone.

Like taking candy from a baby

(USA) If something is like taking candy from a baby, it is very easy to do.

Like the back of your hand

If you know something like the back of your hand, you know it very well indeed.

Like the clappers

If something is going like the clappers, it is going very fast.

Like there's no tomorrow

If you do something like there's no tomorrow, you do it fast or energetically.

Like two peas in a pod

Things that are like two peas in a pod are very similar or identical,

Like white on rice

(USA) If you do something like white on rice, you do it very closely: When Bob found out I had front row tickets for the

concert, he stuck to me like white on rice.

Like wildfire

If something happens or spreads like wildfire, it happens very quickly and intensely.

Lily-livered

Someone who is lily-livered is a coward.

Lines of communication

Lines of communication are the routes used to communicate by people or groups who are in conflict; a government

might open lines of communication with terrorists if it wished to negotiate with them.

Lion's share

The lion's share of something is the biggest or best part.

Lip service

When people pay lip service to something, they express their respect, but they don't act on their words, so the respect

is hollow and empty.

Little pitchers have big ears

(USA) This means that children hear more and understand the world around them better than many adults realize.

Live wire

A person who is very active, both mentally and physically, is a live wire.

Lo and behold

This phrase is used to express surprise.

Loan shark

A loan shark lends money at very high rates of interest.

Lock horns

When people lock horns, they argue or fight about something.

Lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

If someone takes action too late, they do this; there is no reason to lock an empty stable.

Lock, stock and barrel

This is an expressions that means 'everything'; if someone buys a company lock, stock and barrel, they buy absolutely

everything to do with the company.

Long in the tooth

If someone is long in the tooth, they are a bit too old to do something.

Long time no see

'Long time no see' means that the speaker has not seen that person for a long time.

Look after number 1

You are number one, so this idiom means that you should think about yourself first, rather than worrying about other

people.

Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

(UK) If you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves, meaning that if someone takes care not to

waste small amounts of money, they will accumulate capital. ('Look after the pence and the pounds will look after

themselves' is an alternative form of this idiom.)

Look before you leap

This idiom means that you should think carefully about the possible results or consequences before doing something.

Look on the bright side

If you look on the bright side, you try to see things in an optimistic way, especially when something has gone wrong.

Look out for number one

If you look out for number one, you take care of yourself and your interests, rather than those of other people.

Look what the cat dragged in

This idiom is used when someone arrives somewhere looking a mess or flustered and bothered.

Lose the plot

If someone loses the plot, they have stopped being rational about something.

Lose your lunch

(UK) If you lose your lunch, you vomit.

Lose your marbles

If someone has lost their marbles, they've gone mad.

Lose your shirt

If someone loses their shirt, they lose all their money through a bad investment, gambling, etc.

Low-hanging fruit

Low-hanging fruit are things that are easily achieved.

Lower than a snake's belly

Someone or something that is lower than a snake's belly is of a very low moral standing.

Lower the bar

If people change the standards required to make things easier, they lower the bar.

Lower your sights

If you lower your sights, you accept something that is less than you were hoping for.

Luck of the draw

To have the 'Luck of the draw' is to win something in a competition where the winner is chosen purely by chance.

~ M ~

Mad as a badger

If someone is as mad as a badger, they are crazy.

Mad as a hornet

(USA) If someone is as mad as a hornet, they are very angry indeed.

Mad as a March hare

Someone who is excitable and unpredictable is as mad as a March hare.

Mailed fist

Someone who rules or controls something with a mailed fist is in absolute control and tolerates no dissent. A mailed fist

in a velvet glove is used to describe someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. 'Iron fist' is

an alternative form.

Major league

Something major league is very important.

Make a better fist

If someone makes a better fist of doing something, they do a better job.

Make a killing

If you make a killing, you do something that makes you a lot of money.

Make a meal

If someone makes a meal of something, they spend too long doing it or make it look more difficult than it really is.

Make a mint

If someone is making a mint, they are making a lot of money.

Make a monkey of someone

If you make a monkey of someone, you make them look foolish.

Make a mountain out of a molehill

If somebody makes a mountain out of a molehill, they exaggerate the importance or seriousness of a problem.

Make a pitch

If you make a pitch for something, you make a bid, offer or other attempt to get it.

Make a request

If you request something, or make a request, you are asking for something you want or need.

Make a song and dance

(UK) If someone makes a song and dance, they make an unecessary fuss about something unimportant.

Make an enquiry

If you make an enquiry, you ask for general information about something.

Make bets in a burning house

(USA) If people are making bets in a burning house, they are engaged in futile activity while serious problems around

them are getting worse.

Make ends meet

If somebody finds it hard to make ends meet, they have problems living on the money they earn.

Make hay

If you make hay, or may hay while the sun shines, you take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arises and do not

waste time.

Make headway

If you make headway, you make progress.

Make money hand over fist

If you make money hand over fist, you make a lot of money without any difficulty.

Make no bones about it

If somebody make no bones about a scandal in their past, they are open and honest about it and show no shame or

embarrassment.

Make out like a bandit

(USA) If someone is extremely successful in a venture, they make out like a bandit.

Make waves

If someone makes waves, they cause a lot of trouble.

Make your blood boil

If something makes your blood boil, it makes you very angry.

Make your flesh crawl

If something makes your flesh crawl, it really scares or revolts you. ('Make your flesh creep' is an alternative. 'Make

your skin crawl' is also used.)

Make your hair stand on end

If something makes your hair stand on end, it terrifies you.

Make yourself scarce

If someone makes themselves scarce, they go away from a place, especially to avoid trouble or so that they can't be

found.

Man in the street

The man in the street is an idiom to describe ordinary people, especially when talking about their opinions and ideas.

Man of his word

A man of his word is a person who does what he says and keeps his promises.

Man of letters

A man of letters is someone who is an expert in the arts and literature, and often a writer too.

Man of means

A man, or woman, of means is wealthy.

Man of parts

A man of parts is a person who is talented in a number of different areas or ways.

Man of straw

A weak person that can easily be beaten of changed is a man of straw.

Man of straw

A man of straw is a a weak person or argument that is easily defeated.

Man of the cloth

A man of the cloth is a priest.

Man on the Clapham omnibus

(UK) The man on the Clapham omnibus is the ordinary person in the street.

Man's best friend

This is an idiomatic term for dogs.

Man's man

A man's man is a man who does things enjoyed by men and is respected by other men.

Many a slip twixt cup and lip

There's many a slip twixt cup and lip means that many things can go wrong before something is achieved.

Many hands make light work

This idiom means that when everyone gets involved in something, the work gets done quickly.

Mark my words

Mark my words is an expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the speaker is about to say when talking

about the future. You often hear drunks say it before they deliver some particularly spurious nonsense.

Mark someone's card

If you mark someone's card, you correct them in a forceful and prompt manner when they say something wrong.

Marked man

A marked man is a person who is being targeted by people who want to do them harm or cause them trouble.

Matter of life and death

If something is a matter of life and death, it is extremely important.

Mealy-mouthed

A mealy-mouthed person doesn't say what they mean clearly.

Meat and potatoes

The meat and potatoes is the most important part of something. A meat and potatoes person is someone who prefers

plain things to fancy ones.

Meet someone halfway

If you meet someone halfway, you accept some of their ideas and make concessions.

Meet your expectations

If something doesn't meet your expectations, it means that it wasn't as good as you had thought it was going to be; a

disappointment.

Meet your Maker

If someone has gone to meet their Maker, they have died.

Meet your match

If you meet your match, you meet a person who is at least as good if not better than you are at something.

Megaphone diplomacy

If negotiations between countries or parties are held through press releases and announcements, this is megaphone

diplomacy, aiming to force the other party into adopting a desired position.

Melting pot

A melting pot is a place where people from many ethnicities and nationalities live together.

Memory like a sieve

If somebody can't retain things for long in his or her memory and quickly forgets, he or she has a memory like a sieve. A

sieve has lots of tiny holes in it to let liquids out while keeping the solids inside.

Memory like an elephant

'An elephant never forgets' is a saying, so if a person has a memory like an elephant, he or she has a very good memory

indeed.

Mend fences

When people mend fences, they try to improve or restore relations that have been damaged by disputes or arguments.

Method in his madness

If there's method in someone's madness, they do things in a strange and unorthodox way, but manage to get results.

Mickey Mouse

If something is Mickey Mouse, it is intellectually trivial or not of a very high standard.

Midas touch

If someone has the Midas touch, they make a lot of money out of any scheme they try.

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow

Big or great things start very small.

Millstone round your neck

A millstone around your neck is a problem that prevents you from doing what you want to do.

Mind the gap

Mind the gap is an instruction used on the Underground in the UK to warn passengers to be careful when leaving the

tube or train as there is quite a distance between the train and the platform.

Mind your own beeswax

(USA) This idiom means that people should mind their own business and not interfere in other people's affairs.

Mind Your P's and Q's

If you are careful about the way you behave and are polite, you mind Your P's and Q's.

Mint condition

If something is in mint condition, it is in perfect condition.

Misery guts

A misery guts is a person who's always unhappy and tries to make others feel negative.

Miss is as good as a mile

A miss is as good as a mile means that if you fail, even by the smallest margin, it is still a failure.

Miss the boat

If you miss the boat, you are too late to take advantage of an opportunity.

Monday morning quarterback

(USA) A Monday morning quarterback is someone who, with the benefit of hindsight, knows what should have been

done in a situation.

Money for jam

If something's money for jam, it's a very easy way of making money.

Money for old rope

(UK) If something's money for old rope, it's a very easy way of making money.

Money laundering

If people launder money, they get money made illegally into the mainstream so that it is believed to be legitimate and

clean.

Money makes many things

This means that money is important.

Money to burn

If someone is very rich, they have money to burn.

Monkey business

If children get up to monkey business, they are behaving naughtily or mischievously. This is the same as 'monkeying

around'.

Moot point

If something's a moot point, there's some disagreement about it: a debatable point. In the U.S., this expression usually

means that there is no point in debating something, because it just doesn't matter. An example: If you are arguing over

whether to go the beach or to the park, but you find out the car won't start and you can't go anywhere, then the

destination is said to be a moot point.

Moral fibre

Moral fibre is the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult situations Example: He lacked the moral

fibre to be leader (In American English the correct spelling is 'fiber'.)

Moral high ground

If people have/take/claim/seize, etc, the moral high ground, they claim that their arguments, beliefs, etc, are morally

superior to those being put forward by other people.

More haste, less speed

The faster you try to do something, the more likely you are to make mistakes that make you take longer than it would

had you planned it.

More heat than light

If a discussion generates more heat than light, it doesn't provide answers, but does make people angry.

More than meets the eye

If there is more than meets the eye to something, it is more complex or difficult than it appears.

More than one string to their bow

A person who has more than one string to their bow has different talents or skills to fall back on.

More than one way to skin a cat

When people say that there is more than one way to skin a cat, they mean that there are different ways of achieving

the same thing.

Mountain to climb

If you have a mountain to climb, you have to work hard or make a lot of progress to achieve something.

Move mountains

If you would move mountains to do something, you would make any effort to achieve your aim. When people say that

faith can move mountains, they mean that it can achieve a lot.

Move the goalposts

When people move the goalposts, they change the standards required for something to their advantage.

Mover and shaker

A person who is a mover and shaker is a highly respected, key figure in their particular area with a lot of influence and

importance.

Much ado about nothing

If there's a lot of fuss about something trivial, there's much ado about nothing.

Mud in the fire

The things that cannot be changed in the past that we usually forget about are mud in the fire.

Mud in your eye

This is a way of saying 'cheers' when you are about to drink something, normally alcohol.

Mud-slinging

If someone is mud-slinging, they are insulting someone and trying to damage that person's reputation.

Muddy the waters

If somebody muddies the waters, he or she makes the situation more complex or less clear.

Mum's the word

When people use this idiom, they mean that you should keep quiet about something and not tell other people.

Murder will out

This idiom means that bad deeds can't be kept secret forever.

Murky waters

Where people are behaving in morally and ethically questionable ways, they are in murky waters.

Music to my ears

If something someone says is music to your ears, it is exactly what you had wanted to hear.

Mutton dressed as lamb

Mutton dressed as lamb is term for middle-aged or elderly people trying to look younger.

My dogs are barking

(USA) When someone says this, they mean that their feet are hurting.

My eye

This idiom is added to an adjective to show that you disagree with it: 'He's shy.' 'Shy my eye- he's just planning

something secret.'

My foot!

This idiom is used to show that you do not believe what someone has just said.

My hands are full

If your hands are full, you have so much to do that you cannot take on any more work, responsibilities and so on.

My hands are tied

If your hands are tied, you are unable to act for some reason.

My heart bleeds

If your heart bleeds for someone, you feel genuine sympathy and sadness for them.

My heart goes out to someone

If your heart goes out to someone, you feel genuine sympathy for them.

My way or the highway

This idiom is used to say that if people don't do what you say, they will have to leave or quit the project, etc.

~ N ~

Nail in the coffin

A nail in someone or something's coffin is a problem or event that is a clear step towards an inevitable failure.

Nail-biter

If a game, election, contest, etc, is a nail-biter, it is exciting because the competitors are so close that it is impossible to

predict the result.

Nature abhors a vacuum

This idiom is used to express the idea that empty or unfilled spaces are unnatural as they go against the laws of nature

and physics.

Neck and neck

If two competitors or candidates, etc, are neck and neck, then they are very close and neither is clearly winning.

Neck of the woods

If someone talks about their neck of the woods, they mean the area where they live.

Needle in a haystack

If trying to find something is like looking for a needle in a haystack, it means that it is very difficult, if not impossible to

find among everything around it.

Neither fish nor fowl

Something or someone that is neither fish nor fowl doesn't really fit into any one group.

Neither use nor ornament

Something that serves no purpose and is not aesthetically pleasing is neither use nor ornament.

Nerves of steel

If someone has nerves of steel, they don't get frightened when other people do.

Nest egg

If you have some money saved for the future, it is a nest egg.

Never a rose without the prick

This means that good things always have something bad as well; like the thorns on the stem of a rose.

Never darken my door again

This is a way of telling someone never to visit you again.

New blood

If something needs new blood, it has become stale and needs new ideas or people to invigorate it.

New brush sweeps clean

'A new brush sweeps clean' means that someone with a new perspective can make great changes. However, the full

version is 'a new brush sweeps clean, but an old brush knows the corners', which warns that experience is also a

valuable thing. Sometimes 'broom' is used instead of 'brush'.

New kid on the block

A new kid on the block is a person who has recently joined a company, organisation, team, etc, and does not know how

things work yet.

New lease of life

If someone finds new enthusiasm and energy for something, they have a new lease of life.

New man

(UK) A New man is a man who believes in complete equality of the sexes and shares domestic work equally.

New York minute

(USA) If something happens in a New York minute, it happens very fast.

Newfangled

People who don't like new methods, technologies, etc, describe them as newfangled, which means new but not as good

or nice as the old ones.

Nick of time

If you do something in the nick of time, you do it at the very last minute or second.

Nickel tour

(USA) If someone gives you a nickel tour, they show you around a place. ('Fifty-cent tour' is also used.)

Night owl

A night owl is someone who goes to bed very late.

Ninth circle of hell

In Dante's Inferno, the ninth circle of hell is the centre where the worst punishments are found, so it is used

idiomatically for something that couldn't get worse.

Nip it in the bud

If you nip something in the bud, you deal with a problem when it is still small, before it can grow into something

serious.

Nitty gritty

If people get down to the nitty gritty, they concentrate on the most important and serious issues.

No bed of roses

If something isn't a bed of roses, it is difficult.

No can do

No can do means that the speaker can't do whatever it is that has been asked of him or her.

No great shakes

If someone is no great shakes at something, they are not very good at it.

No holds barred

If there are no holds barred, there are no rules of conduct; you can do anything.

No ifs or buts

Ifs and Buts is a term used to describe the reasons people give for not wanting to do something. To show that you don't

wish to accept any excuses, you can tell somebody that you wish to hear no ifs or buts Here IF & BUT have become

nouns

No love lost

If there is no love lost between two people they have a strong enmity towards or hate for the other and make no effort

to conceal it.

No quarter

This means without mercy. We can say no quarter given or asked.

No question

This idiom means that something is certain or definite.

No questions asked

If something is to be done and no questions asked, then it doesn't matter what methods are used or what rules are

broken to ensure that it gets done.

No skin off my nose

If something's no skin off your nose, it doesn't affect or bother you at all.

No smoke without fire

This idiom means that when people suspect something, there is normally a good reason for the suspicion, even if

there is no concrete evidence.
('Where's there's smoke, there's fire' is also used.)

No spine

If someone has no spine, they lack courage or are cowardly.

No spring chicken

If someone is no spring chicken, they are not young.

No time for

If you have no time for an activity, you have absolutely no desire to spend or waste any time doing it. You can have no

time for people, too.

No time like the present

If people say that there's no time like the present , they believe that it is far better to do something now than to leave it

for later, in which case it might never get done.

No time to lose

If there's no time to lose, then it's time to get started otherwise it won't be finished on time.

No use to man or beast

If something or someone is no use to man or beast, they it or they are utterly useless.

Nod's as good as a wink

(UK) 'A nod's as good as a wink' is a way of saying you have understood somethin that someone has said, even though it

was not said directly.

None so blind as those who will not see

This idiom is used when people refuse to accept facts presented to them. ('None so deaf as those who will not hear' is

an alternative.)

Nose in the air

If someone has their nose in the air, they behave in a way that is meant to show that they are superior to others.

Nosy parker

(UK) A nosy parker is someone who is excessively interested in other people's lives. ('Nosey parker' is an alternative

spelling.)

Not all there

If someone isn't all there, they are a little bit stupid or crazy.

Not bat an eye

If someone doesn't bat an eye, they do not react when other people normally would.

Not born yesterday

When someone says that they weren't born yesterday, they mean that they are not naive or easily fooled.

Not cricket

(UK) If something is not cricket, it is unfair.

