Word Pag Part of Pron Definition Example

e speech
given name 8 n ˈɡɪvən neɪm first name (American English) My given name is
Nicholas.
maiden name 8 n ˈmeɪdn neɪm a woman’s family name before she I’m Mrs Mary Smith, but
got married and started using her my maiden name is Mary
husband’s family name Black.
name after 8 phr v ˈneɪm ˌɑːftə give someone or something the He was named after his
same name as another person or father.
thing
live up to your 8 phr lɪv ˌʌp tə jɔː ˈneɪm if someone lives up to their name, The boss has certainly
name they do as well as they were lived up to his name.
expected to because of what their
name or title is
make a name for 8 idiom ˌmeɪk ə ˈneɪm to become famous for something He made a name for
yourself himself as a conductor of
the Berlin Orchestra.
household name 8 n ˌhaʊshəʊld ˈneɪm someone who is famous Barack Obama is a
household name.
put your name 8 phr pʊt ˈfɔːwəd to suggest formally that you should He put his name forward
forward be considered for a particular job, as a candidate for
membership of an organisation etc governor.
clear your name 8 idiom ˌklɪə jə ˈneɪm to prove that you are not guilty of They fought for years to
something clear his name.
by name 8 phr baɪ ˈneɪm using a person’s name He was mentioned by
name in the report of the
accident.
in name only 8 idiom ɪn ˌneɪm ˈəʊnli if a situation exists in name only, it That country is a
does not really exist even though democracy in name only.
officially people say it does
surname 8 n ˈsɜːneɪm the name that you share with your The actor Michael Caine’s
parents, or often with your husband real surname is
if you are a married woman, and Micklewhite.
which in English comes at the end
of your full name
middle name 8 n ˌmɪdl ˈneɪm the name that is between your first Harry Potter’s middle
name and your family name name is James.
married name 8 n ˌmærid ˈneɪm a woman’s last name, when she She gave them Brenda’s
has changed it to her husband’s married name and
name address.
perceptive 12 adj pəˈseptɪv someone who is perceptive notices You’re right. That’s very
things quickly and understands perceptive of you.
situations, people’s feelings etc
well – used to show approval
inspirational 12 adj ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃənəl providing encouragement or new Jones proved an
ideas for what you should do inspirational figure in
Welsh rugby.
over-ambitious 12 adj ˌəʊvər æmˈbɪʃəs too determined to be successful, The over-ambitious health
rich, powerful etc : reform programme failed.
conscientious 12 adj ˌkɒnʃiˈenʃəs careful to do everything that it is A conscientious teacher
your job or duty to do may feel inclined to take
work home.
obstinate 12 adj ˈɒbstənət determined not to change your He was the most
ideas, behaviour, opinions etc, obstinate man I’ve ever
even when other people think you met.
are being unreasonable
neurotic 12 adj njʊˈrɒtɪk unreasonably anxious or afraid He seemed a neurotic,
self-obsessed man.
open-minded 12 adj ˌəʊpən ˈmaɪndəd willing to consider and accept other She’s quite open-minded
people’s ideas and opinions about what job she wants
to do.
prejudiced 12 adj ˈpredʒədəst having an unreasonable dislike of Some officers were
someone or something, especially racially prejudiced.
a dislike of a group of people who
belong to a different race, sex, or
religion – used to show disapproval
apathetic 12 adj ˌæpəˈθetɪk not interested in something, and She felt too apathetic
not willing to make any effort to even to move.
change or improve things
insensitive 12 adj ɪnˈsensətɪv not noticing, or not taking the care She’s totally insensitive to
to notice, other people’s feelings, Jack’s feelings.
and not realising when they are
upset or when something that you
do will upset them
solitary 12 adj ˈsɒlətəri spending a lot of time alone, Pandas are solitary
usually because you like being creatures.
alone
rebellious 12 adj rɪˈbeljəs deliberately not obeying people in He’s always had a
authority or rules of behaviour rebellious streak (= a
tendency to rebel).
mature 12 adj məˈtʃʊə sensible – someone, especially a We’re mature enough to
child or young person, who is disagree on this issue but
mature behaves in a sensible and still respect each other.
reasonable way, as you would
expect an adult to behave
inquisitive 12 adj ɪnˈkwɪzətɪv interested in a lot of different things He’s a very inquisitive little
and wanting to find out more about boy.
them
considerate 148 adj kənˈsɪdərət always thinking of what other He was always kind and
people need or want and being considerate.
careful not to upset them
circumspect 148 adj ˈsɜːkəmspekt thinking carefully about something The governor was usually
before doing it, in order to avoid circumspect when dealing
risk with the media.
conservative 148 adj kənˈsɜːvətɪv not liking changes or new ideas He has a very
conservative attitude to
education.
temperamental 148 adj ˌtempərə'mentl likely to suddenly become upset, Preston is particularly
excited, or angry – used to show good at handling
disapproval temperamental people.
impetuous 148 adj ɪmˈpetʃuəs tending to do things very quickly, He was high-spirited and
without thinking carefully first, or impetuous.
showing this quality
easy-going 148 adj ˌɪːzi ˈɡəʊɪŋ not easily upset, annoyed, or Her easy-going nature
worried made her popular.
gregarious 148 adj ɡrɪˈɡeəriəs friendly and preferring to be with He’s a very gregarious
other people person.
selfish 148 adj ˈselfɪʃ caring only about yourself and not How can you be so
about other people – used to show selfish?
disapproval
liberal 148 adj ˈlɪbərəl willing to understand and respect I had quite liberal parents.
other people’s ideas, opinions, and
feelings
introverted 148 adj ˈɪntrəvɜ:təd someone who is introverted is quiet Jenny is quite introverted
and shy and does not enjoy being and doesn’t enjoy parties.
with other people
yes-man 13 n ˈjes mæn someone who always agrees with You can’t expect Jim to
and obeys their employer, leader disagree with the boss –
etc in order to gain some he’s a complete yes-man.
advantage – used to show
disapproval
whizzkid 13 n ˈwɪzkɪd a young person who is very skilled He’s a financial whizzkid
or successful at something in the City.
busybody 13 n ˈbɪziˌbɒdi someone who is too interested in Mrs Jackson is a
other people’s private activities – busybody.
used to show disapproval
chatterbox 13 n ˈtʃætəbɒks someone, especially a child, who Young John is a real
talks too much chatterbox.
pain in the neck 13 idiom ˌpeɪn ɪn ðə ˈnek someone who is very annoying Joshua is a pain in the
neck.
dark horse 13 idiom ˌdɑːk ˈhɔːs someone who does not tell people She’s a dark horse. I
much about themselves, but who didn’t know she’d written a
has surprising qualities or abilities novel.
old hand 13 idiom ˌəʊld ˈhænd someone who has a lot of He’s an old hand at the
experience of something job.
set in her ways 13 idiom ˌset ɪn hə ˈweɪz having particular habits Marc was 65 and very set
in his ways.
black sheep 13 idiom ˌblæk ˈʃiːp someone who is regarded by other Amy’s always been the
members of their family or group as black sheep of the family.
 a failure or embarrassment
life and soul of the 13 idiom ˌlaɪf ən ˌsəʊl əv ðə someone who enjoys social We must ask Sylvia to
party occasions and is fun and exciting to come – she’s the life and
ˈpɑːti be with soul of the party.
rotten apple 148 idiom ˌrɒtn ˈæpəl one person who has a bad effect Oliver was the rotten
on all others in a group apple – people started
arguing when he arrived.
loose cannon 148 idiom ˌluːs ˈkænən someone who cannot be trusted Don’t send John to the
because they say or do things you meeting because he’s a
do not what them to bit of a loose cannon.
couch potato 148 idiom ˈkaʊtʃ pəˌteɪtəʊ someone who spends a lot of time He’s a bit of a couch
sitting and watching television potato.
wet blanket 148 idiom ˌwet ˈblæŋkət someone who seems to want to Don’t ask Sarah, she’s
spoil other people’s fun, for such a wet blanket.
example by refusing to join them in
something enjoyable that they are
doing
big cheese 148 idiom ˌbɪɡ ˈtʃiːz an important and powerful person He’s the big cheese in this
in an organisation – used business.
humorously
tough cookie 148 idiom ˌtʌf ˈkʊki someone who is very determined to Ask Alice to help, she’s a
do what they want and not what tough cookie.
other people want
capture the beauty 14 phr ˌkæptʃə ðə ˈbjuːti to succeed in recording, showing, These photographs
of something or describing the beauty in a capture the beauty of the
əv ˌsʌmθɪŋ situation or feeling, using words or countryside at the turn of
pictures the century.
evocative 14 adj ɪˈvɒkətɪv making people remember That picture is wonderfully
something by producing a feeling evocative of a hot,
or memory in them summer’s day.
iconic 14 adj aɪˈkɒnɪk admired by many people and Have you seen that iconic
thought to represent an important picture of Churchill?
idea
revealing 14 adj rɪˈviːlɪŋ something that is revealing shows The programme gave a
you something interesting or revealing insight into her
surprising about a situation or life.
someone’s character
striking 14 adj ˈstraɪkɪŋ attractive in an unusual way that is A dark man with striking
easy to notice features walked up to me.
provocative 14 adj prəˈvɒkətɪv provocative behaviour, remarks etc The minister’s provocative
are intended to make people angry remarks were widely
or upset, or to cause a lot of reported in the press.
discussion
over the hill 22 idiom ˌəʊvə ðə ˈhɪl no longer young, and therefore no Kathleen thinks she’s over
longer attractive or good at doing the hill, but she’s only 32.
things
go far 22 phr v ˌɡəʊ ˈfɑː if you think that someone will go He was the best student
far, you think they will be in his year, and everyone
successful in the future was sure he would go far.
reach the peak 22 idiom ˌriːtʃ ðə ˈpɪːk the time when something or Most athletes reach their
someone is best, greatest, highest, peak in their mid 20s.
most successful
go downhill 22 idiom ˌɡəʊ daʊnˈhɪl if a situation goes downhill, it gets Grandma fell and broke
worse her leg, and she went
downhill quite rapidly after
that.
at a crossroads 22 idiom ət ə ˈkrɒsrəʊdz a time when someone has to make Now farming is at a
very important decisions which will crossroads in the
affect their future European Community.
hard to swallow 22 idiom ˌhɑːd tə ˈswɒləʊ difficult to believe I found his story a bit hard
to swallow.
regurgitate 22 v rɪˈɡɜːdʒəteɪt to repeat facts, ideas etc that you She tried to get students
have read or heard without thinking to think critically, not just
about them yourself – used to show regurgitate facts.
disapproval
food for thought 22 idiom ˌfuːd fə ˈθɔːt something that makes you think The teacher’s advice
carefully certainly gave me food for
thought.
half-baked 22 adj ˌhɑːf ˈbeɪkt a half-baked idea, suggestion, plan He’s always coming out
etc has not been properly planned with these half-baked
 ideas which will never
work.
flash of inspiration 149 idiom ˌflæʃ əv ɪnspə if someone has a flash of As he was thinking about
inspiration they suddenly have a the problem, he suddenly
ˈreɪʃən clever idea had a flash of inspiration.
bright 149 adj braɪt intelligent and able learn things He was an exceptionally
quickly bright child.
shine 149 v ʃaɪn to be very good at something The concert will give
young jazz musicians a
chance to shine.
dim 149 adj dɪm not intelligent You can be really dim
sometimes!
construct a theory 149 phr kənˌstrʌkt ə ˈθɪəri to form something such as a Boyce has constructed a
sentence, argument or system by new theory of
joining words, ideas etc together management.
support a theory 149 phr səˌpɔːt ə ˈθɪəri to make people believe an idea or Her findings supported
set of ideas that is intended to Darwin’s theory of
explain something about life or the evolution.
world, especially an idea that has
not yet been proved to be true
fall down 149 phr v ˌfɔːl ˈdaʊn to fail because of a particular That’s where the whole
reason or in a particular way argument falls down.
foundations 149 n pl faʊnˈdeɪʃənz basic ideas, principles, situations All theories should be built
etc that something develops from on solid foundations of
factual knowledge.
make a killing 149 idiom ˌmeɪk ə ˈkɪlɪŋ to make a lot of money in a short He made a killing on the
time stock exchange.
launch a 149 phr ˌlɔːntʃ ə kæmˈpeɪn to start something, usually The organisation has
campaign something big or important launched a campaign to
raise £150,000.
target 149 v ˈtɑːɡət to make something have an effect The programme is
on a particular limited group or area targeted at improving the
health of women of all
ages.
join forces 149 idiom ˌdʒɔɪn ˈfɔːsəz to work together so that you can Local schools have joined
deal with a problem, be more forces with each other to
powerful etc share facilities.
perspective 23 n pəˈspektɪv a way of thinking about something, His father’s death gave
especially one which is influenced him a whole new
by the type of person you are or by perspective on life.
your experiences
mind 23 n maɪnd your thoughts or your ability to It’s important to keep an
think, feel, and imagine things open mind as you study
the topic.
eye-opening 23 adj ˈaɪ ˌəʊpənɪŋ an eye-opening experience is one The whole trip has been
from which you learn something an eye-opening
surprising or new experience.
narrow-minded 23 adj ˌnærəʊ ˈmaɪndəd unwilling to accept or understand His attitude is narrow-
new or different ideas, opinions, or minded and insensitive.
customs
convincing 23 adj kənˈvɪnsɪŋ making you believe that something They produced convincing
is true or right evidence of his guilt.
second thoughts 23 n pl ˌsekənd ˈθɔːts doubts about a decision you have You’re not having second
made thoughts, are you?
stereotype 23 n ˈsteriətaɪp a belief or idea of what a particular She is someone who
type of person or thing is like, often doesn’t fit the stereotype
unfair or untrue of the good mother.
preconception 23 n ˌpriːkənˈsepʃən a belief or opinion that you have I had the same
already formed before you know preconceptions about life
the actual facts, and that may be in South Africa that many
wrong people have.
the general 149 phr ðə ˌdʒenərəl ə the opinion that most people have The general opinion
opinion about something seems to be that the
ˈpɪnjən government has made a
mess of the war.
keep your 149 phr ˌkiːp jər əˌpɪnjənz to not say what you really think As the youngest person
opinions to there, I knew enough to
yourself tə jərˈself keep my opinions to
myself.
personal opinion 149 phr ˌpɜːsənəl əˈpɪnjən what you yourself think about My personal opinion is
something or someone that his first film was
better.
opinionated 149 adj əˈpɪnjəneɪtəd expressing very strong opinions I found him very arrogant
about things and opinionated.
idealistic 149 adj aɪˌdɪəˈlɪstɪk believing that you should live Many people had
according to high standards and idealistic values in the
principles, even if they cannot 1960s.
really be achieved
difference of 149 phr ˌdɪfərəns əv ə an occasion when two people He and Luke had a
opinion disagree difference of opinion.
