Kev Nair

“Quirk for grammar, Fowler for usage and Kev Nair for fluency...” – The New Indian Express.

A DICTIONARY OF

Essential
Fluency
Phrases A core collection of word sequences
that are the main building-blocks of fluent speech and fluent writing.
For those who need to be remarkably fluent in English

Second Edition

• •
“Groundbreaking compilation...
unique book...”
– The New Indian Express.
• •
TM
Adult Faculties Council
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08

Kev Nair
A Dictionary of
Essential Fluency Phrases

Prof. Kev Nair was born in Kerala, South India, in 1949.

He’s an eminent scholar. He’s a first class LL.B. and a first class
LL.M. And he was ranked first in university in both the LL. B. and
LL. M. exams.
“Nair was the first person in the world to give shape to the
area of study now known as ‘English fluency development’
and to systematize it into a distinct teachable subject. ...Nair
started researching into this area of study... in 1971. He
isolated the factors that block fluency as well as those that
promote fluency. He worked out a series of techniques, and
organized them into a dedicated course in fluency develop-
ment for the first time in the world. So he is better known as
the father of fluency development.”
– General Knowledge Today.
“Prof. Kev Nair is regarded the world over as the father of
fluency lexicography... Fluency lexicography came into exist-
ence as a separate branch of dictionary writing with the
publication of Prof. Nair’s Dictionary of Active Fluency
Combinations in 1986.”
– Competition Success Review.
“His students are spread across 35 countries; highly educated,
well-placed professionals turn to him for help... Prof. Kev
Nair... has... reached out to thousands – judicial officers,
professionals, top executives, scholars – who need that
comfort and ease in speech with his specialised fluency
techniques.”
– The New Indian Express
Prof. Nair is a lawyer by profession. He lives with his wife and two
children in Kochi, Kerala.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
DFP

A Dictionary of
Fluent English Lexicons by Prof. Kev Nair Essential Fluency Phrases
• A Dictionary of Active Fluency Combinations.
• A Dictionary of Fluency Word Clusters.
• The Complete Fluency Words.
• A Dictionary of Essential Fluency Phrases.
• Core Fluency Thesaurus.
• Comprehensive Adjectival Fluency Dictionary. A core collection of word sequences
• Narrative Fluency Dictionary. that are the main building-blocks of fluent
• Thesaurus of Phrasal Verbs. speech and fluent writing. For those who
need to be remarkably fluent in English...
Books by Kev Nair making up Second Edition
Fluentzy: The English Fluency Encyclopedia
• B1: Idea units & Fluency.
• B2: Speech Generation & Flow Production.
• B3: Teaching your Tongue & Speech Rhythm.
• B4: Key Speech-initiators & Speech-unit Patterns. Prof. Kev Nair
• S1/B13 & S2/B14: Fluency in Functional English (Vols. 1 & 2).
• S3/B15: Fluency in Telephone English & Sectoral English.
• B5: How to Deal with Hesitation.
• B6: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.1).
• B7: Packing of Information.
• B8: Impromptu Speech-flow Techniques.
• S4/B16: Fluency Building & Mouth Gymnastics.
• S5/B17: Fluency in speaking about people.
• B9: Fluency in Asking Questions.
• B10: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.2).
• B11: Fluency & Moment-to-Moment Speech-production.
• B12: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.3). TM

• S6/B18 & S7/B19: Fluency in Topicwise English (Vols. 1 & 2). Unifying the world thro’ fluent English...
• S8/B20: Fluency & Pronunciation.

Note: 1). The Fluent English Lexicons do not form part of Fluentzy: The English
Fluency Encyclopedia. They’re separate publications – meant for those who want TM
to specialize in fluency-oriented vocabulary. For details, visit
www.fluencybookz.com. 2). As for more information about Fluentzy: The English
Adult Faculties Council
Fluency Encyclopedia, visit www.fluentzy.com and www.fluentenglish.com.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08

For Uma, Anup and Usha Contents

A DICTIONARY OF ESSENTIAL FLUENCY PHRASES Preface, 7

First used as fluency workshop material from 1974 to 1982.

Preface to the second edition, 9
Abbreviations, 10
First published as part of the Fluency Development Course in 1982.
Introduction, 11
First published as a separate book in 1987.
Dictionary, 14
Second edition, 1992. Reprinted, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2004 (twice),
2005 (twice), 2006, 2007 (twice).
Copyright © Prof. K. E. V. Nair, 1982, 1987, 1992.
Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair has asserted his moral right to be
identified as the author of this work in accordance with the Copyright
Act, 1957.
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be copied or reproduced
or transmitted in any form or manner whatever, or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except
in the case of brief quotations or as allowed by the Copyright Act 1957.
All quotations from this book shall credit Prof. KevNair.
Any person who buys this book or acquires it in any other way, shall
not circulate it.
Any violation of these terms and conditions will invite civil and
criminal proceedings and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
law.
Published in India by Mrs. Uma V. Nair, Adult Faculties Council, DP
Lane, Elamakkara PO, Kochi-682 026, Kerala.
Printed in India by Matha Offset Printers, Power House Road,
Ernakulam - 682 018, Kerala.
www.fluencybookz.com
Price: Rs.295.00
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08

Preface

This book gives you collections of word sequences belonging to a category

that I would like to call fluency phrases.
You’ll find these word sequences grouped together under various headwords
in a dictionary layout.
In the introduction to this book, I’ve explained what a fluency phrase is.
I record my thanks to the publisher.
If you have any suggestions, comments or criticisms, could you write to me
(care of the Adult Faculties Council)? I would like to hear from you.

KEV Nair
Cochin, 1987.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08

Preface to the second edition

I’ve now thoroughly revised and updated the collections of the word combi-
nations.
If you have any suggestions, comments or criticisms, please do write to me
(care of the Adult Faculties Council).

KEV Nair
Kochi, 1992.
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10
Abbreviations Introduction
infml informal
L
isten carefully for some time to
someone who’s truly fluent in
sb somebody
English — and you’ll be able to
sth something notice one thing: There’s something
sw somewhere interesting about the way they speak:
They don’t produce most of what they
say word by word, that is, by stringing
individual words together. No, they
don’t. Instead, they produce most of
what they say by stringing word-clusters
together. Yes, clusters of words – a small
group of words occurring close together
– and not individual words.
Each word-cluster they use is a multi-
word unit — a vocabulary unit made up
of two or more words. And a sizeable
proportion of these multi-word units is
made up of what we’ll call fluency
phrases. (Other multi-word units that
fluent speakers depend heavily on are
collocations, formulaic expressions,
idioms, etc.).
By the label fluency phrase what I mean
is this: A sequence of words that
contains an idea and forms a separate
unit of meaning. Sequences like these
occur in speech and writing either on
their own or as part of a clause. Many
such phrases are fixed sequences like at
lunch, by car, on TV, etc. And the
remaining phrases are semi-fixed
sequences like a drop in sales, an
expression of surprise, shiver with fear,
etc.
11
These fixed and semi-fixed phrases are
of immense use to you mainly for two
reasons:
First, they make it easier for you (than
individual words) to compose what you
want to say and to say it at the same
time. They do this by functioning as
ready-to-assemble language chunks.
You see, a large part of whatever a truly
articulate native speaker (of any
language) says spontaneously every day
is made up of word groups that occur
again and again in various situations
irrespective of the topic — either with
no variation or with only a slight
variation. (This is true of whatever they
dictate or write spontaneously, too).
These are word groups of general
service, because they can act as ‘whole’
‘speech units on their own or combine
easily with individual words into other
speech units, and express most of your
thoughts, ideas and feelings with
reasonable clarity. In fact, many of them
can help you express yourself with
absolute clarity. So these word groups of
general service are also word groups of
frequent utility.
If you have a good mastery of these
common-factor word groups, you won’t
have to compose them anew on the spot
every time you speak or write. They
would occur to you readily as ‘wholes’ —
readily composed, structured and

12
ordered. And so a large part of
whatever you want to say (or dictate or
write) can be produced through these
ready-to-assemble chunks quickly, easily
and effortlessly.
In this way, ready-to assemble word
groups like fluency phrases save you a
lot of speech-planning time and speech
composition time. And the time so
saved is extremely valuable to you. This
is because when you’re speaking (or
dictating or writing) spontaneously,
you’re speaking (or dictating or writing)
against the pressure of time. And you
can use the time so saved to plan what
to say next and to formulate the
difficult parts of what you want to say
next — parts that need to be put
together by joining individual words,
for the first time and for the occasion,
into groups of words.
There’s a second reason that makes the
fixed and semi-fixed phrases we’re
speaking about extremely useful to you:
They make your English sound natural
to native speakers of English. In other
words, these phrases make your English
idiomatic.
Here let me clarify a point.
The word ‘idiomatic’ can give a wrong
impression to many people. This word
can make them think that the term
‘idiomatic English’ means English
stuffed full of opaque idioms like fill sb’s
shoes, give sb the raspberry, kick the
bucket, a fine kettle of fish, etc. Actually,
that is not what the term ‘idiomatic
English’ means. Idiomatic English
simply means English that contains
expressions that are natural to native
speakers of that language. That’s all.
And the expressions that are natural to
native speakers of English are not only
idioms, but also quasi-idioms, colloca-
tions, fixed and semi-fixed phrases,
formulaic expressions, phrasal verbs,
etc.
All these expressions are natural to
native speakers of English for two
reasons: First, they’re word groups that
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occur naturally and readily to native
speakers whenever they speak or write.
Second, these expressions sound natural
to them whenever anybody (who they’re
listening to) uses them. In fact,
whenever anybody speaks or writes
about something in English without
using expressions like these, but by
using their literal paraphrases put
together on the spot by stringing
individual words, the English so
produced sounds un-English and
unnatural to native speakers — though
that kind of English is grammatically
correct.
As you know, an idiom is a word group
with a particular meaning. And this
meaning is the meaning of the word
group as a whole, and is something
entirely different from the meanings of
the individual words. For example, if you
say that a candidate for a job fills the
bill, you mean that they’re suitable for it.
If you say that when something
happened someone hit the ceiling, you
mean that they lost their temper
suddenly and violently.
An interesting feature of idioms like
these is this: It’s impossible to work out
the meaning of such an idiom from the
meaning of any, or more than one, of the
constituent words. Idioms like these are
opaque idioms.
This book does not cover opaque idioms.
And this book does not cover quasi-
idioms, either. By quasi-idioms what I
mean is idioms that are only partly
opaque (and so, for the same reason, are
only partly transparent). Here are some
examples of these semi-opaque/semi-
transparent idioms: every trick in the
book, make or break something, on the
spur of the moment, etc.
Then what kinds of word groups does
this book cover?
The word groups this book covers are
those whose meanings are, in general,
transparent — in any case, more
transparent than even quasi-idioms. As I
13
said earlier, there are several kinds of
expressions that make the language you
use idiomatic. If you range them all on
a gradient, with those whose meanings
are quite transparent at one end and
those whose meanings are opaque at
the other end, you can see that there’s a
scale of idiomaticity running from those
at one end to those at the other. The
phrases covered by this book are those
that occur nearer to the transparent end
of the gradient than to the opaque end.
And, there, over the transparent end,
they occur nearer to the ‘more transpar-
ent area’ than to the ‘less transparent
area’.
Another way of describing the kind of
phrases covered by this book is this:
They belong to a category of expres-
sions falling between collocations and
traditional idioms. But you should
understand that there’s no clear-cut
boundary between expressions that are
called collocations and expressions that
are called idioms. There’s an area of
overlap between these two types of
expressions, and this area is quite fuzzy
— vague and impossible to define
clearly. The phrases covered by this
book are multi-word units falling within
this fuzzy area. Mind you, within this
fuzzy area, it’s impossible to say where
collocations end and where idioms
begin.
Traditional grammar and linguistics
don’t have a separate name for multi-
word units within this fuzzy area. And
so, first of all, nobody can say you’re
wrong if you call these word groups
collocations — because they’re combina-
tions of words that habitually occur
together. Within most of these word
groups, the bond between at least two
of the constituent words is extremely
strong, and the order of their occur-
rence is fixed — and so most of these
word groups can be said to belong to
the category of “strong collocations”
(that is, collocations in which the bond
between two consecutive member
words is quite strong). Secondly, they’re
phrases — in the sense that they
function as a single syntactic unit and
form a single unit of meaning. Thirdly,
many of them can also be called idioms
— in the sense that the single unit of
meaning that they express is generally
more than, or slightly different from, the
sum of the meanings of the member
words. At the same time, they also differ
from conventional idioms, because this
single unit of meaning is not totally
divorced from the meanings of the
individual words, but has a lot to do
with those individual meanings.
So perhaps the term ‘collocational
phrases’ suits the word groups covered
by this book better than the terms
idioms or quasi-idioms.
This book gives you collections of
phrases of the kind described above
under various headwords. And the
headwords are, in almost all the listings,
the first word in the phrase (except, for
example, when the first word is an
article or a word given within brackets).
You’ll find that the meanings of most of
the phrases you get in this book are
obvious enough. Meanings of most
others can easily be worked out from the
meaning of one or more of the indi-
vidual words. Of course, some of the
phrases have metaphoric meanings —
because an individual (constituent)
word has been used in a metaphoric
sense. If you have any doubt about the
metaphoric meaning of an individual
word, a conventional learner’s dictionary
can help you.
If you’re trying to be as natural and as
articulate as a native speaker of English,
you must achieve a good command of
these phrases. Your skill in expressing
your ideas, thoughts and feelings easily
and well would depend, to a great
extent, on the degree of this command.
So I’ve called these phrases ‘fluency
phrases’.
...
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15
A guidelines. • according to sb’s means. •
ability
an ability to respond (to sth). • the abil-
ity to adapt (to sth). • the ability to ma-
nipulate sb/sth. • the ability to pay. • the
ability to pursue sth. • the ability to re-
late to sb/sth.
about
about a half. • about sb’s person.
above
above a threshold. • above all else. •
above average. • above ground. • above
street level. • above target. • above the
law. • above zero.
absent
absent without leave.
absolute
an absolute disgrace. • an absolute ruler.
• in absolute terms.
absolutely
absolutely delicious. • absolutely excel-
lent. • absolutely incredible. • absolutely
sure. • absolutely the best.
abuse
abuse of position. • abuse of power. •
abuse of privilege. • abuse of trust. •
abuse sb’s trust. • abuse your position/
power.
accept
accept delivery of sth. • accept responsi-
bility for sth.
access
access to a community. • access to data.
• access to funds. • access to informa-
tion. • access to resources. • access to
schooling. • access to the media. • ac-
cess to the records. • access to your sav-
ings.
accident
accident prone. • an accident black spot.
• an accident involving two cars, etc. •
an accident of fate.
according
according to (the) figures. • according to
act
according to sb’s wishes.
accuse
accuse sb of murder/theft, etc. • accuse sb
of plotting sth. • be accused of incompe-
tence. • be accused of killing/murdering
sb. • be accused of raping sb.
ache
ache all over. • aches and pains.
achieve
achieve the ambition of a lifetime.
acquire
acquire a taste for sth. • acquire the habit
(of doing sth). • an acquired taste.
across
across the border. • across sb’s face. •
across the back/face. • across the street. •
across the way.
act
act as a brake on sth. • act as a reminder.
• act in good faith. • act in sb’s best inter-
ests. • act on (your) own initiative. • act
on impulse. • act on sb’s orders. • act on
sb’s advice/suggestion. • act on sb’s be-
half. • act out of compassion. • act out of
curiosity. • act out of desperation. • act
out of love. • act out of necessity. • act the
fool. • act the part/role (of sb/sth). • an
act of aggression. • an act of betrayal. • an
act of bravery. • an act of charity. • an act
of complicity. • an act of confession. • an
act of courtesy. • an act of cowardice. • an
act of cruelty. • an act of defiance. • an act
of desperation. • an act of disobedience.
• an act of faith. • an act of folly. • an act
of friendship. • an act of generosity. • an
act of heroism. • an act of indecency. • an
act of intimidation. • an act of kindness.
• an act of love. • an act of omission. • an
Act of Parliament. • an act of penance. •
an act of provocation. • an act of rebellion.
• an act of retaliation. • an act of revenge.
• an act of sabotage. • an act of self-de-
fence. • an act of selfishness. • an act of
sexual intercourse. • an act of terror. • an
act of terrorism. • an act of treason. • an
act of vandalism. • an act of violence. • an
act of war. • an act of will. • an act of
worship.

action 16
action
an action for damages. • an action to
combat sth. • an action to prevent sth.
acutely
acutely aware of sth.
add
add a touch of sth. • add colour to sth. •
add fuel to sth. • add impetus to sth. •
add insult to injury. • add weight to a
theory, etc. • an added bonus. • an added
incentive.
addict
addicted to alcohol. • addicted to drugs.
• addicted to gambling.
address
address a question. • address yourself to
sth.
adjust
adjust to an idea. • adjust a clock. • ad-
just to living alone. • adjust yourself (to
a new situation).
admission
an admission of defeat/failure. • an ad-
mission of guilt. • an admission of liabil-
ity.
admit
admit killing/murdering sb. • admit sb to
a ward. • be admitted to hospital.
advance
advance of science. • advances in tech-
nology. • an advance on royalties.
afraid
afraid of the dark. • be afraid for sb.
after
after a moment’s thought. • after a while.
• after school. • after serious/careful con-
sideration (of sth). • after you (with the
salad, etc.). • an after-dinner speaker/
speech. • the after-effects of an illness.
against
against (my) better judgement. • against
(my) principles. • against all (the) odds.
• against sb’s principles. • against sb’s
will. • against the law. • against the regu-
lations. • against the rules. • against the
run of play.
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age
age and infirmity. • ages ago. • the age of
consent. • the age of criminal responsibil-
ity. • the age of retirement. • the age of
steam.
agony
the agony of suspense.
agree
agree to differ/disagree.
agreement
an agreement on policy.
ahead
ahead of plan. • ahead of sb’s/sth’s time.
• ahead of schedule. • ahead of time. • be
ahead in the polls.
aim
aim a gun. • aim a kick/blow at sb/sth. •
aim high. • aimed at preventing sth. •
aims and objectives. • be aimed at curbing
sth. • be aimed at improving sth. • be
aimed at promoting sth. • be aimed at
protecting sth. • be aimed at restoring sth.
• be aimed at reviving sth. • be aimed at
securing sth. • be aimed at strengthening
sth. • the aim of a programme. • the aim
of the exercise. • the aim of the project.
air
air your grievances. • airs and graces. • an
air of authority. • an air of detachment. •
an air of dignity. • an air of innocence. •
an air of menace. • an air of mystery. • an
air of nonchalance. • an air of respectabil-
ity. • an air of sadness. • an air of self-con-
fidence. • an air of sophistication.
alarm
alarmed to find sth. • alarmed to hear sth.
• alarmed to see sth.
alive
alive and kicking. • alive and well.
all
all a mistake. • all along/down the line. •
all aspects of sth. • all day (long). • all
day/night. • all expenses paid. • all gone.
• all good things come to an end. • all
good things must pass. • all in a good
cause. • all in good time. • all inclusive.
• all kinds of people/things, etc. • all
17 anywhere
kinds of stuff/questions. • all mankind. • amass
all my love. • all night long. • all over amass a fortune.
again. • all over the place. • all over the
world. • all part of the game. • all parts amazed
of the globe. • all remaining. • all rights be amazed at sb’s knowledge, etc. • be
reserved. • all round. • all shapes and amazed to learn. • be amazed to see/hear
sizes. • all sides of an argument. • all that…
sorts of people/things. • all sorts of rea- amendment
sons. • all sweetness and light. • all the an amendment to a constitution.
difference in the world. • all the more
reason. • all the time. • all the trappings. among
• all the way. • all the while. • all things among friends. • among other things.
being equal. • all things considered. • all amuse
this/that way. • all through sb’s career,
amuse yourself.
etc. • all too apparent. • all too easy. • all
types of sb/sth. • all week/year. • all wet. and
• all you want. • all your life. • be all a/ and it shows… • and no mistake. • and
bit of a blur. • be all an illusion. • be all rightly so.
in favour of sb/sth. • be all in the past. •
angel
be all over. • be all sb’s fault. • be all set be an angel.
(for sth). • be all set to do sth. • be all
smiles. • be all talk. • be all your (own) ankle
fault. ankle deep in mud/water, etc.
allegation annoyed
allegations of a cover-up. • allegations of annoyed at yourself. • annoyed to dis-
assault. • allegations of atrocities. • alle- cover. • annoyed to find/hear that… •
gations of corruption. • an allegation of annoyed with yourself.
abuse.
another
allow another chance. • another one. • be an-
allow sth to stand for sth. • allow your- other matter.
self sth.
answer
all-time the answer is no. • the answer to (all) sb’s
an all-time high/low. prayers.
almost anxious
almost a half. • almost a stranger. • al- anxiously scan sth.
most all of the members, etc. • almost
any
anyone. • almost anything. • almost ev- any individual. • any minute. • any more
ery person/thing. • almost everyone/ev-
of sth. • any necessity. • any need. • any
erything. • be almost tempted.
other box, etc. • any other business. • any
alone reason. • any relation to sb. • any remain-
all alone (sw). • alone in recognizing/ ing. • anybody else. • anyone in particu-
finding, etc. sth. • alone in the world. lar.
along anything
along a path. • along sth’s length. • along anything else. • anything in particular. •
the lines of sth. • along the road. • along anything to do sw. • anything to see/say.
the street.
anywhere
alter anywhere between Rs.15,000 and
alter the balance. • alter your stance. Rs.20,000. • anywhere else. • anywhere

appeal 18
from 1 hour to 2 hours. • anywhere in
particular.
appeal
an appeal for calm/restraint. • an appeal
for help. • an appeal for unity. • an ap-
peal to reason. • appeal to (your) better
nature.
appear
appear before a court. • appear before a
judge/magistrate. • appear before/in
front of sb/sth. • appear in court. • ap-
pear on television. • appear to have done
sth.
application
an application for (political) asylum. • an
application for bail. • an application for
registration.
apply
apply (your) mind to sth. • apply make-
up.
appoint
appoint a successor. • the appointed
time/place. • the appointment of a suc-
cessor.
appreciate
appreciate sb/sth at their real worth. •
appreciate sb/sth at their true worth. •
appreciate the significance of sth. • ap-
preciation of arts.
approach
an approach to teaching. • approach sth
from first principles. • the approach to a
problem.
approve
approve an application/plan. • approve
of a proposal/suggestion.
architect
the architect of a policy/reform.
area
an area for improvement. • an area of ac-
tivity. • an area of competence. • an area
of concern. • an area of conflict. • an
area of contention. • an area of difficulty.
• an area of disagreement. • an area of
dispute. • an area of expertise. • an area
of improvement. • an area of interest. •
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an area of life. • an area of research. • an
area of specialization. • an area of study.
• an area of the economy. • an area of
uncertainty.
argument
an argument in sb/sth’s favour. • argu-
ment by/from analogy. • the argument
goes (that)…
arm
arm in arm. • the arm of a chair. • the arm
of a settee/sofa.
army
an army coup. • an army of servants.
around
around a bend. • around here/there. •
around the middle (of sth).
arouse
arouse sb’s suspicions.
arrange
arrange a mortgage. • arrange sth in al-
phabetical order. • arrange sth in chrono-
logical order.
arrest
arrest sb on charges/suspicion of sth.
arrival
arrival on the scene. • arrivals and depar-
tures.
art
an art to doing sth. • art and design. • arts
and crafts. • arts and sciences. • the art of
persuasion. • the art of self-defence.
article
an article called/entitled sth. • an article
headed (“…”). • an article of a treaty. • an
article of clothing. • an article of faith.
as
as (if) in a dream. • as (the) occasion de-
mands. • as a general rule. • as a mark of
respect. • as a precaution. • as a result (of
sth). • as a reward. • as a token of your
gratitude. • as a whole. • as blind as a bat.
• as cold as this. • as common as muck. •
as compared to/with sth. • as distinct
from sth. • as expected. • as expensive as
this. • as far as possible. • as far as prac-
ticable. • as far as sw. • as far as the eye
19
can see. • as fit as a fiddle. • as good as
gold. • as good as this. • as if by magic.
• as if sth wasn’t bad enough. • as in-
structed. • as is the case. • as is/was the
custom. • as it stands. • as it turned out.
• as light as a feather. • as little as pos-
sible. • as long as possible. • as many
people/things as possible. • as much (as
sb/sth). • as much again. • as much as
possible. • as much as Rs.10. • as much
money/time, etc. as… • as necessary. •
as normal. • as of now. • as part of sth.
• as per usual. • as promised. • as
quickly as possible. • as quiet as a mouse.
• as sb goes along. • as sharp as a razor.
• as shown by/in sth. • as soon as pos-
sible. • as soon as practicable. • as stan-
dard. • as such. • as sweet as honey. • as
the law stands. • as the saying goes. • as
the situation arises. • as the/its name
implies. • as they say. • as things stand.
• as usual. • as well as. • as white as
snow. • as you rightly point out/say.
ascertain
ascertain the cause of sth. • ascertain the
nature/extent of sth.
ashamed
ashamed of yourself.
ask
ask a favour of sb. • ask for sb’s hand in
marriage. • ask yourself sth. • be asking
for it/trouble.
aspect
an aspect of your personality.
assert
assert yourself.
assume
assuming (that)…
at
(be good/bad, etc.) at spelling. • at (the)
last count. • at 15-minute intervals. • at
a discount. • at a few hours’ notice. • at
a future date. • at a gallop. • at a hotel.
• at a later date. • at a leisurely/brisk
pace. • at a level. • at a loss. • at a meet-
ing. • at a moment’s notice. • at a party/
concert. • at a price. • at a profit. • at a
rate of… • at a signal. • at a snail’s pace.
at
• at a stretch. • at a temperature. • at a
time. • at a trickle. • at a/one gulp. • at
a/some future date. • at all cost(s). • at all
hours. • at an alarming rate. • at an ear-
lier date. • at an early age. • at anchor. •
at any cost. • at arm’s length. • at auction.
• at birth. • at board level. • at close of
play. • at close quarters/range. • at col-
lege. • at cross purposes. • at dawn. • at
death’s door. • at diploma level. • at every
(available) opportunity. • at every turn. •
at first sight. • at fixed intervals. • at fort-
nightly intervals. • at four. • at frequent
intervals. • at full capacity. • at full gallop.
• at full stretch. • at full throttle. • at
great personal sacrifice. • at half throttle.
• at home. • at hourly intervals. • at its
height. • at its most extreme. • at least a
half. • at leisure. • at liberty. • at lightning
speed. • at lunch. • at lunchtime. • at mo-
ments of crisis. • at monthly intervals. • at
night. • at no extra charge. • at no extra
cost. • at one extreme. • at one go. • at
one/the other end of the spectrum. • at
peace. • at peace with oneself/the world.
• at periodic intervals. • at pistol point. •
at play. • at present. • at regular intervals.
• at rest. • at sb’s discretion. • at sb’s own
pace. • at sb’s suggestion. • at sb’s time of
life. • at sb’s whim. • at school. • at sea.
• at short notice. • at speed. • at sth’s full-
est/greatest extent. • at street level. • at
that/this time. • at the age of 20, etc. • at
the allotted/appointed time. • at the back.
• at the back of your mind. • at the begin-
ning/start of sth. • at the bottom (of sth).
• at the bottom/foot of the page. • at the
close of business/trading. • at the core of
sth. • at the corner. • at the crack of dawn.
• at the cutting edge of sth. • at the design
stage. • at the doctor’s/dentist’s. • at the
earliest. • at the earliest (possible) oppor-
tunity. • at the end of sth. • at the end of
the day. • at the faintest/merest whiff of
sth. • at the first (possible) opportunity. •
at the first hint of sth. • at the first whiff
of sth. • at the flick of a switch. • at the
forefront (of sth). • at the forefront of your
mind. • at the front (of sth). • at the fron-
tier. • at the hairdresser’s. • at the head/
top of the page. • at the height of sb’s/sth’s
fame. • at the height of the storm. • at the

atmosphere 20
height/peak of sb’s popularity. • at the
height/peak of your powers. • at the lat-
est count. • at the least/slightest provo-
cation. • at the moment. • at the
optician’s. • at the other end. • at the
other/opposite extreme. • at the outset.
• at the present time. • at the press/push
of a button. • at the rear. • at the scene.
• at the side of the road. • at the slight-
est opportunity. • at the slightest pretext.
• at the start of the play. • at the tender
age of sth. • at the time. • at the time of
doing sth. • at the time of writing. • at
the time you do sth. • at the top of (your)
voice. • at the top of sth. • at the top of
the/your agenda. • at the top of your
game/profession. • at the touch of a but-
ton. • at the very least. • at the very most.
• at the wheel. • at the zenith of your
powers. • at this stage. • at this time of
day. • at this time of night. • at this/my
end. • at this/that point. • at this/that
point in time. • at times of crisis. • at
weekly intervals. • at what price? • at
work. • at your age. • at your earliest
convenience. • at your own pace. • at
your own risk. • at your/its peak. • be at
a standstill. • be at an advantage. • be at
college. • be at the controls. • be at the
door. • be at the heart of sth. • be at the
leading edge of sth. • be at university. •
be at war (with a country).
atmosphere
an atmosphere of mistrust.
attach
attach importance to sth. • attach signifi-
cance to sth. • attach weight to a conclu-
sion.
attack
an attack of nerves. • an attack of sb/sth’s
integrity.
attempt
an attempt at conversation. • an attempt
at explanation. • an attempt at reconcili-
ation. • an attempt on sb’s life. • an at-
tempt to assassinate sb. • an attempt to
avert sth. • an attempt to avoid sth. • an
attempt to ban sth. • an attempt to curb
sth. • an attempt to destroy sth. • an at-
tempt to discover sth. • an attempt to dis-
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
guise sth. • an attempt to disrupt sth. • an
attempt to ensure sth. • an attempt to es-
tablish sth. • an attempt to impress sb. •
an attempt to improve sth. • an attempt to
intimidate sb. • an attempt to overcome
sth. • an attempt to persuade sb. • an at-
tempt to place sth. • an attempt to pre-
serve sth. • an attempt to prevent sth. • an
attempt to reconstruct sth. • an attempt to
reduce sth. • an attempt to regain sth. •
an attempt to regulate sth. • an attempt to
relate sth. • an attempt to reproduce sth.
• an attempt to resolve sth. • an attempt
to restore sth. • an attempt to restrain sb.
• an attempt to restrict sth. • an attempt
to revive sb/sth. • an attempt to rewrite
sth. • an attempt to save sth. • an attempt
to secure sth. • an attempt to solve sth. •
an attempt to strengthen sth. • an attempt
to suppress sth. • an attempted coup. •
attempts to reform sth.
attention
attention to detail.
attitude
an attitude of indifference. • an attitude
problem. • an attitude to life.
aura
an aura of mystery. • an aura of sadness.
availability
the availability of contraception. • the
availability of manpower.
available
available for hire/sale. • available on re-
quest. • be available for comment.
award
award a prize. • award sb a contract. •
award sb a scholarship.
away
away from home. • away on holiday/busi-
ness.
awful
an awful lot.
...
21
B bang
back
back from the brink of sth. • back sb into
a corner. • back to back. • back to front.
• back to normal. • the back bone. • the
back of a cab. • the back of a cart. • the
back of a chair. • the back of a crowd. •
the back of a motorbike. • the back of a
queue. • the back of a settee. • the back
of an envelope. • the back of the class. •
the back of the mouth. • the back of the
neck. • the back of the skull. • the back
of your throat.
backbone
the backbone of the economy. • the back-
bone of the society.
backlog
a backlog of paperwork. • a backlog of re-
pairs. • a backlog of work.
bad
a bad buy. • a bad chest. • a bad cold. •
a bad day. • a bad experience. • a bad
name. • a bad record. • a bad risk. • a
bad shot. • a bad speller. • a bad time. •
bad and indifferent. • be a bad influence
(on sb/sth). • be bad for your health.
badly
badly decomposed. • badly dressed. •
badly impaired. • badly tuned. • badly
ventilated. • be badly corroded. • be
badly flooded. • be badly misinformed. •
be badly stained.
balance
the balance of advantage. • the balance of
forces. • the balance of nature. • the bal-
ance of power.
ball
a ball of fire/flame. • a ball of string/
wool.
ban
a ban on demonstration. • a ban on ex-
ports/imports. • a ban on smoking. • a
ban on the use of sth.
bane
the bane of sb’s life/existence.
beam
bang (sth) open/shut. • bang the door.
bare
bare your teeth. • barely able to do sth. •
barely contain sth. • barely disguised. •
barely suppressed. • the bare essentials. •
the bare minimum. • the bare necessities.
• the barest essentials.
barrel
the barrel of a gun. • a barrel of laughs.
barrier
a barrier to success.
base
a base of support. • based on historical/
scientific principles. • the base of the cliff.
• the base of the skull. • the base of the
spine. • the base of the stem.
basis
a basis for comparison. • a basis for dis-
cussion. • a basis for negotiation. • a ba-
sis for settlement. • a basis of argument.
• a basis of collaboration. • a basis of com-
parison. • a basis of disagreement. • the
basis of a policy. • the basis of a theory.
battered
a battered old car/box, etc.
battery
a battery of questions. • a battery of tests.
• a battery operated device. • battery-
powered.
battle
a battle against cancer. • a battle against
inflation. • a battle against time. • a battle
for supremacy. • a battle for survival. • a
battle of nerves. • a battle of wills. • a
battle of wits. • a battle to save sth. •
battle it out (against sth). • battle your
way sw. • the battle of the sexes.
be
be in/at the (developmental) phase. • be
in/out of range. • be of no/little relevance
to a situation, etc. • be the brains behind
sth. • be within range.
beam
a beam of light/sunlight. • be on full
beam. • the beam of a torch.

bear 22
bear
bear a/no relation to sth. • bear a/no re-
semblance to sb/sth. • bear a/no similar-
ity to sth. • bear no relation to reality. •
bear some/a close relation to sth. • bear
sth in mind (that)… • bear the brunt of
sth (= of sth unpleasant). • bear the
signs of sth. • bear the stamp of sb/sth.
beast
a beast of burden. • a beast of prey. • the
beast in sb.
beat
beat a (hasty) retreat. • beat a record. •
beat sb about/over the head. • beat sb
into second. • beat sb on points. • beat sb
to death. • beat sb unconscious. • beat
sth until stiff. • beat the deadline/clock.
• beat the rush. • beat your breast.
beautifully
be beautifully bound. • beautifully pre-
served. • beautifully recorded.
beauty
beauty is only skin-deep. • the beauty of
the scenery. • the beauty of the surround-
ings.
become
become a reality. • become a statistic. •
become known as sth. • become top of
the class. • become a fixture.
bed
a bed of roses. • bed and breakfast.
bedside
the bedside clock.
beep
beep your horn.
before
before now. • before school. • before
then. • before your very eyes.
beg
beg for mercy. • beg sb (not) to do sth. •
beg to differ.
begin
begin doing sth. • begin screaming. • be-
gin to tell. • begin with a clean slate/
sheet. • begin at the beginning.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
beginner
• beginner’s luck.
beginning
the beginning of a (new) era. • the begin-
ning of a period. • the beginning of the
end. • the beginning of the film. • the be-
ginning of the month. • the beginning of
the universe. • the beginnings of civiliza-
tion. • the beginnings of sth.
behave
behave as if/though. • behave in a sen-
sible/alarming way. • behave like a fool.
• behave yourself.
behaviour
behaviour and attitudes.
behind
be behind in the polls. • behind enemy
lines. • behind the scenes. • behind the
wheel.
belong
belong to a club. • belong to a group.
below
below a threshold. • below average. • be-
low deck(s). • below ground. • below par.
• below standard. • below street level. •
below strength. • below target. • below
the poverty line. • below zero.
bend
a bend in the river. • be bent double.
beneath
beneath the surface. • beneath your feet.
beneficial
a beneficial effect.
benefit
a benefit to mankind.
beside
beside yourself with.
best
be best dealt with by doing sth. • be best
forgotten. • best equipped to do sth. • best
hope. • best known as sth. • best known/
loved. • best known/remembered for sth.
• best of everything. • the best (of) inten-
tions. • the best course is to do sth. • the
best going. • the best intentions. • the best
23
opportunity, etc. imaginable. • the best
years of (my) life.
betray
a betrayal of (sb’s) trust. • betray sb’s
trust.
better
(feel) better for sth. • a better deal (for
sb). • better equipped to do sth. • better
known for/as sth. • better known than
sb/sth. • better safe than sorry. • better
still. • better than ever. • better than
usual.
between
between a third and a half. • between two
extremes.
beyond
be beyond sb’s grasp. • beyond (a) rea-
sonable doubt. • beyond (all) expecta-
tions. • beyond (sb’s) comprehension. •
beyond a shadow of (a) doubt. • beyond
all belief. • beyond all reasons. • beyond
endurance. • beyond reach. • beyond
repair. • beyond sb’s control. • beyond
sb’s wildest dreams. • beyond the bounds
of possibility/good sense. • beyond the
call of duty. • beyond the grave. • beyond
the limit. • beyond the reach of sb/sth. •
beyond the scope of sb/sth. • beyond the
wit of man. • beyond your means. • be-
yond your power.
bid
a bid for attention. • a bid for freedom. •
a bid for leadership. • a bid for power. •
a bid to escape. • a bid to host sth. • a bid
to regain sth. • a bid to save sth.
big
a big decision. • a big demand for sth. •
a big disappointment. • a big eater. • a
big hand for sb. • a big mistake. • a big
star. • a big success. • big date. • big fat.
• big name in advertising/films, etc. • big
sister. • bigger than ever. • biggest ever.
• biggest regret. • the big three/four. •
the big two. • the biggest going. • the
biggest mistake of sth. • the biggest
single.
bind
bind and gag sb. • bind sb hand and foot.
blink
bit
a bit more/less. • a bit of a blow. • a bit
of a bore. • a bit of a freak. • a bit of a
gamble. • a bit of a laugh. • a bit of a
misnomer. • a bit of a nuisance. • a bit of
a pity. • a bit of a rebel. • a bit of a scare.
• a bit of a shame. • a bit of a shock. • a
bit of a squeeze. • a bit of a strain. • a bit
of a struggle. • a bit of an exaggeration. •
a bit of an understatement. • a bit of
bother. • a bit of fun. • a bit of luck. • a
bit of news. • a bit of supper. • a bit of the
puzzle. • bit by bit. • bits and bobs. • bits
and pieces. • bits of information.
bite
a bite mark. • a bite of supper. • a bite to
eat. • a biting wit. • be bitten by the cook-
ing bug. • be bitten by the travel/fitness
bug. • bite sth in half/two.
bitter
a bitter blow. • a bitter disappointment. •
a bitter pill to swallow. • bitterly resent
sth.
blade
the blade of a knife.
blanket
a blanket of fog. • a blanket of secrecy.
blast
a blast of air. • a blast of the trumpet. • a
blast on a whistle. • blast a hole in sth. •
blast it!
blatant
blatant disregard for sth.
blaze
a blaze of glory. • a blaze of publicity. • a
blazing fire. • a blazing row.
bleed
bleed sb dry. • bleed to death.
blessing
a blessing in disguise.
blind
be blind drunk. • be blind in one eye/in
both eyes.
blink
blink away a tear. • blink back tears. •
blink your eyes.

block 24
block
block of flats. • block sb’s exit. • block
sb’s view. • block sb’s way/path.
blot
a blot on the character. • a blot on the
landscape.
blow
a blow from/of an axe. • a blow to self-
confidence. • be blowing a gale. • blow
in gusts. • blow it. • blow sb’s cover. •
blow sth off course. • blow sth to bits. •
blow the whistle (on sb). • blow your
brains out. • blow your chance. • blow
your nose.
blue
blue with cold.
bluff
bluff your way into/out of the conference
hall, etc. • bluff your way past the secu-
rity guards, etc.
blur
blur the difference/distinction between. •
blur the line between.
blush
a blush comes to sb’s cheeks/face. • blush
crimson/scarlet.
board
the board of the company. a board of di-
rectors. • a board of management. • a
board of trustees. • board a plane/ship/
train. • board and bed/lodging.
body
a body of evidence. • a body of experts.
• a body of knowledge. • a body of law.
• a body of rules. • a body of water. •
body and soul. • body blow to/for the
ruling party, etc.
boil
boil with rage/anger.
bold
a bold move/step. • a bold statement/as-
sertion. • a bold stroke.
bond
bonds of affection. • bond(s) of friend-
ship.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
bone
a bone of contention.
book
a book of stamps. • be booked solid. •
book a flight. • book a holiday. • book a
tour/trip. • book in advance. • book into
a hotel. • booked up. • the book-buying
public.
boom
boom and bust/slump. • boom in de-
mand/sales. • boom in popularity. •
boom in price. • the boom of the sea. •
the booming of the sea.
boos
boos and hisses.
boost
a boost to self-confidence. • a boost to the
economy. • a boost to the morale. • boost
sb’s ego. • boost the economy.
bore
be bored to death. • bore sb out of their
(tiny) mind. • bore sb rigid/stiff. • bore
sb silly. • bore sb to death/distraction. •
bore sb to tears.
born
be born alive/dead. • be born and bred/
brought up. • be born blind. • be born
out of wedlock/outside marriage. • be In-
dian/British, etc. born. • born and raised.
both
both sides of an argument. • both sides of
the border.
bottom
be bottom of the league. • the bottom end
of the market. • the bottom of a river. •
the bottom of a garden. • the bottom of
a ladder. • the bottom of a list. • the bot-
tom of a mountain. • the bottom of a
shaft. • the bottom of a slope. • the bot-
tom of a/the hill. • the bottom of the cliff.
• the bottom of the heap. • the bottom of
the ocean. • the bottom of the pack. • the
bottom of the page. • the bottom of the
pile. • the bottom of the pool. • the bot-
tom of the range. • the bottom of the
road. • the bottom of the scale. • the
bottom of the sea. • the bottom of the
25
staircase. • the bottom of the stairs. • the
bottom of the steps. • the bottom of the
table.
bound
be bound and gagged.
boundaries
the boundaries of knowledge. • the
boundaries of taste.
bouquet
a bouquet of flowers.
bout
a bout of activities. • a bout of depres-
sion. • a bout of drinking.
bow
a bow and arrow. • bow to pressure. •
bow to the inevitable. • bow your head.
• bow your head in shame. • the bow of
a ship.
brace
brace yourself for sth. • brace yourself to
do sth. • brace yourself/sth against sth.
brake
brake (sth) to a halt/stop. • brake to
avoid sth.
branch
a branch of knowledge. • a branch of
mathematics. • a branch of medicine. • a
branch of science. • branch out on your
own.
brand
a brand of humour.
breach
a breach in security. • a breach of a con-
dition. • a breach of a convention. • a
breach of agreement. • a breach of an
injunction. • a breach of confidence. • a
breach of confidentiality. • a breach of
contract. • a breach of copyright. • a
breach of discipline. • a breach of duty. •
a breach of faith. • a breach of law. • a
breach of policy. • a breach of privacy. •
a breach of regulations/rules. • a breach
of secrecy. • a breach of security. • a
breach of the peace. • a breach of trust.
• a breach of warranty. • breach of an
Act. • the breach of a treaty.
breath
bread
bread and butter. • bread and cheese. •
bread and jam. • bread and margarine. •
bread and water.
breadth
breadth of experience. • breadth of inter-
est. • breadth of knowledge/understand-
ing. • breadth of mind. • breadth of vi-
sion.
break
a break in the cloud(s). • a break with
convention. • a break with the past. • a
break with tradition. • break a code. •
break a law. • break a pledge to do sth.
• break a promise. • break a record. •
break a rule. • break a siege. • break a/
the deadlock. • break down and cry/
weep. • break down barriers. • break
down in tears. • break into a run. • break
into a smile. • break into a sweat. • break
into a trot/gallop. • break into laughter/
applause. • break into pieces. • break
into song. • break it off. • break loose
(from sb/sth). • break new ground. •
break off an engagement. • break off dip-
lomatic relations. • break off relations/
contact. • break ranks. • break sb’s fall.
• break sb’s hold/grip on sth. • break sb’s
spirit. • break sth in half/two. • break the
habit. • break the law. • break the news.
• break the spell. • broken in spirit.
breakdown
a breakdown in communication(s). • a
breakdown in law and order. • a break-
down in negotiations. • a breakdown in
relations. • a breakdown of discipline. •
a breakdown of law. • the breakdown of
a marriage. • the breakdown of a rela-
tionship. • the breakdown of an alliance.
breakfast
breakfast in bed.
breakthrough
breakthrough in negotiations.
break-up
the break-up of a party. • the break-up of
a marriage.
breath
a breath of fresh air. • a breath of scan-
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
breathe 26 27 call

dal. • a breath of wind. • short of breath.
breathe
breathe a sigh of relief. • breathing diffi-
culties. • breathing problems.
breed
a breed apart. • a breed of bird. • a breed
of cattle. • a breed of cow. • a breed of
sheep. • the breeding season.
bribe
bribe your way out of sth.
bribery
bribery and corruption.
brick
brick by brick. • bricks and mortar
bride
the bride and bridegroom. • the bride
and groom.
bridge
bridge the gap. • the bridge of the nose.
brief
a brief spell.
bright
a bright future. • bright and breezy. •
bright and clear. • the brightness of a star.
bring
bring a blush to sb’s cheeks/face. • bring
a case. • bring a child into the world. •
bring sth into focus. • bring sth into opera-
tion. • bring sth to a close. • bring sth to
a conclusion. • bring sth to a halt. • bring
sth to a standstill. • bring sth to boiling
point. • bring sth to its knees. • bring sth
to sb’s attention/notice. • bring sth to the
forefront. • bring sth up to date. • bring
tears to your eyes. • bring the colour
(back) to your cheeks. • bring the conver-
sation round to sth. • bring up a family. •
bring up a subject. • bring your influence
to bear on sb/sth.
brink
the brink of a nervous breakdown. • the
brink of war.
broadcast
broadcast (sth) live.
broaden
broaden a definition. • broaden your ap-
peal. • broaden your horizons.
brunt
the brunt of unemployment/an attack.
brush
a brush and comb. • brush sth clean. •
brush your hair/teeth.
build
build a fire. • build a nest.
build-up
a build-up of tension.
burden
a burden of debt. • a burden of guilt. •
the burden of care. • the burden of proof.
• the burden of responsibility. • the bur-
den of taxation.
burn
a burn mark. • be burnt alive. • be burnt
at the stake. • be burnt to ashes/a crisp.
• be burnt to death. • be burnt to the
ground. • burn a hole in sth. • burn sb to
death. • burn sth to the ground. • burnt
to a cinder.
burst
be bursting at the seams. • burst into
flames. • burst into song. • burst into
tears/laughter. • burst of applause. •
burst of energy. • burst of laughter. •
burst of speed. • burst out laughing.
bury
be buried alive. • be buried beneath/un-
der sth. • bury sb alive. • bury the dead.
• bury your dead.
business
business and pleasure. • business as
usual. • business opportunities. • busi-
ness or pleasure. • the business of (do-
ing) sth.
busy
a busy schedule.
pointment. • by arrangement. • by birth.
• by boat. • by car/bus. • by chance. • by
cheque. • by coincidence. • by common
consent. • by consensus. • by day. • by de-
scent. • by doing sth. • by fair means or
foul. • by far the most wonderful view, etc.
• by fax. • by force. • by force of circum-
stance. • by God’s grace. • by implication.
• by its (very) nature. • by law. • by ma-
chine. • by mail. • by marriage. • by
moonlight. • by mutual agreement. • by
nature/birth. • by night. • by no means.
• by no stretch of the imagination. • by
now. • by order of sb. • by phone/fax. •
by plane. • by popular request. • by post.
• by prior arrangement. • by profession/
name. • by radio. • by return (of post). •
by satellite. • by sb’s leave. • by sb’s own
account. • by sb’s own admission. • by sb’s
side. • by sb’s sides. • by sb’s/sth’s stan-
dards. • by sea. • by some freak of fate,
etc. • by statute. • by telephone. • by the
end of sth. • by the largest/narrowest, etc.
of margins. • by the light of a bulb. • by
the light of sth. • by the look(s) of him,
etc. • by the side of the road. • by the time
(that)… • by then. • by train/air. • by
tube. • by water. • by way of explanation.
• by way of illustration. • not by any
stretch of the imagination.
...