Not enough room to swing a cat

If a room is very small, you can say that there isn't enough room to swing a cat in it.

Not give a monkey's

(UK) If you couldn't give a monkey's about something, you don't care at all about it.

Not have two pennies to rub together

If someone hasn't got two pennies to rub together, they are very poor indeed.

Not know beans about

(USA) If someone doesn't know beans about something, they know nothing about it.

Not much cop

Describing a film or something as not much cop is a way of saying that you didn't think much of it.

Not my cup of tea

If something is not your cup of tea, you don't like it very much.

Not the only pebble on the beach

If something is not the only pebble on the beach, there are other possibilities or alternatives.

Not to be sneezed at

If something is not to be sneezed at, it should be taken seriously.

Not wash

If a story or explanation will not wash, it is not credible.

Notch on your belt

A success or achievement that might help you in the future is a notch on your belt.

Nothing to crow about

If something's nothing to crow about, it's not particularly good or special.

Now and then

This idiom means 'occasionally'.

Null and void

If something's null and void, it is invalid or is no longer applicable.

Number cruncher

A number cruncher is an accountant or someone who is very good at dealing with numbers and calculations.

Nuts and bolts

The nuts and bolts are the most essential components of something.

Nutty as a fruitcake

Someone who's nutty as a fruitcake is irrational or crazy. (This can be shortened to 'a fruitcake'.)

~ O ~

Object lesson

An object lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of English 'abject lesson' is used.)

Odds and ends

Odds and ends are small, remnant articles and things- the same as bits and bobs.

Off colour

If someone looks off colour/color, they look ill.

Off the beaten track

Somewhere that's off the beaten track is in a remote location.

Off the chart

If something goes off the chart, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad, for something.

Off the cuff

If you do something off the cuff, you do it without any preparation.

Off the hook

If someone is off the hook, they have avoided punishment or criticism for something they have done.

Off the mark

If something is off the mark, it is inaccurate or incorrect.

Off the rails

If someone has gone off the rails, they have lost track of reality.

Off the scale

If something goes off the scale, it far exceeds the normal standards, good or bad, for something.

Off the shelf

If a product is off the shelf, it can be used straightaway without any setting-up.

Off the track

If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you from achieving what you want.

Off the wall

Something that is off the wall is unconventional.

Off your chump

(UK) If someone is off their chump, they are crazy or irrational.

Off your rocker

(UK) Someone who is off their rocker is crazy.

Off-hand

Off-hand means without preparation. People say that they don't know the answer off-hand, meaning that they don't

know it at that time.

Old chestnut

An old chestnut is something that has been repeated so many times that it has lost its impact.

Old friends and old wine are best

This idiom means that the things and people that we know well are better than the unfamiliar.

Old hat

If something's old hat, it seems rather old fashioned and dated.

Oldest trick in the book

The oldest trick in the book is a well-known way of deceiving someone, though still effective.

Olive branch

If you hold out or offer an olive branch, you make a gesture to indicate that you want peace.

On a fishing expedition

If someone is on a fishing expedition, they are trying to get information, often using incorrect or improper ways to find

things out.

On a roll

If you're on a roll, you're moving from success to success.

On a silver platter

If you hand or give something on a silver platter to someone, you let them have it too easily.

On Carey Street

(UK) If someone is on Carey Street, they are heavily in debt or have gone bankrupt.

On good terms

If people are on good terms, they have a good relationship.

On hold

If something is on hold, no action is being taken.

On ice

If plans are put on ice, they are delayed and no action will be taken for the foreseeable future.

On pins and needles

If you are on pins and needles, you are very worried about something.

On tenterhooks

This means that she is waiting impatiently and excitedly for something.

On the ball

If someone's on the ball, they are well-informed and know what's going on in their area of responsibility or interest.

On the blink

(UK) Is a machine is on the blink, it isn't working properly or is out of order.

On the blower

(UK) If someone is on the blower, they are on the phone.

On the case

If someone is on the case, they are dealing with a problem.

On the cheap

If you do something on the cheap, you spend as little as possible to do it.

On the dot

If someone says that they're leaving at seven on the dot, don't be late; they mean at exactly seven o'clock.

On the factory floor

On the factory floor means the place where things are actually produced.

On the fiddle

(UK) Someone who is stealing money from work is on the fiddle, especially if they are doing it by fraud.

On the fly

If you do things on the fly, you do things without preparation, responding to events as they happen.

On the game

(UK) A person who is on the game works as a prostitute.

On the ground

Events on the ground are where things are actually happening, not at a distance.

On the hoof

If you decide something on the hoof, you do it without planning, responding to events as they happen.

On the house

If you get something for free that would normally have to be bought, especially in a bar or restaurant, it is on the house.

On the lam

If someone is on the lam, they are hiding from the police or authorities, especially to avoid arrest or prison.

On the level

If someone is honest and trustworthy, they are on the level.

On the line

If somebody's job is on the line, they stand a very good chance of losing it.

On the make

If someone is on the make, they are trying to make a lot of money, usually illegally.

On the map

If a place becomes widely known, it is put on the map. A place that remains unknown is off the map.

On the never-never

(UK) If you buy something on the never-never, you buy it on long-term credit.

On the nod

(UK) If something is accepted by parliament or a committee majority, it is on the nod.

On the nod

(UK) Someone who's on the nod is either asleep or falling asleep, especially when the shouldn't or are are in a position

unusual for sleep, like sitting or standing.

On the rebound

If someone is on the rebound, their relationship has recently ended and they are emotionally unstable.

On the right foot

If you start something or set off on the right foot, you get off to a good start.

On the ropes

When something or someone is on the ropes, it or they are doing badly and likely to fail.

On the run

If someone is on the run, they are avoiding arrest and hiding from the police.

On the same page

If people are on the same page, they have the same information and are thinking the same way.

On the shelf

If something like a project is on the shelf, nothing is being done about it at the moment.

On the sly

If someone does something on the sly, they do it furtively or secretly.

On the stump

When politicians are campaigning for support and votes, they are on the stump.

On the take

(UK) Someone who is stealing from work is on the take.

On the tip of your tongue

If a word is on the tip of your tongue, you know you know the word, but you just can't quite remember it at the

moment.

On the trot

(UK) This idiom means 'consecutively'; I'd saw them three days on the trot, which means that I saw them on three

consecutive days.

On the up and up

If you are on the up and up, you are making very good progress in life and doing well.

On the wagon

If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol.

On top of the world

If you are on top of the world, everything is going well for you.

On your high horse

When someone is on their high horse, they are being inflexible, arrogant and will not make any compromises.

On your last legs

If someone's on their last legs, they're close to dying.

Once bitten, twice shy

If somebody is said to be once bitten twice shy, it means that someone who has been hurt or who has had something

go wrong will be far more careful the next time.

Once in a blue moon

If something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely indeed.

One bad apple

The full form of this proverb is 'one bad apple spoils the barrel', meaning that a bad person, policy, etc, can ruin

everything around it.

One fell swoop

If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly.

One for the road

A last drink before leaving a pub or bar is one for the road.

One hand washes the other

This idiom means that we need other people to get on as cooperation benefits us all.

One man's meat is another man's poison

This idiom means that one person can like something very much, but another can hate it.

One over the eight

(UK) Someone who is one over the eight is drunk.

One swallow does not make a summer

This means that one good or positive event does not mean that everything is all right.

One-man band

If one person does all the work or has all the responsibility somewhere, then they are a one-man band.

One-off

A one-off event only happens once and will not be repeated.

One-trick pony

A one-trick pony is someone who does one thing well, but has limited skills in other areas.

Open all hours

If a shop or suchlike is open all hours, it only closes, if at all, terribly late.

Open book

If a person is an open book, it is easy to know what they think or how they feel about things.

Opening a can of worms

If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to

cause more trouble than it's worth.

Opportunity knocks but once

This idiom means that you only get one chance to achieve what you really want to do.

Other side of the coin

The other side of the coin is a different, usually opposing, view of a situation. ('Flip side of the coin' is an alternative.)

Out and about

If someone is out and about, they have left their home and are getting things done that they need to do.

Out in the sticks

(UK) If someone lives out in the sticks, they live out in the country, a long way from any metropolitan area.

Out like a light

If you are out like a light, you fall fast asleep.

Out of hand

If something gets out of hand, it gets out of control.

Out of pocket

If you are out of pocket on a deal, you have lost money.

Out of sight, out of mind

Out of sight, out of mind is used to suggest that someone will not think or worry about something if it isn't directly

visible or available to them.

Out of sorts

If you are feeling a bit upset and depressed, you are out of sorts.

Out of the blue

If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and unexpectedly.

Out of the box

Thinking out of the box is thinking in a creative way. However, it can also be used for a ready-made product that

requires no specialist knowledge to set it up.

Out of the frying pan, into the fire

If you get out of one problem, but find yourself in a worse situation, you are out of the frying pan, into the fire.

Out of the woods

If you are out of the woods, you have emerged safely from a dangerous situation, though the idiom is often used in the

negative.

Out of this world

If something is out of this world, it is fantastic.

Out of your hair

If you get someone out of your hair, you get them to stop bothering or annoying you. ('Stay/keep/get out of my hair!'

can be used as imperatives)

Out of your mind

If someone is out of the mind, they are so emotional about something that they are no longer rational.

Out of your own pocket

If someone does something out of their own pocket, they pay all the expenses involved.

Out on a limb

If somebody's out on a limb, they are in a very exposed position and could get into difficulties.

Out to lunch

If someone's out to lunch, they are crazy or out of touch.

Out to lunch

If someone is out to lunch, they are not very aware of things around them.

Over a barrel

If someone has you over a barrel, they have you in a position where you have no choice but to accept what they want.

Over and over

If something happens over and over, it happens repeatedly.

Over my dead body

If you say that something will happen over your dead body, you will not let it happen.

Over the counter

Medicines and drugs that can be sold without a doctor's prescription are sold over the counter.

Over the hill

If someone is over the hill they have reached an age at which they can longer perform as well as they used to.

Over the moon

If you are over the moon about something, you are overjoyed.

Over the top

If something is over the top, it is excessive or unnecessary.
It refers to the moment a soldier leaves the

trenches.

Over your head

If something is over your head, or goes over your head, it is too complex or difficult for you to understand.

Over-egg the pudding

(UK) If you over-egg the pudding, you spoil something by trying to improve it excessively. It is also used nowadays with

the meaning of making something look bigger or more important than it really is. ('Over-egg' alone is often used in this

sense.)

~ P ~

Packed like sardines

If a place is extremely crowded, people are packed like sardines, or packed in like sardines.

Paddle your own canoe

(USA) If you paddle your own canoe, you do things for yourself without outside help.

Pain in the neck

If someone is very annoying and always disturbing you, they are a pain in the neck. Pain in the butt, or pain in the ass

(USA), and Pain in the arse (UK) are less polite alternative forms.

Paint the town red

If you go out for a night out with lots of fun and drinking, you paint the town red.

Paint yourself into a corner

(USA) If someone paints themselves into a corner, they get themselves into a mess.

Painted Jezebel

A painted Jezebel is a scheming woman.

Pandora's box

If you open a Pandora's box, something you do causes all sorts of trouble that you hadn't anticipated.

Paper tiger

A paper tiger is a person, country, institution, etc, that looks powerful, but is actually weak.

Par for the course

If something is par for the course, it is what you expected it would be. If it is above par, it is better, and if it is below par,

it is worse.

Parrot fashion

If you learn something parrot fashion, you learn it word for word. A parrot is a bird from South America that can talk.

Part and parcel

If something is part and parcel of your job, say, it is an essential and unavoidable part that has to be accepted.

Pass muster

If something passes muster, it meets the required standard.

Pass the buck

If you pass the buck, you avoid taking responsibility by saying that someone else is responsible.

Pass the time of day

If you pass the time of day with somebody, you stop and say hello, enquire how they are and other such acts of social

politeness.

Patience of Job

If something requires the patience of Job, it requires great patience.

Pay on the nail

If you pay on the nail, you pay promptly in cash.

Pay the piper

When you pay the piper, you have to accept the consequences of something that you have done wrong or badly.

Pay through the nose

If you pay through the nose for something, you pay a very high price for it.

Pecking order

The pecking order is the order of importance or rank.

Pen is mightier than the sword

The idiom 'the pen is mightier than the sword' means that words and communication are more powerful than wars and

fighting.

Penny ante

(USA) Something that is very unimportant is penny ante.

Penny wise, pound foolish

Someone who is penny wise, pound foolish can be very careful or mean with small amounts of money, yet wasteful and

extravagant with large sums.

Perfidious Albion

England is known to some as perfidious Albion, implying that it is not trustworthy in its dealings with foreigners.

Perish the thought

Perish the thought is an expression meaning that you really hope something will not happen.

Pick up the tab

A person who pays for everyone picks up the tab.

Pick-up game

(USA) A pick-up game is something unplanned where people respond to events as they happen.

Pie in the sky

If an idea or scheme is pie in the sky, it is utterly impractical.

Piece of cake

If something is a piece of cake, it is really easy.

Pieces of the same cake

Pieces of the same cake are things that have the same characteristics or qualities.

Pig in a poke

If someone buys a pig in a poke, they buy something without checking the condition it was in, usually finding out later

that it was defective.

Pigs might fly

If you think something will never happen or succeed, you can say that 'pigs might fly' (or 'pigs can fly' and 'pigs will fly'-

the idiom is used in many forms)

Pin money

(UK) If you work for pin money, you work not because you need to but because it gives you money for extra little

luxuries and treats.

Pinch of salt

If what someone says should be taken with a pinch of salt, then they exaggerate and distort things, so what they say

shouldn't be believed unquestioningly. ('with a grain of salt' is an alternative.)

Pink pound

(UK) In the UK, the pink pound is an idiom for the economic power of gay people.

Pink slip

If someone receives a pink slip, they receive a letter telling them they have lost their job.

Pipe dream

A pipe dream is an unrealistic, impractical idea or scheme.

Piping hot

If food is piping hot, it is very hot indeed.

Place in the sun

If you have your place in the sun, you find wealth, happiness or whatever you are looking for in life.

Plain as a pikestaff

(UK) If something is as plain as a pikestaff, it is very clear.

Plain as the nose on your face

If something is as plain as the nose on your face, it is very clear and obvious.

Plain Jane

A plain Jane is a woman who isn't particularly attractive.

Plain sailing

If something is relatively easy and there are no problems doing it, it is plain sailing.

Plan B

Plan is an alternate or fall-back position or method when the initial attempt or plan goes wrong.

Plastic smile

When someone is wearing a plastic smile, they are appear to be happier with a situation or events than they actually

are. This is actually a description of the forced smile you might see in many photographs.

Play fast and loose

If people play fast and loose, they behave in an irresponsible way and don't respect rules, etc.

Play hardball

If someone plays hardball, they are very aggressive in trying to achieve their aim.

Play havoc

Playing havoc with something is creating disorder and confusion; computer viruses can play havoc with your programs.

Play hooky

If people play hooky, they don't attend school when they should and don't have a valid reason for their absence.

Play into someone's hands

If you play into someone's hands, you do what they were expecting you to do and take advantage of this.

Play it by ear

If you play it by ear, you don't have a plan of action, but decide what to do as events take shape.

Play out of your skin

If someone plays out of their skin, they give an outstanding performance.

Play second fiddle

If you play second fiddle, you take a subordinate role behind someone more important.

Play the field

Someone who plays the field has sexual relationships with many people.

Play the fool

If someone plays the fool, they behave in a silly way to make people laugh. ('Act the fool' is and alternative form.)

Play with fire

If people take foolish risks, they are playing with fire.

Playing to the gallery

If someone plays to the gallery, they say or do things that will make them popular, but which are not the right things to

do.

Poetry in motion

Something that is poetry in motion is beautiful to watch.

Pointy-heads

Pointy-heads are supposed intellectuals or experts, but who don't really know that much.

Poison pill

A poison pill is a strategy designed to prevent a company from being take over.

Pop the question

When someone pops the question, they ask someone to marry them.

Pop your clogs

When someone pops their clogs, they die.

Pork barrel

Pork barrel politics involves investing money in an area to get political support rather than using the money for the

common good.

Pot calling the kettle black

If someone hypocritically criticises a person for something that they themselves do, then it is a case of the pot calling

the kettle black.

Pot-luck

If you take pot-luck, you take whatever happens to be available at the time.

Pound of flesh

If someone wants their pound of flesh, the force someone to pay or give back something owed, even though they don't

need it and it will cause the other person a lot of difficulty.

Pour oil on troubled waters

If someone pours oil on troubled waters, they try to calm things down.

Powder your nose

If somebody goes to powder your nose, it is a euphemism for going to the lavatory (toilet).

Powers that be

The powers that be are the people who are in charge of something.

Preaching to the choir

If someone preaches to the choir, they talking about a subject or issue with which their audience already agrees.

('Preaching to the converted' is an alternative form.)

Presence of mind

If someone behaves calmly and rationally in difficult circumstances, they show presence of mind.

Press the flesh

When people, especially politicians, press the flesh, they meet members of the public and shake their hands, usually

when trying to get support.

Pressed for time

If you are pressed for time, you are in a hurry or working against a very tight schedule.

Primrose path

The primrose path is an easy and pleasurable lifestyle, but one that ends in unpleasantness and problems.

Prince charming

A prince charming is the perfect man in a woman's life.

Problem is thirty

If a problem is 30, the problem is the person who sits 30 cm from the computer screen. It is used to describe people

that lack technical knowledge and can be used when you insult someone who's having computer problems.

Proclaim it from the rooftops

If something is proclaimed from the rooftops, it is made as widely known and as public as possible.

Prodigal son

A prodigal son is a young man who wastes a lot on money on a lavish lifestyle. If the prodigal son returns, they return to

a better way of living.

Pull in the reins

When you pull in the reins, you slow down or stop something that has been a bit out of control.

Pull no punches

If you pull no punches, you hold nothing back.