ˈpɪnjən
opinion is divided 149 phr əˌpɪnjən ɪz dɪ people have different opinions Opinion was divided as to
about something whether the program will
ˈvaɪdəd work.
a matter of opinion 149 phr ə ˌmætər əv ə used to say that you disagree, or “He’s a very nice man.”
that people disagree about “That’s a matter of
ˈpɪnjən something opinion,” thought Sam.
entitled to your 149 phr ɪnˌtaɪtld tʊ jər used especially when politely Of course everyone is
own opinion disagreeing with what someone entitled to their opinion,
ˌəʊn əˈpɪnjən says but I can't accept what he
is saying.
however 25 conj haʊˈevə used when saying something that He began his career as a
seems different or surprising after mathematician. However,
your previous statement his main achievements
were in nuclear physics.
consequently 25 adv ˈkɒnsəkwəntli as a result, therefore The molecules are
absorbed into the
bloodstream and
consequently affect the
organs.
additionally 25 adv əˈdɪʃənəli in addition, also A new contract is in place.
Additionally, staff will be
offered a bonus scheme.
so 25 conj səʊ used to say that something There are no buses, so
happens or is true as a result of the you’ll have to walk.
situation you have just stated
on the other hand 25 phr ɒn ði ˈʌðə hænd used to give another opinion or fact I’d like to eat out, but on
that should be considered as well the other hand I should be
as the one you have just given trying to save money.
in addition 25 phr ɪn əˈdɪʃən used to add another piece of The company provides
information to what you have just cheap Internet access. In
said addition, it makes
shareware freely
available.
in fact 25 phr ɪn ˈfækt used to emphasise that the truth They told me it would be
about a situation is the opposite of cheap but in fact it cost
what has been mentioned me nearly £500.
furthermore 25 adv ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː in addition to what has already He is old and unpopular.
been said Furthermore, he has at
best only two years of
political life ahead of him.
nevertheless 25 adv ˌnevəðəˈles in spite of the fact that you have What you said was true. It
just mentioned was, nevertheless, a little
unkind.
for this reason 25 phr fə ˌðɪs ˈriːzən used when giving a good reason The river has flooded, and
for doing something for this reason the bridge
is closed.
likewise 25 adv ˈlaɪkwaɪz in the same way The meat was delicious.
Likewise, the aubergine
was excellent.
in conclusion 25 phr ɪn kənˈkluːʒən used in a piece of writing or a In conclusion, I would like
speech to show that you are about to say how much I have
to finish what you are saying enjoyed myself today.
play devil's 26 idiom ˌdevəlz ˈædvəkət to pretend to disagree with To play devil’s advocate
advocate someone in order to have a good for a moment, what if the
discussion about something factory did close?
speak your mind 26 idiom ˌspiːk jə ˈmaɪnd to tell people exactly what you He was a tough politician
think, even if it offends them who wasn’t afraid to
speak his mind.
sit on the fence 26 idiom ˌsɪt ɒn ðə ˈfens to avoid saying which side of an Stop sitting on the fence
argument you support and tell us what you really
think!
beat about the 26 idiom ˌbiːt əbaʊt ðə ˈbʊʃ to avoid or delay talking about Don’t beat about the bush.
bush something embarrassing or Ask for your account to be
unpleasant paid, and paid quickly.
innate talent 28 adj ɪˌneɪt ˈtælənt an innate talent is one you are born Children have an innate
with talent for learning
languages.
put success down 28 phr ˌpʊt səkˈses daʊn to think that a success is caused by I put the team’s success
to something else down to good
tə management.
lifelong passion 28 phr ˌlaɪflɒŋ ˈpæʃən a very strong liking for something, Gardening was her
that has lasted all someone’s life lifelong passion.
academically 28 adv ˌækədemɪkli concerned with studying from Are some people born
gifted books, as opposed to practical academically gifted?
ˈɡɪftəd work
artistically gifted 28 adj ɑːˌtɪstɪkli ˈɡɪftəd having a natural ability to do one or Opinion about how
more things relating to art or culture artistically gifted he was
extremely well has been mixed.
physically gifted 28 adj ˌfɪzɪkli ˈɡɪftəd having a natural physical ability to He was a physically gifted
do one or more things extremely gymnast.
well
inherit 28 v ɪnˈherət to have the same character or I inherited my mother’s
appearance as your parents curly hair.
trait 28 n treɪ, treɪt a particular quality in someone’s His most noticeable trait
character was his charm.
shape 28 v ʃeɪp to influence something such as a People’s political beliefs
belief, opinion etc and make it are shaped by what they
develop in a particular way see in the papers.
picturesque 32 adj ˌpɪktʃəˈresk a picturesque place is pretty and It was a quiet fishing
interesting in an old-fashioned way village with a picturesque
harbour.
tranquil 32 adj ˈtræŋkwəl pleasantly calm, quiet, and We stayed in a small,
peaceful tranquil village.
bustling 32 adj ˈbʌsəlɪŋ a bustling place is very busy The flower market was
bustling with shoppers.
magnificent 32 adj mæɡˈnɪfəsənt very good or beautiful, and very The twelve-mile coastline
impressive has magnificent scenery.
ancient 32 adj ˈeɪnʃənt belonging to a time long ago in The ancient Egyptians
history, especially thousands of built the Pyramids.
years ago
deserted 32 adj dɪˈzɜːtəd empty and quiet because no The streets were
people are there deserted.
run-down 32 adj ˌrʌn ˈdaʊn a building or area that is run-down Something needs to be
is in very bad condition done about the run-down
inner city areas.
unspoilt 32 adj ˌʌnˈspɔɪlt an unspoilt place is beautiful The countryside in the
because it has not changed for a area is completely
long time and does not have a lot unspoilt.
of new buildings
shabby 32 adj ˈʃæbi shabby clothes, places, or objects Hugh’s old jacket was torn
are untidy and in bad condition and shabby.
because they have been used for a
long time
dilapidated 32 adj dəˈlæpədeɪtəd a dilapidated building, vehicle etc is They bought a dilapidated
old and in very bad condition old manor house.
stunning 32 adj ˈstʌnɪŋ extremely attractive or beautiful You look absolutely
stunning in that dress.
breathtaking 32 adj ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ very impressive, exciting, or The view from my
surprising bedroom window was
absolutely breathtaking.
uninhabited 32 adj ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətəd an uninhabited place does not have The island was
anyone living there uninhabited.
cave house 33 n ˈkeɪv haʊs a large natural hole in the side of a Our ancestors possibly
cliff or hill, or under the ground, lived in these cave
made into a place to live houses.
fingerprint 33 n ˈfɪŋɡəprɪnt a mark made by the pattern of lines His fingerprints were all
at the end of a person’s finger, over the gun.
which is used by the police to find
 out who has committed a crime
candy-floss 33 n ˈkændi flɒs a type of sweet food made from He bought some candy-
sticky threads of pink sugar wound floss at the fair.
around a stick
refuge 35 n ˈrefjuːdʒ shelter or protection from someone During the frequent air-
or something raids, people took refuge
in their cellars.
spirit 35 n ˈspɪrət a creature without a physical body Although Laurie is dead, I
that some people believe exists, can feel his spirit with me.
such as an angel or a dead person,
who has returned to this world and
has strange or magical powers
earthbound 35 adj ˈɜːθbaʊnd unable to move away from the Humans thought they
surface of the Earth were earthbound until the
aeroplane was invented.
stilts 35 n pl stɪlts a set of poles that support a He lives in a house built
building above the ground or above on stilts in the heart of the
water jungle.
insulator 35 n ˈɪnsjəleɪtə a material or object which does not Wood is an excellent
allow electricity, heat, or sound to insulator.
pass through it
primitive 35 adj ˈprɪmətɪv belonging to a simple way of life The village buildings were
that existed in the past and does quite primitive.
not have modern industries and
machines
dwelling 35 n ˈdwelɪŋ a house, apartment etc where The two buildings form
people live one large, comfortable
dwelling.
adorn with 35 phr v əˈdɔːn wɪð, wɪθ to decorate something with The church walls were
(something) adorned with religious
paintings.
figurine 35 n ˌfɪɡjəˈriːn, a small model of a person or The shelves were covered
animal, used as a decoration in figurines of the Virgin
ˈfɪɡjəriːn Mary.
nomad 35 n ˈnəʊmæd a member of a tribe that travels The herdsmen were
from place to place instead of living nomads who did not stay
in one place all the time, usually in in one place for long.
order to find grass for their animals
chilly 35 adj ˈtʃɪli chilly weather or places are cold The bathroom’s a bit
enough to make you feel chilly.
uncomfortable
gaudy 35 adj ˈɡɔːdi clothes, colours etc that are gaudy He was wearing a gaudy
are too bright and look cheap waistcoat.
naughty 35 adj ˈnɔːti a naughty child does not obey You’re a very naughty
adults and behaves badly boy! Look what you’ve
done!
dreary 35 adj ˈdrɪəri dull and making you feel sad or It was a dreary winter’s
bored day.
gloomy 35 adj ˈɡluːmi dark, especially in a way that It was a gloomy room with
makes you feel sad one small window.
roomy 35 adj ˈrumi a house, car etc that is roomy is This car is roomy enough
large and has a lot of space inside for a large family.
it
jokey 35 adj ˈdʒəʊki not serious, and tending to make Dave was a sweet man,
people laugh very jokey about
everything.
poky 35 adj ˈpəʊki too small and not very pleasant or The whole family was
comfortable crammed into two poky
little rooms.
shady 35 adj ˈʃeɪdi protected from the sun or It was nice and shady
producing shade under the trees.
ready 35 adj ˈredi if you are ready, you are prepared When the doorbell rang
for what you are going to do he was ready and waiting.
daily 35 adj ˈdeɪli happening or done every day There are daily flights to
Miami.
airy 35 adj ˈeəri an airy room or building has plenty All the hotel’s bedrooms
of fresh air because it is large or are light and airy.
has a lot of windows
overpopulated 150 adj ˌəʊvəˈpɒpjəleɪtəd if a place is overpopulated there Most of our cities are
are too many people living in it overpopulated.
metropolis 150 n məˈtrɒpələs a very large city that is the most The city has become a
important city in a country or area huge, bustling metropolis.
quaint 150 adj kweɪnt unusual and attractive, especially in We stayed in a quaint little
an old-fashioned way village.
secluded 150 adj sɪˈkluːdəd very private and quiet We sunbathed on a small
secluded beach.
scenic 150 adj ˈsiːnɪk surrounded by views of beautiful This is a region of scenic
countryside beauty.
awe-inspiring 150 adj ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ extremely impressive in a way that The pyramids at dawn
makes you feel great respect were an awe-inspiring
sight.
sprawling 150 adj ˈsprɔːlɪŋ spreading over a wide area in an Mexico is a sprawling city
untidy or unattractive way of more than 20 million
inhabitants.
ramshackle 150 adj ˈræmʃækəl a ramshackle building or vehicle is They lived in a
in bad condition and in need of ramshackle old cottage.
repair
supermodel 150 n ˈsuːpəˌmɒdl a very famous fashion model One of the best-known
supermodels of recent
times was Naomi
Campbell.
miniskirt 150 n ˈmɪniskɜːt a very short skirt Lots of young women
wore miniskirts in the
1960s.
sub-zero 150 adj ˌsʌb ˈzɪərəʊ below zero in temperature They lived and worked in
sub-zero temperatures for
months.
cooperate 150 v kəʊˈɒpəreɪt to work with someone else to They agreed to co-
achieve something that you both operate with Brazil on a
want programme to protect the
rain forests.
bilingual 150 adj baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl able to speak two languages Louis is virtually bilingual
equally well, or written or spoken in in Dutch and German.
two languages
interact 150 v ˌɪntərˈækt if people interact with each other, Lucy interacts well with
they talk to each other, work other children in the class.
together etc
semi-retired 150 adj ˌsemi rɪˈtaɪəd someone who is semi-retired I’m semi-retired, but I still
continues to work, but not for as do work when people offer
many hours as they used to, it.
especially because they are getting
older and want time to do other
things
outlast 150 v aʊtˈlɑːst to continue to exist or be effective A leather sofa will usually
for a longer time than something outlast a cloth one.
else
bimonthly 150 adj, adv baɪˈmʌnθli appearing or happening every two He gets a bimonthly
months or twice each month magazine on trains.
bicentenary 150 n ˌbaɪsənˈtiːnəri the day or year exactly 200 years 1991 was the bicentenary
after an important event of Mozart’s death.
co-author 150 n ˌkəʊ ˈɔːθə an author who writes with someone We were co-authors of the
else as an equal or with less standard school textbook
responsibility on chemistry.
co-pilot 150 n ˈkəʊ ˌpaɪlət a pilot who shares the control of an My co-pilot took over for
aircraft with the main pilot the landing.
interchangeable 150 adj ˌɪntəˈtʃeɪndʒəbəl things that are interchangeable can These two words are
be used instead of each other almost interchangeable.
intercontinental 150 adj ˌɪntəkɒntəˈnentl going from one continent to An intercontinental flight
another, or happening between two between the USA and
continents Europe has lost contact
with air traffic control.
minicab 150 n ˈmɪnikæb a taxi that you have to order by I’ve arranged for a
telephone, not one that you can minicab for 10 tomorrow
stop in the street morning.
minimise 150 v ˈmɪnəmaɪz to reduce something that is difficult, The rail company is
dangerous, or unpleasant to the bringing in more trains in
smallest possible amount or degree an effort to minimise
 disruption to travellers.
outsell 150 v aʊtˈsel to sell more goods or products than Australia now outsells the
a competitor US in wines.
outplay 150 v aʊtˈpleɪ to beat an opponent in a game by Murray outplayed his
playing with more skill than they do opponent in the final.
semi-skimmed 150 adj ˌsemi ˈskɪmd semi-skimmed milk has had some Can you get me a bottle of
of the fat removed semi-skimmed milk, too,
please?