bring a claim. • bring a fire under control.
• bring a glow to sb’s cheeks/face. • bring
a meeting to order. • bring a suit (against
sth). • bring a touch of sth. • bring an
accusation against sb. • bring an action
(against sb). • bring an action/prosecu-
tion. • bring charges (against sb). • bring
colour to sth. • bring disgrace upon/on
sb/sth. • bring dishonour on/upon their
family, etc. • bring impetus to sth. • bring
it all back. • bring out the beast in sb. •
bring out the best/worst in sb. • bring
pleasure to sb. • bring pressure to bear on
sb (to do sth). • bring sb back to the fold.
• bring sb to the brink of sth. • bring sb
to their senses. • bring sb/sth into contact
with sb/sth. • bring sb/sth into line with
sb/sth. • bring sth a step closer/nearer
(to sth). • bring sth into disrepute. •
C
but
built but that’s another story.
built to order.
buy
bulk buy (sth) in bulk. • buy and sell (sth). •
the bulk of evidence. • the bulk of sb’s buy in bulk. • buy sth (by) mail order. •
caked
work, etc. buy sth at the expense/cost of sth.
be caked in mud. • caked in/with blood.
bumper buyer
a bumper crop. • bumper to bumper. buyer beware. • a buyer’s market.
call
a call for sb’s resignation. • a call to arms.
bumpy buzz • be called before sth. • be called to a
a bumpy ride/road. a buzz of conversation. • a buzz of excite- meeting. • be called to the telephone. •
bunch ment. call a meeting to order. • call a strike. •
a bunch of flowers. call a truce. • call an ambulance. • call me
by
old-fashioned. • call off a search. • call sb
bundle by (kind) permission of sb. • by (slow)
by their nickname. • call sb by their sur-
a bundle of documents. • a bundle of degree. • by a curious paradox. • by a
name/middle name. • call sb for inter-
nerves. • bundle sb into/out of sth. • process of elimination. • by accident or
view. • call sb names. • call sth to a close.
bundle sb through sth. design. • by all accounts. • by all appear-
• call the police/the fire brigade. • call
ances. • by any standard(s). • by ap-
yourself an expert, etc.

calm 28
calm
calm and collected. • calm sb’s nerves. •
the calm before the storm.
campaign
a campaign of intimidation. • a campaign
of misinformation. • a campaign of terror.
• a campaign to promote sth. • a cam-
paign to save sth. • campaign to do sth.
• the campaign trail.
can
can hardly bear to do sth. • can hardly
believe sth. • can hardly do sth. • can sb
possibly do sth? • can scarcely believe
sth. • can take a punch.
can’t
can’t afford to do sth. • can’t be bothered.
• can’t bear doing sth/to do sth. • can’t
bear the sight of sth. • can’t bear the
thought/idea of sth. • can’t get your head
round sth. • can’t help admiring/but ad-
mire. • can’t help laughing. • can’t help
noticing sth. • can’t hide sth. • can’t
keep/take your eyes off sb/sth. • can’t say
for certain. • can’t see a thing. • can’t
seem to do sth. • can’t stand doing sth. •
can’t stand sb doing sth. • can’t stand the
sight of sb/sth. • can’t stop laughing. •
can’t take a punch. • can’t wait to see the
back of sth.
cancel
cancel off a debt.
capable
be capable of destroying sth. • be capable
of detecting sth. • be capable of winning
(sth). • be capable of withstanding sth.
capacity
a capacity audience. • a capacity crowd.
• a capacity for work. • a capacity to re-
spond.
captain
a captain of industry. • the captain of a
ship.
capture
capture sth on film/camera. • capture sth
on video.
card
a card says/reads sth.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
care
care and attention.
career
a career change. • a career choice. • ca-
reer oriented.
careful
be careful with (your) money. • be care-
fully camouflaged.
carry
carry a mark. • carry a penalty. • carry a
signal. • carry out (sb’s) instructions to the
letter. • carry sth too far. • carry the bur-
den.
case
a case in point. • a case of mistaken iden-
tity. • a case of nerves. • a case to answer.
• be the case. • case by case. • on a case
by case basis. • the case for the prosecu-
tion/the defence.
cash
by cheque or in cash. • cash in advance.
• cash in hand. • cash on delivery. • pay
cash. • strapped for cash.
cast
a cast of characters. • cast a cloud over
sth. • cast a glance (at sb/sth). • cast a
look/glance. • cast a spell on sb. • cast a
vote. • cast an eye over. • cast caution to
the wind/winds. • cast doubt on sth. •
cast of mind. • cast your eyes heaven-
wards. • cast your eyes over.
catch
catch a bus. • catch a chill. • catch a cold.
• catch a glimpse (of sb/sth). • catch a
plane. • catch a whiff of sth. • catch hold
of sb/sth. • catch sb at a bad moment/
time. • catch sb at it. • catch sb by sur-
prise. • catch sb by the sleeve. • catch sb
by the wrist/elbow. • catch sb in the act
(of doing sth). • catch sb off (their) guard.
• catch sb red-handed. • catch sb’s atten-
tion. • catch sb’s drift. • catch sb’s imagi-
nation. • catch sb’s interest. • catch sb’s
meaning. • catch sight of sb/sth. • catch
the ferry. • catch the full force of sth. •
catch the gist of sth. • catch the post. •
catch the waiter/waitress’s eye. • catch
your death (of cold).
29
categorically
categorically deny sth.
caught
be caught in a storm, etc. • be caught in
the middle. • be caught up in a dispute,
etc. • caught in a trap (of sth).
cause
a cause for celebration. • a cause for
pride. • a cause for rejoicing. • a cause
for satisfaction. • a cause for shame. • a
cause for worry. • a cause of catastrophe.
• a cause of disagreement. • a cause of
discontent. • a cause of dissatisfaction. •
a cause of infection. • a cause of resent-
ment. • a cause of trouble. • be a cause
for concern. • cause (sb) harm. • cause
(sb) pain. • cause a difficulty. • cause a
disease. • cause a problem for sb. • cause
a scene. • cause a stir. • cause a storm of
sth. • cause and effect. • cause concern.
• cause confusion. • cause for alarm. •
cause for complaint. • cause for opti-
mism. • cause sb a problem. • cause sb/
sth trouble. • cause trouble for sb/sth. •
the cause of an accident. • the cause of
death.
cease
cease to exist. • cease trading.
celebration
a celebration of (sb’s) life. • a celebration
to mark sth.
central
a central feature. • a central location. •
a central theme. • the central character.
• the central plank of sb’s policy/argu-
ment. • the central plank of sb’s
programme.
centre
a centre of culture. • a centre of excel-
lence. • a centre of government/power. •
a centre of pilgrimage. • a centre of popu-
lation. • the centre of (the) town. • the
centre of a circle. • the centre of a city. •
the centre of a scandal. • the centre of
attention. • the centre of attraction. • the
centre of gravity. • the centre of the city.
• the centre of the earth. • the centre of
the table. • the centre of the universe. •
change
the centre of the village. • the town cen-
tre.
centuries
centuries of neglect. • centuries old.
certain
a certain amount of sth. • a certain glam-
our.
certificate
a certificate of authenticity. • a certificate
of insurance. • a certificate of registration.
certify
certify sb insane.
chain
a chain of coincidences. • a chain of
events. • a chain of offices. • a chain of
shops. • a chain on the door. • the chain
of command.
challenge
a challenge to sb/sth’s integrity. • a chal-
lenge to sb/sth’s supremacy. • a challenge
to sb’s leadership. • the challenge is to do
sth.
champion
champion a cause.
chance
a chance of escape. • a chance of reply. •
a chance of securing sth. • a chance of suc-
cess. • a chance of survival. • a chance of
winning (sth). • a chance to express sth.
• a chance to prove sth. • a chance to re-
gain sth. • a chance to renew sth. • a
chance to show sth. • a chance to win sth.
• chance(s) of promotion. • chances of
success.
change
a change for the better/worse. • a change
from the routine. • a change in circum-
stances. • a change in distribution. • a
change in mortality. • a change in owner-
ship. • a change in status. • a change in
strategy. • a change in structure. • a
change in temperature. • a change in the
composition of sth. • a change in the
weather. • a change in/of attitude. • a
change in/of fortune. • a change in/of
level. • a change in/of practice. • a
change in/of routine. • a change in/to the

channel 30
structure. • a change of address. • a
change of career. • a change of clothes. •
a change of clothing. • a change of direc-
tion. • a change of emphasis. • a change
of focus. • a change of fortune. • a
change of government. • a change of
heart/mind. • a change of management.
• a change of mood. • a change of name.
• a change of pace. • a change of plan. •
a change of policy. • a change of regime.
• a change of residence. • a change of
scene. • a change of scenery. • a change
of socks/underwear. • a change of tack.
• a changed character. • a changed man/
woman. • change the complexion of sth.
• change the course of history. • change
the focus. • change the guard. • change
the sheets. • change the subject. •
change your mind about sth. • change
your stance. • change your ways. •
changes in fashion. • changes in the flow.
channel
a channel of communication. • a channel
of distribution. • channel (your) energies
into (work). • channels of information.
charge
be charged with an offence. • be charged
with murdering/raping sb. • charge a
battery. • charge interest on sth. • charge
over the odds. • charge sth to sb’s ac-
count.
charity
a charity appeal. • a charity ball. • a
charity concert. • a charity event. • a
charity gala.
charmed
a charmed circle. • a charmed life/exist-
ence.
chart
chart sb’s progress.
chase
chase all over.
cheap
a cheap imitation. • a cheap joke/jibe. •
a cheap trick. • cheap and nasty.
check
check into a hotel. • check to see if/
whether.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
31
cheeky efit. • claim a scalp. • claim responsibil-
cheeky little girl/boy. ity for sth.
cheese clamp
cheese and biscuits. • cheese and onion. • clamp shut. • clamped between your
cheese on toast. teeth.
clarity
chemist’s
chemist’s (shop). clarity of purpose/vision. • clarity of
speech. • clarity of thoughts.
chequered
clash
a chequered career. • a chequered history.
a clash of arms. • a clash of cymbals. • a
chill
clash of evidence. • a clash of personali-
a chill in the air. • chill sb to the bone/ ties. • a clash of wills. • clash of styles.
core. • chilled to the bone/marrow. • clashes between police and demonstra-
choice tors. • the clash of metal.
a choice of alternatives. • a choice of class
menu. • a choice of merchandise. • a a class of shares. • be classed as sth. • be
choice of phrase. • a choice of subject(s). classed with/among sb/sth. • class con-
• a choice of topics. • the choice of a suc- flict. • class struggle. • the class of 1960/
cessor. 1985.
choke classic
choke (sb) to death. a classic case. • a classic example.
choose
classify
choose a successor. • choose anything classify sb/sth according to sth. • classify
within reason. • choose to ignore sth. sth into types.
chop clause
chop sth to pieces
a clause in a constitution. • a clause in a
chorus lease. • a clause of a treaty.
a chorus of approval. • a chorus of com- claw
plaint. • a chorus of criticisms. • a chorus claw sth to ribbons.
of denials. • a chorus of disapproval. • a
chorus of indignations. • a chorus of clean
praise. • a chorus of voices. clean and tidy. • clean your teeth.
circle clear
a circle of acquaintances/admirers. • a a clear case. • a clear correlation. • a
circle of friends. • circle sth in black. clear definition. • a clear distinction. • a
clear favourite. • a clear fifteen minutes.
circulation • a clear indication. • a clear sight of sth.
the circulation of the blood.
• a clear two hours. • be clear in your
circumstances mind (about sth). • clear a backlog. •
circumstances beyond our control. • the clear a debt. • clear a hurdle. • clear a
circumstances of a case. space for sb/sth. • clear an obstacle. •
clear sth by inches. • clear sth by metres.
civilization • clear sth through customs. • clearly in-
civilization as we know it. dicate sth.
claim clench
a claim for damages. • a claim for injury. clench your fist. • clenched between sb’s
• a claim to sovereignty. • claim (a) ben- teeth.
coat
clever
a clever boy/girl. • the clever ones.
climate
a climate of change. • a climate of distrust.
• a climate of mistrust. • the climate of
opinion.
climb
climb a ladder. • climb a mountain. •
climb a tree/wall. • climb the career lad-
der. • climb the social ladder. • climb the
stairs. • climb to the top.
clinch
clinch a game/deal. • clinch a place. •
clinch a victory.
clock
the clock chimes one. • the clock chimes
three/six. • the clock strikes five/eleven
(o’clock). • the clock strikes one (o’clock).
close
a close correlation. • a close encounter. •
a close finish. • a close fourth. • a close
second/third. • close a border. • close a
case. • close a loophole in sth. • close a
window. • close at hand. • close sth tight.
• close the curtains. • close the door (on
sth). • close the door behind you. • close
the gap. • close the gap between… • close
the lid. • close to collapse/death. • close
to tears. • close to the skull. • closely fol-
lowed by sb. • closely guard sth. • closely
packed. • closely pursued by sb. • closely
resemble sth. • closely typed pages. • the
close of the century. • the closest (thing)
to sth.
close-up
a close-up shot.
closing
a closing stage. • closing remarks. • the
closing credits.
cloud
a cloud of dust. • a cloud of flies. • a cloud
of smoke. • a cloud on the horizon. • be
a cloud over sth. • cloud sb’s judgment. •
cloud the issue.
coat
a coat of paint.

code 32
code
a code of behaviour. • a code of conduct.
• a code of ethics/honour. • a code of
law/rules. • a code of practice.
coffee
a coffee break. • coffee-making facilities.
coil
a coil of rope.
coin
coin a term.
cold
a cold climate. • a cold spell. • a cold
winter. • cold and calculating. • cold and
frosty
collapse
a collapse in demand. • a collapse of al-
liance. • a collapse of morale. • collapse
under the strain/pressure. • the collapse
of an empire. • the collapse of a civiliza-
tion. • the collapse of a regime. • the
collapse of communism.
collect
collect a sample. • collect your wits.
collector
a collector’s item.
college
a college of (further/higher) education.
colour
colour sth blue/green. • the colour floods
to your cheeks. • the colour rises/rushes
to your cheeks. • the colours of the spec-
trum.
column
a column of smoke.
combination
a combination of circumstances. • a com-
bination of colours. • a combination of
factors.
come
(eyes) come to rest on sb/sth. • (not)
come to much. • be coming along with
sth. • come (right) out and say sth. •
come a step closer/nearer (to sth). •
come and do sth. • come and join sb. •
come apart. • come as a blow. • come as
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
33 connect
a relief/disappointment. • come as a re- der pressure to do sth. • come under sb’s complicated
minder. • come as a shock. • come as a control. • come under scrutiny/suspicion. a complicated manoeuvre. • be compli-
surprise. • come as far as sth. • come as • come under threat. • come up for re- cated by a fact that…
high/low as sth. • come as no surprise. • newal. • come up to sb’s expectations. •
come back to haunt sb. • come back to the come up with a solution, plan, etc. comply
fold. • come by car. • come by train/plane. comply with standards.
comeback
• come clattering (down the stairs). • computer
the comeback trail.
come clean about sth. • come clean on/ computer error. • computer literate. • a
over a secret. • come close to scoring. • comfort computer system.
come complete with sth. • come down in be a comfort to sb. • be comforted to
favour of sb/sth. • come down in the know. • comfort and convenience. • com- conceal
world. • come downstairs. • come forted by family/friends. • comforted by conceal your identity.
equipped with sth. • come face to face relatives. • the comfort of religion. concentrate
with sb/sth. • come first. • come first (in concentrate your efforts/attention on sth.
sth). • come first with sb. • come from
commit
commit (a) murder. • commit (a) sin. •
being absent-minded. • come from care- concern
commit a crime/an offence. • commit a
less driving, etc. • come here/nearer. • concern for the individual. • give cause for
robbery. • commit yourself to (doing) sth. concern. • a matter of concern (to sb).
come home. • come home late. • come in
first. • come in gusts. • come in second/ common concerted
third. • come in sight of sb/sth. • come in a common bond. • a common occurrence. make a concerted effort (to do sth). • (sth)
the door. • come in twos/threes, etc. • • a common theme. • a common thread. concentrates the mind.
come into conflict (with sb). • come into • be commonly accepted. • be commonly
contact (with sth). • come into effect from attributed to hard work, etc. • be com- condition
tomorrow, etc. • come into existence. • monly observed. • be commonly per- a condition of a lease. • conditions of em-
come into fashion/vogue. • come into fo- ceived. • be commonly supposed. • be ployment/sale. • conditions of service.
cus. • come into force. • come into leaf. • commonly understood. • common confident
come into operation/effect. • come into enough. • the common good. • the com- be confident of winning (sth). • confident
the world. • come into view/sight. • come mon man. • the common people. in the knowledge that. • confident in your
off best/worst. • come off the pill. • come
communicating ability. • confident of success. • confident
off well/badly. • come on in leaps and of your ability.
a communicating door.
bounds. • come onto the market. • come
out (all) right in the end. • come out (all) community confined
wrong. • come out in favour of/against the community as a whole/at large. a confined space.
(doing) sth. • come out of retirement. •
compare confirm
come out on strike. • come racing. • come
compare and contrast. • compare confirm sb in their belief/view. • confirm
rushing to . • come sauntering. • come
favourably/unfavourably. • compare well. sb in their determination. • confirm sb’s
second/third (in sth). • come straight to fears. • confirm sb’s suspicions. • confir-
the point. • come striding. • come to a compensation mation in writing.
climax. • come to a close. • come to a compensation in money.
compromise. • come to a conclusion. • conflict
come to a decision/view. • come to a halt/ compete a conflict of interests/loyalties. • conflict-
standstill. • come to an agreement. • compete on equal terms. ing opinions.
come to an arrangement. • come to an competitive conform
end/stop. • come to an understanding. • a competitive edge/advantage. conform to standards.
come to court. • come to grips with sth. •
come to nothing. • come to pieces. • come complete confuse
a complete stranger. • be completely
to power/prominence. • come to rest. • confuse the issue.
spoilt. • complete and utter. • complete
come to sb’s aid. • come to sb’s assistance.
disregard for sth. congratulate
• come to sb’s defence. • come to the res-
congratulate yourself (on sth).
cue. • come to the screen. • come to your compliance
senses. • come tripping. • come under at- compliance with a regulation. connect
tack. • come under pressure. • come un- a connecting flight. • a connecting thread.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
consensus 34 35 criteria

consensus contrary tion. • the cost of living. • the cost of pur- sth). • the crack of gunfire.
a consensus of opinion. • a consensus on contrary to (all/sb’s) expectations. • con- chase. • the cost of repairing sth. • the
crash
policy. trary to popular belief. • contrary to popu- cost of the damage. • the costs of manu-
a crash landing. • a crash of cymbals. • a
lar myth. facture.
consequences crash of thunder. • crash the gears. • crash
the consequences of your actions • the control cough to the floor/ground. • the crash of the
consequences of a policy. • the conse- control an impulse. • control of traffic. • a coughing fit. • cough and splutter. • waves.
quences of overcrowding. control the purse strings. • control your cough into life.
crawl
temper. • control yourself. could crawl on (your) hands and knees.
conserve
conserve the environment. controversial could hardly believe sth. • could have
creak
a controversial decision. • a controversial guessed. • could sb possibly do sth? •
consider creak and groan. • creak open. • the creak
issue/topic. • a controversial proposal. could scarcely believe sth. • couldn’t
consider an aspect. • consider the possi- of a floorboard/door.
agree more. • couldn’t be bothered. •
bility that . • consider yourself lucky. • convert couldn’t help admiring/but admire. • crease
considering the circumstances. convert a building, etc. into flats. couldn’t help laughing. • couldn’t help crease your brow.
considerable convicted noticing sth. • couldn’t help overhearing
sth. • couldn’t say for certain. • couldn’t
create
a considerable distance. • a considerable a convicted criminal. create a diversion. • create a framework.
sum. stop laughing.
cook • create a mood. • create a precedent. •
consolidate be cooked through. • cook (me, etc.) a counsel create a stir. • create a vacuum. • create
consolidate sb’s position. dinner. • cook (me, etc.) a meal. a counsel of despair. • a counsel of per- an impression (on sb). • create confusion.
fection. • counsel for the defence/pros- • create the conditions (for sth). • create
conspicuous cool ecution. the illusion of sth. • creation of the world.
conspicuous by your absence. a cool reception. • cooling of relations. •
cooling of tempers/passions. count creature
conspiracy count for anything. • count for sth/noth- a creature of habit. • a creature of emo-
a conspiracy of silence. • conspiracy coordinated ing. • count in sb’s favour. • count your tions/reason.
theory. • conspiracy to commit (a crime). a coordinated approach. • a coordinated blessings. • count yourself fortunate. •
• conspiracy to murder sb. • conspiracy policy/programme. count yourself lucky.
credit
to overthrow (a government, etc.). be credited as (having done) sth. • be
core counter credited with (doing) sth. • credit sth to
construct the core of a building/city. • the core of counter the effect(s) of sth. hard work, etc. • credit sth to sb/sb’s ac-
construct a graph. the matter/problem/issue. count.
course
consult corner a course of action. • a course of bricks. • crime
consult a doctor/lawyer. • consult a map/ back/force/drive sb into a corner. • corner the course of a river. • the course of a crime of passion. • a crime of violence.
dictionary. the market (in sth). • the corner of the events. • the course of history. • crime and disorder. • crime and punish-
mouth. • the corner of your mind. ment. • crime figures. • crimes against hu-
contents court
the contents of a bag. • the contents of a cornerstone manity.
a court case. • a court hearing. • a court
handbag. the cornerstone of a policy. of appeal. • a court of law. • court pro- criminal
contest correct ceedings. a criminal offence/act. • the criminal un-
contest an election. correct a mistake. • correct yourself. derworld.
cover
contingency corruption be covered in mud. • cover an expense. crippled
a contingency plan. corruption charges. • corruption is com- • cover the cost of sth. • covered from be crippled in an accident. • crippled with
mon/endemic. • corruption is rife. head to foot/toe. • covered in flowers. • arthritis.
contract covered in/with blood. • covered with
a contract of employment. • a contract of cost rust.
crisis
insurance. • a contract of sale. • a con- a costly business/process/exercise. • a a crisis of confidence. • a crisis of con-
tract to supply sth. • contract a disease. costly mistake. • cost (sb) money. • cost a crack science.
few bob. • cost a fortune. • cost sb dearly/ a crack of light. • a crack of thunder. • a
contradiction crack shot. • crack a code. • crack a joke.
criteria
dear. • cost sth per year. • cost sth per the criteria for inclusion (in sth). • the cri-
a contradiction in terms. • crack a whip. • crack under the pres-
adult. • cost sth per minute/hour. • cost teria for judging sth.
sth per person/head. • the cost of litiga- sure/strain. • cracks start to appear (in

criticize
criticize
criticize sb/sth on the grounds that…
crook
the crook of your arm/elbow.
crop
a crop of freckles. • crop of disasters.
cross
(our/their) paths crossed. • cross a
hurdle. • cross the border. • cross your
arms.
cross-section
a cross-section of people/the public. • a
cross-section of the society.
crowd
a crowd of supporters. • crowd control. •
crowds of people.
crucial
a crucial factor/element. • a crucial part.
cruel
a cruel blow. • a cruel trick. • cruel and
unusual punishment.
crumbs
crumbs of information.
crunch
the crunch of tyres. • the crunch of
wheels.
crush
a crushing blow.
crust
a crust of bread.
crux
the crux of the matter.
cry
a cry for help. • a cry of astonishment. •
a cry of delight. • a cry of despair. • a cry
of horror. • a cry of outrage. • a cry of
pain. • a cry of protest. • a cry of rage. •
a cry of terror. • a crying shame. • cries
of disbelief. • cries of outrage. • cry (sth)
in alarm/horror. • cry (sth) in surprise/
delight. • cry like a baby. • cry out in an-
guish/fear. • cry out in pain. • cry sb’s
name. • cry tears of pain. • cry tears of
rage/frustration. • cry with happiness/re-
lief. • cry with pain. • cry with rage. • cry
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
36 37 declaration
your eyes out. • cry yourself to sleep. open. • cut sth to ribbons. • cut sth to that followed. • the days to come.
culture shreds. • cut sth to size. • cut sth to the
dead
a culture clash. • a culture of blame. • a bone. • cut the cake. • cut the lawn. •
a dead body. • a dead cert (for sth). • a
culture shock. cuts and bruises. • cuts in spending. • the
dead cert (in sth). • a dead giveaway. • a
cut of the corner of your eye.
dead stop. • a deadly secret. • a deadly
cup
a cup and saucer. • a cup of tea. • the cup cutback weapon. • be dead (set) against (doing)
a cutback in supplies. sth. • be dead and buried. • be dead set
of sb’s hand.
on (doing) sth. • dead ahead. • dead and
curb cute gone. • dead on target. • dead on time. •
a cute little child/kitten, etc.
a curb on prices. dead on your feet. • dead or alive. • the
... dead and dying. • the dead and injured.
cure
a cure for a disease. deaf
D
deaf and dumb. • deaf in one ear.
curious
a curious look/glance. • curious to find deal
out/know sb/sth. • curious to hear sth. • a deal falls through. • a deal goes through.
curious to see sb/sth. • deal a blow to sth. • deal a death blow
curl damn to sth. • deal with an aspect.
a damn sight better /worse. • a damn
be curled up. • curl (up) at the edges. • dear
sight cheaper. • damn well.
curl your lips into a sneer. a dear friend. • be a dear and do sth. •
currency damp dear, dear. • dear little chair, etc. • dear
damp with dew. • dampen sb’s spirits. • old friend, etc. • dear sweet cat/woman,
currency crisis. • currency deal.
dampen sb’s enthusiasm. etc. • dear, oh dear.
current
the current situation/climate. • the cur-
danger dearth
the danger zone. • the dangers of smok- dearth of information.
rent trend.
ing
curse death
dangerous death by/from starvation. • death penalty.
curse the day. • curse your luck.
a dangerous precedent. • dangerously • death sentence. • deaths from cancer/
curtain close/near. disease. • deaths from traffic accidents. •
a curtain of mist. • a curtain of secrecy. the death of your father.
dark
custody a dark person/man/woman. • dark (and) debate
a custody battle. • the custody of the chil- handsome. • dark days ahead. a debate over the authenticity of sth. • de-
dren. bate with yourself.
date
customer date of birth. • date of manufacture. • the debt
customer relations. • customer satisfac- (last) date for receipt of sth. • the date of debt of gratitude/honour.
tion. • customer service. completion. • the date of publication. •
decades
the date of purchase.
cut decades of neglect.
a cut in expenditure. • a cut in funding. • day
a cut in price. • a cut in production. • a
decide
a day of action. • a day of mourning. • a
decide for yourself. • decide the winner.
cut in salary. • a cut in spending. • a cut day of rest. • a day of the week. • a day
in subsidies. • a cut in wages. • a cut of off. • a day out. • a day trip. • day and decision
meat. • cut a deal (with sb). • cut a route night/night and day. • day by day. • days come to a decision. • a decision to ban sth.
through sth. • cut a way/path through sth. lost in/through strikes. • the day after. • • moment of decision. • sb who lacks de-
• cut across boundaries. • cut and paste. the day after tomorrow. • the day may/ cision.
• cut sb out of your will. • cut sb/sth free. might come (when). • the day of depar-
• cut sth in half/two. • cut sth into pieces. ture. • the day when… • the day will
declaration
a declaration of independence. • a decla-
• cut sth into quarters/three, etc. • cut sth come (when). • the day’s catch. • the
into slices. • cut sth into strips. • cut sth ration of sovereignty. • a declaration of
days ahead. • the days of sail. • the days
war.

declare 38
declare
be declared elected. • declare an interest
in sth. • declare a referendum fair/illegal.
• declare sb insane. • declare war on sth.
• declare yourself bankrupt.
decline
decline an invitation. • decline an offer.
• the decline and fall of sth. • a decline
in exports. • a decline in importance. • a
decline in morale. • a decline in morals.
• a decline in mortality. • a decline in
numbers. • a decline in popularity. • a
decline in powers. • a decline in produc-
tivity. • a decline in profitability. • a de-
cline in profits. • a decline in sales. • a
decline in size. • a decline in tourism. •
a decline in turnout. • a decline in turn-
over. • the decline of a civilization. • the
decline of an empire. • the decline of in-
flation.
decrease
a decrease in number/size/value. • a de-
crease in the incidence of sth.
deem
deem sth important. • deem sth neces-
sary/appropriate.
deep
a deep breath. • a deep sleep. • be deeply
split. • deep in conversation. • deep in
thought. • deep inside. • deeply in debt.
• deeply resent sth.
defeat
defeat at the hands of sb. • defeat is star-
ing sb in the face. • defeat the purpose of
sth.
defect
defects in nature. • defects in the system.
• the defects of the present system.
defend
defend sb’s interests. • defend the inde-
fensible. • defend the wrong cause. • de-
fend yourself (against danger, etc.).
define
define parameters (for sth). • the defin-
ing characteristic.
defuse
defuse a crisis.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
39 direct
degree depth devote
80 degrees, etc. above/below zero. • a de- a depth of tread. • the depth of crisis. • devote your energy/energies into sth. •
gree of coherence. • a degree of collabo- the depth of emotion/feeling. • the depth devote yourself to sth.
ration. • a degree of comfort. • a degree of the recession. • the depths (of the
of expertise. • a degree of perfection. • a
devotion
ocean/sea). • the depths of depression. •
devotion to a cause. • devotion to duty.
degree of sophistication. • a degree of un- the depths of despair.
certainty. diagram
derive the diagram above/below. • the diagram
delegates derive a benefit from sth.
opposite.
delegates to a convention.
describe die
delight describe a scene. • describe sth in ab-
a dying breed. • die a hero/coward. • die
be a delight. • delightful little. stract/general terms. • describe sth in
a millionaire. • die a sudden /natural
deliver blunt terms. • describe sth in clear/glow-
death. • die a violent death. • to your
deliver a blow/punch. • deliver a speech/ ing terms.
dying day.
lecture. • deliver a talk (on sth). • deliver deserve
a verdict. • deliver an address. • deliver
diet
deserve better.
a diet high/rich in sth. • a dietary supple-
sth by hand.
deservedly ment.
demand deservedly so.
a demand for autonomy. • a demand for
difference
desire a difference in degree/kind. • a difference
energy. • demand an apology. • demand
a desire for fulfilment. • a desire for re- of opinion. • difference in age. • the dif-
and supply. • demand to know sth/that…
venge. • a desire to protect sb/sth. • the ference between right and wrong.
• demand to see sb/sth… • demand to see
that… • demand your pound of flesh. • desired effect.
different
the demand for imports. despite different kinds of things, etc.
densely despite assurances. • despite sb’s efforts.
difficult
be densely settled. • densely packed. • • despite sb’s talk. • despite this/that
a difficult decision. • a difficult manoeu-
densely planted. fact.
vre. • be difficult to fault. • difficult to
destroyed call. • difficult to envisage. • difficult to
density
be destroyed by a bomb. • be destroyed follow. • difficult to please.
density of population. • density of traffic.
• the density of a star. by an explosion. • be destroyed by fire.
difficulty
detain a difficulty arises. • the difficulty is…
deny
deny a claim/charge. • deny a rumour. • be detained in custody/hospital. • detain
dig
deny an allegation/accusation. • deny kill- sb without charge/trial.
a dig in the ribs. • dig up dirt (on sb). •
ing/murdering sb. • deny the existence of determination dig your elbow into sb’s ribs.
sth. determination to succeed/win.
digit
department determined four, etc. digits long.
a department at/in the ministry. • a de- a determined attack. • a determined ef-
partment of psychiatry. dim
fort/attempt.
a dim glow. • the dim and distant past.
departure develop
a departure from the norm. • a departure dimensions
develop a complex about sth. • develop
from tradition. the dimensions of a conflict.
a link. • develop a policy. • the develop-
ing world. dire
depend
depend entirely/solely on sth. • depend a dire prediction. • a dire warning/threat.
development
largely on sth. the development of research. • the devel- direct
opment of tourism. a direct bearing on sth. • a direct correla-
deprive
tion. • a direct quote. • a direct result (of
deprive sb of the pleasures of doing sth. • deviation
deprive sb of the satisfaction of doing sth. sth). • to direct operations.
a deviation from the norm.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
direction 40 41 draw

direction display • do a job. • do a piece on/about sth. • double

the direction of a policy. • the direction of a display of affection. • a display of bra- do a search. • do a stretch (for sth). • do a double meaning. • a double portion/
a river. • the direction of flow/travel. • vado. • a display of emotion. • a display a test. • do a trick. • do a twirl. • do a helping. • be doubled over with sth. •
the direction of movement. • the direc- of temper. • a display of temperament. U-turn. • do all right. • do all/everything double back on yourself. • double in
tion of sb’s gaze. in your power. • do an exam. • do an ex- amount/price. • double in size. • double
distant periment. • do an impression of sb. • do the amount/size. • double the number.
director a distant memory. an operation. • do as/what you’re told. •
a director of a company. do badly in a test, etc. • do better. • do doubt
distinctive doubt sb’s integrity. • doubt your sanity. •
dirty a distinctive feature/flavour. • a distinc- business with sb. • do everything in/
within your power. • do lunch/dinner. • doubt(s) about the legality of sth. • doubts
a dirty look. • a dirty trick. • a dirty tricks tive voice.
do more harm than good. • do not have about a system.
campaign.
distinctly to do sth. • do not hesitate to contact sb. douse
disappear distinctly remember sb/sth. • do right (to do sth). • do sb a favour. douse the flames.
disappear from sight. • disappear from • do sb a service. • do sb good. • do sth
view. • disappear into thin air. • disap- distinguished down
a distinguished career. as a favour. • do sth as a signal (of sth).
pear without trace. • do sth as best you can. • do sth for a down a path. • down below. • down here.
distinguishing bet. • do sth for a living. • do sth for free. • down river. • down the front. • down
disappoint
the distinguishing characteristic. • do sth for kicks. • do sth in a rush. • do the middle. • down the road. • down the
disappoint sb’s hopes/expectations.
sth in sb’s honour. • do sth just/only to stairs. • down the street. • down to the
disaster distract last detail.
distract attention from sth. annoy sb. • do sth on your own respon-
a disaster waiting to happen. • disaster sibility. • do sth with/for joy. • do sth
strikes (sb/sth).
downfall
distribution with/without difficulty. • do the books. • be sb’s downfall. • the downfall of an em-
discharge a distribution of wealth. • the distribution do the cleaning. • do the cooking. • do pire.
discharge a debt. of income. • the distribution of resources. the decent thing. • do the dishes. • do
the impossible. • do the ironing. • do the downturn
disclaim disturb a downturn in tourism.
a disturbance of the peace. • disturb sb’s laundry. • do the marketing. • do the op-
disclaim all knowledge of... posite. • do the right thing. • do the
peace. downward
disclose washing/ironing. • do the washing-up. • a downward trend.
disclose your identity. dive do the windows/floors. • do well/badly.
dive for cover. • do well/badly at the box office. • do dozen
discount wonders (for sb/sth). • do your articles. dozens and dozens.
discount the possibility. divert
• do your bit. • do your duty. • do your draft
divert attention from sth.
discrimination duty by sb. • do yourself down. a draft of a document.
discrimination against homosexuals. • divide
divide a building, etc. into flats. • divide
doctor drag
discrimination on the grounds of caste, doctor’s orders.
along party lines. • divide along religious/ drag a comb through sth. • drag sb kick-
etc.
ethnic lines. • divide in two. • divide sth don’t ing and screaming.
disgrace in half. • divide sth into groups/parts. • don’t get me wrong. • don’t go there. •
disgrace yourself.
drama
divide sth into pairs. • divide sth into por- don’t judge a book by its cover. • don’t a drama unfolds. • the drama of the situ-
disguise tions. • divide the cake. • divide the par- mind admitting. • don’t remind me. • ation.
disguise yourself as/in sth. ticipants, etc. into groups. • the dividing don’t see why/what… • don’t you dare
line between. do sth. dramatic
dish a dramatic decline.
dish the dirt. • the dish of the day. division donate
a division of the spoils. • division of sth donate sth to charity. drape
dismiss between/among sb. • the division of be draped in/with sth.
dismiss sth out of hand. labour. • the division of wealth. doom
be doomed to failure. • doomed to disap- draught
dispel do pointment/failure. • doomed to extinc- a draught of air.
dispel a myth. be doing well/fine, etc. • do (sb) fine. • tion. draw
dispense do (sb/sth) good/harm. • do a check. • do
door draw (sb’s) attention to sth. • draw a com-
dispense with sb’s services. • dispense a course. • do a dance. • do a deal (with
a door-to-door collection. parison. • draw a conclusion. • draw a
with the formalities. sb). • do a degree. • do a film. • do a gig.

dreadfully
distinction. • draw a graph. • draw a
gun. • draw a line/boundary. • draw a
parallel between sth and sth else. • draw
a parallel with sth. • draw a pension. •
draw a picture. • draw a refusal/denial.
• draw an analogy. • draw apart. • draw
inspiration from sth. • draw level (with
sb/sth). • draw near/close. • draw sb
close. • draw sb’s attention/eye. • draw
sth to a close. • draw the curtains. • draw
the line at sth. • draw to a close. • draw
to a halt. • draw to a standstill/stop. •
draw yourself upright.
dreadfully
dreadfully upset.
dream
a dream come true. • dreams and aspira-
tions.
dress
dress sense. • dress yourself.
drill
drill for oil/gas.
drink
drink a toast to sb. • drink and drive. •
drink and drugs. • drink like a fish. •
drink yourself to death. • drunk and dis-
orderly.
drip
dripping with gems.
drive
drive a hard bargain. • drive sb crazy/
mad. • drive sb into exile. • drive sb out
of business. • drive sb round the bend. •
drive sb round the twist. • drive sb to des-
peration/despair. • drive sb to drink. •
drive sb up the wall. • drive sb/sth to the
limit. • drive yourself.
drop
a drop in interest rates. • a drop in con-
sumption. • a drop in income. • a drop in
inflation. • a drop in numbers. • a drop
in output. • a drop in popularity. • a drop
in population. • a drop in price. • a drop
in profit. • a drop in rate. • a drop in sal-
ary. • a drop in sales. • a drop in tempera-
ture. • a drop in the standard. • a drop
in tourism. • a drop in unemployment. •
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
42
a drop in value. • drop a bombshell. •
drop a hint. • drop a subject. • drop in the
unemployment figures. • drop like a
stone. • drop sb a line. • drop the act. •
drop the charges. • drop to your knees.
drug
drug abuse. • drug addict. • drug addic-
tion. • drug culture. • drug problem. •
drug pusher. • drug smuggler. • drug
smuggling. • drug trafficking. • drug tri-
als.
dry
a dry spell. • a dry wit. • dry yourself off.
• the dry season.
dubious
a dubious honour/distinction. • a dubious
pleasure.
due
due to natural causes.
dull
a dull ache. • a dull mind. • never a dull
moment.
duration
the duration of (your) stay.
during
during the course of (the) conversation. •
during the day. • during the hours of dark-
ness. • during the next decade. • during
the past/last decade. • during training.
duty
a duty to obey. • a duty to protect sb/sth.
• a duty to respect sth. • be duty bound to
do sth. • be sb’s duty to do sth. • duties
and responsibilities. • duties of the office.
• the duty to maintain sth.
...
E
each
each and every one. • each one.
eagerly
be eagerly anticipated. • eagerly scan sth.
43
early
an early frost. • an early stage. • early be-
ginnings. • the early 16th century. • the
early days of sth.
earn
earn a living. • earn a place. • earn inter-
est on sth. • earn your keep.
earnings
earnings from tourism. • earnings-re-
lated.
earth
the earth’s core/surface. • the earth’s
crust.
ease
ease of use. • ease sb’s conscience. • ease
the tension. • ease your way. • ease your-
self. • easing of martial law. • easing-up
of a policy.
east
the east front of sth. • the east of sw. • an
east wind.
easy
an easy mistake to make. • an easy time.
• an easy way to do sth. • be easily dis-
couraged. • be easily impressed. • be eas-
ily influenced. • be easily intimidated. •
be easily observed. • be easily over-
looked. • be easily overturned. • be eas-
ily provoked. • be easily studied. • eas-
ily the most. • easy to do. • easy to fol-
low. • the easiest thing in the world. • the
easy way out.
eat
be eating sb. • eat and drink. • eat like a
horse. • eat well.
economic
the current economic climate. • an eco-
nomic imperative. • an economic situa-
tion.
economical
• be economical with the truth.
economy
an economy drive. • an economy of scale.
edge
edged with lace. • the edge of (the) town.
emergency
• the edge of a chair. • the edge of a city.
• the edge of a crater. • the edge of a ner-
vous breakdown. • the edge of a sofa. •
the edge of the bed. • the edge of the cliff.
• the edge of the forest. • the edge of the
lake. • the edge of the pavement. • the
edge of the pool. • the edge of the sea. •
the edge of the stream. • the edge of the
table. • the edge of the village.
effects
effects of overcrowding. • the effects of
smoking. • the effects of the recession.
effort
an effort of imagination/memory. • an ef-
fort of will. • an effort to avert sth. • an
effort to avoid sth. • an effort to curb sth.
• an effort to establish sth. • an effort to
impress sb. • an effort to improve sth. • an
effort to persuade sb. • an effort to reduce
sth. • an effort to regain sth. • an effort to
resolve sth. • an effort to restore sth. • an
effort to restrain sb. • an effort to revive
sb. • an effort to revive sth. • an effort to
save sth. • an effort to secure sth. • an
effort to strengthen sth. • efforts at/to-
wards reconciliation. • efforts to combat
sth. • efforts to ensure sth. • efforts to
promote sth. • efforts to reform sth.
elder
be sb’s elder by 10 years/two months, etc.
elect
be elected unopposed. • elect sb leader. •
elect sb president/chairman.
election
election campaign. • election fever. • the
election of a successor.
electric
an electric fire. • an electrical fault.
element
an element of risk.
eligible
be eligible for inclusion.
eliminate
eliminate sb from your inquiries.
emergency
an emergency landing.