Pull out all the stops

If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you possibly can to achieve the result you want.

Pull out of the fire

(USA) If you pull something out of the fire, you save or rescue it.

Pull someone's leg

If you pull someone's leg, you tease them, but not maliciously.

Pull strings

If you pull strings, you use contacts you have got to help you get what you want.

Pull the fat from the fire

If you pull the fat from the fire, you help someone in a difficult situation.

Pull the other one, it's got brass bells on

This idiom is way of telling somebody that you don't believe them. The word 'brass' is optional.

Pull the trigger

The person who pulls the trigger is the one who does the action that closes or finishes something.

Pull the wool over someone's eyes

If you pull the wool over someone's eyes, you deceive or cheat them.

Pull up your socks

If you aren't satisfied with someone and want them to do better, you can tell them to pull up their socks.

Pull your chain

(USA) If someone pulls your chain, they take advantage of you in an unfair way or do something to annoy you.

Pull your finger out!

(UK) If someone tells you to do this, they want you to hurry up. ('Get your finger out' is also used.)

Pull your punches

If you pull your punches, you do not use all the power or authority at your disposal.

Pull your weight

If someone is not pulling their weight, they aren't making enough effort, especially in group work.

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps

If you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you make the effort to improve things for yourself.

Punching bag

A punching bag (or punch bag) is a person who gets a lot of unfair criticism.

Pup's chance

A pup's chance is no chance.

Push comes to shove

If or when push comes to shove, the situation has become some bad that you are forced to do something: If push

comes to shove, we'll just have to use our savings.

Push the envelope

This means to go to the limits, to do something to the maximum possible.

Pushing up the daisies

If someone is said to be pushing up the daisies, they are dead.

Put all your eggs in one basket

If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything on a single opportunity which, like eggs breaking, could go

wrong.

Put or get someone's back up

If you put or get someone's back up, you annoy them.

Put some mustard on it!

(USA) I think its used to encourage someone to throw a ball like a baseball hard or fast.

Put somebody's nose out of joint

If you put someone's nose out of joint, you irritate them or make them angry with you.

Put someone out to pasture

If someone is put out to pasture, they are forced to resign or give up some responsibilities.

Put the pedal to the metal

If you put the pedal to the metal, you go faster.

Put to the sword

If someone is put to the sword, he or she is killed or executed.

Put two and two together

If someone puts two and two together, they reach a correct conclusion from the evidence.

Put you in mind

If something suggests something to you, it puts you in mind of that thing.

Put you in the picture

If you put someone in the picture, you tell them the information they need to know about something.

Put your foot down

When someone puts their foot down, they make a firm stand and establish their authority on an issue.

Put your foot in it

If you put your foot in it, you do or say something embarrassing and tactless or get yourself into trouble.

Put your foot in your mouth

If you put your foot in your mouth, you say something stupid or embarrassing.

Put your hand on your heart

If you can out your hand on your heart, then you can say something knowing it to be true.

Put your heads together

If people put their head together, they exchange ideas about something.

Put your money where your mouth is

If someone puts their money where their mouth is, they back up their words with action.

Putting the cart before the horse

When you put the cart before the horse, you are doing something the wrong way round.

Pyrrhic victory

A Pyrrhic victory is one that causes the victor to suffer so much to achieve it that it isn't worth winning.

~ Q ~

Quart into a pint pot

(UK) If you try to put or get a quart into a pint pot, you try to put too much in a small space. (1 quart = 2 pints)

Queen of Hearts

A woman who is pre-eminent in her area is a Queen of Hearts.

Queer fish

(UK) A strange person is a queer fish.

Queer Street

If someone is in a lot of trouble, especially financial, they are in Queer Street.

Queer your pitch

If someone queers your pitch, they interfere in your affairs and spoil things.

Question of time

If something's a question of time, it's certain to happen, though we don't know exactly when.

Queue jumping

Someone who goes to the front of a queue instead of waiting is jumping the queue.

Quick as a flash

If something happens quick as a flash, it happens very fast indeed.

Quick buck

If you make some money easily, you make a quick buck.

Quick off the mark

If someone is quick off the mark, they are very quick to use, start or do something new.

Quick on the trigger

Someone who is quick on the trigger acts or responds quickly.

Quids in

(UK) If somebody is quids in, they stand to make a lot of money from something.

Quiet as a mouse

If someone's as quiet as a mouse, they make absolutely no noise.

~ R ~

Rack and ruin

If something or someone goes to rack and ruin, they are utterly destroyed or wrecked.

Rack your brain

If you rack your brain, you think very hard when trying to remember something. ('Rack your brains' is an alternative.)

Ragged blue line

(USA) This term was used to signify the Union forces (who wore blue uniforms) in the American Civil war .

Rags to riches

Someone who starts life very poor and becomes rich goes from rags to riches.

Raining cats and dogs

When it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining very heavily.

Rainy day

If you save something, especially money, for a rainy day, you save it for some possible problem or trouble in the future.

Raise Cain

(USA) If someone raises Cain, they make a big fuss publicly, causing a disturbance.

Raise eyebrows

If something raises eyebrows, it shocks or surprises people.

Rake over old coals

(UK) If you go back to old problems and try to bring them back, making trouble for someone, you are raking over old

coals.

Rake someone over the coals

(USA) If you rake someone over the coals, you criticize or scold them severely.

Rank and file

The rank and file are the ordinary members of a company, organisation, etc, excluding the managers and directors.

Rat race

The rat race is the ruthless, competitive struggle for success in work, etc.

Rather you than me

Rather you than me is an expression used when someone has something unpleasant or arduous to do. It is meant in a

good natured way of expressing both sympathy and having a bit of a laugh at their expense.

Raw deal

If you get a raw deal, you are treated unfairly.

Read from the same page

When people are reading from the same page, they say the same things in public about an issue.

Read someone the riot act

If you read someone the riot act, you give them a clear warning that if they don't stop doing something, they will be in

serious trouble.

Real deal

If something is the real deal, it is genuine and good.

Real McCoy

Something that's the real McCoy is the genuine article, not a fake.

Real trooper

A real trooper is someone who will fight for what they believe in and doesn't give up easily.

Recipe for disaster

A recipe for disaster is a mixture of people and events that could only possibly result in trouble.

Red carpet

If you give someone the red-carpet treatment, you give them a special welcome to show that you think they are

important. You can roll out the red carpet, too.

Red herring

If something is a distraction from the real issues, it is a red herring.

Red letter day

A red letter day is a one of good luck, when something special happens to you.

Red light district

The red light district is the area of a town or city where there is prostitution, sex shops, etc.

Red mist

If someone sees red or the red mist, they lose their temper and self-control completely.

Red rag to a bull

If something is a red rag to a bull, it is something that will inevitably make somebody angry or cross.

Red tape

This is a negative term for the official paperwork and bureaucracy that we have to deal with.

Reinvent the wheel

If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has already been done by other people,

when they could be doing something more worthwhile.

Renaissance man

A Renaissance man is a person who is talented in a number of different areas, especially when their talents include both

the sciences and the arts.

Rest is gravy

(USA) If the rest is gravy, it is easy and straightforward once you have reached that stage.

Rest on your laurels

If someone rests on their laurels, they rely on their past achievements, rather than trying to achieve things now.

Revenge is sweet

When you are happy to be proved right, then you know that revenge is sweet.

Rewrite history

If you rewrite history, you change your version of past events so as to make yourself look better than you would if the

truth was told.

Rhyme or reason

If something is without rhyme or reason, it is unreasonable. ('Beyond rhyme or reason' is an alternative.)

Rice missionary

A rice missionary gives food to hungry people as a way of converting them to Christianity.

Rich as Croesus

Someone who is as rich as Croesus is very wealthy indeed.

Ride roughshod

If someone rides roughshod over other people, they impose their will without caring at all for other people's feelings.

Right as rain

If things are right as rain, then everything is going well in your life.

Right royal

(UK) A right royal night out would be an extremely exciting, memorable and fun one.

Right up my alley

If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.

Right up your street

If something is ideal for you, it is right up your street.

Ring a bell

If something rings a bell, it reminds you of something you have heard before, though you may not be able to remember

it very well. A name may ring a bell, so you know you have heard the name before, but cannot place it properly.

Ringside seat

If you have a ringside seat, you can observe something from a very close and clear position.

Rip van Winkle

Rip van Winkle is a character in a story who slept for twenty years, so if someone is a Rip van Winkle, they are behind

the times and out of touch with what's happening now.

Rise and shine

If you wake up full of energy, you rise and shine.

Rise from the ashes

If something rises from the ashes, it recovers after a serious failure.

Road to Damascus

If someone has a great and sudden change in their ideas or beliefs, then this is a road to Damascus change, after the

conversion of Saint Paul to Christianity while heading to Damascus to persecute Christians.

Rob Peter to pay Paul

If you rob Peter to pay Paul, you try to solve one problem, but create another in doing so, often through short-term

planning.

Rock the boat

If you rock the boat, you destabilise a situation by making trouble. It is often used as advice; 'Don't rock the boat'.

Rocket science

If something is not rocket science, it is not very complicated or difficult to understand. This idiom is normally used in

the negative.

Roll out the red carpet

If you roll out the red carpet, you treat someone in a special way, especially when welcoming them.

Roll with the punches

If you roll with the punches, you are flexible and able to adapt to difficult circumstances.

Rolling in the aisles

If the audience watching something are laughing loudly, the show has them rolling in the aisles.

Rome was not built in a day

This idiom means that many things cannot be done instantly, and require time and patience.

Rooted to the spot

If someone is rooted to the spot, they canot move, either physically or they cannot think their way out of a problem.

Rose-colored glasses

If people see things through rose-colored (coloured) glasses, they see them in a more positive light than they really are.

Rose-tinted glasses

If people see things through rose-tinted glasses, they see them in a more positive light than they really are.

Rough and ready

If something is rough and ready, it has not been carefully prepared, but is fit for its purpose. If a person is rough and

ready, they are not very refined or mannered.

Rough around the edges

If someone is rough around the edges, they haven't mastered something, though they show promise.

Rough diamond

A rough diamond is a person who might be a bit rude but who is good underneath it all.

Rough edges

If something has rough edges, it is still not a finished product and not all of a uniform standard.

Rough-hewn

If something, especially something made from wood or stone, is rough-hewn, it is unfinished or unpolished.

Round the bend

If someone has gone round the bend, they have stopped being rational about something. If something drives you round

the bend, it irritates you or makes you angry.

Round the houses

If you go round the houses, you do something in an inefficient way when there is a quicker, more convenient way.

Rub shoulders

If you rub shoulders with people, you meet and spend time with them, especially when they are powerful or famous.

Rub someone up the wrong way

If you annoy or irritate someone when you didn't mean to, you rub them up the wrong way.

Rudderless ship

If an organisation, company, government, etc, is like a rudderless ship, it has no clear direction and drifts about without

reaching its goals.

Ruffle a few feathers

If you ruffle a few feathers, you annoy some people when making changes or improvements.

Rule of thumb

Rule of thumb means approximately.

Run a mile

If someone "Runs a mile", they do everything they can to avoid a situation. Example: "I was worried that he'd take one

look at me and run a mile."

Run around the bush

(USA) If you run around the bush, it means that you're taking a long time to get to the point.

Run before you can walk

If someone tries to run before they can walk, they try to do something requiring a high level of knowledge before they

have learned the basics.

Run circles around someone

If you can run circles around someone, you are smarter and intellectually quicker than they are.

Run into the sand

If something runs into the sand, it fails to achieve a result.

Run out of gas

If a campaign, project, etc, runs out of gas, it loses energy and momentum, and progress slows or halts.

Run rings around someone

If you run rings around someone, you are so much better than them that they have no chance of keeping up with you.

Run the gauntlet

If somebody is being criticised harshly by a lot of people, they are said to run the gauntlet.

Run the show

If someone runs the show, they like to be in control and make all the decisions.

Run your mouth off

If someone runs their mouth off, they talk too much.

Run-of-the-mill

If something is run-of-the-mill, there is nothing exceptional about it- it is ordinary or average.

Running on empty

If you are exhausted but keep going, you are running on empty.

Russian roulette

If people take a dangerous and unnecessary risk, they are playing Russian roulette.

Rusty needle

When something is described as a rusty needle, it is badly damaged but still works, or if someone very is sick or tired

but still manages to do things at a fairly good level. An alternative form is "a tarnished needle".

~ S ~

Sacred cow

Something that is a sacred cow is held in such respect that it cannot be criticised or attacked.

Safe and sound

If you arrive safe and sound, then nothing has harmed you on your way.

Safe bet

A proposition that is a safe bet doesn't have any risks attached.

Safe pair of hands

A person who can be trusted to do something without causing any trouble is a safe pair of hands.

Safety in numbers

If a lot of people do something risky at the same time, the risk is reduced because there is safety in numbers.

Saigon moment

(USA) A Saigon moment is when people realise that something has gone wrong and that they will lose or fail.

Sail close to the wind

If you sail close to the wind, you take risks to do something, going close to the limit of what is allowed or acceptable.

Sail under false colours

Someone who sails under false colours (colors) is hypocritical or pretends to be something they aren't in order to

deceive people.

Salad days

Your salad days are an especially happy period of your life.

Salt in a wound

If you rub salt in a wound, you make someone feel bad about something that is already a painful experience. 'Pour salt

on a wound' is an alternative form of the idiom.

Salt of the earth

People who are salt of the earth are decent, dependable and unpretentious.

Save face

If someone saves face, they manage to protect their reputation.

Save someone's bacon

If something saves your bacon, it saves your life or rescues you from a desperate situation. People can also save your

bacon.

Save your skin

If someone saves their skin, they manage to avoid getting into serious trouble.

Saved by the bell

If you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from a danger or a tricky situation just in time.

Saving grace

If someone has some character defects, but has a characteristic that compensate for their failings and shortcomings,

this is their saving grace.

Say uncle

(USA) If you say uncle, you admit defeat. ('Cry uncle' is an alternative form.)

Say when

People say this when pouring a drink as a way of telling you to tell them when there's enough in your glass.

Say-so

If you do something on someone else's say-so, you do it on the authority, advice or recommendation.

Scales fall from your eyes

When the scales fall from your eyes, you suddenly realise the truth about something.

Scare the daylights out of someone

If you scare the daylights out of someone, you terrify them. (This can be made even stronger by saying 'the living

daylights'.)

Scarlet woman

This idiom is used as a pejorative term for a sexually promiscuous woman, especially an adulteress.

Scattered to the four winds

If something's scattered to the four winds, it goes out in all directions.

Scent blood

If you can scent blood, you feel that a rival is having difficulties and you are going to beat them.

Scot free

If someone escapes scot free, they avoid payment or punishment. 'Scot' is an old word for a tax, so it originally referred

to avoiding taxes, though now has a wider sense of not being punished for someone that you have done.

Scraping the barrel

When all the best people, things or ideas and so on are used up and people try to make do with what they have left,

they are scraping the barrel.

Scream blue murder

If someone shouts very loudly in anger, or fear, they scream blue murder.

Screw loose

If someone has a screw loose, they are crazy.

Seamy side

The seamy side of something is the unpleasant or sordid aspect it has.

Searching question

A searching question goes straight to the heart of the subject matter, possibly requiring an answer with a degree of

honesty that the other person finds uncomfortable.

Second thoughts

If some has second thoughts, they start to think that an idea, etc, is not as good as it sounded at first and are starting to

have doubts.

Second wind

If you overcome tiredness and find new energy and enthusiasm, you have second wind.

See eye to eye

If people see eye to eye, they agree about everything.

See red

If someone sees red, they become very angry about something.

See the light

When someone sees the light, they realise the truth.

See you anon

(UK) If somebody says this when leaving, they expect to see you again soon.

Seed money

Seed money is money that is used to start a small business.

Seeing is believing

This idiom means that people can only really believe what they experience personally.

Seen better days

If something's seen better days, it has aged badly and visibly compared to when it was new. The phrase can also be

used to describe people.

Sell down the river

If you sell someone down the river, you betray their trust.

Sell like hot cakes

If a product is selling very well, it is selling like hot cakes.

Sell your birthright for a mess of pottage

If a person sells their birthright for a mess of pottage, they accept some trivial financial or other gain, but lose

something much more important. 'Sell your soul for a mess of pottage' is an alternative form.

Sell your soul

If someone sells their soul, their betray the most precious beliefs.

Send someone to Coventry

(UK) If you send someone to Coventry, you refuse to talk to them or co-operate with them.

Separate the sheep from the goats

If you separate the sheep from the goats, you sort out the good from the bad.

Separate the wheat from the chaff

When you separate the wheat from the chaff, you select what is useful or valuable and reject what is useless or

worthless.

Separate the wheat from the chaff

If you separate the wheat from the chaff, you separate things that are of a high standard from things that are of low

quality.

Set in stone

If something is set in stone, it cannot be changed or altered.

Set the wheels in motion

When you set the wheels in motion, you get something started.

Set your sights on

If you set your sights on someone or something, it is your ambition to beat them or to achieve that goal.

Seven sheets to the wind

If someone is seven sheets to the wind, they are very drunk.

Seventh heaven

If you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy.

Shades of meaning

Shades of meaning is a phrase used to describe the small, subtle differences in meaning between similar words or

phrases; 'kid' and 'youth' both refer to young people, but carry differing views and ideas about young people.

Shaggy dog story

A shaggy dog story is a joke which is a long story with a silly end.

Shake a leg

If you shake a leg, you are out of bed and active.

Shanks's pony

(UK) If you go somewhere by Shanks's pony, you walk there.

Shape up or ship out

If someone has to shape up or ship out, they have to improve or leave their job, organisation, etc.

Sharp as a tack

(USA) If someone is as sharp as a tack, they are very clever indeed.

Sharp cookie

Someone who isn't easily deceived or fooled is a sharp cookie.

Shed light

If you shed light on something, you make it clearer and easier to understand.

Shifting sands

If the sands are shifting, circumstances are changing.

