Sổ Notes Luyện Thi HSG THPT

_ Composed by Lê Ngọc Khôi _

Index
1. Sách Vĩnh Bá………………………………………………………….2
2. Đề thi các tỉnh/ thành phố………………………………...25
3. Sách bồi dưỡng HSG…………………………………………….98
4. Olympic 30/4………………………………………………………..114
5. Rewrite…...……………………………………………………………..161
6. Phrasal Verbs and Idioms…………………………………..200

1
 Sách Vĩnh Bá
- Scientists seem to be trying to push the laws of nature to the limit

- You just never lift a finger to help me - I have to do everything myself

- There was a bouncer on the door who wouldn’t let us into the disco

- I won’t act in films that are too violent - I draw the line at that
( never do sth because you think it is wrong )

- She gets fifteen percent commission on every insurance policy she sells

- Before they opened the new factory a lot of the young people round here were on the
dole
( unemployed and receiving money from the government )

- I’d like to buy the radio, but I haven’t got any money on me at the moment. Could you
put it on one side for me a day or two ?
( to not use sth, especially an amount of money, in order to keep it for later use )

- Were you told to get dinner ready? - No, I did it of my own accord
( do without being asked to do )

- When I entered the room, the children were squabbling over the last orange
( an argument over sth that is not important )

- The hooligan snatched the money out of my hand and ran away

- This is an exciting book which breaks new ground in educational research

- He went to a school which cultivated good manners and self-discipline

- Suddenly, I understood perfectly and everything fell into place

( happen in a satisfactory way, without problems )

- High risk sports have really taken off

2
- Prof. Silver was a most effective speaker and his audience seemed to hang on his
every word

- The steak looked tender, but it was as tough as old boots

- We shall have to use that glass as we are a cup short

- Tom handed in the test and awaited the results with bated breath
( in an excited or anxious way )

- He criticized her in the meeting and I’m afraid she’s really taken it to heart

- The little country hotel served them a meal fit for a king

- Let me settle the bill before we leave this restaurant

- He wanted to complain to the waiter but was afraid of making a scene

( To create a loud, typically angry disturbance or display in public )

- I think it’s time you took the bull by the horns and told him you think things should be
changes
( do sth difficult in a brave and determined way )

- Why did you let the cat out of the bag and mention the party to Roger? It was
supposed to be a surprise

- It must be true. I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth

- It’s fifteen years since Timothy worked in Holland and his Dutch is pretty now rusty

- On the eighth day of the strike the Minister saw fit to make a statement

- Harry blew a fuse when his holiday was cancelled

- I was thrilled to meet him in the flesh when I sat next to him at the theatre
( in real life )

- Once at the skating rink, Ivan was allowed to skate at his heart’s content

3
- He swiped my rubber, miss! - shouted the boy
( steal )

- Many forest-dwelling animals were killed in the fire

- Investors have taken heart from the improving economic situation

( to feel happier, less worried because of sth )

- Every time the government meets their demands, the union leaders move the
goalposts
( change the rules and make it difficult for people to achieve sth )

- The designer refuses to gild the lily, preferring clean, simple lines for his creations

- With fuel in short supply, machinery in the factory slowly ground to a halt
( grind to a halt: to stop slowly )

- For busy people in today’s society, lifestyle management is gaining ground

( become more popular and accepted )

- The government is making little headway in its fight to beat inflation

- The art teacher gave the children a free hand in their creative compositions
( give you the freedom to use your own judgment and to do exactly as you wish )

- It was only when he had been unemployed for six months that Neil’s situation hit
home
( to cause you to realize exactly how unpleasant or difficult something is )

- Greg has, to all intents and purposes, finished his degree course, with the exception
of his final dissertation
( in all the most important ways )

- It was rough justice/ luck for Ted to receive a parking fine when he was at the
doctor’s
( sth happens that is severe or unfair )

- He slammed my hand in the car door and, to add insult to injury, didn’t stop to
apologize

4
- We were all on a chair-edge until the very end of the Hitchcock film
( on the edge of your seat : very excited and giving all your attention to sth )

- Enjoy your “Sunwoy” cruise, safe in the knowledge that everything has been taken
care of
( not worried because you are sure that nothing bad will happen )

- This shoe repairer is so quick that he can sole and heel your shoes in a jiffy
( in a very short time )

- Mr Wright is being tried for fraud at the Old Bailey courthouse, this afternoon

- The optician says you have to wear glasses, like it or lump it

- You will be putting your life on the line if you take up skydiving

- His friends and family left him in the lurch when he went bankrupt
( to leave someone at a time when they need you to stay and help )

- I’ll reserve judgement on Ben Shipley’s latest novel until I’ve read it
( refuse to give an opinion about it until you know more about it )

- Tara was really laying it on thick about her accident at work

( to exaggerate )

- Were you on the level when you said you had resigned from work?
( honest, straightforward )

- Stars of the Hollywood silver screen tended to be larger than...

( more important, impressive, or exciting than the average person or thing )

- Judging from the noise it is making, the washing machine is on its last legs
( in such bad condition that will soon be unable to work )

- I left the house in a hurry and my bedroom was strewn with clothes
( strew sth on sth = cover sth )

5
- Always having had itchy feet, Delia is off again, backpacking round India
( to start to want to travel or do sth different )

- The cat slept peacefully nestled in the long grass

- Mr Wright tends his vegetable garden carefully

- Employees of the company are forbidden to divulge information about the secret
formula

- She shoved a few clothes into a case and hurried to the airport
( put sth somewhere roughly or carelessly )

- This year’s series of open-air plays commences with a performance of “Electra”

- Jane blabbed about the surprise party for Shelia and now the whole idea is ruined
( to talk carelessly or too much, often telling others something you should keep secret )

- I think you touched a nerve when you mentioned Ralph’s forthcoming retirement
( provoke a reaction by referring to a sensitive topic )

- Yes, I saw the last episode of the series, but I’m none the wiser about what really
happened
( know no more than before )

- After six months of convalescence in a nursing home, Simon is finally on the mend
( improving in health or condition; recovering )

- For stamps and coins to be of value, they need to be in mint condition

( in excellent condition, as if new )

- The professor looked as if he were miles away in a world of his own

- Dave gave the office party a miss that year

- The cup is full to the brim so be careful when you carry it

- The school playing fields are out of bounds while equipment is being set up for the
cricket match

6
- Isn’t packing three suitcases for a weekend away going a bit overboard
( go overboard: to do sth too much or to be too excited or eager about sth )

- In spite of his stammer, Gerald rose to the occasion and delivered a fascinating
speech

- It is possible to opt out of the pension scheme if you do not wish to participate

- Frank was informed at the outset that the assignment would be no easy matter
( at the beginning )

- It will be overstepping the mark if you address the managing director by his first
name
( to behave in an unacceptable way )

- Many people are feeling the pinch now that there is an economic recession
( experience hardship, especially financial )

- Victoria went to great pains to complete a high quality presentation

( to try so hard to do sth )

- Julia’s work is not a patch on Natalie’s

( to be much less good than sth )

- Somebody as conceited as Ron needs bringing down a peg or two

( to show someone that they are not as important as they thought )

- New technology is being phased in at work

( to introduce sth gradually or in stages )

- I have no appetite and I am lethargic. I’ve been feeling under par for ages
( being ill )

- The economic situation makes many people unwilling to take the plunge and open their
own businesses
( commit oneself to a course of action about which one is nervous )

- I don’t know how I can pluck up the courage and tell him the awful news

7
- The new soap opera on Channel 3. plumbs new depths in terms of tastelessness
( plumb the depths: to reach the lowest point )

- We’ll keep you posted of any further changes in the examination specifications
( to make sure sb knows what is happening )

- The experimental play was only a qualified success, which disappointed the playwright
( qualified = limited )

- It takes time to get a financial system up and running after the introduction of a new
currency
( If something, especially a system or a machine, is up and running it is operating )

- Life is so full of both good fortune and misfortunes that you have to learn to take the
rough with the smooth

- Stephen really lost his rag when his dental appointment was cancelled yet again
( to suddenly become very angry )

- When my new motor kept breaking down, I knew I’d been taken for a ride by the
second-hand car salesman

- Don’t take it as read that you’ll be promoted in your job; other colleagues stand a
good change too

- Believing that the firm had given him a raw deal, he took his case to an industrial
tribunal
( bad or unfair deal )

- It was a hot summer day and ice cream salesmen were doing a roaring trade
( to sell a lot of goods very quickly )

- Bob is so short-tempered; he should try to curb his anger

( put a curb on your bad temper: limit )

- If you temper your demands, they may be accepted by others

- The audiences were in stitches as they watched the latest comedy

8
- Don’t mention work to Ray, as it’s a sore point with him at the moment
( a subject or issue about which someone feels distressed or annoyed )

- The trouble with socializing with colleagues is that they usually end up talking shop
( to talk about your job with those you work with when not at work )

- The dog scampered under the table when I shouted at him for eating my steak

- The opposition will be elected into government at the next election, without a shadow
of a doubt ( =certainly )

- Take your mobile phone with you just to be on the safe side
( being especially careful in order to avoid something unpleasant )

- It’s hard to get back into the swing of things after a long holiday

- I hate the way Tony struts around looking so self-important

( to walk in an especially confident and proud way )

- Jack was disappointed not to be promoted as he was given to understand that the job
would be his...

- Due to his reckless driving, his driving license was revoked by the court

- That loud heavy metal music from next door is driving me up the wall

- Bright children who are quick on the uptake may get bored easily if they are not
stimulated enough at school
(hiểu nhanh)

- Shift work does have its uses sometimes

( to be useful in some ways )

- My husband told me in no uncertain terms that I would have to economize on

household expenses
( clearly and forcefully )

- We had a whale of a time at Jason’s party yesterday

9
- In vain did I knock on the huge oak door, for nobody answered

- Investors were caught unawares by the sharp drop in share prices )

( was not expecting )

- They were planning, unbeknown to Hillary, to throw a surprise party for her

- The economic situation in the country is going from bad to worse after the stock
market crash

- Tom always tries to attain perfection in everything he does

- The firm will go bankrupt if it cannot meet its liabilities ( = debts )

- The charity managed to gain a great deal during its most recent project in Africa

- Thank you very much, but I am afraid that, due to the political situation, the
President must decline (=refuse) your invitation to tour your country

- Peter was heartbroken when Sue spurned his offer of marriage so cruelly
( to refuse to accept something or someone because you feel that thing or person is not
worth having )

- Instead of grumbling to yourself, why don’t you make a formal complaint?

- The whole class will stay here until the person who broke the chair owns up
( to admit that you have done sth wrong )

- You need to put more effort into your work if you want to pass the exam

- I should like to point out that two months have elapsed since you promised to come
and repair my television

- How dare you! she screamed, and, picking up her bags, she stormed out of the the
room

- Chris was torn between buying a new house and going on a round-the-world cruise

10
- She hasn’t spoken German for over a year and I think she wants to brush up on a few
things

- Where do you think his new enthusiasm springs from?

( to come from or be a result of sth )

- I wish you would stop sitting on the fence and decide whose side you’re ons
( to delay making a decision )

- Take your umbrella, just in case - it’s better to be safe than sorry

- I’ve won $1000 on the Lottery - what a stroke of luck!

- It was not until Sue left home that she realized the importance of close family ties

- You are not comparing like with like

( to compare two things that are similar in some way )

- It’s time the government took a stand against tax evaders and began prosecuting
them
( To publicly assert one's strong rejection of or opposition to someone or something )

- The crowds thronged the streets trying to catch sight of their hero
( go sw in large numbers )

- We were alerted to the fire when we saw thick, heavy smoke billowing out of the
window

- We all wish you luck as you embark on a new career

- Many people would find the sight of a human clone a frightening one

- You really should buy a DVD player. You have to move with the times
( to change and become more modern, because attitudes or fashions are changing )

- When I took over the business I got more than I bargained for
( to expect or be prepared for sth )

11
- Your son has the makings of a fine musician
( to seem likely to develop into sth )

- “I don’t believe you! You’re having me on!”

( to persuade someone that something is true when it is not, usually as a joke )

- I saw that film everyone’s raving about. Maybe I’m missing sth, but I thought it was
fairly ordinary (=praise)

- The business was set up purely as a front for laundering money

- Having cast my vote, I left the polling station ( bỏ phiếu )

- It’s time we bought some new furniture. Look at these chairs. They’re falling to pieces

- With unemployment at a record level, retraining programmes would pay off in the long
run

- James never shows his emotions; no matter what happens, he always keeps a stiff
upper lip

- After three hours of walking in the hot summer sun, we were gasping for a drink
( be gasping for sth: want or need sth very much )

- The fire raged for days until the monsoon rains put it out
( to continue in a violent way )

- The fumes were so thick that he was gasping for breath

- on the off-chance that

- The whole country is up in arms about the new tax the government has put on books
( very angry )

- At the beginning of the school year, every teacher is allocated a classroom

- There have been no promotions in our department for over a year

- He took the pills and a week later he was as right as rain.

12
- I loved him at first, but when I got to know him better, I went off him ( stop liking )

- Marge’s knowledge of the subject was only superficial

- Could you stand in for me and teach my history class tomorrow ?

- My mother had to take private pupils in order to augment her salary as a teacher

- What a wicked thing to do! ( morally wrong )

- The examiners often set extremely difficult questions for the written exams

- A university professor’s view is rarely that of the man in the street

( men who think like most other people )

- Margaret is very stuck up and thinks she is superior to her classmates

( too proud and considering yourself to be very important )

- I can’t make anything of his writing

- Mr Careful kept the hedge round his garden neatly clipped

( cắt tỉa gọn gàng )

- Get out of my garden, you nasty creatures! The man shouted, shaking his fist at the
children
( threatening to punch )

- He had to scrape the mud off his shoes before coming into the house

- She was charged with misappropriating the funds of the organization

- The woman pleaded for her husband’s life when he was found guilty of murder

- The whole story was a figment of her imagination (idm )

- The witness corroborated the statements made by the accused man

( provide evidence or information )

- Those acting for the defendant propose to appeal against the sentence

13
- I wish you’d let me speak for myself and not take the words out of my mouth

- All perspective barristers are expected to study at the Inns of Court (=potential)

- It is a criminal offence to suppress facts

( prevent sth from being published )

- It has been decided to hold a public inquiry into the cause of the accident (toà án)

- You should only make serious accusations like that if they have a sound basis in fact

- The suspect is alleged to have been in the neighbourhood at the time of the crime

- The crucial question in this case

- After a close cross-examination, the barrister was satisfied (that) his client was
telling the truth
(=believe that )

- The tweed for this suit was woven in Scotland

( weave: dệt )

- His comments bear little or no relation to the facts of the case

- The army suffered defeat at the hands of its enemy

- The encouraging news enabled the troops to go on with renewed hope.

- A feeling of tiredness almost overcame the soldier on duty and he had to struggle
hard to keep awake

- I was informed by the police constable that he would be forced to take me into
custody

- His jeans were so tight, they split when he sat down

- My wife has excellent taste in clothes

- He put on his overalls before going into the workshop

14
- I’m the only one at this party in a long dress - I feel quite out of place

- The spectators in the stadium all cheered the athletes

- After a hard match, United managed to draw with City, 1-1

- In this game, the players take it in turns to throw the dice

- Let’s face facts

- I was caught speeding

- Many lives were saved with the introduction of antibiotics

- Why did you have to bring that subject up at dinner?

- The issue in question is more complex than you think

- The programme usually comes on at half past eight

- The government is trying to convince people of the need for higher taxes

- If our flight is delayed, will we miss our connection in Los Angeles?

- They dropped in on us last night

- I really don’t see the point of

- If the examiner can’t make sense of your writing, you’ll get a low mark

- We are going on a demonstration to protest about the closure of the park

- I think you need to set out your ideas more clearly so that the reader doesn’t get
confused (=organize)

- The judge looked very serious as he read out the verdict of the jury

- This car is economical as it goes so far on one tank of petrol

15
- I can’t believe how cheap these shorts were. They were a real bargain!

- What make of car does your mom drive?

( the manufacturer or trade name of a particular product )

- I think she made her fortune in the shipping industry

- Ellie does a cartoon each week for the local newspaper. It’s usually quite funny

- He told me a joke but I didn’t get it at all

- I didn’t like this album at first, but it’s really starting to grow on me now

- Make sure you apply your make-up with a soft brush, like this one

- It’s amazing that we can learn to comprehend a foreign language

- Jeans and T-shirts will never go out of fashion

- catch me by surprise

- We have five security guards keeping watch every night

- There was a terrible oil slick when the tanker hit the rocks in a storm

- He waited for the class to settle down before he continued

- They need to put more litter bins in the town centre

- pick up a takeaway on the way

- Certificates provide proof of your qualifications

- The police took down my details = write down

- The speaker drew the audience’s attention

- I don’t know what we’re going to live on if I lose this job

16
- The customer was so annoyed that he ripped up the receipt in front of the manager!

- He made a living faking works by famous painters

- the picture turned out to be a fake

- The incidental music for the film has been taken from the works of Chopin

- They all sat in the fourth row of the cinema

- The film started with the heroine’s death so most of it was shot in flashback

- lens of the camera

- I used an especially sensitive film to take this photo

- Shall we dance? They are playing our favorite tune

- The quickness of the hand deceives the eye

- The children gazed at the magician wide-eyed as he performed his tricks

- I’m now going to play a piece entitled “The Fall”

- have a gift for it = have a natural talent

- The conductor was annoyed with the orchestra for not keeping time

- The attendance at the music festival surpassed all expectations

- strings on his violin broke

- He played a lead in a memorable production of “Macbeth”

- Her fame as a tragedian took her to every part of the world

- When he forgot his lines the prompter whispered them from the side of the stage

- He gave the best performance of his acting career in the role of Othello

17
- After the performance, please come backstage and meet some of the cast

- This paper intends to expose fearlessly all forms of corruption in public life

- We agreed to meet in the foyer of the theatre, near the cloakroom

- The management reserves the right to refuse admission

- He is the literary critic of the local newspaper

- What was the gist of that article?

- The information was leaked to the press before it was officially announced

- An advertising slogan should be short, striking and easily remembered

- She used her weekly column in the local newspaper as a vehicle for her political views

- Although there is no official censorship in our country, the press is still subject to
the laws of the land

- Our newspaper increased its circulation by eighty thousand copies

- Many newspapers are holding lotteries to promote sales

- The bookshop said they didn’t have the drama just then, but that it was on order

- Lord of the Rings was filmed on location in New Zealand

- The author has written a fictional account of his wartime experiences

( thuật lại chuyện gì )

- The printing of the book has been held up by the paper shortage

- The essayist, John Cardinal Newman, was one of the most distinguished men of
letters of his time
( a man, usually a writer, who knows a lot about literature )

18
- In your criticism of this work, I think you have done less than justice to the
originality of his style
( not fair )

- Because Shakespeare mainly wrote plays, he is usually regarded as a dramatist

- One can become a member of this club only on paying the requisite fee

- If you wait a moment, there’ll be another batch of loaves, fresh from the oven

- The table was described in the catalogue as a beautiful piece of furniture

- When you go to the shops, bring me a tin of fruit

- The twelve bottles of whisky were delivered in a sturdy carton

- I’d like a packet of razor blades, please

- New products are announced to the public on posters

- That is where they distill whisky

- Grain and coffee are major trading commodities

- I’ll have to take the toy back to the shop to exchange it because the mechanism is
faulty
- This set is the only one of its kind, so none of the cups can be replaced

- Who do I make the cheque out to?

- Naturally you can withhold payment until you are satisfied that the work has been
properly carried out

- Will you pay cash for the goods or would you like them charged to your account ?

- Salesmen always exaggerate, so I take what they say with a pinch of salt
( not completely believe in sth )

19
- The standard of our furniture is excellent, but even so, we charge only moderate
prices

- The coat was going for a song, reduced from $100 to $20 ( cheap )

- Buyers and sellers were haggling over prices

( try to reach agreement with sb, over a price )

- As far as value for money is concerned, our product is unbeatable

- The big new supermarket on the outskirts of town does a roaring trade
( sell a lot of goods very quickly )

- Her shopping bag broke, scattering its contents all over the pavement

- Some room don’t have curtains at the windows, they have blinds (~rèm)

- It is very easy for the undereducated to be taken in by slick-talking salesmen

- Her room is comfortable but rather on the small side

- Mrs Elegant has had the couch in her sitting-room re-upholstered in red velvet
( covered in )

- The salesman told me that reading this book would make me more intelligent, but I
think I’ve been conned

- I didn’t take up his recommendation, as he sounded so half-hearted about it

( without enthusiasm or energy )

- The assistant hovered nervously while I made up my mind

( stand sw, nervously waiting for sb )

- The salesmen informed me that if I buy sth on approval then I can send it back if I
am dissatisfied

- The auctioneer brought down his hammer before Mr Gambler had had time to raise
his bid

20
- Mr Gambler gave a nod to indicate to the auctioneer that he was still in the bidding

- The children huddled round the fire to keep warm

( come close together in a group )

- The break-up of the family home following the divorce was a great shock to the
children

- Suppose we were to ask him

- If he were as honest as you believe

- Were I to be treated like that

- Suppose they aren’t at home, what shall we do?

- The factory owner is not in the habit of fraternising with his workers
( behave in a friendly manner )

- All the animals in the forest fled from the fire

( flee from: leave sw quickly )

- If you have a grievance against the company, please lodge a formal written complaint

- My car is guaranteed against rust for eight years

- The teacher told me to stop fidgeting about and to sit still and concentrate
( compulsively move around in a nervous manner)

- I was furious with my sister about her always borrowing my clothes without my
permission

- His glee at the news of his success was a joy to see

- You mustn’t grieve over one trivial mistake

( feel or express great sadness )

- He has a fixation on becoming the best doctor in the world

( think about sth to an extreme and excessive degree )

21
- She does nothing but fret about her being overweight yet never tries to diet
( to be nervous or worried )

- His fidelity to the firm has won him great respect

( honesty, loyalty,... )

- He is always gloating about his meteoric rise as an actor

( to feel or express great pleasure or satisfaction because of your own success or good
luck, or sb else’s failure or bad luck )

- Her sales methods have been criticized as being at odds with company policy

- That house has been up for sale for two years

- Come to the party, by all means

- We regard this atrocity as an offence against humanity

- In all, I spent $500 on holiday

- Surgeons operated on her last night; her condition is said to be satisfactory

- The teacher was deaf to Nick’s explanation of why he hadn’t done his homework

- It was so cold in the tent that the children had to huddle up together to keep warm

- She haggled with the shopkeeper over the price of the souvenir
( haggle with sb over sth: mặc cả )

- We still haven’t heard from the insurance company about our claim

- Commuters found themselves faced with a lengthy public transport strike

- an invitation for …

- I’m indebted to my husband for his support

22
- The computer in the reception is inferior to the one in my office
( not as good as )

- feel a bit off colour

- She wasn’t allowed to… because she was under age

- The castaways were stranded on an island for nearly a week

( unable to leave sw )
- He is a solicitor by profession

- Strawberries are only in season in May and June

- He is an expert in name only; he actually knows every little about the subject

- He has been named as the new chairman of the football club

- This coat was in a sale when I bought it so it was very cheap

- He is in arrears with his loan repayments

( owing money that should have been in the past )

- Several flights were delayed and so the departure lounge was jam-packed with angry
travellers

- The harassed mother juggled with four bags of shopping, a pushchair and a dog in the
middle of the busy high street
( manage many things at the same time )

- Many vegetarians argue that there is no justification for eating meat in this day and
age

- I’ve been asked to key this information in the computer immediately

( key in: enter information into a computer )

- The businessman insisted that he had no knowledge of the missing currency

- When I was abroad I longed for a traditional English Sunday lunch

23
- My husband’s always lazing about while I’m always busy

- The donkey climbed the steep track laden with bags of oranges (=carrying)

- look out for jobs

- No one is kinder to children than he is

- I think we should limit this discussion to the facts

- My uncle lectures on the History of Art at the university

- You mustn’t judge people by the way they dress

- Their new baby is being named after his father

- The man kept his child by his side throughout the journey

- Margot prefers not to buy goods on credit

( with an arrangement to pay later )

- He went to the meeting in disguise so as not to be recognized

- I muddled up the jigsaw pieces and the children did the puzzle again

- I waved at a complete stranger in the street whom I mistook for my cousin

- Nobody likes Rick because he’s so mean with money

( not willing to share things )

- All the evidence militated against a conclusion in our favour

( make sth unlikely to happen )

- I’ve been asked to notify the personnel department of my new address

- The doctor is not noted for his tact when it comes to dealing with

- The swimming pool attendant was negligent of his duties and the little girl almost
drowned

24
- There were a lot of problems at the beginning of the school year, but in the end
everything was all right

- at a loss for word

- Try to get the photograph in focus this time

- They were on the trail of the Yeti when the blizzard started
( try to find sb/sth )

- In answer to your question, the meeting will take place next Tuesday

- Railway engineers joined three additional carriages to the train to accommodate the
extra passengers

- He joined up when he was seventeen and he’s been in the army ever since
( become a member of one of the armed forces )

- Impatient for her arrival, he kept running to the window every time a car passed
( waiting sth to happen as soon as possible )

- The organizers tried to get everyone to join in the games

- At her boss’s request, she has worked overtime nearly every day this month

- At a guess, I’d say he weighs about 70 kilos

- Very short skirts worn with thick woollen tights are in vogue at the moment
( fashionable )

- She was brought up on a farm

- Paul has been on leave from work for the past month

- On second thoughts, I don’t think I want to go to the concert

- Our neighbours are very tolerant of the noise we make

25
- My father is fascinated with cars. In fact, he’s in the garage tinkering with the old
Ford right now
( make small changes to sth, in an attempt to repair it )

- Tuck your shirt in your trousers!