emissions
44
emissions
emissions of carbon dioxide.
emphasize
emphasize the importance of sth.
empty
an empty house. • an empty space. • an
empty threat.
enclosed
an enclosed space.
encounter
encounter resistance.
encrusted
encrusted with gems.
end
an end to the strife. • an end to violence.
• end in a stalemate. • end in a tie. • end
in deadlock. • end in disaster. • end in di-
vorce. • end in failure. • end sb’s career.
• end up doing sth. • the end of a civili-
zation. • the end of a dynasty. • the end
of a garden. • the end of a passage. • the
end of a period. • the end of a queue. •
the end of a stage. • the end of an era. •
the end of term. • the end of the film. •
the end of the line. • the end of the
month. • the end of the road/street. • the
end of the row. • the end of the scale. •
the end of the spectrum. • the end of the
table. • the end of the world. • the end
of your life. • the end result (of sth).
endless
an endless supply.
energy
an energy-saving feature.
enforce
enforce the law.
engaged
the engaged tone.
engine
engine failure. • engine problems.
enjoy
enjoy a better/high standard of living. •
enjoy a monopoly. • enjoy a renaissance.
• enjoy life to the full. • enjoy yourself
thoroughly.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
exercise
45
enormous cape unharmed/unscathed. • escape un- every so often. • every two, etc. hours. •
an enormous amount/volume. • an enor- hurt/uninjured. • escape with your life. • every word.
mous number. escape your attention/notice.
everyday
enough essence an everyday occurrence.
be enough to go around. • enough to the essence of the argument.
everyone
worry about. essential everyone but/except sb. • Everyone knows
enter an essential element. • an essential ingre- that.
enter a competition. • enter a plea of dient.
everything
guilty/not guilty. • enter into a transac- establish everything else. • everything from sth to
tion. • enter into an alliance. • enter into establish a connection. • establish a foot- sth. • everything in sb/sth’s path.
partnership (with sb). • enter your head/ hold. • establish a framework. • establish
mind. evidence
a goal. • establish a link. • establish a
evidence in favour of sth. • evidence in
enthusiastic precedent. • establish a reputation. • es-
support of sth. • evidence of racism. • the
enthusiastic about doing sth. • enthusias- tablish diplomatic relations. • establish
evidence of your senses.
tic about an idea. law and order. • establish parameters (for
sth). • establish yourself/sb (as sth). • exact
entire the established order. the exact moment. • exactly the opposite.
be entirely your (own) fault. • the entire • exactly what you want. • the exact cen-
episode. eternal
tre. • the exact spot.
an eternal truth.
entrance exaggerate
evade
the entrance to a cave. • the entrance to exaggerate the importance/significance of
evade a question. • evade capture. •
a harbour. sth.
evade prosecution. • evade the authori-
entry ties. exceed
an entry in a diary. • an entry in a note- exceed sb’s expectations.
book. • an entry in a register. • an entry even
in an encyclopaedia. • an entry on a reg- an even chance. • be evenly matched. • excellent
ister. even further. • even now. • even then. • an excellent choice.
even though.
epidemic exception
evening an exception to the norm/rule. • be the ex-
an epidemic of crimes. • epidemic propor-
an evening off/out. ception rather than the rule. • the excep-
tions.
tion that proves the rule.
equal events
events surrounding sth. excessive
be equally matched. • be sb’s equal. •
excessive demands.
equal in quality. • equal in size. • equal in ever
value. • equal rights (for sb). ever since. • ever since sth. • ever the op- exchange
timist. an exchange of confidences. • an ex-
equality
equality of opportunity. change of fire/gunfire. • an exchange of
every
shots. • an exchange of views. • the ex-
erosion every conceivable sth. • every corner of
change of information.
erosion of authority. • erosion of confi- the globe. • every day. • every few days,
dence. etc. • every few miles, etc. • every hope exclamation
of sth. • every hour. • every imaginable an exclamation of disgust.
err sth. • every inch. • every last detail. •
err on the side of caution. every moment. • every move. • every
excuse
excuse yourself from a room, etc.
error nerve in sb’s body. • every now and again.
an error of judgement. • errors and/or • every now and then. • every once in a execution
omissions. while. • every other day/week. • every the execution of your duty.
other month. • every reason. • every
escape sign/intention. • every single car, etc. • exercise
exercise a monopoly. • exercise your judg-
escape alive. • escape sb’s clutches. • es-
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
exert 46 47 fanfare

ment. • exercise your power. • the exer-

cise of authority. • the exercise of discre-
tion. • the exercise of power.
exert
express
express (an) interest (in sth). • express
(your) misgivings (about sth). • express a
preference (for sb/sth). • express a wish.
F rate. • a fall in sales. • a fall in supply. •
a fall in temperature. • a fall in the stan-
dard. • a fall in the standard of living. •
a fall in turnout. • a fall in turnover. • a
• express an opinion. • express or implied. fabric fall in unemployment. • a fall in value. •
exert pressure on sb (to do sth). fabric of countryside. • fabric of life. • the
• express yourself in English/French, etc. a fall in wages. • fall about laughing. • fall
exhibition • express yourself through art, etc. fabric of society. apart. • fall from power. • fall in demand.
an exhibition hall/stand. • an exhibition • fall in love (with sb). • fall in/into step.
expression face
catalogue. • an exhibition of sb’s work. • • fall into a category. • fall into a decline.
an expression of disapproval. • an expres- a face like thunder. • face (up to) reality.
an exhibition of sculpture(s). • fall into decay/disuse. • fall into disre-
sion of disbelief. • an expression of dis- • face (up to) the fact that… • face a
pair. • fall into enemy hands. • fall into
exist dain. • an expression of disgust. • an ex- challenge. • face a dilemma. • face a
ruin. • fall into the trap of (doing) sth. •
exist on a different plane. pression of distaste. • an expression of threat. • face resistance. • face the sack.
fall into the wrong hands. • fall madly in
goodwill. • an expression of regret. • an • face to face. • the face of a clock.
existing love (with sb). • fall out of favour (with
the existing order. expression of surprise. • the expression in fact sb). • fall outside sb’s experience, etc. •
sb’s eyes/on sb’s face. a fact of life. • fact and fiction. • fact or fall prey to sth. • fall to a new low. • fall
expand fiction. • facts and figures. • the fact of to bits. • fall to pieces. • fall to the
expand your horizons. • expand your vo- extend
extend a deadline. • extend a run. • ex- the matter. • the facts of a case. • the ground/floor. • fall to your death. • fall to
cabulary. facts of life. • the facts of the case. • the your knees. • fall under sb’s spell. • fall
tend an olive branch. • extend the fron-
expansion tiers. • extend the limits. facts speak for themselves. victim to sb/sth. • fall within limits. • the
expansion of culture. • expansion of re- fall of a dynasty. • the fall of a regime. •
extensive fail
search. the fall of an empire. • the fall of capital-
an extensive collection. a failed coup. • fail a test. • fail an exam.
ism. • the fall of communism.
expect • fail in your duty/obligation.
be expecting a baby. • expect a lot/too extent false
the extent to which. • the extent and na- failure
much of sb. • expect better. • expect sb a false belief/hope. • a false impression. •
ture of sth. • the extent of the damage. a failure of nerve. • a failure to perceive
home/back. a false sense of security.
sth. • a failure to respond. • failure of
expensive extinguish campaign. • failure to observe sth. • fail- fame
an expensive mistake. extinguish the flames. ure to perform sth. • failure to recognize fame and fortune.
extol sth. • failure to respect sth. • failure to
experience thrive.
familiar
experience a renaissance. • experience extol the virtues of (doing) sth. a familiar face. • a familiar figure. • a fa-
sth at first hand. • experience the full extract faint miliar voice. • familiarize yourself with
force of sth. • the experience of the extract a promise/concession. a faint glow. • faintly mocking. sth.
world. fair family
extreme
expert an extreme case. • an extreme example a fair bit of sth. • a fair chance. • a fair a family affair. • a family of five. • a fam-
expert help. • an expert in the field of sth. (of sth). • extremely foolish. • extremely criticism. • a fair deal (for sb). • a fair ily of four. • family and friends.
• be no expert. successful. • extremely unlikely. • the ex- deal/price. • a fair wage. • fair to mid-
dling. • fairly easy. • fairly often. • fairly
famine
explain treme edge/tip. • the extreme end. • the famine relief. • floods and famine.
extreme left/right. • the extreme north/ well.
explain everything. fan
south. faith
exploitation fan sb’s curiosity. • fan the flames of sth.
extricate faith in God.
the exploitation of resources. • the ex- fancy
ploitation of workers. extricate sb/yourself (from sth). faithful
fancy your chances (for sth). • a fancy
eye a faithful friend/follower. • a faithful ser-
explore price. • fancy yourself as a singer/techno-
an eye for detail. • the eye of a needle. • vant.
explore a city. • explore every avenue. • crat, etc.
explore an idea. • explore the land. the eye of the cyclone. • the eye of the fall
hurricane. • the eye of the storm. • the a fall in exports. • a fall in imports. • a
fanfare
export eyes of the world. (with/without) a fanfare of publicity. • a
fall in inflation. • a fall in output. • a fall
an export permit. • export sth to/from fanfare of trumpets. • with much fanfare
... in price. • a fall in production. • a fall in
somewhere. • packaged for export. worldwide.
profitability. • a fall in profits. • a fall in
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
far 48
far the fear of crime. • the fear of failure. •
be far from dead. • far bigger/better. • far the fear of intimacy. • the fear of invasion.
from ideal. • far in advance. • far less. • • the fear of rejection. • the fear of repris-
far more. • far too costly. • far too easy. als. • the fear of the unknown. • the fear
• far too much/big. • the far east/west. of violence.
• the far end. • the far left/right. • the far feat
north/south. • the far side. a feat of endurance. • a feat of engineer-
fare ing. • a feat of memory. • a feat of
fare better/worse. • fare well/badly. strength.
farewell feature
a farewell party. a feature article. • a feature writer/editor.
farther feeble
farther afield. • farther apart. • farther a feeble attempt/effort.
away/ahead.
feed
fashion fed and clothed. • fed up to the back
fashion conscious. • the fashion business. teeth. • feed a habit. • feed an addiction.
• the fashion of the day.
feel
feel (a) pain. • feel (an) interest in sth. •
fast
feel (deeply) insulted. • feel (like) a fool.
a fast pace/speed. • a fast reader/learner.
• feel a real sense of achievement. • feel
• a fast tempo.
as if/as though… • feel at ease. • feel
fasten
awkward about (doing) sth. • feel bound
fasten your arms/legs around sb/sth. • to do sth. • feel comforted. • feel com-
fasten the bolt. • fasten your attention/
pelled to do sth. • feel constrained to do
mind on sb/sth. • fasten your eyes/gaze sth. • feel excluded. • feel helpless to do
on sb/sth. sth. • feel humiliated. • feel impelled to
fat do sth. • feel intimidated. • feel it appro-
priate/necessary to do sth. • feel it impor-
a fat lot of good. • a fat lot of help/use.
tant to do sth. • feel it your duty to do sth.
• fat chance.
• feel like a millionaire. • feel like crying.
fate
• feel like doing sth. • feel obliged to do
a fate worse than death. • the fate of sth. • feel offended. • feel overwhelmed
mankind. (by/with sth). • feel pity for sb. • feel
father privileged to do sth. • feel reassured. •
a father of three/four. • a father of two. feel rotten about (doing) sth. • feel sb’s
death. • feel snubbed. • feel sorry for sb
fault about sth. • feel sorry for sb for sth. • feel
be sb’s fault (that)… • be sb’s fault for do-
strongly about sth. • feel sure (that)… •
ing sth. • the fault lies with sb. • the fault feel sympathy (for sb). • feel the benefits
on sb’s part. of sth. • feel the cold/heat. • feel the ef-
fects/repercussions of sth. • feel the full
favourably
favourably disposed to sb. force of sth. • feel the need to do sth. •
feel the squeeze. • feel threatened. • feel
favourite unable to do sth. • feel yourself do/doing
favourite to win. sth.
fear feeling
a fear of heights. • fear and anxiety. • a feeling of happiness. • a feeling of
fear and loathing. • fear and trepidation. achievement. • a feeling of affection. • a
• fear for sb’s life. • fear for sb’s safety. • feeling of anger. • a feeling of anticipation.
49
• a feeling of belonging. • a feeling of be-
trayal. • a feeling of comfort. • a feeling
of contentment. • a feeling of despair. •
a feeling of detachment. • a feeling of dis-
appointment. • a feeling of disgust. • a
feeling of dislike. • a feeling of dissatis-
faction. • a feeling of distaste. • a feeling
of doom. • a feeling of dread. • a feeling
of fatigue. • a feeling of foreboding. • a
feeling of frustration. • a feeling of grati-
tude. • a feeling of grief. • a feeling of
guilt. • a feeling of hatred. • a feeling of
helplessness. • a feeling of humiliation. •
a feeling of inadequacy. • a feeling of in-
dividuality. • a feeling of inevitability. •
a feeling of inferiority. • a feeling of inse-
curity. • a feeling of intimacy. • a feeling
of irritation. • a feeling of lethargy. • a
feeling of liberation. • a feeling of lone-
liness. • a feeling of misery. • a feeling of
nausea. • a feeling of nostalgia. • a feel-
ing of outrage. • a feeling of panic. • a
feeling of pity. • a feeling of release. • a
feeling of relief. • a feeling of remorse. •
a feeling of resentment. • a feeling of re-
vulsion. • a feeling of sadness. • a feel-
ing of satisfaction. • a feeling of security.
• a feeling of serenity. • a feeling of sick-
ness. • a feeling of sorrow. • a feeling of
superiority. • a feeling of sympathy. • a
feeling of uncertainty. • a feeling of un-
ease. • a feeling of wonder. • a feeling of
shame. • feelings of depression. • feel-
ings of jealousy. • feelings of persecution.
• feelings of rejection.
female
a female figure. • the female lead. • the
female mentality.
festive
the festive season.
fetch
fetch the asking price.
fever
fever of excitement.
few
a few moments. • a few pounds. • a few
short days/weeks. • a few short hours. •
be few takers. • few in number. • fewer
than 100.
final
fiddle
fiddle the books. • fiddle the figures/ac-
counts.
field
a field of endeavour/enquiry. • a field of
expertise. • a field of study. • the field of
science. • the field of vision.
fiercely
fiercely competitive. • a fiercely fought
battle.
fifty
a fifty-fifty chance.
fight
a fight for liberation. • a fight for life. • a
fight for supremacy. • a fight for survival.
• a fight to the death. • a fight to the fin-
ish. • a fighting chance. • a fighting ma-
chine. • fight a fire. • fight a losing battle.
• fight a war/battle. • fight against terror-
ism. • fight against unemployment. • fight
an election. • fight back (the) tears. •
fight like cat and dog. • fight the desire.
• fight the urge/impulse. • the fight
against inflation.
figment
a figment of (your) imagination.
figure
the central figure in a drawing/painting/
story. • a figure of speech. • have a head
for figures.
file
file a complaint. • file a lawsuit against sb.
• file a petition. • file a suit (against sb).
fill
be filled to the brim (with sth). • be filled
to capacity. • be filled with fear. • be filled
with shelves. • fill a post. • fill a vacuum.
• fill in the blanks. • fill in/out a form. •
fill sth to the brim. • fill the void.
film
a film fan. • a film fanatic. • a film with
subtitles. • film a scene.
final
a final stage. • final draft. • the final de-
cision/say. • the final result (of sth). • the
final stretch. • the final whistle.

financial 50
financial
a financial situation. • financial troubles.
• the financial sphere. • the financial
year.
find
be found murdered. • be found slumped
in/over sth. • be found stabbed. • find a
clue. • find a job. • find a link. • find a
successor. • find a vocation. • find an ally
in sb. • find favour (with sb). • find in
favour of sb. • find in sb’s favour. • find
inspiration from. • find it difficult/hard to
adapt. • find it hard/difficult to believe.
• find sb attractive/irritating, etc. • find
sb guilty/not guilty (of sth). • find sb re-
sponsible (for sth). • find sb wandering.
• find sb/sth fascinating. • find sth de-
pressing. • find sth difficult. • find sth
difficult (to do). • find sth frightening/re-
laxing. • find sth hard. • find sth unac-
ceptable. • find work/employment. • find
your mark. • find yourself confronted by
sth. • find yourself laughing. • find your-
self shaking. • found guilty of murdering/
raping sb.
fine
a fine figure of a man/woman. • a fine
line. • finely preserved. • finely tuned. •
the finer points.
finger
the finger of fate. • the fingers of a glove.
• the finger of suspicion.
finish
finish first. • finish in a tie. • finish sec-
ond. • the finished product/goods. • the
finishing stretch.
fire
a fire breaks out. • fire a bullet/round. •
fire a gun/weapon. • fire a missile. • fire
questions/suggestions at sb. • fire a shot.
• the fires of hell.
firm
a firm belief/conviction. • a firm believer.
• a firm commitment. • a firm favourite.
• a firm grasp of sth. • a firm of accoun-
tants/consultants. • a firm of solicitors. •
a firm of stockbrokers. • firmly on the
agenda.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
first
(your) first try. • first beginnings. • first
course. • first draft. • first ever trip
abroad, etc. • first gear. • first impres-
sions. • first love. • first offence. • first
past the post. • first performed. • first
place. • first port of call. • first post. • first
prize/place. • first string. • first thing in
the morning. • the first few. • the first
fruits of sth. • the first in a series. • the
first in line. • the first left. • the first sign
of madness. • the first time. • the first to
arrive.
fish
a fishing trip. • fish and chips. • fish for
compliments. • fish in batter. • the fishing
season.
fit
a fit of (the) giggles. • a fit of anxiety. • a
fit of depression. • a fit of giggling. • a fit
of jealousy/panic. • a fit of laughter. • a
fit of pique. • a fit of rage. • a fit of tem-
per. • fit (sb) like a glove. • fit and
healthy/well. • fit and proper. • fit and
ready. • fit for a king/queen. • fit for hu-
man consumption. • fit sb’s description. •
fit to eat/drink.
five
a five-star hotel/restaurant. • the five
senses.
fix
a fixed pattern. • fix a date. • fix sth in
place/position. • fix your sights on sth.
flag
a flag of surrender. • a flag of truce.
flames
the flames of hell.
flare
flare into life.
flash
a flash of brilliance. • a flash of insight. •
a flash of inspiration. • a flash of light. •
a flash of lightning. • flash a card.
flat
feel flat. • flat and expressionless. • flat on
your back. • give a flat ‘No’. • meet with
a flat refusal.
51
flaunt
flaunt yourself.
flaw
a flaw in character. • a flaw in nature. •
a flaw in the system. • a flaw in the argu-
ment. • a flaw in your reasoning.
flecked
flecked with rust.
flesh
flesh and blood. • flesh and bone.
flick
a flick of the wrist. • flick a switch. • flick
sth open.
flicker
a flicker of a smile. • a flicker of emotion.
• a flicker of hope. • a flicker of interest.
• a flicker of light/movement. • a flicker
of recognition. • a flicker of sb’s/the eyes.
• flicker into life. • flicker open. • the
flicker of a candle/flame. • the flicker of
an eyelid.
flight
a flight of stairs. • a flight of steps.
flip
flip a switch. • the flip of a coin.
flog
flog sb to death.
flood
a flood of refugees. • a flood of applica-
tions. • a flood of complaints. • a flood
of contributions. • a flood of criticisms. •
a flood of emotions. • a flood of enqui-
ries. • a flood of protests. • a flood of
questions. • a flood(s) of tears.
flourish
a flourish of trumpets.
flow
a flow of funds. • a flow of immigrants.
• the flow of arms. • the flow of data. •
the flow of electricity. • the flow of infor-
mation. • the flow of news. • the flow of
refugees. • the flow of supplies.
flush
flush with anger. • flush sth down the toi-
let.
football
fly
a flying leap. • fly into a fury. • fly into a
passion. • fly into a rage. • fly into a tem-
per. • fly past. • fly the country.
focus
focus attention on sth. • focus efforts/en-
ergy on sth. • focus entirely/particularly
on sth. • focus of concern. • focus on an
aspect. • focus solely/exclusively on sth.
• focus your eyes/gaze on sb/sth. • focus
your mind on sth. • the focus of attention.
fog
fog the issue.
fold
fold (sth) flat. • fold sth in half/two. • fold
sth neatly/carefully. • fold your arms. •
folds of flesh/skin.
folks
the folks back home.
follow
follow (sb’s) instructions. • follow (sb’s)
instructions to the letter. • follow a career.
• follow a pattern. • follow a procedure.
• follow a route. • follow a rule. • follow
a trail. • follow a trend. • follow in your
father’s footsteps. • follow sb/sth’s every
move. • follow sb’s advice/suggestion. •
follow sb’s example/lead. • follow sb’s
progress. • follow the instructions. • fol-
low the signs. • follow your instincts.
fond
a fond farewell. • a fond memory of sth.
food
a food supplement. • food and drink. •
food and water. • food and wine. • food
for thought. • the food industry.
fool
fool yourself.
foot
the foot of a ladder. • the foot of a mound.
• the foot of a mountain/hill. • the foot of
a slope. • the foot of the bed. • the foot of
the cliff. • the foot of the staircase/the
stairs. • the foot of the steps.
football
a football fan. • a football fanatic.

for 52
for
for (absolutely) ages. • for (all) practical
purposes. • for a bit. • for a dare. • for a
lark. • for a minute. • for a month. • for
a reason. • for a while. • for a whole host
of reasons. • for all its faults. • for all oc-
casions. • for all sb’s faults. • for all sb’s
talk. • for all the talk of sth. • for an hour.
• for any length of time. • for business or
pleasure. • for ever and ever. • for every
occasion. • for export. • for free. • for
his/her own ends. • for hours (on end).
• for lack of sth. • for life. • for lunch. •
for material/financial gain. • for miles. •
for miles around. • for months. • for no
apparent reason. • for now. • for obvious
reasons. • for personal gain. • for per-
sonal reasons. • for pity’s sake. • for po-
litical/commercial, etc. ends. • for profit.
• for reasons best known to yourself. • for
reference purposes. • for safety reasons.
• for sb’s (own) good. • for sb’s benefit.
• for sb’s consideration. • for sb’s conve-
nience. • for sb’s own sake. • for sb’s
sake. • for security reasons. • for services
rendered. • for short. • for show. • for
some strange reason. • for some un-
known reason. • for sth’s sake. • for sure.
• for tax/taxation purposes. • for the
benefit of mankind. • for the duration of
sth. • for the express purpose of sth. • for
the good of sb/sth. • for the nth time. •
for the obvious/good reason. • for the
purpose of doing sth. • for the sake of
clarity. • for the sake of convenience. •
for the sake of simplicity. • for the sake of
sth. • for the simple reason that… • for
the time being. • for the use of sb. • for
use as sth. • for whatever reason. • for
years. • for your own safety.
force
a force for good. • a force to be reckoned
with. • force a confession out of sb. •
force a lock. • force of argument. • force
of circumstance. • force sb into a corner.
• force sb into exile. • force sth open. •
force your attentions on sb. • force your
way through/into sth. • force yourself to
do sth. • the force of (your) personality.
• the force of gravity. • the force of habit.
• the force of law. • the forces of evil. •
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
53
the forces of nature. be freed on bail. • free from worry. • free
foreign of charge.
foreign investment. • a foreign tongue/
freedom
language. • foreign observers.
freedom from worry. • freedom of action.
forest • freedom of assembly. • freedom of as-
a forest fire. sociation. • freedom of choice. • freedom
of conscience. • freedom of expression. •
forget
freedom of manoeuvre. • freedom of
forget all about sth. • forget yourself.
movement. • freedom of navigation. •
forgive freedom of the individual. • freedom of
forgive and forget. • forgive yourself. the press. • freedom of thought. • free-
dom of worship. • freedom to travel. •
form
the freedom to pursue sth. • the freedom
a form of assessment. • a form of carbon.
to roam.
• a form of contraception. • a form of en-
ergy. • a form of entertainment. • a form freeze
of exercise. • a form of proxy. • a form of freeze in your tracks. • freeze on spend-
racism. • a form of reasoning. • a form of ing. • freeze sb’s assets. • freeze to death.
rebellion. • a form of recreation. • a form
freezing
of religion. • a form of representation. •
freezing cold.
a form of taxation. • a form of therapy. •
a form of transport. • form a government. frenzy
• form an opinion. • forms of worship. a frenzy of activity.
formulate frequently
be frequently observed.
formulate a policy.
forum fresh
a forum for discussion. a fresh start. • fresh from/out of univer-
sity/college, etc.
forward
forward planning/thinking. freshly
freshly baked. • freshly ground. • freshly
foundation ironed. • freshly painted. • freshly
the foundation of your life. • the founda- picked. • freshly planted. • freshly
tions of a society. scrubbed. • freshly squeezed. • freshly
founder washed.
a founder of an institute. • the founder of friend
a dynasty. a family friend. • a friend and ally. • a
four friend of mine. • a friend of the family. •
the four corners of the earth/globe, etc. • a friendly manner. • a friendly smile. • a
the four corners of the world. friendly welcome. • friendly and helpful.
• friends and acquaintances. • friends
fraction
and family/family and friends. • friends
a fraction of a second. • a fraction of an
and neighbours. • friends and relations.
inch.
• friends and/or relatives.
frame frightened
a frame of mind. • a frame of reference. be frightened to death. • frightened out
• framed by the police. of your wits.
free
from
a free country/society. • a free election. •
(right) from the beginning. • from (deep)
frozen
within. • from a different/the same
mould. • from a financial perspective. •
from a historical perspective. • from a le-
gal/political standpoint. • from a political
point of view. • from a purely economical,
etc. viewpoint. • from a religious point of
view. • from a scientific point of view. •
from afar. • from all angles. • from all
quarters. • from all/both directions. •
from among. • from an early age. • from
an economic standpoint. • from an inter-
national perspective. • from beginning to
end. • from beginning to/until the bitter
end. • from behind. • from beneath. •
from birth. • from ceiling to floor. • from
dawn till dusk. • from dawn to dusk. •
from elsewhere. • from far and wide. •
from floor to ceiling. • from generation to
generation. • from head to foot/toe. •
from here. • from humble/modest begin-
nings. • from inside. • from left to right.
• from morning till night. • from now on.
• from one extreme to the other. • from
one generation to the next. • from out of
town. • from outside. • from past/previ-
ous experience. • from peak to trough. •
from personal/bitter experience. • from
right to left. • from sb’s standpoint. • from
small beginnings. • from start to finish. •
from the age of 20, etc. • from the outset.
• from the perspective of sb/sth. • from
the point of view of sth. • from the stand-
point of sth. • from the very beginning. •
from the waist down/up. • from then/that
day on. • from there. • from this/that
quarter. • from time immemorial. • from
top to bottom. • from top to toe. • from
under the bed, etc.
front
the front of a crowd. • the front of the
class. • the front of the queue. • the front
of the skull. • the front two/three.
froth
froth at the mouth.
frown
a frown in your eyes. • a frown of disap-
proval. • a frown on your face.
frozen
frozen to the spot.

fruits
fruits
the fruits of science. • the fruits of your
labour.
frustrate
frustrate sb’s attempts/efforts. • frustrate
sb’s plans/intentions.
fudge
fudge the issue.
fulfil
fulfil a commitment. • fulfil a dream/am-
bition. • fulfil a duty. • fulfil a function/
role. • fulfil a promise/pledge. • fulfil a
purpose. • fulfil an aim/objective. • ful-
fil an obligation. • fulfil sb’s expectations.
• fulfil the criteria. • fulfil your aims.
fulfilment
find emotional fulfilment. • find personal
fulfilment. • fulfilment of an ambition.
full
a full schedule. • be full of praise for sb/
sth. • be full of tales about sth. • be full
to the brim. • be full up. • be fully
booked. • be fully dressed. • be fully
guaranteed. • full and accurate. • full
and frank. • full details. • full of charac-
ter. • full of colour. • full of detail. • full
of flavour. • full of holes. • full of hope.
• full of humour. • full of life. • full of op-
timism. • full of passion. • full of prom-
ise. • full of reproach. • full of smoke. •
full of sorrow. • full of sympathy. • full of
vigour. • full of vitality. • full price. • full
speed ahead. • full to capacity. • full to
overflowing/bursting. • fully assembled.
• fully aware. • fully equipped. • fully
evolved. • fully formed. • fully function-
ing. • fully intend doing sth/to do sth. •
fully justified. • fully old. • the full ex-
tent. • the full horror of the situation. •
the full whack.
fumble
fumble for words.
function
function on a different plane.
fundamental
a fundamental flaw/weakness. • the fun-
damentals of the job.
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54
funny
funny how… • funny little device, etc. •
the funny thing is…
further
a further five/ten/hundred, etc. • further
afield. • further along/down the line. •
further and further. • further details. • fur-
ther information.
fuss
a fuss about nothing.
future
the future of mankind. • the future of a
project.
...
G
gain
a gain in productivity. • gain (sb’s) re-
spect. • gain a benefit. • gain a distinc-
tion. • gain a foothold. • gain a grade. •
gain a place. • gain a scholarship. • gain
access to sth. • gain admittance/entry to
sth. • gain an insight. • gain control of
sth. • gain favour (with sb). • gain in
popularity. • gain in stature. • gain the
distinction of being/having been. • gain
the initiative. • gain the upper hand
game
a game of cards. • a game of chance. • a
game of chicken. • a game of skill. • a
game show.
gap
a gap between the floorboards. • a gap in
conversation. • a gap in the floorboards.
• a gap in the market. • a gap in your
knowledge.
gas
a gas fire. • a gas leak.
gasp
a gasp of admiration. • a gasp of astonish-
ment. • a gasp of delight. • a gasp of ex-
citement. • a gasp of pain. • a gasp of sur-
prise. • gasp for air/breath. • gasps of dis-
beliefs.
55
gather
gather your courage. • gather your
strength. • gather your thoughts/wits.
gear
gear yourself up.
gem
a gem of a place/person.
general
be generally accepted. • be generally ad-
mired. • be generally appreciated. • be
generally attributed to… • be generally
credited with sth. • be generally recog-
nized. • be generally supposed. • be gen-
erally understood. • generally perceived.
• generally viewed as sth. • the general
drift. • the general good. • the general
public. • the general reader/viewer.
generosity
generosity of spirit.
generous
be (very) generous of sb. • be generous to
a fault.
gentle
a gentle giant.
germ
the germ of a book. • the germ of an idea.
• the germ of truth.
gesture
a gesture of reconciliation. • a gesture of
defiance. • a gesture of disgust. • a ges-
ture of friendship. • a gesture of good-
will. • a gesture of impatience. • a ges-
ture of solidarity. • gesture in the direc-
tion of sb/sth. • gesture towards sb/sth.
get
(not) get much/any sleep. • get (a) ben-
efit. • get (all) the glory. • get (your) own
way. • get a bad/raw deal. • get a benefit.
• get a bug. • get a cap. • get a chance.
• get a confession out of sb. • get a dis-
tinction. • get a divorce. • get a fair/
square deal. • get a first in sth. • get a
foothold. • get a glimpse. • get a good
deal (on sth). • get a good/bad, etc.
press. • get a grade. • get a grasp of sth.
• get a job. • get a job done. • get a kick
out of/from sth. • get a letter from sb. •
get
get a mention. • get a mortgage. • get a
move on. • get a name for (doing) sth. •
get a percent of the vote. • get a phone
call from sb. • get a place. • get a result.
• get a rotten deal. • get a rough/raw
deal. • get a shock. • get a shot (at sth).
• get a station. • get a telephone call. •
get a tip. • get a word in (edgeways). •
get an answer/reply, etc. • get an educa-
tion. • get an effect. • get an idea for sth.
• get an insight. • get an interview. • get
annoyed (with sb). • get around to doing
sth. • get asked sth. • get asked that/this.
• get away from it all. • get better. • get
buried beneath/under sth. • get caught up
in sth. • get chummy with sb. • get
creased. • get crushed. • get cute with sb.
• get done for sth. • get down to the nitty-
gritty. • get dressed. • get drunk (on sth).
• get elected. • get fined. • get first pick.
• get going (on sth). • get here/there. •
get in a bind. • get in a plug for sth. • get
in contact. • get in sb’s way. • get in shape.
• get in the way. • get in/into a panic. •
get in/into the habit of doing sth. • get in-
terrupted. • get into a fight. • get into a
fight/argument (with sb). • get into a
mess. • get into a temper. • get into bad
company. • get into debt. • get into diffi-
culty. • get into mischief. • get into
trouble. • get into trouble (for doing sth).
• get it. • get loose (from sb/sth). • get
low (on sth). • get married. • get mixed
up. • get money off sth. • get muddled up.
• get no answer. • get no quarter. • get off
a train. • get off the subject. • get on a
train. • get on and do sth. • get on sb’s
nerves. • get on with doing sth. • get on
with the business of sth. • get on with the
job/work of sth. • get one foot on the lad-
der. • get onto a subject. • get out and
about. • get out of bed. • get out of hand.
• get out of jail. • get pleasure from (do-
ing) sth. • get run over. • get sb breakfast.
• get sb in hot water. • get sb into a mess.
• get sb into bed. • get sb into trouble. •
get sb lunch/dinner. • get sb nowhere. •
get sb pregnant. • get sb/sth dirty. • get
sb/sth down. • get sb/sth going/moving,
etc. • get sb/sth muddled. • get sb/sth
wet. • get sb’s drift. • get sb’s meaning. •
get sb’s permission. • get smart with sb. •

giant 56
get some rest. • get some sleep. • get
started. • get sth serviced. • get sth (all)
sewn up. • get sth clear. • get sth done.
• get sth down to a fine art. • get sth
fixed. • get sth in perspective. • get sth
in writing. • get sth out of perspective. •
get sth ready. • get sth right. • get sth
seen to. • get sth sorted (out). • get sth
straight. • get stick (from sb). • get the
answer right/wrong. • get the basics
right. • get the blame. • get the chance/
opportunity. • get the door. • get the feel-
ing (that)… • get the gist of sth. • get the
idea (of doing sth). • get the idea
(that)… • get the idea (to do sth). • get
the impression (that)… • get the itch to
do sth. • get the joke. • get the message
across. • get the point. • get the sack. •
get the satisfaction of doing sth. • get the
scoop. • get the shakes. • get the timing
right/wrong. • get the upper hand. • get
the wrong impression. • get things going/
moving. • get things straight. • get tired
of doing sth. • get to grips with sth. • get
to sleep. • get to the heart of sth. • get to
work/school, etc. • get to/past first base.
• get together on sth. • get together with
sb. • get told off. • get tough with sb. •
get used to (doing) sth. • get with it. •
get your hair cut. • get your hair
trimmed. • get your hands off sb/sth. •
get your hands on sth. • get your march-
ing orders. • get your money’s worth. •
get your pound of flesh. • get your sums
right/wrong. • get your tongue around/
round sth. • get your way.
giant
a giant leap/stride. • a giant of a man. •
a giant step. • a giant table.
gift
a gift from God. • the gift of prophecy.
gist
the gist of a speech/conversation. • the
gist of a story. • the gist of an argument.
give
be given official recognition. • be given to
believe sth. • be given to understand sth.
• give (sb) a guarantee. • give (sb) a sig-
nal. • give (sb) odds of sth. • give (your)
approval. • give (your) consent. • give a
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
bow. • give a broadcast. • give a chance.
• give a cry. • give a description (of sb/
sth). • give a flavour. • give a lead. • give
a lecture. • give a party (for sb/sth). • give
a performance. • give a presentation (on
sth). • give a promise. • give a pull. • give
a reading. • give a reason. • give a sigh.
• give a sign. • give a signal. • give a start.
• give a talk (on sth). • give a timetable
for sth. • give a tip. • give an account of
sth. • give an excuse. • give an explana-
tion. • give an illustration. • give an indi-
cation. • give an interview. • give an opin-
ion. • give an order. • give birth to a baby.
• give colour to sth. • give consideration
to sth. • give credit where credit is due. •
give every/some indication that… • give
expression to sth. • give hope to sb. • give
impetus to sth. • give in to (the) tempta-
tion. • give in to pressure. • give no quar-
ter. • give no/little hint of sth. • give no-
tice to quit. • give out a gasp. • give out
a scream. • give out a whistle. • give over
doing sth. • give pleasure to sb. • give
preference/priority to sb. • give priority to
sth. • give rise to a difficulty. • give sb a
big hand. • give sb a big/warm send-off.
• give sb a boost. • give sb a call. • give
sb a clap. • give sb a complex. • give sb a
compliment. • give sb a feed. • give sb a
good send-off. • give sb a good/poor
mark. • give sb a hand. • give sb a head-
ache. • give sb a hero’s welcome. • give sb
a high/low mark. • give sb a kiss. • give
sb a lift. • give sb a look. • give sb a push
(to do sth). • give sb a ring. • give sb a
shock. • give sb a start. • give sb a thrill.
• give sb a tickle. • give sb a tip. • give sb
a turn. • give sb a wink. • give sb a/the
loan of sth. • give sb an advantage. • give
sb an answer. • give sb an idea of sth. •
give sb an injection. • give sb an ultima-
tum. • give sb confidence. • give sb direc-
tions to sth. • give sb encouragement. •
give sb help/support. • give sb in mar-
riage. • give sb lip. • give sb permission.
• give sb problems. • give sb stick (for
sth). • give sb the choice. • give sb the
idea/impression (that)… • give sb the kiss
of life. • give sb the loan of sth. • give sb
the right to do sth. • give sb the sack. •
give sb the shivers. • give sb the third de-
57
gree. • give sb their marching orders. •
give sb trouble. • give sb up for dead. •
give sb/sth a clean bill of health. • give
sb/sth a kick. • give sb/sth a push. • give
sb/sth a shove. • give sb/sth a tug. • give
sb/sth an/the edge over sb/sth. • give sb/
sth the axe. • give sb/sth your blessing.
• give sth a (good) clean. • give sth a
brush. • give sth a go. • give sth a press.
• give sth a shake. • give sth a try/shot.
• give sth a wash. • give sth attention. •
give sth in writing. • give sth the thumbs-
down. • give sth the thumbs-up. • give
sth thought /consideration. • give sth to
charity. • give sth top/high priority. • give
sth your best shot. • give substance to sth.
• give the appearance of (doing) sth. •
give the illusion of sth. • give the impres-
sion (that)… • give up smoking. • give
up the idea of sth. • give up trying. • give
voice to sth. • give your name to sth. •
given (that)… • given the chance. •
given the circumstances. • given the op-
portunity.
glad
be glad to be rid of sb/sth. • glad to
oblige. • glad to see/hear.
glance
a glance in sb/sth’s direction. • a glanc-
ing blow.
glare
the glare of headlights. • the glare of pub-
licity.
gleam
a gleam in sb’s eye(s). • gleam golden.
glimmer
a glimmer of hope. • a glimmer of truth.
glint
a glint in sb’s eye.
glittering
a glittering career.
glow
a glow of pride. • a glow of satisfaction.
• a glowing reference/report. • glow or-
ange. • the glow from/of a fire. • the
glow of a light bulb. • the glow of the
sunset.
go
go
go (back) over the same ground. • go (for)
days/weeks. • go (for) months. • go (out)
on a date (with sb). • go a long way/some
way towards explaining sth. • go a step
further with sth. • go about your business/
work. • go about your daily life. • go ac-
cording to plan. • go ahead and do sth. •
go all right. • go and do sth. • go and see.
• go as planned. • go as/so far as to do
sth. • go back on your word/promise. • go
back to the land. • go back to your roots.
• go badly. • go before a judge. • go by ap-
pearances. • go by car. • go by ferry. • go
by the book. • go by train/plane. • go
climbing. • go diving. • go down in the
world. • go down well/badly (with sb). •
go flat against sth. • go for a dip. • go for
a drink. • go for a drive. • go for a pee. •
go for a ride (in/on sth). • go for a ride/
walk, etc. • go for a run. • go for a spin.
• go for a swim. • go for a wander. • go
for the double. • go from bad to worse. •
go from one extreme to the other. • go in
sb’s favour. • go into a decline. • go into
a nosedive. • go into a profession. • go
into a spin. • go into business. • go into
debt. • go into hiding. • go into labour. •
go into liquidation. • go into partnership
(with sb). • go into politics. • go into ser-
vice. • go into teaching. • go into/out of
production. • go jogging. • go off to sleep.
• go on a cruise. • go on a diet. • go on a
march. • go on a trip/tour. • go on and on
(about sth). • go on holiday. • go on pre-
tending. • go on record. • go on sale/dis-
play. • go on strike. • go on the stage. •
go on to do sth. • go on with you! • go one
step further. • go out for a meal. • go out
of fashion. • go out of style. • go out of
your mind with boredom. • go out of your
mind with jealousy. • go out of your mind
with worry. • go out to/for dinner. • go
riding. • go right. • go round the twist. •
go rushing. • go shopping. • go swim-
ming. • go the whole nine yards. • go
through a barrier. • go through a ritual. •
go through a routine/ritual. • go through
hell. • go through on the nod. • go
through the proper channels. • go to a
doctor. • go to a great/good deal of
trouble. • go to a lot of trouble (to do sth).
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
going 58 59 half

• go to arbitration. • go to bed. • go to government guest. • greet sb by name. • greet sb with grunt

church. • go to college. • go to court. •
go to great/considerable, etc. expense. •
go to jail. • go to lunch/dinner. • go to
prison. • go to prove a point. • go to rack
and ruin. • go to sb’s aid. • go to school.
• go to show (sb) (that)… • go to sleep.
• go to the cinema. • go to the doctor(’s)/
dentist(’s). • go to the expense of doing
sth. • go to the hairdresser(’s). • go to the
heart of sth. • go to the opera. • go to the
theatre. • go to the trouble of doing sth.
• go to university. • go to war (with sb).
• go to waste. • go to work (on sth). • go
to/into hospital. • go travelling. • go un-
der cover. • go up in flames. • go up in
the world. • go walking. • go well/
smoothly. • go without. • go without (do-
ing) sth. • go your own way.
going
the going rate for sth.
golden
a golden opportunity.
gone
gone for ever. • gone are the days when…
good
a good advertisement for… • a good bet
a government bond. • government
sources. • the government machine. • the
government of the day.
grab
grab an opportunity/chance. • grab hold
(of sth). • grab sb’s attention.
grain
a grain of truth.
grand
the grand old age of sth.
grant
grant (your) approval. • grant a request.
• grant an application. • grant an injunc-
tion. • grant sb asylum. • grant sb bail. •
grant sb immunity. • grant sb leave to ap-
peal. • grant sb permission. • grant sb’s
wish.
grasp
a grasp of a subject. • a grasp of reality. •
grasp a concept/principle. • grasp a point.
• grasp sb by the arm/wrist. • grasp sb by
the shoulders. • grasp the meaning of sth.
• grasp the significance of sth.
gravity
the gravity of a crisis. • the gravity of an
a smile/kiss.
grin
grin from ear to ear. • a grin of triumph.
• a grinning old man.
grope
grope for a solution. • grope for words/
explanations. • grope your way (out of
sw).
gross
a gross exaggeration. • grossly exagger-
ate sth.
ground
ground(s) for expulsion. • grounds for
complaint. • grounds for concern. •
grounds for disagreement. • grounds for
dismissal. • grounds for divorce. •
grounds for optimism. • grounds for sat-
isfaction. • grounds for settlement. •
grounds for suspicion. • grounds of ap-
peal. • grounds of incompatibility.
group
a group of companies. • a group of indi-
viduals. • a group of specialists. • a
group of writers. • group dynamics. •
group pressure. • group sb/sth according
to sth. • group sth under a heading. •
a grunt of approval/pleasure. • a grunt of
exasperation/pain. • grunt and groan. •
grunt and snort.
guard
guard against saying the wrong thing. • a
guard of honour. • guard your secrets.
guess
guess correctly/right. • guess what... •
guess wrong.
guest
a guest appearance. • the guest of honour.
guilty
guilty by association. • a guilty con-
science. • a guilty grin. • guilty of an of-
fence. • a guilty secret. • guilty pleasures.
gulp
gulp for air/breath. • gulp your tea/coffee.
gun
a gun goes off. • guns and ammunition.
gust
a gust of air. • a gust of pleasure. • a gust
of wind.
...