Shilly-shally

If people shilly-shally, they can't make up their minds about something and put off the decision.

Ship came in

If your ship has come in, something very good has happened to you.

Shipshape and Bristol fashion

If things are shipshape and Bristol fashion, they are in perfect working order.

Shoe is on the other foot

If the shoe is on the other foot, someone is experiencing what they used to make others experience, normally negative

things.

Shoestring

If you do something on a shoestring, you try to spend the absolute minimum amount of money possible on it.

Shoot yourself in the foot

If you shoot yourself in the foot, you do something that damages your ambition, career, etc.

Shooting fish in a barrel

If something is like shooting fish in a barrel, it is so easy that success is guaranteed.

Short end of the stick

If someone gets the short end of the stick, they are unfairly treated or don't get what they deserve.

Short shrift

If somebody gives you short shrift, they treat you rudely and brusquely, showing no interest or sympathy.

Shot across the bow

A shot across the bow is a warning to tell someone to stop doing something or face very serious consequences.

Shot in the dark

If you have a shot in the dark at something, you try something where you have little hope of success.

Shotgun marriage

A shotgun marriage, or shotgun wedding, is one that is forced because of pregnancy. It is also used idiomatically for a

compromise, agreement or arrangement that is forced upon groups or people by necessity.

Show me the money

When people say this, they either want to know how much they will be paid for something or want to see evidence that

something is valuable or worth paying for.

Show someone a clean pair of heels

If you show someone a clean pair of heels, you run faster than them when they are chasing you.

Shrinking violet

A shrinking violet is a shy person who doesn't express their views and opinions.

Sick and tired

If you are sick and tired of something, it has been going on for a long time and you can no longer tolerate it.

Sick as a dog

If somebody's as sick as a dog, they throw up (=vomit) violently.

Sick as a parrot

If someone's sick as a parrot about something, they are unhappy, disappointed or depressed about it.

Sick to death

If you are sick to death of something, you have been exposed to so much of it that you cannot take any more.

Sight for sore eyes

Someone or something that is a sight for sore eyes is a pleasure to see.

Sight to behold

If something is a sight to behold, it means that seeing it is in some way special, either spectacularly beautiful or, equally,

incredibly ugly or revolting, etc.

Signed, sealed and delivered

If something's signed, sealed and delivered, it has been done correctly, following all the necessary procedures.

Silence is golden

It is often better to say nothing than to talk, so silence is golden.

Silly season

The silly season is midsummer when Parliament is closed and nothing much is happening that is newsworthy, which

reduces the press to reporting trivial and stupid stories.

Silver bullet

A silver bullet is a complete solution to a large problem, a solution that seems magical.

Silver screen

The silver screen is the cinema.

Silver surfer

A silver surfer is an elderly person who uses the internet.

Since time immemorial

If something has happened since time immemorial, it's been going on for such a long time that nobody can remember a

time without it.

Sing from the same hymn sheet

If people are singing from the same hymn sheet, they are expressing the same opinions in public.

Sink or swim

Of you are left to sink or swim, no one gives you any help and it's up to you whether you fail or succeed.

Sit on the fence

If someone sits on the fence, they try not to support either side in a dispute.

Sit pretty

Someone who's sitting pretty is in a very advantageous situation.

Sitting duck

A sitting duck is something or someone that is easy to criticise or target.

Six feet under

If someone is six feet under, they are dead.

Six of one and half-a-dozen of the other

This is an idiom used when there is little or no difference between two options.

Sixes and sevens

If something is all at sixes and sevens, then there is a lot of disagreement and confusion about what should be done.

Sixty-four-thousand-dollar-question

The sixty-four-thousand-dollar-question is the most important question that can be asked about something.

Skate on thin ice

If someone is skating on thin ice, they are taking a big risk.

Skeleton in the closet

If someone has a skeleton in the closet, they have a dark, shameful secret in their past that they want to remain secret.

Skin and bones

If someone is skin and bones, they are very underweight and look bad.

Skin in the game

A person who has skin in the game has invested in the company they are running.

Skin someone alive

If someone skins you alive, they admonish and punish you hard.

Skunkworks

An unauthorised, or hidden program or activity, often research-oriented, and out of the bureaucratic chain of

command is known as a 'skunkworks'.

Slap on the wrist

If someone gets a slap on the wrist, they get a very minor punishment when they could have been punished more

severely.

Sleep like a baby

If you sleep very well, you sleep like a baby.

Sleep like a log

If you sleep like a log, you sleep very soundly.

Sleep well- don't let the bedbugs bite

This is a way of wishing someone a good night's sleep.

Sleight of hand

Sleight of hand is the ability to use your hands in a clever way, like a magician performing tricks you can't see.

Slim chance

A slim chance is a very small chance.

Slip of the tongue

If you say something accidentally, it is a slip of the tongue.

Slippery customer

A person from whom it is difficult to get anything definite or fixed is a slippery customer.

Slippery slope

A slippery slope is where a measure would lead to further worse measures.

Slough of despond

If someone is very depressed or in despair, they're in a slough of despond.

Slow boat to China

This idiom is used to describe something that is very slow and takes a long time.

Slow but sure

If something or someone is slow but sure, they may take their time to do something, but they are reliable.

Smack in the face

If something is a smack in the face, it is a shock, usually one that impedes progress.

Small beer

If something is small beer, it's unimportant.

Small fry

If someone is small fry, they are unimportant. The term is often used when the police arrest the less important

criminals, but are unable to catch the leaders and masterminds.

Smart Alec

A smart Alec is a conceited person who likes to show off how clever and knowledgeable they are.

Smarty pants

A smarty pants is someone who displays the intelligence in an annoying way.

Smell a rat

If you smell a rat, you know instinctively that something is wrong or that someone is lying to you.

Smoke and mirrors

An attempt to conceal something is smoke and mirrors.

Smoke like a chimney

Someone who smokes very heavily smokes like a chimney.

Smoke the peace pipe

If people smoke the peace pipe, they stop arguing and fighting.

Smokestack industry

Heavy industries like iron and steel production, especially if they produce a lot of pollution, are smokestack industries.

Smoking gun

A smoking gun is definitive proof of someone's guilt.

Smooth as a baby's bottom

If something is smooth as a baby's bottom, it has a regular, flat surface.

Smooth sailing

If something is smooth sailing, then you can progress without difficulty.
('Plain sailing' is an also used.)

Snake in the grass

Someone who is a snake in the grass betrays you even though you have trusted them.

Snake oil salesperson

A person who promotes something that doesn't work, is selling snake oil.

Snow job

(USA) A snow job is an attempt to persuade or deceive someone, especially when flattery is used.

Snug as a bug in a rug

If you're as snug as a bug in a rug, you are feeling very comfortable indeed.

So it goes

This idiom is used to be fatalistic and accepting when something goes wrong.

So on and so forth

And so on and so forth mean the same as etcetera (etc.).

Sod's law

Sod's law states that if something can go wrong then it will.

Soft soap someone

If you soft soap someone, you flatter them.

Some other time

If somebody says they'll do something some other time, they mean at some indefinite time in the future, possibly

never, but they certainly don't want to feel obliged to fix a specific time or date.

Something nasty in the woodshed

Something nasty in the woodshed means that someone as a dark secret or an unpleasant experience in their past.

Sound as a bell

If something or someone is as sound as a bell, they are very healthy or in very good condition.

Sound as a pound

(UK) if something is as sound as a pound, it is very good or reliable.

Sour grapes

When someone says something critical or negative because they are jealous, it is a case of sour grapes.

Sow the seeds

When people sow the seeds, they start something that will have a much greater impact in the future.

Spanner in the works

(UK) If someone puts or throws a spanner in the works, they ruin a plan. In American English, 'wrench' is used instead of

'spanner'.

Spare the rod and spoil the child

This means that if you don't discipline children, they will become spoilt.

Speak of the devil!

If you are talking about someone and they happen to walk in, you can use this idiom as a way of letting them know you

were talking about them.

Spend a penny

(UK) This is a euphemistic idiom meaning to go to the toilet.

Spend like a sailor

Someone who spends their money wildly spends like a sailor.

Spick and span

If a room is spick and span, it is very clean and tidy.

Spill the beans

If you spill the beans, you reveal a secret or confess to something.

Spinning a line

When someone spins you a line, they are trying to deceive you by lying.

Spinning a yarn

When someone spins you a yarn, they are trying to deceive you by lying.

Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

If the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, someone lacks the willpower to change things they do because they derive

too much pleasure from them.

Spirit of the law

The spirit of the law is the idea or ideas that the people who made the law wanted to have effect.

Spit blood

If someone is spitting blood, they are absolutely furious.

Spitting image

If a person is the spitting image of somebody, they look exactly alike.

Split hairs

If people split hairs, they concentrate on tiny and unimportant details to find fault with something.

Spoil the ship for a ha'pworth of tar

(UK) If someone spoils the ship for a ha'pworth (halfpenny's worth) of tar, they spoil something completely by trying to

make a small economy.

Spot on

If something is spot on, it is exactly right.

Sprat to catch a mackerel

If you use a sprat to catch a mackerel, you make a small expenditure or take a small risk in the hope of a much greater

gain.

Spur of the moment

If you do something on the spur of the moment, you do it because you felt like it at that time, without any planning or

preparation.

Sputnik moment

A Sputnik moment is a point where people realise that they are threatened of challenged and have to redouble their

efforts to catch up. It comes from the time when the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, the Sputnik 1, and beat

the USA into space.

Square meal

A square meal is a substantial or filling meal.

Square Mile

(UK) The Square Mile is the City, the financial area of London.

Square peg in a round hole

If somebody's in a situation, organisation, etc, where they don't fit in and feel out of place, they are a square peg in a

round hole.

Squeaky clean

If something is squeaky clean, it is very clean indeed- spotless. If a person is squeaky clean, they have no criminal record

and are not suspected of illegal or immoral activities.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease

(USA) When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests

the loudest attracts attention and service.

Squeeze blood out of a turnip

(USA) When people say that you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip, it means that you cannot get something from a

person, especially money, that they don't have.

Stand in good stead

If something will stand you in good stead, it will probably be advantageous in the future.

Stars and stripes

The stars and stripes is the American flag.

Stars in your eyes

Someone who dreams of being famous has stars in their eyes.

State of the art

If something is state of the art, it is the most up-to-date model incorporating the latest and best technology.

Status quo

Someone who wants to preserve the status quo wants a particular situation to remain unchanged.

Steal someone's thunder

If someone steals your thunder, they take the credit and praise for something you did.

Steer clear of

If you steer clear of something, you avoid it.

Stem the tide

If people try to stem the tide, they are trying to stop something unpleasant from getting worse, usually when they don't

succeed.

Step on it

This idiom is a way of telling someone to hurry up or to go faster.

Step up to the plate

If someone steps up to the plate, they take on or accept a challenge or a responsibility.

Stick out like a sore thumb

If something sticks or stands out like a sore thumb, it is clearly and obviously different from the things that are around

it.

Stick to your guns

If you stick to your guns, you keep your position even though people attack or criticise you.

Stick your neck out

If you stick you neck out, you take a risk because you believe in something.

Stick your neck out

If you stick your neck out, you take a risk.

Stick-in-the-mud

A stick-in-the-mud is someone who doesn't like change and wants things to stay the same.

Sticking point

A sticking point is a controversial issue that blocks progress in negotiations, etc, where compromise is unlikely or

impossible.

Sticky end

(UK)
If someone comes to a sticky end, they die in an unpleasant way.
(Meet a sticky end' is also

used.)

Sticky wicket

(UK) If you are on a sticky wicket, you are in a difficult situation.

Stiff upper lip

(UK) If you keep your emotions to yourself and don't let others know how you feel when something bad happens, you

keep a stiff upper lip.

Stiff-necked

A stiff-necked person is rather formal and finds it hard to relax in company.

Still in the game

If someone is still in the game, they may be having troubles competing, but they are not yet finished and may come

back.

Still waters run deep

People use this idiom to imply that people who are quiet and don't try to attract attention are often more interesting

than people who do try to get attention.

Stitch in time saves nine

A stitch in time saves nine means that if a job needs doing it is better to do it now, because it will only get worse, like a

hole in clothes that requires stitching.

Stone dead

This idiom is a way of emphasizing that there were absolutely no signs of life or movement.

Stone's throw

If a place is a stone's throw from where you are, it is a very short distance away.

Stool pigeon

(USA) A stool pigeon is a police informer.

Storm in a teacup

If someone exaggerates a problem or makes a small problem seem far greater than it really is, then they are making a

storm in a teacup.

Straw man

A straw man is a weak argument that is easily defeated. It can also be a person who is used as to give an illegal or

inappropriate activity an appearance of respectability.

Straw poll

A straw poll is a small unofficial survey or ballot to find out what people think about an issue.

Straw that broke the camel's back

The straw that broke the camel's back is the problem that made you lose your temper or the problem that finally

brought about the collapse of something.

Streets ahead

If people are streets ahead of their rivals, they are a long way in front.

Strike a chord

If strikes a chord, it is familiar to you, reminds you of something or is connected to you somehow.

Stroll down memory lane

If you take a stroll down memory lane, you talk about the past or revisit places that were important to you in the past.

(You can also 'take a trip down memory lane'.)

Strong as an ox

Someone who's exceedingly strong physically is said to be as strong as an ox.

Stubborn as a mule

Someone who will not listen to other people's advice and won't change their way of doing things is as stubborn as a

mule.

Stuffed to the gills

If someone is stuffed to the gills, they have eaten a lot and are very full.

Sure as eggs is eggs

These means absolutely certain, and we do say 'is' even though it is grammatically wrong.

Sure-fire

If something is sure-fire, it is certain to succeed. ('Surefire' is also used.)

Swansong

A person's swansong is their final achievement or public appearance.

Swear like a sailor

Someone who is foul-mouthed and uses bad language all the time, swears like a sailor.

Swear like a trooper

Someone who is foul-mouthed and uses bad language all the time, swears like a trooper.

Sweat blood

If you sweat blood, you make an extraordinary effort to achieve something.

Sweep things under the carpet

If people try to ignore unpleasant things and forget about them, they sweep them under the carpet.

Swim against the tide

If you swim against the tide, you try to do something that is very difficult because there is a lot of opposition to you.

('Go against the tide' is an alternative form.)

Swim with the fishes

If someone is swimming with the fishes, they are dead, especially if they have been murdered. 'Sleep with the fishes' is

an alternative form.

Swim with the tide

If you swim with the tide, you do the same as people around you and accept the general consensus. ('Go with the tide'

is an alternative form.)

Swimmingly

If things are going swimmingly, they are going very well.

Swings and roundabouts

If something's swings and roundabouts, it has about as many disadvantages as it has advantages.

~ T ~

Tables are turned

When the tables are turned, the situation has changed giving the advantage to the party who had previously been at a

disadvantage.

Tackle an issue

If you tackle an issue or problem, you resolve or deal with it.

Take a leaf out of someone's book

If you take a leaf out of someone's book, you copy something they do because it will help you.

Take a punch

If somebody takes a blow, something bad happens to them.

Take a raincheck

If you take a rain check, you decline an offer now, suggesting you will accept it later. ('Raincheck' is also used.)

Take a straw poll

If you take a straw poll, you sound a number of people out to see their opinions on an issue or topic.

Take by the scruff of the neck

If you take something by the scruff on the neck, you take complete control of it.

Take for granted

If you take something for granted, you don't worry or think about it because you assume you will always have it.
If you take someone for granted, you don't show your appreciation to them.

Take it on the chin

If you take something on the chin, something bad happens to you and you take it directly without fuss.

Take someone down a peg

If someone is taken down a peg (or taken down a peg or two), they lose status in the eyes of others because of

something they have done wrong or badly.

Take someone for a ride

If you are taken for a ride, you are deceived by someone.

Take someone to the woodshed

If someone is taken to the woodshed, they are punished for something they have done.

Take the biscuit

(UK) If something takes the biscuit, it is the absolute limit.

Take the bull by its horns

Taking a bull by its horns would be the most direct but also the most dangerous way to try to compete with such an

animal. When we use the phrase in everyday talk, we mean that the person we are talking about tackles their problems

directly and is not worried about any risks involved.

Take the chair

If you take the chair, your become the chairman or chairwoman of a committee, etc.

Take the floor

Start talking or giving a speech to a group

Take the plunge

If you take the plunge, you decide to do something or commit yourself even though you know there is an element of

risk involved.

Take the rough with the smooth

People say that you have to take the rough with the smooth, meaning that you have to be prepared to accept the

disadvantages as well of the advantages of something.

Take up the torch

If you take up the torch, you take on a challenge or responsibility, usually when someone else retires, or leaves an

organisation, etc.

Take your breath away

If something takes your breath away, it astonishes or surprises you.

Take your eye off the ball

If someone takes their eye off the ball, they don't concentrate on something important that they should be looking at.

Take your eye off the ball

If you take your eye off the ball, you don't pay attention to something when you should be and miss something

important.

Take your hat off to somebody

If you take your hat off to someone, you acknowledge that they have done something exceptional or otherwise deserve

your respect.

Taken as read

If something can be taken as read, it is so definite that it's not necessary to talk about it.

Talk a blue streak

(USA) If someone talks a blue streak, they speak quickly and at length. ('Talk up a blue streak' is also used.)

Talk nineteen to the dozen

If someone talks very quickly, they talk nineteen to the dozen.

Talk of the town

When everybody is talking about particular people and events, they are he talk of the town.

Talk out of the back of your head

If someone is talking out of the back of their head, they are talking rubbish.

Talk out of your hat

If someone is talking out of their hat, they're talking utter rubbish, especially if compounded with total ignorance of the

subject on which they are pontificating. ('Talk through your hat' is also used.)

Talk shop

If you talk shop, you talk about work matters, especially if you do this outside work.

Talk the hind legs off a donkey

A person who is excessively or extremely talkative can talk the hind legs off a donkey.

Tall order

Something that is likely to be hard to achieve or fulfil is a tall order.