- The river was teeming with trout

( contain large numbers of sth )

- She is so thirsty for success that she would do anything

- He triumphed over his competitors by flooding the market place with advertising
( defeat, be victorious over sb )

- Mary was impatient for the Christmas holidays to arrive

- The schoolchildren were overburdened with homework

- My brother is so mean that he hates to part with a single penny!

- The villagers left their homes in the valley and moved to higher grounds as a
precaution against flooding

- The shop sent me the cooker on approval as I wasn’t sure it was the model I wanted

- He has a proclivity for being dishonest in business

- The sight of the snake made him recoil in horror

- Mike is not really in tune with the rest of the group

( have a good understanding of sb/sth )

- He is hopeless at mathematics

- He has an excellent lawyer acting for him and is bound to win the case
( to represent a person, company, etc. in a court of law )

- He was very solicitous about our comfort and made every effort to ensure we had a
pleasant journey

26
( showing care and helpful attention to someone )

- When the dam broke, a surge of water rushed down the mountain

- As soon as they met Joe and Elizabeth were smitten with each other

- The manager was sympathetic to their request for a non-smoking area

- Her colleagues intend to support her in her fight against discrimination in the
workplace

- They’re bringing out a sequel to this television series next summer

- I acted on impulse and bought my wife a large bunch of flowers

- We agreed with his plan and started making preparations immediately

- None of us could agree on what to buy our teacher as a present

- Sam’s views are often so outrageous that people rarely agree with him

- There are strong arguments for banning the use of aerosol sprays

- Young children are awkward at dancing as they cannot coordinate their movements
well

- Her admission of guilt shocked everyone

- Her husband is so awkward with a needle and thread that I have to sew on all his shirt
buttons

- She felt uneasy about leaving the baby with Miriam for the evening

- The boys ran down to the garden and vaulted over the fence at the bottom
( to jump over something by first putting your hands on it or by using a pole )

- Clara is unswerving in her determination to become a lawyer

( strong and not changing or becoming weaker )

27
- While running to answer the telephone, I tripped over my brother’s suitcase

- unfit for human consumption

- You won’t solve your problems by wallowing in self-pity

( to allow yourself to enjoy something completely )

- The student wrestled with the difficult mathematics problem

- Wind and rain have whittled away at the old stone wall for the past three centuries
( to gradually reduce the size or importance of something )

- After six months in the countryside, Alan has a yen for the bright lights of the city
( crave sth )

- She tried not to yield to temptation and have another piece of cakes
( to agree to do something that you do not want to do or should not do )

- My uncle deals in antique furniture

( to buy and sell particular goods as a business )

- The dispute occurred because the manager is so hopeless with people; he has
absolutely no idea of how to handle his workforce

- She hesitated at the door and took a deep breath before entering the room

- Tom’s absorption in his studies means he has no social life

- You’ve done more of the work than I have recently so I’ll give up my day off on order
to redress the balance
( take action to restore equality in a situation )

- When I rashly promised to put you up, I didn’t expect you to stay for a month
( in a careless or unwise way, without thought for what might happen or result )

- My decision to leave university after a year is one I now keenly regret

( extremely, strongly )

- It would take your mind off your worries

28
- As a former prime minister, his views are treated with respect.

- He realized that his fondness for her was turning into a foolish infatuation
( strong but not usually lasting feelings of love or attraction )

- His jokes seemed to go down very well with his audience

Đề Thi HSG Các Tỉnh/ Thành Phố

1. on the off chance: just in case

2. My pair of jeans has shrunk to a child’s size

3. Far from finding the job too demanding, she seems

to relish the challenge it presents
( get great pleasure from sth )

4. He still suffers from occasional boats of a rare tropical disease which he contracted
while on military service in Borneo
( formal, to get an illness )

5. You look downcast; what’s wrong with you?

6. We’ve been drowned with applications.

7. I bungled the interview by saying all the wrong things

( to do sth badly or without skill, to fail at sth )

8. He shouts a lot, but as Shakespeare said: “Much ado about nothing”

( a phrase used to describe a situation in which there has been a lot of excitement
about sth that is not really important )

9. I gave them ample time to make a decision

10. Soon came death as the injured cat was so weak

29
11. Not for one minute had they imagined what would happen

12. They must have gone away, haven’t they?

13. Do you think I should ask Andy? I am sure he’ll be only too willing to help you with
the project

14. Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home

( one’s own home is the best place to be )

15. Off went the guests and now I was left on my own

16. I don’t like the way he is trying to stir up the trouble between us

17. Whenever there’s some fresh scandal about the royal family, the public are always
eager to lap it up ( enjoy sth )
18. Why should we slave away until we are 65 and then get nothing but a miserable little
pension that is impossible to live on?
( to work strenuously and continuously )

19. They had to fall back on their savings to buy the new house
( to use, or to go to for help )

20. They hit upon the solution quite by chance

21. We work too much. Our teacher keeps our noses to the grindstone
( to work, study, or practice hard and steadily )

22. He is a simple fellow. He usually wears his heart on his sleeve

( to display one’s feelings openly and habitually, rather than keep them private )

23. Stop that! It sets my teeth on edge!

( to greatly irritate or annoy sb )

24. That’s a small fry you have caught; the big fish are still at large
( sb/sth that are not considered to be important )

25. This is the last straw that breaks the camel’s back

30
26. Don’t worry, we leave no stone unturned to find your daughter

27. The juvenile delinquent was place on probation for a year

28. After all we’ve done, we’ll have to face the music
( to accept criticism or punishment for sth )

29. “Do you know him?” “No, I don’t know him from Adam”

30. A distant clap of thunder

31. Vietnam liberation war against French

32. Everyone was shock to hear that a politician of his stature would stoop so low
( stature: good reputation )
( stoop so low: to drop moral standards far enough to do sth bad )

32. A new treatment effected, it became less prohibitive and more effective to deal
with patients infected with tuberculosis
( effect sth: to make sth happen )

33. His smirk suggested some vicious insinuations, which terrified everyone at the
meeting
( the act of suggesting, without being direct, that sth unpleasant is true )

34. She was consumed with guilt when she realized that the accident had been her
fault
( fill sb with a strong feeling )

35. She lifted it over the fence and set off across the little meadow, gathering speed
and thoroughly enjoy it

36. One of his secretarial works include taking the minutes of the meeting
( write down sth )

37. We all wished to be treated as equals

31
38. I really believe that it would be a major mistake to decriminalize any drugs that is
currently illegal (CRIME)
( to stop sth from being illegal )

39. There’s so much fighting between rival groups that the country has become
practically ungovernable (GOVERN)
( impossible to control or govern )

40. He wanted to go out with her, but all he got was a brush-off (BRUSH)
( refusal )

41. They always wanted to get rid of him; they don’t like him being part of their circle
of friends. They treated him as an outcast (CAST)
( person who has no place in their society because the society refuses to accept them )

42. Mr. Jones had a showdown with the manager which resulted in his resignation
(SHOW)
( an important argument that is intended to end a disagreement )

43. I was a bit demoralized by my performance in the first exam, but I decided to
make an extra effort in the ones left (MORAL)
( lost confidence, enthusiasm, and hope )

44. After ten matches, we had the unenviable record of played ten, won none, lost ten
(ENVY)
( not desirable or pleasant )

45. Its sound is inimitable and unique (IMITATE)

( impossible to copy )

46. The barriers suddenly collapsed and the crowd of supporters surged forward on to
the pitch
( a sudden and great movement forward )

47. He threatened the officers with violence

= He made threats of violence against the officers

32
48. I was surprised Sarah couldn’t do the maths problem because it was very easy
(PLAY)
= The maths problem was child’s play and I was surprised Sarah couldn’t do it

49. I can spend more time with my grandchildren when I retire. (FREE)
= Retirement will free me up to spend more time with my grandchildren

50. Although found guilty, he continued to insist that he was not. (PROTEST)
= Although found guilty, he continued to protest his innocence

51. To tell the truth, market competitions sometimes become very fierce (RED)
= As a matter of fact, market competitions are red in tooth and claw sometimes

52. The man suspected of carrying out the burglary was release following questioning
by police

53. The love of life shone through the author’s book, giving me as much inspiration as I
could ever ask for
( be clearly evident )

54. Take on more than you can handle

55. He’s so stubborn and stupid. I just couldn’t get across to him that she can never
make money from gambling
( make sb understand sth )

56. The success of our project hinges on Mike’s ability to persuade the locals to move
to the renewal quarter
( depend on )

57. He tried to paper over the country’s deep-seated problems

( hide an unpleasant situation )

58. Linda chats so much; she could talk the hind leg off a donkey
( talk without stopping for a long time )

59. I’m going to put my head down for a while as I feel very tired
( to sleep )

33
60. I had to get through a lot of red tape, but I finally got the documents needed
( official rules and processes that seem unnecessary and delay results )

61. The hospital staff pulled out all the stops to make sure the children had a
wonderful play
( pull out all the stops: to make the greatest effort possible to achieve sth )

62. Neither side is prepared to budge an inch in the negotiations

( change opinion )

63. Congressman Saunders fired the opening salvo during a heated debate on capital
punishment
( mỏ đầu bằng 1 loạt questions, statements,... )

64. I like the way people here always queue up. Back home we just push and shove, and
the devil take the hindmost
( to describe a situation you disapprove of because people do only what is best for
themselves )

65. The manager attached himself to the luncheon club and became a permanent
fixture there

66. I was so hungry, and that meal was absolutely delicious! It was just what the doctor
ordered
( exactly what is wanted or needed )

67. Although the Government has increased allocations to the social sector by as much
as 40 per cent, State funding still falls well short of needs

68. Last week’s violence was roundly condemned by foreign governments

( strongly or by a large number of people )

69. She hopes to parlay her success as a model into an acting career (LAY)
( parlay into: to use or develop sth to make it more successful or worth more )

70. Mohammed Zardah, 26, a slim bespectacled man with an academic mien, studied
computer engineering in Damascus, he says (SPECTACLE)
( wearing glasses )

34
71. The machine must be expeditious, executing as fast as a mower is able to cut
(EXPEDITE)
( sth works well without wasting time, money, etc )

72. With the great achievement of U23 VN team, many international newspapers wrote
encomia praising our heroes (COME)

73. Going to and fro with all the cases is what I can’t stand about holidays
= It’s all toing and froing with all the cases that I can’t stand about holidays

74. The village shop is now being managed by a national supermarket chain
= A national supermarket chain has taken charge over the management

75. So many people were really delighted when the government lost the election
(JUBILATION)
= There was much jubilation when the gv lost the election

76. The board had a secret meeting in order to discuss changes in company policy
(DOORS)
= The board met behind closed doors in order to discuss changes in company policy

77. Peter was in trouble with his boss because he didn’t finish an important project by
the deadline (HOT)
= Peter was in hot water because he didn’t finish an important project by the deadline

78. She told everyone that she had been fired by the company (SACK)
= She let it be known that she had been given the sack by the company

79. Should there be a problem, contact us at all costs (LINE)

= In the event of a problem, drop a line at all costs

80. Although the manager is sluggish, he is a smoother speaker (GIFT)

= Sluggish as the manager is, he has a gift of the gab

81. The police have been ordered not to retaliate if the students attack them

82. A car suddenly pulled out in front of me and I couldn’t stop in time

83. My meeting with him was previous to my meeting with you

35
84. He ran through his inheritance in less than two years
( to use up an amount of sth quickly )

85. Stop quarrelling! You are holding back the queue.

86. Sales are up 10% on this period last year. We need to build on that if we are to save
this company

87. Don’t take up with your bad friends any more or you’ll regret it!
( begin to associate with sb )

88. Those campers are really green. They have no idea how to set up a tent

89. If you go on a diet, you’ll find that giving up butter will help you shed a few pounds
( get rid of )

90. Although the Moon appears bright to the eye, it reflects on average only 7 percent
of the light that falls on it

91. We managed to weather the last economic depression by cutting down our
workforce
( come safely through a difficult period or experience )

92. Barack Obama was the first President of the US with multiracial background
(RACE)

93. His family suffered from his over-expenditure (EXPEND)

94. You look rather preoccupied… Are you worried about sth?

95. The government’s uncompromising approach has brought criticism (COMPROMISE)

( unwilling to change your opinions or behavior )

96. Please acknowledge our letter of the 14th. We have not had a reply (KNOW)
( reply )

97. Jim is one of the most outspoken member of the committee (SPEAK)

36
98. This statue commemorates the soldiers who died in the war (MEMORY)

99. You shouldn’t interrupt someone in mid-sentence (SENTENCE)

100. Low income and little administrative support make teachers disheartened with
their profession (HEART)
( having lost hope or confidence )

1. She gets bored quickly at parties because there is so much trivial conversation
(SMALL)
= Too much small talk means she gets bored quickly at parties

2. We simply must pay them the whole amount before the end of the month
(ALTERNATIVE)
= We have no alternative but to pay them the whole amount…

3. Carter joined the Conservatives after he left the Liberals in 1998 (BROKE)
= Carter broke away from the Liberals (in 1998) in favour of joining the Conservatives

4. Though he may seem uninterested in the business, I know John will try to get part of
the profit (ACT)
= John will try to get in on the act despite his apparent disinterest in the business

5. The gun going off was the signal for everyone to panic
= As soon as the gun went off, everyone started to panic

6. In a nutshell, he is not up to the job

= The long and the short of it is that he is not up to the job

7. Lisa attempted to ingratiate herself with her new boss by volunteering to take on
extra work
( to do things in order to make sb like you, esp sb who will be useful to you )

8. Would you like me to slash you another slice of chicken?

9. It is important to check the small print in any contract

10. I would rather that he visit tomorrow

37
11. This is one of the exceptions to the rule

12. The factory paid out nearly a million pounds to their employees who were injured in
the explosion

13. He burst out laughing when he realized his mistake

14. We didn’t arrange to meet. It was pure coincidence that I saw him

15. A heavy smoker

16. I don’t know him that well. He’s only a casual acquaintance.
( sb recognized by sight or sb known, though not intimately )

17. It is a misconception that deoxygenated human blood is blue (OXYGEN)

( to remove oxygen from blood )

18. Antiseptics and disinfectants are widely used in hospital to kill the bacteria
(SEPTIC)

19. Taking that old lady for a ride is unconscionable (CONSCIENCE)

( morally unacceptable )

20. Sleeping during day and working when night comes sounds seemingly unscientific
(SCIENCE)

21. A prearranged schedule assists me in passing the day smoothly (ARRANGE)

22. Allowing yourself anything you like makes you a self-indulgent figure (INDULGE)

23. The students are qualitatively separated into 3 different classes (QUALIFY)

24. Hand sanitizer is accused of including BBA, which can cause many health problems
(SANITARY)

25. Vietnam went through decolonization process and became an independent country
(COLONY)

38
26. It was raining cats and dogs last night (TORRENTS)
= The rain was coming down in torrents

27. Will you please stay with me for a while? (COMPANY)

= Will you please keep me company for a while?

28. Recent research has changed theories about the causes of the disease (LIGHT)
= Recent research has shed light on the causes of the disease

29. In any transport system, the safety of passengers should be paramount

( more important than anything else )

30. It is expected that all members will conform to the rules of the club
( comply with )

31. We struck up a friendship the very first time we met

( become friends )

32. I left the company by choice, not because I was forced to

33. He made a number of cutting remarks about my cooking, which upset me

( unkind and likely to hurt sb’s feelings )

34. Recent defeats have undermined his confidence in himself as a player

35. Her hands were swollen and wrinkle, but she still had her nails manicured regularly

36. The rents in this area are far and away the highest in the city

37. They were sorely tempted to relieve the shopkeeper of this three juiciest-looking
apples

38. Many supporters were turned away from the stadium as it was already full

39. A half-savage mongrel went for the tramp as the man approached the farm

40. Why don’t you get your homework over with so you can enjoy the rest of the
evening?
( get sth over with: finish sth unpleasant )

39
41. He was unaware that he was being fobbed off with out-of-date stock
( be persuaded to accept sth low in quality )

42. After several ferocious punches, both boxers were swaying unsteadily on their feet

43. Of course an encyclopedia is not a book you read from cover to cover
(read all the way through from the beginning to the end)

44. You will have to pull up your socks if you want to pass the final exam
( make an effort )

45. I think I understand the nuts and bolts of the operation

( the practical facts about a particular thing, rather than theories or ideas about it )

46. Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I guess I really put my foot in my mouth

47. I haven’t got into the swing of things yet

48. She needs to take a vacation. She’s been working her fingers to the bone
( work extremely hard for a long period of time )

49. I wish you’d be honest with me. Don’t lead me up the garden path
( deceive sb )

50. If you look on the other side of the cup, you will find a small engraving with the
name of the original manufacturer (ENGRAVE)

51. You won’t persuade him to change his mind. His decision is irrevocable (REVOKE)
( impossible to change )

52. The best way to solve this dispute is to find a neutral, disinterested third party
and follow his or her suggestions (INTEREST)

53. I have called this meeting in order to present the latest sales figures
= My purpose in calling this meeting is to present the latest sales figure

54. For further information, please send a self-addressed envelope to the above
address
= Further information can be obtained by sending a …

40
55. He makes sure that he isn’t associated with policies he disagrees with
(DISTANCES)
= He makes sure he distances himself from policies he disagrees with

56. Students at the school are not allowed to go into the Rainbow Disco (BOUNDS)
= The Rainbow Discow is out of bounds to students at the school

57. She wasn’t speaking seriously (TONGUE)

= She was speaking with her tongue in her cheek

58. It would be easy to make a film adaptation of Danielle Steel’s latest novel (ITSELF)
= Danielle Steel’s latest novel lends itself to being made into a film
( is good for a particular purpose )

59. When Mary rented her apartment through a broker, she didn’t have enough money
to pay both rent and broker fees

60. They worked from dawn to dusk with such zeal that they were exhausted

61. The police couldn’t persuade the man to divulge the source of his information

62. Due to many years of imprudence, the Smiths had nothing to fall back on when it
was time for them to retire

63. The room is blindingly obvious

64. All his hard work culminated in success

65. The bedroom was infested with battles

( damaged by a lot of sth )

66. You could make a formal complaint to the committee, but I wouldn’t go down that
lane if I were you.

67. He seems none the worse for the experience

( not be harmed or damaged by )

68. He’s a tough politician - he knows how to ride out the storm

41
69. Over the centuries the feet of many visitors have worn down the steps to the
castle

70. We’re going to call on Mark since he moved into a new house
( call on sb: to come to see sb, visit )

71. Fireworks added to the attraction of the festival night

72. Susan’s face brightened when she heard the good news

73. If she gets a fit of anger, don’t panic, that’s her usual self

74. The resource shortages will cause an escalation of conflicts during this century, and
will widen the gulf between the rich and the poor
( widen >< bridge the gulf between: the difference )

75. The actor was so nervous that he could only remember small snatches of dialogue

76. I was kept awake for most of the night by the whine of a mosquito in my ear

77. He stifled a yawn as the actor began yet another long speech

78. I’m afraid you’ve caught me on the hop. I wasn’t expecting you until this afternoon

79. Every delicacy Miss Cook produce is done to a turn

(Cooked/Done to a turn: cooked for exactly the right amount of time )

80. Richard started the race well but ran out of steam in the later stages

81. He might look kind and sympathetic, but deep down he’s as hard as nails
( not feeling or showing any emotions such as sympathy, fear, or worry )

82. Gazprom, whose boss Alexi Miller is a close political ally of Russian President
Vladimir Putin, is almost as omnipresent in world football (PRESENT)

83. Some data showed vitamin D had a protective role against autoimmune disease such
as type 1 diabetes (IMMUNE)

42
84. Britain’s nuclear power program began with a lie: it was a smokescreen for the
nuclear weapons program (SCREEN)

85. His librettists whether poets, novelists, produces or scholars, tailored their books
to his minutely worked-out requirements (LIBRARY)
( a person who writes the words for a musical work for the theatre )

86. I’ve never heard such unadulterated nonsense in my life! (ADULT) = complete

87. He was discovered to have been expropriating company funds (PROPERTY)

88. After 2012, the base shifted the event to a biennial schedule, but budget cuts
forced it to cancel the 2014 show (ANNUAL)

89. David hadn’t expected that he would feel so weak after the operation
= The operation left David feel weaker than he had expected

90. You’ve far more practical than I am

= Nowhere else am I as practical as you are

91. The family members find it hard to accept their father’s fortune will go to charity
(RESISTANCE)
= There is resistance among the family members to the fact that their father’s fortune
will go to charity

92. His analysis of the situation was far too complex for me to grasp (HEAD)
= His analysis of the situation was righted over my head

93. Start doing some work now if you want to become a rich and powerful man (PULL)
= Pull your finger out now if you want to become a rich and powerful man

94. Had it not been for John, she couldn’t have got the job (AGENCY)
= Only through the agency of John could she get the job

95. Peter never makes any effort to help his team when it is time for action
= Peter never lifts a finger to help his team when it is time for action

96. They were bubbling over with excitement at the thought of seeing the sea
( to be very excited and enthusiastic )

43
97. There was a sudden flash of anger in the General’s eyes as he listened to the
soldier’s report

98. What we know about habit formation is that you want to make the behaviour easy
to perform, so that people repeat it often and it becomes part of their daily routine

99. Mr. Hill gave the news secretary a good overall explanation of her duties

100. The authorities launched a massive security operation in the city

1. As part of the takeover agreement, the new owners have agreed to retain the
existing senior managers

2. Some species of birds, when migrating divide according to their age and sex = in line
with

3. I don’t agree with you, but your idea certainly gives me food for thought
( make sb think seriously about sth )

4. I had to spoon-feed the class all the answers to the test

5. Indoor gardens are sometimes incorporated as part of air conditioning or heating

systems
6. An echo is a sound heard as if it is reflected from an object

7. Persuading Chris to buy a round of drinks is like getting blood from a stone
( do sth that is very hard to accomplish )

8. You can’t compare tabloids with quality newspaper (FISH)

= Tabloids are a different kettle of fish from quality newspaper

9. I do not expect another accident of the same type to happen here again (STRIKE)
= It is not my expectation that lightning will strike twice