semicolon 150 n ˌsemiˈkəʊlən a punctuation mark (;) used to Many people who have
separate different parts of a spoken and written
sentence or list English from birth have
difficulty with semicolons.
subtitle 150 n ˈsʌbˌtaɪtl the words printed over a film in a It’s a French film with
foreign language to translate what English subtitles.
is being said by the actors
subway 150 n ˈsʌbweɪ a path for people to walk under a Take the subway – it’s
road or railway less dangerous than
walking across the road.
supernatural 150 adj ˌsuːpəˈnætʃərəl impossible to explain by natural She has supernatural
causes, and therefore seeming to powers that help her
involve the powers of gods or defeat her enemies.
magic
superpower 150 n ˈsuːpəˌpaʊə a nation that has very great military The USA and China are
and political power two of the world’s
superpowers.
amenity 38 n əˈmiːnəti something that makes a place The hotel is in the city
comfortable to live in centre, close to shops and
local amenities
infrastructure 38 n ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə the basic systems and structures Some countries lack a
that a country or organisation suitable economic
needs in order to work properly, for infrastructure.
example roads, railways, banks etc
congestion 38 n kənˈdʒestʃən the problem of too much traffic in a Councillors are looking at
place ways to reduce traffic
congestion in the town
centre.
abandonment 38 n əˈbændənmənt the leaving of a building, car, boat The fact that the building
etc by the people who owned or could no longer be used
used it for its original purpose
resulted in its
abandonment.
toll 38 n təʊl the money you have to pay to use I avoid the motorways in
a particular road, bridge etc France because I don’t
want to pay the tolls.
regeneration 38 n riːˌdʒenəˈreɪʃən the process of making something The Marshall Plan brought
develop and grow strong again about the regeneration of
the shattered Europe of
1947.
prove 44 v pruːv to show that (something) is true by He claims the police
providing facts, information etc destroyed records that
could prove the officer’s
innocence.
dawn raid 44 n ˌdɔːn ˈreɪd an attack or operation by soldiers The police carried out
or police that happens very early in dawn raids on the
the morning suspects’ houses.
carry out 44 phr v ˌkæri ˈaʊt to do something that needs to be It became clear that Smith
organised and planned had carried out the crime.
driving 44 n ˈdraɪvɪŋ the activity of driving a car, truck He had to appear in court
etc for a driving offence.
report 44 v rɪˈpɔːt to tell the police or someone in I’d like to report a crime.
authority that an accident or crime
has happened
previous 44 adj ˈpriːviəs having happened or existed before I’ve met him before on two
the event, time, or thing that you previous occasions.
are talking about now
appeal against 44 phr v əˈpiːl əˌɡenst, ə to make a formal request to a court Both men intend to appeal
or someone in authority asking for against their sentences.
ˌɡeɪnst a decision to be changed
protest 44 v prəˈtest to state very firmly that something Years later, he is still
is true, when other people do not protesting his innocence.
 believe you
commit 44 v kəˈmɪt to do something wrong or illegal Women commit fewer
crimes than men.
suspend 44 v səˈspend if a criminal’s sentence is The judge suspended his
suspended, they are told they will sentence for two years.
be sent to prison if they do anything
else illegal within the time
mentioned
drugs-related 44 adj ˌdrʌɡz rɪˈleɪtɪd connected with or caused by illegal She was sentenced to six
substances such as marijuana or months in prison for
cocaine, which some people take in drugs-related offences.
order to feel happy, relaxed, or
excited
police raid 44 n pəˈliːs ˌreɪd a surprise visit made to a place by Two suspects were
the police to search for something arrested during the police
illegal raid.
drugs raid 44 n ˈdrʌɡz ˌreɪd a surprise visit made to a place by There was a drugs raid in
the police to search for illegal the next street last night.
drugs
wrongful 44 n kənˈvɪkʃən a wrongful conviction is unfair or Her wrongful conviction
conviction illegal because the person affected meant that she went to
by it has done nothing wrong prison for an offence she
didn’t commit.
difficult 45 adj ˈdɪfɪkəlt hard to do, understand, or deal with It’s difficult to see how
more savings can be
made.
help 45 v help used to say that someone is unable I can’t help the way I feel
to change their behaviour or about you.
feelings, or to prevent themselves
from doing something
fault 45 n fɔːlt if something bad that has I’m really sorry, but it’s not
happened is your fault, you should my fault.
be blamed for it, because you
made a mistake or failed to do
something
funny 45 adj ˈfʌni unusual, strange, or difficult to It’s funny how you
explain remember the words of
songs, even ones you
don’t really like.
shame 45 n ʃeɪm used when you wish a situation It’s a shame that you have
was different, and you feel sad or to leave so soon.
disappointed
appear 45 v əˈpɪə used to say how something seems, Police say there appear to
especially from what you know be signs of a break-in.
about it or from what you can see
important 45 adj ɪmˈpɔːtənt an important event, decision, It’s important to explain
problem etc has a big effect or the procedure to the
influence on people’s lives or on patient.
events in the future
wonder 45 n ˈwʌndə used to say that you are not It’s no wonder you’ve got
surprised by something a headache, the amount
you drank last night.
human rights 47 n pl ˌhjuːmən ˈraɪts the basic rights that many societies There are claims of
think every person should have to human rights being
be treated in a fair equal way violated in the country.
without cruelty, for example by their
government, or the right to vote
intellectual 47 n ˌɪntəlektʃuəl something which someone has I wrote this book, so it is
property invented or has the right to make or my intellectual property.
ˈprɒpəti sell, especially something that
cannot legally be copied by other
people
child labour 47 n ˌtʃaɪld ˈleɪbə the use of children to do work that The company has been
is normally done by adults accused of using child
labour for the production
of its garments.
economic 47 n ekəˌnɒmɪk dɪ the process of gradually becoming The US has been keen to
development financially bigger, better, stronger, encourage economic
ˈveləpmənt, iː- or more advanced development in Egypt.
capital punishment 47 n ˌkæpɪtl ˈpʌnɪʃmənt punishment which involves killing In some states, capital
 someone who has committed a punishment is used for
crime murderers.
religious freedom 47 n rɪˌlɪdʒəs ˈfriːdəm freedom to have any religious The people were given
beliefs religious freedom for the
first time in the country’s
history.
environmental 47 n ɪnˌvaɪrənmentl ə knowledge or understanding of how Political organisations
awareness the air, water, and land on Earth have tried to raise
ˈweənəs are affected by man’s activities environmental awareness.
gun control 47 n ˈɡʌn kənˌtrəʊl laws that limit the ways in which The NRA are against gun
guns can be sold, owned, and used control in any form.
illegal immigration 47 n ɪˌliːɡəl ɪməˈɡreɪʃən the process of entering another He called for a common
country illegally in order to live European policy on illegal
there permanently immigration.
civil liberties 47 n ˌsɪvəl ˈlɪbətiz the right to be free to do what you Detention without trial
want within the law threatens our civil
liberties.
free trade 47 n ˌfriː ˈtreɪd a situation in which the goods We want to encourage
coming into or going out of a free trade across Europe.
country are not controlled or taxed
freedom of speech 151 n ˌfriːdəm əv ˈspiːtʃ the legal right to say what you want We will defend freedom of
speech and oppose
censorship.
white-collar crime 151 n ˌwaɪt kɒlə ˈkraɪm crimes by professional people that White-collar crime costs
involve ways of illegally getting American companies over
money $100 billion a year.
illiteracy 151 n ɪˈlɪtərəsi the situation of not knowing how to Illiteracy in modern Britain
read or write cannot be permitted.
poverty 151 n ˈpɒvəti the situation or experience of being Millions of elderly people
poor live in poverty.
gender inequality 151 n ˌdʒendə ɪnɪ when men and women are treated Gender inequality means
differently, in a way that is unfair that many women are
ˈkwɒləti paid less than men for the
same job.
censorship 151 n ˈsensəʃɪp the practice or system of censoring Censorship of books is
something common in some
countries.
ageism 151 n ˈeɪdʒɪzəm unfair treatment of people because The new law aims to stop
they are old ageism in the workplace.
organised crime 151 n ˌɔːɡənaɪzd ˈkraɪm a large and powerful organisation Organised crime is
of criminals involved in drug
trafficking.
antisocial 151 n ˌæntisəʊʃəl bɪ antisocial behaviour is violent or She was finding it hard to
behaviour harmful to other people, or shows cope with her son’s
ˈheɪvjə that you do not care about other increasingly antisocial
people behaviour.
dilemma 50 n dəˈlemə, daɪ- a situation in which it is very difficult I’m in a dilemma about
to decide what to do, because all this job offer.
the choices seem equally good or
equally bad
take into 50 v phr ˌteɪk ɪntə kənˌsɪdə to remember to think about We will take your recent
consideration (something important) when you illness into consideration
ˈreɪʃən are making a decision or judgment when marking your
exams.
think through 50 phr v ˌθɪŋk ˈθruː to think carefully about the possible It’s my fault. I didn’t think it
results of (something) through.
pros and cons 50 n phr ˌprəʊz ən ˈkɒnz the advantages and disadvantages We discussed the pros
of something and cons of going to
university.
weigh up 50 phr v ˌweɪ ˈʌp to consider (something) carefully so We’re still weighing up the
that you can make a decision about pros and cons of the two
it options.
predicament 50 n prɪˈdɪkəmənt a difficult or unpleasant situation in She went to the office to
which you do not know what to do, explain her predicament.
or in which you have to make a
difficult choice
benefit 50 n ˈbenəfɪt an advantage, improvement, or What are the benefits of
help that you get from something contact lenses?
drawback 50 n ˈdrɔːbæk a disadvantage of a situation, plan, It’s a great city – the only
 product etc drawback is the weather.
bear in mind 50 v phr ˌbeər ɪn ˈmaɪnd to remember (a fact or piece of Bear in mind that some
information) that is important or children will need help.
could be useful in the future
assess 50 v əˈses to make a judgment about (a The report assesses the
person or situation) after thinking impact of advertising on
carefully about it children.
mastermind 52 n ˈmɑːstəmaɪnd someone who plans and organises He is suspected of being
a complicated operation, especially the mastermind behind
a criminal operation the bombings.
con 52 v kɒn to get money from (someone) by He conned me out of
deceiving them £300.
fake 52 adj feɪk made to look like a real material or She gave me a fake 20
object in order to deceive people dollar bill.
provenance 52 n ˈprɒvənəns the place where something The provenance of the
originally came from paintings is unknown.
forgery 52 n ˈfɔːdʒəri a document, painting, or piece of The painting was a very
paper money that has been copied clever forgery.
illegally
con artist 52 n ˈkɒn ˌɑːtəst someone who tricks or deceives He was a very clever con
people in order to get money from artist and made lots of
them money.
keep yourself to 56 idiom ˌkiːp jəˌself tə jə to live a very quiet private life and We hardly knew them –
yourself not do many things that involve they kept themselves to
ˈself other people themselves.
behind closed 56 idiom bɪˌhaɪnd kləʊzd if something happens behind It seems that the deal was
doors closed doors, it happens in private made behind closed
ˈdɔːz and the public are not allowed in doors.
let it slip 56 idiom ˌlet it ˈslɪp to say something without meaning He let it slip that they were
to, when you had wanted it to be a planning to get married.
secret
spill the beans 56 idiom ˌspɪl ðə ˈbiːnz to tell something that someone else I spilt the beans when I
wanted you to keep a secret told her that he wasn’t at
the conference at all.
keep/stay schtum 56 idiom ˌkiːp, ˌsteɪ ˈʃtʊm to keep or stay quiet or silent The boss of the failed
company is keeping
schtum about his role in
the disaster.
let the cat out of 56 idiom let ðə ˌkæt aʊt əv to tell someone a secret, especially The engagement ring on
the bag without intending to her finger rather let the cat
ðə ˈbæɡ out of the bag.
give the game 56 idiom ˌɡɪv ðə ˈɡeɪm ə to spoil a surprise or secret by Lynn gave the game away
away doing or saying something that lets by laughing when Kim
ˌweɪ someone guess what the secret is walked in.
classified 152 n ˌklæsəfaɪd ɪnfə classified information, documents This is classified
information etc are ones which the government information.