Tall story

A tall story is one that is untrue and unbelievable.

Tally ho!

(UK) This is an exclamation used for encouragement before doing something difficult or dangerous.

Taste blood

If someone has tasted blood, they have achieved something and are encouraged to think that victory is within their

grasp.

Taste of your own medicine

If you give someone a taste of their own medicine, you do something bad to someone that they have done to you to

teach them a lesson.

Teach your grandmother to suck eggs

When people say 'don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs', they mean that people shouldn't try to teach someone

who has experience or is an expert in that area.

Tear your hair out

If someone is tearing their hair out, they are extremely worried or agitated about something.

Tears before bedtime

(UK) This idiom is used when something seems certain to go wrong or cause trouble.

Teething problems

The problems that a project has when it's starting are the teething problems.

Tempest in a teapot

If people exaggerate the seriousness of a situation or problem, they are making a tempest in a teapot.

Ten a penny

(UK) If something is ten a penny, it is very common. ("Two a penny" is also used.)

Test the waters

If you test the waters, or test the water, you experiment to see how successful or acceptable something is before

implementing it.

That is the way the cookie crumbles

"That's the way the cookie crumbles" means that things don't always turn out the way we want.

That's all she wrote

(USA) This idiom is used to show that something has ended and there is nothing more to say about something.

The ball's in your court

If somebody says this to you, they mean that it's up to you to decide or take the next step.

The be all and end all

The phrase 'The be all and end all' means that a something is the final, or ultimate outcome or result of a situation or

event.

The common weal

If something is done for the common weal, it is done in the interests and for the benefit of the majority or the general

public.

The grass is always greener

This idiom means that what other people have or do looks preferable to our life. The complete phrase is 'The grass is

always greener on the other side of the fence'.

The more the merrier

The more the merrier means that the greater the quantity or the bigger the number of something, the happier the

speaker will be.

The penny dropped

When the penny drops, someone belatedly understands something that everyone else has long since understood.

The plot thickens

When the plot thickens, a situation become more complicated and difficult.

The sands of time

The sands of time is an idiom meaning that time runs out either through something reaching an end or through a

person's death. It comes from the sand used in hourglasses, an ancient way of measuring time.

The short straw

If you take the short straw, you lose a selection process, which means that you have to do something unpleasant.

The sun might rise in the west

When people say this, they mean that they don't expect something to happen.

The world and his wife

If the world and his wife were somewhere, then huge numbers of people were present.

Their bark is worse than their bite

If someone's bark is worse than their bite, they get angry and shout and make threats, but don't actually do anything.

There are many ways to skin a cat

This is an expression meaning there are many different ways of doing the same thing.

There's no such thing as a free lunch

This idiom means that you don't get things for free, so if something appears to be free, there's a catch and you'll have

to pay in some way.

There's the rub

The meaning of this idiom is 'that's the problem'.

Thick and fast

If things are happening thick and fast, they are happening so fast they seemed to be joined together.

Thick as thieves

If people are thick as thieves, they are very close friends who have no secrets from each other.

Thick-skinned

If a person is thick-skinned, they are not affected by criticism.

Thin as a rake

A rake is a garden tool with a long, thin, wooden handle, so someone very thin is thin as a rake.

Thin blue line

(UK) The thin blue line is a term for the police, suggesting that they stand between an ordered society and potential

chaos. (Police uniforms are blue.)

Thin end of the wedge

The thin end of the wedge is something small and seemingly unimportant that will lead to something much bigger and

more serious.

Thin line

If there's a thin line between things, it's hard to distinguish them- there's a thin line between love and hate.

Thin-skinned

If somebody is thin-skinned, they are very sensitive to any sort of criticism.

Thin-skinned

A person who is thin-skinned is very sensitive to things like criticism.

Think outside the box

If you think outside the box, you think in an imaginative and creative way.

Think the world of

To hold something or someone in very high esteem. To love or admire immensely.

Third degree

If someone is given the third degree, they are put under a great deal of pressure and intimidation to force them to tell

the truth about something.

Third rail

The third rail of something is dangerous to alter or change. Originally, the third rail is the one carrying the electricity for

a train.

Thorn in your side

A thorn in your side is someone or something that causes trouble or makes life difficult for you.

Those who live by the sword die by the sword

This means that violent people will be treated violently themselves.

Three sheets to the wind

If someone is three sheets to the wind, they are drunk.

Thrilled to bits

If you are thrilled to bits, you are extremely pleased or excited about something.

Through the ceiling

If prices go through the ceiling, they rise very quickly.

Through the floor

If prices go, or fall, through the floor, they fall very quickly.

Through thick and thin

If someone supports you through thick and thin, they support you during good times and bad.

Throw a sickie

If you pretend to be ill to take a day off work or school, you throw a sickie.

Throw caution to the wind

When people throw caution to the wind, they take a great risk.

Throw down the gauntlet

Throw down the gauntlet is to issue a challenge to somebody.

Throw in the towel

If you throw in the towel, you admit that you are defeated or cannot do something.

Throw someone a line

If someone throws you a line, they give you help when you are in serious difficulties.

Throw someone in at the deep end

If you are thrown in at the deep end, you have to deal with serious issues the moment you start something like a job,

instead of having time to acquire experience.

Throw someone to the wolves

If someone is thrown to the wolves, they are abandoned and have to face trouble without any support.

Throw the baby out with the bath water

If you get rid of useful things when discarding inessential things, you throw the baby out with the bath water.

Throw the book at someone

If you throw the book at someone, you punish them as severely as possible.

Throw your hat in the ring

If someone throws their hat in the ring, they announce that they want to take part in a competition or contest. 'Toss

your hat in the ring' is an alternative.

Throw your weight around

If someone throws their weight around, they use their authority or force of personality to get what they want in the

face of opposition.

Thumb your nose at

If you thumb your nose at something, you reject it or scorn it.

Thumbs down & thumbs up

If something gets the thumbs up, it gets approval, while the thumbs down means disapproval.

Tickle your fancy

If something tickles your fancy, it appeals to you and you want to try it or have it.

Tickled pink

If you are very pleased about something, you are tickled pink.

Tickled pink

If something tickles you pink, it amuses you.

Tie the knot

When people tie the knot, they get married.

Tight rein

If things or people are kept on a tight rein, they are given very little freedom or controlled carefully.

Tight ship

If you run a tight ship, you control something strictly and don't allow people much freedom of action.

Tighten your belt

If you have to tighten your belt, you have to economise.

Till the pips squeak

If someone will do something till the pips squeak, they will do it to the limit, even though it will make other people

suffer.

Till you're blue in the face

If you do something till you're blue in the face, you do it repeatedly without achieving the desired result until you're

incredibly frustrated.

Tilt at windmills

A person who tilts at windmills, tries to do things that will never work in practice.

Time and again

If something happens time and again, it happens repeatedly. ('Time and time again' is also used.)

Time and tide wait for no man

This is used as a way of suggestion that people should act without delay.

Time of your life

If you're having the time of your life, you are enjoying yourself very much indeed.

Time-honoured practice

A time-honoured practice is a traditional way of doing something that has become almost universally accepted as the

most appropriate or suitable way.

Tip of the iceberg

The tip of the iceberg is the part of a problem that can be seen, with far more serious problems lying underneath.

Tipping point

Small changes may have little effect until they build up to critical mass, then the next small change may suddenly

change everything. this is the tipping point.

Tired and emotional

(UK) This idiom is a euphemism used to mean 'drunk', especially when talking about politicians.

Tit for tat

If someone responds to an insult by being rude back, it's tit for tat- repaying something negative the same way.

To a fault

If something does something to a fault, they do it excessively. So someone who is generous to a fault is too generous.

To a man

If a group of people does, believes, thinks, etc, something to a man, then they all do it.

To a T

If something is done to a T, it is done perfectly.

To err is human, to forgive divine

This idiom is used when someone has done something wrong, suggesting that they should be forgiven.

To little avail

If something is to little avail, it means that, despite great efforts, something ended in failure, but taking comfort from

the knowledge that nothing else could have been done to avert or avoid the result.

To the end of time

To the end of time is an extravagant way of saying 'forever'.

Toe the line

If someone toes the line, they follow and respect the rules and regulations.

Tomorrow's another day

This means that things might turn out better or that there might be another opportunity in the future.

Tongue in cheek

If something is tongue in cheek, it isn't serious or meant to be taken seriously.

Too big for your boots

If someone is too big for their boots, they are conceited and have an exaggerated sense of their own importance.

Too big for your britches

If someone is too big for their britches, they are conceited and have an exaggerated sense of their own importance.

Too many chiefs and not enough Indians

When there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians, there are two many managers and not enough workers to

work efficiently.

Too many cooks spoil the broth

This means that where there are too many people trying to do something, they make a mess of it.

Toot you own horn

If someone toot their own horn, they like to boast about their achievements.

Top dog

The most important or influential person is the top dog.

Top notch

If something is top notch, it's excellent, of the highest quality or standard.

Touch base

If you touch base with someone, you contact them.

Touch wood

This idiom is used to wish for good luck. ('Knock on wood' is also used.)

Touch-and-go

If something is touch-and-go, it is very uncertain; if someone is ill and may well die, then it is touch-and-go.

Tough as old boots

Something or someone that is as tough as old boots is strong and resilient.

Tough cookie

A tough cookie is a person who will do everything necessary to achieve what they want.

Tough nut to crack

If something is a tough nut to crack, it is difficult to find the answer or solution. When used about a person, it means

that it is difficult to get them to do or allow what you want. 'Hard nut to crack' is an alternative.

Tough row to hoe

(USA) A tough row to hoe is a situation that is difficult to handle. ('A hard row to hoe' is an alternative form.)

Trade barbs

If people trade barbs, they insult or attack each other.

Tread the boards

When someone treads the boards, they perform on stage in a theatre.

Tread water

If someone is treading water, they are making no progress.

Tried and tested

If a method has been tried and tested, it is known to work or be effective because it has been successfully used long

enough to be trusted.

True blue

A person who is true blue is loyal and dependable, someone who can be relied on in all circumstances.

True colours

If someone shows their true colours, they show themselves as they really are. ('True colors' is the American spelling.)

Trump card

A trump card is a resource or strategy that is held back for use at a crucial time when it will beat rivals or opponents.

Truth will out

Truth will out means that, given time, the facts of a case will emerge no matter how people might try to conceal them.

Turf war

If people or organisations are fighting for control of something, it is a turf war.

Turn a blind eye

When people turn a blind eye, they deliberately ignore something, especially if people are doing something wrong.

Turn a deaf ear

If someone turns a deaf ear to you, they don't listen to you.

Turn a new leaf

If someone turns a new leaf, they change their behaviour and stop doing wrong or bad things.

Turn the corner

To get over a bad run. When a loss making venture ceases to make losses, it has "turned the corner".

Turn the other cheek

If you turn the other cheek, you are humble and do not retaliate or get outwardly angry when someone offends or

hurts you, in fact, you give them the opportunity to re-offend instead and compound their unpleasantness.

Turn the tables

If circumstances change completely, giving an advantage to those who seemed to be losing, the tables are turned.

Turn up like a bad penny

If someone turns up like a bad penny, they go somewhere where they are not wanted.

Turn your nose up

If someone turns their nose up at something, they reject it or look odwn on it because they don't think it is good

enough for them.

Twenty-four seven

Twenty-four seven or 24/7 means all the time, coming from 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Twinkling of an eye

If something happens in the twinkling of an eye, it happens very quickly.

Twist someone's arm

If you twist someone's arm, you put pressure on them to try to make them do what you want them to do.

Two cents

If you add or throw in your two cents, you give your opinion on an issue.

Two left feet

A person with two left feet can't dance.

Two peas in a pod

If things or people are like two peas in a pod, they look very similar or are always together.

Two sides of the same coin

If two things are two sides of the same coin, there is much difference between them.

Two-faced

Someone who is two-faced will say one thing to your face and another when you're not there.

~ U ~

U-turn

If a government changes its position radically on an issue, especially when they have promised not to do so, this is a U-

turn.

Ugly as a stick

(USA) If someone is as ugly as a stick, they are very ugly indeed.

Ugly duckling

An ugly duckling is a child who shows little promise, but who develops later into a real talent or beauty.

Uncharted waters

If you're in uncharted waters, you are in a situation that is unfamiliar to you, that you have no experience of and don't

know what might happen. ('Unchartered waters' is an incorrect form that is a common mistake.)

Uncle Sam

(USA) Uncle Sam is the government of the USA.

Under a cloud)

If someone is suspected of having done something wrong, they are under a cloud.

Under a flag of convenience

If a ship sails under a flag of convenience, it is registered in a country where taxes, etc, are lower than in the country it

comes from, so if someone does something under a flag of convenience, they attempt to avoid regulations and taxes by

a similar means.

Under false colours

If someone does something under false colours/colors, they pretend to be something they are not in order to deceive

people so that they can succeed.

Under fire

If someone is being attacked and cricitised heavily, they are under fire.

Under lock and key

If something is under lock and key, it is stored very securely.

Under the radar

If something slips under the radar, it isn't detected or noticed.

Under the table

Bribes or illegal payments are often described as money under the table.

Under the weather

If you are feeling a bit ill, sad or lack energy, you are under the weather.

Under the wire

(USA) If a person does something under the wire, they do it at the last possible moment.

Under your breath

If you say something under your breath, you whisper or say it very quietly.

Under your nose

If something happens right in front of you, especially if it is surprising or audacious, it happens under your nose.

Under your skin

If someone gets under your skin, they really annoy you.

Under your thumb

Someone who is manipulated or controlled by another person is under his or her thumb.

Unwavering loyalty

Unwavering loyalty does not question or doubt the person or issue and supports them completely.

Up for grabs

If something is up for grabs, it is available and whoever is first or is successful will get it.

Up in the air

If a matter is up in the air, no decision has been made and there is uncertainty about it.

Up sticks

(UK) If you up sticks, you leave somewhere, usually permanently and without warning- he upped sticks and went to

work abroad.

Up the ante

If you up the ante, you increase the importance or value of something, especially where there's an element of risk as

the term comes from gambling, where it means to increase the stake (the amount of money bet).

Up the creek

If someone or something is up the creek, they are in real trouble. 'Up the creek without a paddle' is an alternative, and

'up shit creek (without a paddle)' is a ruder form.

Up the duff

(UK) If a woman is up the duff, she's pregnant.

Up the spout

(UK) If something has gone up the spout, it has gone wrong or been ruined.

Up the stick

(UK) If a woman is up the stick, she's pregnant.

Up the wall

If someone goes up the wall, they get very angry.

Up to scratch

If something doesn't come up to scratch, it doesn't meet the standard required or expected.

Up to snuff

If something isn't up to snuff, it doesn't meet the standard expected.

Up to speed

If you bring someone up to speed, you update them on something.

Up to the eyes

You you are up to your eyes in something, you are deeply involved or to have too much of something like work. ('Up the

neck', 'up to the eyeballs' and 'up to the ears' are also used.)

Up to the neck

If someone's in something up to the neck, they are very involved in it, especially when it's something wrong.

Up to your neck

If someone is very involved in something, they are up to their neck in it, especially if it is something bad or immoral.

Upper crust

The upper crust are the upper classes and the establishment.

Upper hand

If you have the upper hand, you have the advantage.

Upset the apple cart

If you upset the apple cart, you cause trouble and upset people.

~ V ~

Vale of tears

This vale of tears is the world and the suffering that life brings.

Velvet glove

This idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath. ('Iron fist in a

velvet glove' is the full form.)

Vent your spleen

If someone vents their spleen, they release all their anger about something.

Vicar of Bray

(UK) A person who changes their beliefs and principles to stay popular with people above them is a Vicar of Bray

Vicious circle

A vicious circle is a sequence of events that make each other worse- someone drinks because they are unhappy at

work, then loses their job... 'Vicious cycle' is also used.

Virgin territory

If something is virgin territory, it hasn't been explored before.

Volte-face

If you do a volte-face on something, you make a sudden and complete change in your stance or position over an issue.

~ W ~

Waiting in the wings

If someone is waiting in the wings, or in the wings, they are in the background, but nearby, ready to act on short notice.

Wake-up call

A wake-up call is a warning of a threat or a challenge, especially when it means that people will have to change their

behaviour to meet it.

Walk a fine line

If you have to walk a fine line, you have to be very careful not to annoy or anger people or groups that are competing.

('Walk a thin line' is an alternative.)

Walk a mile in my shoes

This idiom means that you should try to understand someone before criticizing them.

Walk a tightrope

If you walk a tightrope, you have to be very careful not to annoy or anger people who could become enemies.

Walk in the park

An undertaking that is easy is a walk in the park. The opposite is also true - "no walk in the park".

Walk on eggshells

If you have to walk on eggshells when with someone, you have to be very careful because they get angry or offended

very easily.

Walk the green mile

Someone or something that is walking the green mile is heading towards the inevitable.

Wallflower

A woman politician given an unimportant government position so that the government can pretend it takes women

seriously is a wallflower.

War of words

A war of words is a bitter argument between people or organisations, etc.

Warm the cockles of your heart

If something warms the cockles of your heart, it makes you feel happy.

Warpath

If someone is on the warpath, they are very angry about something and will do anything to get things sorted the way

they want.

Warts and all

If you like someone warts and all, you like them with all their faults.

Wash your hands of something

If you wash your hands of something, you disassociate yourself and accept no responsibility for what will happen.

Waste not, want not

If you don't waste things, you are less likely to end up lacking.

Watch your six

(USA) This idiom means that you should look behind you for dangers coming that you can't see.

Watching paint dry

If something is like watching paint dry, it is really boring.

Water off a duck's back

If criticism or something similar is like water off a duck's back to somebody, they aren't affected by it in the slightest.

Water over the dam

(USA) If something has happened and cannot be changed, it is water over the dam.

Water under the bridge

If something belongs to the past and isn't important or troubling any more, it is water under the bridge.