(that)… • a good bet for sth. • a good bit
(of work, etc.). • a good buy. • a good
cause. • a good chance. • a good choice.
• a good day’s work. • a good deal (for
sb). • a good distance. • a good grasp of
sth. • a good habit. • a good hiding. • a
good indicator. • a good listener. • a good
many. • a good name. • a good night’s
sleep. • a good record. • a good risk. • a
good run. • a good selection. • a good
shot. • a good speller. • a good sport. •
a good time. • a good worker. • be a good
boy/girl. • be a good influence (on sb/
sth). • be good for a laugh. • be good for
your health. • be good practice for sth. •
good about. • good and evil. • good
evening. • good intentions. • good morn-
ing. • good night. • good old joke. •
good, bad or indifferent. • the good old
days.
goodness
goodness gracious (me). • goodness me.
offence. • the gravity of the situation.
great
a great big tree, etc. • a great danger. • a
great deal of difference. • a great deal of
effort. • a great disappointment. • a great
fat man/face, etc. • a great height. • a
great loss to sb. • a great many people/
things. • a great pity. • a great shame. •
a great success. • a great talker/reader. •
a great variety. • a great walker. • a
greater or lesser degree. • be a great one
for sth. • be greatly missed. • a great
shock. • greatly exaggerate sth. • greatly
influence sb/sth. • greatly reduce sth.
greed
greed and selfishness.
green
green fruits. • green with envy.
greet
be greeted with howls of sth. • greet a
H
groups of three/four/ten.
grow
grow a lot. • grow a plant, etc. from seed.
• grow at a fast/record, etc. rate. • grow
by 10%/20%, etc. • grow in number. •
habit
grow in popularity. • grow in size/ the habit(s) of a lifetime.
amount. • grow in stature. • grow several
inches. • grow tired of doing sth. • grow hack
to a height/length. • grow to a size. • hack sth to pieces.
grow to maturity. • grow unchecked. •
hail
grow used to/accustomed to sth. • grow
hail a taxi. • a hail of bullets.
very tall. • the growing season.
hale
growth hale and hearty.
a growth in earnings. • a growth in num-
bers. • a growth in output. • a growth in half
productivity. • a growth in sales. • a a half dozen. • be half starved. • be half
growth in wages. • a growth in/of the tempted, etc. • half a chance. • half a
economy. • growth of facilities. • the dozen. • half a lifetime. • half a mile. •
growth in/of tourism. • the growth of na- half an hour. • half and half. • half as
tionalism. • the growth of population. many. • half as much. • half asleep. • half
clothed. • half each. • half expect. • half

halfway 60
full. • half hidden. • half hour/mile, etc.
• half price. • half sth (and) half sth. •
half the size of sth.
halfway
the halfway mark.
halt
halt in your tracks. • halt sb in their
tracks. • halt sth in its tracks.
hammer
a hammer and chisel. • a hammer and
nails. • hammer and sickle.
hand
a hand-to-mouth existence. • hand in
hand. • hand in your resignation. • hand
over the reins. • hands in pockets. •
hands on hips. • the hand of fate. • the
hand of friendship. • the hands of a clock.
handle
handle sb roughly. • handle sth well. •
handle sth with care. • the handle of a
knife. • handle a crisis. • handle data.
handover
the handover of power.
handsomely
be handsomely bound.
hang
hang your head. • hang your head in
shame. • hang yourself. • hanging by a
thread.
happy
a happy ending. • Happy Birthday! •
Happy Christmas! • happy to oblige. •
the happy couple.
hard
a hard day. • a hard frost. • a hard life.
• a hard time. • a hard winter. • a hard
worker. • a hardened criminal. • be hard
pushed to do sth. • be hard to come by.
• be hard to fault. • hard of hearing. •
hard to believe. • hard to call. • hard to
envisage. • hard to please. • hardening of
the arteries. • the hardening of a policy.
hardly
hardly a day passes without… • hardly
anything. • hardly contain sth. • hardly
credit sth. • hardly had sb done sth than/
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
when… • be hardly your (own) fault. •
hardly improved, etc. at all.
harmful
a harmful substance.
has
(sb) has had it. • (sth) has had it. • has
got brains. • has little/no relevance to sth.
hatch
hatch a plan/scheme. • hatch a plot.
haul
haul yourself out of sth. • haul yourself up
into/onto sth.
have
be having a baby. • be under orders to do
sth. • have (an) interest in sth. • have
(got) a few bob. • have (got) to admit. •
have (no) occasion to do sth. • have
(your) dinner. • have (your) hair cut/
done. • have (your) hair tinted. • have
(your) misgivings (about). • have a
(good) cry. • have a bad day. • have a
bad/raw deal. • have a bath. • have a bet
on sb/sth. • have a big heart. • have a
brain for sth. • have a break. • have a
break (from work, etc.). • have a burden
on your shoulders. • have a bus to catch.
• have a case. • have a chance. • have a
character all (of) its own. • have a char-
acter of its own. • have a chat (with sb).
• have a claim on sb/sth. • have a claim
to sth. • have a clear conscience. • have
a complex about sth. • have a confession
to make. • have a conversation. • have a
crack at (doing) sth. • have a crush on sb.
• have a date (with sb). • have a discus-
sion. • have a disposition to do sth. • have
a dream. • have a drink problem. • have
a duty to sb. • have a fair idea of sth. •
have a fair/square deal. • have a familiar
ring. • have a family. • have a family his-
tory of sth. • have a fascination for sb. •
have a feed. • have a fever. • have a fight
on your hands. • have a fight with sb. •
have a fine start. • have a fit. • have a
flavour. • have a foot in both camps. •
have a full life. • have a future. • have a
glimpse. • have a go at (doing) sth. • have
a go on sth. • have a good deal. • have a
good head for figures. • have a good opin-
61
ion of… • have a good thing going. •
have a good time. • have a good working
relationship. • have a good/bad, etc.
press. • have a good/bad memory for sth.
• have a good/close look. • have a good/
quick mind. • have a grasp of sth. • have
a great /excellent start. • have a griev-
ance. • have a guess. • have a high re-
gard for sb/sth. • have a high/low opin-
ion of sb. • have a hot temper. • have a
job. • have a joke with sb. • have a kind/
good heart. • have a lark. • have a lead
of 5 minutes. • have a loan of sth. • have
a look at sth. • have a look for sth. • have
a look/try. • have a lot on. • have a lot on
your mind. • have a lot to contribute. •
have a lot to offer. • have a moan (about
sb/sth). • have a monopoly. • have a mo-
nopoly on (doing) sth. • have a name for
(doing) sth. • have a nap. • have a party
(for sb/sth). • have a peek. • have a
peep. • have a phone call from sb. • have
a position/post. • have a preference. •
have a professional, etc. look about/to it.
• have a query about sth. • have a reac-
tion. • have a relationship. • have a repu-
tation as sth. • have a reputation for (be-
ing) sth. • have a responsibility to do sth.
• have a responsibility to/towards sb. •
have a rest. • have a ride in/on sth. •
have a ring of truth. • have a rotten/
rough deal. • have a row (with sb). •
have a rush on at the office. • have a rush
on school bags/cookery books, etc. • have
a say in sth. • have a say on/over sth. •
have a scowl on your face. • have a
scratch. • have a sense of direction. •
have a short temper. • have a shot. • have
a shot at sth. • have a shower. • have a
sleep. • have a stab at sth. • have a stake
in (doing) sth. • have a stroke. • have a
suggestion. • have a suspicion that… •
have a swim. • have a talk (with sb). •
have a tantrum. • have a taste for sth. •
have a telephone call. • have a tendency
to do sth. • have a train/plane to catch.
• have a try. • have a vested interest in
(doing) sth. • have a visit from sb. • have
a voice (in sth). • have a vote (on sth). •
have a walk. • have a weak/bad heart. •
have a word (with sb). • have a working
knowledge of sth. • have a/the choice. •
have
have a/the right to do sth. • have all the
answers. • have all the hallmarks of sth. •
have an abortion. • have an acquaintance
with. • have an adverse effect on sb/sth.
• have an affair. • have an ally in sb. •
have an argument (with sb). • have an
easy day/week. • have an easy time (of
it). • have an easy year. • have an educa-
tion. • have an effect on sth. • have an ef-
fect/result. • have an excuse. • have an
experience. • have an eye on sb/sth. •
have an idea/plan. • have an influence/
impact. • have an injection. • have an in-
terest in sth. • have an interview. • have
an obligation to sb/sth. • have an opera-
tion. • have an overdraft. • have an under-
standing (with sb). • have better things to
do. • have blood on your hands. • have
brains/a brain. • have confidence (in sb/
sth). • have control of/over sth. • have
dealings with sb/sth. • have difficulty (in)
persuading sb. • have dinner with sb. •
have every chance. • have every expecta-
tion. • have every faith in sb. • have ev-
ery incentive. • have every intention of
doing sth. • have every luxury. • have ev-
ery reason/right to be proud. • have every
right. • have every right to do sth. • have
every/little sympathy for sb. • have every/
no confidence. • have every/no intention
of doing sth. • have everything/nothing to
be gained. • have everything/nothing to
gain. • have experience (in sth). • have
fantasies of/about sth. • have few equals.
• have gone and done it. • have got to go.
• have grounds for suspecting sb/sth. •
have had enough (of sth). • have had it up
to here. • have had it with sth. • have high
hopes for sb. • have implications for sth.
• have insurance for/on sth. • have it in
you. • have its origin in sth. • have its
roots in sth. • have jurisdiction over sb/
sth. • have little to gain/be gained. • have
little/a lot to contribute (to sth). • have
little/no alternative (but to do sth). • have
little/no choice (but to do sth). • have
little/no option (but to do sth). • have
little/some confidence. • have money on
you. • have more money than sense. •
have much to contribute (to sth). • have
much/a lot to gain/be gained. • have
much/nothing to contribute. • have never

head 62
known sb (to) do sth. • have no basis in
sth. • have no business doing sth/to do
sth. • have no cause to do sth. • have no
choice in the matter. • have no comeback.
• have no conception of sth. • have no
desire for sth/to do sth. • have no effect.
• have no equal. • have no hesitation in
doing sth. • have no idea. • have no illu-
sions. • have no inkling. • have no inten-
tion of doing sth. • have no interest in
doing sth. • have no manners. • have no
objection. • have no patience with sb/sth.
• have no qualms about sth. • have no
quarrel with sb/sth. • have no reason to
do sth. • have no regrets. • have no right
to do sth. • have no thought of doing sth.
• have no worries on that account/score.
• have no/little doubt that… • have noth-
ing against sb/sth. • have nothing but ad-
miration for sb/sth. • have nothing but
praise for sb/sth. • have one foot on the
ladder. • have orders to do sth. • have
other ideas. • have permission/a right (to
do sth). • have pity on sb. • have plans
for sth. • have problems with sth. • have
responsibility for (doing) sth. • have right
on your side. • have sb adopted. • have
sb fooled. • have sb in fits (of laughter).
• have sb in stitches. • have sb puzzled.
• have sb worried/in tears. • have sb/sth
cornered. • have sb/sth in mind (for sth).
• have sb/sth licked. • have sb/sth’s fate
in your hands. • have sb’s (best) interests
at heart. • have sb’s word for sth. • have
some/little effect. • have sth serviced. •
have sth (all) sewn up. • have sth
checked. • have sth delivered. • have sth
done. • have sth down to a fine art. •
have sth fitted. • have sth fixed. • have
sth for dinner. • have sth going for you.
• have sth in common. • have sth in
mind. • have sth in your hand. • have sth
installed. • have sth left. • have sth on
you. • have sth on your mind. • have sth
on your side. • have sth put down. • have
sth ready. • have sth repaired. • have sth
seen to. • have sth tested. • have sth un-
der control. • have strong principles. •
have sympathy (for sb). • have the
(good) grace to do sth. • have the (good)
manners to do sth. • have the ability (to
do sth). • have the advantage of sth. •
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
have the audacity to do sth. • have the au-
thority to do sth. • have the benefit of sth.
• have the chance/opportunity (to do sth).
• have the cheek to do sth. • have the
courage of your convictions. • have the
courage to do sth. • have the decency to
do sth. • have the distinction of being/
having been sth. • have the facility to do
sth. • have the facts/information at your
finger tips. • have the floor. • have the gall
to do sth. • have the good fortune to do
sth. • have the guts to do sth. • have the
habit of doing sth. • have the idea of do-
ing sth. • have the imagination to do sth.
• have the impression (that)… • have the
itch to do sth. • have the last laugh. •
have the last word (on sth). • have the
lead. • have the leisure to do sth. • have
the means (to do sth). • have the misfor-
tune to do sth/of doing sth. • have the
nerve to do sth. • have the patience for
sth. • have the pleasure of sb’s company.
• have the pleasure of sth. • have the
power/authority (to do sth). • have the
satisfaction of doing sth. • have the
shakes. • have the upper hand. • have the
use of sth. • have the/no jurisdiction to do
sth. • have things both ways. • have
things in hand/under control. • have
things on your mind. • have time off. •
have time to do sth. • have to be de-
stroyed. • have trouble doing sth. • have
trouble with sth. • have what it takes. •
have what it takes (to do sth). • have you
ever done sth? • have your differences. •
have your doubts about sth. • have your
finger on the trigger. • have your hair cut.
• have your hair trimmed. • have your
pound of flesh. • have your revenge (on
sb). • have your sights set on sth. • have
your suspicions. • have your way. • have
your wits about you. • not have anything
against sb/sth.
head
(a fine, etc.) head of hair. • 50, etc. heads
of cattle. • a head of (the) household. • a
head of State. • a head wound. • a head-
on collision. • a head-on crash. • head
first. • head over heels in love. • the head
of (a) department. • the head of a delega-
tion. • the head of a department. • the
63
head of a government/state. • the head of
a queue. • the head of the bed. • the
head of the column. • the head of the
family. • the head of the household. • the
head of the pass. • the head of the stair-
case/stairs. • the head of the table.
health
a health hazard. • a healthy eater. •
health and safety. • health conscious. •
the health aspect.
heap
heap abuse on sb/sth.
hear
hear anything suspicious. • hear little. •
hear rumours/the news.
heard
be heard to remark/comment. • be heard
to say…
hearing
hearing impaired.
heart
heart and soul. • the heart of a city. • the
heart of a crisis. • the heart of the forest.
• the heart of the matter.
heat
heat sth to boiling point. • the heat of
the day.
heave
heave a sigh (of relief).
heaven
a heaven on earth.
heavily
be heavily camouflaged. • be heavily
stained. • heavily defended. • heavily
disguised. • heavily in debt. • heavily in-
fluence sb/sth. • heavily protected. •
heavily regulated. • heavily smeared with
sth. • heavily spiced. • heavily subsi-
dized.
heavy
a heavy cold. • a heavy frost. • a heavy
load to bear/carry. • a heavy sea. • heavy
with dew.
heel
the heel of your hand. • the heel of a
high
shoe. • the heel of a sock/stocking.
height
heightening of tension. • the height of
folly. • the height of ambition. • the height
of controversy. • the height of fame. • the
height of fashion. • the height of his/her
powers. • the height of impertinence. •
the height of prosperity. • the height of
sb’s career. • the height of the season.
heir
an heir to an estate. • the heir to the
throne. • the heir to a legacy. • the heir to
the crown. • the heir/heiress to a fortune.
help
help or hinder sth. • help sb to their feet.
• help yourself to sth. • helping the police
with their enquiries.
herbs
herbs and spices.
herd
herd of cattle.
here
be here for sth. • here and now. • here
come/comes. • here he/she is. • here is/
are. • here it is. • here they are. • here we
are! • here you are. • here you go.
hero
hero of the hour.
hide
hidden deep beneath/in sth. • hidden
from sight/view. • hide a smile. • hide sth
from sight/view. • hide the truth. • hide
your identity.
high
a high boredom threshold. • a high corre-
lation. • a high fibre diet. • a high inci-
dence. • a high level of corruption, etc. •
a high level/incidence of sth. • a high pro-
tein diet. • a high rate of sth. • a high
standard of living. • be high in cholesterol.
• be high on the list. • high calorie diet.
• high in calories. • high in fibre. • high
in salt. • high in sugar. • high in the sky.
• high number of sth. • high on a list. •
high on his/her agenda. • high on the
agenda. • high on your agenda. • high risk
of sth. • high sea. • high sugar content. •

highlight 64
high volume/proportion of sth. • high-
ranking officer. • the higher echelons of
society. • the higher reaches of society. •
the highs and lows.
highlight
highlight a danger. • highlight a prob-
lem/difficulty. • highlight sb’s plight. •
the highlight of the day.
highly
highly decorated. • highly evolved. •
highly focused. • highly imaginative. •
highly influential. • highly integrated. •
highly modified. • highly ordered. •
highly prized. • highly probable. • highly
processed. • highly professional. • highly
protected. • highly publicized. • highly
regarded. • highly regulated. • highly
seasoned. • highly segregated. • highly
selected. • highly simplified. • highly
spiced. • highly structured. • highly sub-
sidized. • highly successful. • highly
tuned. • highly unlikely.
hint
a hint of irony. • a hint of scandal.
hire
hire and fire. • hire yourself out.
hiss
a hiss of air. • hiss (sth) through your
teeth. • the hiss of a snake.
historically
historically recorded.
history
a history of failure. • a history of heart
trouble. • the history of mankind. • the
history of science.
hit
be a hit. • hit a nerve. • hit a problem/
bad patch. • hit sb in the face/eye. • hit
sb in the stomach. • hit sb on the cheek.
• hit sb on the shoulder/arm. • hit the
bottle. • hit the ground/floor. • hit the
screen. • hit the target/bull’s-eye. • hit
the trail. • hit your head on/against sth.
• hit your knee, etc. on/against sth. • hit
your mark.
hitch
hitch a ride.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
65 hustle
hive honour dare you do sth! • how did sth go? • how
a hive of activity. be an honour. • honour a commitment. • far? • how heavy? • how in the world. •
honour a contract/an agreement. • how long...? • how much/many. • how
hoard honour a pledge/promise. • honour an often? • how old. • how shall I/we...? •
a hoard of documents. • a hoard of trea- how sth stands. • how to do sth. • how’s
obligation.
sure. it going?
hope
hold a hope of securing sth. • a hope of settle- however
hold (on) tight. • hold a council of war. • however bad/badly. • however hard. •
ment. • a hope of success. • a hope of
hold a fascination for sb. • hold a file on however good/well. • however long sth
survival. • be hopelessly outnumbered. •
sb/sth. • hold a grudge. • hold a gun on takes. • however much/many.
hope against hope. • hope and pray
sb. • hold a gun to sb’s head. • hold a
(that)… • hope for the best. • hope of howl
meeting. • hold a monopoly. • hold a rally.
doing sth. • hope of escape. • hopes and howls of derision. • howls of laughter. •
• hold a record. • hold a reservation/
aspirations. • hopes of recovery. • the howls of outrage. • howls of protest/rage.
room. • hold a table/seat. • hold an elec-
hope is that… • the howl of the wind/a wolf.
tion. • hold an inquest. • hold an inquiry.
• hold its/their value. • hold off doing sth. horrible huff
• hold on tight. • hold onto sb/sth for sup- a horrible thing to say. huff and puff.
port. • hold out your hand. • hold sb at
horrors hug
gunpoint. • hold sb close. • hold sb hos-
the horrors of war. hug and kiss sb. • hug sb tight. • hugs and
tage/captive. • hold sb in custody. • hold
sb in great respect. • hold sb in high es- horse kisses.
teem. • hold sb prisoner. • hold sb respon- a horse and carriage. • a horse and cart. huge
sible (for sth). • hold sb tight/close. • • a horse-drawn carriage/cart, etc. a huge success. • a huge sum.
hold sb/sth in contempt. • hold sb/sth in
host hum
high regard. • hold sb/sth to your breast.
host a party (for sb/sth). • host a show. a hum of conversation. • a hum of voice.
• hold sb/sth up to ridicule. • hold sb’s
gaze. • hold sb’s hand. • hold sb’s/sth’s hostile • hum to yourself. • the hum of machin-
fate in your hands. • hold sth in common. a hostile reaction/response. • a hostile re- ery.
• hold sth in reserve. • hold sth in trust. ception. • a hostile takeover. human
• hold sth in your hand. • hold sth shut/ human rights. • the human condition. •
apart. • hold sth steady. • hold sth still. •
hot
a hot climate. • a hot property. • a hot the human costs of sth.
hold sth under/between sth. • hold the
spell. • a hot tip. • hot off the press. • hunch
distinction of being/having been sth. •
hotly deny sth. • hotly pursued by sb. hunch your shoulders.
hold the door for sb. • hold the lead. •
hold the receiver to your ear. • hold the hour hurl
reins. • hold the upper hand. • hold true an hour ago. • an hour along sth. • an hurl abuse/accusations at sb. • hurl insults
(for sb/sth). • hold your attention. • hold hour away (from sth). • an hour past sth. at sb.
your hand out in welcome. • the holder of • an hour’s exercise/practice. • an hour’s
a licence. sleep. • an hour’s time. • hour after hour. hurry
• the hours of darkness. • the hours of hurry to sb’s aid.
holiday
daylight. hurt
a holiday choice. • a holiday of a lifetime.
• the holiday season. house hurt sb’s feelings. • hurt sb’s pride. • hurt
a house of cards. • a house-to-house col- yourself doing sth.
home
lection. • house prices. • house-to-house husband
a home from home. • home-grown. •
search/enquiries. husband and wife.
home-made. • the home stretch.
household
honest hustle
a household name.
an honest living. • be honest to a fault. hustle and bustle.
honk how ...
how about doing sth? • how are things
honk your horn.
going? • how are you off for sth? • how

I 66
I immunity
I the impact of (a) technology. • the impact
I (would) suggest. • I accept full respon-
sibility. • I can’t promise anything. • I
dare you. • I don’t know how. • I don’t
know that… • I don’t know what/why. •
I don’t know whether… • I expect
(that)… • I expect so. • I grant you
(that)… • I guess (that)… • I guess not.
• I guess so. • I have every sympathy
with… • I should hope so. • I should
think/hope not. • I should think/imagine
so. • I suppose/hope so. • I think so. • I
wonder if/whether… • I would never
have believed. • I wouldn’t be surprised.
• I’m afraid (that)… • I’m afraid not. •
I’m afraid so. • I’m afraid to say (that)…
• I’m sure you will agree.
if
if (at all) possible. • if (the) occasion de-
mands. • if I may. • if I remember rightly.
• if it comes to the crunch. • if it had not
been for. • if it is any consolation (to sb).
• if it’s all right with you. • if it’s all the
same to you. • if necessary. • if not. • if
possible. • if sb is so inclined. • if sb so
chooses. • if so. • if that’s the case. • if
the need arises. • if the situation arises.
• if time permits. • if you don’t mind. •
if you want/like. • if you don’t mind me/
my asking.
ignore
ignore a sign. • ignore sb’s advice/warn-
ing. • ignore sb’s plea/protests. • ignore
sb’s remark. • ignore sth at your peril.
ill
be ill-advised to do sth. • ill-treatment at
sb’s hands.
illustrate
illustrate a point.
imagining
be imagining things.
immediate
the immediate cause of sth. • the imme-
diate future.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
immunity from prosecution.
impact
of the recession. • the impact of tourism.
imperfectly
be imperfectly understood.
implement
implement a policy.
important
an important indicator. • an important el-
ement. • an important factor. • an impor-
tant ingredient. • be important in doing
sth.
impose
impose a ban. • impose a blockade. • im-
pose a limit. • impose an embargo on sth.
• impose restrictions (on sth). • impose
sanctions against/on a country. • impose
your personality on sth. • impose your will
on sb. • impose yourself.
imprinted
be imprinted on your mind/memory. • be
imprinted on your brain.
imprisonment
imprisonment without trial.
improve
improve sb’s motivation. • improve sb’s
position. • improve spirits.
improvement
an improvement in productivity. • an im-
provement in relations. • improvement in
condition. • improvement in health. • im-
provement in the standard of living. • im-
provement of facilities.
in
(look at sb/sth, etc.) in confusion. • (the
first, etc.) in a series. • (well) in advance
(of sth). • be in (close/regular) contact. •
be in (full) flood. • be in a bit of a corner.
• be in a category (all) of its/your own. •
be in a class of your own. • be in a differ-
ent class. • be in a different league (from
sb/sth). • be in a heap. • be in a job. • be
in a league of your own. • be in a mess. •
be in a position to do sth. • be in a rela-
67
tionship. • be in a rush. • be in a team.
• be in a temper. • be in accordance with
a policy. • be in awe of sb. • be in ban-
dages. • be in breach of contract. • be in
conflict (with sb). • be in control of your
own destiny. • be in crisis. • be in cus-
tody. • be in danger of collapse. • be in
debt (to sb). • be in deep trouble. • be in
disagreement. • be in eclipse. • be in
fashion. • be in films. • be in for a sur-
prise. • be in for a treat. • be in for it. •
be in full agreement with sb. • be in full
possession of your faculties. • be in full
retreat. • be in good/bad taste. • be in
good/fine voice. • be in good/poor
health. • be in great danger. • be in keep-
ing with a policy. • be in labour. • be in
leaf. • be in line with a policy. • be in no
condition to do sth. • be in no mood for
sth. • be in no rush to do sth. • be in pain.
• be in power. • be in preparation. • be
in production. • be in regular contact
(with sb). • be in sb’s favour. • be in sb’s
light. • be in sb’s way. • be in sb’s/sth’s
(best) interest(s). • be in sb’s/the family.
• be in serious/big trouble. • be in ser-
vice. • be in short supply. • be in the habit
of doing sth. • be in the line of fire. • be
in the majority. • be in the market for sth.
• be in the national interest. • be in the
way. • be in town. • be in training (for
sth). • be in trouble (with sb). • be in
uproar about/over sth. • be in your (own)
interest(s). • in (a) good/bad humour. •
in (a) timely manner/fashion. • in (all)
the confusion. • in (all) your life. • in
(all/good) conscience. • in (an) equal
degree. • in (close) liaison with sb. • in
(good, etc.) form. • in (mock) surrender.
• in (the) aggregate. • in (the) spring. •
in (your) shirtsleeves. • in a calm/harsh,
etc. voice. • in a bad/foul mood. • in a
bad/foul temper. • in a big way. • in a bit.
• in a blur. • in a choir. • in a circle. • in
a crash. • in a critical condition. • in a
dead faint. • in a difference vein. • in a
different/the same mould. • in a dilemma
(over sth). • in a dreadful state. • in a
dream. • in a favourable light. • in a fix.
• in a flap. • in a fog. • in a frenzy of ex-
citement. • in a frenzy of rage/violence.
• in a good temper/mood. • in a haphaz-
in
ard fashion. • in a haphazard manner/
way. • in a holiday/party mood. • in a
hotel. • in a lighter/more serious vein. •
in a line. • in a loud voice. • in a modified
form. • in a moment of anger. • in a mo-
ment of despair. • in a month’s time. • in
a muddle. • in a predicament. • in a pro-
fession. • in a queue. • in a relaxed/con-
fident mood. • in a ring. • in a rut. • in a
sense. • in a serious/critical condition. •
in a shambles. • in a similar vein. • in a
single gulp. • in a southerly/easterly, etc.
direction. • in a spirit of goodwill. • in a
state of flux. • in a state of panic. • in a
state of shock. • in a state of war. • in a
tangle. • in a terrible mood. • in a terrible
temper. • in a timely manner. • in a very
real sense. • in a way. • in a whirl. • in a
whisper/in whispers. • in a world of your
own. • in a/some small way. • in abun-
dance. • in accordance with (the) regula-
tions. • in accordance with guidelines. •
in actual fact. • in ages. • in agony. • in
all directions. • in all her/his glory. • in all
its manifestations. • in all its/their glory.
• in all likelihood. • in all probability. • in
all respects. • in all senses of the word. •
in all seriousness. • in all things. • in all
weathers. • in alliance with sb. • in alpha-
betical order. • in amazement. • in an aw-
ful/terrible state. • in an effort to do sth.
• in an emergency. • in an emotional
state. • in an hour/an hour’s time. • in an
ideal/a perfect world. • in an instant. • in
an orderly fashion/way. • in and around.
• in anger. • in answer to a summons. •
in any shape or form. • in appalling con-
ditions. • in appreciation (of sth). • in as-
cending order. • in astonishment. • in
awe. • in bad condition. • in bad faith. •
in bad form. • in bad taste. • in battle. •
in bewilderment. • in black. • in blossom.
• in bold. • in bold type. • in both direc-
tions. • in brackets. • in breach of a duty.
• in bud. • in capitals. • in captivity. • in
care. • in case of emergency/emergencies.
• in cash. • in celebration of sth. • in
chains. • in chalk/oils. • in change. • in
chaos. • in character. • in childbirth. • in
chorus. • in chronological/numerical or-
der. • in church. • in cipher. • in circula-
tion. • in class. • in close contact/touch

in
(with sb). • in close proximity. • in close/
hot pursuit. • in closed session. • in
close-up. • in code. • in cold blood. • in
colour. • in combat. • in combination
(with sb/sth). • in comfort. • in com-
mand. • in command of yourself/your
emotions, etc. • in common usage. • in
communication. • in conference. • in
consultation with sb. • in context. • in
contrast to sb. • in court. • in danger. •
in danger of (doing) sth. • in darkness. •
in deadly earnest. • in decline. • in de-
light. • in denial. • in depth. • in despair.
• in desperation. • in diameter. • in dif-
ficulty. • in dire need. • in dire straits. •
in direct conflict with sb. • in direct con-
tradiction to sth. • in direct ratio to sth.
• in disapproval. • in disbelief. • in dis-
grace. • in disguise. • in disgust. • in dis-
order. • in dispute over sth. • in dispute
with sb. • in distress. • in double figures.
• in draft form. • in drag. • in droves. •
in due course. • in duration. • in each
other’s arms. • in English/Hindi, etc. • in
equal measure. • in equilibrium. • in ev-
ery direction. • in every sense of the
word. • in every way. • in every/this re-
spect. • in exceptional circumstances/
cases. • in exchange for sth. • in exile. •
in existence. • in expectation of sth. • in
extent. • in fascination. • in fear. • in fear
for/of your life. • in five days’ time. • in
flames. • in flight. • in floods of tears. •
in flux. • in focus. • in formation. • in
frustration. • in full bloom. • in full blos-
som. • in full leaf. • in full operation. •
in full possession of sth. • in full sail. • in
full sight of sb. • in full view. • in full
view (of sth). • in gear. • in general
terms. • in glowing terms. • in good con-
dition. • in good faith. • in good form. •
in good hands. • in good health. • in
good order. • in good repair. • in good
standing with sb. • in good taste. • in
good time. • in good/high spirits. • in
graph form. • in grave danger (of sth/sth
happening). • in greater detail. • in har-
mony. • in heaps. • in height. • in high
relief. • in high spirits. • in horror. • in
hospital. • in hot pursuit. • in ink/pencil.
• in instalments. • in intensive care. • in
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
68
its own way. • in jail. • in kit form. • in
large/some measure. • in later life. • in
layman’s terms. • in length. • in limbo. •
in line with expectations. • in line with in-
flation. • in liquid form. • in living
memory. • in love (with sb). • in low re-
lief. • in many/some respects. • in marked
contrast (to sth). • in mid-air. • in
midfield. • in midweek. • in minute de-
tail. • in misery. • in moments of crisis. •
in months. • in more detail. • in more
ways than one. • in motion. • in my
humble opinion. • in nature. • in need of
help. • in need of repair. • in next to no
time. • in no circumstances. • in no fit
state. • in no small measure. • in no time
at all. • in no uncertain manner. • in no
uncertain terms. • in normal circum-
stances. • in obscurity. • in one go. • in
one gulp. • in one sense. • in opposition
to sth. • in orbit. • in order. • in order of
importance. • in order of precedence. • in
order of preference. • in order of priority/
frequency, etc. • in order of seniority. • in
order to do sth. • in order to prevent sth.
• in other words. • in panic. • in paper-
back. • in parentheses. • in Parliament. •
in part exchange. • in partnership with sb/
sth. • in parts. • in peace. • in peak con-
dition. • in percentage terms. • in peril. •
in perspective. • in plain sight. • in plen-
tiful supply. • in plenty of time. • in point
of fact. • in poor health. • in poor repair.
• in poor taste. • in port. • in poverty. •
in powder form. • in prayer. • in prepara-
tion for sth. • in prison. • in pristine con-
dition. • in procession. • in proportion. •
in proportion to/with sth. • in prose. • in
prospect. • in protest. • in pursuit (of sb/
sth). • in pursuit of (our) objectives. • in
quantity/quantities. • in quarantine. • in
quick succession. • in rags. • in range (of
sth). • in rapid succession. • in real life.
• in rebellion. • in recent decades. • in re-
cent memory. • in recent years /months. •
in recognition of/for sth. • in record time.
• in recorded history. • in reply (to sth).
• in reprisal (for sth). • in response to sth.
• in retaliation (for sth). • in revenge (for
sth). • in reverse order. • in revolt. • in
rhyme. • in ribbons. • in rotation. • in
69
round figures. • in round numbers. • in
ruins. • in safe hands. • in sb’s (infinite)
wisdom. • in sb’s absence. • in sb’s arms.
• in sb’s custody. • in sb’s estimation. • in
sb’s excitement. • in sb’s experience. • in
sb’s grasp. • in sb’s haste to do sth. • in
sb’s hour of need. • in sb’s judgment. • in
sb’s lap. • in sb’s line. • in sb’s mind. • in
sb’s nature. • in sb’s own way. • in sb’s
spare time. • in sb’s view. • in sb’s voice.
• in sb’s will. • in sb’s/sth’s direction. •
in school. • in scope. • in search of sth.
• in seclusion. • in self-defence. • in se-
quence. • in settlement (of sth). • in
shadow. • in shape. • in sharp contrast to
sth. • in shock. • in silence. • in single
file. • in size. • in slow motion. • in so
many words. • in some quarters. • in
space. • in spite of assurances. • in spite
of the fact that… • in sport. • in stark
contrast (to sth). • in stock. • in straight
sets. • in strength. • in strict confidence.
• in striking contrast (to sth). • in sub-
mission. • in summary form. • in sum-
mer. • in tablet form. • in tears. • in
temptation’s way. • in ten minutes’, etc.
time. • in terminal decline. • in terrible
condition(s). • in terror. • in that case. •
in that connection. • in that regard. • in
the absence of sth. • in the afternoon. •
in the air. • in the back. • in the back of
your mind. • in the beauty stakes. • in the
beginning. • in the best traditions of sth.
• in the best/worst possible taste. • in the
broadest sense. • in the centre. • in the
comfort of your own home. • in the con-
text of sth. • in the corner. • in the dark.
• in the dead of night. • in the depths of
a recession. • in the direction of sb/sth.
• in the distant past/future. • in the dol-
drums. • in the early days. • in the
evening(s). • in the face of evidence. • in
the face of the enemy. • in the fifties/sev-
enties. • in the final analysis. • in the first
instance. • in the fold. • in the forefront
(of sth). • in the forefront of your mind.
• in the front (of sth). • in the front line.
• in the fullness of time. • in the future.
• in the genes. • in the global scheme of
things. • in the grand scheme of things.
• in the greater scheme of things. • in the
grip of an obsession. • in the hands of the
in
receiver. • in the heat of the moment. • in
the hills. • in the immediate future. • in
the knowledge that… • in the last analy-
sis. • in the lead. • in the light of evi-
dence. • in the limelight. • in the long
term. • in the low 20s/30s, etc. • in the
mail. • in the majority of cases. • in the
margin. • in the medium term. • in the
middle. • in the middle (of sth). • in the
mirror. • in the moonlight. • in the na-
tional interest. • in the nature of sth. • in
the near future. • in the next decade. • in
the normal course of events. • in the nor-
mal way. • in the not-too-distant future. •
in the open air. • in the opposite direction.
• in the ordinary course of events. • in the
overall scheme of things. • in the past/last
decade. • in the popularity stakes. • in the
presence of royalty. • in the press. • in the
privacy of your (own) home. • in the pub-
lic interest. • in the rain. • in the range.
• in the recesses of your mind. • in the
right spirit. • in the right/wrong order. •
in the same breath. • in the same vein. •
in the shade. • in the shadow of sth. • in
the short term. • in the shower. • in the
sky. • in the space of 10 hours, etc. • in the
spotlight. • in the streets. • in the strict-
est confidence. • in the sun. • in the teeth
of evidence. • in the town centre. • in the
true sense of the word. • in the twenties.
• in the twilight of your career/life. • in
the unlikely event. • in the usual way. • in
the wake of a crisis. • in the wash. • in the
whole world. • in the wild. • in the win-
ter. • in the wrong spirit. • in therapy. •
in there. • in this connection. • in this day
and age. • in three weeks’ time. • in time
to (the) music. • in time(s) of war. • in
times of crisis. • in times of drought. • in
times of recession. • in times of scarcity. •
in times of trouble. • in tone. • in transit.
• in translation. • in tribute to sb/sth. • in
triumph. • in two years’ time. • in two/
three dimensions. • in urgent need of sth.
• in varying degrees. • in vast numbers/
amounts. • in view. • in violation of sth.
• in vogue. • in waves. • in weight. • in
wet conditions. • in which case. • in
width. • in windy conditions. • in winter.
• in wonder. • in words of one syllable. •
in years of scarcity. • in your (right)

incentive
senses. • in your capacity as sth. • in your
early/late teens. • in your head. • in your
mid teens. • in your mind’s eye. • in your
own (good) time. • in your own self-in-
terest. • in your own way. • in your own
words. • in your teens. • in your twen-
ties, etc. • in your underwear. • the in
thing (to do).
incentive
an incentive to improve sth.
inch
escape death by an inch. • an inch high.
• an inch long/wide. • inches away from
winning/ scoring, etc.
incompletely
be incompletely understood.
increase
an increase in a dividend. • an increase
in cost. • an increase in crime. • an in-
crease in expenditure. • an increase in
exports. • an increase in fares. • an in-
crease in funding. • an increase in infla-
tion. • an increase in mortality. • an in-
crease in numbers. • an increase in out-
put. • an increase in popularity. • an in-
crease in population. • an increase in
price. • an increase in production. • an
increase in productivity. • an increase in
profitability. • an increase in profits. • an
increase in risk. • an increase in salary. •
an increase in sales. • an increase in
spending. • an increase in supply. • an
increase in temperature. • an increase in
the incidence of sth. • an increase in the
standard. • an increase in tourism. • an
increase in trade. • an increase in turn-
out. • an increase in turnover. • an in-
crease in unemployment. • an increase in
value. • an increase in wages. • an in-
creasing number/proportion, etc. • be in-
creasingly recognized. • increase sb’s mo-
tivation. • increase the awareness (of
sth). • increase the risk of sth. • increase
the size of sth. • increasingly viewed as
sth.
incur
incur a debt. • incur a loss. • incur a pen-
alty. • incur an expense. • incur sb’s dis-
pleasure.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
70 71 it
independence insight intrusion
independence of mind/spirit. • indepen- insight into sb’s character. an intrusion of privacy. • an intrusion on
dence of thoughts. (sb’s) privacy. • intrusion on privacy.
inspect
independent inspect sth carefully/thoroughly. • in- invade
independent observers. spect sth closely. invade sb’s privacy.
indicator inspiration invasion
an indicator of performance. • an indica- inspiration behind. an invasion of privacy.
tor of quality. • an indicator of success.
install investigate
individual install sb in office. • install yourself. investigate a complaint.
the individual concerned.
instinct invisible
inequalities instinct tells/warns you. • the instinct for invisible to the naked eye.
inequalities of opportunity. • inequalities survival.
invitation
of power/wealth.
instrument an invitation to join sb/sth.
infinite an instrument of torture.
irony
an infinite variety/number.
insult irony of circumstance. • irony of fate. •
inflation an insult to sb’s intelligence. the irony (of sth) is that…
the inflation rate/rate of inflation.
integral irrespective
influx an integral element/feature. • an integral irrespective of sex.
an influx of migrants. • an influx of refu- part (of sth). isolate
gees. • an influx of tourists.
intend an isolated incident.
informed intend no offence/disrespect.
issue
an informed choice.
intense an issue of principle. • issue a challenge.
infringement intense lobbying. • issue a correction. • issue a description
an infringement of copyright. • an in- (of sb). • issue a statement. • issue a
fringement of liberty. • an infringement of intent threat. • issue an ultimatum. • issue
intent to supply (sb/sth).
rules. • an infringement of sovereignty. • guidelines. • issue notice to quit.
an infringement of the law. interest it
ingredient an interested party. • be interested to it annoys sb that… • it annoys sb when/
an ingredient for success. hear/see. • be interested to know/learn. how, etc. • it appears that… • it becomes
• interest groups. • the interest rate. • apparent that… • it bothers sb that/
initial the interests of a nation. when… • it comes about that… • it
the initial stage.
international comes on to rain/snow. • it comes out
injure internationally agreed. • the interna- that… • it comes to a showdown. • it
injure sb’s pride. tional stage. comes to sb that… • it comes to sth
when… • it crossed sb’s mind that… • it
injustice into dawns on sb that... • it emerged (that)…
the injustice of it all. into full operation. • into place. • into • it feels good to do sth. • it follows
innocent sb’s arms. • into submission. • into the (that)… • it gets light by/around… • it
innocent of a crime/charge. • innocent of middle (of sth). • into the sea. • into the gets me when/how… • it has its points.
an offence. street. • it hurts that... • it is (not) fair to do sth.
introduce • it is (only) right that… • it is absurd to
inside do sth. • it is agreed (that…). • it is cer-
inside information. • inside job. • inside introduce an amendment. • introduce
yourself. tain (that…). • it is certain who… • it is
knowledge. • inside lane. • inside pocket/
clear (that…). • it is common for sb/sth
lining. • inside your head. • the inside of introductory
to do sth. • it is crucial (that…). • it is
sth. • the inside story. introductory remarks.
dangerous (for sb) to do sth. • it is debat-
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
it 72 73 keep

able whether… • it is decent of sb to do
sth. • it is doubtful (that…). • it is doubt-
ful how… • it is doubtful whether/if… •
it is easy to do sth. • it is easy to see why/
that… • it is essential (that)… • it is es-
sential to do sth. • it is evident (that)…
• it is extraordinary that… • it is fascinat-
is worth checking sth. • it is worth doing
sth. • it is worth mentioning that… • it is
worth sb’s while to do sth. • it looks like
if… • it looks to sb… • it may interest you
to hear (that)… • it may interest you to
know/learn (that)… • it may well be
that… • it might be an idea. • it might in-
item at a chance. • jump on the bandwagon. •
an item on the agenda/menu. • item by jump out of your skin. • jump the queue.
item. • item of news. • items of informa- • jump to conclusions.
tion.
just
... be just beginning to do sth. • be just go-
ing/about to do sth. • be just talk. • be

ing to do sth. • it is fashionable to do sth.
• it is feasible to do sth. • it is foolish to
do sth. • it is fortunate that… • it is good
(for sb) to do sth. • it is good of sb to do
sth. • it is good to do sth. • it is illegal
(for sb) to do sth. • it is imperative
(that)… • it is imperative to do sth. • it
is important (that)… • it is important to
do sth. • it is important/interesting to
note that… • it is impossible to do sth. •
it is improbable (that)… • it is inappro-
priate for sb to do sth. • it is inappropri-
ate to do sth. • it is incredible that… • it
is insanity to do sth. • it is interesting
how… • it is interesting that… • it is in-
teresting to learn (that)… • it is interest-
ing to see/hear (that)… • it is kind of sb
to do sth. • it is lucky (that…). • it is
madness to do sth. • it is mandatory to do
sth. • it is my bet (that)… • it is nonsense
terest you to hear (that)… • it might inter-
est you to know/learn (that)… • it must
be noted that… • it never crossed sb’s
mind (to do sth). • it occurs to sb that…
• it occurs to sb to do sth. • it pains sb
that… • it pays sb to do sth. • it pays to
do sth. • it seems (that)… • it seems a
pity… • it seems as if/though… • it seems
like… • it seems strange that… • it seems
to do sth. • it seems to sb (that)… • it
should be noted that… • it slipped (my)
mind. • it sounds as if/as though… • it
stands to reason. • it stinks. • it strikes sb
as funny (that)… • it strikes sb as odd/
strange (that)… • it strikes sb how… • it
strikes sb that… • it takes an hour to do
sth. • it takes courage to do sth. • it takes
guts to do sth. • it took (my) breath away.
• it troubles sb that… • it turns out
(that)… • it was careless of sb. • it was
J
just teasing. • be just trying to do sth. •
just a formality. • just a bit. • just a frac-
tion. • just a handful of sth. • just a kid.
• just a little. • just a minute. • just a
thought. • just about anything. • just
jealously about the first. • just about the only. • just
jealously guard sth. about the worst. • just at present. • just
for fun. • just for the fun of it. • just imag-
jerk
ine sth. • just in case. • just in time. • just
jerk awake. • jerk sth open. • a jerk of
kidding. • just last week. • just more than
your head. • jerk to a halt/stop.
a gimmick. • just now/at the moment. •
job just out of university, etc. • just past. •
a job description. • the job of Prime Min- just pretending. • just sit there. • just the
ister/President, etc. • a job offer. one. • just the opposite. • just the person.
• just the place. • just the same. • just the
jockey thing. • just then/at that moment. • just
jockey for favours. • jockey for position/
what you want. • just when/as you do
power.
sth…. • just yesterday.
jog ...
jog on the spot. • jog sb’s arm. • jog sb’s

(for sb) to do sth. • it is not clear
whether… • it is not done to do sth. • it
is not fair to sb. • it is obvious (that)… •
it is odd (that)… • it is odds-on (that)…
• it is only right to do sth. • it is plain
(that)… • it is plain to sb (that)… • it is
possible to do sth. • it is probable that…
• it is rare (for sb) to do sth. • it is real-
istic to do sth. • it is ridiculous that… •
it is ridiculous to do sth. • it is rude to do
sth. • it is sad that. • it is said (that)… •
it is sb’s job to do sth. • it is scandalous
that… • it is settled that… • it is strange
that… • it is surprising how… • it is sur-
prising what/where… • it is surprising/
interesting that… • it is the case that… •
it is uncertain whether… • it is uncertain
why/how… • it is unclear what/why… •
it is unclear who… • it is understood
that… • it is unfair that… • it is unfortu-
nate that… • it is unrealistic to do sth. •
it is unreasonable to do sth. • it is un-
usual for sb to do sth. • it is unusual to do
sth. • it is usual (for sb) to do sth. • it is
vital that… • it is wise to check sth. • it
nice/sweet of sb. • it was stupid of sb. •
it would be a mistake to do sth. • it would
seem (that)… • it’s (all) relative. • it’s a
bad thing that… • it’s a blessing (that)…
• it’s a crying shame. • it’s a good thing
that… • it’s a long story. • it’s a pity
(that)… • it’s a pity to do sth. • it’s a real
shame. • it’s a sad fact that… • it’s a scan-
dal that… • it’s a terrible /dreadful shame.
• it’s an awful shame. • it’s bad luck. • it’s
beyond me how… • it’s beyond me why/
what… • it’s helpful for sb to do sth. • it’s
helpful to do sth. • it’s just like sb. • it’s
lovely doing sth. • it’s my round. • it’s no
big deal. • it’s no good doing sth. • it’s no
trouble (for sb to do sth). • it’s no use do-
ing sth. • it’s not like sb to do sth. • it’s not
sb’s place to do sth. • it’s not that big a
deal. • it’s OK (for sb) to do sth. • it’s OK
by/with me. • It’s second nature to (sb).
• it’s time (that) sb did sth. • it’s time
(that) sb was doing sth. • it’s true (that)…
• it’s useless trying to do sth. • it’s worth
the risk.
cup of tea/coffee. • jog your memory.
join
join a club. • join a group. • join a queue.
• join the ranks (of sth). • join the staff.
• join together to do sth.
joint
a joint effort. • joint responsibility. • a
joint venture.
journey
a journey of discovery. • a journey of self-
discovery.
joy
be a joy to see sb doing sth. • be a joy to
watch.
judge
judge by appearances. • judge for your-
self. • judge it best/right. • judge it nec-
essary. • judge sb/sth on their own mer-
its. • judge sth on its merits. • judging
by/from sth. • the judges’ decision.
jump
a jump in price. • a jump in sales. • jump
K
keen
a keen interest in sth. • a keen sense of
humour. • a keen sense of loss. • a keen
supporter. • be keenly anticipated. •
keenly fought.
keep
keep (on) shouting. • keep (sb) out of
mischief. • keep (sb/sth) on the move. •
keep (to) your half/end of the bargain. •
keep (to) your part/side of the bargain. •
keep a clear head. • keep a close eye/
watch on sb/sth. • keep a diary/journal.
• keep a file on sb/sth. • keep a pledge to
do sth. • keep a promise. • keep a record/
keep records. • keep a secret. • keep a
sharp eye/lookout on sth. • keep a
straight face. • keep a vary eye on sb/sth.
• keep an appointment. • keep an eye on
sb/sth. • keep an open mind. • keep for-

key 74
getting sth. • keep forgetting where/why.
• keep going. • keep harping on about
sth. • keep in close touch. • keep in con-
tact. • keep in regular contact (with sb).
• keep it clean. • keep out of trouble. •
keep recurring. • keep reminding sb. •
keep repeating sb/sth. • keep right/left
on. • keep sb advised. • keep sb at arm’s
length. • keep sb awake. • keep sb enter-
tained. • keep sb happy. • keep sb in cus-
tody. • keep sb in suspense. • keep sb in
the dark (about sth). • keep sb occupied.
• keep sb on full alert. • keep sb waiting.
• keep sb’s place. • keep sth a secret
(from sb). • keep sth alive. • keep sth
hidden. • keep sth in (good) repair. •
keep sth in perspective. • keep sth in re-
serve. • keep sth intact. • keep sth safe.
• keep sth secret. • keep sth tidy. • keep
sth to a minimum. • keep sth under con-
trol. • keep sth up to date. • keep straight
on. • keep the change. • keep the conver-
sation going. • keep the heat on (sb). •
keep the momentum going. • keep things
going/moving. • keep things in hand/un-
der control. • keep things ticking over. •
keep track of sth. • keep up the good
work. • keep your attention. • keep your
balance. • keep your figure. • keep your
footing. • keep your hands off sb/sth. •
keep your mind on sth. • keep your
mouth shut. • keep your options open. •
keep your sanity. • keep your temper in
check. • keep your temper under control.
• keep your thoughts to yourself. • keep
your voice down. • keep your voice level/
steady. • keep your wits about you. •
keep your word.
key
a key factor. • a key figure. • key ideas/
issues. • key people. • the key to a
puzzle. • the keys to good health. • the
key to progress/success.
keystone
the keystone of a policy/system. • the
keystone of a process.
kick
a kick in the face. • a kick in the jaw/
teeth. • kick a door down. • kick a door
open/shut. • kick a penalty. • kick and
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
punch. • kick sb in the face/head. • kick
sb in the stomach. • kick sb to death. •
kick your legs. • kick sth open/closed. •
kick sth shut. • kick the habit. • kick up a
fuss. • kick up a stink. • kick your legs. •
kick yourself. • punch and kick. • kicking
and screaming.
kill
be killed in an accident, etc. • killed in ac-
tion. • kill the pain. • kill (off) a project/
scheme. • kill a proposal/idea. • be kill-
ing sb. • be killing time/the hours.
kind
a kind of exercise. • a kind of reasoning.
• a kind of religion. • a kind of way. • kind
of relaxation. • kindly disposed to sb. •
kindness itself. • the kind of bloke. • the
kind of guy. • the kind of thing.
kiss
a kiss on the cheek. • kiss and cuddle. •
kiss and make up. • kiss goodbye to sth.
• kiss sb full on the lips/mouth. • kiss sb
goodbye/goodnight. • the kiss of death.
knee
knee-deep in mud, etc. • knee-deep in
work. • wade in knee-deep.
knife
a knife and fork. • a knife in sb’s heart. •
knife sb to death. • knifed and robbed.
knock
a knock at the door. • a knock on the door.
• knock on the door. • knock sb flat. •
knock a hole/gap in sth. • knock sb off
their feet. • knock sb senseless/uncon-
scious. • knock sb to the ground. • knock
sb/sth flying. • knock sb/sth off balance.
know
know a lot. • know a thing or two about
sb/sth. • know all the answers. • know
best. • (ought to) know better. • know
damn well. • know for a fact that…. •
know for certain. • know only too well. •
know right from wrong. • know sb by
sight. • know sth for a fact. • know sth for
sure/for certain. • know sth from experi-
ence. • know the way. • know what’s
what. • know where you stand (with sb).
• know your rights.
75
knowledge
knowledge of the world.
known
a known criminal. • known for your
achievements. • known to man. • known
to mankind.
...
L
labour
labour intensive. • labour relations. •
labour the point. • labour under an illu-
sion/delusion. • labour under a mistaken
apprehension/conception.
lack
a lack of achievement. • a lack of appe-
tite. • a lack of appreciation. • a lack of
awareness. • a lack of certainty. • a lack
of commitment. • a lack of communica-
tion. • a lack of comprehension. • a lack
of concentration. • a lack of concern. • a
lack of confidence. • a lack of consensus.
• a lack of continuity. • a lack of coopera-
tion. • a lack of coordination. • a lack of
correlation. • a lack of detail. • a lack of
dignity. • a lack of discipline. • a lack of
discretion. • a lack of energy. • a lack of
enthusiasm. • a lack of experience. • a
lack of familiarity. • a lack of fit. • a lack
of foresight. • a lack of forethought. • a
lack of funding. • a lack of funds. • a lack
of imagination. • a lack of immediacy. •
a lack of incentive. • a lack of indepen-
dence. • a lack of information. • a lack of
initiative. • a lack of insight. • a lack of
interest. • a lack of judgement. • a lack
of leadership. • a lack of manners. • a
lack of motivation. • a lack of oxygen. •
a lack of precision. • a lack of progress.
• a lack of proof. • a lack of publicity. •
a lack of refinement. • a lack of regard.
• a lack of resources. • a lack of respect.
• a lack of sanitation. • a lack of self-con-
late
fidence. • a lack of self-control. • a lack of
sensitivity. • a lack of skill. • a lack of
sleep. • a lack of sophistication. • a lack
of stature. • a lack of stimulation. • a lack
of structure. • a lack of subtlety. • a lack
of success. • a lack of supervision. • a lack
of sympathy. • a lack of tact. • a lack of
taste. • a lack of trust. • a lack of under-
standing. • a lack of urgency. • a lack of
vitality. • a lack of zeal. • lack of evidence.
• lack of exercise. • lack of facilities. •
lack of materials. • lack of supplies. • lack
the confidence to do sth. • lacking in dig-
nity.
lady
a lady of leisure. • the lady of the house.
lag
lag far/way behind (sb/sth). • lag well be-
hind (sb/sth).
laid
be laid up (in bed) with sth.
land
land a job. • land a punch. • land sb in
hot water. • the landed classes/aristoc-
racy.
lapse
a lapse in concentration. • a lapse of con-
centration. • lapse in security.
large
a large margin. • a large selection. • a
larger size. • be largely your (own) fault.
• largely forgotten. • larger still. • the
largest single.
last
a lasting impression. • a lasting peace. •
be the last to do sth. • last chance. • last
Monday, etc. • last month. • last night. •
last sb a day/two months, etc. • last thing
at night. • last vestige of hope. • last ves-
tige of power. • the last few. • the last
hope. • the last in a series. • the last
month/year. • the last sb sees/hears of sb.
• the last thing on sb’s mind. • the last
time. • the last to arrive. • the last week.
• the last word in… • the last word on sth.
late
a late frost. • late in life. • the late 17th
century.