ˈmeɪʃən has ordered to be kept secret
divulge 152 v daɪˈvʌldʒ to give someone information that It is not company policy to
should be kept secret divulge personal details of
employees.
between you and 152 phr bɪˌtwiːn jʊː ən ˈmiː used before telling someone Between you and me, I
me something that you do not want think Schmidt’s about to
them to tell anyone else resign.
covert 152 adj ˈkʌvət, ˈkəʊvɜːt secret or hidden A covert investigation was
conducted to catch the
drug-smugglers.
have something to 152 idiom hæv ˌsʌmθɪŋ tə to be secretly guilty of something He told the jury that he is
hide innocent, but they think he
ˈhaɪd has something to hide.
look furtive 152 phr ˈfɜːtɪv behaving as if you want to keep There was something
something secret furtive about his actions.
hush-hush 152 adj ˌhʌʃ ˈhʌʃ very secret Everything was very hush-
hush.
confidential 152 adj ˌkɒnfəˈdenʃəl spoken or written in secret and Doctors are required to
intended to be kept secret keep patients’ records
completely confidential.
blurt out 152 phr v ˌblɜːt ˈaʊt to say something suddenly and Peter blurted the news out
without thinking, usually because before we could stop him
you are nervous or excited
top secret 152 adj ˌtɒp ˈsiːkrət top secret documents or They used a top secret
information must be kept code to prevent the
completely secret enemy from knowing what
they were saying.
myth 59 n mɪθ an idea or story that many people The first myth about
believe, but which is not true motherhood is that new
mothers instantly fall in
love with their babies.
conventional 59 n phr kənˌvenʃənəl the opinion that most people As traffic grows,
wisdom consider to be normal and right, but conventional wisdom says
ˈwɪzdəm that is sometimes shown to be we should widen the
wrong roads.
perception 59 n pəˈsepʃən the way you think about something Art is a great way to
and your idea of what it is like discover children’s
perceptions of the world.
commonly held 59 adj phr ˌkɒmənli ˈheld accepted usually or by most people This isn’t a commonly
held belief.
fallacy 59 n ˈfæləsi a false idea or belief, especially It is a fallacy to think that
one that a lot of people believe is the more information an
true organisation has, the
better its decisions will be.
verify 59 v ˈverəfaɪ to discover whether something is A computer program
correct or true verifies that the system is
working.
uncover 59 v ʌnˈkʌvə to find out about (something that Customs officials
has been kept secret) uncovered the truth about
a plot to smuggle
weapons into the country.
intuitively 59 adv ɪnˈtjuːətɪvli if you do something intuitively you He knew what to do
do it based on a feeling rather than intuitively.
on knowledge or facts
debunk 59 v ˌdiːˈbʌŋk to show that an idea or belief is His claims were later
false debunked by fellow
academics.
disprove 59 v dɪsˈpruːv to show that (something) is wrong These figures disproved
or not true Smith’s argument.
text message 61 n ˈtekst ˌmesɪdʒ a written message that is sent or Send me a text message
received on a mobile phone once you’ve arrived.
video game 61 n ˈvɪdiəʊ ˌɡeɪm a computer game in which you There are always ads for
move images on a screen using video games on the TV
electronic controls these days.
fast food 61 n ˈfɑːst fuːd food such as hamburgers which is There are lots of fast food
prepared quickly and that you can outlets in the high street.
take away with you
social networking 61 n ˌsəʊʃəl ˈnetwɜːkɪŋ a website where people put Facebook is probably the
website information about themselves and best-known social
ˌwebsaɪt can send messages to other networking website.
people
hang out 61 v ˌhæŋ ˈaʊt to spend a lot of time in a particular I don’t really know who
place or with particular people she hangs out with.
shopping mall 61 n ˈʃɒpɪŋ mɔːl a group of shops together in one She goes to the shopping
large covered building mall with her friends at the
weekend.
mobile phone 61 n ˌməʊbaɪl ˈfəʊn a telephone that you can carry with The latest mobile phones
you and use in any place are on sale here.
mobile device 61 n ˌməʊbaɪl dɪˈvaɪs an electronic machine, especially a This app will work on all
phone or computer, that you can your mobile devices.
carry with you and use in any place
speed up 61 phr v ˌspiːd ˈʌp to move or happen faster, or to The truck speeded up
make (something) move or happen going down the hill.
faster
brighten up 61 phr v ˌbraɪtn ˈʌp to make (something) more colourful She bought some flowers
or attractive to brighten up the room.
jazz up 61 phr v ˌdʒæz ˈʌp to make something more attractive Jazz up your everyday
or exciting meals with our new range
of seasonings.
go on 61 phr v ˌɡəʊ ˈɒn to continue doing something or He went on working until
being in a situation he was 91.
carry on 61 phr v ˌkæri ˈɒn to continue doing something You’ll have an accident if
you carry on driving like
 that.
keep on 61 phr v ˌkiːp ˈɒn to continue doing something, or to You just have to keep on
do something many times trying.
pension off 61 phr v ˌpenʃən ˈɒf to make someone leave their job Many of the old ships
when they are old or ill and pay have been pensioned off.
them a pension, or to get rid of
something because it is old or not
useful any more
cry off 61 phr v ˌkraɪ ˈɒf to say that you cannot do Leah and I were going to
something that you have already go to Morocco together,
promised to do but at the last moment
she cried off.
call off 61 phr v ˌkɔːl ˈɒf to decide that a planned event will The trip to Italy might be
not take place called off.
switch off 61 phr v ˌswɪtʃ ˈɒf to turn off a machine, light, radio The burglar alarm was
etc using a switch switched off.
find out 61 phr v ˌfaɪnd ˈaʊt to get (information), after trying to Has anyone bothered to
discover it or by chance find out how much all this
is going to cost?
speak out 61 phr v ˌspiːk ˈaʊt to publicly speak in protest about Five students who had
something, especially when spoken out against the
protesting could be dangerous regime were arrested.
stand out 61 phr v ˌstænd ˈaʊt to be very easy to see or notice or That day still stands out
to be much better than other similar as the greatest day in my
people or things life.
call out 61 phr v ˌkɔːl ˈaʊt to say something loudly ‘Hi there!’ I called out.
slow down 61 phr v ˌsləʊ ˈdaʊn to become slower or to make The ice on the road
(something) slower slowed us down.
narrow down 61 phr v ˌnærəʊ ˈdaʊn to reduce the number of things The police have narrowed
included in a range down their list of suspects.
crack down 61 phr v ˌkræk ˈdaʊn to become more strict in dealing The government is
with a problem and punishing the determined to crack down
people involved on terrorism.
put away 61 phr v ˌpʊt əˈweɪ to put (something) in the place He put his toys away
where it is usually kept every night.
blow away 61 phr v ˌbləʊ əˈweɪ to move, or to make (something) My ticket blew away.
move, away from a place by the
force of the wind or a current of air
take away 61 phr v ˌteɪk əˈweɪ to remove (someone or She whisked the tray off
something), or make (something) the table and took it away.
disappear
bring back 61 phr v ˌbrɪŋ ˈbæk to start to use something again that The city council has
was used in the past decided to bring back the
old electric trams.
think back 61 phr v ˌθɪŋk ˈbæk to think about things that happened Thinking back, it amazes
in the past me how we survived on
so little sleep.
look back 61 phr v ˌlʊk ˈbæk to think about something that When I look back on
happened in the past those days I realise I was
desperately unhappy.
cast your mind 61 phr v ˌkɑːst jə ˈmaɪnd to think about something again or He frowned, casting his
back to remember something mind back over the
bæk conversation.
mess around 61 phr v ˌmes əˈraʊnd to spend time lazily, doing things He spent his vacation
slowly and in a way that is not messing around on the
planned farm.
stand around 61 phr v ˌstænd əˈraʊnd to stand somewhere and not do We stood around saying
anything goodbye for a while.
hang around 61 phr v ˌhæŋ əˈraʊnd to wait or spend time somewhere, I hung around the station
doing nothing for an hour but he never
came.
mull over 61 phr v ˌmʌl ˈəʊvə to consider something for a long We mulled over the
time candidates and finally
chose one.
pore over 61 phr v ˌpɔːr ˈəʊvə to read or look at something very She was poring over a
carefully for a long time book.
look over 61 phr v ˌlʊk ˈəʊvə to examine (something or Do you have a few
someone) quickly, without paying minutes to look these
much attention to detail samples over?
think over 61 phr v ˌθɪŋk ˈəʊvə to consider (something) carefully Why don’t you think it over
before making a decision and give me a call in a
couple of days?
talk over 152 phr v ˌtɔːk ˈəʊvə to discuss a problem with someone Talk over any worries with
before deciding what to do your GP.
look up 152 phr v ˌlʊk ˈʌp if a situation is looking up, it is Now the summer’s here,
improving things are looking up!
soldier on 152 phr v ˌsəʊldʒər ˈɒn to continue working in spite of We’ll just have to soldier
difficulties on without him.
kill off 152 phr v ˌkɪl ˈɒf to stop or remove something These figures kill off any
completely hope that the economy is
poised for recovery.
calm down 152 phr v ˌkɑːm ˈdaʊn to become quiet and relaxed after Calm down and tell me
you have been angry, excited, what happened.
nervous, or upset, or to make
someone become quiet and
relaxed
tidy up 152 phr v ˌtaɪdi ˈʌp to make a place look neatly It’s time we tidied up the
arranged with everything in the office.
right place
slip back 152 phr v ˌslɪp ˈbæk to gradually start being in a He had begun to slip back
particular condition again or doing into debt.
things in the way they were done
before
lounge around 152 phr v ˌlaʊndʒ əˈraʊnd to spend time relaxing and doing James does nothing but
nothing, often when you should be lounge around the
doing something apartment.
investigative 62 n ɪnˈvestəɡətɪv work or activities that involve He’s a well-known
journalism investigating something investigative journalist.
injunction 62 n ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən an order given by a court, which The family is seeking an
tells someone not to do something injunction against the
book’s publication.
whistle-blowing 62 adj ˈwɪsəl ˌbləʊɪŋ telling people in authority or the The company had paid
public about dishonest or illegal out substantial sums to
practices discourage whistle-
blowing employees.
sensitive 62 n ˌsensətɪv ɪnfə sensitive information needs to be She has access to
information dealt with very carefully, because it sensitive information
ˈmeɪʃən is secret or because it may offend about national security.
people
scoop 62 n skuːp an important or exciting news story He managed to get the
that is printed in one newspaper or scoop of the year when he
shown on one television station broke the news.
before any of the others know it
source 62 n sɔːs a person, book, or document that I’ve heard from reliable
supplies you with information sources that the company
is in trouble.
deserted 64 adj dɪˈzɜːtəd empty and quiet because no The old mine now stands
people are there completely deserted.
abandoned 64 adj əˈbændənd an abandoned building, car, boat The car was found
etc has been left by the people who abandoned in Bristol.
owned or used it
uninhabited 64 adj ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətəd an uninhabited place does not have They found an
anyone living there uninhabited island in the
Caribbean.
rehabilitation 64 n ˌriːhəbɪləˈteɪʃən helping someone to live a healthy, He was sent to a special
useful, or active life again after they rehabilitation unit for
have been seriously ill, in prison, or stroke patients.
on drugs
quarantine 64 n ˈkwɒrəntiːn a period of time when a person or The monkeys were kept in
animal is kept apart from others in quarantine for 31 days.
case they are carrying a disease,
or the state of being kept apart in
this way
a distant memory 68 phr ə ˌdɪstənt ˈmeməri something remembered that is far Her honeymoon seemed
away in space or time like a distant memory.
the signs are 68 phr ðə ˌsaɪnz ˈɑː there are things that show that The signs are that the
something is happening country is likely to recover
soon.
the days are over 68 phr ðə ˌdeɪz ər ˈəʊvə the time when something could The days are over when
happen is in the past you could buy a cinema
ticket for sixpence.
a thing of the past 68 phr ə ˌθɪŋ əv ðə ˈpɑːst something that does not exist any We hope that smoking will
more become a thing of the
past.
may well 68 phr ˌmeɪ ˈwel used to say that something is likely What you say may well be
to happen or is likely to be true true.
be likely to 68 v phr bi ˈlaɪkli tʊ something that is likely to do or be Children who live in the
something will probably do it or be country’s rural areas are
true very likely to be poor.
suggest 68 v səˈdʒest to make someone think that a Opinion polls suggest that
particular thing is true only 10% of the
population trust the
government.
point to 68 v phr ˈpɔɪnt tʊ to suggest that something is true Everything points to her
having died from a drugs
overdose.
be bound to 68 v phr bi ˈbaʊnd tʊ to be very likely to do or feel a Don’t lie to her. She’s
particular thing bound to find out.
be destined to 68 v phr bi ˈdestɪnd tʊ to seem certain to happen at some She was destined to have
time in the future a successful career.
on track 70 prep phr ˌɒn ˈtræk to be likely to achieve a particular We’re still on track for
result 10% growth.
on average 70 prep phr ɒn ˈævərɪdʒ based on a calculation about how On average, men still earn
many times something usually more than women.
happens, how much money
someone usually gets, how often
people usually do something etc
on trial 70 prep phr ɒn ˈtraɪəl a short period during which you use They let me have the
or do something or employ computer on trial for thirty
someone to find out whether they days.
are satisfactory for a particular
purpose or job
at risk 70 prep phr ət ˈrɪsk in a situation where you may be Their children are also at
harmed high risk of developing the
disease.
at present 70 prep phr ət ˈprezənt at this time The item you want is not
available at present.
at least 70 prep phr ət ˈliːst not less than a particular number or It will take you at least 20
amount minutes to get there.
by far 70 prep phr baɪ ˈfɑː used to say that something is much Watching sport was by far
better, worse etc than anything else the most popular activity
on Saturday afternoons.
by nature 70 prep phr baɪ ˈneɪtʃə according to someone’s character She was by nature a very
affectionate person.
by law 70 prep phr baɪ ˈlɔː according to the whole system of By law, seat belts must be
rules that people in a particular worn by all passengers.
country or area must obey
in decline 70 prep phr ɪn dɪˈklaɪn decreasing in quality, quantity, or He disagrees with the
importance widely held belief that
educational standards are
in decline.
in danger 70 prep phr ɪn ˈdeɪndʒə in a situation where something bad The party is in danger of
may happen being defeated in the next
election.
in effect 70 prep phr ɪn ɪˈfekt used when you are describing what In effect, we’ll be earning
you see as the real facts of a less than we were last
situation year.
out of control 70 prep phr ˌaʊt əv kəntrəʊl not having the ability or power to The economy is
make someone or something do worsening and out of
what you want or make something control.
happen in the way you want
out of sight 70 prep phr ˌaʊt əv ˈsaɪt hidden Voters suspected the real
political agenda was being
kept out of sight.
out of necessity 70 prep phr ˌaʊt əv nəˈsesəti used when something happens in a Many of the jobs are
particular way because that is the temporary out of
only possible way it can happen necessity.
off course 153 prep phr ˌɒf ˈkɔːs going in the wrong direction The ship was blown off
course.
off the pace 153 prep phr ˌɒf ðə ˈpeɪs not going fast enough I was off the pace and
decided to retire from the
race.
off balance 153 prep phr ˌɒf ˈbæləns in an unsteady position and likely to The sudden movement of
fall the ship knocked them
both off balance.
above suspicion 153 prep phr əˌbʌv səˈspɪʃən if someone is above suspicion they The President is surely
are so honest that no one could above suspicion.
think that they had done anything
wrong
above board 153 adj əˌbʌv ˈbɔːd honest and legal His plans for opening a
coffee shop are
completely above board.
above all 153 prep phr əˌbʌv ˈɔːl used to say that something is more Max is hard-working,
important than anything else cheerful, and above all,
honest.
over the hill 153 prep phr ˌəʊvə ðə ˈhɪl no longer young, and therefore no Kathleen thinks she’s over
longer attractive or good at doing the hill, but she’s only 32.
things
over the moon 153 prep phr ˌəʊvə ðə ˈmuːn very happy I was over the moon when
I won the championship.
over the top 153 adj ˌəʊvə ðə ˈtɒp remarks, behaviour etc that are He was a bit over the top
over the top are so extreme or with his drinking last night.
unreasonable that they seem
stupid or offensive
under the weather 153 prep phr ˌʌndə ðə ˈweðə slightly ill You look a bit under the
weather.
under the 153 prep phr ˌʌndə ði ɪmˈpreʃən believing that something is true I’m sorry, I was under the
impression when it is not impression that you were
the manager.
under oath 153 prep phr ˌʌndər ˈəʊθ obliged by the law to tell the truth in The evidence was given
court under oath.
command 71 n kəˈmɑːnd knowledge of something, especially He’s studied in the US
a language, or ability to use and has a good command
something of English.
mind your 71 v ˌmaɪnd jə to be careful so that you do not She gave him a frown and
language offend anyone told him to mind his
ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ language.
dead language 71 n ˌded ˈlænɡwɪdʒ a dead language, for example Latin He is an expert in dead
or Ancient Greek, is no longer used languages.
by ordinary people
offensive 71 adj əˌfensɪv ˈlænɡwɪdʒ very rude or insulting and likely to I found her language
language upset people deeply offensive.
everyday 71 n ˌevrideɪ ˈlænɡwɪdʒ ordinary, usual, or happening every Describe it in ordinary
language day everyday language.
global language 71 n ˌɡləʊbəl affecting, used by or including the Why did English become
whole world a global language?