Watering hole

(UK) A watering hole is a pub.

Weak at the knees

If people go weak at the knees, they have a powerful emotional reaction to something and feel that they might fall

over.

Wear sackcloth and ashes

If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve shows their emotions and feelings publicly.

Weather a storm

If you weather a storm, you get through a crisis or hard times.

Weight off your shoulders

If something is a weight off your shoulders, you have relieved yourself of a burden, normally a something that has been

troubling you or worrying you.

Wet behind the ears

Someone who is wet behind the ears is either very young or inexperienced.

Wet blanket

A wet blanket is someone who tries to spoil other people's fun.

Wet your whistle

If you are thirsty and have an alcoholic drink, you wet your whistle. "Whet your whistle" is also used.

What can you expect from a hog but a grunt?

(USA) This means that you can't expect people to behave in a way that is not in their character- a 'hog' is a 'pig', so an

unrefined person can't be expected to behave in a refined way.

What goes around comes around

This saying means that of people do bad things to other people, bad things will happen to them.

What will be will be

The expression what will be will be is used to describe the notion that fate will decide the outcome of a course of

events, even if action is taken to try to alter it.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander

This idiom means that the sexes should be treated the same way and not be subjected to different standards.

What's your take on that?

This idiom is way of asking someone for their opinion and ideas.

Whatever floats your boat

When people say this, they mean that you should do whatever makes you happy.

Wheels fall off

When the wheels fall off something, it goes wrong or fails. ('Wheels come off' is an alternative.)

When hell freezes over

An impossible or very unlikely situation or event

When in Rome, do as the Romans

This idiom means that when you are visiting a different place or culture, you should try to follow their customs and

practices.

When it rains, it pours

This idiom means that when things go wrong, a lot of things go wrong at the same time.

Where the rubber meets the road

(USA) Where the rubber meets the road is the most important point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete

can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road and they'll know how good they really are.

Where there's a will, there's a way

This idiom means that if people really want to do something, they will manage to find a way of doing it.

Whet your appetite

If something whets your appetite, it interests you and makes you want more of it.

Which came first the chicken or the egg?

This idiomatic expression is used when it is not clear who or what caused something.

While the cat's away, the mouse will play

People whose behaviour is strictly controlled go over the top when the authority is not around, which is why most

teenagers have parties when their parents have gone on holiday. The parents are the scary authority figures, but the

cat's away and the kids are the mice partying and enjoying their freedom.

Whistle for it

If someone says that you can whistle for something, they are determined to ensure that you don't get it.

Whistle-stop tour

A whistle-stop tour is when someone visits a number of places quickly, not stopping for long.

Whistling Dixie

(USA) If someone is whistling Dixie, they talk about things in a more positive way than the reality.

Whistling in the dark

If someone is whistling in the dark, they believe in a positive result, even though everybody else is sure it will not

happen.

Whistling past the graveyard

(USA) If someone is whistling past the graveyard, they are trying to remain cheerful in difficult circumstances.

('Whistling past the cemetery' is also used.)

White as a sheet

A bad shock can make somebody go as white as a sheet.

White as snow

If something or someone is as white as snow, they are perfect or completely uncorrupted and honest.

White elephant

A white elephant is an expensive burden; something that costs far too much money to run, like the Millennium Dome in

the UK.

White lie

If you tell a white lie, you lie in order not to hurt someone's feelings.

White-bread

If something is white-bread, it is very ordinary, safe and boring.

Who wears the pants?

(USA) The person who wears the pants in a relationship is the dominant person who controls things.

Who wears the trousers?

(UK) The person who wears the trousers in a relationship is the dominant person who controls things.

Whole ball of wax

(USA) The whole ball of wax is everything.

Whole kit and caboodle

The whole kit and caboodle means 'everything' required or involved in something. ('Kaboodle' is an alternative

spelling.)

Whole new ball game

If something's a whole new ball game, it is completely new or different.

Whole shebang

The whole shebang includes every aspect of something.

Wide berth

If you give someone a wide berth, you keep yourself well away from them because they are dangerous.

Wide of the mark

If something is wide of the mark, it is inaccurate or incorrect.

Wild goose chase

A wild goose chase is a waste of time- time spent trying to do something unsuccessfully.

Will never fly

If an idea or project, etc, will never fly, it has no chance of succeeding.

Will-o'-the-wisp

Something that deceives by its appearance is a will-o’-the-wisp; it looks good, but turns out to be a disappointment.

Win by a nose

If somebody wins by a nose, they only just beat the others.

Window dressing

If something is done to pretend to be dealing with an issue or problem, rather than actually dealing with it, it is window

dressing.

Wing and a prayer

If you do something on a wing and a prayer, you try to do something and hope you'll succeed even though you have

very little chance of success.

Winner takes all

If everything goes to the winner, as in an election, the winner takes all.

Wipe the floor with

(UK) If you wipe the floor with someone, you destroy the arguments or defeat them easily.

Wipe the smile of someone's face

If you wipe the smile of someone's face, you do something to make someone feel less pleased with themselves.

With a heavy hand

If someone does something with a heavy hand, they do it in a strict way, exerting a lot of control.

With child

(UK) If a woman's with child, she's pregnant.

With flying colours (colors)

If you pass something with flying colours (colors), you pass easily, with a very high mark or grade.

Wither on the vine

If something withers on the vine, it fails to get the intended result, doesn't come to fruition.

Without a hitch

If something happens without a hitch, nothing at all goes wrong.

Wolf in sheep's clothing

A wolf in sheep's clothing is something dangerous that looks quite safe and innocent.

Wood for the trees

(UK) If someone can't see the wood for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they fail to understand the

bigger picture.

Word of mouth

If something becomes known by word of mouth, it is because people are talking about it, not through publicity, etc.

Word of the law

The word of the law means that the law is interpreted in an absolutely literal way which goes against the ideas that the

lawmakers had wished to implement.

Words fail me

If words fail you, you can't find the words to express what you are trying to say.

Work like a dog

If you work like a dog, you work very hard.

Work your fingers to the bone

If you work your fingers to the bone, you work extremely hard on something.

Work your socks off

If you work your socks off, you work very hard.

Work your socks off

If you work your socks off, you work very hard indeed.

Work your tail off

If you work your tail off, you work extremely hard.

World at your feet

If everything is going well and the future looks full of opportunity, you have the world at your feet.

World is your oyster

When the world is your oyster, you are getting everything you want from life.

Worm information

If you worm information out of somebody, you persuade them to tell you something they wanted to keep from you.

Worm's eye view

A worm's eye view of something is the view from below, either physically or socially.

Worse for wear

If something's worse for wear, it has been used for a long time and, consequently, isn't in very good condition. A person who's worse for wear is drunk or high on drugs and looking rough.

Worse things happen at sea

This idiomatic expression is used as a way of telling someone not to worry so much about their problems.

Worth your salt

Someone who is worth their salt deserves respect.

Wouldn't touch it with a bargepole

(UK) If you wouldn't touch something with a bargepole, you would not consider being involved under any circumstances. (In American English, people say they wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole)

Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole

(USA) If you wouldn't touch something with a ten-foot pole, you would not consider being involved under any

circumstances. (In British English, people say they wouldn't touch it with a bargepole)

Wrap yourself in the flag

If someone wraps themselves in the flag, they pretend to be doing something for patriotic reasons or out of loyalty, but

their real motives are selfish. ('Drape yourself in the flag' is an alternative form of this idiom)

Wrench in the works

(USA) If someone puts or throws a wrench, or monkey wrench, in the works, they ruin a plan. In British English,

'spanner' is used instead of 'wrench'.

Writ large

If something is writ large, it is emphasised or highlighted.

Writing on the wall

If the writing's on the wall for something, it is doomed to fail.

Written all over your face

If someone has done something wrong or secret, but cannot hide it in their expression, it is written all over their face.

Wrong end of the stick

If someone has got the wrong end of the stick, they have misunderstood what someone has said to them.

Wrong foot

If you start something on the wrong foot, you start badly.

~ X ~

X factor

The dangers for people in the military that civilians do not face, for which they receive payment, are known as the X

factor.

X marks the spot

This is used to say where something is located or hidden.

X-rated

If something is x-rated, it is not suitable for children.

~ Z ~

Zero hour

The time when something important is to begin is zero hour.

Zero tolerance

If the police have a zero tolerance policy, they will not overlook any crime, no matter how small or trivial.

Zip it

This is used to tell someone to be quiet.

Zip your lip

If someone tells you to zip your lip, they want to to shut up or keep quiet about something. ('Zip it' is also used.)

Can and Could

2011-06-19T02:05:00.001-07:00

Ability
1) Present ability:
For general present ability, we use can or be (is/am/are) able to

Can (informal)

eg) She can speak English.
eg) She can’t speak English.

eg) Can she speak English?

eg) Can’t she speak English?

Be able to (formal)

eg) She is able to speak English.

eg) She isn’t able to speak English.

eg) Is she able to speak English?

eg) Isn’t she able to speak English?

eg) I can speak many languages.

eg) The child can’t sleep in such a noisy environment.
eg) Can you solve this question without calculator?
eg) Can’t you ride a horse?
eg) Why can’t you drive the car?
eg) Who can beat him?
eg) How many songs can you sing?
eg) How much pain can you bear/tolerate/endure?
eg) I can’t make you cry.
eg) What can you do to help me?
eg) We can’t argue with our father.
eg) Can you stay awake/up the whole night?
eg) Nobody can persuade you.
eg) I can’t see clearly without my glasses.
eg) Can you borrow money from your friend?
eg) Can you deceive your own brother?
eg) She can easily apologize to her mother.
eg) I can’t act on your advice.
eg) Can you cancel the picnic for me?
eg) We can’t forget that picnic.
eg) Can’t you try even once?
eg) My mother can’t bear such behavior.
eg) Can you continue to talk?
eg) Can you mother neglect you?
eg) You can’t accuse me of stealing your wallet.
eg) Can you afford to take a week off?
eg) I can’t wait any longer.
eg) She can swear to lie.
eg) He can’t refuse to cooperate.
eg) She can pretend to cry.
eg) Can you find the solution to this problem?
eg) I can’t complete my work without your help.
eg) We can’t complain about the manager.

2) We use have/has been able to say we are now able to do something due to past efforts.
eg) She has been able to run business.
eg) I haven’t been able to understand.
eg) Have students been able to learn the poem by heart?
eg)We have been able to control this problem.
eg) How much have you been able to save?
eg) Child has been able to stay at home alone.
eg) Have you been able to forget that accident?
eg) My brother has been able to study without help.
eg) I have been able to take good pictures.
eg) She has been able to control the class.
eg) Haven’t you been able to resolve this matter yet?
eg) The patient has been able to walk slowly after some sessions of Physiotherapy.
eg) The researchers haven’t been able to find solution to cancer.
eg) I haven’t been able to dispatch the letters yet.
eg) We haven’t been able to pay back the loan.

Future ability
We normally use will be able to talk about future ability.
eg) We’ll be able to speak good English in a few months.
eg) One day people will be able to go to the moon on holiday.

►However, we use Can if we are deciding now about the future.
eg) I don’t have time today but I can see you tomorrow.
eg) Can you come to a party on Saturday?

Past ability
1) We use could for “general ability” –to say that somebody could do something at any time, whenever he/she wanted. (Was/were able is also possible.)

Could (informal)

eg) She could speak English.
eg) She couldn’t speak English.

eg) Could she speak English?

eg) Couldn’t she speak English?

Was/were able (formal)

eg) She was able to speak English.

eg) She wasn’t able to speak English.

eg) Was she able to speak English?

eg) Wasn’t she able to speak English?

eg) She could read when she was four.
eg) My father could speak ten languages.
eg) I could swim well in my school days.
eg) Ali could walk five miles daily.
eg) When she was eight she could play piano.
eg) My mother could cook delicious/yummy dishes.
eg) I could stay up/awake the whole night.
eg) She could type letters all the day long.
eg) When I was rich I could go anywhere.
eg) She could type 90 words per minute.
eg) He could climb any tree whenever he wanted.
eg) When he was in circus, he could walk on his hands.
eg) She could play chess when she was six.

2) We use was/were able to talk about an action in a particular situation, when someone had the ability to do something and did it. But in negatives we preferably use Couldn’t.

eg) The injured man was able to walk to a nearby hospital. NOT The injured man could …
eg) I was able to convince him easily.
eg) Were you able to understand without explanation?
eg) I couldn’t come back on time.
eg) Weren’t policemen able to arrest the criminals?
eg) What were you able to do?
eg) Was she able to get admission in university?
eg) I couldn’t contact all my friends.

3) In certain cases, it is possible to use Could to say that somebody was able to do something on one occasion. This happens with see, hear, taste, feel, smell, understand, remember and guess.

eg) I could smell burning.
eg) I could understand everything.
eg) We could hear their cries.
eg) She couldn’t remember where she had seen me.
eg) I could feel cold.
eg) After putting on my glasses I could see things very clearly.

4) We can also use Could+ hardly/only +verb1st form to refer to one occasion.
eg) I could only get six eggs.
eg) She could hardly believe me.
eg) I could hardly understand the first five minutes of the movie.
eg) We could hardly take the patient to the hospital.
eg) They could hardly win the match.
eg) Children could hardly watch their favourite program.
eg) Patient could only survive for half an hour.
eg) She could hardly apologize to her mother.
eg) My friends could only stay for two days.
eg) He could only take two spicy bites.

5) We use Could+have+verb3^rd form to say that somebody was able to do something but didn’t try to do it.
we can also use this structure for something which was possible to happen but didn’t happen.

eg) You could have helped me.
eg) I could have won the race.
eg) You could have lent money to your friend.
eg) She could have got first position.
eg) The boy could have climbed the wall easily.
eg) You could have lied to save me.
eg) We could have stopped at the signal.
eg) It could have rained.
eg) you could have fallen down on your face.
eg) She could have answered you back.
eg) Police could have arrested you.
eg) Principal could have turned down your application.
eg) She could have got angry.
eg) What could you have done?

6) We use Couldn’t + have + verb 3^rd form to say that something was impossible to happen.

eg) I couldn’t have won the race so I didn’t take part in it.
eg) She couldn’t have seen because of pitch darkness.
eg) We couldn’t have taken the patient to the hospital due to strike.
eg) He couldn’t have informed you because he was compelled.
eg) I couldn’t have bought the house because I didn’t have enough money.
eg) My mother couldn’t have walked because she was very tired.
eg) Your friend couldn’t have replied because he was frightened.
eg) These students couldn’t have continued their education because they didn’t have enough money.
eg) He couldn’t have slept due to noise.

New Vocabulary

2011-06-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

1. Generous (adj) /"dženÊrës/

She's always very generous to the kids.

Please be generous with your time.(=willing to give freely)

2. Scatty (adj) /"skæti/

She is too scatty to even remember her names at times.(=sometimes)

3. Peevish / Crusty / Grumpy / Grouchy (adj) /"pi:vûÐ/ /"kršsti/ /"gršmpi/ /"gra|tÐi/

The kids were peevish after the party.

4. Coward (n) /"ka|ëd $ -ërd/

You coward! What are you afraid of?

I’m a real coward when it comes to going to the dentist.

5. Cowardly (adj) / timid (adj)

A cowardly attack on an unarmed man.

6. Cunning (adj)

He was as cunning as a fox.

7. Talkative / loquacious (adj) /lë|"kweûÐës $ lo|-/

She was in a talkative mood.

8. Taciturn (adj)

The ship's captain was a taciturn man who spoke only to give orders.

9. Frugal (adj)

He was very frugal

A frugal breakfast. (=a small meal of plain food)

The monks lead a frugal life, allowing themselves only the bare essentials.

10. Extravagant (adj) /ûk"strævëgënt/

It would be too extravagant to buy both.

11. Flatter (v)

Don't try to flatter me!

12. Stingy / close-fisted (adj)

She's too stingy to give money to charity.

13. Impulsive / hasty (adj)

I was impulsive and sometimes regretted.

14. Sneeze (v,n)

She started coughing and sneezing.

There was a loud sneeze from someone in the back of the audience.

15. Get/have the hiccups (Spoken)

Don't drink so fast - you'll get hiccups.

16. Snore (v)

If you snore, it's better not to sleep on your back.

17. Shiver / shake / tremble (v)

She shivered with fear and anger.

18. Yawn (v,n)

Alan stretched and yawned.

Kay shook her head and stifled a yawn (=tried to stop yawning).

The party was a big yawn.(=sb/sth that is boring)

19. Faint (v)

Several fans fainted in the blazing heat.

20. Faint (adj)

She gave a faint smile.(= difficult to see, hear, smell etc)

It’s a very faint noise.

The faint light of dawn.

21. Stubble (n)

Grey stubble covered his cheeks and chin.

22. Moustache (n)

He's shaved off his moustache.

23. Mustached (adj)

A young, mustached British officer

24. Beard (n)

Some of their fathers wore beards.

25. Soot (n)

The bricks gave out a strong smell of soot.

26. Peep in (Phrv)
The door was ajar and Helen peeped in.

27. Peep out (Phrv)
Her toes were peeping out from under the sheet.

28. Have an alibi (v)
He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.

29. Offer Namaz (v)
We regularly offer Namaz five times a day.

30. Do penance (v)
We prayed and did penance together.

31. Sins (n)
To commit a sin.
Confess your sins to God and he will forgive you.

32. Put sth off (Phrv)
We’ll put off the meeting.(=delay)

33. Put sb off (Phrv) When he calls, put him off as long as you can. (=to make someone wait because you do not want to meet them, pay them etc until later.

34. Discourteous (adj)
It would be discourteous to ignore his request(=rude, impolite)

35. Envious (adj)
Colleagues were envious of her success.

36. Optimistic (adj)
She’s not very optimistic about the outcome of the talks.
I think you’re being a little over-optimistic.

37. Crafty (adj) (craftier, craftiest) (usually disapproving)
He’s a crafty old devil.

38. Pessimistic (adj)

They are surprisingly pessimistic about their chances of winning.[= expecting that bad things will happen]

It is a pessimistic view of life.