10. The children are in disgrace for being so badly behaved (CLOUD)
= The children are under a cloud because of their bad behaviour

44
11. She felt uncomfortable in the huge hotel (OUT)
= She felt like a fish out of water in the huge hotel

12. The company avoids employing unqualified staff unless there is no alternative
(RESORT)
= Only as a last result will the company employ unqualified staff

13. His memory gradually failed as he grew old

= The older he got, the more his memory failed him

14. A number of sporting events had to be cancelled owing to bad weather (LED)
= The bad weather led to the cancellation of a number of sporting events

15. Tim tried to be like one of his heroes when he was a young musician (MODELLED)
= As a young musician, Tim modelled himself on one of his heroes

16. Her mother talked her out of walking out alone at night (DISSUADED)
= It was her mother who dissuaded her from walking out alone at night

17. It was so hot in the restaurant that, after half an hour, we were all starting to wilt
( to become weak, tired or less confident )

18. Do you have any figures showing the incidence of left-handedness is in the general
population?

19. After the football match the crowds poured out of the stadium into the nearest
bars and cafes

20. We’d all been at school together for 12 years and at our leaving celebrations we
pledged eternal friendship

21. Every year many small companies get swallowed up by large multinationals

22. The book alludes to a number of interesting research studies which I would really
like to find out
( to mention sb or sth in a brief or indirect way )

23. The teacher asked us to read a chronicle on the Revolution war

( a written record of historical events )

45
24. Tom was filled with anger when he saw his car had been scratched

25. No matter how loudly you shout to him, he won’t hear you. He is as deaf as a post

26. One other conundrum for the board and would-be investors to contemplate is the
question of future leadership

27. I could see that he took a couple of furtive glances at what I was doing, but he
wasn’t really watching
( done or acting secretly and quietly to avoid being noticed )

28. They also have the right to pursue a prosecution of those found to be in breach of
national agreements through the courts

29. And undoubtedly, their mysterious, indefinable quality is the source of their
disconcerting power
(making sb feel uncertain and uncomfortable or worried)

30. I slipped briefly back into sleep and emerged when breakfast was being served
outside in an enchanting garden-courtyard

31. She’s got a sexy voice that sounds effortless on nearly every note and some of the
tracks have a funky retro - 70s feel that is enticingly easy to like

32. A solid wooden floor supports an enormous desk and the latest model PC computer
hums quietly, awaiting instruction
( make a continuous low sound )

33. The film is due to be released at the end of next year

34. He is our idol, as it were the man we all want to be

35. We had to sit through nearly two hours of speeches

36. I’m happy with the way things have panned out
( turn out )

46
37. They decided to sound out her interest in the project
( to try to find out the opinions of sb by asking questions )

38. The hotel has been smartened up by the new owners

( to become more clean, tidy, and stylish )

39. Attendance has fallen off severely during Christmas period

( decrease )

40. Her lack of experience told against her

( make sb more likely to fail )

41. The schoolboy winced at the sight of the cane in the headmaster’s hand

42. Are you going to let them in on your plans?

( tell sb about sth that is secret )

43. The various locales where he painted, many off the beaten path, continued to be a
source of inspiration throughout his long career

44. He is scheduled to be the next chairman of the council and, although he does not
want to make a meal of it before they are hatched, is rationalizing his commitments
( spend more time or energy doing sth than is necessary )

45. I feel that I’m always having a go at Lori in her comments, which I’m not, because I
like Lori, and certainly wish she would post more
( attack or criticize sb )

46. Nasa has hoped to launch the shuttle again next spring but the target date could
now be missed as sweeping changes are put in place to radically improve safety and re-
shape the agency
( affecting many things or people )

47. Police issued an arrest warrant for bigamy and John, who now lives on the Isle of
Man, turned himself in last week

48. The environmental benefits of telecommuting are pretty apparent, but business
leaders no doubt want to be sure that giving employees the green light to telecommute
yields bottom-line benefits ( give permission )

47
49. The trouble with a back injury is that there is a great risk of recurrence (OCCUR)
( happens again )

50. Nobody can gainsay his claims (SAY)

( disagree or deny )

51. Sections of the rails were sent to a laboratory for metallurgical analysis (METAL)

52. People were awestruck by the pictures the satellite sent back to Earth (AWE)

53. The college is a stronghold of the child-centred approach to teaching (STRONG)

54. Non-biodegradable items are items that cannot decay or be broken down by living
organisms (DEGRADE)

55. The department’s budget was badly mismanaged (MANAGE)

56. Housework is a never-ending task (END)

57. A new electronic link-up that will connect 500 hospitals around the world has
checked into cyberspace (SPACE)

58. It would be foolhardy to sail in weather like this (HARD)

59. Advances in science should soon yield a cure for cancer (BRINK)
= Scientists are thought to be on the brink of finding a cure for cancer

60. Russ’s opinions on the new management policies were very different from those of
his fellow workers. (ODDS)
= Russ was at odds with his fellow workers over the new management policies

61. The sound of a young children attempting to play the violin never fails to irritate me
(EDGE)
= The sound of a...violin really sets my teeth on edge

48
62. It’s pretty certain that we’ll win a gold medal this year in the 100 metres this year
(FOREGONE)
= It’s a foregone conclusion that the gold medal is ours for the taking in the 100 metres
this year

63. I think they’re largely responsible for what’s happened (SMALL)

= I hold them in no small way responsible for what’s happened

64. Having lost her mother at an early age, Mary felt she had become a mere
workhorse, having ...

65. In the countryside, farmers try to demarcate their land with a view to keeping out
their neighbours’ cattle
(MARKER)
( to mark or establish the limits of sth )

66. After the hurricane, all that was left of our house was a pile of rubble

67. If there happened to be both rich and poor people, as there happen to be both
black and white ones, then the advantages of the well-heeled might well spread in time
to the hard-up
( well-heeled = rich )

68. His talent meant he could create wondrous things, but his lethargy meant he hardly
ever felt like working

69. The local authorities annually disburse between $50 million and $100 million on arts
projects

70. Julie felt unfairly persecuted when she spoke out against a company proposal and
the entire staff team turned against her

71. Everyone was living off tens of thousands of years of accumulated groundwater, like
a spendthrift heir squandering his wealth
( a person who spends too much money or wastes money )

72. Serena is blissfully ignorant of the fact that she is about to be made redundant

73. Their hunger satisfied, the diners settled the bill and left the restaurant

49
74. Her parents died when she was a baby, so I was all the family she ever had

75. You can no more swim than I can fly: You can never swim, which I am sure of

76. It was such a loud noise as to wake everyone in the house

77. Stars differ fundamentally from planets in that they are self-luminous whereas
planets shine by reflected light

78. There are estimated to be hundreds of people dead during the evacuation from the
war-torn area in the Middle East

79. The first round of interviews only really serves to weed out the very weakest of
applicants

80. The kids are larking about in the steam-filled room, and the girl seems grateful for
adult conversation
( play about in a rough and usually noisy manner )

81. The man in the market was selling leather coats very cheaply: they were such a
bargains that were soon snapped up

82. Our teacher tends to skate over certain subjects which she finds difficult to talk
about
83. He likes nothing better than to spend his Sunday mornings pottering about in the
gardens
( spend time in a pleasant, relaxed way )

84. James kept trying to weasel out of his duties, but his manager told him if he didn’t
start taking responsibility for his work he would have to leave the company
( avoid doing sth that you have agreed to do )

85. Normally, when he was late, he gave a pathetic excuse, but not this time, what he
said had a ring of truth about it
( seems to be true )

86. The football fans were coming in dribs and drabs to watch the final game. An hour
before the kickoff the stadium was packed full

50
87. The GV is trying to square the circle when it says it will depend more on the health
service without raising taxes

88. The GV is using the taxes from the working class to bail out the banks that ruined
the economy? That really takes the biscuit

89. They will provide a lot of amusement hopping back and forth over the rocks from
one puddle to another

90. The candidate’s optimism gave place to doubt as the result ofs of exit polls became
known

91. When the offer of a free trip to Holland was made, John was very quick off the
mark, and managed to get the first ticket
( to be quick/slow to act or react to an event or a situation )

92. They were enraged at the acquittal of a policeman accused of murder (ACQUIT)

93. The individuality, immediacy and mimicry in computer games satisfy the needs from
these people (MIMIC)

94. His cartoons mercilessly lampooned the leading politicians of his time (MERCY)

95. We are disappointed by her approaching this matter so amateurishly (AMATEUR)

96. It was sheer insanity to try to drive through the mountains in that thunderstorm
(SANE)

97. He is a totally amoral person who deliberately defies all standards (MORAL)

98. They have a duty to set the record straight, otherwise they are conniving at
falsehood (FALSE)

99. Cancer is perceived as a heterogeneous group of diseases that is characterized by

aberrant patterns of gene expression (ERR)

100. She didn’t reply, but sad with crimson cheeks and downcast eyes (CAST)

51
1. I wish you would stop wasting so much on your
computer games and do sth as a little more enviable
( desirable )

2. You really dropped a brick the other day when you told Brian you’d seen his wife at
the cinema. He thought she was at her mother’s
( drop a brick/ clanger: say or do sth that makes you feel embarrassed )

3. I’ve heard that argument before and quite frankly it just doesn’t hold water
( appear to be valid, sound or reasonable )

4. The singer has strongly and publicly opposed war

= The singer has been a vociferous opponent of the war

5. We carried out market research to see weather the public would like our new car
= We carried out market research to gauge public reaction to our new car

6. The rock star made an emotional request for the earthquake victims, which produced
a huge response
= The rock star’s passionate entreaty for help for the earthquake victims produced a
huge response

7. The team will post accounts of their progress on their website every few days
= The team will post regular updates on their progress on their website

8. He praised his wife for her dignity under the onslaught of the tabloid press

9. Buying a car was an important transaction for them

10. It’s curious that he never mentioned our argument; I wonder why he didn’t

11. In all probability, he’s already left

12. We have yet to decide what action to take

13. The weather seems to be picking up after heavy rains

( improve )

14. Because of the controversy, he packs in his job

52
( stop doing sth )

15. We have a lot of financial difficulties, but at last, we carry it off

( succeed )

16. Unfortunately, our local cinema is on the verge of closing down

17. When it is very hot, you may undo the top button of your shirt.

18. I realized all along that he was a thief

( all the time, from the beginning )

19. His flat looks so spick and span that it is difficult to believe he just had a party last
night
( very clean and tidy )

20. I am not able to go anywhere this weekend because I am up to my neck in work

21. Thomas was not given details of the company’s new projects (DARK)
= Thomas was kept in the dark about the…

22. In the area, Thailand is much better than all other countries in football
(SHOULDERS)
= Thailand is head and shoulders above all other countries in football

23. I’m afraid our problems are just beginning (ICEBERG)

= These problems of ours are just the tip of the iceberg

24. His recent behaviours are outrageous

= The way he has recently behaved is out of the ordinary

25. My salary is half what I would be in the job I was offered in January
= If I had taken the job I was offered in January, I would be on twice the salary I am
now

26. Environmental pollution has driven many species to the verge of extinction

27. After years of working together, the partners found themselves inextricably linked

53
28. Living by the ocean really run in your blood. Once you’ve lived there, you never want
to leave

29. Paul’s been in Alice’s bad books every since he offended her at the party

30. Knowing the confidential details gave him an edge over the other candidates
31. He promised by an Oxford dictionary and to my great joy, he stood by his word

32. Many a time I’ve told him not to go out with those people, but he wouldn’t listen.
Just let him face the music now
( accept criticism or punishment )

33. Computers are said to be here to stay for the development of mankind
( become generally used or accepted )

34. Are you taking in all of these phrasal verbs?

35. The medicine takes one hour to kick in

36. Have you gotten through with your homework yet?

( finish )

37. Jennifer passed on the invitation to join us for dinner

38. If he’s clumsy, he can bump into the desk

39. She nearly lost her own life in attempting to save the child from drowning

40. Oh, I’m exhausted! I’ve been doing homework all day - Come and put your feet up
for 5 minutes and I’ll make you a cup of tea
( relax )

41. Your husband was a bit out of control, to put it mildly

42. The private school feared losing its accreditation with the state’s university system
(CREDIT)

43. That the child behaved endearingly made the couple happy (DEAR)

54
44. The candidate made a inflammatory speech that incensed all those who heard it
(FLAME)

45. The business is insolvent as it can no longer meet the repayments on its debt
(SOLVE)

46. A cyber-cafe is a popular place for tourists and travellers to send and receive
emails (CAFE)

47. In Scotland, there is greater emphasis on self-evaluation by individual schools

(VALUE)

48. Babies affected by the disease will be born small, deformed and brain-damaged
(FORM)

49. She stood there completely expressionless, so I had no idea at all what she was
thinking (EXPRESS)

50. “What if” questions involving counter-factuals are familiar in historical speculations
(FACT)

51. The Prime Minister warned the people of his country that they must be ready for
any eventuality - even the possibility of war (EVENT)

52. I was too scared to tell him what I really thought

= I lacked the courage to tell him…

53. It’s a widespread assumption that George was wrongly accused

= George is widely assumed to have been wrongly accused

54. The collision didn’t damage my car much

= Not a great deal of damage was done to my car by the collision

55. I presume you are coming to the party Miriam (READ)

= Can I take it as read that you are coming…

56. After a long hard journey, I cheered up when I saw my home (SIGHT)
= After a long hard journey, my spirits lifted up when I caught sight of my home

55
57. Yvonne did everything she could to ensure the trip was successful (LENGTHS)
= Yvonne went to great lengths to ensure the trip …

58. I tried as hard as I could to make sure that this problem would not arise (POWER)
= I did everything within my power to prevent this problem from arising

59. Nobody has any firm information, so we can only speculate on what caused the
accident
( C2: guess possible answers )

60. Could you pass a message on to your brother?

( pass on sth to sb )

61. The inspector showed us four potential health hazards (DREW)

= The inspector drew our attention to four …

62. Well, it was a fairly good result, but you could have done better

63. Marriage, the American students believe, is essentially a partnership of equals

64. Not knowing who her father was, Laura asked her mother to give her away at the
wedding
( be given away: be given the permission to marry )

65. My friend’s uncle has been an MP (Member of Parliament) for five years

66. After years of neglect, there was a huge restoration program to return the city to
its former glory

67. No one listened to what the politician was saying last night (EARS)
= What the politician was saying fell on deaf ears last night

68. The engineer whacked the machine with a hammer and, miraculously, it roared back
to life
( hit sth noisily )

69. The Oscar winning actress simply exuded charm and professionalism in her
acceptance speech

56
70. The carrots are ready; could you drain them in the colander and put them in the
serving dish?

71. Sue went for a pedicure when she injured her foot and broke several toenails

72. What I find most galling about it is that he didn’t even have a decency to say that
he was sorry
( galling: annoying
decency: behaviour that is good, moral, acceptable )

73. The Unions made it clear that they would not settle for anything less than a 20%
increase in salaries
( accept or agree )

74. Housing in some cities is so expensive that some people cannot even afford to put
down the two months’ deposit that is required (=pay)

75. The sky was heavy with black clouds. We hurried, hoping the rain would hold off
until we got the tents up

76. Several members of the public stepped forward with information pertaining to the
incident
( offer to provide information )

77. We haven’t met in a month of Sundays and I can hardly remember what he looks
like
( unlikely to happen )
78. Tim distrusts his new friends and prefers to keep them at arm’s length

79. As the day wore on, I began to feel more and more uncomfortable in their company
( pass slowly )

80. That car must have set Joe back quite a bit; it’s top of the range
( set sb back: cost sb a large amount of money )

81. Most people feel a slight pang of nostalgia as they think back on their schooldays

82. Mr. Simkins is the big cheese in the company as he has just been promoted to the
position of Managing Director

57
83. He’s so lazy! We all have to work harder because he’s always shirking his duties

84. I found the information for the project in the encyclopedia but I couldn’t give
chapter and verse on it
( give exact information )

85. I’m hoping that this work experience will stand me in good stead in my future
career

86. A meal in that restaurant costs the earth but still it is always packed

87. What’s that horrible noise downstairs?

It’s only Sam. He always screams blue murder when he take him to the dentists
( shouting or complaining loudly )

88. The scandal surely signals the end of his political career (SIGN)

89. Her latest novel is a futuristic thriller, set some time in the late 21st century
(FUTURE)

90. The new policy only serves to accentuate the inadequacy of help for the homeless
(ACCENT)

91. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an induction programme (TAKE)

92. Zombies are archetypal monsters from the bottom of the uncanny valley, with their
dead eyes and expressionless faces (EXPRESS)

93. The terrible scenes were indelibly imprinted on his mind (PRINT)

94. After a long hard journey, I cheered up when I saw my home (SIGHT)
= After a long hard journey, my spirits were lifted when I caught sight of my home

95. He didn’t want to get into a position where he might lose all his money
(POSSIBILITY)
= He didn’t want to expose himself to the possibility of losing all his money

58
96. The company received an enormous number of calls responding to the advert
(DELUGED)
= The company was deluged with calls response to the advert

97. Children enjoy unwrapping their Christmas presents (A KICK)

= Children get a kick out of unwrapping their Christmas presents

98. He hid the truth about the matter because he didn’t want to lose his high position
(CARPET)
= He swept the matter under the carpet because he…

99. He threatened the officers with violence

= He made threats of violence against the officers

100. The headmaster has a very good opinion of the physics teacher
= The headmaster holds the physics teacher in high esteem

1. He himself admits to a fear of spiders

= On his own admission, he is afraid of spiders

2. I always take my lucky charm with me into an exam

3. I didn’t know my guess was going to be right - It was just pot luck

4. Why are all your clothes in a heap on the floor?

( in a pile, usually a messy or disorganized one )

5. Sending out emails that people haven’t asked for to multiple addresses is often
known

6. We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to grant your request for British
citizenship

7. We can only speculate as to the causes of the disaster

8. I didn’t set out to be a millionaire - I just wanted to run a successful business

( aim or intend to do )

9. I supposed, as would be all, that the meeting would be cancelled

59
10. A study has been made of the microbiology of rock surfaces and rugged stone

11. When John was arrested for drunken driving, he expected to lose his driving
license, but he was let off with a fine

12. My wife checks at our elderly neighbour every few days to make sure that he’s
alright

13. The rain ran onto the roof of the house

14. Japanese company tried to get in on the deal.

( start to take part in an activity that is already happening because you will win an
advantage from it )

15. No, I don’t want to watch a war film. I don’t like to see too much blood and guts
( extreme violence )

16. Mice give me the creeps!

17. When his parents are away, his eldest brother calls the shots
( the person who controls or organizes a situation )

18. Just because Laura makes a lot of money, everyone expects her to foot all the bills
( to pay for sth, esp. sth expensive )

19. I didn’t want to make a decision there and then so I said I’d like to think about it
( immediately )

20. Scholarship and awards are usually given on the speech-day (SPEECH)

21. It is not impossible for everyone to put their own interpretation on the law
(INTERPRET)

22. A ghostwriter is a person who writes a book, etc. for another person, under whose
name it is then published (WRITE)

23. Don’t believe what they said. I think they are untrustworthy witnesses (WORTH)

60
24. William Shakespeare is the most famous playwright in history (PLAY)

25. Desert areas have little vegetation (VEGETABLE)

26. They used chemicals to clear the blockage (BLOCK)

27. Aridity is a common problem during the drought (ARID)

28. Whatever the methods used to obtain the result, drugs were definitely not involved
= There was no question of drugs being involved, whatever the methods used to obtain
the result

29. Those terrapins which survive their first year may live to be twenty
= Should terrapins survive their first year, they may live to be twenty

30. You will have to give up the whole idea

= You have no choice but to give up the whole idea

31. He had a strong impulse to open the letter

= He couldn’t resist the temptation to open the letter

32. The diplomat has been arrested because it is believed he has been spying for his
government (SUSPICION)
= The diplomat has been arrested on suspicion of spying for his government

33. Tom’s presence at parties adds to everyone’s enjoyment (SOUL)

= Tom is the life and soul of the parties

34. They remained close friends, despite having had many differences (FALLEN)
= Though had had many differences, they haven’t fallen out

35. Fortunately his route took him very near where they lived (LUCK)
= As luck would have it, his route took him very near where they lived

36. Simon confided in me on the understanding that I wouldn’t tell anyone else

37. The children are well-behaved in school. They only act up when their parents are
around

61
38. Don’t hang up! I haven’t finished explaining yet!

39. You should always have an alternative plan to fall back on

40. The firm is in the red. It owes a lot of money

41. He never panics in a difficult situation. He stays as cool as a cucumber

42. His response was as sharp as a needle

( intelligent and quick-thinking )

43. The boss made allowance for him because his mother had just passed away

44. A bath is not the same things as sleep, but anything that lets you relax for a while
is restorative, too (RESTORE)
45. Not sick, Mai guessed, but probably hungover now that he drank a lot at the party
last night (HANG)

46. Her kindness to my children greatly endeared her to me (DEAR)

47. This chemical removes unsightly discoloration in order to restore wood to its
natural colour (COLOUR)

48. The lawyer said that his defendant is accused of smuggling (DEFENSE)

49. No one wanted to befriend with obnoxious boy, so he was alone (FRIEND)

50. He didn’t mention our previous conversation at all (PREFERENCE)

= He made no preference to our…

51. I don’t feel like going to the party (MOOD)

= I’m not in the mood for going to the party

52. We should waste no words talking that stubborn guy (BREATH)

= We should save our breath by not talking…

53. Why do I always get the boring jobs? (DONKEY)

= I’m tired of doing the donkey work

62
54. Don’t panic about sth so trivial (MOUNTAIN)
= Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

55. Job losses are mainly in the blue-collar sectors of the industry

56. Closure of school took place in the context of falling numbers of pupils

57. He put the car in gear and drove off

58. I’ve met Nicole Kidman in the flesh. I even shook her hand

59. We have a car on loan until ours has been repaired

( being borrowed )

60. Strictly off the record, his work is below standard

61. We were shocked when she called him an idiot to his face

62. We’ll have to economise on heating or we won’t be able to pay the bill

63. We were totally entranced by the prima ballerina’s dancing

64. Over the years he has built up an impressive collection of artefacts from all over
the world
( accumulate )

65. Your request for greater financial support has to be balanced against the claims
from other departments
( be assessed in relation to )

66. He may come tomorrow but don’t bank on it

( depend on )

67. Their disagreement about where to spend their holidays soon blew over
( stopped and was forgotten )

68. What has become of John

= What has happened to John

63
69. After days of rain, the sun finally broke through from behind the clouds.
(= became invisible )

70. What do you think of his appearance?

= How does his appearance strike you?