ˈlænɡwɪdʒ
language barrier 71 n ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˌbæriə the problem of understanding Living in China was hard
people who do not speak the same for me at first because of
language the language barrier.
official language 71 n əˌfɪʃəl ˈlænɡwɪdʒ a language used by people in Hindi is one of the official
authority, especially the languages of India.
government of a country
get a word in 153 idiom ɡet ə ˌwɜːd ɪn to get a chance to say something Once George starts
edgeways talking it’s difficult to get a
ˈedʒweɪz word in edgeways.
get to the point 153 idiom ˌɡet tə ðə ˈpɔɪnt to talk about the most important I wish you’d get to the
thing point.
talk at cross 153 idiom ˌtɔːk ət ˌkrɒs if two people talk at cross I think we’re talking at
purposes purposes, they do not understand cross purposes.
ˈpɜːpəsɪz each other because they are
talking about different things but fail
to realise this
catch what 153 idiom ˌkætʃ wɒt to hear or understand what I’m afraid I didn’t catch
someone says someone says what you said, because of
ˌsʌmwʌn ˈsez the noise.
need a good 153 idiom ˌniːd ə ɡʊd ˈtɔːkɪŋ to need to be talked to in an angry I can see that young man
talking to tʊ way, especially of a child or needs a good talking to.
someone who is below you in rank
talk shop 153 idiom ˌtɔːk ˈʃɒp to talk about things that are related I’m fed up with you two
to your work, especially in a way talking shop.
that other people find boring
run something by 153 idiom ˌrʌn sʌmθɪŋ ˈbaɪ to tell someone something so that I just wanted to run it by
somebody they can give you their opinion you and see what you
ˌsʌmbədi thought.
not make head or 153 idiom ˌnɒt meɪk ˌhed ɔː to be completely unable to I couldn’t make head or
tail of understand something tail of the instructions.
ˈteɪl ɒv
to say the least 153 idiom tə ˌseɪ ðə ˈliːst used to show that something is His teaching methods
worse or more serious than you are were strange, to say the
actually saying least.
get the wrong end 153 idiom ɡet ðə ˌrɒŋ end əv to understand a situation in Geoff had got the wrong
of the stick completely the wrong way end of the stick, and
ðə ˈstɪk thought I was angry with
him.
take off 74 phr v ˌteɪk ˈɒf to suddenly start being successful Mimi became jealous
when Jack’s career
started taking off.
latest thing 74 n phr ˌleɪtəst ˈθɪŋ the most recent or the newest or These handbags are the
most popular thing latest thing in accessories,
darling!
passing trend 74 n phr ˌpɑːsɪŋ ˈtrend a fashion, activity, type of music etc I’m sure it’s just a passing
that suddenly becomes very trend.
popular, but only remains popular
for a short time
word of mouth 74 n phr ˌwɜːd əv ˈmaʊθ information you get by someone Word of mouth is one of
telling you the best ways of getting
business.
lose appeal 74 v phr ˌluːz əˈpiːl to no longer have the quality that This kind of music has lost
makes people like something or its appeal for the under-
someone 20s.
capture 74 v phr ˌkæptʃər ɪmædʒə to make (someone) feel very His stories of foreign
imagination interested in something adventure captured my
ˈneɪʃən imagination.
strike a chord 74 v phr ˌstraɪk ə ˈkɔːd to say or do something that other Their story is bound to
people agree with or have strike a chord with all
sympathy with parents.
rise dramatically 74 v phr ˌraɪz drəˈmætɪkli to increase greatly and suddenly Output has risen
dramatically since last
month.
take off 76 phr v ˌteɪk ˈɒf to suddenly start being successful Mimi became jealous
when Jack’s career
started taking off.
breakout 76 adj ˈbreɪkaʊt having a sudden unexpected This new smartphone will
success be the next breakout
mobile device.
push the boat out 76 idiom ˌpʊʃ ðə ˈbəʊt aʊt to spend more money than you Push the boat out and get
usually do, on something special tickets to the theatre or
ballet.
take 76 n teɪk someone’s opinion about a What’s your take on this
situation or idea issue?
to the fore 76 phr tə ðə ˈfɔː to or in a position of importance or Environmental issues
influence came to the fore in the
1980s.
smart watch 76 n ˈsmɑːt wɒtʃ a smart watch is controlled by Have you seen the
computers and is designed to company’s latest smart
provide information in a suitable watch?
way depending on the situation
interactive 76 n phr ˌɪntəræktɪv an interactive television allows you We don’t have an
television to communicate directly with it, and interactive television – you
ˈteləvɪʒən does things in reaction to your have to get up and press
actions buttons to change the
channel!
smart thermostat 76 n phr ˌsmɑːt ˈθɜːməstæt a smart thermostat is an instrument Our new smart thermostat
used for keeping a room or a changes the room
machine at a particular temperature whenever it
temperature, and is controlled by senses changes in the
 computers and designed to react in weather.
a suitable way depending on the
situation
driverless car 76 n phr ˌdraɪvələs ˈkɑː a driverless car is controlled by I’m not sure I would feel
equipment in the vehicle, rather safe on the motorway in a
than by a human driver driverless car.
drone 76 n drəʊn an aircraft that does not have a Drones have been used to
pilot, but is operated by radio take images of countries
thousands of miles away
from where they are
controlled.
brain imaging 76 n phr ˈbreɪn ˌɪmədʒɪŋ a technical process in which New brain imaging
pictures of the inside of someone’s technologies mean that
brain are produced, especially for doctors are better able to
medical reasons screen for defects.
genetic data 76 n phr dʒəˌnetɪk ˈdeɪtə, information relating to genes or This new breakthrough
genetics (= the study of how the gave scientists immense
ˈdɑːtə qualities of living things are passed amounts of genetic data.
on)
crowdfunding 77 n ˈkraʊdˌfʌndɪŋ a method of getting money for He was able to start his
something, for example a new film new business with the
or album, by asking many people to help of crowdfunding.
give part of the money needed,
often on the Internet
to no avail 81 adv phr tʊ ˌnəʊ əˈveɪl if something you do is to no avail, We searched the whole
you do not succeed in getting what area but all to no avail.
you want Robbie had disappeared.
in vain 81 adv phr ɪn ˈveɪn without success in spite of your Police searched in vain for
efforts the missing gunman.
frantically 81 adv ˈfræntɪkli in an extremely worried and There was still no news of
frightened way, so that you cannot Jill, and her parents were
control your feelings frantically searching for
her.
extensively 81 adv ɪkˈstensɪvli over a very large area They search extensively
for clues to the girl’s
disappearance.
set off 81 phr v ˌset ˈɒf to make (an alarm) start ringing Smoke from a cigarette
will not normally set off a
smoke alarm.
sound 81 v saʊnd to warn people that something bad His bankers sounded the
is happening alarm when they
discovered that money
had gone missing from his
accounts.
raise 81 v reɪz to warn people that something bad Neighbours raised the
is happening alarm when they smelled
smoke.
trigger 81 v ˈtrɪɡə to make (an alarm) start ringing A window blew open,
triggering the alarm.
presume 81 v prɪˈzjuːm to think that something is true, From the way he talked I
although you are not certain presumed, wrongly, that
he was your boss.
presume dead 81 phr prɪˌzjuːm ˈded to accept that someone is dead Their nephew was
until it is shown to not be true, missing, presumed dead.
especially in law
presume innocent 81 phr prɪˌzjuːm ˈɪnəsənt to accept that someone is innocent The defendant is
until it is shown to not be true, presumed innocent until
especially in law he or she is found guilty.
suffer from 81 phr v ˈsʌfə frəm, frɒm to have (a particular disease or Craig suffers from a rare
medical condition), especially for a bone disease.
long time
migraine 81 n ˈmiːɡreɪn, ˈmaɪ- an extremely bad headache, during I won’t be coming this
which you feel sick and have pain evening – I’m suffering
behind your eyes from migraines.
asthma 81 n ˈæsmə a medical condition that causes She carries an inhaler
difficulties in breathing because she suffers with
asthma.
amnesia 81 æmˈniːziə the medical condition of not being After the accident, she
able to remember anything woke up suffering from
amnesia.
hay fever 81 n ˌheɪ ˈfiːvə a medical condition like a bad cold, John always suffers badly
that is caused by breathing in from hay fever in the
pollen (= dust from plants) summer.
investigation 81 n ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃən an official attempt to find out the The investigation
truth about or the cause of continued for nearly three
something such as a crime, years.
accident, or scientific problem
launch 81 v lɔːntʃ to start something, usually The authorities are
something big or important planning to launch a full-
scale investigation into the
crash.
be the subject of 81 v phr bi ðə ˈsʌbdʒɪkt əv to be the thing that is talked about, The causes of the air
dealt with or considered crash are the subject of
investigation.
pursue 81 v pəˈsjuː to continue trying to find out about A private detective was
or persuade someone about a hired to pursue the
particular subject investigation.
lead 81 v liːd to be in charge of a group of people The investigation is being
who are trying to do something led by a senior detective.
day shift 81 n ˈdeɪ ʃɪft a particular period of time worked He’s going to be on day
during the day, or the workers who shifts for five days.
work during one of these periods
night shift 81 n ˈnaɪt ʃɪft a particular period of time worked She found it hard to stay
during the night, or the workers awake during her night
who work during one of these shifts at the factory.
periods
early shift 81 n ˈɜːli ʃɪft a particular period of time worked The early shift will be
during the early hours of the day, or coming on in a few
the workers who work during one of minutes.
these periods
late shift 81 n ˈleɪt ʃɪft a particular period of time worked Nobody wants to do the
during the later part of the day, or late shift.
the workers who work during one of
these periods
split shift 81 n ˈsplɪt ʃɪft a period of work that is divided into She hates doing split
two or more parts on the same day, shifts – they disrupt her
or the workers who work during sleep patterns.
one of these periods
10-hour shift 81 n ˌten aʊə ˈʃɪft a period of 10 hours worked during I did 10-hour shifts every
a single day day last week.
motivate 82 v ˈməʊtəveɪt to be the reason why someone Was he motivated solely
does something by his desire for power?
hesitate 82 v ˈhezəteɪt to pause before saying or doing Kay hesitated for a
something because you are moment and then said
nervous or not sure ‘yes’.
renovate 82 v ˈrenəveɪt to repair a building or old furniture The hotel has been
so that it is in good condition again renovated and
redecorated.
elaborate 82 v ɪˈlæbəreɪt to give more details or new He said he had new
information about something evidence, but refused to
elaborate any further.
darken 82 v ˈdɑːkən to become dark or darker, or to The sky darkened and a
make something dark or darker few drops of rain fell.
strengthen 82 v ˈstreŋθən, to become stronger or make Our friendship has
something stronger steadily strengthened over
ˈstrenθən the years.
brighten 82 v ˈbraɪtn to make something lighter or The morning sunshine
brighter brightened up the room.
prioritise 82 v praɪˈɒrətaɪz to put several things, problems etc You need to prioritise your
in order of importance, so that you tasks.
can deal with the most important
first
legalise 82 v ˈliːɡəlaɪz to make something legal so that Rules to legalise casino
people are allowed to do it gambling could be
introduced next autumn.
modernise 82 v ˈmɒdənaɪz to make something such as a They need more funds to
system or building more modern modernise the country’s
telephone system.
realise 82 v ˈrɪəlaɪz to know and understand I suddenly realised that
something, or suddenly begin to the boy was crying.
 understand it
glorify 82 v ˈɡlɔːrəfaɪ to make someone or something I don’t like films which
seem more important or better than glorify violence.
they really are, or to praise
someone or something
electrify 82 v ɪˈlektrəfaɪ if a performance or a speech She would sit at the piano
electrifies people, it makes them and sing, electrifying us
feel very interested or excited all.
exemplify 82 v ɪɡˈzempləfaɪ to be a very typical example of The building exemplifies
something the style of architecture
which was popular at the
time.
exhaustion 82 n ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən extreme tiredness He collapsed with
exhaustion.
production 82 n prəˈdʌkʃən the process of making or growing The production of
things to be sold, especially in large consumer goods has
quantities slowed recently.
recollection 82 n ˌrekəˈlekʃən something from the past that you My earliest recollections
remember are of my mother bending
over my cot.
immediacy 82 n ɪˈmiːdiəsi when something is important or Television brings a new
urgent because it relates to a immediacy to world
situation or event that is happening events.
now
accuracy 82 n ˈækjərəsi the ability to do something in an He passes the ball with
exact way without making a unerring accuracy.
mistake
tendency 82 n ˈtendənsi if someone or something has a Greg’s tendency to be
tendency to do or become a critical made him
particular thing, they are likely to do unpopular with his co-
or become it workers.
clarity 82 n ˈklærəti the clarity of a piece of writing, law, Letters may be edited for
argument etc is its quality of being length and clarity.
expressed clearly
stupidity 82 n stjuːˈpɪdəti behaviour or actions that show a Saying that showed his
lack of good sense or good complete stupidity!
judgment
opportunity 82 n ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti a chance to do something or an I’d like to take this
occasion when it is easy for you to opportunity to thank you
do something all.
embarrassment 82 n ɪmˈbærəsmənt the feeling you have when you are She suffered extreme
embarrassed (= uncomfortable or embarrassment at not
nervous and worrying about what knowing how to read.
people think of you)
enjoyment 82 n ɪnˈdʒɔɪmənt the feeling of pleasure you get from Acting has brought me
having or doing something, or enormous enjoyment.