I think you’re being far too pessimistic.
( OPP) optimistic

39. Stale (adj)
French bread goes stale (=becomes stale) very quickly.

40. Curry (n)
A chicken curry.
Would you like some more curry?

41. Religious (adj)
She belongs to a religious family.

42. Abide by (Phrv)
We don’t abide by the traffic rules.

43. Loose (adj)
The screw has come loose (=become loose).
This tooth feels very loose.

44. Lose (v)
I’ve lost my keys.
Try not to lose heart (=become sad and hopeless)

45. Profane (v)
Don’t use profane language!
She expressed concern over profane language used in the play

46. Holy (adj)
The Holy month of Ramadan.
The Quran is the Islamic Holy book.

47. Take offence (v)
Don't take offence. She says things like that to everybody.

48. Mock (v)
It's easy for you to mock.

49. Bribe (v,n)
He bribed one of the guards.
A customs official pocketed up to $500,000 in bribes for permitting cocaine to pass through the port.

50. Cough (v,n)
She coughed and cleared his throat.
She gave an embarrassed cough.

51. Courage (n)
She showed great courage throughout her illness.
He did not have the courage to tell the truth.

52. Bare foot /footed (adj)
He walked barefoot on the grass.

53. Get on (Phrv)
She go on the bus and got off after ten minutes.

54. After a short while
Everyone went away after a short while.

55. Feel Sleepy (v)
Are you feeling sleepy?
I don’t feel sleepy till 12:00am.

56. Get up / wake up (Phrv)
We get up very early in the morning.
Please wake me up at 6am sharp.

57. In time / on time (Prep)
I always try to come in time.
She came on time and attended the class.

58. Stubborn / Tenacious (adj)
Why are you so stubborn?

59. Blink (v)
I blinked as I came out into the sunlight.(=to shut and open your eyes quickly)
The light on your answering machine is blinking.

60. Untidy (adj)
Her clothes were untidy.
I don’t like your untidy room.

61. Tidy (adj)
A tidy desk
I try to keep the garden tidy.

62. Inside out
You've got that jumper inside out.
Her umbrella blew inside out.
I always turn my jeans inside out to wash them.

63. Back to front
You've got your sweater on back to front.

64. Masticate (v)
I took a piece of bread in my mouth and tried to masticate slowly.

65. Play hooky / truant (Idm)
We all played hooky/truant yesterday.

66. Bunk off / Skive off(Phrv)
John and I used to bunk off school.

67. Take/have a day off (v)
I'm taking a few days off before the wedding.

68. Sweat (v,n)
I was sweating a lot despite the air-conditioning.
Sweat appeared on his forehead.

69. Steal (v)
Boys broke into a shop and stole £45 in cash.

70. Grope (v)
She groped for her glasses on the bedside table[=to try to find something that you cannot see by feeling with your hands]

71. Gargle (v)
After gargling she felt better.

72. Stroll (v)
We were strolling along, laughing and joking.[= to walk somewhere in a slow relaxed way]

73. Alms (n)
I gave alms to all the blind beggars.[= money, food etc given to poor people in the past]

74. Bail sb out (Phrv)
His family paid £500 to bail him out.

75. Shape up (Phrv)
You better shape up and stop fooling around.[= to improve your behaviour or work]

76. Argue with sb (v)
She argues with me for no good reason.[= to disagree with someone in words, often in an angry way]

77. Complain against/ about (v)
She often complains about not feeling appreciated at work.

78. Complain to sb (v)
Why are you complaining to me about your manager.

79. Feel giddy / dizzy
The old man felt giddy and fell down.

80. Stare at sb (v)
What are you staring at?[= to look at something or someone for a long time without moving your eyes]

81. Abstain from sth (v)
I abstain from spicy food.

82. Fool around (Phrv)
These kids always fool around.

83. Boast (v)
'I wouldn't be afraid,' she boasted.

84. Spread rumour / hearsay (v)
I've heard all sorts of rumours about him.

85. Glare at sb/sth (v)
He glared round the room.[= to look angrily at someone for a long time]

86. Threaten (v)
Workers are threatening a strike if they don't receive a pay increase.

87. Put on / have on (Phrv)
He is putting/having on a sweater.

88. Curse (v)
Why are you cursing your fate?

89. Wipe (v)
Bill wiped his eyes (=wiped the tears from his face) and apologized.

90. Glutton (adj)
He was a glutton who ate everything in sight.

91. Leisure time / spare time (n)
I enjoy my leisure time.

92. Console (v)
No one could console her when Peter died.

93. Embarrass (v)
He didn't want to embarrass her by asking questions.

94. Brighten (v)
The morning sunshine brightened up the room.

95. Wash up (Phrv)
I washed up and got ready for my office.

96. Or so / around / about
We are leaving in five minutes or so.
We are leaving in around/about five minutes.

97. At 9.00 sharp / on the dot
We're meeting at one-thirty sharp.

98. Chore (n)
We share the domestic chores.
Everyday chores like shopping and housework.

99. Converse (v) /kën"vî:s $ -"vî:rs/
People began to converse loudly with one another.

100. Go bananas (Idm)

Mum went bananas when I said I was going to leave nursing.[= to become very angry or excited]

101. Zonked out (adj)
I'm really zonked[=very tired or suffering from the effects of drugs]

102. Blurt out (v)
Peter blurted the news out before we could stop him.[= to say something suddenly and without thinking, usually because you are nervous or excited]

103. Restless / uneasy (adj
I had a restless night due to headache.

104. Make a noise (Idm)
Try not to make a noise when you go upstairs.

105. Express sorrow (v)
He expressed his sorrow at my father's death.

106. Back out of sth (Phrv)
you are backing out of your words now.

107. Deny (v)
I've never denied that there is a housing problem.
Two men have denied murdering a woman at a remote picnic spot.

108. Do hair (v)
I was doing my hair when I heard a scream.

109. Peel (v)
I was Peeling the potatoes.

110. Scare (v)
Why did you scare the child?

111. Scared (adj)
At first, he was really scared.

112. Frisk (v)
Policeman frisked me for weapons.

113. Ill bred (adj)
This child is ill bred.

114. frivolous (adj)
I couldn’t bear that frivolous comment.

115. Frivolity (n)
I can’t waste my time on such frivolities.

116. Conspire against sb (v)
All six men admitted conspiring to steal cars.

117. Protest (v)
Everybody is protesting against the government.

118. Accomplished (adj)
He is an accomplished designer

119. Spy on sb (v)
Somebody is spying on you.

120. Grass on sb (v)
He grassed on other prisoners.[= to tell the police about a criminal's activities]

121. Miffed (adj)
She is miffed that we aren’t taking her with us.

122. Fidgety (adj)
The boys get fidgety if they can't play outside.

123. Be out of order (Idm)
Telephone is still out of order.

124. Crowded (adj)
All the buses were crowded.

125. Confused (adj)
I was confused in the beginning.

126. Satisfied (adj)
How do you get satisfied?

127. Tease (v)
Stop teasing the child!

128. Seem (v)
It seems that she is worried.

129. Intend (v)
I intend to meet him again.

130. Ask for (Phrv)
Children are asking for more money.

131. Blame (v)
You can’t blame me for Patrick's death.
Don't blame me - it's not my fault.

132. Accuse sb of sth / doing sth (v)
He was accused of murder.
Smith accused her of lying.

133. Intention (n)
They went into town with the intention of visiting the library.
I have no intention of retiring.
It is our intention to be the number one distributor of health products.

134. Make fun of sb/sth (Idm)
I'm not making fun of you.

135. Sympathetic (adj)
I like your sympathetic attitude.

136. Impassive (adj)
She was impassive during the trial.

137. Helpless (adj)
He was near to death, and I was helpless with fear.
He began to feel depressed and helpless.

138. Reclusive (adj)
She became reclusive after the sudden death of her husband.

139. Extrovert (adj)
He was an extrovert young doctor.

140. Stumbling block (n)
It is still a stumbling block.

141. Adamant (adj)
She begged me to change my mind, but I remained adamant.
She is adamantly opposed to the new directive.

142. Stubborn / Obdurate (adj)
Paul can be as stubborn as a mule (=very stubborn).
'I don't care,' she said stubbornly.
Why are you so stubborn?
Your father is so stubborn - he won't listen.
They argued, but he remained obdurate.

143. Self- respecting (adj)
No self-respecting actor would appear in such a movie.

144. Pity (v)
I don't want you to pity me - I just want you to help me.

145. Tranquility (n)
It was an atmosphere of tranquility.

146. Stand by sb (Phrv)
His wife stood by him during his years in prison.

147. Fluke (n)
He agreed that the second goal was a fluke.

148. Eagerness (n)
People were pushing each other out of the way in their eagerness to get to the front.

149. Drag (v)
she dragged the table into the kitchen.
He grabbed her arm and dragged her into the room.
I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom.(=to move with difficulty because of being ill, tired or unhappy)
Mom dragged us to a classical music concert.(=persuade sb to come)
Friday afternoons always drag.(= go very slowly because nothing interesting is happening)

150. Quarrel (v,n)
We're not going to quarrel about a few dollars.
I think they've had a quarrel.
151. Gamble (v)
Their religion forbids them to drink or gamble.
Jack loves gambling on the horses.

152. Nearly / narrowly
It took nearly two hours to get here.(=almost)
I nearly always go home for lunch.
He's not nearly as good-looking as his brother.(=not at all)
We've saved some money, but it's not nearly enough. (=not at all)

153. It goes without saying.
The Internet, too, it goes without saying, is a good source of information.

154. Pretend (v)
Let's pretend we're on the moon.
He's not asleep - he's just pretending.

155. Innocent (adj)
The court found him innocent and he was released.
Nobody would believe that I was innocent.
He's so innocent that anyone can take advantage of him.
Nobody believes that she's innocent.

156. Keep / fulfill promise (v)
I can’t break my promise.
She made a promise to visit them once a month but didn’t fulfill it.

157. Enthusiastically / with gusto (adv, Phr)
The supporters shouted enthusiastically.
They were chanting slogans enthusiastically.
They sang hymns with great gusto.

158. Bloom (v)
She was blooming the last time I saw her.

159. Rain heavily / pour down / bucket down (Phrv)
It’s raining heavily.
It’s pouring down/bucketing down.

160. Drizzle (v)
When I woke up, it was drizzling.
161. Blow sb off (Phrv)
Bud got into trouble for blowing off the meeting.

162. Leave sb in the lurch (Idm)
My own friends left me in the lurch.

163. Side with sb (Phrv)
Frank sided with David against their mother.

164. Catch fire (v)
The curtains caught fire.
One of the plane's engines had caught fire.
165. Set fire (v)
Rioters set fire to a whole row of stores
166. Phone (v)
Why didn't they phone the police?
167. Go numb (v)
When the teacher called me, my legs went numb.

168. Chicken hearted (n)
Dave's too chicken to ask her out.

169. Prodigal (adj)
She has a prodigal lifestyle.

170. Habitual of sth / doing sth (adj)
He is habitual of getting up early.
She is habitual of coffee.

171. Put sb/sth to the test (Idm)
Living together will soon put their relationship to the test.

172. Poke one’s nose into sth (Idm)
I'm sick of your mother poking her nose into our marriage.

173. Choke (v)
He choked on a piece of bread.

174. Execute / hang (v)
We can’t execute this plan without your consent.
She hung the sheets on the washing line.

175. Be influenced by evil eyes (adj)
The child is influenced by evil eyes.

176. Aptitude for sth (n)
He has a natural aptitude for teaching.

177. Inferiority complex (n)
He had a deep-rooted feeling of inferiority complex.

178. Superiority complex (n)
After becoming famous some people suffer from superiority complex.

179. Off spring (n)
a young mother is trying to control her offspring

180. Bounce back (Phrv) / get well (v)
The patient is bouncing back rapidly.
She got well within a week.

181. Instigate (v)
They were accused of instigating racial violence.

182. Provoke (v)
The announcement provoked a storm of protest.(=to cause a particular reaction)

183. Defame / Vilify / Stigmatize (v)
They are defaming the senator’s reputation.
Our opponents have vilified us in the press.

184. Notorious (adj)
He is a notorious computer hacker.

185. Soon after that / just then
Silently she closed the door. Just then she heard a noise.
Just then (=exactly at that moment) Mrs. Jones appeared at the bedroom door.

186. Make a cock and bull story (Idm)
She was making a cock and bull story about the dog eating her homework.

187. Eavesdrop on sb (v)
She was eavesdropping outside the door.

188. Look for (Phrv)
I'm looking for Steve - have you seen him?

189. Prevaricate (v)
Stop prevaricating and come to the point.

190. Fudge (v)
Politician are often very clever at fudging the issues.

191. Fleece (v)
Some local shop keepers fleece the customers.

192. Raise slogan / tag line (v)
Everybody was raising slogans/taglines against the government.

193. Turn sb against sb (Phrv)
Why are you turning me against my own brother.

194. Give sb the cold shoulder (Idm)
She gave us the cold shoulder without saying even a word.

195. Bear/take/suffer the brunt of sth (Idm)
Everybody is bearing the brunt of recession.

196. Cast a slur upon sb/sth (Idm) to criticize
How dare she cast a slur on (=criticize) my character?

197. Put a damper on sth (Idm)
The burglary put a damper on the family’s Christmas.

198. Fix (v)
He is fixing the brakes
I'll watch the kids and you fix dinner.

199. In a fix/jam (Idm)
That's put us in a fix.

200. Push over (n)
The game will be a push over.(= a thing that is easy to do )

201. Wishful thinking (n)
I’ve got a feeling that she likes me, but that might just be wishful thinking.

202. Stupor (n)
As soon as she heard it, she got in a state of stupor.

203. Get into stupor (v)
The shock got him into stupor.

204. Scold/rebuke/chide/reprimand (v)
She scolded the child.
He scolded them for arriving late.
She rebuked herself for her stupidity.
She chided herself for being so impatient with the children.
My senior reprimanded me for my behavior.

205. Blow one’s own trumpet (Idm)
Dave spent the whole evening blowing his own trumpet.

206. Pass away (Phrv)
He passed away last year.

207. Typical (adj)
This painting is typical of his work.
This advertisement is a typical example of their marketing strategy.

208. Complicated (adj)
For young children, getting dressed is a complicated business.
Mental illness is a very complicated subject.
The human brain is an incredibly complicated organ.

209. Resemble (v)
It's amazing how closely Brian and Steve resemble each other.

210. Take after sb (Phrv)
She really takes after her mother.

211. Snap one’s fingers (Idm)
Somebody was snapping his fingers in the class.

212. As ill luck would have it (Idm)
As ill luck would have it, the very next day I got an accident.

213. As good luck would have it (Idm)
As good luck would have it, police came early.

214. Furious (adj)
Residents in the area are furious at the decision.

215. Torture (v)
Policemen were torturing the protesters.

216. Stroke (v)
He lifted her face and stroked her hair from her eyes.

217. Brutal (adj)
Some of the prison guards were brutal and corrupt.
It was a brutal attack.

218. Drown (v)
Many people drowned when the boat overturned.

219. Groan (v)
She was drowned in the river.
A train blew its whistle and drowned his voice.(= if a loud noise drowns out another sound, it prevents it from being heard)

220. Compulsion (n)
She felt a compulsion to tell him the truth.

221. Compelled (adj)
She felt compelled to resign because of the scandal.

222. Compel (v)
The law will compel employers to provide health insurance.

223. Memory like a sieve (Idm) (=to forget things easily)
You'd better remind him about the party - he's got a memory like a sieve!

224. The accused (n)
The accused escaped from the court.

225. Cut throat competition (n)
The cut throat competition excited everyone there.

226. Give sb a curt reply (v)
He gave me a curt reply.

227. Curiosity (n)
I opened the packet just to satisfy my curiosity.
The news aroused a lot of curiosity among local people.
Margaret looked at him with curiosity.

228. Impose curfew (v)
The court can impose a fine.
The government imposed a ban on the sale of ivory.

229. Take sb on (Phrv)

230. Pass cryptic remark (n)
He is very good at passing cryptic remarks.

231. Cry baby (n)
Don’t be such a crybaby.

232. Crushing defeat (n)
We gave them a crushing defeat.

233. Crucial (adj)
This aid money is crucial to the government's economic policies.

234. Crowd puller (n)
He proved himself to be a crowd puller.

235. Break down (Phrv)
The car broke down.
Negotiations broke down after only two days.(= to fail or stop working in a successful way)
His health was breaking down rapidly.

236. I ‘m sitting cross legged
We sat cross-legged on the floor.

237. Crooked (adj)
Your tie's crooked.(= bent, twisted, or not in a straight line)
A crooked civil servant sold hundreds of British passports.(=dishonest)

238. Up the creek (Idm)
If I don't get my passport by Friday, I'll be up the creek.(=in a difficult situation)

239. Crease (sb) up (Phrv) (=to laugh a lot, or to make someone laugh a lot)
She really creases me up!

240. Crushing bore (Idm)
The movie was crushing bore.

241. Bored (adj)
We were bored to death.

242. Crafty (adj)
Jerry was crafty -- he got into the match free by crawling under the fence.
He's a crafty old devil.

243. Send sb Coventry (Idm)
When he refused to join the strike, his mates sent him to Coventry for three weeks.

244. Stupid/Charlie/moron/dumb/nuts (adj)
That was a stupid thing to say.
Whose stupid idea was this?
I stupidly agreed to organize the party.
He understands - he's not stupid.
Feel a right/proper Charlie (=feel very stupid)
Don't leave it there, you moron!
What a dumb question.(=stupid)
I'm going to go nuts (=become crazy) if I don't find a new job soon.
Are you nuts?
The crowd went nuts after the performance(=very excited because something good has just happened)
Mom's going to go nuts if you don't clean this mess up(=to become very angry about something)

245. Bumpkin (adj)
I felt like a country bumpkin in that dress.

246. Cozy (adj)
The living room was warm and cozy.

247. Comfy (adj)
It’s not a comfy chair. (=comfortable)

248. Ignorant of sth (adj)
He is an ignorant and uneducated man(=not knowing facts or information that you ought to know)

249. Aware of sth (adj)
The children are aware of the danger of taking drugs.
They were well aware that the company was losing money.
As you are aware, a fee will be charged annually.