71. That man has no pity whatsoever (DEVOID)

= That man is totally devoid of pity

72. He is likely to be promoted (CARDS)

= It is on the cards that he will be promoted

73. Our boss criticizes our work all the time (FAULT)
= Our boss is always finding fault with our work

74. As soon as she saw my flatmate, my mother decided she didn’t like him
= My mother took an instant dislike to my flatmate

75. When the ship docked at Hamburg, they found a stowaway in the hold
( a person who hides on a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle )

76. Several of the advertising hoardings had been defaced by the anti-exist slogans

77. The cat slept peacefully nestled in the long grass

78. Pulling the contract out of the envelope, she ripped it to shreds

79. Employees of the company are forbidden to divulge information about the secret
formula

80. The fire raged for days until the monsoon rains put it out

81. My mother had to take private pupils in order to augment her salary as a teacher

82. She knew her father meant business when he threatened to ground her if she
failed the test
( want very much to achieve sth )

83. We lay in the sun until our bodies felt saturated with the heat.

64
84. Some very important issues was taking up all his attention

85. When David started speaking everyone fell about

( laugh without able to stop )

86. This is an exciting book which breaks new ground in the educational research

87. Were you on the level when you said you had resigned from work?

88. When her daughter didn’t come home on the last bus, Mrs. Lee was at her wits’ end

89. We’ve lost everything. Still, there’s no point in complaining. We’ll just have to try
and make the best of a bad job

90. He made a number of cutting remarks about my cooking, which upsets us.

91. She found out the idea deeply repulsive (REPEL)

( extremely unpleasant and unacceptable )

92. The two pairs of twins make a pleasant foursome during the game of golf (FOUR)

93. The submissive woman did not utter a word when her husband abused her
(SUBMIT)

94. Blinking to reacccustom herself to the darkness, Lexa already had her hands over
her ears when the deafening blast of thunder reached her (CUSTOM)

95. In my heart of hearts, I think unenforceable laws such as these are abominations
that bring the entire legal system into disrepute (FORCE)

96. Most people seem to think that I will be next to be promoted (LINE)
= Most people seem to think that I am next in the line for a promotion

97. The children are in disgrace for being so badly behaved

= The children are under a cloud because of their bad behaviour

98. His efforts, though futile, are still commendable

( deserving praise )

65
99. Ronald had the audacity to blame his teacher for his failure
( courage )

100. Many poets have extolled the beauties of the countryside

1. The plague, otherwise known as the Black Death, was a contagious disease

2. His heavy boots hampered him at work

( to prevent sb from easily doing or achieving sth )

3. His driving license has been revoked on the grounds of drink driving

4. Mary is a congenital liar. She was even arrested for lying to a police officer

5. Most people would jump at the chance to spend a year in America

6. The doctor told him to keep off sweets and chocolate to lose weight.

7. Some of our volunteers would fill in for teachers in the event of a strike.

8. She got a bit hot under the collar when a colleague started criticizing her work

9. She bought off the deal even though nobody thought she was capable of doing it

10. To wait out the storm

11. I thought she was being serious, but she was only having me on
( to persuade sb that sth is true when it is not, usually as a joke )

12. Police are warning the public to be on the alert for suspicious packages

13. Clinics will be subject to a new code of conduct and stronger controls by local
authorities.

14. My mother hit the ceiling when she found out that I’d forgotten to do the washing-
up again

66
15. You shouldn’t make light of other people’s problems, even if you don’t consider them
to be serious

16. To dig up dirt on sb

17. Cut and dried: easy to understand

18. Patrician and charming, he controls his empire with quite paternalism from his
office in St Remy, his native town (PATERNAL)

19. At the beginning of the 19th century, Britain’s archenemy was France (ENEMY)

20. There is an undercurrent of menace and barely suppressed violent that gives the
picture of symbolic edge (CURRENT)

21. She stood there completely expressionless (EXPRESS)

22. The majority of infected people are asymptomatic and unaware of their condition
(SYMPTOM)

23. Precancerous conditions can be diagnosed from the early stage (CANCER)

24. The new law represents an unjustifiable intrusion into the privacy of the individual
(JUSTIFY)

25. The draft law was passed by 134 votes to 19, with 5 abstentions (ABSTAIN)

26. Behaviour, such as reciprocity and cooperation is not bred in the bone
(RECIPROCATE)

27. Coming second didn’t make her feel any better because she only wanted to win
(CONSOLIDATION)
= Coming second was of no consolidation to her because winning was all that mattered
to her

28. His analysis of the situation was far too complex for me to grasp (HEAD)
= His analysis of the situation went right over my head

67
29. The committee members said that they would remain loyal to the chairman
(PLEDGED)
= The committee members pledged their loyalty to the chairman

30. I can spend more time with my grandchildren when I retire (FREE)
= Retirement will free me up to spend more time with my grandchildren

31. In the area, Thailand is much better than all other countries in football (ABOVE)
= In the area, Thailand is head and shoulders above all other countries in football

32. They’ve been having discussions on the issue for over two weeks.
= Discussions on the issue have been in progress for…

33. What put me off the idea was simply how expensive it was going to
= The sheer cost was what put me off the idea

34. Every possible effort was made by orphanage to find the boy’s parents
= The orphanage left no stone unturned in their attempt to find…

35. Whatever the methods used to obtain the results, drugs were definitely not
involved
= There was no question of drugs being involved, whatever…

36. He threatened the officers with violence

= He made threats of violence against the officers

37. He became an outlaw by defying the law

( refuse to obey )

38. He cherishes the illusion that he will live to be a hundred

39. I’d love to live in these serene surroundings.

40. The account of their journey has been pieced together from personal letters and
diaries

41. We finally puzzled out a way to get the band into the hotel without the press
knowing.

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42. Following years of intense training, the accomplished athlete carried off the medal
triumphantly

43. My parents had a lot of children, so sometimes there wasn’t enough food to go
round

44. It took Dane a long time to understand what was going on. He’s usually quicker on
the uptake than that, isn’t it?

45. Stop wasting time splitting hairs and look at the big picture

46. My mother nearly had kittens when I said I was going to buy a motorbike
( extremely nervous or upset )

47. The boss was at odds with the new employee over his qualifications and ability to
perform his job well

48. He gave a self-deprecating shrug. He is always making his own achievements seem
unimportant (DEPRECATE)

49. It’s a well-rounded article which is fair to both sides of the dispute (ROUND)

50. My friends started going out late to nightclubs so I decided to dissociate myself
from the group (SOCIAL)

51. Steroids often help reduce the inflammation and itching in the skin (FLAME)

52. The amounts of radioactivity present were infinitesimally small (FINITE)

53. There is a strong smell of disinfectant in the hospital (INFECT)

54. Going to and fro with all the cases is what I can’t stand about holidays (TOING)
= It’s all the toing and froing with all the cases that I can’t stand about holidays

55. As a result of the bad weather, there may be delay to some international flights
(SUBJECT)
= Due to the bad weather some international flights are subject to possible delay

69
56. The committee had a long discussion but they could not make up their mind
(REACH)
= Lengthy as their discussion was, the committee couldn’t reach any decision

57. The president’s bodyguards stood behind him watching

= Watchfully standing behind the president were his bodyguards

58. Success in the academic field depends on your ability to amass qualifications
= The more qualifications you are able to amass, the more success you will have in the
academic field

59. It wasn’t Melanie’s fault that she ended up breaking the law
= Through no fault of her own, Melanie ended up breaking the law

60. An articulate speaker

61. Sparkling pools of water lay trapped among the rocks as the tide receded

62. Rummage through the attic and see if you can find anything for the jumble sale
( move things around carelessly while searching for sth )

63. They began constructing the bridge in 190, but several years elapsed before the
project was completed

64. Competitive spirit is an essential requirement for success

65. The Business Ethics course

66. This is the time of the year when stores mark up their prices, so you cannot get
good deals
( increase the price of sth )

67. The detective managed to track down the criminal

68. He is not exactly rich but he certainly earns enough to get by

69. Learning English isn’t so difficult once you get down to it

70
70. Sometimes a postman ran up against some terrible handwriting and didn’t know
where the letter should go.

71. Peter is a librarian but this job isn’t suitable for him because he has chances of
traveling on the brain. He should be a tour guide
( have sth on the brain: to not be able to stop thinking or talking about one particular
thing )

72. The salt of the earth

73. All the goods will go for a song

74. Look daggers at sb

75. Don’t be angry with Sue. She did it in food faith

76. Your behaviour was quite indefensible (DEFEND)

77. Don’t judge the matter by my opponent’s unilateral statement, but wait until you
have heard the other side (LATERAL)

78. The bicycle I lent him had been in good condition, but he returned it in disrepair
(REPAIR)

79. I try to visualize an occasion when I… (VISUAL)

80. They declared war on the pretext of defending their territorial rights
= The excuse for the declaration of the war is the defence of their territorial rights

81. He maintained his position against his adversary (GROUND)

= He stood his ground against his adversary

82. Most stores will accept a credit card instead of cash (ALTERNATIVE)
= Most stores will accept a credit card as an alternative to cash

83. The robbers escaped in a stolen car

= The robbers made a getaway in a stolen car

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84. The dentist told him to open his mouth wide

85. Only one person who can provide the best solution to the question will be promoted
and awarded a financial grant

86. Just lay your trust in me

87. His invention changed the course of history

88. The country has few natural resources and its economy has been ailing for some
time now

89. His report doesn’t tally with what we knew

90. We’d been at school together for 12 years and at our leaving celebrations we
pledged eternal friendship

91. Maria and Jean had a whirlwind romance - they met and married within two months
( happening very fast )

92. He mustered up enough courage to go to the horror film

( try hard to find that quality in yourself because you need it in order to do sth )

93. My husband brought some flowers today. He must be after sth!

94. As I had never worked with autistic children, I found it rather difficult to get
through to them
( to succeed in making someone understand or believe sth )

95. She fixed us up with a violin teacher. We’re really grateful to her
( supply sb with sth )

96. A film of dirt and oil lay over the surface of the pond

97. You can’t simply lay the blame on the gv whether things go wrong.

98. Hitch one’s horse to a different wagon: to make a different choice

72
99. While Kristie’s cake pops are both delicious and artistic, nobody can hold a candle
to her pecan pie
( not as good as )

100. Don’t be such a doubting Thomas

( a sceptic who refuses to believe without direct personal experience )

1. The school staff needs new blood in order to bring in novel ideas.

2. She worked unstintingly to help homeless people (STINT)

( in a way that does not stop and is always generous )

3. Apart from some half-hearted efforts, the gv have not made a serious attempt to
effectively address the issue (HEART)

4. An action-packed weekend.

5. The effects of alcohol misuse spill over from private life into the workplace, causing
inefficiency and accidents as well as absenteeism (ABSENT)

6. The organization works in many war-torn and poverty-stricken countries (POOR)

7. Casualization has left a lot of workers with the risk of losing their jobs, as they were
recruited on a temporary basis (CASUAL)

8. The waitress came round with a tray of mouth-watering cream cakes (MOUTH)

9. He was the perfect son and brother and the pride in him from the family is
justifiably immense (JUSTICE)

10. The house shouldn’t be left unlocked for any reason

= Not on any account should the house be left unlocked

11. The gv have been reviewing their immigration policy for some time
= The gv’s immigration policy has been under review for some time

12. You’ve been looking miserable all days (MOON)

= You’ve done nothing but moon about all day

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13. Jim knew he would have to go on the business trip at a moment’s notice (POISED)
= Jim was poised to go on the business trip at a moment’s notice

14. The waiters in the new restaurant were very inefficient (SHODDY)
= We received shoddy service from the waiters in the new restaurant

15. Sean did all the illustrations for the book but no one acknowledged his work
(CREDIT)
= Sean wasn’t given any credit for doing all the illustrations for the book

16. I’d like to start the meeting and get down to brass tacks
( to start talking about the most important or basic facts of a situation )

17. As the maestro lifted his baton the theater was so still you could hear a pin drop
( sth you say to describe a complete silence )

18. I had to spoon feed the class all the answers to the test

19. I think I understand the nuts and bolts of the operation

( the practical facts, rather than theories or ideas )

20. I’ll be back in the twinkling of an eye

( very quickly )

21. Look, I’ll pay you back. Would you please call the dogs off?
( stop threatening or behaving aggressively towards someone )

22. A rough estimate

23. At the peak of its popularity in the late nineties, the band sold ten million albums
per year

24. When asked if she had ever been in trouble with the police before, she replied in
the affirmative

25. Prophets of doom

26. Bang down the receiver

74
27. The young lad was the image of his father

28. Try to preserve peace with sb

29. The front page was full of the reports given by the reporters on the scene of the
road accident

30. Come out on top

31. Let’s row over to the other side of the lake

32. If you feel bad about what she said, then take it up with her
( discuss sth )

33. Sit up all night

34. Sit in on an executive meeting

35. His latest book deals with the social problem of the day

36. The art teacher gave the children a free hand in their creative compositions
( give sb the freedom to V )

37. The drama group did a sketch about a couple buying a new house

38. Students carried out a sit-in at the governor’s office to protest higher tuition
costs (SIT)

39. Sometimes the way we view life seems to be determined not by what really happens
to us, so much as by our perception of what happens, which is sometimes called
counterfactual thinking (FACT)

40. The drinking water had a disagreeable oily taste (AGREE)

41. It was going to take some deft political footwork to save the situation (WORK)

42. What a terrible film! It’s really over-rated in my views (RATE)

43. The reason for Bruce Lee’s death was sleeping pill overdose (DOSAGE)

75
44. Managing the company will probably be much more complicated than they say.
= Managing the company should not be anything like as easy as they say

45. Because my father went away for the weekend, his secretary was in charge of his
business.
= Had my father not gone away for the weekend, his secretary would not have minded
the store in terms of the business

46. The family members find it hard to accept their father’s fortune will go to charity
(RESISTANCE)
= There is resistance among the family members to the fact the their father’s…

47. If she fails to accomplish her mission, her job will be put at risk (LINE)
= Should she fail to accomplish her mission, her job will be on the line

48. The day after I lost my job, I did not feel like getting out of bed (INCLINATION)
= I had no inclination to get out… after losing my job

49. It is necessary to free our business from the influence of the bureaucracy right
now (HAND)
= It is necessary to free our … from the dead hand of…

50. The train is too crowded with the commuters during the morning rush hour
(SARDINES)
= The commuters on the train were packed like sardines during the …

51. The club has been very successful since the beginning of the season
= The club has been on the up and up since…

52. He is held in high esteem for his dedication to the school

( be admired )

53. The car wheels screeched as they curved and bounced over the rough broken
ground

54. He was disappointed with his result, but he is now submitted to having to retake
the exam

55. Adults exchange drinks around a pub bar in token of temporary friendship

76
( as a sign or symbol of )

56. Our journey was impeded by the icy roads

57. He started hammering on the adjoining wall but Mary carried on regardless

58. Two weeks hence, we’ll celebrate our coronation

( from this time )

59. Don’t be a law unto yourself

( to behave in a way that does not follow the usual rules )

60. Linda was beside herself with joy when her friends threw a surprise party for her
birthday

61. Until this evening, she is still hammering away at her unfinished report

62. After a four-day holiday, they began to work in earnest

63. The fact that a member holding authoritative power rides roughshod over innocent
residents exists in any society, even the democratic one
( to do what you want without giving any attention to other people or their wishes )

64. One’s childhood heavily rubs off on one’s character traits

65. You don’t buy into this nonsense, do you?

66. After our busy day, we both sat and nodded off in front of the TV

67. The story draws heavily on how strict the writer’s upbringing was

68. Jacobin cuckoo is a harbinger of monsoon

69. We all go out for a celebratory meal after the two-week project (CELEBRATE)

70. This out-of-the-way region in China suffers an annual virulent outbreak of cholera
(VIRUS)

77
71. The sprawling factory compound, all grey dormitories and weather-beaten
warehouse, blends seamlessly into the outskirts of the Shenzhen megapolis
(WEATHER)

72. A keystone species is a plant or animal that plays an indispensable role in the way an
ecosystem functions (KEY)

73. Insidious 4, albeit a horror movie, has some sidesplitting scenes that stem from two
auxiliaries, whose lines are particularly conducive to uproarious laughter (SIDE)

74. Beethoven, despite not winning any prize during his time, was awarded posthumously
(POST)

75. Your story is different from the facts

= Your story doesn’t tie in with the facts

76. Martine cannot go any higher in his career (PINNACLE)

= Martine has reached the pinnacle of his career

77. I will appreciate it if you didn’t pretend to support my view (LIP)

= I would sooner you hadn’t paid lip service to my view yesterday

78. Sorry, you can’t do whatever you want

= Sorry, you are not in a position to pick and choose

79. You can eat as much as you like for $ at the new lunch-bar
= There is no restriction on how much you eat for $5 at the new lunch-bar

80. My father became extremely angry when he discovered someone had damaged his
car
= My father hit the roof when he discovered someone had tampered with his car

81. Addicts of computer games struggle to distinguish the virtual world from the real
world (DRAW)
= Those obsessed with computer games struggle to draw the line between the virtual….

82. Have a look at this picture. It may help you remember sth (JOG)
= Have a look at this picture. It may help you jog your memory

78
83. Apparently, a lot of employees will be made redundant when the 21st Century Fox is
taken over (HEAP)
= Apparently, many an employee will be thrown on the scrap heap upon the takeover of
21st Century Fox

84. Although the beginning may be smooth for a business, one has to think about the
worst-case scenario
(PREOCCUPIED)
= Plain sailing though the beginning of a business may be, one has to be preoccupied with
the worst-case scenario

85. By being rude to his superiors he is considered to have overstepped the mark

86. If you continue to incur debts at this rate, you will have to declare bankruptcy
eventually

87. He stifled a yawn as the actor began yet another long speech

88. The winning team were roundly criticized by the local media for the way in which
they had gloated over the losing team. It was considered very unsporting

89. If you were giving a talk, would you want your colleagues in the audience rooting for
you?
( express support )

90. The couple of boys were larking about in the pool

91. We were saddled with the task of writing a report of the college’s games
( be responsible for sth you not want )

92. Two men who had stowed away in the container were arrested when the police
opened it
( đi chui )

93. As we were in an urgent need of syringes and other medical equipment, the aid
organization promised to deliver them at the double
( at/on the double: very quickly and without any delay )

79
94. He didn’t use his position on the council to lord it over people
( to behave as if you are more important than sb )

95. The secretary dashed off the weekly report to his director
( to write sth quickly )
96. There has been a slight improvement in his health, but he’s not out of the wood yet

97. The government has been forced into a climbdown

98. The workforce has been pared to the bone

( to reduce something to a level … only necessary is left )

99. I don’t know if Ash would be right for the job; he’s a bit of an unknown quantity

100. She now says she didn’t really want the job that she failed to get, but I think it’s
just sour grapes
( A cayyy )

1. The threat of redundancy is hanging over everyone at the factory

2. I always use mnemonics to help me recall important items of information

3. Harry blew a fuse when his holiday was cancelled

( suddenly become angry )

4. Some snakes are frightening-looking in the natural world (FRIGHT)

5. The study showed a significant correlation between baby’s sleeping position and the
risk of… (RELATE)

6. A crowd of curious onlookers soon gathered to see what was happening (LOOK)

7. In Scotland there is greater emphasis on self-evaluation by individual school

(VALUE)

8. No one listened to what the politician was saying last night (EARS)
= What the politician was saying last night fell on deaf ears

9. His father was very angry with him when he heard he had damaged the car (BLEW)

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= His father blew up at him when he…

10. He’s a pleasant man socially but he is a tough businessman (BARGAIN)

= He’s a pleasant man socially but he drives a hard bargain in business

11. Look the world through rose-coloured spectacles

12. Those were the ethnic pigeonholes we put people in then

13. I slept badly last night and am feeling particularly slow-witted this morning
( not clever and therefore slow to notice or understand things )

14. Searching for one man in this city is like looking for a needle in a haystack

15. You should avoid those journalists. They are just mischief-makers only distressing
and prying into your private life (CHIEF)

16. Our local newspaper is often full of stories that are hardly newsworthy (NEWS)

17. The rocks appear to be stationary but in the high winds that whip across this
desert landscape, they are in reality moving imperceptibly (PERCEIVE)

18. His performance in the match today belies his reputation as a great player (LIE)
( to show something to be false, or to hide something such as an emotion )

19. Many countries have agreed on the disarmament treaty (ARM)

20. Children are so impressionable at that age (IMPRESS)

( easily influenced or affected by )

21. The positive relationship between a business and a customer, often referred to as
“goodwill”, is difficult to quantify financially (GOOD)

22. In a nutshell = The long and the short of it is that

23. Standing as tall as he could, he passionately denied any involvement in the affair
= Drawing himself up to his full height, he passionately….

24. We would be extremely grateful if you could reply as soon as possible

81
= A prompt reply would be greatly appreciated

25. This kitchen table is also the desk where I work (DOUBLES)
= This kitchen table doubles as the desk where I work

26. You can’t just suddenly decide to go on a safari. You need to plan things very
carefully (SPUR)
= Going on safari isn’t a decision you can make on the spur of the moment. You need…

27. She still hasn’t really recovered from losing her job in August (BEING)
= She still hasn’t really got over being made redundant in August

28. You can’t expect everything to run on an even keel all the time (SMOOTH)
= You have to learn to take the rough with the smooth

29. The public were up in arms over the proposed change to privacy law (OUTCRY)
= There was a public outcry over the proposed…

30. My dad would drive and my mum used to navigate

31. We put in a plea for compensation

32. This report encapsulates the current problems

33. The company seeks to retain staff and has a generous package of benefits

34. I used to be able to solve the Rubik cube very quickly but I seem to have lost the
knack

35. The relief workers were expecting thousands of refugees to turn up at the camps
over the next few weeks
( people who works for a charity )

36. I don’t know how George could ever find anything as his desk was always cluttered

37. Having planned our weekends to watch football, we found the news of the home
team’s players’ strike most disconcerting

38. Jane gave me the low-down on the other guests at the party

82
39. He says he knows nothing about the missing documents but I’m sure he is holding
out on me
( refuse to give help or information to sb )

40. I think that Djokovic is on the level with Federa

41. Since the start of the rain the protesters were no longer to be seen (MELTED)
= Since the start of the rain the protesters had melted away

42. She rounded off the tour with a concert at Carnegie Hall

43. I’d like to start the meeting and get down to brass tacks
( to start talking about the most important or basic facts of a situation )

44. As the maestro lifted his baton the theater was so still you could hear a pin drop

45. I had to spoon feed the class all the answers to the test

46. I’ll be back in the twinkling of an eye

47. Look, I will pay you back. Would you please call the dogs off ?

48. Some people prefer to rummage for one-off bargains than to waste their money in
some posh department store (ONE)
( something that happens or is made or done only once )

49. The government imposed a windfall tax on some industries (FALL)

50. At the heart of the complex stands the mausoleum itself: a massive eight-sided
structure inset with arched iwans, or half domes, of a classically Mogul design (SET)
( something positioned within a larger object )

51. When he doesn’t like anyone, he often speaks in monosyllables (SYLLABLE)

( a word that contains only one syllable )

52. One of the cars involved in the accident was a complete write-off (WRITE)
( a period of time during which you fail to achieve anything )

83
53. If you order these songs to be recorded on this high-quality disk, you should pay a
non-refundable deposit (FUND)
( used to describe money that you pay that you cannot get back )

54. It wasn’t until three days passed that the terms of agreement were set out in this
document
= Not until three days passed did the document give details of the terms of agreement

55. You can’t beat a cup of tea to wake up in the morning

= There’s nothing like a cup of tea to wake you up in the morning

56. Tony shouldn’t believe his girlfriend because her account of accident was too
implausible (BUY)
= Were I Tony, I wouldn’t buy into his girlfriend’s account of accident

57. The likelihood of their having any work to offer me in the foreseeable future is nil
= It is not at all likely that they will have any work to offer me in the foreseeable
future

58. Jack and I obviously think very differently from one another (WAVELENGTH)
= Jack and I are on a different wavelength as you can see

59. Joe didn’t think it was wrong of him to quit at such short notice (QUALMS)
= Joe had no qualms about quitting at such short notice

60. Being dismissed didn’t seem to bother him (DISMISSAL)

= He seemed to take his dismissal in his stride

61. His son bears a striking resemblance to him (CARBON)

= His son is a carbon copy of him

62. The 2000s saw the rise to fame of this famous female singer (NAME)
= This female singer made her name in the 2000s

63. I hope nothing wrong will happen

= I hope nothing wrong will come to pass

64. My little tent looked very small against the mountain (DWARFED)
= My little tent was dwarfed by the mountain

84
65. If the student had been less refractory, he wouldn’t have been expelled from his
grade school
( difficult to control, unwilling to obey )

66. The new one-way system has not been entirely successful (PARTIAL)
= The new one-way system has been only a partial success.