laugh 76
laugh
laugh at sb’s expense. • laugh in sb’s face.
• the laugh is on sb.
launch
launch a strike (on/against sb/sth). •
launch a/your, etc. career. • launch an
appeal. • launch an attack. • launch an
inquiry.
law
law and order. • the law(s) of gravity. •
the laws of nature. • the laws of physics.
• the laws of science.
lay
lay (sb) the odds of sth. • lay a bet on sth.
• lay a pipe. • lay a place (for sb). • lay
a trap (for sb/sth). • lay a wreath. • lay
charges against. • lay down conditions. •
lay down guidelines. • lay emphasis on
sth. • lay money/odds (that)… • lay
siege to sth. • lay stress on sth. • lay the
blame at sb’s door. • lay the blame on sb.
• lay the groundwork/foundations. • lay
your hands on sth.
layer
a layer of rock. • a layer of cloud. • a
layer of dust. • a layer of grime. • a layer
of mud. • layer after layer. • layer on/
upon layer. • layers of meaning.
lead
a lead in the polls. • a lead story. • lead
a busy/quiet life. • lead a coup. • lead a
full life. • lead a good/happy life. • lead
sb to believe sth. • lead the field. • lead
the way. • lead the world (in sth). • lead
to a difficulty. • lead to confusion.
leader
the leader of a delegation. • the leader of
a group. • the leader of a movement. •
the leader of a sect. • the leader of an ex-
pedition. • the Leader of the Opposition.
• the leader of the orchestra. • the leader
of the pack.
leadership
a leadership challenge. • a leadership
struggle/contest. • leadership qualities.
leading
a leading figure. • a leading supporter.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
lean
lean against a wall. • lean back in your
chair. • lean a bike against sth. • lean in
the direction of sth. • lean out of the win-
dow.
leap
a leap forward. • a leap of faith. • leap to
sb’s defence. • leap to your feet.
learn
a learning experience. • learn a thing or
two about sb/sth. • learn a/your lesson. •
learn sth by heart. • learn sth by rote. •
learn to live with sth.
least
the least favourite.
leave
leave a mark (on sth). • leave a message.
• leave a space/gap. • leave a tip. • leave
a trail. • leave a trail of destruction. •
leave an imprint on sb/sth. • leave from
the fold. • leave it a bit/very late. • leave
it rather late. • leave of absence. • leave
room for sth. • leave sb a note. • leave sb
crippled. • leave sb dangling/wondering.
• leave sb dead. • leave sb for dead. •
leave sb fuming. • leave sb gasping. •
leave sb in suspense. • leave sb paralysed.
• leave sb scarred. • leave sb to it. • leave
sb vulnerable. • leave sb with little/no
choice. • leave sb with no alternative (but
to do sth). • leave sth open. • leave sth to
stand for sth. • leave the stage. • leave
this world. • leave to appeal. • leave your
fate in sb’s hands. • leave your job. • leave
your options open.
left
a left hook. • be left fuming. • be left over.
• be left standing. • left of centre. • left
side. • the left wing of the party.
leg
a leg of a journey. • a leg wound. • leg of
a tour. • leg of lamb. • the leg of a chair.
legal
a legal definition. • a legal framework. •
a legal right/requirement. • be legally rec-
ognized. • legally protected.
77
legend
a legend in your own lifetime. • legend
has it that …
lend
lend (your) assistance. • lend (your) sup-
port. • lend a (helping) hand. • lend a
hand.
length
a length of the pool. • length of time. •
the length and breadth of sth. • the
length of (your) stay. • the length of a
lease. • the length of sth.
less
be less inclined to do sth. • less so. • less
than 10%/Rs. 100, etc.
let
let a chance slip (by). • let me assure you.
• let me guess. • let nature take its
course. • let on (that)… • let out a gasp.
• let out a scream. • let out a sigh. • let
out a whistle. • let sb in on a secret. • let
sb know. • let sb loose. • let sb off lightly.
• let sth drop. • let sth pass. • let sth slip
through your fingers. • let that be a les-
son to you. • let the matter drop/rest. •
let things take their course/happen. • let
us pray. • let yourself. • let’s assume. •
let’s examine. • let’s imagine. • let’s pre-
tend (that)… • let’s see if/whether… •
let’s start.
letter
a letter of apology. • a letter of applica-
tion. • a letter of complaint. • a letter of
credit. • a letter of introduction. • a let-
ter of recommendation. • a letter of res-
ignation. • a letter of thanks. • the letter
of the law. • the letters of the alphabet.
level
a level of ability. • a level of achievement.
• a level of civilization. • a level of com-
petence. • a level of consciousness. • a
level of expertise. • a level of funding. •
a level of performance. • a level of senior-
ity. • a level of society. • a level of sophis-
tication. • a level of subsistence. • a level
teaspoon/tablespoon. • level an accusa-
tion at sb. • level of rise of unemploy-
ment. • levels of excellence. • the level of
service.
likes
liable
liable to misinterpretation.
liberally
liberally sprinkled with sth.
lick
a lick of paint. • lick sth clean.
lie
lie asleep/awake. • lie back and relax. •
lie buried. • lie curled up. • lie face down/
prostrate. • lie flat. • lie hidden. • lie in
ambush. • lie in store. • lie motionless/
still. • lie on your back/stomach. • lie on
your side. • lie slumped sw. • lie
sprawled. • lie through your teeth.
life
a life of adventure. • a life of crime. • a
life of indulgence. • a life of violence. •
his/her life’s work. • life after death. • life
in the fast lane. • the life of a nation.
lifetime
a lifetime ago/away. • a lifetime’s sub-
scription.
lift
a lift back/home. • lift a ban. • lift a
blockade. • lift a burden from sb’s shoul-
ders. • lift a siege. • lift a trophy. • lift an
embargo on sth. • lift restrictions (on) sth.
• lift sb’s spirits. • lift the lid. • lift the
state of emergency. • the lifting of sanc-
tions.
light
a light comes on. • a light goes off/out. •
a light of time. • a light sleep. • a light
wind. • light a fire. • light a match. • light
a pipe. • light and shade. • light from/of
a torch. • the light of the moon. • the
lights.
like
be like a father to sb. • like a hand. • like
a kid. • like brothers. • like it or lump it.
• like it when… • like new. • like nothing
better than (to do) sth. • like sb/sth best.
• like sb/sth better. • like sisters. • like sth
best. • like your own company.
likes
likes and dislikes.

limit 78
limit
a limited space. • a limited vocabulary. •
limit yourself. • limited in number. • lim-
ited success. • limits of endurance.
line
a line of argument. • a line of descent. •
a line of inquiry. • a line of latitude. • a
line of questioning. • a line of reasoning.
• a line of symmetry. • a line of thought.
• a line of work. • be lined with shelves.
• line of business/work. • line of enquiry.
• line of fire. • line of march. • line of vi-
sion. • lines of communication. • the line
of command. • the line of flight. • the
line of least resistance. • the line of suc-
cession. • the line of your jaw.
lining
the lining of a pocket. • the lining of the
womb.
link
a link in the chain. • a link with the past.
list
a list of ingredients. • a list of priorities.
• a list of questions. • a list of references.
listen
listen to reason. • listen with half an ear.
little
a little (bit) more/less. • a little (bit) of
sth. • a little better. • a little bit. • a little
boy/girl. • a little while. • little by little.
• little hope of sth. • little known sw. •
little need. • little or no pity, etc. • little
publicized. • little regard for sb/sth. •
little regard to sb/sth. • little respite. •
little short of miraculous. • little sign (of
sb/sth). • little sister. • little success. •
little tiny cottage, etc. • the little matter
of sth.
live
a living hell. • live a full/busy life. • live
a life of crime. • live a life of luxury/hard-
ship. • live a quiet life. • live at home. •
live by doing sth. • live in a fantasy
world. • live in fear (of)… • live in sb’s
memory. • live in terror of sb/sth. • live
in the shadow of sb/sth. • live life to the
full. • live off the land. • live on bor-
rowed time. • live to (be) 90, etc. • live
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
to regret sth. • live to the age of 80. • live
well/comfortably.
lively
a lively and enquiring mind. • a lively in-
terest/curiosity.
load
a load of (old) rubbish. • a load of
bollocks. • a load of nonsense. • loaded
with parcels. • loads (of things) to do.
locally
live locally. • locally elected. • locally pro-
duced. • locally provided.
lodge
lodge a claim/complaint.
long
a long awaited decision, etc. • a long day.
• a long time. • a long time ago. • a long
time off. • a long way off. • a long-range
plan. • a long-range prediction/forecast. •
be long in the leg. • long after sth. • long
before sth. • long since died, etc.
look
a look in sb’s eyes. • a look of reproach. •
a look of astonishment. • a look of disap-
proval. • a look of disbelief. • a look of dis-
dain. • a look of disgust. • a look of dis-
like. • a look of distaste. • a look of ela-
tion. • a look of horror. • a look of inno-
cence. • a look of panic. • a look of resig-
nation. • a look of surprise. • a look on
sb’s face. • look (like) a fool. • look a fool/
idiot, etc. • look after (sb’s) interests. •
look as if/as though. • look at sth from a
new/different perspective. • look certain/
unlikely, etc. to do sth. • look for a clue.
• look forward to meeting sb. • look for-
ward to welcoming sb. • look good/bad
for. • look like making progress, etc. •
look like sb/sth. • look off your face. •
look offended. • look on the bright side. •
look sb up and down. • look set for victory,
etc. • look set to win the election, etc. •
look straight/right through sb. • look to
the future. • look young for your age.
loophole
close/plug existing loopholes. • a loophole
in a law/an Act. • a loophole in legisla-
tion. • a loophole in rules.
79
loosen
loosen the purse strings. • loosen your
grip.
lose
lose (all) interest (in sth). • lose (sb’s) re-
spect. • lose a bet. • lose a case. • lose a
competition. • lose a life. • lose a match.
• lose a race. • lose a sale. • lose all con-
tact with sb. • lose an argument. • lose
an election. • lose control of sth. • lose
favour (with sb). • lose feeling in sth. •
lose its curl. • lose patience with sb/sth.
• lose the initiative. • lose the use of sth.
• lose touch with reality. • lose your bal-
ance. • lose your deposit. • lose your dig-
nity. • lose your footing. • lose your job.
• lose your licence. • lose your looks. •
lose your nerve. • lose your place. • lose
your sanity. • lose your train of thought.
• lose your voice. • lose your way.
loss
a loss of appetite. • a loss of confidence.
• a loss of dignity. • a loss of immediacy.
• a loss of jobs. • a loss of liberty. • a loss
of morale. • a loss of nerve. • a loss of
prestige. • a loss of reputation. • a loss of
self. • a loss of self-control. • a loss of sov-
ereignty. • a loss on an investment. • loss
of memory. • the loss of earnings. • the
loss of income. • the loss of indepen-
dence. • the loss of life. • the loss of
ozone. • the loss of power. • the loss of
revenue. • the loss of vision. • the loss of
your father.
lost
a lost opportunity. • lost at sea. • lost in
battle. • lost in thought. • lost in trans-
lation. • lost to the world.
lot
a lot better. • a lot less. • a lot more. • a
lot of. • a lot of bother. • a lot of fun. • a
lot of nerve. • a lot of nonsense. • a lot
to do/see. • a lot to eat. • lots and lots.
• lots of fun. • lots of love (from sb).
loud
be loud in your support/opposition.
love
a love of adventure. • a love of life. • a
mad
love of nature. • love affair with sb/sth. •
love and affection. • love and compassion.
• love and romance. • love at first sight.
• love nothing more/better than. • love sb
dearly. • the love of your life.
lovely
lovely (and) fresh. • lovely and clean. •
lovely little garden, etc.
low
a low boredom threshold. • a low dose. •
a low fibre diet. • a low incidence. • a low
level. • a low protein diet. • a low rate of
sth. • a low standard of living. • low calo-
rie. • low in calories. • low in cholesterol.
• low in fibre. • low in salt. • low in sugar.
• low in the sky. • low on the list. • low
sugar content. • lower (your) demands. •
lower the age of sth. • lower the tone (of
sth). • lower your eyes/head. • lower
your sights. • lower your voice. • low-
ranking officers. • the lower end of the
market. • the lower middle-class.
lucky
count yourself lucky that... • lucky to be
alive. • the lucky ones. • one of the lucky
ones. • think yourself lucky that...
lull
a lull in the conversation. • a lull in the
fighting. • be lulled into a false sense of
security. • the lull before the storm.
lump
a lump in your throat. • a lump of cheese.
lunch
a lunch break. • the lunch time rush.
lust
a lust for life. • the lust for power. • the
lusts of the flesh.
...
M
mad
a mad dash. • a mad rush. • a mad
scramble. • be madly in love (with sb). •
mad keen on sth.

magnitude 80
magnitude
the magnitude of change. • the magni-
tude of an earthquake.
main
a main theme. • main course. • the main
character. • the main characteristic. • the
main focus. • the main plank of sb’s argu-
ment. • the main plank of sb’s policy/
programme.
mainstay
the mainstay of the economy.
maintain
maintain a high profile. • maintain a
record. • maintain law and order. • main-
tain stability/continuity. • maintain the
illusion. • maintain the momentum. •
maintain the status quo. • maintain your
dignity. • maintain your innocence. •
maintain your integrity. • maintain your
stance.
major
a major disappointment. • a major factor.
• a major incident. • a major problem/ob-
stacle. • the major focus.
majority
a majority decision/verdict. • a majority
in Parliament. • a majority stake. • the
majority opinion/view.
make
a make of car. • a make of machine. •
made to order. • make (a) nonsense of
sth. • make (out) a case for sth. • make
a basket. • make a big deal (out) of sth.
• make a big thing out of sth. • make a
big/a lot of difference. • make a bolt for
it. • make a booking. • make a broadcast.
• make a cake. • make a call. • make a
career out of sth. • make a change. •
make a check. • make a choice. • make a
claim. • make a claim (for sth) on your in-
surance. • make a clean break. • make a
comeback. • make a comment. • make a
commitment (to do sth). • make a com-
parison. • make a complaint. • make a
compromise. • make a concession. •
make a confession. • make a connection.
• make a contribution. • make a copy (of
sth). • make a correction. • make a dash
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
for it. • make a dash for sb/sth. • make a
date. • make a deadline. • make a deal
(with sb). • make a decision. • make a de-
mand. • make a deposit. • make a detour.
• make a discovery. • make a distinction.
• make a fight of it. • make a film. • make
a fine start. • make a fire. • make a fool
(out) of sb/yourself. • make a fool of sb.
• make a fortune. • make a fuss. • make
a fuss of sb. • make a gesture. • make a
grab at/for sth. • make a great deal of dif-
ference. • make a great/excellent start. •
make a guess. • make a hit with sb. •
make a hole in sth. • make a joke. • make
a journey. • make a judgment. • make a
list. • make a living. • make a loss (on
sth). • make a martyr of yourself. • make
a meal. • make a mental note (of sth/to do
sth). • make a mess. • make a mistake/
error. • make a move for sth. • make a
move towards sth. • make a name for
yourself. • make a night of it. • make a
noise. • make a note of sth. • make a nui-
sance of yourself. • make a pact to do sth.
• make a payment. • make a phone call.
• make a pig of yourself. • make a pitch
(for sth). • make a plan. • make a plea. •
make a pledge to do sth. • make a practice
of sth. • make a presentation (on sth). •
make a pretence. • make a pretence of do-
ing sth. • make a profit. • make a prom-
ise. • make a purchase. • make a recom-
mendation (to sb). • make a recovery. •
make a remark. • make a reservation. •
make a resolution to do sth. • make a
right/left sw. • make a run for it. • make
a rush for sth. • make a sale. • make a
scene. • make a scratch/dent in sth. •
make a search. • make a secret of sth. •
make a selection. • make a show of sth. •
make a sound. • make a spectacle of your-
self. • make a speech. • make a stab at sth.
• make a stand (against sb/sth). • make
a start on sth. • make a statement. • make
a submission. • make a success of sth. •
make a suggestion. • make a team/squad.
• make a telephone call. • make a threat.
• make a trip. • make a vow (that)… •
make a will. • make a wish. • make a
withdrawal. • make a/no reference to… •
make all the difference (to sb). • make
81
allegations against/about sb. • make an
accusation against sb. • make an album.
• make an alteration/adjustment, etc. •
make an announcement. • make an apol-
ogy. • make an appeal. • make an appear-
ance. • make an application. • make an
appointment. • make an approach to sb.
• make an arrangement. • make an ar-
rest. • make an assumption. • make an
attempt/effort. • make an effort to do sth.
• make an enemy of sb. • make an error.
• make an example of sb. • make an ex-
cuse. • make an exit. • make an expedi-
tion. • make an idiot of yourself. • make
an impact. • make an impression on sb.
• make an objection. • make an observa-
tion. • make certain (that)… • make ef-
ficient use of sth. • make every effort. •
make friends with… • make full use of
(your) potential. • make good use of sb/
sth. • make headline news. • make it
clear/obvious (that)… • make it difficult
to do sth. • make it known/understood
(that)… • make it plain. • make it plain
(that)… • make light/short work of sth.
• make little/no effort. • make little/no
pretence. • make my/your bed. • make
no apology/apologies for. • make no con-
cessions to sb/sth. • make no move. •
make no reply. • make no secret of the
fact that… • make no/little difference
to… • make peace (with sb). • make
plans for sth. • make preparations (for
sth). • make provision for (your) future.
• make provision(s) for sth. • make rep-
resentations (about sth to sb). • make
restitution (to sb for sth). • make sb a
present of sth. • make sb a star. • make
sb an offer for/on sth. • make sb angry. •
make sb aware of sth. • make sb famous.
• make sb feel ill. • make sb feel sad. •
make sb feel strange. • make sb happy. •
make sb jealous. • make sb jump. • make
sb look fat/thin. • make sb look younger.
• make sb pay (for sth). • make sb popu-
lar. • make sb proud. • make sb sad/an-
gry. • make sb vulnerable. • make sb wel-
come. • make sb/sth a bequest. • make
sb’s life a misery. • make sth abundantly/
perfectly clear. • make sth clear. • make
sth difficult/easy. • make sth easy. • make
many
sth explicit. • make sth impossible. •
make sth into flats. • make sth nice. •
make sth over. • make sth possible. •
make sth pretty/attractive. • make sth
public. • make sth straight. • make sth
your home. • make sure (that)… • make
sure of sth. • make the bed. • make the
best use of sth. • make the break. • make
the call. • make the headlines/news. •
make the introductions. • make the mis-
take of doing sth. • make the papers. •
make the sign of the cross. • make the
switch (from sth) to sth. • make the tran-
sition. • make things awkward. • make
things better. • make tracks. • make
trouble for sb/sth. • make up a bed. •
make up for lost time. • make up your
mind whether. • make your debut. • make
your escape. • make your fortune. • make
your intention clear. • make your name
(as sth). • make your presence felt/
known. • make your voice heard. • make
your way across sth. • make your way in
the world. • make your way through sth.
• make your way to sw. • make yourself
comfortable. • make yourself heard/un-
derstood. • make yourself presentable. •
make yourself sick.
male
a male chauvinist pig. • a male preserve.
• the male lead. • the male of the species.
man
a man in your life. • a man of few words.
• a man of his word. • a man of honour.
• a man of many talents. • a man of
means. • a man of property. • a man of
taste. • a man of the people. • a man with
a mission. • be a man. • men of violence.
manage
manage on your own.
manoeuvre
manoeuvre (sth) into position. • manoeu-
vre your way.
manufacturer
the manufacturer’s instructions.
many
many and varied. • many hundreds/thou-
sands. • many many. • many millions. •
many thanks.

march 82
march
a march past. • march in step. • march of
time. • the march eastward. • the march
of progress.
margin
a margin of error. • a margin of safety. •
a margin of victory.
mark
a mark of blood. • a mark of honour. • a
mark of respect. • a marked change in sb/
sth. • a marked difference in sb/sth. • a
marked improvement in sb/sth. • a
marked increase in sth. • mark an occa-
sion. • mark of esteem. • mark sb (as)
absent. • mark sb (as) present. • mark
the beginning of sth. • mark the spot. •
mark the start/end of sth.
marketing
a marketing blitz.
marriage
a marriage of convenience. • marriages
and deaths.
marry
marry late/young.
mass
a mass of contradictions. • a mass of
curls. • a mass of data. • a mass of fig-
ures. • a mass of flowers. • a mass of
nerves. • a mass of statistics.
master
a master of your craft. • a master stroke.
• be the master of your own destiny. •
master the art of (doing) sth.
mastery
a (complete) mastery of a skill.
match
match up to expectations.
matter
a matter for conjecture. • a matter for ne-
gotiation. • a matter for pride. • a mat-
ter for regret. • a matter for speculation.
• a matter of (great) urgency. • a matter
of (personal) taste. • a matter of (some)
delicacy. • a matter of complaint. • a mat-
ter of concern. • a matter of conscience.
• a matter of controversy. • a matter of
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
convention. • a matter of courtesy. • a
matter of dispute. • a matter of evidence.
• a matter of honour. • a matter of impor-
tance. • a matter of indifference. • a mat-
ter of judgement. • a matter of life and/or
death. • a matter of opinion. • a matter of
policy. • a matter of prestige. • a matter of
pride. • a matter of principle. • a matter
of regret. • a matter of routine. • a mat-
ter of seconds. • a matter of time. • a
matter of timing. • a matter of urgency. •
be a matter of conjecture. • be a matter of
survival. • matters of state. • the matter in
hand.
maximum
the maximum possible.
may
may I say/ask sth. • may I suggest sth.
maze
a maze of corridors. • a maze of passages.
• a maze of tunnels.
mean
mean sb harm. • mean sth as a compli-
ment/insult. • mean sth as a joke.
means
a means of communication. • a means of
detecting sth. • a means of escape. • a
means of expression. • a means of fund-
ing. • a means of identification. • a means
of identifying sb/sth. • a means of liveli-
hood. • a means of obtaining sth. • a
means of protection. • a means of repre-
sentation. • a means of resolving sth. • a
means of subsistence. • a means of trans-
port. • a means to an end. • the means by
which sth is done. • the means of produc-
tion.
measure
a measure of performance. • measure sth
in terms of sth. • measures to combat sth.
• measures to curb sth. • measures to en-
sure sth. • measures to prevent sth. •
measures to promote sth. • measures to
protect sb/sth. • measures to reduce sth.
• measures to restore sth. • measures to
restrict sth. • measures to strengthen sth.
mechanical
a mechanical fault.
83
medical
the medical profession/field.
medium
a medium of communication. • a medium
of instruction.
meet
be met with howls of sth. • meet (sb) face
to face. • meet (with) approval. • meet
(with) opposition/resistance. • meet
(with) resistance. • meet a challenge. •
meet a commitment. • meet a deadline.
• meet a need. • meet a target. • meet an
expense. • meet an obligation. • meet
force with force. • meet sb off the boat.
• meet sb off the train/plane. • meet sb’s
demands. • meet sb’s gaze. • meet the
criteria. • meet the full force of sth. •
meet the needs of sb/sth. • meet with sb’s
approval. • meet with standards. • meet
your doom.
melt
melt sb’s heart. • melt in sb’s mouth.
member
a member of a caste. • a member of a
church. • a member of a club. • a mem-
ber of a congregation. • a member of a
delegation. • a member of a dynasty. • a
member of a family. • a member of a
force. • a member of a gang. • a member
of a government. • a member of a group.
• a member of a herd. • a member of a
movement. • a member of a panel. • a
member of a profession. • a member of a
regime. • a member of a sect. • a mem-
ber of a species. • a member of a syndi-
cate. • a member of a team. • a member
of a tribe. • a member of an elite group.
• a member of an executive. • a member
of an expedition. • a member of an insti-
tute. • a Member of Parliament. • a mem-
ber of staff. • a member of the aristocracy.
• a member of the band. • a member of
the board. • a member of the chorus. • a
member of the community. • a member of
the crew. • a member of the public. • a
member of the workforce. • members of
the (general) public.
mental
a mental picture. • mentally impaired.
military
mention
mention the fact that… • mentioned
above/below. • mentioned in dispatches.
mere
merely a formality. • the mere sight of sb.
• not merely a job.
merits
the merits of a case. • the merits of an ar-
gument.
message
a message of condolence. • a message of
congratulation. • a message of support/
sympathy.
method
a method of assessment. • a method of
calculation. • a method of collection. • a
method of communication. • a method of
composition. • a method of contraception.
• a method of detecting sth. • a method
of diagnosis. • a method of measuring sth.
• a method of obtaining sth. • a method
of payment. • a method of recruitment. •
a method of reproduction. • a method of
resolving sth. • a method of teaching. • a
method of transport. • the method of
manufacture.
mid
a mid-life crisis. • the mid 16th century. •
the midpoint of sth.
middle
the middle of the table. • the middle of
(the) town. • the middle of a river. • the
middle of a circle. • the middle of a city.
• the middle of a crowd. • the middle of
the forest. • the middle of the lake. • the
middle of the ocean. • the middle of the
pool. • the middle of the range. • the
middle of the road. • the middle of the
row. • the middle of the sea. • the middle
of the village.
mild
a mild climate.
miles
50, etc. miles an/per hour. • miles from
anywhere/nowhere.
military
a military coup. • military observers.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
milk 84 85 name

milk groan. • the moan of the wind. etc. • more than enough. • more than much
milk sth for all it is worth. model ever. • more than happy. • more than much better. • much improved. • much
a model of car. • a model of perfection. likely. • more than once. • more than sb less. • much misunderstood. • much
millstone can bear. • more than usual. • more to more. • much prefer sb/sth. • much
a millstone around sb’s neck. moderate the point. prized. • much the biggest/best, etc. •
mind moderate success. much the same. • much to sb’s delight. •
morning
mind and body. • mind your own busi- modify the morning rush. much to your disgust. • much too expen-
ness. modify your stance. sive/complicated, etc.
mortal
mine moment a mortal enemy. multiplicity
a mine of information. a moment ago. • a moment later. • a mo- multiplicity of styles.
ment longer/more. • a moment of drama. most
minimum most days/evenings. • most extraordi- murder
a minimum of control, etc. • the mini- • a moment of hesitation. • a moment of a murder case. • a murder trial. • a mur-
inattention. • a moment of light relief. • nary. • most favourite. • most notably. •
mum acceptable. • the minimum neces- most of all. • most of the time. • most der victim.
sary. • the minimum needed/required. • a moment of madness. • a moment of
panic. • a moment of silence. • a moment unlikely. • most weekends. • the most murmur
the minimum possible. (worrying) aspect of this is… • the most a murmur of approval. • a murmur of as-
of triumph. • a moment of weakness. • a
minor moment or two. • a moment’s hesitation. direct route. • the most ever. • the most sent. • a murmur of disapproval. • a mur-
a minor incident. • a moment’s panic. • a moment’s reflec- terrible shock imaginable. • the most mur of voice. • murmurs of discontent. •
tion. • the moment of birth. • the moment wonderful surprise imaginable. the murmur of the sea.
minority
a minority stake. of conception. • the moment of impact. • motion music
the moment of parting. a motion of censure. • a motion of no a music lover. • music and song. • the mu-
minus confidence. • the motion was carried/ sic business.
a minus point/factor. • a minus quantity. money
a money machine. • money can/can’t buy. passed. • the motion was defeated.
mutter
minute • money coming in. motive mutter to yourself.
the minute sth happens. • the minutes of a motive for the killing. • motives behind
a meeting. monitor mutual
monitor a situation. • monitor sth closely/ sb’s conduct.
a mutual friend. • a mutual interest.
miscarriage carefully. mount
a miscarriage of justice. mount a challenge. • mount a coup. • my
month my bet is (that)… • my dear. • my God. •
misfortune a month from today, etc. • a month’s rent. mount a defence. • mount an attack. •
mount an expedition. my goodness. • my heavens. • my idea of
be sb’s misfortune. • a month’s subscription. • a month’s bliss. • my idea of heaven/paradise. • my
worth. • months of drought. • months of mountain love. • my old age. • my other uncle/com-
mismanagement
negotiation. • months overdue. • months a mountain of paper. • a mountain of pa- mitments, etc. • my own. • my place. •
mismanagement of the economy.
to come. perwork. my sentiments exactly.
miss
a missed opportunity. • be missing in ac-
mood mourn myths
a mood of elation. • a mood of optimism. mourn for your lost childhood. • mourn myths and legends.
tion. • miss a beat. • miss a chance/op-
• a mood of pessimism. • a mood of rec- the loss of sb.
portunity to do sth. • miss a deadline. • ...
onciliation. • the mood of the moment/
miss a lesson. • miss a penalty. • miss the mouth
time.

bus. • miss the point. • miss the post. •
miss your connection. • miss your foot-
ing. • miss your mark.
mission
a mission in life. • mission impossible.
mix
mix and match. • mix business with plea-
sure. • mixed reception. • mixed success.
moan
a moan of pleasure/despair. • moan and
N
a mouth to feed. • mouth-to-mouth (re-
moral suscitation).
a decline in moral standards. • a moral
imperative. • the moral high ground. move
a move in the right direction. • a move to
more ban sth. • a move towards integration. •
be more inclined to do sth. • be more move a step. • move a step closer/nearer
naked
naked to the waist.
trouble than it/sb/sth is worth. • more (to sth). • move sb to tears.
dead than alive. • more fool (sb). • more name
movement
harm than good. • more of the same. • name and address. • name your price. •
more on that later. • more so. • more than the movement of capital/labour. • the
names and faces.
a hint of sth. • more than double/triple, movement of goods.

narrow 86
narrow
a narrow margin. • narrow the gap. •
narrowly beat/defeat sb. • narrowly fo-
cused.
nasty
a nasty little letter/snob. • a nasty shock/
surprise. • a nasty trick.
nation
nationally agreed. • the nation as a
whole. • the nation at large. • the nations
of the world.
natural
a natural choice. • a natural disaster. • a
natural successor. • natural enough.
nature
the nature of the problem. • the nature of
the relationship.
near
a near monopoly. • near at hand. • near
there. • near to tears.
nearly
nearly all people/things.
neat
neat and clean. • neat and tidy. • neatly
dressed. • neatly pressed.
necessity
basic necessities. • a necessity of life. • of
necessity.
need
a need for continuity. • a need for coop-
eration. • a need for coordination. • a
need for discretion. • a need for flexibil-
ity. • a need for fulfilment. • a need for
integration. • a need for vigilance. • a
need to protect sb/sth. • a need to reform
sth. • need a hand. • need a push (to do
sth). • need cleaning/washing, etc. •
need ironing/painting, etc. • need reas-
suring. • need renewing. • need the ser-
vices of sb. • need your head examined.
• needs and aspirations. • needs and de-
sires. • the need for caution. • the need
for reform. • the need to maintain sth. •
the needs of the individual.
neglect
neglect of duty. • neglect your studies.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
neither
neither know nor care. • neither the time
nor the place.
nerve
nerves of steel.
network
a network of contacts. • a network of in-
formers. • a network of relationships. • a
network of rules. • a network of spies. •
a network of tunnels.
never
never a dull moment. • never a stroke of
work. • never forget sth.
new
a new era. • a new face. • a new high. •
a new start. • new to this game.
newcomer
a newcomer to an organization/place. • a
newcomer to politics. • a newcomer to the
scene.
newly
a newly erected memorial. • a newly es-
tablished company. • a newly ironed
dress, etc. • a newly opened restaurant,
etc. • newly baked cakes, etc. • newly dis-
covered evidence, etc. • newly emerged/
emerging trends, etc. • newly installed
software. • newly introduced measures,
etc. • newly invented theory, etc. • newly
issued shares, etc. • newly painted walls,
etc. • newly planted seeds, etc. • newly
recruited staff, etc. • newly released film,
etc. • newly renovated buildings, etc. •
newly restored church, etc. • newly
washed shirt, etc.
news
news arrives. • news bulletin. • news
comes. • news flash. • news on the
health/trade, etc. front. • news reaches sb.
next
be next in line. • next in seniority. • next
month. • next of kin. • next on the
agenda. • next port of call. • next Satur-
day. • next to nothing. • next week/year.
• Sunday, etc. next. • the next best thing.
• the next few weeks. • the next five
years. • the next left. • the next road on
87
the left/right. • the next several months.
nice
a nice cup of tea. • a nice little table. •
nice (and) fresh. • nice (and) quiet. •
nice and clean. • nice and warm/comfort-
able. • nice enough. • nice of sb (to do
sth). • nice to meet you.
niche
a niche in the market.
night
a night (out) on the town. • a night of
passion. • a night out. • the night sky.
no
a (firm) no. • a no-win situation. • be no
accident that… • be no angel. • be no
comfort (to sb). • be no contest. • be no
easy task. • be no exaggeration. • be no
exception. • be no fun. • be no gentle-
man. • be no good. • be no hero. • be no
mean feat. • be no substitute for sth. • be
no use. • no (great) lover of sth. • no
(known) cure. • no added sugar. • no af-
fair of sb’s. • no better. • no bother. • no
business of yours. • no case to answer. •
no cause for concern/alarm. • no chance!
• no coincidence. • no comment. • no
difference. • no disrespect intended. • no
disrespect to sb. • no doubt in your mind.
• no end in sight to sth. • no fixed ad-
dress. • no further forward. • no good at
spelling/mathematics, etc. • no great
loss. • no hard feelings. • no hope of sth.
• no individual. • no lack of sth. • no
laughing matter. • no means of doing sth.
• no merit in doing sth. • no more. • no
more than 10 people. • no more than 5
chairs. • no necessity. • no need. • no of-
fence (intended/meant). • no one could/
would deny that. • no one else. • no one
in particular. • no ordinary job/dog, etc.
• no parallel. • no place. • no point. • no
regard for sb/sth. • no regard to sb/sth.
• no relation to sb. • no respite. • no re-
sponse. • no sign (of sb/sth). • no signifi-
cance. • no smoking. • no sth whatso-
ever. • no strings attached. • no such
thing. • no takers. • no time to waste. •
no trace of accent. • no way is sb going
to resign, etc. • no way to do sth. • not
much difference
not
nod
a nod in sb/sth’s directions. • a nod of ap-
proval. • a nod of assent. • a nod of sb’s
head. • a nod of the head. • nod in agree-
ment/approval. • nod in sympathy. • nod
towards/in the direction of sb/sth. • nod
your head.
noise
the noise of a gunshot. • the noise of the
engine.
none
be none of sb’s concern. • none at all. •
none of your business. • none the wiser. •
none whatsoever.
norm
the norm (rather than the exception).
north
north of the border. • the north front of
sth. • the northern sky.
nose
nose ahead. • nose in front. • nose into
the lead. • nose to tail.
nostalgia
a nostalgia trip. • nostalgia for the past.
not
as not anything like as difficult, etc. as…
• be not any good. • be not much good.
• not (much) more than a few hours, etc.
• not (such) a bad chap. • not a (single)
word. • not a day passes without sb doing
sth. • not a peep from/out of sb. • not a
pretty sight. • not a scrap/shred of evi-
dence. • not a soul. • not a squeak. • not
a stroke of work. • not a/the slightest
shred of sth. • not all members/doctors,
etc. are… • not alter the fact that… • not
an ounce of fat. • not any good at sth. •
not any point. • not be a soul in sight. •
not be an issue. • not be getting anywhere
(with/on sth). • not be going anywhere
(with/on sth). • not be hard to guess sth.
• not be in the best of tempers. • not be
in the same league as sb/sth. • not be sb’s
style. • not be speaking. • not be the mar-
rying kind. • not believe a word of sth. •
not budge an inch. • not by any means. •
not by any stretch of the imagination. •
not care either way/one way or the other.

notable 88
• not everyone. • not far out. • not for a
minute. • not for nothing. • not get sb
anywhere. • not have a penny to your
name. • not have the foggiest/remotest
idea. • not have the slightest/faintest
idea. • not in a fit state. • not in sb’s vo-
cabulary. • not in sb’s voice. • not in the
first flush of youth. • not in the same
league (as sb/sth). • not in your own best
interests. • not including tax/the service
charge, etc. • not know for certain. • not
let sb/sth out of your sight. • not like the
look of sb/sth. • not long after (sb did)
sth. • not make a sound. • not mess
about. • not miss sth for the world. • not
much good at sth. • not nearly enough. •
not now. • not one iota of truth. • not
only does sb do sth, they… • not only
will/can sb do sth, they… • not pay much
attention to sth. • not put up with (any)
nonsense. • not quite how… • not quite
the thing. • not quite what/why… • not
remotely interested in sth. • not see much
of sb. • not see the humour in sth. • not
sleep a wink. • not so very interesting,
etc. • not stand a chance. • not stand up
to/bear close scrutiny. • not stand/get in
sb’s way. • not stand/take (any) non-
sense. • not sure how/why… • not sure
if… • not sure where… • not the least
sign (of sb/sth). • not the occasion for
sth. • not the place for an argument, etc.
• not to be trusted. • not to mention. •
not under/in any circumstances. • not
unless… • not up to par. • not up to stan-
dard. • not very many people/things, etc.
• not very much. • not waver from sth. •
not waver in sth. • not worth pursuing. •
not yet. • not your scene. • not...any
(the) less.
notable
a notable exception. • notable by your ab-
sence.
note
a note of caution. • a note of derision. •
a note of thanks.
nothing
be nothing compared to sb/sth. • be noth-
ing new about/in sth. • nothing at all. •
nothing better than. • nothing could be
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
further from the truth. • nothing else. •
nothing in particular. • nothing like sb/
sth. • nothing more. • nothing more than/
only a gimmick. • nothing much. • noth-
ing new/strange. • nothing of that/the
kind. • nothing short of a miracle. • noth-
ing short of miraculous. • nothing to be
afraid of. • nothing to do (here/there). •
nothing to eat/drink. • nothing to worry
about. • nothing untoward. • nothing
unusual. • nothing whatsoever. • nothing
wrong.
notice
notice of termination. • notice to quit.
now
now (that)… • now (that) you come to
mention it. • now is the time/moment. •
now then.
nowhere
nowhere in particular. • nowhere in sight.
nub
the nub of conflict/problem.
nudge
nudge sb in the ribs. • nudge your way
(through the crowd, etc.)
numb
numb with (the) cold.
number
a number of factors. • a number of occa-
sions. • a number of possibilities. • a num-
ber of reasons. • a number of requests. •
a number of times. • number crunching.
nurse
nurse a grievance. • nurse sb back to
health.
...
O
obey
obey (sb’s) instructions to the letter. •
obey a rule. • obey a sign. • obey a(n)
order/command. • obey an instruction. •
obey the law/rules.
89
object
an object of ridicule. • an object of desire.
• an object of devotion. • an object of
envy. • an object of pilgrimage. • an ob-
ject of pity. • an object of ridicule. • an
object of scorn. • an object of suspicion.
• object of derision. • object on the
grounds that… • the object of sb’s affec-
tions. • the object of sb’s passion. • the
object of the exercise.
objective
the objective of a programme.
obligation
an obligation to obey.
obstacle
an obstacle in the path/way (of sb/sth).
• an obstacle to peace. • obstacles in sb/
sth’s path.
obvious
an obvious choice.
occasion
an occasion for rejoicing.
occupy
(problems, etc.) occupy your mind. • oc-
cupy yourself (with sth).
ocean
the ocean depths. • the oceans of the
world.
odd
be odds-on to do sth. • odd jobs. • the
odd thing is (that)… • the odds are
(stacked) against sb/sth. • the odds are
in favour of sb/sth. • the odds are in sb’s
favour. • the odds are that… • the odds
of doing sth.
odour
the odour of decay. • the odour of suspi-
cion.
of
(a friend, etc.) of hers. • (a friend, etc.)
of mine. • (a friend, etc.) of ours/theirs.
• (an accountant, etc.) of proven worth.
• (anything/something) of substance. •
(children/a house, etc.) of their own. •
(the first, etc.) of a/the series. • be of
(no) benefit to sb/sth. • be of (no) con-
offer
cern to sb. • be of assistance. • be of con-
siderable interest (to sb). • be of German,
etc. descent. • be of great/little, etc. sig-
nificance. • be of interest (to sb). • be of
merit. • be of no interest (to sb). • be of
no significance. • be of particular/special
interest (to sb). • be of sound body/mind.
• be of the opinion that… • be of the same
opinion. • of (great) distinction. • of
(great/real) value. • of (some) repute. •
of a high/low standard. • of a high/the
highest order. • of a nervous disposition.
• of all ages. • of all the cheek! • of all
time. • of an age to do sth. • of any kind.
• of central importance. • of childbearing
age. • of considerable standing. • of criti-
cal importance. • of crucial importance. •
of different ages. • of different persua-
sions. • of doubtful authenticity. • of equal
length. • of equal quality. • of equal size.
• of equal value. • of great concern. • of
great importance. • of great repute. • of
great standing. • of great subtlety. • of
high caste. • of high standing. • of inter-
national repute. • of its type. • of little im-
portance. • of little value. • of long stand-
ing. • of low birth. • of low caste. • of ma-
jor concern. • of no importance. • of no
value. • of noble birth. • of noble descent/
blood. • of paramount importance. • of re-
cent date. • of relevance to sth. • of sb’s
acquaintance. • of sb’s very own. • of
school age. • of some kind. • of some sort.
• of some subtlety. • of that sort. • of the
first magnitude. • of this sort. • of this
type. • of transmission. • of unequal
length. • of your own. • of your own free
will.
off
be off. • be off sick. • be off the danger list.
• be off to sw. • off a plane. • off course.
• off site. • off target. • off the beaten
track. • off the field. • off the premises.
offer
an offer of friendship. • an offer of help.
• offer (sb) odds of sth. • offer a chance.
• offer a course. • offer a solution. • offer
a suggestion. • offer an explanation. •
offer hope to sb. • offer sb a job. • offer
your services as sth.