something you enjoy doing
harassment 82 n ˈhærəsmənt, hə when someone behaves in an African-Americans have
unpleasant or threatening way been complaining about
ˈræsmənt towards you police harassment for
years.
loneliness 82 n ˈləʊnlinəs being unhappy because you are Her loneliness is caused
alone or do not have anyone to talk by being on her own all
to day.
unhappiness 82 n ʌnˈhæpinəs being not happy Leslie had a lot of
unhappiness in her
childhood.
tiredness 82 n ˈtaɪədnəs the feeling that you want to sleep or He began to fall asleep
rest from tiredness.
engineer 82 n ˌendʒəˈnɪə someone whose job is to design or He trained as a civil
build roads, bridges, machines etc engineer.
musician 82 n mjuːˈzɪʃən someone who plays a musical She was a talented young
instrument, especially very well or musician.
as a job
professor 82 n prəˈfesə a teacher of the highest rank in a She’s been named the
university department professor of English.
applicant 82 n ˈæplɪkənt someone who has formally asked, He was one of 30
usually in writing, for a job, applicants for the
university place etc manager’s job.
attendant 82 n əˈtendənt someone whose job is to look after Jim got a holiday job as a
or help customers in a public place car park attendant.
disinfectant 82 n ˌdɪsənˈfektənt a chemical or a cleaning product The tables were washed
that destroys bacteria with disinfectant at the
end of the day.
clearance 82 n ˈklɪərəns the process of getting official She’ll race if she gets
permission or approval for medical clearance from
something her doctor.
reappearance 82 n ˌrɪːəˈpɪərəns the act of appearing again after not Many of these ideas make
being seen for some time a reappearance in his
later books.
pretence 82 n prɪˈtens a way of behaving which is How long are you going to
intended to make people believe keep up the pretence of
something that is not true being ill?
dominant 82 adj ˈdɒmənənt more powerful, important, or The dominant male gorilla
noticeable than other people or is the largest in the group.
things
redundant 82 adj rɪˈdʌndənt if you are redundant, your employer Seventy factory workers
no longer has a job for you were made redundant in
the resulting cuts.
independent 82 adj ˌɪndəˈpendənt an independent organisation is not There are plans to split
owned or controlled by, or does not the corporation into a
receive money from, another number of smaller
organisation or the government independent companies.
scandalous 82 adj ˈskændələs completely unfair and wrong That’s a scandalous
waste of public money!
rebellious 82 adj rɪˈbeljəs deliberately not obeying people in How would you like to
authority or rules of behaviour take charge of a class of
rebellious teenagers?
suspicious 82 adj səˈspɪʃəs thinking that someone might be Some of his colleagues at
guilty of doing something wrong or work became suspicious
dishonest of his behaviour.
capable 82 adj ˈkeɪpəbəl having the qualities or ability I don’t think he’s capable
needed to do something of murder.
edible 82 adj ˈedəbəl something that is edible can be These berries are edible,
eaten but those are poisonous.
visible 82 adj ˈvɪzəbəl something that is visible can be The outline of the
seen mountains was clearly
visible.
persuasive 82 adj pəˈsweɪsɪv able to make other people believe Trevor can be very
something or do what you ask persuasive.
elusive 82 adj ɪˈluːsɪv an elusive person or animal is She managed to get an
difficult to find or not often seen interview with that elusive
man.
evasive 82 adj ɪˈveɪsɪv not willing to answer questions Paul’s being a bit evasive
directly about this job.
massive 82 adj ˈmæsɪv very large, solid, and heavy The bell is massive,
weighing over 40 tons.
respectful 82 adj rɪˈspektfəl feeling or showing respect They listened in respectful
silence.
helpful 82 adj ˈhelpfəl providing useful help in making a Thank you for your
situation better or easier advice; it’s been very
helpful.
resourceful 82 adj rɪˈzɔːsfəl, -ˈsɔːs- good at finding ways of dealing with She is a woman who is
practical problems energetic and resourceful.
deeply 82 adv ˈdiːpli used to emphasise that a belief, Teachers are deeply
feeling, opinion etc is very strong, divided on this issue.
important, or sincere
financially 82 adv fəˈnænʃəli, faɪ- in a way relating to money or the He was successful and
management of money financially secure.
dramatically 82 adv drəˈmætɪkli greatly and suddenly Computers have changed
the workplace
dramatically.
extensively 82 adv ɪkˈstensɪvli widely, over a great area As a student, he travelled
extensively in the Middle
East.
supposedly 82 adv səˈpəʊzədli used when saying what many How could a supposedly
people say or believe is true, intelligent person be so
especially when you disagree with stupid?
 them
censorship 154 n ˈsensəʃɪp the practice or system of examining The information given to
books, films, letters etc to remove the press was subject to
anything that is considered censorship by the Ministry
offensive, morally harmful, or of Defence.
politically dangerous etc
exorbitant 154 adj ɪɡˈzɔːbətənt an exorbitant price, amount of He paid an exorbitant
money etc is much higher than it price for his house.
should be
nationalist 154 adj, n ˈnæʃənələst a nationalist organisation, party etc We have seen the rise of
wants to gain or keep political the nationalist movement
independence for their country and in the country.
people
governor 154 n ˈɡʌvənə the person in charge of governing a His last post was as
country that is under the political governor of a British
control of another country colony.
responsive 154 adj rɪˈspɒnsɪv reacting quickly, in a positive way We try to be responsive to
the needs of the
customer.
senility 154 n səˈnɪləti being mentally confused or His senility is becoming
behaving strangely, because of old more of a problem.
age
fabricate 154 v ˈfæbrɪkeɪt to invent a story, piece of The police were accused
information etc in order to deceive of fabricating evidence.
someone
likelihood 154 n ˈlaɪklihʊd the degree to which something can Using a seatbelt will
reasonably be expected to happen reduce the likelihood of
serious injury in a car
accident.
personable 154 adj ˈpɜːsənəbəl someone who is personable is She is a very personable
attractive and pleasant young woman.
kindliness 154 n ˈkaɪndlinəs the quality of being kind and caring Mrs Smith’s kindliness to
for other people my wife was much
appreciated.
identical 154 adj aɪˈdentɪkəl exactly the same, or very similar The sisters were identical
in appearance and
character.
repetition 154 n ˌrepəˈtɪʃən doing or saying the same thing The job involved the
many times constant repetition of the
same movements.
sarcasm 154 n ˈsɑːkæzəm a way of speaking or writing that ‘Good of you to arrive on
involves saying the opposite of time,’ George said, with
what you really mean in order to heavy sarcasm.
make an unkind joke or to show
that you are annoyed
glorify 154 v ˈɡlɔːrəfaɪ to make someone or something I don’t like films that glorify
seem more important or better than violence.
they really are
troublesome 154 adj ˈtrʌbəlsəm causing problems, in an annoying Her three-year-old son
way was quite troublesome.
classy 154 adj ˈklɑːsi fashionable and expensive There were some classy
restaurants in the capital
city.
expertise 154 n ˌekspɜːˈtiːz special skills or knowledge in a What he’s bringing to the
particular subject, that you learn by company is financial
experience or training expertise.
remission 154 n rɪˈmɪʃən a period when a serious illness The cancer has gone into
improves for a time remission.
anxious 154 adj ˈæŋkʃəs worried about something He was a bit anxious
about the safety of the
machinery.
heroic 154 adj hɪˈrəʊɪk extremely brave or determined, and She made heroic efforts to
admired by many people save her family.
sympathy 154 n ˈsɪmpəθi the feeling of being sorry for I have a lot of sympathy
someone who is in a bad situation for her; she had to bring
up the children on her
own.
effect 154 n ɪˈfekt a change that is caused by an My parents’ divorce had a
event, action etc big effect on me.
impose 154 v ɪmˈpəʊz if someone in authority imposes a The court can impose a
rule, punishment, tax etc, they can fine.
force people to accept it
frivolous 154 adj ˈfrɪvələs not serious or sensible, especially The court discourages
in a way that is not suitable for a frivolous law suits.
particular occasion
envy 154 n ˈenvi the feeling of wanting something He watched the other
that someone else has boys with envy.
hesitate 154 v ˈhezəteɪt to pause before saying or doing Kay hesitated for a
something because you are moment and then said
nervous or not sure ‘yes’.
enthusiastic 154 adj ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk feeling or showing a lot of interest All the staff are
and excitement about something enthusiastic about the
project.
chauvinist 154 n ˈʃəʊvənəst someone, especially a man, who He’s a bit of a male
believes that their own sex is better chauvinist.
or more important that the other
sex
take time out 83 v phr ˌteɪk taɪm ˈaʊt to rest or do something different In between jobs, Liz
from your usual job or activities always took time out to
return to her first love –
travelling.
have a breather 83 v phr hæv ə ˈbriːðə to stop what you are doing for a I’m really tired – let’s stop
short time in order to rest, for a while and have a
especially when you are exercising breather!
take your mind off 83 v phr ˌteɪk jə ˈmaɪnd ɒf to stop thinking and worrying about Going back to work
(something), or to make someone helped take my mind off
do this Ian’s death.
switch off 83 phr v ˌswɪtʃ ˈɒf to relax for a short time They switch off by
listening to music.
let your hair down 83 v phr ˌlet jə ˈheə daʊn to enjoy yourself and start to relax, The party gave us all a
especially after working very hard chance to really let our
hair down.
unwind 83 v ʌnˈwaɪnd to relax and stop feeling anxious The country hotel was the
perfect place to unwind.
burn the candle at 154 idiom ˌbɜːn ðə ˈkændl ət to get very tired by doing things He’s been burning the
both ends until very late at night and getting candle at both ends for far
ˌbəʊθ ˈendz up early in the mornings too long.
while away 154 phr v ˌwaɪl əˈweɪ to spend time in a pleasant and The evenings were whiled
lazy way away in endless games of
cards.
hang out 154 phr v ˌhæŋ ˈaʊt to spend a lot of time in a particular I don’t really know who
place or with particular people she hangs out with.
chill out 154 phr v ˌtʃɪl ˈaʊt to relax completely instead of I spent the afternoon
feeling angry, tired, or nervous chilling out in front of the
TV.
work all hours 154 idiom ˌwɜːk ɔːl ˈaʊəz to work for a long time He’s been working all
hours trying to get the
business up and running.
burn the midnight 154 idiom ˌbɜːn ðə ˌmɪdnaɪt to work or study until late at night I’ll need to burn the
oil midnight oil if I’m to get
ˈɔɪl this job finished in time.
deliberately 86 adv dɪˈlɪbərətli if you do something deliberately, I deliberately kept the
you do it because you want to letter short.
unsupervised 86 adj ʌnˈsuːpəvaɪzd without being in the charge of, or You need to be good at
looked after by, another person working alone
unsupervised.
encourage 86 v ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ to make (something) more likely to Violent TV programmes
exist, happen, or develop encourage anti-social
behaviour.
independence 86 n ˌɪndəˈpendəns the freedom and ability to make Having a job gives you
your own decisions in life, without financial independence.
having to ask other people for
permission, help, or money
over- 86 n ˌəʊvə prə the quality of being so anxious to He was guilty of over-
protectiveness protect someone from harm that protectiveness towards
ˈtektɪvnəs you restrict their freedom his children.
risk-averse 86 adj ˌrɪsk əˈvɜːs not willing to take risks Shareholders are more
risk-averse than they used
to be.
deal with 86 phr v ˈdiːl wɪð to take the necessary action, Don’t worry, I’ll deal with
especially in order to solve a this.
problem
danger 86 n ˈdeɪndʒə the possibility that someone or The refugees believe that
something will be harmed, their lives are in danger.
destroyed, or killed
take risks 86 v phr ˌteɪk ˈrɪsks to do things that might have bad Isn’t he taking risks in
results coming here?
mollycoddle 86 v ˈmɒliˌkɒdl to treat someone too kindly and to He had been
protect them too much from mollycoddled as a young
anything unpleasant boy.
expose 86 v ɪkˈspəʊz to put someone in a situation where The report revealed that
they are not protected from workers had been
something dangerous or exposed to great danger.
unpleasant
colonial 88 n phr kəˌləʊniəl dɒmə control by a country that controls They were subject to
domination and rules other countries, usually colonial domination for
ˈneɪʃən ones that are far away centuries.
revere 88 v rɪˈvɪə to respect and admire someone or He is revered as a
something very much national hero.
figurehead 88 n ˈfɪɡəhed someone who seems to be the The Queen is merely a
leader of a country or organisation figurehead.
but who has no real power
clampdown 88 n ˈklæmpdaʊn sudden firm action that is taken to The police announced a
reduce crime clampdown on drug
dealers.
outrage 88 n ˈaʊtreɪdʒ a feeling of great anger and shock The response to the jury’s
verdict was one of
outrage.
galvanise 88 v ˈɡælvənaɪz to shock or surprise someone so The possibility of defeat
that they do something to solve a finally galvanised us into
problem, improve a situation etc action.
crowning moment 88 n phr ˌkraʊnɪŋ a time that makes something Their crowning moment
complete or perfect, or is the best was the winning of the
ˈməʊmənt feature of something cup in 1966.
rest on 88 idiom ˌrest ɒn ˌsʌmbədiz if blame or a difficult job rests on The blame rests squarely
somebody’s somebody’s shoulders, they have on Jim’s shoulders.
shoulders ˈʃəʊldəz to take responsibility for it
date back to 92 phr v ˌdeɪt ˈbæk tʊ to have existed since a particular The church dates back to
time in the past the 13th century.
about to 92 phr əˈbaʊt tə if someone is about to do Work was about to start
something, or if something is about on a new factory building.
to happen, they will do it or it will
happen very soon
the foreseeable 92 n phr ðə fɔːˌsiːəbəl as long as it is possible to know The situation is likely to
future what is likely to happen continue for the
ˈfjuːtʃə foreseeable future.
at regular intervals 92 adv phr ət ˌreɡjələ happening every hour, every week, Trains will run at regular
every month etc, usually with the intervals from 11am to
ˈɪntəvəlz same amount of time in between 4pm.
in years to come 92 adv phr ɪn ˌjɪəz tə ˈkʌm in the future In years to come, some of
the practices we take for
granted now will seem
quite barbaric.
the outset 92 n ði ˈaʊtset the beginning of an event or It was clear from the
process outset that there were
going to be problems.
a picture is worth 94 proverb ə ˌpɪktʃər ɪz ˌwɜːθ an idea can be conveyed better As far as the assembly
a thousand words with just a single image than a instructions are
ə ˌθaʊzənd ˈwɜːdz written or spoken description does concerned, a picture is
worth a thousand words.
better safe than 94 proverb ˌbetə ˌseɪf ðən used to say that it is better to be Set the alarm clock –
sorry careful, even if this takes time, better safe than sorry!