67. Her thrift should not be confused with miserliness

(chi tiêu khôn ngoan …… bần tiện )

68. I’ve been slogging away at this report for hours. I’m really fed up with it
( work very hard for a long time )

69. The anaesthetic is wearing off and my mouth is beginning to feel quite sore now

70. There have been many complaints that universities are dumbing down their degree
courses in order to attract more students
( make sth easier for people to understand )

71. Our aunt is really intolerant of anyone who has a different point of view to her own

72. Following the financial scandal he left the job in disgrace

( một cách nhục nhã )

73. The vast majority of people are staunchly opposed to the use of drugs in sport

74. Maps are made with the help of aerial photography

75. They are as different as chalk from cheese

76. It’s a crying shame that so little is done to help the homeless

77. Our dog looks very ferocious, but don’t worry, Liz. It’s gentle like a lamb

78. I like my new job, the only fly in the ointment is the fact that I have to work every
other weekend

79. True learning does not consist in gathering facts from the teachers; it requires
active assimilation of knowledge

85
( to have sth as a main and necessary part or quality )
80. The saying that “Misfortunes don’t come singly” means that bad things can happen
at the same time

81. That will give him an unfair advantage over me

82. He is the most idiotic person I know (IDIOCY)

83. She found the idea deeply repulsive (REPEL)

84. The meeting ended and some questions remained unasked. (ASK)

85. During the day I work in a secretarial agency as a telephonist (SECRETARY)

86. It was Walter Raleigh who introduced potatoes and tobacco into England (OWE)
= The English owe the introduction of potatoes and tobacco to Walter Raleigh

87. You can’t possibly expect me to have supper ready by 8 o’clock (NO QUESTION)
= There is no question of supper being ready by 8 o’clock

88. In the end, I felt I had been right to leave the club (REGRETS)
= I had no regrets about having left the club in the end

89. The young man felt inhibited in the presence of so many young ladies
( not confident )

90. The Conservatives declared their intention of repealing the whole Act once they
came into power

91. The new town development has begun to encroach on the surrounding green belt
( to gradually take away someone else's rights, or to take control of someone's time,
work, etc. )

92. The media are always keen on reporting calamities

93. My mind suddenly flashed back to that amazing trip

94. Roberto should try not to let his regrets for what he has done eat away at him

86
95. Morag is very good at taking off the teacher in her school

96. Why don’t you get your homework over with so you can enjoy the rest of the
evening?

97. I’d been cooped up in my office all morning so I went out for a walk and a spot of
fresh air
( in a small closed place )

98. As their bookshop wasn’t doing well, they decided to branch out and sell compact
discs and cassettes as well
( start doing sth different from what you usually do )

99. The door burst open and his mother barged in

( walk in quickly without being invited )

100. When asked about his own party’s transport policies, the candidates took a
sideswipe at his opponent by mentioning the recent rail strikes
( criticize )

1. Sharon and I are not speaking to each other (TERMS)

= Sharon and I are not on speaking terms with each other

2. In my opinion, it was an absolute miracle that they survived the accident

= The fact that they survived the accident was nothing short of a miracle

3. Discontent among the ship’s crew finally led to the mutiny

4. Claims for compensation could well run into billions of pounds

5. There tactics were strongly influenced by reliance on line formation and fire-power,
as against attack at close quarters

6. His jokes seemed to be going down very well with his audience

7. The communist government has resigned against the background of the widespread
social unrest

87
8. Why not take out a regular subscription and be sure of receiving each edition as soon
as it’s published ( = pay for )

9. He originally set out to beat the land speed record, but weather conditions were
unfavourable

10. Commuting to the city every day really gets me down

11. How much to tell terminally ill patients is left to the discretion of the doctor
( to give sb the right to choose )

12. I decided to stop fooling around and put my shoulder to the wheel

13. Lost one’s bearings

( become confused about what to do next )

14. Cubans who reach the US are usually granted asylum

15. When the ship docked at Hamburg, they found a stowaway

16. The caretaker in our building often falls asleep at the front desk

17. I did it of my own accord

18. He was charged with a breach of currency regulations

19. Don’t bring those clothes in off the line yet. They’re still a bit damp

20. Mr. Wright tends his vegetable garden carefully

( care for sb or sth … formal )

21. Before they opened the new factory a lot of people round here were on the dole

22. We used to get up to all sorts of things when our parents went out
( to do something, often something that other people would disapprove of )

23. He shook me by the hand and helped me off with my coat

88
24. Drivers wishing to access the stadium car park will need to approach it by Grant
Lane, which branches off Rampart street just after the petrol station
( If a road or path branches off, it goes in another direction )

25. It is possible to back out of the pension scheme if you do not wish to participate

26. Still planning a total reorganization of the office or have you persuaded her not to
throw the baby out with the bathwater
( discard sth valuable along with other things that are inessential or undesirable )

27. The sea is eating away at the cliff and houses close to the edge are at risk

28. Don’t just grasp at the first chance of an easy way out, it may not be the right
thing to do

29. Demand for the product is expected to peak five years from now and then to taper
off
( to become gradually smaller or weaker, or happen less often )

30. As tough as old boots

31. Tom handed in the test and awaited the results with bated breath

32. During the evening football match the stadium was illuminated by floodlights

33. Because of cutbacks in council spending, plans for the new swimming pool had to be
shelved ( = delayed )

34. To be on the mend = recover

35. Many people are feeling the pinch now that there is an economic recession
( to have problems with money because you are earning less than before )

36. The economic situation makes many people unwilling to take the plunge and open
their own businesses
( to make a decision to do something )

37. To take the rough with the smooth

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38. Don’t mention work to Ray as it’s a sore point with him at the moment

39. The spy gained access to the building by a secret passage (MADE)
= The spy made his way into the building by a secret passage

40. This is the first genuinely bipartisan government to be formed since the war
(PARTY)
( lưỡng đảng )

41. This sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment to spicy food (COMPANY)

42. The local eatery which I frequent the most is Garden’s on 43rd Street (EAT)
( restaurant )

43. The ending was rather anticlimactic considering the fact that the film had been so
intense throughout (CLIMAX)
( If an event or experience is anticlimactic it causes disappointment because it was less
exciting than was expected )

44. Recent inflation could nullify the economic growth of the last several years (NULL)
( to cause something to have no value or effect )

45. Already there is some evidence of the deglaciation of certain ice sheets in the
Arctic (GLACIER)

46. He is a very self-effacing and humble man (EFFACE)

( shy )

47. Max is meddlesome in the extreme, and can’t help but try to become involved in the
affairs of those around him (MEDDLE)
( often getting involved in situations where you are not wanted, especially by criticizing
in a damaging or annoying way )
48. He examined the delicate artefact with reverential care. I doubt he could have
been any more careful were he holding his own child in his arms (REVERE)
( full of respect and admiration )

49. The crash victim was beyond help when the emergency services reach her
(WHATSOEVER)

90
= There was nothing whatsoever emergency services could do on reaching the crash
victim

50. I said that I thought he was wrong about the best way for us to proceed (ISSUE)
= I took issue with him about how best we should proceed

51. Her latest novel isn’t as good as her previous one (PAR)
= Her latest novel isn’t on a par with her previous one

52. I am aware of the fact that Rebecca is upset about sth (ESCAPED)
= It has not escaped my notice that Rebecca is...

53. I can’t work properly because you are always watching me and then criticizing my
work (SHOULDER)
= I can’t work properly with you looking over my shoulder all the time

54. The resort is isolated so there is nothing interesting to see or do (NOWHERE)

= The resort is in the middle of nowhere so there is...

55. You took an enormous risk by agreeing to go up in a helicopter with such an

inexperienced pilot
= You took your life in your hands by agreeing to go up...

56. She nearly choked on her sandwich as she was eating very fast

57. She wasn’t allowed into the country; presumably because her papers aren’t in order

58. He’s fanatical about his health, and takes dozens of vitamins every day

59. Andrew is a very disciplined employee. He attaches great importance to coming to

work in time

60. His public announcement of the secret plans was dealt a sheer breach of confidence
and was heavily criticized

61. Nobody, even the best doctors, expected Frank’s recuperation to be so quick and
successful after so severe an accident

62. The game keeper was on the alert as there has been some poaching on the estate

91
63. He falls out with the main leader following an argument

64. Seething/ To bristle with anger

65. China, which has been producing cars through joint ventures with foreign partners,
is now launching its own brand on the global marker

66. It’s difficult to answer her question adequately

= Hers is a difficult question to answer adequately

67. I like my new job, the only fly in the ointment is that I have to work every other
weekend

68. He was wearing very shabby, dirty clothes and looked very down at heel
( wearing old clothes, or in a bad condition, because of not having much money )

69. I’m afraid you’ve caught me on the hop. I wasn’t expecting you until this afternoon
( to do something when someone is not ready for it and is not able to deal with it )

70. I hope the computer course starts this term. We’re all as keen as mustard to get
going
( very eager )

71. People tend to feel anxious, fearful and antipathy towards the day ahead
(PATHETIC)

72. Asymmetrical/ asymmetric talk (talk in which the participants don’t have equal
power, status, or control)

73. By pausing for a moment or two before speaking, you will simply be counteracting a
nervous tendency to rush headlong into everything (ACT)

74. Many innocent bystanders were killed in the crossfire (STAND)

75. Women who are slimming can never enjoy a meal without being afraid of
disorganizing their diet (ORGANIZE)

76. We only came to this restaurant because you insisted that we did so

92
= It was at your insistence that we came to this restaurant

77. It was pure chance that a policeman was passing as I was attacked
= Only by chance was a policeman passing as I was attacked

78. I couldn’t make Julie give a definite answer

= I couldn’t pin Julie down to a definite answer

79. He was finally able to adjust himself to the new working condition (SWING)
= He finally got into the swing of the new working condition

80. Her role in the plot was of secondary importance (SECOND FIDDLE)
= She played second fiddle in the plot

81. The offer to go and work in Brazil was a complete surprise (BLUE)
= The offer ... came out of the blue

82. This liver condition is common in those who drink a lot (DRINKERS)
= This...in heavy drinkers

83. Let me chew over the matter and give you my decision in a few days

84. He is more a lecturer than a teacher

= He is not so much a teacher as a lecturer

85. The walls of your bathroom were wet with condensation after my shower

86. The old man led a reclusive existence after she left and refused even to see his
children
( living alone and avoiding going outside or talking to other people )

87. I thought I had made it plain that

88. ride out the storm

89. If she wins the prize again this year, it’ll be a real feather in her cap
( an achievement to be proud of )

93
90. Don’t call Pam just now. Sth has gone wrong with the computer; she’s in a stew
because she can’t get the data she needs
( in difficult situation )

91. His promise is as good as gold. We can rely on him

92. My brother finally threw in the towel and admitted defeat

93. The flights are full at the moment, so you’ll have to take pot luck
( to take whatever happens to be available )

94. The claim that the fall in unemployment is based on a fraudulent manipulation of
statistics (FRAUD)

95. Hundreds of evacuees from the war zone have arrived in the city (EVACUATE)

96. It’s better to be an omnivore and eat a variety of plants and animals in case there is
a shortage of one particular kind of food (VORE)

97. He was standing in the middle, in the foreground of the picture (GROUND)

98. There is no need to be so upset about the result (SHED)

= There is no need to shed any tears over the result

99. Sam tried extremely hard to convince her, but it was no use (BRING)
= Hard as Sam tried, he couldn’t bring her round

100. Fred has only himself to blame for losing his driving license for repeated speeding
(SERVES)
= It serves Fred right that he lost his driving license for repeated speeding

1. He resented the fact that she always imputed false motives to him

2. Seeing her mother shot by a terrorist left an indelible impression on the young
child’s mind

3. The charge of murder brought against Mr Good was dismissed

4. In his speech the Prime Minister made a brief allusion to the state of the economy

94
5. The small boy’s mother told him it was impolite to gobble his food so greedily

6. Buyers and sellers were haggling over prices

7. When the detectives finally trapped him, he had recourse to lying

( a way of dealing with a difficult or unpleasant situation )

8. My late grandmother bequeathed me this silver teapot

9. I usually buy my clothes off the peg. It’s cheaper than going to a dress maker

10. I’ve heard that argument before and quite frankly it just doesn’t hold the water!
( not appear to be true )

11. Do you mind if I give you my decision tomorrow? I’d like to sleep on it

12. His response was as sharp as a needle

13. Police asked passers-by if they had seen the accident happen (PASS)

14. What a worrisome pair of children. They have to be watched every minute (WORRY)

15. They frequently immobilize the traffic as they march through the streets
(MOBILE)
( stop sth from moving )

16. The union claimed that some of its members had been victimized for taking part in
the strike (VICTIM)

17. She was definitely displeased when I told her

= She was anything but pleased when I told her

18. There was loud applause as he left the stage (ACCOMPANIMENT)

= He left the stage to the accompaniment of loud applause

19. Mike is never reluctant to make tough decisions as a manager (SHRINKS)

= Mike never shrinks from making tough decisions...

95
20. The candle fell over and made the barn start burning (LIGHT)
= The candle fell over and set light to the barn

21. I was surrounded by a number of good choice but the clincher was a recent talk to a
friend
( clincher: sth that helps sb make a decision )

22. Lauren is often labelled as easy-going as she tends to appear mild and relaxed
rather than tense and sullen
( sullen: bad-tempered )

23. She likes spoiling people’s fun. She is really a wet blank
( a person who says or does something that stops other people enjoying themselves )

24. There is no place for complacency if we want to stay in this competition

( a feeling of calm satisfaction with your own abilities or situation that prevents you
from trying harder )

25. I had a strong premonition that a disaster would occur, and it did
( a feeling that something, especially something unpleasant, is going to happen )

26. Police have foiled a plot to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy businessman

27. The film is a poignant reminder of life in small town

28. The free tickets for the band’s concert were snapped up within seconds by the
enthusiasts flocking at the hall door

29. The whole business sounds too irrational for me to risk running through all my life
savings

30. Our grandfather can harp on his war experiences all day round. Sometimes, we all
get truly bored with it.
( to talk or complain about something many times )

31. I have known the boy for many years and I can vouch for his great capacity for
solving complex questions
( to support the truth of something or the good character of someone, based on your
knowledge or experience )

96
32. You’d better be on your toes all day round in case a new alarm is raised.
( Someone or something that keeps you on your toes forces you to continue directing all
your attention and energy to what you are doing )

33. There’s no point lashing out at Dr.Baker. She’s not responsible for what’s happened
( to suddenly attack someone or something physically or criticize him, her, or it in an
angry way )

34. You should sound your parents out and see what they think of your plan
( to discover informally what someone thinks or intends to do about a particular thing,
so that you can be prepared or take suitable action )

35. The photo’s got a couple of marks on it, so I’ll scan it and touch it up with some
software I’ve got
( make small improvements to something )

36. These carrots have shriveled up a bit, so I think I’ll throw them out

37. That wall would fall over if it wasn’t propped up with planks of woods

38. I don’t think you have been watering the plants. The soil is as dry as a bone

39. They are happily married, although, of course, they argue every now and then

40. Mr. Jones knew who had won the contest, but he kept it under his hat until it was
announced publicly
( keep secret )

41. The professor’s pet theory is that singing preceded speech

42. I’ll have to go to the wedding of Ms. Jane, a flesh and blood of mine

43. He’s got a memory like a sieve

44. He travelled far and wide for twenty years and then he decided to return home

45. Should I take it or wait for a better one? - Take it. A bird in the hand is worth two
in the bush

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46. A combination of boredom and, increasingly, absenteeism ensured that the standard
of the son’s work declined alarmingly (ABSENCE)

47. The locals are advised to stay away from confrontational rioters (CONFRONT)
( behaving in an angry or unfriendly way that is likely to cause an argument )

48. Although he is not a native speaker, his foreign accent seems almost imperceptible
(PERCEIVE)

49. A conspicuous indication of his promising career wrecked by scandal is that he has
been demoted to a lower range (PROMOTION)

50. The plan to revitalize the inner cities has been unanimously approved by the
committee (VITAL)
( to give new life, energy, activity, or success to something )

51. The inquiry was set up after the derailment of a train near Leeds, the third
accident on the line this year (RAIL)
( the fact of a train coming off the railway tracks )

52. The private school feared losing its accreditation with the state’s university system
(CREDIT)
( the fact of being officially recognized, accepted, or approved of, or the act of
officially recognizing, accepting, or approving of something )

53. The house survives in a largely unaltered state (ALTER)

54. She didn’t cry = Not a tear did she shed

55. Be out of bounds to sb

56. It would be easy to make a film adaptation of Danielle Steel’s latest novel (ITSELF)
= Danielle Steel’s latest novel lends itself to being made into a film

57. He got promoted so quickly because he knew important people who could help him
(FRIENDS)
= He got... because he had friends in high places

98
58. We simply must pay them the whole amount before the end of the month
(ALTERNATIVE)
= We have no alternative but to pay...

59. The new plans for the school have been approved by the authorities (MET)
= The new plans for the school have met with the approval of the authorities

60. He was as poor as a church mouse

61. Why not buy the dress on approval then you can take it back if it doesn’t fit your
mother?
( to be sent or given back to a shop etc if not satisfactory )

62. A car suddenly pulled out in front of me and I couldn’t stop in time

63. The manager was very frank with me about my prospects of promotion

64. My meeting with him was previous to my meeting with you

65. He ran through his inheritance in less than two years

( use up quickly )

66. Stop quarreling! You are holding back the queue

67. Sales are up 10% on this period last year. We need to build on that if we are to save
this company

68. Don’t take up with your bad friends any more or you’ll regret it! ( associate with sb )

69. If you go on a diet, you’ll find that giving up butter will help you shed a few pounds

70. Although the Moon appears bright to the eye, it reflects only 7 percent of the light
that falls on it

71. We managed to weather the last economic recession by cutting down our workplace

72. Barack Obama was the first President of the US with multiracial background
(RACE)

99
73. She’s family suffered from his over-expenditure (EXPEND)

74. The government’s uncompromising approach has brought criticism (COMPROMISE)

75. You shouldn’t interrupt someone in mid-sentence (SENTENCE)

76. Low income and little administrative support make teachers disheartened with their
profession (HEART)

77. Carter joined the Conservatives after he left the Liberals in 1998 (BROKE)
= Carter broke away from the Liberals in 1998 in favour of joining the Conservatives

78. Though he may seem uninterested in the business, I know John will try to get part
of the profit. (ACT)
= John will try to get in on the act despite his apparent disinterest in the business

79. In total, the repairs will cost somewhere in the region of $3000

80. He never buys cigarettes; he always scrounges them from his friends
( get things by asking for them instead of buying )

81. Tom didn’t know anything about business, so starting his own was a leap in the dark.
( sth you do without being certain what will happen as a result )

82. Tourists forget their preconceived ideas as soon as they visit our country
(CONCEIVE)

83. The first runner came in. The second runner followed him closely.
= In came the first runner, closely followed by the second

84. If a bus doesn’t come, you can always flag down a taxi
( to signal that a vehicle or person should stop by waving )

85. Owning an animal can really tie you down

( limit sb’s freedom )

86. They won the case because of the non-appearance in court of the defendant
(APPEAR)

100
87. I’ve lost count of how many times she’s been late for work this month

88. He sat in a soft armchair and watched the world go by

89. That wall would fall over if it wasn’t propped up with planks of wood

90. She didn’t like flying and was apprehensive about making the journey alone

91. In the end, it all comes down to a question of trust

92. I cannot stand a monolithic state-run organization any more

93. After the way he treated his staff, it was purgatory justice that he lost his job

94. The weekend is over, so tomorrow morning it’s back to the grind

95. It’s almost midnight. We should hit the road

96. He was in a job where he felt unappreciated and undervalued (VALUE)

97. My biggest fault is that I’m a perfectionist (PERFECT)

98. I’ve been trying to phone my sister for an hour, but I can’t get through

99. The paint will cover any irregularity in the surface of the walls (REGULAR)

100. In his fury, Mike smashed all the breakable items in the kitchen (FURIOUS)

1. She was a wild and headstrong girl, always getting into trouble (HEAD)

2. James got into trouble for impersonating a police officer (PERSON)

3. I need a calculator to arrive at the total (WORK)

= I can’t work out the total without a calculator

4. There is no need to feel superior to everyone else (NOSE)

= You shouldn’t look down your nose at everyone

5. He is so ambitious - he is determined that he’ll be successful in the company (MARK)

101
= He is determined to make his mark in the company

6. There had been allegations of drug-taking by members of the team

= It had been alleged that members of the team had taken drugs

7. Mark Stringly is rarely interviewed as he hates being in the limelight

( to be the centre of public attention )

8. We need a more sober assessment of the chances of ending this war

( serious and calm )

9. She has drawn lavish praise for her charitable work

10. I was talking to him on the phone when suddenly he hung up

11. James didn’t take kindly to your suggestion that she was mean with money
( to not like sth )

12. When his manager went on a business trip, Smith stepped into the breach and
chaired the meeting
( if you step into the breach, you do someone else’s work when they are unable to do it )

13. The computer has come a long way over the last thirty years
( to have advanced to an improved or more developed state )

14. What made Peter walk out on his family and his job?
( suddenly leave sb/sth )

15. This pesticide kill insects on contact

16. The court let her off scot-free

( without receiving the deserved or expected punishment or without being harmed )

17. You really have to put your mind to it

18. They are always on the lookout for young and versatile people

19. There’s a fine balance between success and failure

102
20. My camera was stolen from my bag at the airport so I made a claim on my insurance

21. Reports that he earns more than $5m a year are grossly exaggerated

22. The manager hesitated to assign the job to the newcomer as he was wet behind the
ears

23. If you want to solve the problem for ever, you must face a difficulty or danger
boldly, that is, you must take the bull by the horns
( to do sth difficult in a brave and determined way )

24. Mrs Roy keeps an open house on Saturday evening parties - you will find all kinds of
people there

25. Terry washed his hands of the matter long ago

26. People are always critical. One needs to have a thick skin to cope with criticism

27. He must be drunk. He is making nonsensical remarks (SENSE)

28. Few active steps were taken to measure, understand or manage the occurrence of
absenteeism (ABSENCE)

29. Awestruck fan crowd near the stage the moment the pop star appears (AWE)

30. She finally left her husband because of his adultery (ADULT)
( sex between a married person and someone who is not their husband or wife )

31. An pretends not to know about Minh’s absence

= An turns a blind eye to Minh’s absence

32. We have recently noticed that you haven’t been attending staff training sessions
(ATTENTION)
= It has come to our attention that you haven’t...