often 90
often
be often misunderstood. • often enough.
oil
an oil leak. • oil interests.
old
an old trouper. • old and frail. • old
enough to do sth. • oldest known. • old-
est remaining. • oldest surviving. • the
oldest.
on
(shoot, etc. sb) on sight. • be on (your)
best behaviour. • be on a collision course
with sth. • be on a contract. • be on a
course. • be on a diet. • be on a different
plane. • be on a drip. • be on a respira-
tor. • be on a/the slippery slope to sth. •
be on crutches. • be on drugs. • be on
familiar terms with sb. • be on first name
terms (with sb). • be on friendly terms
(with sb). • be on full alert. • be on holi-
day. • be on manoeuvres. • be on speak-
ing terms (with sb). • be on the agenda.
• be on the brink/verge of collapse. • be
on the danger list. • be on the fiddle. • be
on the increase. • be on the point of col-
lapse. • be on the road of recovery. • be
on the scent. • be on the threshold of a
new era. • be on the throne. • be on the
tip of your tongue. • be on tranquillizers.
• be on your best behaviour. • on (an)
impulse. • on (good) form. • on (our/
their/your, etc.) honeymoon. • on (the)
grounds of. • on (the) grounds of miscon-
duct. • on (the) grounds of nationality. •
on (the) grounds of race. • on (the) re-
turn of sth. • on (the) telly. • on (your)
guard over. • on (your) hands and knees.
• on a balance of probabilities. • on a bed
of lettuce/rhubarb, etc. • on a brighter/
happier, etc. note. • on a collision course.
• on a commission basis. • on a daily
basis. • on a farm. • on a firm footing. •
on a flight. • on a freelance basis. • on a
full stomach. • on a grand scale. • on a
high. • on a hill. • on a humorous note.
• on a large scale. • on a lead. • on a list.
• on a massive scale. • on a month’s no-
tice. • on a monthly basis. • on a nega-
tive note. • on a percentage basis. • on a
plane. • on a positive note. • on a regu-
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
lar basis. • on a scale of 1 to 10. • on a
secure footing. • on a small scale. • on a
sound footing. • on a strong footing. • on
a technicality. • on a temporary basis. •
on a trial basis. • on a visit. • on a volun-
tary basis. • on a war footing. • on a
week’s notice. • on a whim. • on a world
scale. • on aggregate. • on amicable
terms. • on an ad hoc basis. • on an an-
nual basis. • on an earlier occasion. • on
an equal footing (with sb). • on an expe-
dition. • on an interim basis. • on assign-
ment. • on attachment/assignment to an
organization, etc. • on bended knee. • on
benefit. • on board. • on board ship. • on
budget. • on business. • on close acquain-
tance. • on closer acquaintance. • on
closer examination. • on completion of
sth. • on computer. • on course. • on
court. • on credit. • on deck. • on Earth.
• on easy terms. • on either side of sth. •
on equal terms. • on exhibition. • on fa-
miliar terms. • on file. • on film. • on fi-
nancial grounds. • on first acquaintance.
• on Fridays. • on friendly terms. • on full
beam. • on good terms. • on grounds of
sex. • on guard duty. • on high incomes.
• on impact. • on leave. • on legal
grounds. • on location. • on low incomes.
• on medical grounds. • on medication.
• on Monday evening(s). • on numerous
occasions. • on occasion. • on one occa-
sion. • on open sale. • on order. • on pain
of punishment. • on parole. • on past per-
formance. • on past records. • on patrol.
• on payment of sth. • on principle. • on
production of sth. • on receipt (of sth). •
on reflection. • on remand. • on safety
grounds. • on sb’s advice. • on sb’s ar-
rival. • on sb’s books. • on sb’s lap. • on
sb’s mother’s/father’s side. • on sb’s per-
son. • on sb’s return (from/to sth). • on
sb’s right. • on sb’s side. • on sentry duty.
• on site. • on speaking terms. • on spe-
cial offer. • on stage. • on Sundays, etc.
• on tape. • on target. • on the advice of
sb. • on the assumption that… • on the
back. • on the basis of sth. • on the basis
that… • on the beat. • on the black mar-
ket. • on the border. • on the brink of
(doing) sth. • on the brink of chaos. • on
the brink/verge of hysteria. • on the
91
brink/verge of ruin. • on the coast. • on
the corner. • on the credit/debit side. •
on the critical list. • on the curriculum. •
on the decline. • on the edge/verge of ex-
tinction. • on the end of a string. • on the
end of sth. • on the field. • on the first/
second floor. • on the fringe(s). • on the
front. • on the front line. • on the fron-
tier. • on the grapevine. • on the ground.
• on the ground/top floor. • on the high
seas. • on the home front. • on the hour.
• on the Internet. • on the journey home.
• on the left (of sb/sth). • on the news.
• on the nod. • on the occasion of sth. •
on the off chance. • on the outskirts of
town. • on the periphery of sth. • on the
phone. • on the plus/minus side. • on the
point of extinction. • on the point of hys-
teria. • on the poverty line. • on the pre-
mises. • on the pretext of doing sth. • on
the radio. • on the right (of a road, etc.).
• on the right/wrong track. • on the rise.
• on the road to recovery. • on the road
to success. • on the same footing (as sth).
• on the scene. • on the short list. • on
the side of the road. • on the slightest
pretext. • on the statute book. • on the
streets. • on the stroke of midnight. • on
the surface. • on the syllabus. • on the
trail of sb. • on the tube. • on the verge
of disaster. • on the verge of tears. • on
the way home (from sth). • on the world
stage. • on the wrong track. • on the/its
way to (doing) sth. • on this occasion. •
on top (of sth). • on top of things. • on
tour. • on track to do sth. • on trial (for
sth). • on TV. • on vacation. • on watch.
• on weak ground. • on wheels. • on your
left. • on your own initiative. • on your
toes. • on your travels.
once
once a fortnight. • once daily. • once in
a lifetime. • once in a while.
one
be one set. • one and the same. • one by
one. • one down and one to go. • one
each. • one individual. • one mile across.
• one more day, etc. • one move. • one
of the family. • one of the gang. • one of
those days. • one reason. • one side of
operate
the border. • one-parent family. • sb’s one
reservation. • the one about… • the one
certainty.
only
an only child. • be only obeying orders. •
be only teasing. • be only trying to do sth.
• only a formality. • only a fraction. • only
a handful of sth. • only a kid. • only a mi-
nority. • only kidding. • only now/then. •
only pretending. • only regret. • only res-
ervation. • only so much/many. • only to
discover sth that… • only too apparent. •
only too easy. • only too happy/glad to do
sth. • only too true. • only too willing to
do sth. • only your imagination. • the only
certainty. • the only ever defeat, etc. • the
only person/thing, etc. • the only surviv-
ing sb/sth. • the only thing is... • the only
trouble (with sb/sth) is (that)…
onset
the onset of recession. • the onset of de-
pression. • the onset of illness. • the on-
set of infection. • the onset of symptoms.
onto
be onto a good thing. • onto a plane.
onus
the onus of proof.
open
an opening shot. • be open to abuse. • be
open to attack. • be open to conjecture. •
be open to ideas. • be open to misinterpre-
tation. • be open to negotiation. • be open
to offers. • be open to suggestions. • be
open to the public. • open a bank account.
• open a door/window a crack. • open a
window. • open an account. • open an in-
quiry/inquest. • open an investigation. •
open and honest. • open doors (for sb). •
open for business. • open its/their doors
to sb. • open sth to competition. • open
sth to inspection/scrutiny. • open the door
(to sth). • open the doors to sb. • open the
lid. • open the scoring. • open your doors/
gates to sb. • opening credits. • opening
of Parliament. • opening remarks. • the
open sea.
operate
operate a policy. • operate at full capacity.

operation 92
• operate on a basis/principle. • operate
on a different plane.
operation
the operation of discretion.
opportunity
an opportunity to discover sth. • an op-
portunity to discuss sth. • an opportunity
to express sth. • an opportunity to ob-
serve sb/sth. • an opportunity to regain
sth. • an opportunity to renew sth. • the
opportunity of a lifetime.
opposition
an opposition party.
optional
an optional extra.
or
(25%, etc.) or thereabouts. • (a Manager,
etc.) or something. • (John, etc.) or
someone. • (London, etc.) or somewhere.
• (Rs. 100,000, etc.) or near offer. • (to
resign, etc.) or something. • or else… •
or not. • or rather… • or whenever. • or
wherever.
order
order of merit. • order of precedence. •
order of priority. • order of seniority. •
order out of chaos. • orders dried up. •
orders flooded in. • orders piled up. • the
order of succession.
organize
organize an event.
origin
the origin(s) of the universe.
originally
originally proposed. • originally released.
other
other things being equal. • the other (per-
son/thing). • the other night. • the other
one. • the other side of the street. • the
others.
our
our man in Delhi, etc. • our own house,
etc.
out
be out and about. • be out of context. •
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
93 paint
be out of danger. • be out of fashion. • be outline overthrow
out of it. • be out of sb’s league. • be out outline a plan. the overthrow of a regime. • the over-
of town. • be out of your mind with jeal- throw of tyranny.
outlive
ousy. • be out of your mind with worry/
outlive its usefulness. overturn
boredom. • be out of/in sympathy with
overturn a decision.
sb/sth. • out here. • out loud. • out of a outlook
job. • out of all proportion. • out of bed. an outlook on life. owe
• out of bounds (to sb). • out of charac- owe (sb) a debt of gratitude. • owe a debt
ter. • out of consideration for sb. • out of outside of gratitude to sb. • owe a duty to sb. •
curiosity. • out of focus. • out of gear. • outside contractors. • outside experts/ad- owe a great deal to sb/sth. • owe it to sb
out of habit. • out of harm’s way. • out of visers. • outside help/interference. • out- to do sth. • owe it to yourself to do sth. •
mischief. • out of necessity. • out of order. side influence. • outside lane. • outside owe much/a lot to sb/sth. • owe sb a
• out of perspective. • out of proportion observers. • outside sb’s control. • out- favour. • owe sb an apology/explanation.
(to/with sth). • out of range (of sth). • out side sb’s jurisdiction. • outside surface. •
outside the bounds of sth. • outside the own
of reach. • out of sb’s grasp. • out of sb’s
scope of sb/sth. • outside wall/shell. • his own. • sb’s own fault.
hands. • out of sb’s league. • out of sb’s/
the outside of sth.
sth’s sight. • out of sequence. • out of ownership
spite. • out of stock. • out of temptation’s outskirts ownership of copyright.
way. • out of the goodness of your heart. the outskirts of (the) town. • the outskirts ...
• out of the limelight. • out of the shape. of a city. • the outskirts of the village.
• out of the spotlight. • out of touch with
P
the reality/realities of sth. • out of outstanding
trouble/danger. • out of your own pocket. an outstanding contribution.
• out the back. • out the door. • out there.
oval
• out to get sb. • out to sea. oval in shape. • an oval-shaped table, etc.
outbreak over pace
an outbreak of crimes. • an outbreak of pace the room/floor. • the pace of change.
over a half. • over and done with. • over
disease. • an outbreak of fighting/hostili- budget. • over here/there. • over the bor- • the pace of development. • the pace of
ties. • an outbreak of rain. • an outbreak der. • over the intercom. • over the life. • the pace of reform/change, etc.
of terrorism. • an outbreak of trouble. • an Internet. • over the next decade. • over
outbreak of violence. • the outbreak of a
pack
the page. • over the past/last decade. •
a pack of cards. • a pack of lies. • a packed
revolution. • the outbreak of war. over the phone. • over the telephone.
house. • be packed full of sth. • be packed
outburst out. • be packed to bursting/overflowing.
overall
an outburst of fury. • an outburst of rage. an overall majority. • be packed to capacity. • pack a bag/suit-
• an outburst of violence. case, etc. • packed in ice. • packed in oil/
overcome salt.
outcast be overcome with emotion. • be over-
an outcast from/of society. • social out- come with excitement. • be overcome package
casts. with horror. a package of legislation. • a package of
measures. • a package of proposals.
outcome overnight
the outcome of a battle. • the outcome of an overnight success. pages
a case. • the outcome of a discussion. • 40, etc. pages long.
the outcome of a meeting. • the outcome overreach
of a struggle. • the outcome of a treat- overreach yourself. pain
a pain in your guts. • pain and suffering.
ment. • the outcome of an election. overstep
• the pain of bereavement. • the pain of
outflow overstep the bounds/limits of sth. • over- childbirth.
the outflow of funds. step the rules of sth.
paint
outlet overstretch paint a bleak picture. • paint a picture (of
an outlet for your energy. overstretch yourself. sth). • paint a rosy picture of sth. • paint

pair
a vivid picture. • paint sth blue/red, etc.
pair
a pair of glasses. • a pair of shoes.
pale
a pale imitation. • a pale shadow. • pale
and drawn. • pale in comparison to/with
sth. • pale into insignificance.
palm
palm(s) up/upwards. • the palm of your
hand.
panel
a panel of experts. • a panel of judges.
paradise
a paradise on earth.
paralysed
be paralysed from the chest/neck down.
• be paralysed from the waist down. • be
paralysed with fear.
parking
a parking space.
part
a part in shaping sth. • a part of a coun-
try. • a part of sb’s nature. • a part of the
world. • be part of sb’s brief. • be partly
your (own) fault. • part of a chain. • part
of a community. • part of a package. •
part of a project. • part of a set. • part of
a strategy. • part of a team. • part of sb’s
make-up. • part of the blame. • part of
the cycle (of sth). • part of the deal. •
part of the fascination. • part of the main-
stream. • part of your upbringing. •
partly decomposed. • partly due to sth. •
partly hidden. • the parts of the body.
partially
partially assembled. • partially clothed. •
partially decomposed. • partially hidden.
participant
a participant in a workshop.
particle
a particle of dust.
particularly
particularly keen.
parting
a parting shot.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
94 95 persecution
partner pause perception
a partner in a firm. a pause in conversation. • pause for a perception of reality. • perception of the
breath/thought. • pause only (long world.
pass
enough) to do sth. • pause to consider/
be passed over for sth. • pass (a) comment perch
look. • pause to reflect/think.
(on/about sth). • pass a bill. • pass a test. be perched (high) on a cliff. • be perched
• pass an exam. • pass judgment (on sth). pay high above/on sth. • be perched on the
• pass sth with flying colours. • pass un- a pay freeze. • a pay rise/increase. • pay edge of sth. • be perched on top of sth.
noticed. • pass without comment. • pass (in) cash. • pay (off) a debt. • pay a bill.
perfect
without incident. • pay a call on sb. • pay a fortune. • pay
a perfect stranger. • perfectly content. •
a heavy price (for sth). • pay and condi-
passage perfectly formed. • perfectly preserved.
tions. • pay attention to sb/sth. • pay
passage of years. • the passage of time.
dearly for sth. • pay in dollars/pounds, perform
passing etc. • pay little/no attention to sth. • pay perform a ceremony. • perform a check. •
a passing acquaintance. • passing of civi- money in/into the bank. • pay off a loan. perform a duty/service. • perform a func-
lization. • the passing of time. • pay over the odds. • pay sb a call. • pay tion/role. • perform a play. • perform a
sb a compliment. • pay sb a visit. • pay rite/ritual. • perform a task. • perform a
password
sb compensation. • pay the bill. • pay the test. • perform an experiment. • perform
be password protected.
an operation. • perform satisfactorily. •
going rate. • pay the penalty (for sth). •
past pay the price (for sth). • pay to have/get perform the impossible. • perform well/
past and present. • past the hour. • past sth done. poorly.
your prime. • the past few. • the past
payment period
month.
a period for/of reflection. • a period of a
payment in advance. • payment in cash.
past master • payment in kind. • payment of a debt. lease. • a period of adjustment. • a period
a past master at doing sth. • be a past • the payment of rent. of calm. • a period of change. • a period
master in/of sth. of depression. • a period of detention. • a
peace
period of disuse. • a period of expansion.
pat peace and quiet. • peace and tranquillity.
• a period of growth. • a period of history.
a pat on the back. • a pat on the shoulder. • peace of mind.
• a period of imprisonment. • a period of
• pat sth dry.
peak inactivity. • a period of instability. • a pe-
patch the peak of (sb’s/sth’s) popularity. • the riod of insurance. • a period of mourning.
a patch of colour. • a patch of fog. • a peak of career. • the peak of fame. • the • a period of prosperity. • a period of re-
patch of grass/ground. • a patch of sky. • peak of sb’s career. • the peak of your ca- spite. • a period of stability. • a period of
patch it/things up (with sb). • patches of reer. • the peaks and troughs. stagnation. • a period of study. • a period
fog. of suspension. • a period of time. • a pe-
peal riod of transition. • a period of uncer-
path a peal of bells. • a peal of laughter. • a
tainty. • a period of unemployment. • a
the path of least resistance. peal of thunder.
period of upheaval.
patience pen permanent
have little patience with sb/sth. • lose a pen and paper. • pen and ink.
a permanent fixture.
patience with sb/sth. • the patience of a
pending permit
saint.
pending appeal.
a permit holder.
patrol
people perpetrator
patrol the beat.
people of different faiths. • people say
a perpetrator of abuse. • a perpetrator of
pattern (that)…
crimes.
a pattern emerges/occurs. • a pattern of
peoples perpetuate
behaviour. • a pattern of inequality. • pat-
the peoples of the world.
terns of employment. • patterns of inter- perpetuate a myth.
action. • patterns of usage. • the pattern perceive persecution
of thoughts. a perceived advantage/need. • a per-
persecution of religions.
ceived threat.

person 96
person
a person of principle. • the person con-
cerned. • the person in charge. • the per-
son responsible.
personality
a personality clash. • a personality con-
flict. • a personality disorder.
pervert
pervert the course of justice.
pet
a pet project. • a pet theory/subject.
phase
a phase in/of (your) life. • a phase of a
project.
phone
do business by phone. • do business over
the phone. • phone in sick.
photographer
a photographer’s gallery/studio.
pick
pick (your) brains. • pick a fight/quarrel.
• pick and choose. • pick and mix. • pick
up a bug. • pick up a scent. • pick up a
station. • pick up speed. • pick up the
phone. • pick up the telephone. • pick up
where you left off. • pick your nose.
picture
picture a scene. • picture sb/yourself do-
ing sth. • the picture of innocence.
piece
a piece in a jigsaw. • a piece in the
puzzle. • a piece of advice. • a piece of
cake. • a piece of cheese. • a piece of
chocolate. • a piece of equipment. • a
piece of evidence. • a piece of fish. • a
piece of fruit. • a piece of information. •
a piece of land. • a piece of legislation. •
a piece of meat. • a piece of music. • a
piece of news. • a piece of paper. • a
piece of sculpture/work. • a piece of the
puzzle. • a piece of writing. • piece by
piece.
pile
a pile of documents. • a pile of paper-
work. • a pile of work. • pile on the pres-
sure. • pile (the books, etc.) one on top
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
of the other. • piled (high) with sth. •
piled high (with sth).
pillar
a pillar of society. • a pillar of strength/
support. • a pillar of the community. • a
pillar of the establishment.
pin
pin sth in place.
pipe
a pipe leads/runs somewhere.
pit
the pit of your stomach.
pitch
sb’s campaign pitch. • make your pitch. •
pitch sth high/low. • sales pitch.
place
a place for a rendezvous. • a place in his-
tory. • a place of business/entertainment.
• a place of exile. • a place of interest/
learning. • a place of pilgrimage. • a place
of quiet. • a place of refreshment. • a
place of refuge. • a place of residence. •
a place of safety. • a place of work. • a
place of worship. • a place on your
shelves. • a place to hide (sth). • a place
to live. • place (your) trust in sb/sth. •
place a bet on sth. • place a construction
on sth. • place a high priority on sth. •
place a price on sth. • place an embargo
on sth. • place an order/advertisement. •
place burden on sb/sth. • place emphasis
on sth. • place first/third, etc. in a race/
competition. • place importance/value on
sth. • place limits on sth. • place of birth.
• place reliance on sb/sth. • place restric-
tions (on sth). • place sb at a disadvan-
tage. • place sb on full alert. • place sb on
probation. • place sb under an obligation.
• place sb/sth on standby. • place sb/sth
under sth. • place sb/sth under strain/
pressure. • place sth in trust. • place sth
on display. • place strain/pressure on sb/
sth. • place stress on sth. • place tempta-
tion in sb’s way. • place the blame on sb/
sth. • place your faith/hope on sb/sth. •
place your fate in sb’s hands. • place your
head in a noose. • places of interest. • the
place of honour. • the place of purchase.
• third, etc. place.
97
plain
be plain to see. • plain blue shirt, etc.
plan
a plan of action/attack. • a plan of cam-
paign. • plan ahead. • plan for a contin-
gency/eventuality. • plan for the future.
• plan sth down to the last detail.
plank
a plank of wood.
plant
be planted with shrubs. • plant a bomb.
play
play (a game of) cat and mouse. • play
(the) guitar. • play a gig. • play a joke on
sb. • play a leading part/role. • play a
match. • play a role. • play a trick on sb.
• play a vital role (in sth). • play an es-
sential role/part in sth. • play by yourself.
• play cat and mouse (with sb). • play for
a team. • play havoc with sth. • play host
to a tournament, etc. • play opposite sb.
• play the fool. • play the lead (in sth).
• play the part of sb. • play the role of sb.
• play with/without (the) music. • play
your hand.
plea
a plea for help. • a plea for leniency.
plead
plead a headache. • plead for mercy. •
plead guilty to sth. • plead guilty/not
guilty. • plead illness. • plead tiredness.
please
be pleased to hear. • please accept my
deepest sympathy. • pleased to meet you.
• pleasing to the eye.
pleasures
the pleasures of life. • the pleasures of
the flesh.
pledge
a pledge of support. • pledge sb/yourself
to do sth.
plenty
plenty big/large enough. • plenty strong
enough.
plight
be in a desperate plight. • the plight of
political
the homeless/refugees/unemployed.
plot
a plot of land. • a plot to assassinate sb.
• plot a course for sth. • plot a graph.
pluck
pluck sb to safety. • pluck up (the) cour-
age.
plunge
be plunged into darkness. • plunge to a
new low. • plunge to your death.
plus
plus expenses. • plus point/factor. •
pluses and minuses.
pocket
a pocket of resistance.
point
a point in time. • a point of agreement/
disagreement. • a point of comparison. •
a point of contact. • a point of contention.
• a point of difference. • a point of
honour. • a point of interest. • a point of
law. • a point of light. • a point of order.
• a point of perfection. • a point of prin-
ciple. • a point of reference. • a point of
resemblance. • a point of similarity. • a
point of view. • a point on the agenda. •
point a gun (at sb). • point by point. •
point straight at sb/sth. • point the way. •
point to note. • the point at issue. • the
point of a spear. • the point of departure.
• the point of impact. • the point of no re-
turn. • the point of purchase.
pointer
a pointer to the future.
poise
poised on the brink/edge of sth. • poised
on the threshold of sth.
poison
poison sb’s mind.
pole
be poles apart.
policy
a policy of reconciliation. • policies to
combat sth.
political
a political enemy. • a political imperative.

poll 98
• a political situation. • political lobby-
ing. • the political agenda. • the political
sphere. • the political stage.
poll
poll 50, etc. percent of the vote.
pollution
pollution of the environment.
pomp
pomp and ceremony. • pomp and circum-
stance.
pool
a pool of talent. • pool your resources.
poor
a poor defenceless old man/lady. • a poor
grasp of sth. • a poor substitute. • a poor
worker. • poor (little) boy/girl. • poor
(little) child/kid. • poor and needy. •
poor old John, etc.
poorly
be poorly understood. • be poorly repre-
sented. • poorly integrated. • poorly pro-
tected. • poorly recorded.
pop
a pop fan. • pop your head round/
through the door.
popular
a popular choice. • a popular misconcep-
tion. • be popularly supposed. • be popu-
larly understood.
population
a population explosion.
portray
portray sb in a good/bad light.
pose
pose a challenge (to sth). • pose a danger
to sb/sth. • pose a difficulty/risk. • pose
a problem (for sb/sth). • pose a risk (to
sb). • pose a threat.
position
a position of authority. • a position of in-
feriority. • a position of influence. • a po-
sition of power. • a position of promi-
nence. • a position of responsibility. • a
position of trust. • the position of the le-
ver.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
99 process
positive main anonymous. • prefer your own com- prick
a positive result/outcome. pany. • the preferred choice. a prick of conscience. • the prick of a
needle.
possibility preparation
a possibility of escape. • a possibility of preparation for parenthood. • prepara- primary
failure. • a possibility of misunderstand- tions (for sth) are under way. the primary focus.
ing. • possibility (that) … prepare prime
post prepare (yourself) for sth. • prepare a prime candidate. • the prime of life.
post a guard. • the post of clerk. • the post (yourself) to do sth. • prepare a meal.
principal
of secretary. present the principal architect. • the principal rea-
potential present a challenge to sth. • present a pa- son.
potential for dispute. • potential for ex- per. • present a problem/difficulty. •
print
pansion. present a rosy picture of sth. • present a
print in bold type. • print in colour/black
show. • present a united front. • present
pots an image. • present company excepted. • and white.
pots and pans. present yourself as sth. • the present day. prior
pound by prior arrangement. • give sb prior no-
preserve
pound the beat. • pounds sterling. be preserved intact. • preserve the coun- tice. • have a prior claim to sth. • a prior
arrangement/engagement. • without
pour tryside. • preserve sth for future genera-
prior (written) consent.
pour your heart out. tions/posterity. • preserve sth intact. •
preserve your integrity. prison
power
press a prison term/sentence.
a power of good. • power(s) of interroga-
tion. • power(s) of invention. • power- press a case. • press a claim. • press a prisoner
hungry people. • powers of concentration. point. • press a switch. • press charges a prisoner of conscience. • a prisoner of
• powers of deduction. • powers of endur- (against sb). • press on regardless. • war.
ance. • powers of imagination. • powers press report. • press statement. • press
of observation. • powers of persuasion. • sth flat. • press sth open/shut. • press private
your nose against sth. • press yourself the private sector.
powers of reasoning. • the power behind
the throne. • the power of arrest. • the against sth. privilege
power of prayer. • the power of reasoning. pressure a privileged position.
• the power of speech. • the power of sug- pressure of work.
gestion. • the power of the monarch. • the
prize
presumed no prizes for guessing sth. • a prize idiot.
power of veto. • the power of your person-
presumed dead. • a prized possession.
ality. • the power to nominate sb. • the
power to suspend sth. • the power to pretty probing
transform sb/sth. • the power to veto sth. pretty little. • pretty well. a probing question.
pray prevent proceed
pray for mercy. • pray to God to do sth. prevent a tragedy. • prevent sth (from) proceed on the basis of sth.
preach happening. proceeds
preach a sermon. • preach the values/evils the proceeds from a sale.
prevention
of sth. • preach the virtues of sth. prevention is better than cure. process
precious a process of adaptation. • a process of
previous
precious few. previously released. • the previous day/ change. • a process of deduction. • a pro-
cess of discovery. • a process of integra-
precise week. • the previous month.
tion. • a process of negotiation. • a pro-
a precise definition. • the precise moment. price cess of revision. • a process of transition.
prefer be priced high/low. • the price of free- • the process of adjustment. • the process
prefer charges (against sb). • prefer to re- dom/success. of decay. • the process of manufacture.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
proclaim 100 101 put

proclaim properly public sector. push past sb. • push sb/sth to the limit. •
proclaim the virtues of sth. properly nourished. push sth open/shut. • push the thought
publicity aside/away. • push the thought from/out
produce proposal a publicity campaign. • a publicity coup. of your mind. • push your way to the
produce an effect. a proposal of marriage. • proposals to re- • a publicity stunt. front, etc. • push yourself forward. • push
form sth. publish yourself to the limit. • pushing and shov-
product
a product of sb’s imagination. propose publish a correction. ing.
propose a toast. • propose an amendment. puff put
profit
a profit on an investment. • profit after/ pros puff and pant. • puff at a pipe. • puff on (really) put sb through it. • be put on a
before tax. • profit margin. • profit mo- the pros and cons of (doing) sth. a pipe. • puffing and blowing. respirator. • put (your) trust in sb/sth. •
tive. • profit orientated. put a baby to the breast. • put a bet on sth.
prospect pull • put a brake/the brakes on sth. • put a
profound a daunting prospect. • be in prospect. • pull (yourself) free. • pull a car/building, construction on sth. • put a curse on sb/
a profound effect/influence. • a profound prospects of promotion/recovery, etc. etc. apart. • pull a door, etc. open/shut. sth. • put a date on/to sth. • put a figure
impact. • pull a gun on sb. • pull a hat (down) on sth. • put a gloss on sth. • put a high
protect over your ears/eyes. • pull a hat (down)
programme protect sb’s interests. • protect your iden- priority on sth. • put a knife to sb’s throat.
over your face. • pull a muscle. • pull a • put a match to sth. • put a name to sb/
the programme for tomorrow. • a tity. stunt. • pull it off. • pull on a cigarette.
programme of reform. • programme of sth. • put a plan into action/operation. •
protection • pull sth tight. • pull the curtains. • pull put a plan into effect. • put a price on sth.
improvements. the tables, etc. to bits. • pull the trigger.
protection from the elements. • protection • put a spell on sb. • put a/the squeeze on
progress of the environment. • pull your hair back in (to) a bun. • pull sb/sth. • put an embargo on sth. • put an
progress of science. • progress of work. yourself to your feet. • pull yourself up- interpretation on sth. • put aside your dif-
protest right.
project protest your innocence. ferences. • put down a deposit. • put
project an air of confidence. • project a punishable down a motion/an amendment. • put ef-
positive image. • project yourself (as sth).
prove punishable by imprisonment. fort into sth. • put emphasis on sth. • put
prove a hit. • prove a link. • prove sb in a plug for sth. • put in an application.
proliferation right/wrong. • prove sb’s innocence/guilt. purity • put it about/around that… • put it to sb
proliferation of weapons. • the prolifera- • prove the sceptics right/wrong. • prove purity of form/style. • purity of sound. that… • put money in/into the bank. • put
tion of cells. your mettle. • prove useful. purple money into sth. • put money on sth. • put
prominent purple in the face. • purple with rage. on (your) glasses. • put on a front. • put
provide
a prominent figure. on a play. • put on a show of sth. • put on
provide a chance. • provide a description purpose airs. • put on an accent. • put on an act.
(of sb/sth). • provide a framework. • pro- the purpose of a meeting. • the purpose
promote • put on clothes. • put on make-up. • put
vide a service. • provide a solution. • pro- of a programme. • sb’s (only) purpose in
promote an image. • promote sb (to Man- on weight. • put out a fire. • put pen to
vide an explanation. • provide an illustra- life.
ager, Editor, etc.). • promote sb to (In- paper. • put pressure on sb (to do sth). •
tion. • provide guidelines. • provide input
spector/Colonel, etc.). • promote tour- pursue put sb at a disadvantage. • put sb at arm’s
into/to sth. • provide training (for sb).
ism, etc. pursue a career. • pursue a policy. • pur- length. • put sb in a difficult position. •
provision sue an avenue. • pursue the matter/issue. put sb in a good/bad mood. • put sb in a
proof
provision in a lease. • the provision of re- • pursue your aims. spot. • put sb in an awkward/embarrass-
proof of guilt. • proof of identification. •
sources/facilities. • the provisions of a ing position. • put sb in charge (of sb/sth).
proof of identity. • proof of ownership. • pursuit
constitution. • the provisions of a direc- • put sb in contact. • put sb in control/
proof of payment. • proof of purchase. pursuit of a policy. • pursuit of fame. •
tive. • the provisions of a treaty. command (of sb/sth). • put sb in/into a
prop pursuit of science. • the pursuit of a goal. trance. • put sb on full alert. • put sb on
provoke • the pursuit of a strategy. • the pursuit
prop a bike against sth. probation. • put sb on standby. • put sb on
provoke a reaction/response. • provoke a of excellence. • the pursuit of happiness/ the defensive. • put sb out of a job. • put
propaganda riot. • provoke a storm of protest. • pro- pleasure. • the pursuit of knowledge/ sb out of business. • put sb out of work. •
a propaganda campaign. • a propaganda voke a storm of sth. • provoke sb into do- truth. • the pursuit of perfection. • the put sb through hell. • put sb to a lot of
coup. • a propaganda exercise. • a pro- ing sth. pursuit of wisdom. trouble. • put sb to bed. • put sb to the ex-
paganda machine.
public push pense of doing sth. • put sb to work. • put
proper a public relations coup. • public enemy push and shove. • push back the bound- sb under an obligation. • put sb under
proper performance of your duties. (number one). • the public purse. • the aries of sth. • push back the frontiers. • pressure. • put sb under strain/stress. •

qualify
102
put sb/sb’s life in danger. • put sb/sth at
risk. • put sb/sth in jeopardy/in danger.
• put sb/sth in the trust of sb. • put sb/
sth on standby. • put sth behind you. •
put sth cleverly/succinctly. • put sth in
context. • put sth in place. • put sth in
reverse. • put sth in writing. • put sth
into a pocket. • put sth into action. • put
sth into circulation. • put sth into effect.
• put sth into operation. • put sth into
perspective. • put sth into practice. • put
sth on display. • put sth on expenses. •
put sth on hold. • put sth on paper. • put
sth on sb’s tab. • put sth on the market.
• put sth on to boil. • put sth out of joint.
• put sth to (a/some) purpose. • put sth
to one side. • put sth to the vote. • put
sth up for sale. • put sth well. • put stress
on sth. • put temptation in sb’s way. •
put the blame on sb. • put the clock back.
• put the heat on (sb). • put the heating
on. • put the phone down on sb. • put
the receiver to your ear. • put the record
straight. • put the thought aside/away. •
put things right. • put things straight. •
put to sea. • put up your guard(s). • put
words into sb’s mouth. • put your affairs
in order. • put your arms around/round
sb/sth. • put your energy/energies into
sth. • put your faith in sb/sth. • put your
fate in sb’s hands. • put your head in a
noose. • put your stamp on sth. • put
your weight behind sth. • put your/sb’s
life at risk. • put yourself in sb’s place. •
put yourself out to do sth.
...
Q
qualify
qualify for a benefit/pension. • qualify
for a discount. • qualify for a grant.
qualifying
a qualifying match/tournament. • a
qualifying round. • a qualifying tie.
quality
a quality of performance. • quality con-
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
trol. • the quality of care. • the quality of
life. • the quality of service. • the quality
of workmanship.
quest
a quest for perfection. • the quest for
(the) truth. • the quest for knowledge.
question
a question mark over the future of sb/sth.
• a question of fact. • be a question of
survival. • question sb’s integrity. • ques-
tion sb’s motives. • question the logic of
sth. • question the wisdom/merit of sth.
quick
quick at figures. • a quick fix. • quick and
easy. • quick to take offence. • quicken
your pace. • the quickest route.
quiet
quiet and controlled. • a quiet drink/
smoke. • quiet footsteps. • a quiet life. •
a quiet voice. • be quiet.
quirk
a quirk of fate. • quirks and eccentrici-
ties/oddities.
quite
quite a bit. • quite a bit (of effort, etc.).
• quite a bit younger. • quite a good/big,
etc. sth. • quite a scare. • quite a shock.
• quite a while. • quite a/some way. •
quite a/something of a stir. • quite agree.
• quite an achievement. • quite an adven-
ture. • quite an experience. • quite con-
tent. • quite delicious. • quite easy. •
quite exceptional. • quite extraordinary.
• quite frankly. • quite inadequate. •
quite incredible. • quite justified. • quite
often. • quite possibly. • quite right. •
quite rightly. • quite simply. • quite so. •
quite sure. • quite the contrary. • quite
the opposite. • quite unable to do sth. •
quite well.
quote
quote sb as saying sth. • quote sb out of
context.
...
103
R ransom
race
a race against time. • race relations. • the
race is on.
rack
rack (your) brains. • racked by anxiety/
doubts. • racked by guilt. • racked with
guilt.
rainy
the rainy season.
raise
raise a family. • raise a question. • raise
a siege. • raise a storm of protest. • raise
an issue. • raise an objection. • raise
awareness (of sth). • raise sb’s profile. •
raise sb’s spirits. • raise sth for charity. •
raise sth to your lips/mouth. • raise the
age of sth. • raise the stakes. • raise the
tone (of sth). • raise your eyes heaven-
wards. • raise your hand. • raise your
voice.
rally
a rally of supporters. • rally support (for
sth). • rally to sb’s assistance/support. •
rally to sb’s cause. • rally to sb’s defence.
• rally to the cause.
range
a range of ability/abilities. • a range of al-
ternatives. • a range of backgrounds. • a
range of colours. • a range of contexts. •
a range of disciplines. • a range of exper-
tise. • a range of facilities. • a range of
factors. • a range of merchandise. • a
range of occupations. • a range of opin-
ions. • a range of possibilities. • a range
of prices. • a range of problems. • a range
of products. • a range of styles. • a range
of subjects. • a range of temperature. • a
range of topics. • a range of types. • a
range of variation.
rank
a rank of society. • be ranked number
two. • rank first, second, etc. • rank in
the top 10. • rank sth in order of sth. •
the rank of constable/sergeant. • the
ranks of the unemployed.
read
ransom demand. • ransom note.
rap
rap sb on/over the knuckles.
rape
a rape case. • a rape victim.
rapidly
rapidly disappearing.
rare
a rare breed. • a rare occurrence. • rarely
performed. • rarely, if ever.
raring
raring to go.
rate
a rate of descent. • a rate of discount. • a
rate of growth. • a rate of increase. • a
rate of interest. • a rate of progress. • a
rate of return. • rate of exchange/ex-
change rate. • rate sb/sth highly. • the
rate of attrition. • the rate of change. • the
rate of conviction. • the rate of erosion. •
the rate of flow. • the rate of movement.
rather
rather a pity. • rather a shame. • rather a
shock. • rather better/worse. • rather
more/bigger. • rather obscure. • rather
too big/early, etc. • rather well.
ray
a ray of hope. • a ray of light. • a ray of
sunlight/sunshine. • the rays of the sun.
reach
reach (an) agreement. • reach a compro-
mise. • reach a conclusion. • reach a con-
sensus. • reach a deal (with sb). • reach
a decision/conclusion. • reach a goal. •
reach a high (of …). • reach a mark. •
reach a point. • reach a stalemate. • reach
a verdict. • reach an agreement. • reach
an impasse. • reach the screen. • reach the
top. • reach your (full) potential. • reach
your destination. • reach your/its peak.
read
read (sth) aloud/out loud. • read a map.
• read a story. • read and write. • read sb
like a book. • read sb’s mind. • read sb’s
thoughts. • read sth from cover to cover.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
ready 104 105 repeat

• read the signals. recharge reduction in real terms. • a reduction in relax

recharge a battery. risk. • a reduction in spending. • a reduc- relax and enjoy sth/yourself. • relax re-
ready
tion in subsidies. • a reduction in tariff(s). strictions.
be readily influenced. • be readily ob- recipe • a reduction in the amount of sth. • a
served. • be ready to go. • be ready to a recipe for disaster. • a recipe for success. release
reduction in the number/size of sth. • a
settle down. • ready and willing. • ready a release of tension. • release an album. •
reckless reduction in the standard of living. • a re-
for occupation. • ready for use. release sb on bail/parole. • release sb
reckless disregard for sth. duction in value.
real without charge. • release your grip.
recognition refuse
a real blow. • a real character. • a real relieve
a recognition of the fact that… • recogni- refuse a request. • refuse an invitation. •
danger. • a real find. • a real trouper. • relieve the guard.
tion in sb’s eyes. refuse sb bail.
real or imagined.
regain relive
realize recommend
regain control of sth. relive your youth.
realize a dream/ambition. • realize a recommend sth highly.
goal. • realize your (full) potential. regard remain
recommendations
regard sb/sth with suspicion. remain buried. • remain hidden. • remain
really the recommendations of a report.
optimistic that… • remain seated. • re-
be really excellent. • be really upset. • re- record regardless main steadfast (in sth). • remain true (to
ally and truly believe sth/that … a record high. • a record low. • a record regardless of sex. sb/sth).
realm of achievement. • be recorded for poster- regular remainder
the realm of experience. • the realms of ity. • record a verdict. • record an album. a regular occurrence. the remainder of your life.
fantasy. • the realms of possibility. recover regulation remanded
reap recover from (the) recession. • recover regulation of (an) industry. be remanded in custody. • be remanded
reap a benefit. • reap a reward. your composure. • recover your memory. on bail.
regulatory
reason recurrent a regulatory framework. remedy
reason for disagreement. • reason for dis- a recurrent theme. a remedy to a problem.
reign
missal. • reason for hope. • reason for op- recurring a reign of terror. • the reign of an em- remove
timism. • reason to believe (that)… • a recurring dream, etc. • a recurring peror. remove a cap. • remove sb from office. •
reason to suppose sth (that) … theme.
reins remove restrictions (on sth). • remove sth
reasonable red at a stroke. • remove slums. • remove sub-
the reins of government. • the reins of of-
a reasonable explanation/excuse. • rea- red in the face. • red with rust. sidies. • twice/thrice-, etc. removed.
fice. • the reins of power. • the reins of
sonably well.
redress state. renew
rebuild redress the balance. renew a call/appeal.
reject
rebuild sth from scratch. • rebuild your
reduce reject a request. • reject sth on unreason- renewal
life.
be reduced to a pile of sth. • be reduced able, etc. grounds. • reject sth out of a renewal of a mandate. • renewal of
recapture to conjecture. • be reduced to the ranks. hand. fighting.
recapture your youth. • reduce sb to tears. • reduce sth in size/ rejection repair
receive number, etc. • reduce sth to a/sth mini- the rejection of a proposal. • the rejection repair and maintenance. • repair the dam-
receive (a) benefit. • receive a guest. • re- mum. • reduce sth to dust/ashes. • reduce of an idea/a theory. age.
ceive a letter from sb. • receive a phone sth to rubble. • reduce the effect(s) of sth.
• reduce the gap. • reduce the incidence. relationship repay
call. • receive a scholarship. • receive a
• reduce the risk of sth. • reduce the size the relationship between cause and effect. repay sb for their generosity. • repay sb’s
telephone call. • receive an injection.
of sth. • reduced sugar content. relative trust, etc. with loyalty. • repay sth with in-
recently terest.
reduction sb’s friends and relatives. • a relative by
recently discovered. • recently erected. •
a reduction in cost. • a reduction in expen- marriage. repayment
recently established. • recently installed.
• recently introduced. • recently opened. diture. • a reduction in fares. • a reduc- relatively repayment of a debt/loan/mortgage.
• recently planted. • recently recruited. • tion in manpower. • a reduction in num- relatively easy. • relatively obscure. • repeat
recently released. • recently restored. bers. • a reduction in price. • a reduction relatively speaking. repeated absences from work. • a repeat
in productivity. • a reduction in rate. • a
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
rephrase 106
performance. • repeat a step. • repeated sible for the upkeep of a building, etc.
demands.
rest
rephrase rest and refreshment. • rest and relax-
rephrase a question. ation. • rest easy. • rest your eyes. • the
rest is history. • the rest of the society. •
report the rest of the morning. • the rest of the
report for duty. • report sb/sth missing. •
world. • the rest of your life.
reports of atrocities.
restless
representative a restless night.
a representative sample/selection.
restoration
reproduce the restoration of diplomatic relations. •
reproduce sth accurately/exactly. • repro-
the restoration of the monarchy.
duce sth faithfully. • reproduced by cour-
tesy/permission of sb/sth. restore
restore (your) spirits. • restore sth to its
request former glory. • restore your faith in sb/sth.
a request for help. • a request for infor-
mation. • request the pleasure of sb’s result
company. result in a tie. • result in failure. • the re-
sult of (the) negligence. • the result of a
reserves meeting. • the result of a referendum. •
reserves of stamina.
the result of a treatment. • the result of
resignation the X-ray. • the results of a study/survey.
resignation on (the) grounds of sth.
resume
resume an attack. • resume hostilities. •
resist
resume negotiations. • resume your place/
resist (the) temptation. • resist an im-
position. • resume your seat.
pulse. • resist the temptation to do sth.
resistance retain
resistance to a disease. • resistance to an retain your dignity.
infection.
return
a return of 5%. • a return on an invest-
resolution
ment. • a return on capital. • a return on
the resolution of a crisis. • the resolution
your capital. • a return ticket. • a return
of a dispute.
to normality. • a return to profitability. •
resolve return a call. • return a favour. • return a
resolve a crisis. • resolve a question. • re-
verdict. • return sb to office. • return sb’s
solve your differences.
fire. • return the compliment. • return the
respect favour. • return to haunt sb. • return to
respect for law. • respect for the indi- normal. • return to the fold. • return to
vidual. • respect for the rules. • respect work/school. • the return of exiles. • the
for tradition. • respect sb’s wishes. return of refugees.
respond reveal
respond to treatment. reveal your identity.
responsibility reversal
responsibility for the upkeep of sth. a reversal of fortune(s). • the reversal of
a policy. • the reversal of a trend.
responsible
be responsible for maintaining sth. • be reverse
responsible for overseeing sth. • respon- reverse a decision. • reverse the positions
107
of sth and sth else. • reverse the func-
tions of sth and sth else. • reverse gear.
review
review sth in the light of sth.
revival
a revival in/of sb’s fortunes. • a revival of
interest. • a revival of morale. • revival
of the economy. • the revival of (an) in-
dustry. • the revival of nationalism.
revive
revive sb’s/sth’s fortunes. • revive the
economy.
reward
a reward for your efforts. • reward and
punishment. • reward enough.
rich
be richly bound. • rich in fibre. • richness
of details. • the rich and famous.
rift
a rift in a party/group, etc.
right
a right hook. • a right of appeal. • a right
of reply. • a right of veto. • be right in be-
lieving sth. • be right in saying/thinking
sth. • right a wrong. • right after/before
sb. • right and proper. • right and wrong.
• right behind/in front of sb. • right here.
• right in the middle of sth. • right now.
• right of centre. • right of entry. • right
of way. • right on cue. • right on the
edge. • right past. • right side. • right
there. • right up/down to sth. • right you
are. • rights and remedies. • rights and
responsibilities. • rights of navigation. •
the right decision. • the right moment. •
the right of assembly. • the right of free
speech. • the right of succession. • the
right person for the job. • the right time.
• the right to life. • the right to live. • the
right to nominate sb. • the right to pri-
vacy. • the right to roam. • the right to
silence. • the right to strike. • the right
to terminate sth. • the right to veto sth.
• the right way up/round. • the right
wing of the party. • the rights and wrongs
(of sth).
ring
a ring at/on the doorbell. • a ring of
river
truth. • ring a bell. • ring in sick.
rip
rip sth apart. • rip sth open. • rip sth to
shreds.
ripe
the ripe old age of sth.
ripple
a ripple of applause. • a ripple of laugh-
ter.
rise
a rise in consumption/demand. • a rise in
expenditure. • a rise in exports. • a rise in
fares. • a rise in imports. • a rise in in-
come. • a rise in inflation. • a rise in mort-
gage rates. • a rise in numbers. • a rise in
output. • a rise in popularity. • a rise in
price. • a rise in production. • a rise in
profits. • a rise in salary. • a rise in sales.
• a rise in spending. • a rise in stature. •
a rise in temperature. • a rise in the stan-
dard. • a rise in the standard of living. •
a rise in tourism. • a rise in turnover. • a
rise in unemployment. • a rise in value. •
a rise in wages. • a rise to prominence. •
a rising star (of sth). • rise and fall. • rise
and fall of civilization. • rise and shine. •
rise from a table/desk. • rise in rate. • rise
to fame. • rise to power. • rise to stardom.
• rise to the top. • rise to your feet. • the
rise and fall of sth. • the rise in national-
ism. • the rise of a dynasty. • the rise of a
movement. • the rise of capitalism. • the
rise of communism. • the rising tide of
crime, etc.
risk
a risk of complications. • a risk of failure.
• a risk of infection. • a risk of injury. • a
risk of miscarriage. • a risk of misunder-
standing. • a risk of relapse. • a risky busi-
ness. • risk it. • risk life and limb. • risk
losing sth. • risk your life. • risks and ben-
efits. • risks and rewards. • the risk of dis-
ease. • the risk of litigation. • the risk of
recurrence. • the risk of repetition. • the
risk of scandal.
river
a house on the river. • the mouth of the
river. • the river’s edge. • travel up/down
the river.