ˈsɒri effort etc, than take a risk that may
have a bad result
out of sight, out of 94 proverb aʊt əv ˌsaɪt aʊt əv used to say that people soon stop I forgot all about her. Out
mind thinking about something or of sight, out of mind, I
ˈmaɪnd someone if they do not see them suppose.
for a while
home is where the 94 proverb ˌhəʊm ɪz weə ðə used to say that someone is more I live in England, but
heart is fond of their home than of home is where the heart is
ˈhɑːt ɪz anywhere else – Scotland!
practise what you 94 proverb ˌpræktɪs wɒt jʊ to do the things that you advise She didn’t always practise
preach other people to do what she preached.
ˈpriːtʃ
Rome wasn’t built 94 proverb ˌrəʊm wɒzənt ˌbɪlt a phrase meaning that it takes time Take it slowly – Rome
in a day to achieve something important, wasn’t built in a day.
ɪn ə ˈdeɪ and you should not expect to
succeed immediately
beggars can’t be 155 proverb ˌbeɡəz kɑːnt bi used to say that, when you have no I’ll have to take what he’s
choosers money or no power to choose, you offering – beggars can’t
ˈtʃuːzəz have to accept whatever you are be choosers.
given
better late than 155 proverb ˌbetə ˌleɪt ðən used to say that even if something He’s finally arrived! Better
never happens late or someone arrives late than never, I
ˈnevə late, this is better than if it did not suppose.
happen, or the person did not come
at all
don’t count your 155 proverb ˌdəʊnt kaʊnt jɔː used to say that you should not I wouldn’t count your
chickens make plans that depend on chickens, Mr Vass. I’ve
ˈtʃɪkənz something good happening, agreed to sign the
because it might not contract, but that’s all.
strike while the 155 proverb ˌstraɪk waɪl ði to do something immediately rather Go and see her now!
iron’s hot than waiting until a later time when Strike while the iron’s hot!
ˌaɪənz ˈhɒt you are less likely to succeed
keep your nose 155 proverb ˌkiːp jə ˈnəʊz kliːn to make sure you do not get into Sid’s got to keep his nose
clean trouble, or do anything wrong or clean or he’ll end up back
illegal in prison.
no rest for the 155 proverb nəʊ ˌrest fə ðə used to say that you have no Well, I had better get back
wicked opportunity to stop working to work – no rest for the
ˈwɪkɪd wicked, you know!
put your best foot 155 proverb pʊt jɔː ˌbest fʊt used to describe a situation where OK, put your best foot
forward you have to make your best forward and we’ll find out
ˈfɔːwəd attempt at success the results tomorrow.
share and share 155 proverb ˌʃeər ən ˌʃeər ə used to say that you should share Give each child three
alike things fairly and equally between sweets – share and share
ˈlaɪk everyone alike.
the early bird 155 proverb ði ˌɜːli ˈbɜːd used to say that if you do Well, I’m getting up early
catches the worm something early or before other tomorrow – the early bird
ˌkætʃəz ðə ˈwɜːm people, you will be successful catches the worm!
the pen is mightier 155 proverb ðə ˌpen ɪz ˌmaɪtiə used to say that writing a His eloquent letter had the
than the sword complaint, encouragement etc is desired effect and proved
ðən ðə ˈsɔːd often more effective than using that the pen is mightier
violence than the sword.
evocative 95 adj ɪˈvɒkətɪv making people remember He takes some very
something by producing a feeling evocative photographs.
or memory in them
evoke 95 v ɪˈvəʊk to produce a strong feeling or His appearance is bound
memory in someone to evoke sympathy.
take you back 95 phr v ˌteɪk jʊ ˈbæk to make you remember a time in Having the grandchildren
the past around takes me back to
the days when my own
children were small.
carry back 95 phr v ˌkæri ˈbæk to make you remember a time in That scene in the film
the past carried me back to my
childhood.
distinctly 96 adv dɪˈstɪŋktli clearly He distinctly remembered
the day his father left.
spring to mind 155 v ˌsprɪŋ tə ˈmaɪnd if someone or something springs to Two questions spring to
phrase mind, you immediately think of it or mind.
them
once-in-a-lifetime 155 adj ˌwʌns ɪn ə the best that you will ever have It was a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity.
ˈlaɪftaɪm
to remember 155 v tə rɪˈmembə to have a picture or idea in your I can’t remember her
phrase mind of people, events, places etc exact words.
from the past
on the tip of your 155 idiom ɒn ðə ˌtɪp əv jə if a word, name etc is on the tip of What is her name? It’s on
tongue your tongue, you know it but cannot the tip of my tongue.
ˈtʌŋ
 remember it Joan. Joan Simpson.
That’s it!
for the life of me 155 idiom fə ðə ˈlaɪf əv mi used to say that you cannot I couldn’t for the life of me
remember or understand remember his name.
something even when you try hard
clean forget 155 v ˌkliːn fəˈɡet used to emphasise the fact you I’ve clean forgotten what I
phrase have forgotten something was doing!
completely
go back 155 phr v ɡəʊ ˈbæk used to say that someone has United winning the
mentioned something from a long league? Well that’s going
time ago back a bit!
like it was 155 v ˌlaɪk ɪt wəz very well, as if it happened only a I remember meeting you
yesterday phrase short time ago for the first time like it was
ˈjestədi, -deɪ yesterday.
memory lapse 155 n ˈmeməri ˌlæps a short period of time during which He had a complete
you cannot remember something memory lapse and
couldn’t remember my
name.
etch on your 155 v ˌetʃ ɒn jə ˈmeməri if an experience, name etc is The island remained
memory phrase etched on your memory or mind, etched on my memory.
you cannot forget it and you think
of it often
all the time in the 98 phr ˌɔːl ðə ˌtaɪm ɪn ðə unlimited time He strolled up the street
world as if he had all the time in
ˈwɜːld the world.
pushed for time 98 phr ˌpʊʃt fə ˈtaɪm if you are pushed for time you are He was pushed for time
very busy and have little time to so couldn’t stay to help
spare her.
time on your 98 phr ˈtaɪm ɒn jə ˌhændz if you have time on your hands, you Now the children have left
hands do not have enough to do home, she has too much
time on her hands.
time to yourself 98 phr ˌtaɪm fə jəˈself if you have time to yourself, you are She couldn’t wait till all the
free to do what you want to do visitors has left so she
could have time to herself.
pass the time 98 phr ˌpɑːs ðə ˈtaɪm to make time seem to go by more We played cards to pass
quickly the time.
just in time 98 phr ˌdʒʌst ɪn ˈtaɪm only moments before the time by She finished her essay
which it is necessary for something just in time.
to be done
time to spare 98 phr ˌtaɪm tə ˈspeə if you have time to spare you have June had little time to
time available to do something spare for making her own
clothes.
science 100 n ˈsaɪəns knowledge about the world, Many leading scientists do
especially based on examining, not consider that science
testing, and proving facts can give absolutely
reliable knowledge.
universe 100 n ˈjuːnəvɜːs all space, including all the stars and The new programme
planets studies the universe.
nature 100 n ˈneɪtʃə everything in the physical world We grew up in the
that is not controlled by humans, countryside, surrounded
such as wild plants and animals, by the beauties of nature.
earth and rocks, and the weather
art 100 n ɑːt the use of painting, drawing, The cave paintings are an
sculpture etc to represent things or example of early Indian
express ideas art.
unconventional 104 adj ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənəl very different from the way people She had very
usually behave, think, dress etc unconventional political
views.
thought-provoking 104 adj ˈθɔːt prəˌvəʊkɪŋ making people think seriously They wrote a very
about a particular subject thought-provoking article.
bleak 104 adj bliːk without anything to make you feel The company still hopes
happy or hopeful to find a buyer, but the
future looks bleak.
compelling 104 adj kəmˈpelɪŋ used to describe an argument etc Lucy had no compelling
that makes you feel certain that reason to go into town.
something is true or that you must
do something about it
charming 104 adj ˈtʃɑːmɪŋ very pleasing or attractive Harry can be very
charming.
well-received 104 adj ˌwel rɪˈsiːvd happily accepted, or considered to The news was well-
be correct, by many people received by all the people
in the room.
poignant 104 adj ˈpɔɪnjənt making you feel sad or full of pity The statue is a poignant
reminder of our nation’s
great sacrifices.
overrated 104 adj ˌəʊvəˈreɪtəd not as good or important as some The new film was vastly
people think or say overrated.
offbeat 104 adj ˌɒfˈbiːt unusual and not what people She’s a little offbeat, but
normally expect, especially in an she’s a wonderful actress.
interesting way
stylish 104 adj ˈstaɪlɪʃ attractive in a fashionable way They went to a stylish
restaurant in the West
End.
striking 104 adj ˈstraɪkɪŋ attractive in an unusual way that is A dark man with striking
easy to notice features walked up to me.
subtle 104 adj ˈsʌtl not easy to notice or understand The pictures are similar,
unless you pay careful attention but there are subtle
differences between them.
come up with 106 phr v kʌm ˈʌp wɪð to think of an idea, answer etc We’ve been asked to
come up with some new
ideas.
go on 106 phr v ɡəʊ ˈɒn to continue doing something or He went on working until
being in a situation he was 91.
carry out 106 phr v ˌkæri ˈaʊt to do something that needs to be We need to carry out
organised and planned more research.
set up 106 phr v ˌset ˈʌp to start a company, organisation, They want to set up their
committee etc own import-export
business.
pick up 106 phr v ˌpɪk ˈʌp to lift something or someone up He picked up the letter
and read it.
go back 106 phr v ɡəʊ ˈbæk to return to a place that you I think we ought to go
previously been to back to Paris some day.
come back 106 phr v kʌm ˈbæk to return to a place that you Please come back and
previously went away from see us again soon!
go out 106 phr v ɡəʊ ˈaʊt to leave your house, especially in We went out for a meal
order to enjoy yourself and then on to a movie.
point out 106 phr v ˌpɔɪnt ˈaʊt to tell someone something that they He was always very keen
did not already know or had not to point out my mistakes.
thought about
find out 106 phr v ˌfaɪnd ˈaʊt to get information, after trying to Did you find out whether
discover it or by chance there are any seats left?
get round to 106 phr v ɡet ˈraʊnd tə to do something that you have I keep meaning to put a
been intending to do for some time lock on it, but I never get
round to it.
go in for 106 phr v ɡəʊ ˈɪn fə to do or use something often I never really went in for
because you enjoy it sports.
put up with 106 phr v pʊt ˈʌp wɪð to accept an unpleasant situation or She put up with his violent
person without complaining temper.
stand up for 106 phr v ˌstænd ˈʌp fə to refuse to accept unfair treatment He’ll respect you more if
from a person or organisation you stand up to him.
catch up with 106 phr v ˌkætʃ ˈʌp wɪð to finally speak to someone you I’ll catch up with you next
haven’t had a chance to speak to week.
for a while
go back on 156 phr v ɡəʊ ˈbæk ɒn to not do something that you Delors claimed that the
promised or agreed to do President had gone back
on his word.
get up to 156 phr v ɡet ˈʌp tə to do something, especially What did you get up to at
something slightly bad the weekend?
cut down on 156 phr v ˌkʌt ˈdaʊn ɒn to reduce the amount of something By getting the design
right, you can cut down on
accidents.
look in on 156 phr v ˌlʊk ˈɪn ɒn to make a short visit to someone, I promised to look in on
while you are going somewhere Dad and see if he’s
else, especially if they are ill or feeling any better.
need help
watch out for 156 phr v ˌwɒtʃ ˈaʊt fə to pay close attention in a particular What problems should I
situation because you are watch out for when buying
expecting something to happen or an old house?
 you want to avoid something bad
keep up with 156 phr v ˌkiːp ˈʌp wɪð to manage to do as much or as well Jack’s having trouble
as other people keeping up with the rest of
the class.
go through with 156 phr v ɡəʊ ˈθruː wɪð to do something you had promised He bravely went through
or planned to do, even though it with the wedding
causes problems or you are no ceremony even though he
longer sure you want to do it was in a lot of pain.
go down with 156 phr v ɡəʊ ˈdaʊn wɪð to become ill, especially with an Half the team had gone
infectious disease down with flu.
do away with 156 phr v ˌduː əˈweɪ wɪð to get rid of something or stop People thought that the
using it use of robots would do
away with boring low-paid
factory jobs.
look down on 156 phr v ˌlʊk ˈdaʊn ɒn to think that you are better than Mr Garcia looks down on
someone else, for example anyone who hasn’t had a
because you are more successful, college education.
or of a higher social class than they
are
come up with an 107 phr kʌm ˌʌp wɪð ən aɪ to think of an idea We’ve been asked to
idea come up with some new
ˈdɪə ideas.
novel idea 107 adj ˌnɒvəl aɪˈdɪə an idea that is not like anything What a novel idea!
known before, and unusual or
interesting
toy with an idea 107 phr ˌtɔɪ wɪð ən aɪˈdɪə to think about an idea or possibility, I’ve been toying with the
usually for a short time and not idea of going to Japan to
very seriously visit them.
give the idea 107 phr ˌɡɪv di aɪˈdɪə to make someone think that a We don’t want to give you
particular thing is true the idea that you will be
offered a permanent job.
brainstorm ideas 107 phr ˌbreɪnstɔːm aɪˈdɪəz to meet in a group in order to try to Employees get together
develop ideas and think of ways of and brainstorm ideas.
solving problems
hit on an idea 107 phr ˌhɪt ɒn ən aɪˈdɪə to have an idea or discover Then we hit on the idea of
something suddenly or asking viewers to donate
unexpectedly money over the Net.
bright idea 107 n ˌbraɪt aɪˈdɪə a very clever idea, often used in a Whose bright idea was it
joking way to mean a very stupid to leave the washing out
idea or action in the rain?
original idea 107 n əˌrɪdʒənəl aɪˈdɪə an idea that is completely new and I don’t think George is
different from anything that anyone capable of having original
has thought of before ideas!
seem like a good 107 idiom ˌsiːm laɪk ə ˌɡʊd aɪ what you decided to do seemed “Why did you jump in the
idea at the time sensible at first, but it turned out to lake?” “Well, it seemed
ˈdɪə ət ðə ˈtaɪm be a poor decision like a good idea at the
time.”
ridiculous idea 107 n rɪˈdɪkjələs aɪˌdɪə a very silly or unreasonable idea Going to school in your
pyjamas is a ridiculous
idea!
get the wrong idea 156 phr ɡet ðə ˌrɒŋ aɪˈdɪə to think that something is true when Don’t get the wrong idea
about something it is not about Dan and Helen –
əbaʊt ˌsʌmθɪŋ they’re just friends.
not have the 156 phr ˌnɒt hæv ðə to not have even a general I don’t have the faintest
faintest idea about understanding of something idea what to get Rachel
something ˌfeɪntəst aɪˈdɪə for her birthday.