33. Many people have written to the newspaper to show their abhorrence of such
behavior

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34. It is disquieting that there has been an increased incidence of cancer near the
nuclear power station
( causing worry and unhappy )

35. “The Song of Ice and Fire” is the first volume of a series, which totals six books in
all

36. From this year on, under-fives will get travel concessions, which certainly makes
huge savings for family trips

37. Her maudlin display of tears at work didn’t impress her new boss, who felt she
should try to control her emotions

38. The authority is going to great lengths to wage war on dangerous driving

39. Robert is a well-behaved child, but his younger brother is a bit of a handful
( a person who is difficult to control )

40. I was so tired that I just flaked out in the armchair

( suddenly go to sleep or feel weak because you are extremely tired )

41. He couldn’t have been very hungry. He just nibbled at his food
( eat sth at slow pace )

42. Simon hasn’t got a job, and isn’t trying to get one: he just sponges on his friends
( take advantage of sb to obtain sth )

43. At first, the managing director insisted that he was right and everyone else was
mistaken, but in the end was forced to climb down

44. You must try not to dwell on your brother’s death

45. The patient was very ill indeed. The doctors were working against time

46. The boxer lost the fight because he hit his opponent below the belt

47. I felt pleased I no longer had the responsibility. It was a weight off my shoulders

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48. The couple tied the knot two months after they met - it was indubitably a whirlwind
romance

49. The introduction of new immigration laws is the talk of the town these days

50. Although initially regarded as a rank outsider, Leicester City finished 2014-2015
Premier League being the champion

51. I love hanging out with Mary - she’s really a ray of sunshine

52. The teacher, by dint of draconian disciplinary measures, has inspired terror among
his students
( = by means of )

53. The new superconductors look set to carve a useful niche for themselves in the
world’s electrical industries

54. The authority should not have made those cutting comments, no matter how slice it

55. The all-pervasive reservation and donation system too adds to the youths
inquietude (PERVADE)

56. Saturn - saturnine (a) looking serious and threatening (of a person)

57. Sadly, Vietnamese U-23 team’s tireless efforts to win the AFC were unavailing
(AVAIL)

58. The splendid onomatopoeia of “hoary roaring sea” reminds us how well assonance
and alliteration work throughout the poem (SOUND)

59. This recipe is foolproof - it works every time (FOOL)

60. I must admit that it is time the organizers did away with the superannuated
computer system and bought a new one (ANNUAL)

61. The philanthropist does not do anything half-heartedly, and that means a lot to her
to help others (HEART)

105
62. Go-getting candidates who actively contribute to the development of the company
stand a better chance of being recruited (GET)

63. The leader’s second about-turn on the matter of the keynote presenter met with
strong disapproval from other group members (TURN)
( Complete change of opinion or behaviour )

64. A sense of verisimilitude (SIMILAR)

65. These instructions say you just add boiling water to the soup powder
= The soup powder just needs boiling water added to it according to the instructions

66. Alternative medicine is a complete mystery to some people

= Some people are mystified by alternative medicine

67. Although it was not his fault, the personnel manager resigned from his position
(HANDED)
= Through no fault of his own, the personnel manager handed in his notice

68. Frankly speaking = To put it bluntly

69. The business is hardly making a profit at the moment

= The business is hardly breaking even at the moment

70. I don’t really know why, but I don’t trust him (FINGER)
= I can’t put my finger on why I don’t trust him

71. I felt vaguely that sth was wrong, but what was it? (BACK)
= I felt at the back of my mind that sth was wrong, but what was it

72. Sth urgent cropped up at the office, so I couldn’t leave early

73. I slept badly last night and am feeling particularly top-heavy this morning

74. Painfully regret

75. In with a chance

76. The subject of sex equality seem to crop up in every discussion lesson in my school

106
77. It’s a good idea to size up people before taking them into your confidence

78. Shrug off a cold

79. It’s great here. Have had unbroken sunshine ever since we arrived. We’re having a
wonderful time
( trời nắng ko một gợn mây )

80. Vietnam Airlines offers excellent in-flight entertainment, with the latest movie and
music

81. The cottage is in some wonderful far countryside on the edge of a dense forest

82. As students, David, Kevin and William were as thick as thieves

( very close or friendly )

83. Whenever I feel embarrassed I always go as red as a beetroot

84. He might look kind and sympathetic, but deep down he’s as hard as nails

85. At the 1952 Olympics, speed skaters who had taken amphetamines became gravely
ill

86. Many newspapers today gave very sensational disclosures about the private life of
that Hollywood star (CLOSE)

87. Russ’s opinions on the new management policies were very different from those of
his fellow workers (ODDS)
= Russ was at odds with his fellow workers over the new management policies

88. The film ends with a sheriff lying in a pool of blood

89. The 5% wage increases they propose are across the board
( affecting everyone or everything within an organization )

90. The puppy was wriggling so much I nearly dropped him

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91. Every time the government meets their demands, the union leaders move the
goalposts

92. The whine of mosquito

93. Everything just clicked into place

94. Although he acts tough, his bark is worse than his bite

95. I had no time to think about what I looked like, so I pulled on my old jeans

96. Fiona stood up, smoothed down her skirt and began to address the audience

97. To my embarrassment I suddenly realized that I had my T-shirt on backwards

98. When I was a child, I always hated wearing my older brother’s cast-offs
( things, usually clothes, that you no longer want )

99. Roberto should try not to let his regrets for what he done eat away at him

100. My mind suddenly flashed back to that amazing trip we made to India

1. I’ll listen out for your car and come down to the street so you don’t have to park
( make an effort to hear a noise that you are expecting )

2. The noise of the plane passing overhead drowned out the radio and I missed the
news

3. She has such an awful voice; it just grates on me every time she sings
( annoy )

4. Next month you’ll be in your teens

5. I’d like to buy it but I haven’t got any money on me at the moment. Could you put it
on one side for me for a day or two?

6. He is head and shoulders above the other applicants

7. When his parents are away, his eldest brother calls the shots

108
8. I think that Mick will leave his new job before the year is out - I agree, I don’t think
he’ll stay the course either
( continue doing sth until it is finished )

9. The Minister was trying to avoid publicity so he kept a low profile

( to avoid attracting attention to yourself )

10. We should all make a stand when advertisers attempt to use unfair practices
( to take a position for defense or opposition )

11. Indeterminate (a): that cannot be identified easily or exactly

12. Stop pestering me to clean the windows! (PEST)

( to annoy sb, by asking them sth many times)

13. Many staff are to be made unemployed, but at least they’ll receive a severance
payment to help them survive financially for a while (SERVER)

14. With Hitler defeated, the Third Reich was consigned to history. It would never be
seen again (SIGN)

15. The show was wild and spectacular - altogether, an extravaganza!

16. Excuse me, but I think there is sth wrong with my eyesight. May I have a referral
to an optician? (REFER)

17. Once German became a dictatorship it fell into a state of complete totalitarianism -
with absolutely no opposition allowed (TOTAL)

18. Microsoft has a stranglehold on the computer market at the moment

( complete control over sth )

19. It is as yet unclear whether = It remains to be seen whether

20. You can borrow Dad’s car but don’t blame me when it breaks down (HOLD)
= You can... don’t hold me responsible for its breaking down

21. Five actors were competing for the leading role in the play (CONTENTION)
= There were 5 actors in contention for the leading role in the play

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22. She was concentrating so hard on her work that she didn’t notice when I came in
(UP)
= She was so wrapped up that she didn’t…

23. It isn’t that woman’s turn. It’s yours. Don’t let her push in
( chen hàng )

24. The investigation was instigated at the behest of the Prime Minister

25. Of the two sisters, Mary is the prettier

26. After eating three big pancakes, she felt completely bloated
( swollen and rounded because of containing too much air, liquid, or food )

27. Hotel rooms must be vacated by noon, but luggage must be left with the porter.
( to leave a room so that it is available for other people )

28. I must take this watch to be repaired; it gains over 20 minutes a day

29. Time was running out, so the committee had to make a snap decision

30. He is becoming quite famous as an interviewer (NAME)

= He is making quite a name for himself as an interviewer

31. Another five years were to pass before she saw her brother again (GONE)
= Not until five years had gone by did she see her …

32. I find it very easy to speak German (EASE)

= I speak German with great ease

33. He got over his operation very quickly (RECOVERY)

= He made a very quick recovery from his operation

34. I don’t care = It makes no difference to me

35. I left without saying goodbye as I didn’t want to disturb the meeting
= Rather than disturb the meeting, I left without saying goodbye

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36. Customs officials are stopping more travellers than usual this week
= An increased number of travellers are being stopped by custom officials this week

37. Several passengers received minor injuries when the train unexpectedly came to a
halt

38. Motorists should signal well in advance of changing lanes

39. The climbers sought refuge from the storm

40. The tour guide had a brightly-coloured company badge pinned to the lapel of her
jacket

41. It was her first conference as party leader, and she was determined to stamp her
authority on the proceedings
( assert dominance )

42. It was something of a surprise to Andrew that he got the job

43. The plan received tacit support although none of the committee spoke openly in its
favour
( understood without being expressed directly )

44. The junior staff were excluded from all aspects of decision making
( to prevent someone or something from entering a place or taking part in an activity )

45. When the funds finally petered out, they had to abandon the scheme
( to gradually stop or disappear )

46. The party leader traveled the length and breadth of the country in an attempt to
spread his message
( If you travel the length and breadth of a place, you go to every part of it )

47. Don’t you get annoyed at people who push past you without saying “excuse me”?

48. Some people say that Siolkovsky invented the space rocket (CREDITED)
= Siolkovsky is credited with having invented the space rocket

49. I daren’t turn on the television because the baby might wake up (FEAR)

111
= I daren’t turn in the television for fear of waking up the baby

50. Ours is the only company allowed to import these chemicals (MONOPOLY)
= Our company holds the monopoly over the import of these chemicals

51. The coach’s tactics were directly responsible for the team’s defeat
(CONSEQUENCE)
= The team’s defeat was the direct consequence of the coach’s tactics

52. We have no idea where he is (WHEREABOUTS)

= We have no idea of his whereabouts

53. The policeman acted quickly and averted an accident (PROMPT)

= The policeman’s prompt action averted an accident

54. The museum wishes to appoint an assistant curator for its fossil collection

55. If you are hard of hearing, you will find our hearing aids invaluable

56. I didn’t really want to see the film, but my wife was so keen to go that I finally
agreed

57. It’s an oversimplification to say that a change of leader will solve all our problems
(SIMPLE)

58. The pro-strike members were outvoted by the moderate union members (STRIKE-
VOTE)

59. You needn’t refer to the manual: the use of the camera is self-explanatory
(EXPLAIN)

60. He went into the snow and reappeared later looking half-frozen (APPEAR-FROZEN)

61. With six children to look after, she’s extremely busy (HANDS)
= With six children on her hands, she’s extremely busy

62. There is no point in = It is a waste of time

63. Only final-year students are allowed to use the main college car park
(RESTRICTED)

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= The main college car park is restricted to final-year students

64. We run the business together (JOINT)

= We run the business as a joint venture / We run a joint business

65. Digging the garden always makes me feel hungry (GIVES)

= Digging the garden always gives me an appetite

66. Motorists convicted of speeding

67. Making private calls on the office phone is severely frowned on in our department
( disapprove of )

68. Les is to blame for the problems he’s facing (MAKING)

= The problems Les is facing are of his own making

69. The main focus of the plot is the adventures of two teenagers (CENTRED)
= The plot is centred on the adventures of two teenagers

70. There was loud applause as he left the stage (ACCOMPANIMENT)

= He left the stage to the accompaniment of loud applause

71. Mike is never reluctant to make tough decisions as a manager (SHRINKS)

= Mike never shrinks from making tough decisions as a manager

72. Don’t tell the boss anything about this (BREATHE)

= Don’t breathe a word of this to the boss

73. Having decided to rent a flat, we set about contacting all the accommodation
agencies in the city
( start doing sth with vigor or determination )

74. A special committee was set up to report on the problem of football hooliganism

75. She was able to counter my argument effectively by quoting actual statistics

76. If you wish to take up this offer of the place, you should confirm your acceptance
in writing

113
77. Although I explained the situation he didn’t seem to grasp the degree of danger he
was in

78. The factory is working below capacity because of the shortage of essential
materials.

79. The radio receiver was giving out regular messages

80. The case was dismissed by the judge for lack of evidence

81. I offer you my most abject apologies for offending you as I did.

82. The villa has excellent facilities for cooking and for washing clothes
( The main difference between amenities and facilities is that the amenities refer to
things that are designed to provide comfort and enjoyment to the guests while
facilities basically refer to places or even equipment built to facilitate guests in their
specific needs )

83. The theft of my father’s camera cast rather a blight on the holiday
( spoils or has a very bad effect on something )

84. without a scrap of remorse for his crimes

85. You should be grateful to have opportunities which were denied to me at young age

86. Working with the mentally handicapped requires considerable resources of patience
and understanding

87. the hopes are fading

88. The book took me the best part of a year to write.

89. I’m not by inclination a particularly ambitious man

90. Apart from the regular written work, you will be required to submit a long essay.

91. I was proud to be singled out for special praise for my performance.

114
92. She gave up nursing training when she found she had no vocation for looking after
the sick
( a type of work that you feel you are suited to doing )

93. There is no point in moping about all day. Cheer up and try to find a new job!
( to move around a place in a sad slow way, especially because you feel unhappy about
the situation you are in )

94. The rules are clearly stated and admit of no confusion

95. I’ve tried fiddling with the controls but I still can’t get a picture on the screen
( to make small changes to something to try to make it work )

96. The tent was very complicated to erect but simple enough to dismantle

97. I had a good chance of getting the job but I’m afraid I bungled the interview by
saying all the wrong things

98. have access to confidential information

99. I’m hopeless at making decisions. I even dither for ages over which toothpaste to
buy
( dither over: to be unable to make a decision about doing something )

100. come to an abrupt halt

Sách Bồi Dưỡng HSG

1. Fall into disrepute: mang tiếng xấu

2. Take a risk in/by doing sth: liều lĩnh làm gì

3. On the same terms as sb/sth: ngang hàng, bình đẳng

4. In awe of: kính sợ

115
5. Go bankrupt = go into liquidation

6. There is no need for us to worry = Time is on our side

7. What’s all this crying in aid of

8. Have a fertile imagination

9. In the broadest sense of the word

10. In that = because

11. He won the match hands down = easily

12. Comprise sth = consist of = be composed of

13. On expiry

14. A strong-willed person

15. A female tiger has her first cubs = hổ con

16. sharp eyes and sharp ears

17. Sparsely furnished

18. Culminate in = result in

19. Redeeming feature of sth = the good thing about sth

20. Have time on your hands = have nothing to do

21. Without a scrap of remorse for his crime

22. Don’t stick your elbows out when you eat. Tuck them in by your sides

23. When the archaeologist picked up the map, it crumbled to dust in his hands

24. A rescue team was brought in to help with the research

116
25. She fell to her knees and prayed for the health of her son

26. What do you think the poet is getting at in these lines?

27. Fiction should be grounded in reality

28. I’ve read the instructions twice and I’m still none the wiser

29. I’m afraid the decriminalization of soccer betting will bring about more miseries
than benefits (CRIME)

30. He incurred her displeasure by refusing her invitation (PLEASE)

31. I would like to express my admiration for his profundity of knowledge (PROFOUND)

32. One problem for Vietnamese students to learn English is that it is multi-syllabic
(SYLLABLE)

33. Having fed it with different kinds of food, the biologist suggests that the strange
creature is insectivorous (INSECT)

34. You can exercise your rights to cancel the contract immediately, but you wouldn’t
receive any money at that point

35. Most people are fairly confident that the workers will win through in the end

36. The main cause of the strike was the management’s refusal to give further
consideration to the question of paying differentials

37. In the last month I was winding up my affairs in England and saying goodbye to all
my friends

38. In front of the door was seated a dog

39. The test was given at short notice and everyone didn’t have enough time to prepare
for it

40. In the wake of the war, there was a baby-boom

117
41. The union threatened to call out the workers on strike

42. Football fanaticism sometimes reaches a degree that is unacceptable (FANATIC)

43. It is the responsibility of the local government to train those demobilized soldiers
to get jobs (MOBILE)

44. When his traitorous actions were discovered, he was imprisoned (TRAITOR)

45. It was a successful transpolar exploration; the whole journey across the North Pole
took two months (POLE)

46. Their parents took an enlightened approach to child-rearing (LIGHT)

47. Before you make a product on a large-scale basis, you need to consider its
marketability (MARKET)

48. To start a new business in this field, we need an initial outlay of over $200,000
(LAY)

49. Lucie is more worldly-wise than most of her friends

50. To gain a foothold: a strong position from which further progress can be made

51. It’s about time you started working hard (CRACKING)

= I’d sooner you got cracking with your work

52. This is not the first time he has openly disagreed with the party leader (SWORDS)
= He has openly crossed swords with the party leader many times before

53. Your empty promises won’t make any impression on her (ICE)
= The empty promises you make cut no ice with her

54. They listened eagerly and attentively to the president’s speech (WHAT)
= They were all ears to what the president was saying

55. She’s always using my dictionary without asking me (FREE)

= It’s a nuisance that she is always making free with my dictionary

118
56. Without a scrap of remorse

57. The factory is working below capacity because of the shortage of essential
materials

58. She’s quite an eyeful! (EYE)

59. A person with an inferiority complex can be very disagreeable (INFERIOR)

60. Out of harm’s way: in a position that is safe from harm

61. My jewelry has been stolen!

= Someone has run off with my jewelry

62. This is the first time I’ve seen her in my life

= I have never set eyes on her before

63. Andrew doesn’t claim to have a lot of musical talent (PRETENCE)

= Andrew makes no pretence of having a lot of musical talent

64. We were lucky to find somewhere to park so quickly (STROKE)

= It was a stroke of luck that we found...

65. I wonder where Harry is now - I haven’t seen him for years (BECOME)
= I wonder what has become of Harry, I...

66. Attendances at the exhibition have been down this year

= The exhibition has not been so well attended this year

67. They declared war on the pretext of defending their territorial rights
= The excuse of the declaration of war was the defence of their territorial rights

68. He was so evasive in answer to my questions that I knew he had something to hide

69. Race relations in this country are unlikely to improve until people overcome their
innate feelings of hostility towards foreigners

70. Here is an example of an ancient patterned Chinese vase

119
71. Even the other convicts considered it a heinous crime
( very bad and shocking )

72. The book took me the best part of a year to write

( the majority of )

73. Working with the mentally handicapped requires considerable stocks of patience
and understanding

74. I offer you my most abject apologies for offending you as I did
( showing no pride or respect for yourself )

75. Nick was taken to court but he got off

76. I don’t really hit it off with my new boss

( to be friendly with sb immediately )

77. Wear off: thuốc hết tác dụng

Wear out: mệt
Wear down: erode

78. Having decided to rent a flat, we set about contacting all the accommodation
agencies in the city

79. The peace of the public library was shattered by the sound of a transistor radio

80. He inflicted so much harm on the nation during his regime that it has never fully
recovered

81. When facing problems, it is important to keep a sense of proportion

( the ability to judge the relative importance or seriousness of things )

82. In order to explore the city unencumbered, I left my luggage at the station
( without sth making it difficult for you to do sth )

83. If you persist in arriving late, I shall have to report you to the Manager
( C2: try to continue doing sth in a determined but often unreasonable way )

84. Bring sb round to your way of thinking

120
85. I meant to sound confident at the interview but I’m afraid I came over as dogmatic

86. She had an enquiring mind which kept her alert and well-informed even in old age

87. He said with a shrug of his shoulders

88. I’m not by inclination a particularly ambitious man

89. It’s much more expensive of you use the phone at peak rate

90. The politician gave a press conference to deny the charges that had been levelled
at him

91. If you expend too much of your energy on the climb, you’ll have none left for the
descent

92. He talked about nothing except the weather (SOLE)

= His sole topic of conversation was the weather

93. Selling antiques made him a little extra money (DABBLED)

= He dabbled in antiques, which made him a little…

94. The new manager blames me for everything that goes wrong (PICKING)
= The new manager is always picking on me for everything…

95. They sold the car for $1

= The car went for $1

96. Books on animal diseases in Outer Mongolia are not exactly best sellers (CALL)
= There is not much call for books on... Mongolia

97. We shall have an in-depth discussion about these recommendations at the next
meeting (FULL)
= We shall discuss the recommendations in full at the next meeting

98. The radio receiver was giving out regular messages

121
99. If the door has jammed, there’s no point in trying to force it open. You’ll probably
wrench the handle off

100. The job requires a capacity for hard work in difficult conditions

1. The girl felt faint with hunger: (C2) feel weak

2. A statement will be made after the police have finished sifting the evidence:
( to make a close examination of all the parts of sth )

3. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

4. It’s like banging your head against a brick wall

5. Between the devil and the deep blue sea

6. Have a card up your sleeve

7. Have several irons in the fire

8. An iron hand in a velvet glove

9. Keep the wolf from the door

10. Out of sight, out of mind

11. Out of the frying pan and into the fire

12. Put the cart before the horse: to do sth in wrong order

13. The grass is always greener on the other side

14. The is no smoke without fire

15. Nowadays goods are often acquired but not paid for immediately (CREDIT)
= Nowadays goods are bought on credit

16. We never purchase small quantities as we would make less profit (BULK)
= We always buy in bulk in order to make more profit

122
17. Plead with sb not to do sth

18. Make no reference to sth

19. The brochure gives hardly any useful information

= Precious little useful information is given in the brochure

20. I have frequently made stupid mistakes like that

= Many’s the time that I’ve made stupid mistakes like that

21. The theft of my father’s camera cast rather a blight on the holiday
( sth that spoils or has a bad effect on sth )

22. He’s certain to have left by now

23. I’ve got such a throbbing headache that I can’t concentrate

24. The rules are clearly stated and admit of no confusion (allow sth )

25. On the alert for

26. Of one’s own accord: tự nguyện (C2)

27. She won’t settle for anything less than the first prize
= She has set her heart on winning the first prize

28. Although I assured him it wasn’t true, he still believed that I had betrayed him
= Although I assured him to the contrary, he still believed that I had betrayed him

29. Will you mind the baby for a minute?

30. After the church service, several people lingered outside to chat

31. We started off walking briskly but had slowed to a snail’s pace after an hour

32. First-hand experience

33. Apprehensive about the exam: lo lắng

123
34. Anaesthetic: a substance that makes you unable to feel pain

35. The real test of your relationship will come when you start to see your new
boyfriend, warts and all
( including all faults and unpleasant facts )

36. Be infested with mice

37. Sth will be a hindrance to Ving: cản trở

38. Attach importance to sth

39. Compliment sb on sth

40. In her new job, Alison determined to impress everyone from the start (MARK)
= In her new job, Alison determined to make her mark from the start

41. I felt vaguely that sth was wrong, but what was it? (BACK)
= I felt at the back of my mind that sth was wrong, but what was it?

42. Stay calm = not turn a hair

43. The police didn’t mention whether or not the suspects were armed (OMITTED)
= The police omitted to mention whether or not the suspects were armed

44. I’m afraid I had to have recourse to a dictionary in order to complete the
translation

45. The windows don’t fit very well and it makes the room awfully draughty

46. There’s no point in moping about all day. Cheer up and try to find a new job!
( mope around: to move from one place to another without any purpose )

47. They are wide awake

48. Blameless: not responsible for anything bad

49. A great many people will congratulate her if she wins (SHOWERED)
= She will be showered with congratulations if she wins

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50. Is it possible to walk from the hotel to the city ?
= Is the city centre within walking distance of the hotel?

51. Remain neutral = not take sides

52. The new musical has delighted theatre audiences throughout the country
= The new musical has taken theatre audiences by storm

53. His handwriting is illegible, as far as I am concerned (OUT)

= I cannot make out his handwriting at all

54. It is early for us to make any definite plans (STAGE)

= We cannot make any definite plans at this stage

55. We are making no progress with this rehabilitation scheme (STANDSTILL)

= This rehabilitation scheme is at a standstill

56. If you wish to complain, you must write a letter (WRITING)

= If you wish to complain, you must do so in writing

57. He asks me to V = It is at his request that

58. Of all the paintings in the gallery, it was this one that really caught my eye

59. I was reluctant to raise the subject

60. My attempts only served to make the problem worse

61. I called out to him but he hared off in the opposite direction, at top speed
( to run or go quickly )

62. Can’t you stop monkeying about and be serious for a minute?
( to do or use sth in a way that is not very serious )

63. He must have been starving. He wolfed a huge plate of stew

64. You’ve been hogging that newspaper all morning. There are other people who’d like
to read it, you know

125
65. I’ve been beavering away at the typewriter all day and I’ve finished Chapter 2
( to work in a very active and energetic way )

66. Since he joined the company he seems to have wormed his way into the boss’s
favour by some very clever tactics
( to gradually achieve a position of trust, possibly by being dishonest )

67. Bad luck seems to have dogged me throughout my career (=follow)

68. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had all the time and money to swan off to France for a
weekend (=to travel, move, or behave in a relaxed way)

69. This last clue in the crossword completely foxes me. I can’t imagine what the
answer is (=confuse)

70. You can buy these gadgets almost anywhere nowadays (WIDELY)
= These gadgets are widely available nowadays

71. She has given a firm undertaking not to reveal any of the company’s secret
information

72. Be deep in conversation

73. Wish sb well: hope that sb succeeds

74. I could hardly wait until the big day came

75. This disagreement is likely to sour relations between the two countries
( to become unpleasant or unfriendly )

76. As the evening wore on, I became more and more bored
( If a period of time wears on, it seems to pass very slowly )

77. It was clear from the beginning of the meeting that Jack was bent on causing
trouble
( be bent on sth/ doing sth: to be determined to do sth )

78. What exactly am I supposed to have done wrong? (STAND)

126
= What exactly do I stand accused of?