road 108
road
the road to democracy. • the road to ruin.
• the road to stardom.
roar
a roar of approval. • a roar of disapproval.
• a roaring fire. • a roaring trade. • roar
with laughter. • the roar of (the) surf. •
the roar of the engine. • the roar of the
sea. • the roar of the wind.
rob
rob sb blind. • rob sb at knifepoint/gun-
point.
robbery
robbery with violence.
rock
rock and roll. • rock sth to its foundations.
role
a role in shaping sth. • the role of a pro-
ducer. • the role of direction. • the role of
science. • the role of the media.
roll
a roll of drums. • a roll of fat. • a roll of
film. • a roll of honour. • a roll of the dice.
• a roll of thunder. • roll your eyes heav-
enwards.
romantic
be a romantic at heart.
room
a room with a view. • room for disagree-
ment. • room for expansion. • room for
improvement. • room for manoeuvre (on
sth). • room for misunderstanding. •
room for negotiation. • room for opti-
mism. • room to manoeuvre.
root
roots of conflict. • the root of all evil. •
the root of the matter. • the root of the
problem/trouble. • the root cause of sth.
rot
be left to rot. • the rot sets in. • stop the
rot.
rough
a rough estimate. • a rough night. • a
rough patch. • a rough ride. • a rough
time. • rough seas. • the rough and
tumble of politics, etc.
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round
a round dozen. • a round of applause. •
a round of drinks. • a round of golf. • a
round of interviews. • a round of negotia-
tions/talks. • a round of voting. • a round
table discussion/meeting. • round a bend.
• round and round. • round here. • round
table talks. • round the back. • the first,
etc. round of the cup.
rouse
rouse yourself (and do sth).
route
a route to chaos.
row
row upon row. • rows and rows.
rude
a rude joke. • a rude word/gesture. • be
rudely awakened.
ruin
be the ruin of sb/sth. • ruin sb’s career. •
ruin your appetite.
rule
a ruling party. • rule in favour of sb. • rule
out a possibility. • rule supreme. • rule
with a rod of iron. • rule with an iron fist/
hand. • rules and regulations. • rules of
conduct. • rules of evidence. • the rule of
law. • the ruling classes.
rumour
rumour has it that …
run
(sth) runs off the mains/a battery. • be run
down. • be run over (by a car, etc.). • run
(sb) a bath. • run a business. • run a cam-
paign. • run a comb through sth. • run a
course. • run a test. • run according to
plan. • run an errand. • run an iron over
(a cloth, etc.). • run counter to sth. • run
for cover/shelter. • run for office. • run
into debt. • run into difficulty. • run into
trouble. • run low (on sth). • run of bad/
good luck. • run on petrol/electricity. •
run on time. • run out of patience. • run
parallel to sth. • run riot. • run sb back.
• run sb home. • run sb there. • run short
of space. • run the gamut. • run the
gauntlet of… • run the length of sth. • run
the risk of doing sth. • run to fifty pages,
109 scare
etc. • run up a debt. • run your eye/fin- same
ger down a page. • run your hand(s) over same old complaints, etc. • the same ap-
sth. • run your hand(s) through your hair, plies. • the same place, etc. as…
etc. • run yourself down. • run-down of
sap
service. • running low on sth. • running
sap sb’s energy/strength. • sap investor
short of sth.
confidence. • sap sb’s will.
rung
a rung of a ladder. • a rung on the ladder. satisfy
satisfy sb/yourself that… • satisfy sb’s ap-
runny petite. • satisfy sb’s curiosity. • satisfy sb’s
a runny nose. demands. • satisfy sb’s hunger/thirst. •
satisfy the criteria. • satisfy the demand
rush
for sth.
a rush of air. • a rush of emotions. • be
rushed to hospital. • rush headlong into save
sth. • rush to sb’s /the rescue. • rush to save sb the bother. • save sb the bother/
sb’s aid. • rush to sb’s defence.
expense (of doing sth). • save sb the
trouble of doing sth. • save sb’s blushes.
...
• save sb’s place. • save yourself the
S
trouble.
say
be said to do sth. • say a few words. • say
a prayer. • say for certain. • say goodbye
(to sb). • say hello (to sb). • say no (to
sacrifice sb/sth). • say so. • say sorry (to sb for
a sacrifice worth making. • sacrifice sth sth). • say sth in sb’s defence. • say to
for the sake of sth. yourself (that)… • say who did sth. • say
sad yes (to sb/sth). • say your goodbyes. • say
a sad state of affairs. • be a sad commen- your prayers.
tary (on sth). • be sad to see/hear sth. • saying
be sadly missed. • the sad thing is … the saying goes (that)…
safe scale
a safe bet (that)… • a safe bet for… • a the scale of a problem. • the scale of de-
safe distance. • be safely locked. • safe velopment. • the scale of disasters. • a
and sound. • safe for human consump- scale of measurement. • the scale of the
tion. • the safest course is to do sth. problem.
safeguard scandal
safeguard sb’s interests. a scandal breaks.
safety scarcely
safety conscious. • safety first. • the safety could scarcely breathe. • scarcely credit
aspect. sth.
sag scarcity
sag in the middle. scarcity of accommodation. • scarcity of
salt food/water.
salt and pepper. scare
salvage be scared to death. • scare sb silly/stiff. •
salvage your pride. scare sb to death. • scare the hell/life out
of sb. • scare the living daylights out of sb.

scar 110
• scare the pants off sb. • scared out of
your wits. • scared stiff.
scar
be scarred for life.
scene
a scene of chaos. • a scene of confusion.
• a scene of devastation. • scenes from/
of sb’s childhood. • scenes from/of sb’s
youth. • scenes of rejoicing. • the scene
of a crime. • the scene of defeat. • the
scene of the accident.
scent
a scent of incense. • the scent of a rose.
• the scent of victory.
schedule
be scheduled to begin/start. • be sched-
uled to take place.
scheme
a scheme to promote sth. • your scheme
of things. • scheming and gossiping.
school
a school of dance. • a school of econom-
ics. • a school of thought. • a school re-
port. • school rules.
science
a science class. • science and technology.
• the science of doing sth. • the science
of genetics/geology. • the science of poli-
tics.
scientific
a scientific approach to sth. • the scien-
tific sphere.
scope
scope for creativity. • scope for disagree-
ment. • scope for dispute. • scope for ex-
pansion. • scope for improvement. •
scope for innovation. • scope for misun-
derstanding. • the scope of a book.
scorch
a scorch mark.
score
score a double. • score a goal. • score a
point. • score a run/try. • score a suc-
cess/victory. • score a win. • score points
against/over sb. • score points off sb. •
score points with sb.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
scramble
a scramble for power. • scramble to safety.
• scramble to your feet.
scrap
(not) make a scrap of difference. • scraps
of cloth/paper/wood. • scraps of conver-
sation. • scraps of information. • scraps of
news. • sell your car, etc. for scrap.
scrape
scrape (out) a living. • scrape sth clean.
scratch
a scratch mark. • scratch out a living. •
scratch yourself on a nail/the roses, etc.
scream
a scream of agony. • a scream of surprise.
• scream and shout (at sb/sth). • scream
with laughter. • scream your head off.
screech
a screech of brakes. • a screech of tyres.
• screech to a halt.
screw
screw sth in place/into position. • screw
in the screw. •• screw up your eyes/face.
scrub
scrub sth clean. • scrub dirt/paint/stains
off sth.
sea
a sea change. • a sea of faces/people. • a
sea of mud. • a sea of things.
seal
a seal of approval. • seal a border. • seal
off an area. • seal your fate.
search
a search for identity. • a search for knowl-
edge. • a search for perfection. • a search-
ing question. • search and rescue. •
search far and wide. • search high and
low. • search sth from top to bottom. • the
search for (the) truth. • the search for a
clue. • the search for a cure.
seat
a seat in Parliament. • a seat of learning.
• a seat on a council. • a seat on the
board. • be seated. • be seated cross-
legged. • the seat of honour.
111 sense
second seek
a second chance. • be second in line. • seek an injunction. • seek the aid of sb.
second gear. • second largest/biggest ce-
ment factory, etc. • second most impor- seeker
a seeker after truth.
tant reason, etc. • second offence. • sec-
ond place. • second post. • second prize. seem
• second try. • the second in a series. • seem (like) ages. • seem genuine to sb. •
the second road on the left/right. • the seem happy/relaxed to sb. • seem like. •
second time. • second a proposal. • sec- seem to have done sth.
ond to none. • seconds later.
segment
secret
a segment of society.
a secret location. • secrets of universe. •
the secret of (sb’s) success. seize
seize hold of sb/sth. • seize the initiative.
section
• seize the moment.
a section of society.
seldom
sector
seldom, if ever.
a sector of industry. • a sector of society.
select
• a sector of the economy. • a sector of
the market. • a sector of the population. a select few.
selection
secure
be securely locked. • secure a percent of a selection of cheese/antiques, etc.
the vote. • secure a place. • secure a vic- selective
tory. • secure in the knowledge that… • a selective memory.
secure sb’s release.
sell
security sell sth at a profit/loss. • sell sth for scrap.
a security light. • security against a loan. • sell your body. • sell an idea to sb. • sell
• security conscious. • security for a yourself (to sb) (at a job interview).
loan. • the security aspect. • the security
of tenure. seller
a seller’s market.
see
(not) see eye to eye (with sb). • not see semblance
any reason. • see anything suspicious. • a semblance of order.
see if… • see less/a lot of sb. • see more
send
of sb. • see no reason. • see reason. • see be sent to jail. • send (sb) a letter. • send
sb across the road. • see sb home. • see a chill down sb’s spine. • send a chill
sb to the door. • see sb/sth in a better, through sb. • send a signal. • send sb into
etc. light. • see sth as a sign. • see sth in exile. • send sb sprawling. • send sb to
context. • see something of life. • see sth prison. • send shivers along/down your
performed. • see the funny side (of sth). spine. • send sth by airmail. • send sth by
• see the logic of/in sth. • see the point. post/mail. • send sth soaring. • send your
• see the sights. • see things differently apologies.
(from sb). • see what sb means. • see
you. • see yourself. sense
a sense of (your own) worth. • a sense of
seeds achievement. • a sense of anticipation. •
plant the seeds of doubt in sb’s mind. • a sense of balance. • a sense of belonging.
the seeds of conflict. • the seeds of crisis. • a sense of betrayal. • a sense of coher-
• the seeds of destruction. ence. • a sense of community. • a sense of
confidence. • a sense of continuity. • a

sentence 112
sense of curiosity. • a sense of decency. •
a sense of despair. • a sense of destiny. •
a sense of detachment. • a sense of dig-
nity. • a sense of direction. • a sense of
disappointment. • a sense of disgust. • a
sense of dissatisfaction. • a sense of dis-
tance. • a sense of doom. • a sense of
dread. • a sense of duty. • a sense of fail-
ure. • a sense of fairness. • a sense of fa-
tigue. • a sense of foreboding. • a sense
of frustration. • a sense of fulfilment. • a
sense of fun. • a sense of gratitude. • a
sense of grief. • a sense of grievance. • a
sense of guilt. • a sense of harmony. • a
sense of helplessness. • a sense of history.
• a sense of honour. • a sense of humili-
ation. • a sense of humour. • a sense of
identity. • a sense of inadequacy. • a
sense of individuality. • a sense of inevi-
tability. • a sense of inferiority. • a sense
of injustice. • a sense of insecurity. • a
sense of intimacy. • a sense of irritation.
• a sense of justice. • a sense of libera-
tion. • a sense of loneliness. • a sense of
loss. • a sense of mission. • a sense of
mistrust. • a sense of movement. • a
sense of nostalgia. • a sense of obliga-
tion. • a sense of occasion. • a sense of
optimism. • a sense of outrage. • a sense
of panic. • a sense of perspective. • a
sense of pity. • a sense of pride. • a sense
of proportion. • a sense of purpose. • a
sense of realism. • a sense of reality. • a
sense of rejection. • a sense of release. •
a sense of resentment. • a sense of re-
sponsibility. • a sense of revulsion. • a
sense of rhythm. • a sense of sadness. •
a sense of satisfaction. • a sense of secu-
rity. • a sense of self. • a sense of shame.
• a sense of shock. • a sense of solidar-
ity. • a sense of superiority. • a sense of
tension. • a sense of the absurd. • a sense
of the ridiculous. • a sense of timing. • a
sense of triumph. • a sense of unease. •
a sense of unity. • a sense of urgency. •
a sense of vocation. • a sense of wonder.
• sense of touch. • the sense of hearing.
• the sense of sight. • the sense of smell.
• the sense of taste.
sentence
a sentence of imprisonment. • sentence
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
sb to (six months, etc.) imprisonment. •
sentence sb to death. • the sentence of
death.
sequence
a sequence of disasters. • the sequence of
events.
series
a series of activities. • a series of attacks.
• a series of difficulties, etc. • a series of
disasters. • a series of documents. • a se-
ries of events. • a series of incidents. • a
series of measures. • a series of problems.
• a series of proposals. • a series of ques-
tions. • a series of tests.
serious
a serious accident. • a serious boyfriend/
girlfriend. • a serious crime/offence. • a
serious danger. • a serious illness. • a se-
rious injury. • a serious mistake. • a seri-
ous problem. • a serious relationship. • a
serious threat. • be seriously tempted. •
serious troubles.
serve
serve a purpose. • serve an apprentice-
ship. • serve as a brake on sth. • serve as
a reminder. • serve as a warning. • serve
sb well. • serve sb with a summons. •
serve sb with a writ/order. • serve sb’s in-
terests. • serve sth chilled/cold. • serve
sth hot/cold, etc. • serve the needs of chil-
dren/the elderly, etc. • serve to empha-
size/strengthen sth. • serve to illustrate
sth. • serve to remind sb what/when…
session
a session of parliament. • a session of
talks. • a session of the assembly. • be in
session.
set
a set of attitudes. • a set of circumstances.
• a set of components. • a set of condi-
tions. • a set of documents. • a set of
guidelines. • a set of instructions. • a set
of measures. • a set of negotiations. • a set
of prejudices. • a set of principles. • a set
of problems. • a set of proposals. • a set
of questions. • a set of reasons. • a set of
regulations. • a set of rules. • a set of val-
ues. • a set pattern. • be set in your ways.
113
• set (sb) a standard. • set a clock. • set
a date/time (for sth). • set a fashion/
trend (for sth). • set a goal. • set a limit.
• set a mood. • set a precedent. • set a
record. • set a target. • set a timetable for
sth. • set a tone/pattern (for sth). • set a
trap. • set an example. • set conditions
(for sth). • set criteria (for sth). • set eyes
on sb/sth. • set fire to sth. • set guide-
lines (for sth). • set limits (for sth). • set
off an alarm. • set off on a journey. • set
out on a journey. • set parameters (for
sth). • set rules (for sth). • set sail (for
the next island, etc.). • set sb a challenge.
• set sb a goal/objective. • set sb a task.
• set sb apart. • set sb loose. • set sb to
work doing sth. • set sb up in business. •
set sb/sth free. • set sb/sth loose. • set
sth ablaze. • set sth alight. • set sth in
motion. • set sth to one side. • set the
agenda. • set the clock back. • set the
record straight. • set the tone (for sth). •
set to work (on) doing sth. • set to work
(to do sth). • set up a roadblock. • set up
shop. • set your affairs in order. • set your
sights high/low. • set your sights on sth.
• the set of your jaw.
setback
setback for (our) hopes. • a setback in
your career. • a setback in the peace pro-
cess.
settle
settle a bill. • settle a debt. • settle an ac-
count. • settle for second best. • settle sth
out of court. • settle your differences.
settlement
settlement of a debt. • the settlement of
a dispute.
several
several hundred/thousand, etc. people/
things.
severe
a severe look/expression (on sb’s face). •
a severe winter. • be severely tempted.
sexually
sexually harass sb.
shade
a shade of meaning. • shades of opinion.
shift
shadow
a shadow of your former self.
shaft
a shaft of light. • shaft of sunlight.
shake
a shake of the head. • a shake of your
head. • be shaking all over. • be shaking
like a leaf. • shake loose (from sb/sth). •
shake off an image. • shake sb by the
hand. • shake with fear. • shake with
laughter. • shake your head.
shape
be shaped like sth. • shapes and sizes. •
the shape of things to come.
share
a share of the blame. • a share of the mar-
ket. • a share of the spoils. • share a
needle. • share your experiences of sth.
sharp
a sharp bend. • a sharp decline. • a sharp
distinction. • a sharp drop/fall. • a sharp
frost. • a sharp pain. • a sharp rise/in-
crease. • a sharp tongue. • sharply sepa-
rated.
shatter
shatter (sth) into pieces. • shatter sb’s con-
fidence. • shatter sb’s hopes. • shatter sb’s
illusions. • shatter sb’s peace.
sheer
sheer weight of numbers. • the sheer size/
volume, etc. of sth.
sheet
a sheet of glass. • a sheet of paper. •
sheets and blankets.
shelter
shelter for the night. • shelter from the el-
ements.
shield
shield sth from view. • shield your eyes/
face.
shift
a shift in attitude. • a shift in policy. • a
shift in public opinion. • a shift in sb’s
thinking. • a shift of emphasis. • a shift of
focus. • a shift of policy. • shift from foot
to foot. • shift the balance. • shift the fo-

shirt 114
cus. • shift your eyes/gaze. • shift your
ground. • shift your weight.
shirt
shirt and tie.
shiver
a shiver of anticipation. • a shiver of ex-
citement. • a shiver of horror/shock. •
shiver with cold. • shiver with fear. •
shiver with surprise.
shock
a shock to the system. • a shock defeat/
win. • shock tactics. • the shock of be-
reavement. • the shock of your life.
shoot
be shot to hell/pieces. • shoot (sb) on
sight. • shoot a basket. • shoot a film. •
shoot a glance (at sb). • shoot a look at
sb. • shoot a scene. • shoot sb at close
range. • shoot sb dead. • shoot sb in the
arm. • shoot sb in the head. • shoot sb in
the leg. • shoot sb in the stomach. • shoot
sth down in flames. • shoot to fame. •
shoot to kill. • shoot to stardom/celebrity.
• the shooting season.
shopping
do your shopping. • a shopping spree. •
a shopping trip.
shores
the shores of the lake.
short
a short article/poem. • a short book. • a
short period/spell. • a short stay. • a
short step from/to sth. • a short time. •
a short while. • be short of space. • short
of breath. • short of cash. • short of food/
clothing. • short of money. • the shortest
route.
shortage
a shortage of accommodation. • a short-
age of food. • a shortage of funds. • a
shortage of manpower. • a shortage of
materials. • a shortage of staff. • a short-
age of supplies.
shortcomings
shortcomings in/of the system. • short-
comings of the constitution. • shortcom-
ings on sb’s part.
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shortfall
a shortfall in supply.
shortly
shortly after sb’s death. • shortly before
midnight.
shoulder
a shoulder to cry on. • shoulder a respon-
sibility/burden. • shoulder to shoulder. •
shoulder your way past/through sb/sth.
shout
a shout of anger/alarm. • a shout of
laughter. • a shout of pain. • a shout of
rage. • a shout of victory. • shout and
scream. • shout at the top of your voice.
• shout insults/abuse (at sb). • shout
yourself hoarse. • shouts of derision.
shove
be pushing and shoving to do sth • shove
your way sw.
show
a show of affection. • a show of bravado.
• a show of compassion. • a show of emo-
tion. • a show of force/strength. • a show
of reluctance. • show (an) interest (in
sth). • show (no) pity. • show a disposi-
tion to do sth. • show all signs that… •
show an improvement. • show charity (to
sb). • show consideration for sb/sth. •
show every sign of improving. • show
favour to sb. • show little sign of improv-
ing. • show no sign of improving. • show
remorse (for sth). • show sb mercy. •
show sb the way. • show sb/sth in a poor,
etc. light. • show signs of cracking. • show
sth to advantage. • show your apprecia-
tion/gratitude. • show your hand. • show
your mettle. • show your teeth. • the
show opens. • the showing of a film.
shower
a shower of sparks. • shower gifts on sb.
• shower sb with gifts.
shrink
shrink in size.
shroud
shrouded in fog. • shrouded in mist. •
shrouded in mystery. • shrouded in se-
crecy.
115
shrug
a shrug of the shoulders. • shrug your
shoulders.
shuffle
shuffle in your chair/seat. • shuffle your
feet.
shut
shut sth tight. • shut the door. • shut the
door behind you. • shut the door in sb’s
face. • shut the door on sth.
sick
sick and dying. • sick and injured/
wounded. • sick and tired. • sick and
tired of (doing) sth. • sick in the head. •
sick of the sight of sb/sth. • sick to death
of sth. • sick to the back teeth of sth. • the
sick and wounded.
side
a side of the equation. • the side effects
of the drugs. • the side of a river. • the
side of a crater. • the side of a mountain.
• the side of the bed. • the side of the
lake. • the side of the mouth. • the side
of the pool. • the side of the skull. • the
side of the stream.
sidestep
sidestep a question.
sigh
a sigh of disappointment. • a sigh of ex-
asperation. • a sigh of impatience. • a
sigh of pleasure/contentment. • a sigh of
relief. • a sigh of resignation. • sigh with
satisfaction/regret.
sign
a sign of a struggle. • a sign of activity. •
a sign of affection. • a sign of hope. • a
sign of independence. • a sign of inferi-
ority. • a sign of nervousness. • a sign of
recovery. • a sign of reluctance. • a sign
of repentance. • a sign of respect. • a sign
of tension. • a sign of the times. • a sign
of things to come. • a sign of tiredness. •
a sign of weakness. • be signed and
sealed. • sign a contract. • sign a pact to
do sth. • sign an autograph. • sign lan-
guage. • sign of goodwill. • sign of
strength. • sign of the Cross. • signs of
(a) revival. • signs of corrosion. • signs
sit
of decay. • signs of deterioration. • signs
of fatigue. • signs of impatience. • signs of
improvement. • signs of life. • signs of
strain. • signs of wear. • the signs of the
zodiac.
significant
a significant correlation. • significantly re-
duce sth.
signing
the signing of a treaty, etc.
silly
a silly little idea/table, etc.
silver
a silver tongue. • a silver-tongued person.
• sb’s silver-tongued charm.
simple
the simple act of doing sth.
simplicity
be simplicity itself.
simply
simply delicious. • simply the best.
since
since birth. • since then. • since time im-
memorial. • since when …
sing
sing a baby to sleep. • sing sb’s praises. •
sing with/without (the) music. • sing your
troubles/worries away.
single
a single bed/mattress. • a single sheet. •
a single ticket. • single-parent family. •
the single largest/biggest.
sink
sink into crisis/chaos. • sink into despair.
• sink like a stone. • sink money into sth.
• sink so low (as to)… • sink to the floor/
ground. • sink to your knees. • sink with-
out trace.
sit
sit (there) fuming. • sit a test. • sit an ex-
amination. • sit and watch. • sit at a com-
puter. • sit at a table/desk. • sit back and
relax. • sit back on your heels. • sit bolt
upright. • sit curled up. • sit in judgment
on/over sb. • sit next to sb. • sit on a
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
site 116 117 somehow

bench/stool. • sit on a chair. • sit side by
side. • sit slumped sw. • sit sprawled sw.
• sit staring. • sit up straight. • sit up
with a start
site
the site of the battle. • the site of infec-
tion.
size
be a size too big/small (for sb). • be a
size too large (for sb). • size eight shoes.
skid
go into a skid. • skid to a halt.
skip
skip a beat. • skip from one topic to an-
other. • skip a lesson.
sky
the sky above/overhead. • the sky’s the
limit.
slam
slam (sth) shut. • slam on the brakes. •
slam the door. • slam the door in sb’s
face. • slam the door shut.
slap
a slap in the face. • a slap on the back. •
a slap on the wrist.
sleep
a sleepless night. • sleep late. • sleep like
a baby/log. • sleep rough. • sleep
through until/to noon, etc. • sleep well/
soundly.
slice
a slice of (good) luck. • a slice of history.
• a slice of meat. • a slice of the cake/
cheese. • slice sth in half/two.
slide
slide open.
slight
a slight exaggeration. • be slightly
stained. • slightly mocking. • the slight-
est sign (of sb/sth).
slim
a slim chance. • a slim hope. • a slim ma-
jority/margin.
sling
sling your bag over your shoulder.
slip smile • so they tell me.
a slip of paper. • a slip of the pen/tongue. a smile of approval. • a smile of wel- soaked
• slip from sb’s grasp. • slip into/out of come. • smile from ear to ear. • smile to soaked to the skin/bone.
clothes. • slip into a decline. yourself.
soap
slit smoking soap and water.
slit sb’s throat. • slit sth open. a smoking-related death. • a smoking-re-
lated disease/illness. sob
slope a sob of despair/pain. • a sob of relief. •
the slope of a hill/mountain. • the slope smooth sob your heart out.
of a valley. • the slope of a road. a smooth talker.
social
slot smother a social call. • a social circle. • a social
slot into place. • slot sth into place. smother sb with kisses. • smother the class. • socially segregated. • the social
flames.
slow costs of sth.
a slow worker. • slow to a crawl/halt. • snap soft
slow to a stop. • slow to a walk/snail’s a snap decision/judgment. • snap (sth) go soft. • go soft in the head. • have a soft
pace. • slow your pace. in half/two. • snap (sth) open/shut. • heart. • the soft glow (of candlelight,
snap (sth) together. etc.). • a soft option.
slowdown
a slowdown in sales. snatch sole
a snatch of music/song. • snatch victory
slump the sole of a shoe. • the sole of your boot/
from the jaws of defeat. • snatches/a shoe. • the sole surviving sb/sth. • the
a slump in production. • a slump in sales.
snatch of conversation. soles of your feet.
• a slump in the economy. • a slump in
trade. sneaking solid
a sneaking admiration/respect for sb. • a
slur be packed solid. • provide a solid founda-
sneaking fear. • a sneaking suspicion/ tion (for a relationship, etc.) • solid and
slur your words/speech.
feeling. practical. • solid as a rock. • a solid per-
smack formance.
sneer
smack in the middle of sth.
a sneering comment. • a sneer in sb’s solution
small voice. • a sneering laugh/smile. a solution to a crisis. • a solution to a di-
a small dose. • a small fraction. • a small lemma. • a solution to a problem. • a so-
sneeze
margin. • a small price to pay (for sth). • lution to a puzzle. • be the solution.
coughs and sneezes. • give a sneeze. • a
a smaller size. • be small comfort (to sb).
sneezing fit. solve
• small in number. • small in stature. •
small talk. • the small of your back. sniff solve a case/murder. • solve a crime. •
a sniff of disapproval. • (at the first) sniff solve a crisis. • solve a dispute/conflict. •
smart solve a mystery. • solve a problem. • solve
of trouble/danger, etc.
the smart set. a puzzle/riddle.
snippets
smash some
snippets of information/news.
smash a record. • smash sth to bits/ be some comfort (to sb). • some degree of
pieces. snort sth. • some distance. • some excuse, etc.
a snort of derision. • a snort of disgust.
smear or other. • some few hours/days, etc. •
• a snort of laughter.
a smear of grease. some hope of sth. • some little time/ef-
so fort, etc. • some more. • some more of
smell
so as (not) to do sth. • so can/will sb. • sth. • some nerve. • some other. • some
a smell of coffee. • a smell of decay. • a people. • some reason (to do sth). • some
so enjoy/appreciate. • so far and no fur-
smell of food. • a smell of incense. • a semblance of normality. • some sem-
ther. • so few. • so hard, etc. (that)… •
smell of urine. • smell like fresh soil/a blance of order. • some time ago.
so I understand. • so is/does sb. • so it
pub, etc. • the smell of a rose. • the smell
seems. • so little. • so love. • so much/ somehow
of flesh.
many. • so the story goes. • so they say. somehow or other.

something 118
something
be something of a novelty. • something
better. • something between anger, etc.
and embarrassment, etc. • something be-
tween Rs. 10,000 and Rs.70,000. • some-
thing fishy. • something important/spe-
cial. • something in an idea/a suggestion.
• something in it. • something like a mu-
seum, etc. • something like drawing a pic-
ture, etc. • something of a celebrity. •
something of a disappointment. • some-
thing of a gamble. • something of a mys-
tery. • something of a puzzle. • something
of a rebel. • something of a shock. • some-
thing of an understatement. • something
of that/the kind. • something or other. •
something to do sw. • something to eat/
drink. • something to wear. • something
wrong.
somewhere
somewhere along/down the line. • some-
where around/over Rs.50,000, etc. •
somewhere between 500 and 750 cards,
etc.
soon
soon after. • soon after sth. • soon
enough. • sooner or later. • sooner rather
than later.
sore
sore after the operation. • a sore spot. •
be sorely missed. • be sorely tempted.
sorry
a sorry business/mess. • a sorry sight. • a
sorry state. • sorry to hear (that) …
sort
a sort of way. • sort sth into piles. • sort
yourself out. • the sort of bloke/chap… •
the sort of guy… • the sort of thing... •
What sort of price...? • What sort of time
do you call this to...?
soul
a soul in torment. • the soul of tact. • the
soul of the city/community. • the soul of
the university. • the souls of the dead.
sound
a sound of bells. • sound a hopeful note.
• sound a note of caution/warning. •
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sound a positive/confident note. • sound
a warning/alarm. • sound as if/as
though… • sound like. • sound offended.
• sound the death knell of/for sth. •
sound your horn. • the sound of (sb’s)
footsteps. • the sound of a gunshot. • the
sound of a heartbeat. • the sound of gun-
fire. • the sound of music. • the sound of
the engine. • the sound of the sea. • the
sound of the wind. • the sound of thun-
der.
source
a source of amusement. • a source of
comfort (to sb). • a source of comment.
• a source of conflict. • a source of con-
tention. • a source of controversy. • a
source of data. • a source of disagree-
ment. • a source of discontent. • a source
of discord. • a source of dissatisfaction. •
a source of distress. • a source of energy.
• a source of fascination to sb. • a source
of fibre. • a source of finance. • a source
of funding. • a source of happiness. • a
source of illumination. • a source of in-
come. • a source of infection. • a source
of information. • a source of inspiration.
• a source of instability. • a source of ir-
ritation. • a source of light. • a source of
livelihood. • a source of nutrition. • a
source of power. • a source of pride. • a
source of protein. • a source of recreation.
• a source of recruitment. • a source of
reference. • a source of resentment. • a
source of revenue. • a source of satisfac-
tion. • a source of stress. • a source of
tension. • a source of trouble. • a source
of unease. • a source of wisdom. • a
source of worry. • sources/a source close
to sb. • the source of a leak.
south
south of the border. • the south front of
sth.
space
a space of time. • space age. • space for
expansion. • space travel.
span
a span of time/years.
spare
spare sb the embarrassment. • spare sb
119
the pain/trouble. • spare sb’s blushes. •
spare sb’s life.
spark
a spark of hope/life. • a spark of inspira-
tion. • a spark of light. • a spark of origi-
nality. • spark a riot. • spark a storm of
sth.
sparkle
a sparkle in your eyes.
spate
a spate of accidents. • a spate of arrests.
• a spate of attacks. • a spate of bombs.
• a spate of criticisms. • a spate of dem-
onstrations. • a spate of incidents. • a
spate of publicity. • a spate of strikes.
speak
speak a language. • speak badly/ill of sb.
• speak highly of sb/sth. • speak sth in
sb’s defence. • speak well of sb. • speak
with a stutter. • speak with one voice.
specialist
a specialist in the field.
specially
specially adapted to (do) sth. • specially
protected.
speck
be just a speck in the distance. • a speck
of blood. • a speck of dirt/dust.
spectrum
a spectrum of opinion.
speech
a speech of welcome.
speed
speed things up. • speed up communica-
tion. • the speed limit. • the speed of
change. • the speed of light. • the speed
of movement. • the speed of sound.
spell
a spell of hot/dry, etc. weather. • a spell
of unemployment. • spell the death of
sth.
spend
spend a fortune. • spend money (on sth).
• spend the night. • spend time on sth.
• spend your life.
squeak
sphere
a sphere of activity/life. • a sphere of in-
fluence.
spider
a spider’s web.
spirit
a spirit of adventure. • a spirit of coopera-
tion. • a spirit of enterprise. • a spirit of
friendship. • a spirit of optimism. • a spirit
of reconciliation. • the spirit of the age/
times. • the spirit of the law. • the spirits
of the dead.
split
split (sth) across/down the middle. • split
(sth) in half/two. • split (sth) open. • split
in a party. • split in alliance. • split sb into
groups. • split sth in half. • split sth two,
etc. ways. • split the vote.
spoil
spoil sb rotten. • spoil your appetite.
spot
a spot of blood. • a spot of bother/trouble.
• a spot of lunch. • spot sb’s potential. •
spotted with rust.
spread
spread a newspaper, etc. open. • the
spread of (a) disease. • the spread of an
idea. • the spread of an infection. • the
spread of cholera, etc. • the spread of
communism. • the spread of culture. • the
spread of democracy. • the spread of riot-
ing.
spring
(a door, etc.) springs open. • a spring in
your step. • spring a leak. • spring into ac-
tion/motion. • spring into existence/be-
ing. • spring to attention. • spring to sb’s
aid/assistance. • spring to sb’s defence. •
spring to your feet.
springboard
springboard for a career.
spurt
spurt of speed.
squeak
a squeak of surprise. • the squeak of rub-
ber.

squeal 120
squeal
a squeal of delight. • a squeal of tyres. •
the squeal of brakes.
squeeze
squeeze the trigger.
stab
a stab of pain. • stab sb to death.
stacked
be stacked in piles.
staff
a staff shortage. • be staffed (entirely/
mainly) by sb. • be staffed (entirely/
mainly) with sb. • be staffed (largely) by/
with sb. • staff training.
stage
a stage in the development of sth. • a
stage in the process. • a stage in/of (your)
life. • a stage of a journey. • a stage of de-
velopments/life. • a stage of the process.
• a/one stage further. • stage a comeback.
• stage a coup. • stage a rally. • stage an
event. • stage and screen. • stage by
stage.
stain
stain sth green.
stall
stall for time.
stamp
a stamp of approval. • a stamped ad-
dressed envelope. • stamp your feet. •
stamp your personality on sth.
stand
stand (there) fuming. • stand a chance/
hope of doing sth. • stand accused of mur-
der, etc. • stand and stare. • stand and
watch, etc. sth. • stand bail/surety (for
sb). • stand guard (over sb/sth). • stand
in a queue. • stand in awe of sb. • stand
in line. • stand in sb’s light. • stand in
sharp, etc. contrast to sb/sth. • stand out
in a crowd. • stand out in your mind. •
stand staring. • stand the pressure. •
stand the strain. • stand the test of time.
• stand to benefit. • stand to gain. • stand
up for your rights. • stand up for yourself.
• stand up in court. • stand up straight. •
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stand with your back to sb/sth. • standing
room only.
standard
a standard of achievement. • a standard
of cleanliness. • a standard of comfort. •
a standard of competence. • a standard of
cuisine. • a standard of living. • a stan-
dard of performance. • a standard of
proof. • standards of behaviour. • stan-
dards of conduct. • standards of decency.
• standards of excellence. • standards of
hygiene. • standards of morality. • the
standard of care. • the standard of crafts-
manship. • the standard of service. • the
standard of workmanship.
star
a star attraction. • a star in the making. •
a star pupil. • the star of the show.
stare
stare into space.
stark
a stark choice.
start
start a bandwagon rolling. • start a fam-
ily. • start a fight. • start a fire. • start a
new life. • start a riot. • start at the bot-
tom. • start on a journey. • start raining.
• start screaming. • start shouting. • start
talking. • start the day/week. • start the
year. • start to tell. • start your own busi-
ness. • the start of a period.
starve
starve to death. • starve yourself to death.
state
a state of affairs. • a state of alert. • a
state of chaos. • a state of cleanliness. •
a state of collapse. • a state of confusion.
• a state of consciousness. • a state of
deadlock. • a state of decay. • a state of
depression. • a state of disarray. • a state
of disorder. • a state of disrepair. • a state
of emergency. • a state of inertia. • a state
of innocence. • a state of mania. • a state
of mind. • a state of mourning. • a state
of preservation. • a state of readiness. • a
state of relaxation. • a state of repair. • a
state of siege. • a state of suspense. • a
state of transition. • a state of turmoil. •
121
a state of war. • state a fact/opinion. •
state of exhaustion. • state the obvious.
• state your case. • stated otherwise. •
the state of affairs. • the state of destina-
tion. • the state of grace. • the state of
sb’s finances. • the state of the economy.
statement
a statement of fact.
stay
a stay in hospital. • a stay of execution.
• stay at home. • stay in close touch. •
stay in contact. • stay out of trouble. •
stay seated. • stay true (to sb/sth). • stay
tuned (to sth).
steady
a steady supply.
steep
a steep decline in sth. • be steeped in tra-
dition.
steer
steer sb to victory. • steer the conversa-
tion.
stem
stem the flow (of sth). • stem the tide/
flood (of sth). • the stem of a pipe.
stench
a stench of decay. • a stench of urine.
step
a step ahead/behind. • a step along the
way/road. • a step back/backwards. • a
step down/up. • a step forward/side-
ways. • a step in the (right/wrong) direc-
tion. • a step of a ladder. • a step on the
ladder. • a step on the road/way to sth.
• a step up. • be a step ahead of sb. • be
a step closer/nearer (to sth). • step by
step. • step inside/outside.
stern
the stern of a ship.
stick
stick close to sb. • stick it out. • stick rig-
idly/resolutely to sth. • stick sth in the air.
• stick to the rules. • stick to your prin-
ciples. • stick up for yourself. • stick with
it. • stick your head round/through the
door. • stick your head in a noose. • stick-
streak
ing-point in negotiations.
stiff
stiff and awkward. • stiff as a board. •
stiffen sb’s resistance. • stiffen sb’s resolve.
still
still better/worse. • still bigger. • still fur-
ther. • still more interesting.
stir
stir in your sleep. • stir up hatred/anger.
• stir well/thoroughly.
stop
stop dead (in your tracks). • stop in your
tracks. • stop laughing. • stop pretending.
• stop raining. • stop sb/sth in their/its
tracks. • stop screaming. • stop shouting.
• stop singing. • stop talking. • stop the
night. • stop the rot.
storm
a storm breaks. • a storm brews. • a storm
is brewing. • a storm of applause. • a
storm of controversy. • a storm of protest.
story
the story behind sth. • the story goes
that… • the story of my life.
straight
straight ahead. • straight past.
strain
strain to hear/see sth. • strain your back/
eyes. • strain yourself. • take the strain off
sb. • take the strain out of sth. • the strain
was too much for sb.
strange
a strange experience. • a strange thing to
say. • the strange thing is …
stranger
a stranger here. • a stranger in these parts.
stray
stray from the fold. • stray from the
straight and narrow.
streak
a mean/vicious streak. • a ruthless streak.
• a streak of blood. • a streak of cruelty/
mischief. • streaks of grey in sb’s hair. • a
streak of lightning. • a streak of red. • be
on a winning/losing streak.

stream 122
stream
a stream of abuse. • a stream of com-
plaints/insults. • a stream of conscious-
ness. • a stream of information. • a
stream of traffic.
street
the street in the left/right.
strength
strength and resilience. • strength born of
desperation. • strength of character. •
strength of purpose. • strengthen sb’s mo-
tivation. • strengthen sb’s position. •
strengthen sb’s resolve. • strengthen sb’s/
sth’s defences. • strengths and weak-
nesses. • the strength of sb’s argument. •
the strength of your personality. • the
strength to resist sth.
stress
stress the importance of sth. • stresses
and strains.
stretch
a stretch of road. • be stretching it. •
stretch (sb’s) credulity/patience, etc. •
stretch a point. • stretch as far as the eye
can see. • stretch sb/sth to the limit. •
stretch yourself out.
strike
a strike in protest at sth. • a striking re-
semblance/difference. • strike (sb) a
blow (on sth). • strike a balance. • strike
a bargain. • strike a deal (with sb). •
strike a match. • strike a set. • strike at
the foundation(s)/root(s) of sth. • strike
at the heart of sth. • strike fear into (the
heart of) sb. • strike out on your own. •
strike sb as odd. • strike sth from the
record. • strike terror into (the heart of)
sb. • strike the hour. • strike up the band.
• striking distance.
string
a string of articles. • a string of claims. •
a string of coincidences. • a string of com-
plaints. • a string of concessions. • a
string of lies/insults. • a string of ques-
tions.
strip
a strip of sky. • strip (sb) naked. • strip
sth bare. • strip to the waist. • stripped
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123 suppress
to the waist. sth with style and grace. • a style of suffer
dance. • a style of music. • a style of suffer a fate. • suffer a fit. • suffer a reac-
stroke teaching. • a style of writing.
a stroke of (good) fortune/luck. • a stroke tion. • suffer a setback. • suffer a stroke.
of genius. • a stroke of good fortune. • a subject • suffer an injury. • suffer from a disease.
stroke of inspiration/brilliance. a subject for discussion. • a subject of • suffer from delusions of grandeur. • suf-
speculation. • be the subject of much/ fer from depression. • suffer in silence. •
stroll suffer so. • suffer the consequences.
some debate. • subject to (the) require-
a stroll around (sth)/away. • stroll to vic- ments. • subject to approval. • subject to
tory. suggestion
availability. • subject to contract. • sub- a suggestion of impropriety. • a suggestion
strong ject to misinterpretation. • subject to ne- of scandal.
a strong accent. • a strong correlation. • gotiation. • subject to review. • subject to
a strong denial of sth. • a strong showing. revision. • subject to sb’s approval. • the suit
• a strong supporter. • a strong wind. • subject of a study. • the subject of an in- a suit and tie. • a suit of armour. • a suit
strongly indicate sth. • strongly influence vestigation. • the subject of conversation. of clothes. • suit sb best. • suit sb’s pur-
sb/sth. • strongly resent sth. • the subject of debate. • the subject of pose.
legend. suitable
struck
be struck by lightning. • be struck off (a submit be suitable for inclusion. • suitable for veg-
etarians. • suitably qualified to do sth.
register/roll). submit an application. • submit your res-
ignation. • submit yourself to sth. • sub- suite
structure mit to the inevitable.
the structure of the society. a suite of furniture. • a suite of rooms/of-
fices.
substance
struggle the substance of a book. • the substance
a struggle against cancer. • a struggle for sum
of a policy. • the substance of a speech. • the sum (total) of sb’s achievements. • a
liberation. • a struggle for supremacy. • a the substance of a story. • the substance
struggle for survival. • struggle free. • sum of money.
of an argument.
struggle to your feet. • struggle with your summer
conscience. • the struggle against commu- substantial high summer. • the summer holidays. •
nism. • the struggle for existence. • the a substantial increase /improvement. • a the summer sky.
struggle for independence. substantial number/amount. • a substan-
tial proportion. • a substantial reduction. summit
studded • a substantial sum. a summit of the pass. • the summit of your
studded with gems/coloured stones, etc. career.
succeed
study succeed in securing sth. • succeed in win- summon
study a map. • study to be/become sth. ning sth. • succeed in business. • succeed summon a council/assembly. • summon a
stuffed in life. meeting.
be stuffed full of sth. successful superb
stumble a successful career. • be successful in se- be absolutely superb. • superbly pre-
a stumbling block to agreement. curing sth. served.
stun succession supplement
stun sb into silence. twice, etc. in succession. supplement your income/salary, etc.
supply
stunt such
stunt (sb’s) growth. such a pity. • such a shame. • such a a supply of food. • a supply of oxygen. •
thing. • There’s no such thing as... supply and demand. • supply of informa-
stupid tion.
a stupid little song, etc. • be stupid of me. suck
• a stupid thing to say suck your thumb. support
support for a policy. • support yourself.
style sue
be back in style. • be not sb’s style. • do sue (sb) for divorce/custody. suppress
suppress a demonstration. • suppress a re-

sure 124
bellion/uprising. • suppress an urge/im-
pulse.
sure
a sure sign/indication. • a sure thing/bet.
• sure of yourself.
surface
the surface of a river. • the surface of the
earth. • the surface of the lake. • the sur-
face of the moon. • the surface of the
ocean. • the surface of the sea.
surge
a surge forward. • a surge in crime. • a
surge in popularity. • a surge in rate. • a
surge in sales. • a surge of activities. • a
surge of elation. • a surge of electricity. •
a surge of enthusiasm. • a surge of inter-
est. • a surge of relief.
surpass
surpass sb’s expectations.
surprise
a surprise party. • surprise yourself. • sur-
prises in store.
surrender
surrender yourself.
surround
surround yourself with sth.
survive
survive intact/unscathed.
suspect
suspect sb of plotting sth. • suspect sb’s
motive.
swallow
swallow all the insults/criticisms. • swal-
low your pride. • swallow sth whole.
swarm
a swarm of flies.
swear
swear sb to secrecy/silence. • swear
(your) allegiance to sb. • swear an oath.
• swear vengeance against/on sb.
sweat
sweat and toil. • sweat buckets.
sweep
a sweep of lawn. • sweep sth clean. •
sweeping demands.
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sweet
a sweet little bird/box, etc. • sweet and
sour pork. • sweet dreams. • the sweet
smell of success.
swerve
swerve to avoid sb/sth.
swing
swing back and forth. • swing open/shut.
• swing the other way. • swing to and fro.
switch
a switch in a policy. • switch the heating
on.
symbol
a symbol of (sb’s) success. • a symbol of
hope. • a symbol of independence. • a
symbol of supremacy.
symptom
a symptom of stress. • symptoms of de-
pression. • the symptoms of a disease.
system
a system of communication. • a system of
representation. • a system of rules. • a sys-
tem of tunnels. • a system of values.
...
T
table
table a bill/proposal. • table a question. •
table an amendment/offer.
tackle
tackle a fire. • tackle a question.
tact
tact and diplomacy/sensitivity.
take
take (a) pride in sth. • take (an) interest.
• take (no) notice of sth. • take (sb’s) ad-
vice. • take (sth) over from sb. • take
(the) credit. • take (to) the floor. • take
(your) mind off sth. • take a (compass)
bearing on sth. • take a (long) hard look
at sth. • take a back seat to sth. • take a
bet (on sb/sth). • take a break (from sth).
125
• take a breath. • take a bullet. • take a
bus. • take a call. • take a car for a spin.
• take a class in sth. • take a course. •
take a crack at (doing) sth. • take a de-
cision. • take a degree. • take a detour. •
take a dim view of sth. • take a dip. •
take a direction. • take a dislike to sb/sth.
• take a dive. • take a firm/hard line. •
take a fresh look at sth. • take a gamble
(on sb/sth). • take a guess. • take a ham-
mer to sth. • take a heavy toll on sb/sth.
• take a job. • take a kick at sb. • take a
left. • take a look at sth. • take a mes-
sage. • take a nap. • take a nosedive. •
take a pace. • take a peek/peep. • take a
penalty. • take a photograph/photo. •
take a picture. • take a pill. • take a po-
sition. • take a pull at your beer. • take a
pull at/of/on a cigarette. • take a rest. •
take a ride (in sth). • take a right. • take
a risk. • take a route. • take a sample. •
take a scalp. • take a seat. • take a sip (of
sth). • take a stab at sth. • take a stance.
• take a stand (against sb/sth). • take a
stand (on sth). • take a step. • take a
swipe at sb/sth. • take a tablet. • take a
taxi. • take a test. • take a tough line. •
take a tough stance/stand. • take a train/
plane. • take a trophy. • take a tumble. •
take a turn for the better/worse. • take a
view/attitude. • take a vote (on sth). •
take a vow (of sth). • take a/the hint. •
take an approach. • take an exam/exami-
nation. • take an hour to do sth. • take an
interest in sth. • take an oath. • take an
offer. • take care (not) to do sth. • take
care (that)… • take care with sth. • take
comfort from sth. • take command (of
sth). • take control of sth. • take cover. •
take delivery of sth. • take early retire-
ment. • take first pick. • take full advan-
tage of sth. • take immediate steps. • take
it for granted (that)… • take it from the
top. • take it on/upon yourself (to do
sth). • take it or leave it. • take its toll.
• take leave of your senses. • take mea-
sures against sb/sth. • take measures to
do sth. • take money off sth. • take off
clothes. • take on a job. • take on the
mantle of sb/sth. • take orders from sb.
• take out a contract on sb. • take out a
mortgage. • take out a tooth. • take out
take
an injunction against sb/sth. • take out in-
surance. • take over the reins. • take pity
on sb. • take pride in sth. • take responsi-
bility for (doing) sth. • take revenge on/
against sb. • take sb (out) to lunch. • take
sb 30 minutes, one day, etc. • take sb at
their word. • take sb by the arm. • take sb
by the hand. • take sb captive. • take sb
hostage. • take sb in your arms. • take sb
into care. • take sb into custody. • take sb
into partnership. • take sb into your arms.
• take sb off (their) guard. • take sb pris-
oner. • take sb to court. • take sb to mean
sth. • take sb to one side. • take sb under
your wing. • take sb’s advice. • take sb’s
breath away. • take sb’s name in vain. •
take sb’s order. • take sb’s pulse. • take sb’s
side. • take sb’s temperature. • take sb’s
word for it/sth. • take some doing. • take
steps to do sth. • take sth apart. • take sth
as a compliment. • take sth as an insult. •
take sth as an omen/a sign. • take sth as
proof/evidence of sth. • take sth in your
hands. • take sth literally. • take sth lying
down. • take sth out of context. • take sth
the wrong way. • take sth to do/be sth. •
take sth to its limits. • take sth to mean
sth. • take sth to pieces. • take stick (from
sb). • take the bait. • take the blame. •
take the breast. • take the brunt of sth. •
take the credit. • take the easy way out. •
take the ferry. • take the field. • take the
floor. • take the form of sth. • take the full
force of sth. • take the grin off your face.
• take the hassle out of sth. • take the heat
out of sth. • take the high road. • take the
initiative. • take the law into your own
hands. • take the lead. • take the lift (to
the third floor, etc.). • take the minutes. •
take the mystery out of sth. • take the op-
portunity to do sth. • take the position
that… • take the risk of doing sth. • take
the role of sb. • take the stage. • take the
stairs two at a time. • take the trouble (to
do sth). • take the upper hand. • take the
view that… • take the wheel. • take the
words out of sb’s mouth. • take time off. •
take time out. • take to the bottle. • take
to your bed. • take trouble over/with sth.
• take up a position. • take up a post. •
take up a reference. • take up residence.
• take up room. • take vengeance on sb.