əbaʊt ˌsʌmθɪŋ
full of bright ideas 156 phr ˌfʊl əv ˌbraɪt aɪ having lots of very clever ideas, Jim? Oh, yes, he’s full of
often used in a joking way to mean bright ideas, he is!
ˈdɪəz very stupid ideas or actions
someone’s idea of 156 phr ˌsʌmwʌnz aɪˌdɪə used when you are surprised and “She wants you to do it by
a joke often rather annoyed by what tomorrow.” “Is that your
əv ə ˈdʒəʊk someone has said or done idea of a joke?”
have an idea 156 phr ˌhæv ən aɪˈdɪə to be fairly sure that something is I’m not sure where my
of/about true, without being completely sure necklace is, but I have an
something əbaʊt ˌsʌmθɪŋ idea about who took it.
have a clear idea 156 phr ˌhæv ə ˌklɪər aɪˈdɪə to have a good understanding of I think I have a clear idea
about something something now of how it works.
əbaʊt ˌsʌmθɪŋ
rave 110 v, n reɪv to talk about something you enjoy Now I understand why
 or admire in an excited way travellers rave about
Lapland.
crave 110 v kreɪv to have an extremely strong desire He is an insecure child
for something who craves attention.
rant 110 v, n rænt to talk or complain in a loud, She was ranting about the
excited and rather confused way unfairness of it all.
because you feel strongly about
something
fresh perspective 110 n ˌfreʃ pəˈspektɪv a new and interesting or useful way The venture will benefit
of thinking about something, from their fresh
especially one which is influenced perspective.
by the type of person you are or by
your experiences
speak your mind 110 v phr ˌspiːk jə ˈmaɪnd to tell people exactly what you He was a tough politician
think, even if it offends them who wasn’t afraid to
speak his mind.
let your feelings fly 110 v phr let jɔː ˌfiːlɪŋz ˈflaɪ to say exactly what you think about You don’t have to hold
things back on what you say,
you can let your feelings
fly.
give someone a 110 phr ə ˌpiːs əv jə to tell someone that you are very After the game he gave
piece of your mind angry with them the players a piece of his
ˈmaɪnd mind.
set off 116 phr v ˌset ˈɒf to start to go somewhere Jerry and I set off on foot
for the beach.
epic 116 adj ˈepɪk an epic event continues for a long It was the following year
time and involves brave or exciting when he made his epic
actions journey to South America.
on the road 116 phr ɒn ðə ˈrəʊd travelling They’re on the road for six
months out of every year.
trial run 116 n ˌtraɪəl ˈrʌn an occasion when you test a new This year is something of
method or system to see if it works a trial run for the new
well service.
learning 116 n ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪkˌspɪəriəns an experience through which you Everyone in the centre
experience learn a new skill has had quite a learning
experience this week.
quit your job 116 v phr ˌkwɪt jə ˈdʒɒb to leave a job, especially without He quit his job after an
finishing it completely argument with a
colleague.
head straight for 116 v phr ˌhed ˈstreɪt fə to go or travel directly towards a We headed straight for
particular place, without going the capital.
anywhere else first
off the beaten 116 idiom ˌɒf ðə ˌbiːtn ˈtræk a place that is off the beaten track We want to visit all the
track is not well known and is far away places that are off the
from the places that people usually beaten track for a change.
visit
journey 118 n ˈdʒɜːni an occasion when you travel from The novel is an account of
one place to another, especially his African journey.
over a long distance
conceal 118 v kənˈsiːl to hide (something) carefully The path was concealed
by long grass.
gripping 118 adj ˈɡrɪpɪŋ a gripping film, story etc is very Collins’s gripping
exciting and interesting detective novel became a
bestseller.
embark on 118 phr v ɪmˈbɑːk ɒn to start something, especially He embarked on a new
something new, difficult, or exciting career as a teacher.
spacious 118 adj ˈspeɪʃəs a spacious house, room etc is large There is a spacious living
and has plenty of space to move area facing out onto the
around in pool.
master 118 v ˈmɑːstə to learn a skill or a language so I never quite mastered the
well that you have no difficulty with art of walking in high
it heels.
impure 157 adj ɪmˈpjʊə not pure or clean, and often Unfortunately it was an
consisting of a mixture of things impure crystal and
instead of just one therefore not worth very
much.
unadulterated 157 adj ˌʌnəˈdʌltəreɪtəd complete or total, or not mixed with These recipes are
other less pure substances intended to be
unadulterated bliss.
natural 157 adj ˈnætʃərəl existing in nature and not caused, The need for natural light
made, or controlled by people in offices cannot be
contested.
genuine 157 adj ˈdʒenjuən something genuine really is what it We need laws that will
seems to be protect genuine refugees.
shun 157 v ʃʌn to deliberately avoid someone or She was a shy woman
something who shunned publicity.
ignore 157 v ɪɡˈnɔː to behave as if you had not heard The phone rang, but she
or seen someone or something ignored it.
ostracise 157 v ˈɒstrəsaɪz if a group of people ostracise He was ostracised by the
someone, they refuse to accept other students.
them as a member of the group
welcome 157 v ˈwelkəm to be glad to accept something or The college welcomes
someone applications from people
of all races.
guess 157 v ɡes to try to answer a question or form I’d say he’s around 50, but
an opinion when you are not sure I’m only guessing.
whether you will be correct
estimate 157 v ˈestəmeɪt to try to judge the value, size, The tree is estimated to
speed cost etc of something, be at least 700 years old.
without calculating it exactly
assume 157 v əˈsjuːm to think that something is true, I didn’t see your car, so I
although you do not have definite assumed you’d gone out.
proof
hypothetical 157 adj ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkəl based on a situation that is not real, Brennan brought up a
but that might happen hypothetical case to make
his point.
argue 157 v ˈɑːɡjuː to disagree with someone in words, Gallacher continued to
often in an angry way argue with the referee
throughout the game.
squabble 157 v ˈskwɒbəl to argue about something They’re always
unimportant squabbling over money.
admit 157 v ədˈmɪt to agree unwillingly that something You may not like her, but
is true or that someone else is right you have to admit that
she’s good at her job.
dispute 157 v dɪˈspjuːt to say that something such as a The main facts of the
fact or idea is not correct or true book have never been
disputed.
run 157 v rʌn to move very quickly, by moving I ran down the stairs as
your legs more quickly than when fast as I could.
you walk
stroll 157 v strəʊl to walk somewhere in a slow, We were strolling along,
relaxed way laughing and joking.
meander 157 v miˈændə to walk somewhere in a slow, We meandered through
relaxed way rather than take the the ancient streets.
most direct way possible
saunter 157 v ˈsɔːntə to walk in a slow, relaxed way, He came sauntering down
especially so that you look the road with his hands in
confident or proud his pockets.
lightweight 157 adj ˈlaɪtweɪt weighing less than average He wore a lightweight
jacket.
cumbersome 157 adj ˈkʌmbəsəm difficult and heavy to move It was a very large,
cumbersome machine.
awkward 157 adj ˈɔːkwəd difficult to do, use, or deal with It’ll be awkward getting
cars in and out.
heavy 157 adj ˈhevi weighing a lot The wardrobe was too
heavy for me to move on
my own.
considerable 157 adj kənˈsɪdərəbəl fairly large, especially large enough We’ve saved a
to have an effect or be important considerable amount of
money.
extensive 157 adj ɪkˈstensɪv large in size, amount, or degree The house stands in
extensive grounds.
minimal 157 adj ˈmɪnəməl very small in degree or amount, The storm caused only
especially the smallest degree or minimal damage.
amount possible
substantial 157 adj səbˈstænʃəl large in amount or number We have the support of a
substantial number of
parents.
sincere 157 adj sɪnˈsɪə a feeling, belief, or statement that is Please accept my sincere
sincere is honest and true, and apologies.
based on what you really feel
dishonest 157 adj dɪsˈɒnəst not honest, and so deceiving or People on welfare are
cheating people wrongly seen as lazy or
dishonest.
straightforward 157 adj ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd simple and easy to understand Installing the program is
relatively straightforward.
unambiguous 157 adj ˌʌnæmˈbɪɡjuəs a statement, instruction etc that is Such communications
unambiguous is clear and easy to should be clear and
understand because it can only unambiguous.
mean one thing
scrap 120 n skræp a small amount of information, truth There isn’t a single scrap
etc of evidence.
dazzled 120 adj ˈdæzəld very impressed I was dazzled by all the
attention I got.
ascension 120 n əˈsenʃən when someone moves to a more His ascension to the ranks
important or higher position or job of senior management
was a surprise.
clamour 120 n ˈklæmə a very loud noise made by a large He shouted over the rising
group of people or animals clamour of voices.
geriatric 120 adj ˌdʒeriˈætrɪk too old to work well He’s a geriatric rock star.
beacon 120 n ˈbiːkən a person, idea etc that guides or The education program
encourages you offers a beacon of hope to
these children.
crave 120 v kreɪv to have an extremely strong desire He is an insecure child
for something who craves attention.
hanker after 120 phr v ˈhænkər ˌɑːftə to feel strongly that you want She hankered after a life
something in the country.
spotlight 120 n ˈspɒtlaɪt a place or position that gets a lot of Education is once again in
attention in newspapers, on the spotlight.
television etc
centre of attention 120 n phr ˌsentər əv əˈtenʃən the person who everyone is Rob loves being the
interested in, listens to etc centre of attention.
serve an 120 n ˌsɜːv ən ə the job of being an apprentice (= He’s serving an
apprenticeship someone who works for an apprenticeship as a
ˈprentəsʃɪp employer for a fixed period of time printer.
in order to learn a particular skill or
job), or the period of time in which
you are an apprentice
pay your dues 120 idiom ˌpeɪ jɔː ˈdjuːz to make regular payments, or fulfil You have to start at the
obligations, to an organisation of bottom of the career
which you are a member and ladder and pay your dues.
where you are learning a trade
be held in high 120 idiom bi ˌheld ɪn ˌhaɪ ɪ if someone is held in high esteem, The critics held him in
esteem people have a feeling of respect for high esteem as an actor.
ˈstiːm them or a good opinion of them
be renowned 120 v phr bi rɪˈnaʊnd to be known and admired by a lot He’s renowned as a public
of people, especially for a special speaker.
skill, achievement, or quality
overnight success 120 idiom ˌəʊvənaɪt səkˈses a success that happens The show was an
surprisingly quickly overnight success.
shoot to fame 120 idiom ˌʃuːt tə ˈfeɪm to suddenly become very famous Brian, an air steward, shot
to fame on the television
show ‘Big Brother’.
be set on 120 v phr bi ˈset ɒn to be determined about Nina’s set on going to the
(something) party.
have aspirations 120 v phr hæv ˌæspəˈreɪʃənz to have a strong desire to have or They had a lot of hopes
achieve something and aspirations for the
future.
burning ambition 157 n phr ˌbɜːnɪŋ æmˈbɪʃən a burning ambition (= a strong My burning ambition is to
desire to achieve something), be world champion.
desire, need etc is very strong
set your heart on 157 idiom ˌset jə ˈhɑːt ɒn to want very much to have or Ellen has completely set
achieve something, or to be her heart on buying that
determined to do something house.
in the limelight 157 idiom ɪn ðə ˈlaɪmlaɪt a situation in which someone Tad loves being in the
receives a lot of attention, limelight.
especially from newspapers,
 television etc
hit the big time 157 idiom ˌhɪt ðə ˈbɪɡ taɪm to get to a position of being very The 46-year-old author
famous or important, for example in has finally hit the big time.
the entertainment business or in
politics
stroke of luck 157 n phr ˌstrəʊk əv ˈlʌk something lucky that happens to In a stroke of luck, a
you unexpectedly suitable organ donor
became available.
pay off 157 phr v ˌpeɪ ˈɒf if something you do pays off, it is Teamwork paid off.
successful or has a good result
one-hit wonder 157 idiom ˌwʌn hɪt ˈwʌndə if someone has success with one She made a lot of money
song, book, etc. only, they are a with that song, but she
one-hit wonder turned out to be a one-hit
wonder.
a legend in your 157 idiom ə ˌledʒənd ɪn jə someone who is famous and Stanley Matthews was a
lifetime admired for being extremely good football legend in his own
ˈlaɪftaɪm at doing something while they are lifetime.
still alive
establish common 122 v phr ɪˌstæblɪʃ ˌkɒmən to decide on aims that are shared Iran and Turkey shared
goals by more than one person or common goals in their
ˈɡəʊlz organisation handling of the refugee
crisis.
haggle 122 v ˈhæɡəl to argue when you are trying to Ted was haggling with the
agree about the price of something street vendors.
make 122 v phr ˌmeɪk coming to agreements that are Marriage involves being
compromises achieved after everyone involved tolerant and making
ˈkɒmprəmaɪzɪz accepts less than what they wanted compromises.
at first
tactful 122 adj ˈtæktfəl not likely to upset or embarrass There was no tactful way
other people of phrasing what he
wanted to say.
defer 122 v dɪˈfɜː to delay something until a later date Further discussion on the
proposal will be deferred
until April.
bluff 122 v blʌf to pretend something, especially in I hope we’ll be able to
order to achieve what you want in a bluff our way past the
difficult or dangerous situation guard.
make concessions 122 n ˌmeɪk kənˈseʃənz something that you allow someone He was ready to make
to have in order to end an concessions on many of
argument or disagreement the issues raised.