79. Good colour sense is instinctive for some people (COMES)

= Good colour sense comes naturally to some people

80. Don’t ask him about the accident, he’s upset already (STATE)
= Don’t..., he is in the state already

81. Since the company’s methods were exposed in a newspaper, people have lost their
good opinion of it (DISREPUTE)
= Since... it has fallen into disrepute

82. What really depresses me it this continual wet weather (GETS)

= What really gets me down is this...

83. Get your act together ... pull yourself together

84. In-depth knowledge of sth

85. Hand in glove: sâu sát với

The environmentalists have been working hand in glove with the local government

86. You look like death warmed up: như chết rồi

87. Get cold feet: mất hết can đảm

88. Off the peg: may sẵn

89. Bucket down: mưa như trút nước

90. Drop a brick: lỡ lời

91. Blow one’s trumpet: bốc phét, khoác loác

92. Sleep on it: suy nghĩ thêm về nó

93. Drop sb a line: viết thư cho ai

94. Are you getting something on your mind?: Đang bận tâm gì thế

127
95. Chip in: góp tiền

96. Off one’s head: bị điên

97. Cut it fine: đến sát giờ

98. Success has gone to his head: thành công khiến anh ta tự phụ

99. Put in a good word for sb: nói tốt về ai, tiến cử ai

100. Take things to pieces: tháo tung ra

1. Put on an act: giả vờ

2. Keep sth quiet: giữ kín chuyện gì

3. Put one’s foot in it: nhầm lẫn, sai lầm gây bối rối

4. Pull one’s weight: nỗ lực, làm tròn trách nhiệm

5. Have sth on the brain: bị ám ảnh

6. Get on one’s nerves = put one’s back up: khiến ai bực mình

7. As a full story unfolded, the public reacted with shock

8. This song is not nearly as original as their previous ones

9. It just so happened that I was in their area that day, so I went to visit them

10. If you don’t want that wardrobe, I could put it to good use
( use something in sensible way to benefit you )

11. The plumber agreed that he had made a mistake and promised to put it right the
next day

12. I am Polish by birth, but I have French nationality

128
13. She wasn’t speaking seriously (TONGUE)
= She was speaking with her tongue in her cheek

14. Nobody helped me at all = Nobody lifted a finger to help me

15. I was there when he admitted the truth (PRESENCE)

= He admitted the truth in my presence

16. Please arrive in good time for the meeting

17. The police arrived with perfect/ immaculate timing

18. People were genuinely moved by the photographs in the newspapers

19. Nothing you say will make a scrap of difference

20. Wine growers in Bordeaux recorded a bumper harvest this year

( large in amount than usual )

21. I recall learning about such things in the dim and distant past
( a time that is so far in the past )

22. 1989 was a momentous year for Europe

( very important because of effects on future events )

23. Slowly but surely

24. In the twinkling of an eye

25. In next to no time

26. He is unlikely to carry out the plan (PRACTICE)

= He is unlikely to put the plan into practice

27. Chalk and cheese aren’t at all like (COMPARISON)

= There is no comparison between chalk and cheese

28. The strikers agreed to stick out for a substantial pay rise
( to continue to demand or try to get something )

129
29. As she is so heavily overworked, there is a distinct possibility that she will have a
nervous breakdown

30. What he did was the height of bad behaviour

31. The upkeep of two houses prove such a financial burden that they were forced to
sell one
( phí bảo trì )

32. My husband’s continual snoring keeps me awake at night

33. You must pay import duties on certain goods brought into this country
( thuế )

34. The Minister is also implicated in the scandal

( involved in )

35. Ann is proud of her ability to speak five languages fluently (PRIDES)
= Ann prides herself on her ability to speak five languages fluently

36. You shouldn’t feel that what happened was your fault (FOR)
= You shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened

37. She doesn’t want to be involved in the scandal caused by her husband’s remarks
(DISTANCE)
= She wants to distance herself from the scandal caused by her husband’s remarks

38. It would be easy to make a film adaptation of Danielle Steel’s latest novel (ITSELF)
= Danielle Steel’s latest novel lends itself to being made into a film

39. Raising the standard of living of the poor is all he spends his time on (HIMSELF)
= He has dedicated himself to raising the standard of living of the poor

40. He reluctantly accepted that he would have to spend the evening on his own
(SPENDING)
= He resigned himself to spending the evening on his own

41. Were the children good while the baby-sitter was here? (THEMSELVES)

130
= Did the children behave themselves while the baby-sitter was here?

42. She knew she couldn’t cope with the temptation to eat the bar of chocolate?
(TRUST)
= She couldn’t trust herself not to eat the bar of chocolate

43. They are not going to reach an agreement before it’s too late
= By the time they reach an agreement, it’ll be too late

44. Sarah’s friends all had brothers and sisters but she was an only child

45. His poor handling of the business bordered on negligence

( gần như được cho là )

46. After the accident, there was considerable doubt as to exactly what had happened

47. To discuss this matter with anyone else would contravene our professional
regulation
( do sth that that a law or rule does not allow )

48. To begin studying chemistry at this level, you must already have proved your ability
in a related discipline
( a particular area of study, esp a subject studied at college )

49. This sad song movingly conveys the anguish of the lovers’ final parting
( nỗi đau đớn )

50. By the time we got home, we were absolutely frozen and starving hungry

51. They will try Abrams for murder at the High Court next week (TRIAL)
= Abrams will stand trial murder at the High Court next week

52. After such a long time together they are still happily married (TEST)
= Their marriage has stood the test of time

53. How do our sales compare with those of other firms (RELATION)
= How do our sales stand in relation to those of other firms?

54. He is unlikely to win the competition (CHANCE)

131
= He stands little chance of winning the competition

55. Mr. Average was just a run-of-the-mill worker

( ordinary and not special or exciting in any way )

55. be carried away with emotion

56. Romeo’s family had been at variance with Juliet’s for generations
( in disagreement with )
57. Despite all the interruptions, he pressed on with his work
( continue )

58. Lindsay’s excuses for being late are beginning to wear rather thin
( become boring, annoying, and no more effective )

59. He was fined for parking near a pedestrian crossing

60. I’m dreading having to pay yet another visit to the dentist

61. Stop wasting my time! Get to my office at/on the double

( immediately )

62. Before they hire anyone they should check up on his background

63. I met him at the party and he asked after you

64. I applied for a part-time job at the supermarket. They’re going to take me on

65. He had taken over an old company verging on liquidation

66. My mother never gives anyone a tip on principle

67. Tom’s leaving. Why don’t you put in for his job?
( to make an official request to have or do something )

68. He ran through all the money he had inherited in less than a year

69. The gang is alleged to have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to
computer equipment

132
70. Traffic is being diverted from the High Street while the water-main is under
repair

71. Thieves got away with a haul of jewellery worth hundreds of pounds
( a large amount of sth that has been stolen or is illegal )

72. All the proceeds from the jumble sale will be given to charity

73. The inspector reported that office staff were rather lax in their attention to
security
( not strict, severe, or careful enough about rules or standards of behaviour )

74. I’d say let’s meet on Sunday but I’m none too sure what’s happening at the weekend

75. When the truth about the blackmail attempt finally emerged, we were all
astonished

76. The problem of finding a baby-sitter resolved itself when my mother came to live
with us

77. He’s struggling a bit with his history classes so I’ve arranged for him to have
private tuition

78. He spoke a few stumbling words in French and was applauded loudly

79. He was the most effective speaker and his audience seemed to hang on his every
word

80. He kept prodding him on the shoulder with his finger whenever he wanted to make a
point
( to push something or someone with your finger or with a pointed object )

81. The most important innovation that he was responsible for was the use of video in
teaching

82. Having been a foreign correspondent all his working life, he’s a veteran traveller
( a person who has had a lot of experience of a particular activity )

133
83. Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information
( to make a serious or formal request, especially to the public, for money, information,
or help )

84. You’ll find plenty of magazines to browse through

85. The newspaper was ordered to pay him $1,500 damages for printing the libellous
story about him

86. My hopes of becoming a lawyer crumbled when I failed my ‘A’ levels

87. risk your life and limb

88. I think we can dispense with the usual formalities since we all know each other
already
( get rid of or stop using sth or sb that you do not need )

89. Tie that suitcase if you don’t want it to come adrift half way down the motorway
( become separated from sth )

90. The bulk of our business is done by mail order.

( the bulk of = most of )

Olympic 30/4
- Because of the unfortunate oversight, your order was not dispatched by the date
requested

- Failing to submit the proposal on time was a nail in the coffin for Tom
( sth that will help you bring about its end or failure )

- Be careful not to prick your finger with that needle

- The jury paid her compliments on her excellent knowledge of the subject

134
- His new yacht is certainly an ostentatious display of his wealth

- I don’t need any medicine. I’m as right as rain (=to feel healthy)

- They continue fighting despite all the adversities they met with

- I appealed to all like-minded people to support me and I was successful

- He seemed very quiet, but it would be a mistake to underrate his intelligent

- With all due respect, I think your comments are very short-sighted

- Your ideas, like hers, seem unusual to me

- It is moved that the campaign to raise funds be launched at once

- At the deep bottom of Atlantic, lay the Titanic

- He finally agreed, albeit reluctantly, to help us

- He paused, afraid lest he say too much

- Junior hospital doctors are thrown in at the deep end in their first jobs
( throw sb in at the deep end: to make sb start a new and difficult job without help )

- Governments should bring in international laws against terrorism (=introduce)

- At the height of the financial crisis, all they could do was hold on and hope that
things would improve

- Jane got the job by virtue of her greater experience

- Be careful! The young horse hasn’t been broken in

( to train an animal to behave in an obedient way )

- Theories about the causes of bird flu have changed in the light of recent research

- Jane managed to eke out her student loan till the end of the year

135
( to use sth slowly or carefully because you only have a small amount of it )

- He is better-known for his charitable activities than for his business in the steel
industry

- Our bodies are naturally detoxified by our organs of elimination - the skin, lungs,
intestines, kidneys and liver

- He is such a pseudo-intellectual who always pretends to know everything

- She should take these antidepressant drugs to treat her state

- The audience was mesmerized by her clear and sonorous voice

- A number of local church leaders have acted as go-betweens with the people in the
vicinity

- The ban on firecrackers was expressly introduced to reduce the number of accidents

- He sold the car to a trickster who paid with a worthless stolen cheque

- It was unheard-of for a new band to be offered such a deal

- John was arrested for smuggling contraband

( goods that are illegally taken into or out of a country )

- I hope this headache wears off

- What the treasured said virtually amounted to a confession

- Whether the sports club survives is a matter of complete indifference to me

- Some medicines are only available on prescription

- Without her invaluable help, they would never have survived the terrible ordeal

- The two companies are going to merge at the end of the year

- Be careful not to prick your finger with that needle

136
- He walked from the court a free man, having been acquitted of murder
( officially state sb is not guilty of a crime )

- For all its clarity of style, the book is not easy reading

- She dashed off a quick letter

( to write sth quickly )

- I don’t think that this fashion will catch on

- Joan’s very depressed about the future

- Finally, a reconciliation is brought about between the two sides

( an end to a disagreement )

- The child has a rebellious temperament

( unwilling to obey rules or accept normal standards of behaviour )

- No report can convey the unspeakable suffering that this war has caused

- I don’t find him very communicative

( willing to talk and give information to other people )

- The aid programme was misconducted, resulting in large quantities of food failing to
reach the famine victims

- Candace would provoke her little sister into an argument by teasing her and calling her
names

- His neighbors found his magisterial manner bossy and irritating, and they stopped
inviting him to backyard barbeques
( having or showing power or authority )

- They took cash in lieu of the car previously offered as a prize

- Being able to afford this luxury car will necessitate getting a better-paying job
( to make sth necessary )

137
- I had the galling experience of sitting next to an over-talkative passenger on my
flight home from Brussels
( make you angry )

- Her plausible display of tears at work did not impress her boss, who felt she should
try to control her emotions

- Kim was indiscriminate in choosing her friends, so her parties were attended by vastly
different and sometimes bizarre personalities

- With such lack of financial support, they miraculously managed to run their business
on a shoestring
( to sth with a very small amount of money )

- There being no more points to discuss, the meeting has now come to an end

- In some courts, audio recordings are considered inadmissible evidence

( cannot be allowed or accepted, esp in court )

- Our new neighbour seems the self-effacing type who seldom talk about themselves
( not wanting to attract attention to yourself )

- The sculptor always pays great attention to even the tiniest detail of every of his
works fearing that it may sink to mediocrity
( the quality of being average or not very good )

- I can’t see why the board of leaders keep non-committal over the debate about
whether or not to dismiss the current coach
( not expressing an opinion or decision )

- We all find the governments’ effort to solve environmental problem meritorious

( deserving great praise )

- Although imperceptible to some people, the impacts of unhealthy lifestyles are for
real

- The country is now heavily in debt due to the government’s financial mismanagement

- I hate admitting defeat but in this case the opposition is irrefutably correct

138
- When it comes to the crunch, Alice always support her friends
( when it comes to the crunch: when a situation becomes extremely serious and a
decision must be made )

- It was Alice’s year, new home, better job - everything just clicked into place
( click into place: happen in a satisfactory way )

- Many local authorities realize there is a need to make provision for disabled people in
their housing programmes
( make provision for: the act of providing or supplying )

- He left the meeting early on the unlikely pretext that he had a sick friend to visit

- The actor was so nervous that he could only remember small snatches of dialogue

- Karen was terribly nervous before the interview but she managed to pull herself
together and act confidently

- We struck up a friendship the very first time we met

- Despite all the interruptions, he pressed on with his work

- The project was cancelled while it was still in its infancy

( the early development of sth )

- You look rather preoccupied. Are you worried about sth?

- You won’t persuade him to change his mind. His decision is irrevocable

- Since his bad habits were never broken when he was a child, they are now incorrigible

- The key aims of the program are to achieve breath, balance, continuity and
progression of all pupils

- Vietnam has depended heavily on foreign non-governmental organizations to train

teachers

- He has many year’s experiences of the criminal mentality

139
- There is large effort under way to rebuild arts education in the NYC public school
( if an activity is under way, it has already started

- After living together for six years, they have finally decided to tie the knot

- The party was already in full swing by the time we arrived. Everyone was singing and
dancing

- His strange behaviour aroused the suspicion of police

- The day their first child was born, the new parents were overthrown with joy

- We may win, we may lose - it’s just the luck of the draw
( the luck of the draw: be that result of chance and sth that you have no control over )

- They’re having serious problems. Their relationship is on the rocks

( on the rocks: likely to fail soon )

- The renewed interest in Elizabethan times is evident in the spate of new Hollywood
films set during that period

- The school examination for eleven-year-olds was done away with some years ago

- At first, Tim insisted he was right, but then began to back down

- He is a solicitor by profession

- A huge crowd turned out in the pouring rain to cheer the president

- I don’t like to make friends with the person who always runs down his old friends
( to criticize sb, often unfairly )

- They always close at six o’clock on the dot

- It was late when we arrived and the party was in full swing

- He was by all accounts a very kind and gentle man

( according to the information that is available )

140
- Very fat men sometimes have a spare tyre at the back of the neck

- There was absolute turmoil when the spectators invaded the pitch
( a state of great anxiety and confusion )

- What he told me was a pack of lies

- The pointed steeple of the church could be seen from miles away

- I’ve been running to get round to repairing that fence for ages
( to do sth that you have intended to do for a long time )

- I revised my views in the light of comments from colleagues

- She’ll never part with her precious possessions

- Don’t go to the city centre during rush hour. You will be packed like sardines

- We heard her cry out in agony as she dropped the saucepan on her toe

- Tom won’t buy that old car because it has too much wear and tear on it
( the damage that happens to an object in ordinary use during a period )

- Luckily the rain held off so we were able to play the match
( of bad weather...fail to occur )

- Some very important issue was taking up all his attention

- The major has decided to crack down on crime. It’s about time, if you ask me

- Ben crept up on Lisa and put his hands over her eyes

- Demand for the products is expected to peak 5 years from now and then to tap off

- His company went bankrupt, three years of hard work down the drain

- I always clean the flat before my mom comes round, but she always finds at least one
speck of dust and says it’s filthy

141
- Having seen the film that won the Oscar, I was disappointed as it wasn’t all it’s up
cracked to be
(not as good as people say)

- For months I sat with my binoculars watching a bird rear its young

- Breaking his leg dealt a blow to his chances of becoming a professional footballer
( deal a blow to: cause sth, usually plan or hope, to fail )

- I prefer to practice the violin alone in my bedroom as having other members of the
family listen really cramps my style
( prevent someone from free action or natural expression )

- I feel I’m in a rut in my job right now - I need a change

( do sth for a very long time -> boring )

- The skater lost her balance and fell, her arms swinging

- Spot checks were carried out at customs

( spot check: ktra đột ngột, chỉ 1 vài người trong nhóm )

- His encounter with the tarantula hawk - aptly named because it flies around
tarantulas stalking and stinging them - has been watched over 13m times

- In a few more moments this love scene would have reached the point of no return
( the stage at which it is no longer possible to stop what you are doing and when its
effects cannot now be avoided or prevented )

- School teachers rarely have leeway to teach the way they want
( freedom to act within particular limits )

- Once the kids have all flown the nest we might sell this house and move sw smaller
( To move out of one's parents' house for the first time. )

- Being out of work these days is no laughing matter

- It’s nice to see politicians sending themselves up occasionally

( to make sb/ sth seem stupid)

142
- We used to share a room at college, but we drifted apart over the years

- I’ve just left Ben poring over computer printouts with an engineer
( pore over: to look at and study sth, usually a book or document, carefully )

- Since her arrest, they’ve trumped up charges against her

( to give or use false information so that someone will be accused of doing something
wrong and punished )

- Their project put us to a lot of expense

( To force one to pay for sth, especially something very expensive )

- From my viewpoint, the changes to the education system have been to good effect
( indicate how impressive or successful an action is )

- Having planned our weekends to watch football, we found the news of the home team’s
players strike most disconcerting
( to make someone feel suddenly uncertain and worried )

- The audience hailed his appearance on stage with thunderous applause

( to publicly praise or show approval for a person or an achievement )

- He was extremely defiant when some scientists cast doubt on his theory

- He was a generous friend, but as a businessman, he drove a hard bargain

( to expect a lot in exchange for what you pay or do )

- I must take this watch to be repaired, it gains over 20 minutes a day

- Professor Williams blazed a trail in the study of physics

( to do something that has never been done before )

- He cannot plead ignorance as his excuse; he should have known what was happening in
his own department
( to say something as an excuse or explanation )

- He was indicted for manslaughter

( to officially charge sb with a crime )

143
- Many taxpayers are indignant at what they regard as an illegal use of public funds
( angry because of something that is wrong or not fair )

- Due to the nature of the earthquake, a much larger segment of the population might
be affected
( one of the smaller groups or amounts that a larger group or amount can be divided
into )

- At length, it dawned on him that his life wouldn’t take a turn for the better unless he
left his present employment
( If sth dawns on you, you understand it after a period of not understanding it )

- The threat of a general strike can only be averted through government intervention
( to prevent something bad from happening )

- We are making an all-out effort to increase production

( complete and with as much effort as possible )

- When asked about his own party’s transport policy, the candidate took a sideswipe at
his opponent by mentioning the recent rail strikes
( a remark attacking sb/sth made while talking about something else )

- I wish he wouldn’t make such unkind and disparaging remarks

( criticizing someone, in a way that shows you do not respect or value them )

- I hope you didn’t take exception to my comments

( to be offended or made angry by something or someone )

- It was pure luck that the answer suddenly came to me in the middle of the exam

- As winter ends, I always seem to feel a burst of energy

- Agreeing to do a bit of overtime could work to your advantage

( to give you an advantage )

- With all due respect, I think your comments are very short-sighted
( used to express polite disagreement in a formal situation )

144
- Despite strong opposition, the ruling party won the day
( to persuade people to support your ideas or opinions )

- When she saw me nearly dropped the priceless vase, she gasped in horror
( to take a short, quick breath through the mouth, especially because of surprise, pain,
or shock )

- The little girls were twirling brightly colored hoops around their waists
( to give a sudden quick turn or set of turns in a circle )

- Everyone was commiserating with him after he missed the penalty in the last five
minutes of the match
( to express sympathy to someone about some bad luck )

- She is always trotting out clichés like “money doesn’t grow on trees” and so on.
( to show someone or something in public in order to get attention )

- He calls her “Funny Face”, but she says it is a term of endearment

- He had a momentary lapse of concentration and before he knew it the car had spun
out of control
( a temporary failure )

- I wonder what pearls of wisdom good old Professor Maxwell will cast before us in this
morning’s lecture

- It is all very well saying you are going to train harder but you’ve got to actually do it
( If something is all very well, it is fairly useful or good in some situations but not
excellent and not useful or good in every situation )

- They didn’t play terribly well in the first round and were lucky to get through

- A large group of teenagers were mulling around the entrance to the discotheque

- They wheeled out the same old excuses last time this happened
( to use something or someone that you have used many times before in a way that is
boring for other people )

- The police have zeroed in on the man they believe to be responsible for the murder

145
- When she accused him of stealing her Rolex, he swore down that he hadn’t done it

- They kept saying they were interested, but they were just stringing me along

- The truth finally sank in about her death when it was broadcast on TV
( if an unpleasant or surprising fact or idea sinks in, you gradually start to believe it )

- It has been so successful that they have held it out for another fortnight
( hold out for: wait for sth better )

- They greyed out the print button to stop people using it because expenses for paper
have gone up recently
( if a part of a computer screen has been greyed out, the writing in it appears in a dull
colour in order to show that you cannot use it )

- After my symptoms disappeared, the doctor tapered me off the medication

( to gradually reduce someone's medication )

- I held on to my luggage while I was waiting for the taxi

( hold tightly )

- When he’s depressed, he needs someone like a good friend to dump on

( to tell someone all your problems and worries )

- Please don’t put yourself out. A sandwich will do

( to make an effort to do something to help someone, even if it is not convenient )

- I had a good sleep last night, so I’m as fresh as a daisy this morning

- We wished him many happy returns of his birthday

- Judging by the expression on his face, I’d say he wasn’t too pleased to see us

- The actors gave a run-of-the-mill performance

- She gets fifteen percent commission on every insurance policy she sells

146
- I’d like to buy the radio but I haven’t got any money on me at the moment. Could you
put it on one side for me for a day or two?

- Just think! Next month you’ll be in your teens and it seems like only yesterday you
were a baby

- This is an exciting book which breaks new ground in educational research

( do something innovative that is considered an advance or positive benefit )

- On Sunday Vivian studied for seven hours on end

( continuously )

- A rude boy stuck his tongue out at me

( to make a rude sign by putting the tongue outside the mouth )

- Let’s make a dash for the train now as the rain seems to be easing off

- It was only when he had been unemployed for six months that Neil’s situation hit
home
( to cause you to realize exactly how unpleasant or difficult something is )

- The drivers have rejected proposals to end the strike and the other workers have
come out in sympathy
( to stop working in order to show your support for other workers who are on strike )
- They sacked the head of marketing because he was hopelessly inefficient

- Our country has never had a large surplus in its balance of payments

- Seldom does he refuse to do her friends good turn, but on that occasion she was too
busy to pay attention to other people’s problems
( to do something helpful for someone )

- She’s still dithering over whether to accept the job she’s just been offered
( to be unable to make a decision about doing something )

- Both parents were unemployed and the family had a frugal lifestyle
( careful when using money or food, or (of a meal) cheap or small in amount )

- Suddenly, I overheard Melissa and Alex talking about me in the adjacent room

147
- Getting divorced was a joint decision, so I don’t blame my ex-wife

- You have to go through a number of intermediate stages before you become an expert

- The problem escalated because neither side was prepared to compromise

- Not even losing all the time could dampen his enthusiasm for tennis

- We were under no illusions about how different it would be to achieve our aims

- She showed little appreciation of the problems we were facing.