250. Condone (v)
I'm not condoning his behaviour
The Government seems to condone police brutality.
I cannot condone the use of violence under any circumstances.(= to accept or forgive behaviour that most people think is morally wrong)

251. Confiscate (v)
The principal confiscated firecrackers.

252. Condescend to sb (v)
Take care not to condescend to your readers.
When giving a talk, be careful not to condescend to your audience.

253. Condolence (v)
To give/offer/express your condolence.

254. Conducive (n)
An environment conducive to learning
The soft lights and music were conducive to a relaxed atmosphere.
(=making it easy, possible or likely for sth to happen)

255. Commotion (v)
I heard a commotion and went to see what was happening.
The crowd waiting outside was causing a commotion.(= sudden noisy confusion or excitement)

256. Commendable (adj)
Commendable honesty (=deserving praise and approval)
She showed commendable loyalty to the family firm.

257. I’m at your command
A pianist with the keys at his command(=if you have a particular skill at your command, you are able to use that skill well and easily)

258. Off color/under the weather (Idm)
She's been feeling a bit off-colour for a week or so.

259. Collect yourself /collect your thoughts (Col)
I got there early so I had a few minutes to collect my thoughts before the meeting began.
(=to make an effort to remain calm and think clearly and carefully about something)
With an effort I pulled myself together.
I'm staying with my parents for a while, until I've got myself together a bit.(= to change your life so that it is organized and you are in control of it)

260. Get/have cold feet (Idm)
The plan failed after sponsors got cold feet.(= to suddenly feel that you are not brave enough to do something you planned to do)

261. Disgrace/humiliate/insult (v)
How could you disgrace us all like that?(= to do something so bad that you make other people feel ashamed)
Be a disgrace used to say that something or someone is so bad or unacceptable that the people involved with them should feel ashamed:
The UK rail system is a national disgrace.
You are a disgrace to the medical profession.
It's an absolute disgrace, the way he treats his wife.

262. In spite of sth (Perp)
We went out in spite of the rain.(= without being affected or prevented by something) [= despite]
The picture made her laugh in spite of herself.(= if you do something in spite of yourself, you do it although you did not expect or intend to do it)

263. Hardly ever
We hardly ever go out.(=Not very often)
My back has been bad ever since(=continuously since) I fell and hurt it two years ago.
As ever, Joe was late.(=as always happens)
I suppose they'll get married and live happily ever after.(= for all time after something)
She's ever such a nice girl.(= used to emphasize what someone or something is like)
She lives in Spain, so we hardly ever (=almost never) see her.

264. Humiliation (n)
She suffered the humiliation of being criticized in public.
The election result is a humiliation for our party.

265. Burp/belch (v)
Suddenly, she burped loudly three times.
It was nearly twelve when Mama began to burp the baby.

266. Pant (v)
When I reached the top of the stairs I was puffing and panting like an old steam engine.
Michael was still panting after his run.

267. Croon (v)
somebody was crooning in the washroom.(= to sing or speak in a soft gentle voice)

268. Toss and turn (v)
I've been tossing and turning all night.

269. Run nose (v)
if someone's nose is running, liquid is flowing out of it.

270. Earn (v)
He earns nearly £20,000 a year.

You don't earn much money being a nurse.
He did all sorts of jobs to earn a living.
I was the only person in the house who was earning.
She was earning good money at the bank.
Chris will pay - he's earning a fortune.

271. Deceive (v)
He tried to deceive the public.

272. Giggle (v)
If you can't stop giggling you'll have to leave the room.(= to laugh quickly, quietly, and in a high voice, because something is funny or because you are nervous or embarrassed)
What are you two girls giggling about?

273. Itch (v,n)
My feet were itching terribly.(= if part of your body or your clothes itch, you have an unpleasant feeling on your skin that makes you want to rub it with your nails)
The label on this shirt itches me.
Scratch my back – I have an itch.
An itch for adventure(=a strong desire to do or have something)

274. Mess sth up (Phrv)
It took me ages to get this right - I don't want some idiot to mess it up.
She felt she'd messed up her whole life.

275. Mess with sb/sth (Phrv) to deceive someone or cause trouble for them:
If you mess with me, and I'll beat you up.

276. Offend (v)
His remarks deeply offended me.
She was offended by such a personal question.
The careful language is designed not to offend.

277. Stagger (n)
He managed to stagger home.
She staggered back a step.

278. Assure (v)
Her doctor has assured us that she'll be fine.
The document is genuine,I can assure you.

279. Bump into sb/sth (Phrv)
The roof was so low he bumped his head (=his head hit the roof).
I ran after him, bumping against people in my hurry.
I bumped into you in a rush.

280. Come across (Phrv)
I came across an old diary in her desk.
I've never come across anyone quite like her before.

281. Cry bitterly (v)
The baby was crying bitterly.

282. Mob (n)
A mob of a few hundred demonstrators.(= a large noisy crowd, especially one that is angry and violent)

283. Obsession (n)
Gambling became an obsession, and he eventually lost everything.(= an extreme unhealthy interest in something or worry about something, which stops you from thinking about anything else)
The current obsession with exam results is actually harming children's education.
He has an enthusiasm for art, to the point of obsession in my opinion.

284. Obsess (v)
Stop obsessing about your hair. It's fine.

285. Bother/tease (v)
He didn't bother to answer the question.(= to make the effort to do something)
Many young people didn't bother voting.
Being in a crowd really bothers me.(= to make someone feel slightly worried, upset, or concerned)
It really bothered me that he'd forgotten my birthday.

286. Irrational (adj)
He's becoming increasingly irrational.(= unreasonable)

287. Ingratiate yourself (with sb) (v) ( disapproving )BrE / ɪnˈɡreɪʃieɪt /
to do things in order to make sb like you, especially sb who will be useful to you
The first part of his plan was to ingratiate himself with the members of the committee.

288. Stirrer (n)
A person who likes causing trouble, especially between other people, by spreading secrets.

289. Respite (n) a short time when something bad stops happening, so that the situation is temporarily better
The trip was a welcome respite from the pressures of work.
We have a few days' respite before we have to pay them.
His creditors agreed to give him a temporary respite.

290. Crony (n)
A person that sb spends a lot of time with.
He was playing cards with his cronies.

291. In born (adj) (=an inborn quality or ability is one you have had naturally since birth)
Some people have an inborn tendency to put on wait.
Some people seem to have an inborn talent for cooking.

292. pave BrE / peɪv / [ often passive ] ~ sth (with sth)
to cover a surface with flat stones or bricks
a paved area near the back door
pave the way (for sb/sth)
to create a situation in which sb will be able to do sth or sth can happen
This decision paved the way for changes in employment rights for women.

293. Cover your tracks (Idm)
to try to hide something you have done so that other people do not find out:
He started to destroy documents to cover his tracks.

294. Mend your ways (Idm)
to improve the way you behave after behaving badly for a long time:
If he doesn't mend his ways, he'll be asked to leave.

295. Self respect (n) a feeling of being happy about your character, abilities, and beliefs
Serious illness often results in a loss of confidence and self-respect.
Tom's job teaching young kids gives him pride and self-respect.

296. Immodest (adj) having a very high opinion of yourself and your abilities, and not embarrassed about telling people how clever you are [≠ modest]:
I don't mean to sound immodest, but I graduated from high school when I was 15.
They thought it was immodest for both sexes to swim together.(= behaviour that is immodest shocks or embarrasses people)

297. Humility (n) the quality of not being too proud about yourself
Mother Theresa remained a woman of great humility.
Humility and discipline are important in the martial arts.

298. Ponder over sth (v) to spend time thinking carefully and seriously about a problem, a difficult question, or something that has happened [= consider]:
The university board is still pondering over the matter.

299. Latch on to sb/sth (Phrv)
He latched onto Sandy at the party and wouldn't go away.(= to follow someone and keep trying to talk to them, get their attention etc, especially when they would prefer to be left alone)

300. Bald (adj)
Dad started going bald when he was in his thirties.
He combed his hair and tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone's head where there is no hair).

301. Stab (v) [transitive] to push a knife into someone or something
He had been stabbed in the chest repeatedly.
Stab somebody in the back: to do something that harms someone who likes and trusts you [= betray]
He was stabbed to death in a fight

302. God forbid! used to emphasize that you hope that something will not happen:
“Supposing has an accident” ‘God forbid!’

303. Nothing (Pron) for nothing
a) without paying for something or being paid for something:
Why pay a plumber when my brother will do it for nothing?

b) if you do something for nothing, you make an effort but do not get the result you want:
We went all that way for nothing.

304. have/be nothing to do with somebody/something if you have nothing to do with someone or something, or if someone or something has nothing to do with you, you are not involved or connected with it:
He said that he had nothing to do with the decision.
As I said, it's nothing to do with me.
That's got nothing to do with you.
I want nothing to do with (=do not want to be involved) the whole thing.
My staff had nothing whatsoever to do with this.

305. Sue (v) to make a legal claim against someone, especially for money, because they have harmed you in some way:
If the builders don't fulfil their side of the contract, we'll sue.
The company is suing a former employee.

308. Charity (n) [countable] An organization that gives money, goods, or help to people who are poor, sick etc [↪ charitable]:
Several charities sent aid to the flood victims.
Refugees living on charity(=money or gifts given to help people who are poor, sick etc)
Her pride wouldn't allow her to accept charity.

309. I’ll get you nowhere (adv) (=to have no success or make no progress)
A negative attitude will get you nowhere.
I soon realized that being tough was getting me nowhere fast (=was not helping me achieve anything).

310. blank face/look/expression/eyes
Zoe looked at me with a blank expression.
She gazed at him in blank astonishment.

Indian Spices Herbs Hindi to English Names

2011-06-19T01:51:00.000-07:00

Indian Spices Herbs Hindi to English Names

Herbs and spices (Fresh and dried) are listed in alphabetical order of their names in Hindi. English names and substitutions are given where appropriate

Sweeteners, Cooking oils fats Covered in other lists

Hindi Name	English Name
Adrak	Fresh Ginger
Ajwain	Carom seed. Substitution: Thyme
Amchoor (Amchur)	Dried Mango powder. Also called Khatai. Substitution: Citric Acid
Amjud	Celery
Amla	Emblica. Indian Gooseberry.
Anar-daana	Pomegranate seeds.
Chakra Phool	Star Anise
Dalchini	Cinnamon.
Dalchini, Jungli	Cassia. Substitution: Cinnamon
Dhania	Dried Coriander seeds
Dhania, Hara Patta	Fresh Cilantro
Dhania, Sukha Patta	Dried Coriander leafs
Elaichi	Green Cardamom
Elaichi, Bari	Black Cardamom,
Elaichi, Choti	Green Cardamom
Goal Mirch, Kali	Black peppercorn
Goal Mirch, Safed	White peppercorn
Goal Mirch, Pilli	Green peppercorn Its Yellowish Green
Goal Mirch, Lal	Lal peppercorn
Gond Katira	Katira Tree sap Gum
Gulab Jal	Rose Water
Haldi	Turmeric
Hing	Asafoetida. A tree sap fried and crumbled to powder
Imli	Tamarind.
Jaifal (Jaiphal)	Nutmeg.
Javitri	Mace.
Jeera	Cumin seed
Jeera, Safed	Cumin seed
Jeera, Shahi	Black Cumin. Also known as Himali Jeera, Kala Jeera
Kala Namak	Black Rock salt, Also called Sanchal
Kalonji	Nigella seeds, Also called Wild Onion seeds
Kamarkas	Sage
Kari Patta	Curry leaf. Also called Meetha Neem Patta
Kesar	Saffron. Also called Zaafraan
Kewra	Screwpine Essence
Khas	Essence from the roots of Vetiver grass
Khus-khus	Poppy Seeds
Kokum	Garcinia indica
Lassun	Fresh Garlic.
Laung	Cloves. Also called Lavang
Makhna	Popped Lotus seeds
Methi	Fenugreek Seeds
Methi, Hari	Fresh Fenugreek Leaves
Methi, Kasoori	Dried Fenugreek Leaves
Maval petals	Cock's comb. Substitution: Yellow Red Food Color Additive
Mirch, Degi	Kashmir Paprika, Substitution: Hungarian Paprika
Mirch, Kali	Ground Black Pepper
Mirch, Lal	Red Chili pepper, Substitution: Cayenne pepper
Mirch, Hari	Fresh Green Chili Pepper, Substitution: Serrano
Mishri	Rock candy
Mulathi	Liquorice root. Also known as Jethi-madh
Nimboo (Nimbu)	Fresh Lime. In India Lime is also called as lemon
Nimboo Phool	Citric Acid
Namak	Salt
Pippali	Long Pepper. Substitution: Cayenne Pepper
Podina	Fresh Peppermint leaves
Rai	Black Mustard seeds
Rai, Kuria	Cracked Black Mustard seeds
Ratan Jot	Alkanet Root. Substitution: Red Color Food additive
Sarson	Mustard seeds
Saunf	Anise. Anise is same as Aniseed
Saunf, Choti	Anise. Anise is same as Aniseed
Saunf, Patli	Anise. Anise is same as Aniseed
Saunf, Moti	Fennel seed
Saunf, Vilaiti	Anise. Anise is same as Aniseed
Sirka	Vinegar
Soa	Dill
Sumaq	Sumac. Substitutition: Citric acid
Tej Patta	Indian Bay leaf
Tulsi	Holy Basil. Substitution: Sweet Basil

In South India, Split Decorticated Legumes (Urad Dal, Moong Dal, and Chana Dal) are also used as spices to make dishes such as Rasam and Sambhar.

British / North American Vocabulary (British, Canadian, American)

2011-06-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

British/North American Vocabulary

Here are some of the main differences in vocabulary between British and North American English.

British	Canadian	American
anywhere	anywhere	anyplace
autumn	autumn/fall	fall
barrister	lawyer	attorney
beeper, pager	pager	beeper
bill (restaurant)	bill	check
biscuit	cookie	cookie
block of flats	apartment block	apartment building
bonnet	hood	hood
boot (of car)	trunk (of car)	trunk (of automobile)
car	car	automobile
caravan	trailer	trailer
chemist	drugstore	drugstore
chest of drawers	dresser	bureau
chips	French fries/chips	French fries
chocolate bar	chocolate bar	candy bar
the cinema	movies	the movies
clothes peg	clothes peg	clothespin
coffin	coffin	casket
condom	condom	rubber
crisps	potato chips	potato chips
crossroads	intersection	intersection
cupboard	cupboard	closet
cutlery	cutlery	silverware
diversion	diversion, detour	detour
drawing-pin	thumbtack	thumbtack
driving licence	driver's licence	driver's license
dummy (for babies)	soother	pacifier
dustbin	garbage can, trash can	ashcan, garbage can, trashcan
dustman	garbageman	garbage collector
engine	engine	motor
estate agent	real estate agent	realtor
film	movie	movie
flat	apartment	apartment
flat tyre	flat tire	flat
flyover	overpass	overpass
galoshes	galoshes	toe rubbers
gear-lever	gearshift	gearshift
Girl Guide	Girl Guide	Girl Scout
ground floor	ground floor, main floor	first floor
handbag	handbag	purse
holiday	holiday	vacation
jam	jam	jelly
jeans	jeans	blue jeans
jug	jug	pitcher
lift	elevator	elevator
lorry	truck	truck
luggage	luggage	baggage
mad	crazy	crazy
main road	main road, main thoroughfare	highway
maize	corn	corn
maths	math	math
mobile (phone)	cellular phone	cellular
motorbike	motorbike, motorcycle	motorcycle
motorway	highway, thoroughfare	freeway, expressway
motorway	freeway	freeway
napkin	serviette, table napkin	napkin
nappy	diaper	diaper
naughts and crosses	tick-tack-toe	tic-tack-toe
pants	shorts	shorts
pavement	sidewalk, pavement	sidewalk
petrol	gas, gasoline	gas, gasoline
The Plough	Big Dipper	Big Dipper
pocket money	pocket money	allowance
post	mail, post	mail
postbox	mailbox, post-box	mailbox
postcode	postal code	zip code
postman	mailman, letter carrier	mailman
pub	bar, pub	bar
public toilet	bathroom	rest room
puncture	flat	flat
railway	railway	railroad
return (ticket)	return	round-trip
reverse charge	collect call, reverse the charges	call collect
ring road	ring road	beltway
road surface	road surface, asphalt	pavement
roundabout	roundabout	traffic circle
rubber	eraser	eraser
rubbish	garbage, trash, refuse	garbage, trash
rubbish-bin	garbage can, trashcan	garbage can, trashcan
saloon (car)	sedan (car)	sedan (automobile)
shop	shop, store	store
single (ticket)	one-way (ticket)	one-way
solicitor	lawyer	attorney
somewhere	somewhere	someplace
spanner	wrench	wrench
spirits	spirits	hard liquor
sweets	candy, sweets	candy
tap (indoors)	tap (indoors)	faucet
tap (outdoors)	tap (outdoors)	spigot
taxi	taxi	cab
tea-towel	dish-towel	dish-towel
telly, TV	TV	TV
third-party insurance	third-party insurance	liability insurance
timetable	schedule	schedule
tin	tin can	can
toll motorway	toll highway	turnpike
torch	flashlight	flashlight
trousers	pants	pants
tube (train)	subway, metro	subway
underground (train)	subway, metro	subway
underpants	shorts	shorts
van	truck	truck
vest	undershirt	undershirt
waistcoat	vest	vest
wallet	wallet	billfold
wellington boots	rubber boots	rubbers
whisky	whisky, scotch	whiskey, scotch
windscreen	windshield	windshield
zip	zipper	zipper