talk 126
• take your chances. • take your cue from
sb/sth. • take your hands off sb/sth.
talk
talk sense into sb. • talk your way out of
sth. • talking of sth… • the talk of the
town. • the talk turns to sth. • talking
rubbish/sense.
talks
talks break down/collapse.
tall
tall and slim.
tangle
a tangle of regulations.
tap
leave the tap running. • tap sb on the
arm/shoulder. • tap water. • tap your fin-
gers on the table. • turn on the taps.
target
a target for abuse. • a target for repres-
sion. • a target for ridicule. • a target of
abuse. • a target of derision. • a target of
repression. • a target of ridicule.
task
the task ahead. • the task in hand. • the
task of deciding sth.
taste
a taste of things to come. • taste (more/
a bit) like milk, etc. • taste and decency.
• taste awful/bitter. • taste delicious/
wonderful. • taste foul/horrible. • taste
funny. • taste good/sweet. • taste in mu-
sic. • taste of power/freedom. • tasted of
garlic, etc. • the taste of food.
tea
a tea break. • a tea tray. • tea and bis-
cuits/cake(s). • tea and coffee. • tea and
sandwiches/scones. • tea and sympathy.
• tea for two. • tea or coffee.
teach
teach a class. • teach sb a lesson. • teach
sb a thing or two.
team
a team captain/manager. • a team mem-
ber. • a team of experts. • a team of spe-
cialists.
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tear
tear a hole in sth. • tear free/loose. • tear
sb limb from limb. • tear sth apart. • tear
sth in half. • tear sth in two. • tear sth into
strips. • tear sth into/to pieces. • tear sth
open. • tear sth to bits. • tear sth to rib-
bons. • tear sth to shreds. • tear your
eyes/gaze away from sb/sth. • tear your-
self away (from sb/sth).
tears
tears in your eyes. • tears of disappoint-
ment. • tears of frustration. • tears of joy.
• tears of laughter. • tears of rage. • tears
of remorse. • tears of self-pity. • tears of
sorrow.
technical
a technical hitch/glitch. • a technical
problem/fault. • a technical term. • a
technical violation/infringement.
telephone
telephone sb on a number.
tell
tell (sb) the truth. • tell a joke. • tell a lie.
• tell a story. • tell its own story/tale. •
tell sb a lie. • tell sb a thing or two. • tell
sb so. • tell sb straight (out). • tell sb the
way. • tell sb where they can stick sth/
where to stick sth. • tell tales. • tell the
difference (between). • tell the time.
temper
a temper tantrum.
temperature
temperatures in the 30s, etc.
tempo
the tempo of life.
tender
a tender spot. • tender loving care.
tenderness
tenderness in sb’s eyes. • tenderness in
sb’s voice.
tense
a tense atmosphere. • a tense silence.
term
a term of abuse. • a term of detention. •
a term of endearment. • a term of impris-
onment. • a term of office. • a term of
127
years. • a term in office. • terms of abuse.
• terms of reference. • the term of a
lease. • terms and conditions. • the terms
of a constitution. • the terms of a con-
tract/the lease. • the terms of a directive.
• the terms of a treaty. • the terms of an
article. • the terms of surrender. • the
terms of the agreement. • the terms of the
settlement.
termination
termination of (a) pregnancy. • termina-
tion of a contract. • termination of em-
ployment.
terrible
a terrible cook/singer. • a terrible mis-
take. • a terrible shame. • a terrible
shock. • terribly sorry/pleased/upset.
test
a test of endurance. • a test of nerve. • a
test of stamina. • test negative/positive
(for sth). • test sth to destruction. • test
sth to the limit.
testify
testify in court.
thanks
thanks be to God. • thanks to the gener-
osity of sb.
that
that kind of thing. • that may/might be
true, but… • that same person/thing. •
that sort of thing. • that’s for sure. • that’s
odd. • that’s what comes of (doing) sth.
then
the then owner. • the then president/gov-
ernor.
there
there (you are). • there and back. • there
comes… • there follows… • there follows
sth. • there is a grain of truth in/to sth.
• there is a kernel of truth in/to sth. •
there is an element of truth in/to sth. •
there is every indication that… • there is
every reason to do sth. • there is every/
no justification for (doing sth). • there is
general/wide agreement that… • there is
little/no doubt that… • there is no deny-
ing sth. • there is no excuse for (doing
thorough
sth). • there is no mistaking sth. • there
is no place for speculations, etc. • there is
no truth in the rumour. • there is nothing
to be gained from/by doing sth. • there is
room for improvement. • there is some
truth in/to sth. • there is sth funny
about… • there is sth strange/peculiar
about… • there is sth the matter with sth/
sb. • there lives… • there may be… •
there seems to be… • there should be… •
there’s no danger of that… • there’s no de-
nying (that)… • there’s no disgrace in sth.
• there’s no pleasing sb. • there’s no point
in pretending. • there’s no sense in sth. •
there’s no way... • there’s nothing the mat-
ter. • there’s nothing to stop you. • there’s
thunder in the air.
these
these parts. • these same.
they
they say (that) …
thick
(sb’s voice was) thick with emotion. •
thick with smoke. • thickly planted.
thin
a thin line. • thinly disguised. • thinly
spread.
thing
a thing of the past. • things are looking up
(for) sb. • things to come.
think
think highly of sb/sth. • think your way
out of sth.
third
a third to (a) half. • third prize.
thirst
a thirst for knowledge. • a thirst for power.
• a thirst for vengeance.
this
this afternoon. • this good. • this is proof
positive that… • this minute. • this
month. • this morning/evening. • this
much/far. • this one. • this same. • this
very minute. • this very moment/instant.
thorough
a thorough examination. • a thorough in-

those 128
vestigation/search. • a thorough under-
standing/knowledge. • thoroughly pro-
fessional. • thoroughly spoilt.
those
those same people/things.
thought
a thought comes/occurs to sb. • a
thought crosses/enters sb’s mind. • a
thought-provoking speech, etc. • the
thought strikes sb.
thread
a common thread (runs through...). •
lose the thread (of the argument, etc.). •
a thread of books. • the thread of a story.
• the thread of an argument.
threat
a threat of famine. • a threat of invasion.
• a threat of sanctions. • a threat of strike
action. • a threat of violence. • a threat
to democracy. • a threat to freedom/lib-
erty. • a threat to sb/sth’s integrity. • a
threat to sb/sth’s supremacy. • a threat to
the survival of sth. • the threat of bank-
ruptcy. • the threat of deportation. • the
threat of litigation. • the threat of redun-
dancy. • the threat of revolution. •
threaten sb’s life.
three
a three-course meal. • three cheers for
sb/sth. • three times as many. • three
times daily. • three times in succession. •
three-quarters full. • three-quarters of
sth.
thrill
a thrill of anticipation. • the thrill of the
chase. • thrilled to bits/pieces. • thrilled
to death.
through
through a programme. • through force of
circumstance. • through God’s grace. •
through no fault of your own. • through
the mail. • through the middle. •
throughout history.
throw
a throw of the dice. • throw a glance (at
sb/sth). • throw a party (for sb/sth). •
throw a punch. • throw a tantrum. •
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
throw caution to the wind(s). • throw in-
sults at sb. • throw money at sth. • throw
off the yoke/shackles. • throw sb into jail/
prison. • throw sb/sth off balance. • throw
sth into confusion/chaos. • throw sth into
disarray/turmoil. • throw sth into focus. •
throw sth open. • throw your arms
around/round sb/sth. • throw your en-
ergy/energies into sth. • throw your
money around. • throw your weight be-
hind sth.
thrust
thrust your way sw.
thumb
a thumbnail sketch. • thumbs up.
thunder
the thunder of (the) surf. • thunder and
lightning.
tide
a tide of history. • a tide of nationalism. •
the tide of change. • the tide of immi-
grants/refugees. • the tide of opinion. •
the tide of public opinion. • the tide of
sentiment. • the tide of unemployment.
tie
be tied to sb’s apron strings. • tie for first/
second, etc. place. • tie sb hand and foot.
• tie sth in a bow. • tie up the loose ends.
• tie your hair (back) in a bun. • ties of
blood/marriage. • ties of friendship.
tight
a tight bend. • a tight budget. • a tight
deadline/timetable. • a tight finish. • a
tight fit. • a tight schedule. • a tight spot.
• a tight squeeze. • tighten the noose. •
tighten the purse strings. • tighten your
grip. • tightly focused project, etc. •
tightly packed.
tilt
tilt the balance. • tilt the balance towards/
in favour of sb. • tilt to one side.
time
the time (when) sb does sth. • (two, etc.)
times the size of sth. • a time of quiet. •
a time of sorrow. • a time of strife. • a time
of the month. • a timetable for reform. •
be timed to coincide with sth. • the time
129
nor/or the inclination. • the time of de-
parture. • the time of impact. • the time
of publication. • the time of purchase. •
the time when… • time and space. • time
for bed. • time of arrival. • time of reflec-
tion. • time to prepare (sth). • time to re-
flect. • time was when… • times of hard-
ship.
tiny
a tiny fraction of the population, etc. •
tiny little girl/piece, etc.
tip
be tipped as a possible successor. • the
tips of the fingers/toes. • tip your hand.
tired
be tired after/from a journey. • tired and
drawn.
to
(money/time, etc.) to spare. • be to
blame (for sth). • to a certain/some ex-
tent. • to a considerable/great extent. •
to a fault. • to a large degree. • to a
lesser/limited extent. • to a significant ex-
tent. • to a small/large extent. • to a/
some degree. • to absurd lengths. • to all
appearances. • to avoid confusion. • to be
absolutely honest. • to be decided. • to be
fair. • to be honest (with you). • to be per-
fectly honest. • to be quite honest. • to
coin a phrase. • to collapse in the face of
sth. • to confuse things/matters. • to cut
a long story short. • to declare a state of
emergency. • to follow. • to good advan-
tage. • to his/her astonishment. • to
judge by/from sth. • to little effect. • to
make matters worse. • to match. • to
mention but a few. • to my mind. • to my
way of thinking. • to no effect. • to put it
another way. • to put it bluntly. • to sb/
sth’s best advantage. • to sb’s advantage.
• to sb’s annoyance. • to sb’s consterna-
tion. • to sb’s delight. • to sb’s disappoint-
ment. • to sb’s dismay. • to sb’s horror. •
to sb’s joy. • to sb’s knowledge. • to sb’s
relief. • to sb’s right. • to sb’s shame. • to
sb’s side. • to sb’s surprise. • to sb’s way
of thinking. • to show some/a certain re-
luctance to do sth. • to suit every pocket.
• to the best of your ability. • to the best
of your knowledge. • to the best of your
top
recollection. • to the brink of chaos. • to
the dismay of sb. • to the left. • to the
naked/unaided eye. • to the nth degree.
• to the optician’s. • to the point. • to the
point of being… • to the same extent. • to
the tune of sth. • to varying degrees. • to
your astonishment. • to your full poten-
tial.
today
today’s date.
toe
the toe of a shoe. • the toe of sb’s boot. •
toe the party line.
token
a token of respect. • a token of your appre-
ciation. • a token of your gratitude/
thanks. • token of friendship.
tone
the tone of speech. • the tone of voice.
too
be too much for sb. • too awful/dreadful
to contemplate. • too clever by half. • too
clever for your own good. • too close/hot
for comfort. • too deep for tears. • too em-
barrassed to do sth. • too few. • too hor-
rible/horrific to contemplate. • too little.
• too much noise. • too much of a gentle-
man. • too much/many. • too numerous
to list. • too numerous to mention. • too
proud to do sth.
tool
the tool(s) of the trade.
top
a top player. • a top scientist/student. • be
top of the league. • the top echelons of so-
ciety. • the top end of the market. • the
top of your voice. • the top of a hill. • the
top of a ladder. • the top of a list. • the top
of a mound. • the top of a mountain. • the
top of a shaft. • the top of a slope. • the
top of the cliff. • the top of the heap. • the
top of the milk. • the top of the pack. • the
top of the page. • the top of the pass. • the
top of the pile. • the top of the range. •
the top of the road. • the top of the scale.
• the top of the skull. • the top of the stair-
case/stairs. • the top of the steps. • the
top of the street. • the top of the table. •
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
topic 130 131 under

top a bill. • top a list/chart. • top half. •
top of the agenda. • top of the class. •
top the bill.
topic
a topic for discussion. • a topic of conver-
sation. • a topic of discussion.
torrent
a torrent of abuse. • a torrent of criti-
cisms. • a torrent of rain/water.
torture
torture sb to death. • tortured and killed.
toss
a toss of sb’s/the head. • toss a salad. •
toss and turn.
total
a total stranger (about sth). • totally in-
adequate. • totally unacceptable.
touch
a touch of class. • a touch of irony. • a
touch of style. • touch a (sensitive/raw)
nerve. • touch sb’s heart.
towel
towel sth dry. • towel yourself dry.
trace
a trace of irony. • trace sth’s history. •
trace your origins. • traces of blood.
traditional
traditional parents. • a traditional
school. • a traditional style. • tradition-
ally viewed as sth.
tragedy
tragedy strikes (sb/sth).
tragic
transfer
a transfer of power. • a transfer of sover-
eignty. • transference of sovereignty.
translate
translate sth into action/practice.
trappings
the trappings of fame/power. • the trap-
pings of success.
trauma
a traumatic experience.
travel
a travel permit. • the travelling public. •
travel at 80 kilometres, etc. per hour. •
travel by car/bus. • travel by train. •
travel light. • travel on foot/horseback. •
travel the country. • travel the world.
travesty
travesty of democracy. • travesty of the
truth.
tread
the tread of feet.
treasure
a treasured possession. • treasurer’s re-
port.
treat
treat sb like dirt. • treat sb like royalty. •
treat sb with kindness/contempt. • treat
sb with respect. • treat sb/sth with disre-
spect. • treat sth with caution. • treat sth
with scepticism/suspicion. • treat yourself
to sth.
treatment
a treatment for burns/depression, etc. •
the treatment for/of a disease.
trick
a trick of the light. • the trick is to… •
the tricks of the trade.
tricky
a tricky problem. • a tricky question. • a
tricky situation.
trigger
trigger a response/reaction.
trim
trimmed with lace.
trip
a trip abroad/overseas. • the trip home.
• the trip of a lifetime. • trip and fall.
triumph
a triumph of democracy. • a triumph of
modern science. • the triumph of good
over evil.
trouble
be troubled with stomach ulcer/back in-
jury, etc. • the trouble (with sb/sth) is
(that)… • trouble ahead. • trouble your-
self. • troubled by sb’s attitude, etc.
true
ring true. • the same is true of sth. • a
true story. • a true successor. • the true
extent. • true to type.
trust
trust sb’s judgment. • trust your instincts.
truth
the truth is (that)… • the truth of the
matter is (that)… • the truth will out. •
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth.
try
life. • a turning-point in sb’s illness. • the
turn of the century. • the turn of the tide.
• turn a gun on yourself. • turn a page (of
a book, etc.). • turn a tap off/on. • turn
and see. • turn down an offer. • turn in
policy. • turn left/right. • turn on the
charm. • turn on/off a light. • turn on/off
a radio. • turn on/turn off the television.
• turn out OK. • turn out your pockets. •
turn sb loose. • turn sth into flats. • turn
the corner. • turn the heat on/off. • turn
the heat up/down. • turn the heating on.
• turn to crime. • turn to drink/drugs. •
turn to page. • turn to sb/sth for solace.
• turn your attention to sth. • turn your
back (on sb/sth). • turn your fury on sb.
• turn your mind to sth.
twice
twice as many. • twice as much. • twice
daily.
twinge
a twinge of conscience. • a twinge of guilt.
twinkle
a twinkle in sb’s eye.
twist
a twist in the plot. • a twist in the tail. •
a twist of fate. • a twist of fortune. • a
twist of the plot. • to twist and turn. •
twist (yourself) free. • twist sb’s words. •
twist sth out of shape. • twist your lips
into a sneer. • twists and turns.
type
a type of bird. • a type of exercise. • the
type of person who …
...

a tragic death/accident. • be tragically
killed.
trail
a trail of blood. • a trail of destruction.
• a trail of devastation. • a trail of slime.
• a trail of smoke.
train
a train crash. • a train load of sth. • a
train of events. • a train of thoughts. • a
train ride. • a train strike. • a train to
catch. • a train trip. • trained by associa-
tion.
U
tremble tried and tested. • try an avenue. • try
tremble all over. • tremble from head to and do sth. • try and try. • try anything
foot/toe. • tremble like a leaf. • tremble once. • try hard/desperately to do sth. •
with fear. try sth for size. • try sth new/different
(with sth). • try your best/hardest (to do
trends sth). • try your best/utmost. • try your ugly
trends of employment. the ugly face of sth.
hardest.
trial turn uncertain
a trial basis. • a trial of strength. • a trial uncertainty surrounds sth.
a turn of events. • a turn of fate. • a turn
period. • a trial separation. • trial and
of pace. • a turn of phrase. • a turn of under
error. • trial by jury. • trials and tribula-
speed. • a turn to the left/right. • a turn- be under (a) contract to sb/sth. • be un-
tions.
ing-point in history. • a turning-point in der a (lot of) strain. • be under attack. •

undergo 132
be under discussion. • be under investi-
gation. • be under new management. •
be under no illusion(s). • be under pres-
sure (to do sth). • be under sb’s com-
mand. • be under sb’s control. • be un-
der the delusion. • be under the impres-
sion (that)… • under (a) statute. • un-
der (sb’s) supervision. • under a cloud of
suspicion. • under a contract. • under a
government. • under a microscope. • un-
der a programme. • under age. • under
an obligation to do sth. • under an obli-
gation to sb. • under arrest. • under bud-
get. • under compulsion. • under consid-
eration. • under construction. • under
cover of darkness. • under cultivation. •
under different/happier, etc. circum-
stances. • under difficult/appalling con-
ditions. • under duress. • under exami-
nation. • under guarantee. • under
guidelines. • under heavy guard. • under
interrogation. • under law. • under new
ownership. • under no circumstances. •
under normal circumstances. • under ob-
servation. • under one/the same roof. •
under par. • under pressure (from sb). •
under repair. • under review. • under sb’s
arm. • under sb’s leadership. • under sb’s
spell. • under scrutiny. • under sedation/
anaesthetic. • under siege. • under
strain. • under strength. • under stress.
• under surveillance. • under the circum-
stances. • under the direction of sb. •
under the doctor. • under the illusion
that… • under the influence (of alcohol/
drink). • under the pretext of doing sth.
• under the spotlight. • under the terms
of a contract, etc. • under there. • under
warranty. • under your feet.
undergo
undergo a change. • undergo an opera-
tion. • undergo surgery/treatment.
underline
underline the fact that …
underlying
the underlying cause. • an underlying
theme. • the underlying truth.
undermine
undermine sb’s credibility. • undermine
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
133 version
sb’s efforts to do sth. • undermine sb’s po- upkeep valid
sition/authority. upkeep of a building, etc. a valid criticism. • a valid point/argu-
ment. • a valid reason/excuse.
undersell upper
undersell yourself. the upper echelons (of sth). • the upper valuable
understatement end of the market. • the upper middle- a valuable contribution. • a valuable re-
the understatement of the year. class. • uppermost in sb’s mind/thoughts. source/addition.
• uppermost in your mind.
undertake value
upset value for (your) money. • values and as-
undertake a review of sth. • undertake a
trip. • undertake an expedition. upset the balance. pirations. • the value of the damage. • the
value of your shares.
undisclosed upward
an undisclosed location. an upward trend. vanish
vanish from sight. • vanish from the face
uneven urgency of the earth. • vanish into thin air. • van-
be unevenly matched. • uneven pulse. the urgency of the situation. ish without trace.
unfair use variation
an unfair advantage. a useful indicator. • be used to (doing) a variation in temperature. • a variation
sth. • be used to the sight of. • the use of on a theme.
unfit force. • the use of resources. • the use of
unfit for human consumption. • unfit for violence. • use an approach. • use sb for variety
occupation. your own ends. • use sth as a guide. • a variety of activities. • a variety of back-
unfortunate use sth as an excuse/reason. • use sth to grounds. • a variety of contexts. • a vari-
be unfortunate enough to do sth. (a/some) purpose. • use the stairs. • use ety of factors. • a variety of reasons. • a
the telephone. • use your brain. • use variety of scenery. • a variety of seeds. •
universal your imagination. • use your initiative. • a variety of shrub. • a variety of sources.
a universal truth. • be universally ac- use your judgment. • used in the loose/ • a variety of topics. • a variety of types.
cepted. • be universally disliked. • be strict sense (of the word). • a variety of uses. • a variety of ways.
universally liked. • be universally praised.
• be universally recognized. • be univer- useless vary
a varied selection. • vary according to/de-
sally understood. useless at fixing things, etc.
pending on sth. • vary from individual to
university utter individual. • vary in degree. • vary in
a university education. be utterly spoilt. • utter disgrace. size/length. • vary over/with time.
unlucky ... vast
be unlucky enough to do sth. a vast amount/quantity. • a vast collec-
V
tion. • a vast expanse. • a vast number. •
unwise
a vast range/array. • the vast majority (of
be unwise enough to do sth.
people/things).
up
be up on sth. • be up to mischief. • be up
veil
to no good. • be up to your elbows in sth. vacant a veil of ignorance/silence. • a veil of
a vacant expression/look. • a vacant mist. • a veil of secrecy. • veiled in secrecy.
• up a path. • up against it. • up ahead.
• up for auction. • up here. • up in arms seat/chair. • a vacant smile. • a vacant
vent
about. • up river. • up the ante. • up the table.
vent your spleen/anger (on sb).
road. • up the stairs. • up there. • up to vague
doing sth. • up to now. • up to the re- verge
a vague feeling/suspicion. • a vague
quired/expected standard. • up until now. the verge of a nervous break down.
idea/notion. • a vague impression. • a
vague memory/recollection. version
uphold
uphold a complaint. a version of a document. • a version of a
vain
story.
a vain attempt/bid. • a vain effort.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
very 135 weather
134

very vision waist wave

be very tempted. • the very act of doing
sth. • the very beginning. • the very cen-
tre. • the very end. • the very fabric of
sth. • the very sight of sb. • the very spot.
• the very thought of (doing) sth. • the
very top. • very few (people/things,
etc.). • very foolish. • very imaginative.
• very influential. • very keen. • very like
sb/sth. • very little. • very many/much.
• the very moment. • very much so. •
very often. • very possibly. • very prob-
able. • very probably. • very professional.
• very same day/place, etc. • very suc-
cessful. • very well.
victim
a victim of a disaster. • a victim of abuse.
• a victim of accident. • a victim of an at-
tack. • a victim of circumstance. • a vic-
tim of crime. • a victim of cruelty. • a vic-
tim of discrimination. • a victim of ha-
rassment. • a victim of injustice. • a vic-
tim of persecution. • a victim of preju-
dice. • a victim of violence. • a victim of
your/its own success. • the victims of a
massacre. • victims of crime/racism. •
victims of torture.
view
a view of life. • view sth with concern/
alarm. • view sth with suspicion/scepti-
cism.
villain
the villain of the piece/story.
vim
vim and vigour.
violation
a violation of a ceasefire. • a violation of
sovereignty. • a violation of the rules. •
violation of law.
violence
violence begets/breeds violence. • vio-
a vision for the future. • a vision of the fu- waist-deep in water. • waist-high plants.
ture.
wait
wait a long time. • wait a minute/mo-
visualize
ment. • wait and see. • wait until/till…
visualize a scene.
• wait your turn. • waiting to be discov-
visually ered.
visually handicapped/impaired.
wake
vital wake (up) to find sth. • wake up with a
a vital ingredient. start.
vivid walk
a vivid description/account. • a vivid
a walk around. • the walking wounded.
memory.
• walk it. • walk the beat. • walking dis-
tance.
voice
a voice of dissent. • the voice of author- wall
ity. • the voice of conscience. • the voice
a wall of silence. • the wall of a cave.
of experience. • the voice of reason.
want
volume want a word (with sb). • want sth done.
the volume of production. • the volume of • want sth from life. • want sth in/out of
trade. life. • want things both ways. • want
volunteer your pound of flesh. • wants and needs.
volunteer a suggestion/an opinion. • vol-
war
unteer information. • volunteer your ser-
a war of attrition. • a war of indepen-
vices (as sth).
dence. • a war of liberation. • a war of
vote nerves. • war breaks out.
a vote of (no) confidence. • a vote of cen- warning
sure. • a vote of thanks. • vote in favour a warning light.
of sth. • vote no/yes.
warrant
vow a warrant for sb’s arrest.
a vow of celibacy. • a vow of silence. •
vow never to do sth. wash
wash sth clean. • wash the dishes. •
voyage wash your hands of the affair/matter.
a voyage of discovery. • a voyage of self-
discovery. waste
a waste of energy. • a waste of money. •
vulnerable a waste of time. • waste a chance/oppor-
put sb in a vulnerable position. • vulner- tunity.
able to attack/criticism.
... watch
watch (sb) like a hawk. • watch (the)
telly. • watch sb/sth’s every move. •
a wave of (violent) unrest. • a wave of ad-
miration. • a wave of applications. • a
wave of arrests. • a wave of attacks. • a
wave of bombs. • a wave of crimes. • a
wave of criticisms. • a wave of demonstra-
tions. • a wave of destruction. • a wave of
enthusiasm. • a wave of intimidation. • a
wave of persecution. • a wave of protest.
• a wave of publicity. • a wave of refu-
gees. • a wave of strikes. • a wave of ter-
rorism. • a wave of violence. • wave (sb)
goodbye. • wave a magic wand. • wave
goodbye (to sb).
way
a way of dealing with sth. • a way of de-
tecting sth. • a way of escape. • a way of
helping. • a way of identifying sb/sth. •
a way of life. • a way of measuring sth. •
a way of obtaining sth. • a way of resolv-
ing sth. • a way of restoring sth. • a way
of tackling sth. • a way of viewing sth. •
a way out. • a way out of a dilemma. • a
way out of an impasse. • a way out of the
recession. • a way out of the situation. •
the way back/forward. • the way down/
up. • the way here. • the way home. • the
way in/out. • the ways of the world. •
ways and means.
weak
a weak showing. • weak at the knees.
weaken
weaken sb’s morale/spirit. • weaken sb’s
resistance. • weaken sb’s resolve.
wealth
a wealth of data. • a wealth of details. •
a wealth of experience(s). • a wealth of
information. • a wealth of opportunity. •
a wealth of talent. • a wealth of wildlife.
weapons
weapons of defence. • weapons of mass
destruction.

W
lent death.
watch the world go by. • watch with
amusement/fascination. • watch with in-
wear
virtual wear and tear. • wear white. • wear your
a virtual monopoly. • virtually certain/ terest. • watch your figure. • watch your
hair in a bun. • wear yourself out.
unknown. • virtually impossible. weight. • watchful eye.
water weather
visible wade weather the storm.
a visible sign. • visible to the naked eye. wade knee-deep/waist-deep. the water’s edge. • water-resistant cover-
ing, etc.

wedge 136
wedge
wedge sth in place/position.
week
a week tomorrow. • a week’s rent. • a
weekend away/off. • the weeks that fol-
lowed. • week after week. • weeks
ahead. • weeks overdue. • weeks to
come.
weep
weep and wail. • weep buckets. • weep
for joy. • weeping and wailing.
weigh
weigh a ton. • weigh heavily with sb. •
weigh on sb’s mind.
weight
a weight off your mind. • a weight prob-
lem. • the weight of evidence. • the
weight of numbers. • weighted in favour/
against. • weights and measures.
weird
the weird thing is… • weird and wonder-
ful.
welcome
welcome a guest. • welcome home. •
welcome sb/sth with open arms.
well
a well-balanced diet. • a well-defined
area. • a well-defined plan/task. • a well-
established practice/tradition. • a well-
established principle. • a well-oiled ma-
chine. • a well-read person. • be well
advised to do sth. • be well camouflaged.
• be well looked after. • be well matched.
• be well represented. • be well rid of sb/
sth. • be well studied. • well adapted. •
well after/before sb did sth. • well ahead
(of sb). • well attended. • well aware. •
well behind. • well deserved. • well dis-
posed to sb. • well dressed. • well edu-
cated. • well equipped. • well hidden. •
well into middle age. • well nourished. •
well ordered. • well preserved. • well
protected. • well qualified to do sth. •
well recorded. • well regarded. • well re-
hearsed. • well selected. • well spotted.
• well ventilated. • well worth a visit,
etc. • well-disposed towards. • well-
grounded in eastern philosophy, etc. •
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
well-informed about/on sth. • well-known
for sth. • well-known to sb. • well-off for
sth. • well-read in sth. • well-regarded as
a lawyer, etc.
west
the west front of sth.
wet
a wet spell. • wet the bed. • wet with dew.
what
what (a) cheek! • what a pity. • what a
shame. • what amazes me is that… •
what appears to be… • what are the
odds...? • what do you reckon to? • what
do you take me for? • what gets me is…
• what I like about sb/sth. • what in the
world. • What rubbish! • what shall I/
we...? • what the future holds/will bring.
• what the world is coming to when… •
what to do/say. • what to think. • what,
if anything? • what’s (up) with sb? •
what’s (up) with sth? • what’s the deal? •
what’s the matter? • what’s the use of
doing sth?
whatever
whatever else. • whatever next? • what-
ever the outcome. • whatever the weather.
wheel
the wheels of government. • the wheels of
industry. • the wheels of justice.
when
when (the) occasion demands. • when it
comes to the crunch. • when necessary. •
when the situation arises. • when you
least expect it/sth. • whenever possible/
necessary.
where
where in the world. • where necessary. •
where sb stands on sth. • where sth
stands.
while
all the while. • for a while. • for quite a
while. • in a little while. • take a while.
• a while ago. • a while back. • while sth
lasts.
whisk
whisk sth until stiff.
137
whisky
whisky on the rocks.
whisper
whisper (sth) in/into sb’s ear. • whisper
sweet nothings.
whistle
a whistle blows. • a whistle goes/sounds.
white
the white of an egg. • white with anger.
• white with shock/fear. • whiter than
white.
whole
a whole host of problems, etc. • a whole
lot different, etc. • a whole range/series.
• the whole day/night through. • the
whole episode. • the whole story/truth.
• the whole thing. • the whole time. •
the whole world. • the whole year
through. • wholly inadequate.
why
why ever…? • why ever not? • why is it
that...? • why not do sth.
wide
a wide choice. • a wide circle of friends.
• a wide margin. • a wide range/variety.
• a wide selection. • a wide vocabulary.
• the wider community. • wide of the
mark.
widely
be widely accepted. • be widely admired.
• be widely advocated. • be widely an-
ticipated. • be widely appreciated. • be
widely attributed to… • be widely
blamed for sth. • be widely condemned.
• be widely credited with sth. • be widely
criticized (as sth). • be widely debated.
• be widely denounced. • be widely dis-
liked. • be widely forecast. • be widely
ignored. • be widely interpreted as sth. •
be widely known. • be widely misrepre-
sented. • be widely misunderstood. • be
widely observed. • be widely praised. •
be widely predicted. • be widely pro-
moted. • be widely recognized. • be
widely reported. • be widely supported.
• be widely suspected. • be widely trans-
lated. • be widely understood. • widely
discussed. • widely misused. • widely re-
wisp
produced. • widely separated. • widely
viewed as sth.
widen
widen a definition. • widen the gap. •
widen your appeal.
wild
a wild guess. • wildly exaggerate sth.
will
the will of God. • the will of the people.
• the will to live/win, etc. • will be glad/
happy to do sth. • will be pleased to do
sth. • will do as/for a seat, etc. • will do
me, etc.
willing
a willing helper. • a willing partner. • a
willing pupil. • a willing volunteer. • will-
ing to oblige/help.
win
win a franchise. • win a percent of the
vote. • win a place. • win a scholarship.
• win favour (with sb). • win sb’s love/
heart. • win the toss.
wind
wind your way.
window
a window of opportunity.
wink
a wink of sleep.
winner
a winning run. • the winner of a contest.
• the winning trail.
wipe
wipe sth clean/dry. • wipe the grin/smile
off sb’s face. • wipe your hands/feet.
wish
wish sb (every) success. • wish sb a happy
Birthday. • wish sb a happy/merry Christ-
mas. • wish sb a long and happy retire-
ment. • wish sb a speedy recovery. • wish
sb every happiness. • wish sb happiness.
• wish sb luck (in/with sth). • wish sb
luck/success. • wish to remain anony-
mous.
wisp
a wisp of smoke/cloud.

wit 138
wit
wit and wisdom.
with
sth with attitude. • with your own eyes.
• with (all) due respect (to sb). • with
(good/a good) grace. • with a little imagi-
nation. • with a minimum of inconve-
nience. • with a straight face. • with a
stroke of the pen. • with age. • with
alarming regularity. • with all haste. •
with an effort. • with an ill grace. • with
authority. • with bad/a bad grace. • with
bated breath. • with care. • with caution.
• with certainty. • with chips. • with con-
fidence. • with contempt. • with delight.
• with depressing/monotonous regularity.
• with disapproval. • with due/great cer-
emony. • with each/every step. • with
ease. • with equal vigour. • with every
day that passes. • with every passing day.
• with every passing hour. • with fascina-
tion. • with frustration. • with full mili-
tary honours. • with fury. • with gay/
reckless abandon. • with good cause. •
with great/deep regret. • with great/in-
creasing regularity. • with ice-cream. •
with immediate effect. • with increasing
frequency. • with intent (to do sth). •
with interest. • with lightning speed. •
with no thought for sth. • with pride. •
with reason/not without reason. • with
relish. • with satisfaction. • with sb’s
blessing. • with sb’s consent. • with spots.
• with style. • with the aid of sth. • with
the aim of doing sth. • with the best of in-
tentions. • with the compliment of the
house/management. • with the express
purpose of sth. • with the help of sb. •
with the hood down/up. • with the idea
of doing sth. • with the intention of do-
ing sth. • with the knowledge that… •
with the minimum of delay/disruption. •
with the minimum of effort/risk. • with
the minimum of fuss. • with the object of
doing sth. • with the result that… • with
the wisdom of hindsight. • with varying
degrees of concern. • with varying de-
grees of enthusiasm. • with varying de-
grees of success. • with your bare hands.
• with your dignity intact. • with your
pride intact.
XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
withdraw
the withdrawal of troops/a force. • with-
draw into a world of your own. • with-
draw into your shell. • withdraw sth from
sale/the market. • withdraw your resigna-
tion. • withdraw your support.
wither
wither and die.
withhold
withhold (your) consent.
within
within (easy) reach. • within (your)
rights. • within a framework. • within
arm’s reach. • within bounds. • within
budget. • within commuting/driving dis-
tance. • within driving distance (of …). •
within easy reach (of sth). • within hail-
ing/shouting distance. • within minutes.
• within range (of sth). • within reason.
• within sb’s grasp. • within sb’s jurisdic-
tion. • within seconds. • within shouting
distance. • within sight of sth. • within
sight/earshot. • within sniffing distance.
• within striking/touching distance. •
within strolling distance. • within the
bounds of possibility. • within the bounds
of sth. • within the law. • within the next
decade. • within the past/last decade. •
within the reach of sb/sth. • within the
scope of sb/sth. • within the space of 10
hours, etc. • within travelling/distance. •
within walking distance. • within your
means.
without
without (any) obligation. • without a
backward glance/look. • without a hitch.
• without a shadow of (a) doubt. • with-
out a shred of evidence. • without an ar-
gument. • without any difficulty, etc. at
all. • without ceasing. • without delay. •
without good cause. • without incident. •
without just cause. • without knocking. •
without let or hindrance. • without mis-
hap. • without much enthusiasm. • with-
out parallel. • without pausing. • without
precedent. • without protest. • without
qualification. • without realizing (sth). •
without reservation. • without reserve. •
without respite. • without sb’s consent. •
139
without sleep. • without so much as… •
without warning.
witness
a witness for the defence/prosecution.
woman
a woman in your life. • a woman of few
words. • a woman of her word. • a
woman of many talents. • a woman of
means/property. • a woman of taste. • a
woman of the people. • a woman with a
mission. • women’s rights.
wonder
the wonders of modern science/technol-
ogy. • the wonders of nature. • the won-
ders of the world.
word
a word in sb’s ear. • a word of caution. •
a word of praise. • a word of reproach. •
a word of thanks. • a word of warning. •
word for word. • words and music. •
words of comfort. • words of encourage-
ment. • words of welcome. • words of
wisdom.
work
a work of art /literature. • a work of fic-
tion. • a work of genius. • a work permit.
• the works of (Kalidasa, etc.). • work at
full capacity. • work in collaboration with
sb. • work in progress. • work in sb’s
favour. • work out a plan. • work sb/
yourself (up) into a frenzy/a panic. •
work to sb’s advantage. • work under
cover. • work up an appetite. • work
within limits. • work wonders (for sb/
sth). • work your passage. • work your-
self up into a passion.
world
a world of difference. • a world of fan-
tasy. • be worlds apart. • the world of
commerce. • the world of science. • the
world of sport(s). • the world over. • the
world stage. • the world we live in. •
world famous.
worry
be worried to death. • worried sick. •
worry so. • worry yourself about sth. •
worry yourself sick.
writer
worse
the worst accident, etc. imaginable. • the
worst of it. • worse and worse. • worse
still. • worse than usual.
worth
be worth a great deal. • be worth a lot. •
be worth a try. • be worth checking. • be
worth mentioning sth. • be worth noting.
• be worth preserving. • be worth stress-
ing sth. • be worth the effort/time. • be
worth the wait. • one million dollar worth
(of sth). • worth a fortune. • worth a
visit/look. • worth the risk. • worth the
trouble.
worthy
a worthy cause. • a worthy successor. • be
worthy of admiration/praise. • be worthy
of attention/consideration. • be worthy of
support. • worthy of note (that…).
would
would dearly like to do sth. • would have
done sth. • would it be all right/okay if...
• would like/love to do sth. • would pre-
fer (that)… • would prefer to do sth. •
would rather not. • would say so/not. •
would you credit it? • would you like sb/
sth to do sth. • would you like to do sth?
• would you mind doing sth. • would you
mind if…
wound
wound sb’s pride. • wounded in action.
wrap
be wrapped in bandages. • wrap a
present.
wrestle
wrestle with your conscience.
wriggle
wriggle your way. • wrinkle your brow.
write
write a letter. • write a list. • write a piece
on/about sth. • write a will. • write off a
debt. • write saying/asking, etc. sth. •
write sb a note. • write to say/express,
etc. sth.
writer
a writer of fiction. • a writer of the day. •
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
writhe 140

a writer of the period/time. • a writer’s young

association/group. • a writer’s guild/
union. • the writer of a computer pro-
gram. • writer’s block.
writhe
writhe in pain/agony. • writhe with em-
barrassment.
wrong
be wrongly credited with sth. • the wrong
decision. • the wrong time.
...
a young boy. • the young ones. • young
children. • young for your age.
your
your best efforts. • your big date. • your
date/place of birth. • your every whim. •
your eyes are playing tricks on you. • your
field of vision. • your head in your hands.
• your hopes and dreams. • your hopes
and expectations. • your hopes and fears.
• your hour of need. • your life’s work. •
your likes and dislikes. • your line of
sight. • your line of vision. • your luck

XYZ
changes. • your luck holds/lasts. • your
luck runs out. • your memory is playing
tricks on you. • (have/with) your mouth
full. • your native tongue. • your old age.
• your other friends/books, etc. • your
year own transport. • your place. • your place/
50, etc. years of age. • a year’s rent. • a rank in society. • your pride and joy. •
year’s subscription. • the year when… • your purpose in life. • your share of the
the years that followed. • years after sb proceeds. • your very own bedroom, etc.
(did sth). • years after sth. • years ahead. • your word against sb’s.
• years of drought. • years of neglect. •
years of negotiation. • years of schooling. youth
• years of stagnation. • years of struggle. the youth of today.
• years of toil. • years of wear. • years zest
overdue. a zest for life. • a zest for winning.
yell zip
a yell of delight. • a yell of triumph. zip sth open/shut.
yes …
a (firm) yes. • a (simple) yes or no. • yes
and no. • yes, please.
yet
yet another problem, etc.
yield
a yield of (10%). • yield a profit/return.
• yield to (the) temptation.
you
you can hardly blame sb. • you can
hardly expect (sb to do) sth. • you can
imagine sth. • you can only admire sb/
sth. • you can’t be serious. • you can’t go
wrong with… • you can’t miss it. • you
never know if… • you never know what/
how… • you’ll never guess what/how…
• you’ll never guess who… • you’ve got
me there. • you’ve had it.
 XLNq-B08/n47fqk8Gri9/B08
FLUENCY LEXICONS BY PROF. KEV NAIR
How to achieve
a high standard of wordsmanship
TM
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