- She didn’t show even a flicker of emotion when the court found her guilty

- We hadn’t seen each other for ten years and she’d changed out of all recognition

- It was a bad mistake but it had no bearing on the outcome of the match
( to have an influence on something or a relationship to something )

- All the others were experts and I was out of my depth in the conversation

- They tried to impress on their children the importance of a good education

- He refused to elaborate on why he took such an unexpected decision

- Working there was good for me, in that I gained a lot of valuable experience

- A troupe of dancers from Beijing is one of the leading attractions in the festivals

- The student paid respectful attention to their distinguished professor

- The puppy was wriggling so much I nearly dropped him

( wriggle: to twist your body, or move part of your body, with small, quick movements )

- Skilled forgers have produced perfect copies of many of the world’s famous paintings
( someone who makes forged copies )

148
- The Oscar winning actress simply exuded charm and professionalism in her acceptance
speech
( If you exude love, confidence, pain, etc., you show that you have a lot of that feeling )

- Every time the government meets their demands, the union leaders move the
goalposts
( to change the rules while someone is trying to do something in order to make it more
difficult for them )

- We’re free most of the weekend, but we’ve got a few bits and pieces to do on Sunday
morning
( small things or jobs of different types )

- Hard luck! You deserved to win

( used to express sympathy to someone because something slightly bad has happened )

- We agreed to the changes on the understanding that they would be introduced

gradually
( according to someone's promise or statement )

- Do you mind if I put the television on? - No, not in the least
( not in any way )

- Many a pop star finds it difficult to avoid the interference of mass media in their life

- I’m tired, mind you, I only had 3 hours sleep at night

- His strange behaviour aroused the suspicion of police

- The day their first child was born, the new parents were overthrown with joy

- We may win, we may lose - it’s just the luck of the draw
( to be the result of chance and something that you have no control over )

- They are having serious problems. Their relationship is on the rocks

( likely to fail soon )

- I sold my shares in the company one week before it went bankrupt. That was a close
shave

149
( a situation in which you come very close to a dangerous situation )

- The renewed interest in Elizabethan times is evident in the spate of new Hollywood
films set during that period
(a large number of similar things that happen in a short period of time, especially bad
things)

- The car was gathering speed

( to become faster, stronger,... )

- I’ll be kind to her lest she decides to leave me

( in order to prevent any possibility that something will happen )

- We all wished to be treated as equals

- The goods were stored in a disused cinema

- The mere thought of exams makes her feel ill

- The student’s hard work was rewarded with success in his degree examinations

- The thought of another world war is a terrifying prospect

- This emerald bracelet is peerless; it is the only one of its kind on the world
( Something that is peerless is better than any other of its type )

- That window needs a new pane of glass

( a flat piece of glass, used in a window or door )

- How could you just abandon me in the middle of London with no money and leave me
high and dry?
( to do something that is not at all convenient for someone and puts them in a very
difficult situation )

- The hope of a raise was a powerful incentive for Larry to work harder

- Sensing that war was imminent, the leader prepared for defense
( coming or likely to happen very soon )

150
- The competition he set up for young musicians is another manifestation of his life-
long support for the arts
( a sign of sth existing or happening )

- She had just enough time to dip into the report before the meeting
( read small parts of a book or magazine )

- True learning does not consist in gathering facts from the teachers; it requires active
assimilation of knowledge
( to have something as a main and necessary part or quality )

- Have you considered applying for a job with the civil service?

- I am not by inclination a particularly ambitious man

- After much debate, he reached a consensus

- We can expect to treble our turnover once the January sales get into full swing

- She expressed her distaste for certain kinds of cheaply produced movies

- The police have been ordered not to retaliate if the students attack them

- We weren’t able to drive down the street because of a barricade in the middle of the
road

- Researchers have made an impassioned plea for more sponsorship so that they can
continue their project

- I appealed to all like-minded people to support me and I was successful

- John argued, ‘if you know about the crime but don’t report it, you are complicit in that
crime because you allowed it to happen
( đồng loã )

- Being able to afford this luxury car will necessitate getting a better-paying job

- I had the galling experience of sitting next to an over-talkative passenger on my

flight home from Brussels

151
( annoying )

- The speeding car only missed us by a hair’s breadth

( a very small distance or amount )

- ‘You won’t get away with this!’ the old woman screeched angrily

- The project became enmeshed in a lot of political arguments, which was a great shame
( involve sb in sth unpleasant and dangerous that cannot be escaped )

- We woke up at the crack of dawn this morning

- He doesn’t give a hoot about anyone or anything except himself. He’s the most selfish
person I know
( don’t give a fuck about sth :D )

- Crazed with thirst, they scrambled wildly over the rocks to get to the river

- The produce section of our supermarket has a wide range of fresh fruits and
vegetables

- The environment and atmosphere at the spa hotel was conducive to total relaxation.
It was the most relaxing holiday I’ve ever had
( providing the right conditions for something good to happen or exist )

- Certain food can evoke a sense of calm in a person

- The writer makes his pronouncements eloquently and with total conviction, but I think
some of them could do more harm than good

- The government has shelved the idea until at least next year

- I think I understand the nuts and bolts of the operation

- Why do I always draw the short straw?

- Journalists were milling around the hotel, waiting to interview the star
( move around with no particular purpose, to wait for sb )

152
- The play wasn’t very good but it wasn’t very bad either. Mediocre I would say

- It was a hot summer day and ice cream salesmen were doing a roaring trade

- It’s hard to get back into the swing of things after a long holiday

- She made a name for herself in politics by running for mayor

- Tempers began to fray as the lorries forced their way through the picket lines

- All the invitations have been sent. As for the seating plan, that can wait till next week

- The vegetation on the island was exuberant

- The old lady was becoming increasingly affected by senility

- The Red Cross is intrinsically an international aid organization

- Job losses are mainly in the blue-collar sectors of the industry

- Tom won’t buy that old car because it has too much wear and tear on it

- Our hotel room was surprisingly commodious, especially taking into consideration that
it was very reasonably priced

- Closure of school took place in the context of falling numbers of pupils

- Out of his pocket came the stolen purse

- The new manager is by no means easy-going, he is always very serious about the work

- The sporting aspirations of the young are focused on the achievements of their
heroes

- My boss is totally incompetent; every time you ask him for a decision or even an
opinion he just shrugs his shoulders

- Many schools set a lot of store by the success of their students in examinations
( set great store by sth: believe sth is very important )

153
- Executives in international companies usually have to do at least a three-year stint
abroad
( a period of time spent doing sth )

- Richard started the race well but went out of steam in the later stage

- The real test of your relationship will come when you start to see your new boyfriend
warts and all
( including all the bad qualities in a person's character )

- I know you never lend things, but stretch a point and let me borrow your guitar.

- Driving ambition is what most great leaders have in common

- Since he is too old to be a porter, they have decided to put him out to grass
( to stop sb work permanently since he is too old )

- The country has a large overflow on its balance of payments

- He read a book on the plane to throw away the time

- Please watch the milk carefully, I don’t want it to boil over

- That window needs a new pane of glass

- The exact questions she had prepared perfect answers for came up in the exam

- Most people feel a slight pang of nostalgia as they think back on their schooldays

- Mr. Simkins is the big cheese in the company as he has just been promoted to the
position of Managing Director
( an important person in a company or an organization with a lot of influence )

- The matter has been left in abeyance until the legal ramifications have been explored

- It was an extremely hostile article which cast aspersions on the conduct of the entire
cabinet
( to criticize or make damaging remarks or judgments about someone or something )

154
- He’s so lazy! We all have to work harder because he’s always shirking his duties
(to avoid work, duties, or responsibilities, especially if they are difficult or unpleasant )

- I found the information for the project in the encyclopedia but I couldn’t give
chapter and verse on it
( to give exact information about something, especially something in a book )

- Can you recite the alphabet backwards?

- He should take the blame for the delay because he forgot to place the order

- There has been a slight improvement in his health, but he is not out of the woods yet
( not having a problem or difficulty any longer )

- She is a very dominant woman; she certainly has her husband under her thumb

- He’s tough, ambitious, and he is nobody’s fool - He is our best hope as a manager

- She bought that ugly big house because she has got more money than sense

- The squirrels are stowing nuts into their homes for the winter

- The accountant embezzled the company fund and ran away to another country
( to secretly take money that is in your care or that belongs to an organization you work
for )

- She goes for a manicure once a week to ensure that her hands and nails are in good
condition

- The spendthrift has been squeezing money out of his old parents

- It is impossible to miss the manifestation of the Generation X in America

- He has been trying to improve his grades but instead, they have remained as static as
possible

- Then, on opening the door, Jerry found that his house had been broken into

155
- Even a few drops of this liquid would represent a lethal dose for a small child

- I could not believe that he, of all people, was such a brute to you
( a rough and sometimes violent man )

- People in this village has an insatiable appetite for news

- The contestants have to ponder over that question very carefully because there is no
straightforward answer
( think carefully for a long time C2 )

- The pupils have been prepared for a scholarly career

- We hummed and hawed for weeks before deciding to buy the house
( to be uncertain and take a long time deciding sth )

- She expects the political experience gained in this election will stand her in good
stead in her future career

- If we form an alliance with the U.S, who has a political axe to grind against China,
we’ll sabotage its workings and maximize our problems in the Pacific Ocean
( have a personal motivation or selfish reason for doing sth )

- Tan Hiep Phat must be ordered to pay substantial damages for retaliating against
whistle-blowers

- You shouldn’t have been impertinent to your elders by raising those matters

- Most academic articles bounce around from topic to topic, really without rhyme or
reason, but are informative
( to be without any obvious reasonable explanation )

- When the ship docked at Hamburg, they found a stowaway in the hold
( a person who hides on a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle )

- He was arrested for trying to pass counterfeit notes at the bank

- We all make mistakes; no one is infallible

156
- The hooligan snatched the money out of my hand and ran away

- Every time the government meets their demands, the union leaders move the
goalposts

- He managed to check the flow of blood by tightly bandaging the wound

- It was only when he had been unemployed for six months that Neil’s situation hit
home

- Before they open a new factory, a lot of young people round here were on the dole
( unemployed and receiving money from the government )

- The factory owner is not in the habit of fraternizing with his workers
( to meet someone socially, especially someone who belongs to an opposing army or team,
or has a different social position )

- He preferred to plough any profits he made back into the business

( plough sth back into: to spend the money that a business has earned on improving that
business )

- Smokers prefer not to know what’s happening to their insides. For most of them,
ignorance is bliss

- Social differences tend to be augmented when private and state schools exist side by
side

- The company managed to weather the last economic depression by cutting its
workforce

- We took the scenic route, a road which hugged the coast for fifty miles

- Three of the original five candidates have now thrown in the towel.
( admit defeat )

- Whenever there’s some fresh scandal about the royal family, the public are always
eager to lap it up
( enjoy sth very much )

157
- After the team’s latest disastrous defeat, the future of the manager hangs in the
balance

- The removal men heaved piano up the stairs with great difficulty

- Everything included, the cost of our new living room came to a grand total of $10,000

- She gets fifteen percent commission on every insurance policy she sells

- He invited his guests to an expensive restaurant. However, he felt ill at ease

( worried and not relaxed )

- The gift, together with the flowers, was a token of his gratitude and appreciation

- I would incur my colleague’s warth and displeasure by using his research without
consent
( experience sth, usually unpleasant, as a result of actions you have taken )

- Any business suspected of tax evasion will deprive the nation of wealth and prosperity

- The police have been scouring the district for the murderer, leaving no stone
unturned
( to do everything you can to achieve a good result )

- It was predicted that business would be destroyed and the town’s economy would be
in tatters
( badly damaged or completely spoiled )

- The world was teetering on the edge of nuclear catastrophe and cold wars were
inevitable
( teeter on the brink/edge of sth: sth, a bad situation, is likely to happen soon )

- His desire was to make herbal medicine available those who could ill afford to visit a
physician

- I’m sorry to butt in, but did you happen to mention the name “Fiona” ?

- Peter agreed reluctantly to sign the form but overlooked extremely ill at ease

158
- A common cause of dysentery is the use of untreated water in preparation for foods,
which is quite common in certain underdeveloped countries

- The bus stopped at the traffic lights with a screech of the brakes

- The saucepans fell onto the floor with a great clatter

- With the end of childhood, and the onset of adolescence, young people experience
profound changes

- The police promised him immunity from prosecution if he cooperated with them fully
( miễn khởi tố )

- The barman began to clench his fists in a threatening manner so I left

- The computer has changed the world irrevocably

- The offer of a place at university is not to be sneezed at

( sth worth having )

- Salted butter was developed to prevent spoilage, and to mask the taste of rancid
butter

- The theft of my father’s camera cast rather a blight on the holiday

- There was a loud gurgling sound as the bathwater ran down the plughole
( a sound like water flowing quickly through a narrow space )

- In order to explore the city unencumbered, I left my luggage at the station

- There were so many people jostling me in the crowd that I couldn’t hold the camera
steady

- He drove into some railings and gouged a hole in the back of his car

- The crew on the stage had to move the cumbersome scenery during the play. It is a
good thing that they are strong
( large and heavy, difficult to carry; long, slow, and complicated )

159
 Prepositions and Phrasal Verbs
- Jim’s a tough character and certainly won’t let anyone push him around
( to tell someone what to do in a rude or threatening way )

- Ben crept up on Lisa and put his hands over her eyes

- I couldn’t decide what to write about, when I suddenly hit upon the idea of doing sth
on writer’s book

- We all creased up when Nick walked in wearing a skirt

( to laugh a lot, or make someone else laugh a lot )

- She blurted out his name, then gasped as she realized what she had done

- I can’t believe he got off when there was so much evidence against

- They pressed ahead regardless of the objection

- I’m snowed under with work at the moment

- The rumours got around the town very quickly, didn’t they?

- There is an enormous range of holiday courses on offer

- His illness accounts for his underachievement at work

- It’s like banging your head against a brick wall

- I felt a bit out of sorts and seemed to have more aches and pains than usual
( in an unhappy mood )

- Your glass is half-empty. Let me top it up for you

- I’m staying at Tony’s house. Write to me in care of Tony Lee, 123 Main Road, New
York
( used to give someone the address where you can be contacted when you are staying
away from home )

160
- This hotel is so awesome, man. I could just bliss out on this view for the whole
weekend
( to become, or to make someone, completely happy and relaxed )

- I’ve been revising all day but I don’t think much of it has sunk in
( be fully understood or realized )

- Insurance companies had to cough up $10 million in storm damage claims

( give something reluctantly, especially money or information that is due or required )

- I don’t like jewellery that jumps out at you

( If something jumps out at you, you notice it immediately )

- Mrs. Watts will tick you off if you’re late again

- They might get married - it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility

- The word ‘chaos’ has taken on a special scientific meaning

- Young men were tutored in the art of handling horses

- He admitted that, with the benefit of hindsight, the original launch had not been
large enough
( used to say it is easier to know the right thing to do after something has happened or
if you have a lot of experience )

- The house is sadly in want of repair

- The engine keeps cutting out

( If an engine, machine, or piece of equipment cuts out, it suddenly stops working )

- He walked into a great job straight after university because his father is a big fish in
city politics
( to get a job very easily )

- I’m afraid I have some bad news. There aren’t enough life jackets to go round

- I remember the first time I met John. We hit it off immediately, and we’ve been
friends since then

161
( to be friendly with each other immediately )

- Why do you want to move? You’ll be hard put to find a nicer house than this one
( find it difficult to )

- We hadn’t bargained on. There being so much traffic, and we missed the plane
( expect )

- The team had been trying to win the competition for years. Last year, they finally
brought it off

- Their predictions were not borne out by subsequent events. In fact, the very opposite
occurred
( support )

- Try not to make too much noise. The baby has just dropped off.

- The babysitter has told Billy’s parents about his attention-seeking behaviour and how
he starts acting up as soon as they leave home
( If a person, especially a child, acts up, they behave badly )

- In 1919, Sir Reginald Fleming Johnston was taken on as a tutor to Puyi, who was the
last emperor of China

- Johnston wrote up a full account of his time at the imperial palace in his book Twilight
in the Forbidden City
( viết, soạn thảo )

- The noise from the unruly fans celebrating their team’s victory didn’t let up until
early in the morning

- The water heater is playing up again, so I think that we should call a plumber to get it
fixed properly
( If a machine plays up, it does not work as it should )
( When children play up, they behave badly )

- The police have to clamp down on drug smuggling

( to take strong action to stop or limit a harmful or unwanted activity )

162
- Harris’s assertion is hardly borne out by the facts
( bear out: to support the truth of something )

- He got it into his head he was being passed over for promotion
( to ignore or not give attention to someone or something )

- It’s difficult to pin her down to fixing a date for a meeting

( to make sb provide details about something or make a decision about sth )

- The workers decided to sit in until their demands were met

( to go as a group into a public building and refuse to leave or to allow normal activities
to continue there until a situation that you are complaining about is changed )

- The unpaid bills will be carried over to next month’s account

- The robbers packed the money into a suitcase and made off in a van that waited for
them in the street

- Learning English isn’t so difficult once you get down to it

( to start to direct your efforts and attention to something, esp. work )

- Beaches were sealed off as police searched for canisters of toxic waste from the
damaged ship

- No agreement was reached. The strikers decided to hold out for a better deal

- That dietician is going to bring out a book on healthy eating next month
( to produce something to sell to the public )

- You shouldn’t have sent Sahastian that Valentine’s card. I think you’ve scared him off

- The singer performance was so exciting that many of his fans were carried away with
enthusiasm

- He was very upset when the boss passed him over and promoted a newcomer to the
assistant’s job

- The sick man’s condition is grave but with careful nursing he will still have a chance to
pull through

163
- Confidently he answered one question after another to everyone’s satisfaction

- The small boat drifted helplessly at the mercy of the wind and waves

- This area is absolutely crying out for more investment

- The police are trying to crack down on drunken drivers

- I suggest we lay in more coal in case the forecasts of a long and heavy winter should
come true
( to get and store a supply of )

- It is impossible to forget that day - the events still linger on in the memory forever
( to take a long time to leave or disappear )

- Sorry, I can’t go to the movies with you. I’m snowed under with work at the moment

- She threatened to do herself in when her husband ran away with her best friend
( do sb in: to kill sb )

- This is an argument that seems to fly in the face of common sense

( to completely oppose what seems sensible or normal )

- She really has the children eating out of her hand! They do whatever she tells them
to
( to easily make someone do or think what you want )

- My shoulder is playing me up today! I can’t do anything while it’s so painful

( to behave or operate in a way that causes difficulty )

- That new secretary is still wet behind the ears

( to be young and without experience )

- Donald Trump always inveighs against immigrants in order to get votes

( to strongly criticize something or someone )

- Well, it should not be beyond the wits of man to resolve this issue! Let’s have a nice
coffee and settle it!
( to be possible to achieve )

164
- Before the Olympic 30/4 contest, I always feel like there’s a cloud hanging over me
( a situation or future event that makes you worry or feel unhappy )

- The police cordoned off the street where the bomb had gone off

- The steak looked tender, but it was as tough as old boots

( difficult to cut or eat )

- We need to deal with burglary more severely - Yes, we need to crack down on it

- He managed to jot down the registration number of car as it sped away

- Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just chalk it up to experience and don’t do it again
( to consider that something is caused by a particular thing )

- He got her off on a technicality and the plaintiff was forced to pay the costs
( to avoid punishment, or to help another person to avoid punishment for something )

- I was nowhere near that bank that got robbed. - Come off it. We have witnesses who
saw you there
( used to tell someone that you do not believe what they are saying is true, or that you
strongly disagree with them )

- When Marston comes back from sick leave, you’ll have to fill him in on what’s been
happening in his absence
( to give someone extra or missing information )

- I wish you wouldn’t keep on at me about neglecting the housework

( to continue to talk in an annoying way about something )

- It's a good idea to read up on a company before going for an interview.

( to spend time reading in order to find out information about something )

- We need to stock up on food before the strike

( to buy a large quantity of something )

- I never meant to poke fun at you. I was just teasing you a bit. That’s all
( to make someone seem stupid by making jokes about them or laughing unkindly )

165
- I can easily while the whole afternoon away reading a good book
( to spend time in a relaxed way because you have nothing to do or you are waiting for
something else to happen )

- The area has been cordoned off following a bomb threat

- My speech is okay, but I just hope I don’t dry up as soon as I get to the podium
( cease talking )

- Many people only manage to give up gambling by dint of a lot of hard work
( as a result of sth )

- I can’t believe you bet your car on the toss of a coin!

( entirely by chance )

- Mull my offer over for a few days and then let me know what you think
( to think carefully about sth for a long time )

- He had a very serious operation. Apparently, it’s a miracle he pulled through

( to become well again after a serious illness, especially when you might have died )

- These carrots have shriveled up a bit so I think I’ll throw them away
( become dried up, wrinkled and withered )

- What annoys me is that the man got off with just 100 hours’ community service

- The hotel manager promised to keep my valuables under lock and key

- They decided to put aside their differences and became friends

- What chemical is this? It is giving off a horrible smell

- It was too late to back out of the contract

- The teachers at the school went down with flu one after the other

- Has anyone shown you round yet?

166
- If the rain doesn’t let up soon, we shall have to look for a taxi
( If bad weather or an unpleasant situation lets up, it stops or improves )

- I had the news straight from the horse’s mouth; John himself told me he was planning
to change jobs

- Delilah wasn’t at a hungry, and could only toy with the food on her plates
( to consider something or doing something, but not in a very serious way, and without
making a decision )

- I must go on a diet, I put on a lot of weight while I was on a holiday

- My youngest brother first dabbled in buying old maps for his collection

- She was terribly nervous before the interview but she managed to pull herself
together and act confidently
( recover control of one's emotions )

- David’s leaving on Friday. I suggest we all chip in and get him a going-away present. $1
each should do
( contribute something as one's share of a joint activity, cost, etc. )

- It was a good idea, but I’m afraid it didn’t quite come off

- As we waited on the pavement, a black Mercedes pulled up beside us

- I’m afraid you have caught me on the hop. I wasn’t expecting you until this afternoon
( to do something when someone is not ready for it and is not able to deal with it )

- Alice is going to put in for the job of a sales assistant in Newcastle

- I don’t have time to clean the kitchen right now. Maybe I can get round to it later

- The young man got ticked off for damaging his bicycle

- That wall would fall over if it wasn’t propped up with planks of wood
( to lift and give support to something by putting something under it )

- My parents had a lot of children, so sometimes there wasn’t enough food to go round

167
( If there is enough of something to go round, there is enough for everyone in a group
of people )

- Unfortunately, our secret plans had been given away by someone before we managed
to put them into practice

- Do you think Robert is a good candidate for the job? - Well, I have known the boy for
many years and I can vouch for his great capacity for solving complex questions
( to say that you know from experience that something is true or good, or that someone
is honest and has a good character )

- We knew the concert was sold out, but we still went to the stadium on the off-chance
that someone might want to sell us their tickets
( hoping that something may be possible, although it is not likely )

- After a fall in profits, the company decided to pull out of the hotel business
( to stop being involved in an activity )

- Mel’s decided to leave his job and branch out on his own
( to start to do something different from what you usually do, especially in your job )

- Sales have been very poor so far this year but there are signs that they may be
picking up now
( increase, improve )

- It is rumoured that they are planning to lay off more staff next month. I hope I’m
not one of them

- Jo has been slogging away at her revision all morning. Why don’t you take her a cup of
coffee
( to work very hard for a long time )

- The papers are full of scandals, but in a few days it will all have blown away

- He has stood down to make way for someone younger

( give up your official job or position )

- I think we should keep to our original plan

168
- Don’t read too much into her leaving so suddenly - she probably just had a train to
catch
( to believe that an action, remark, or situation has a particular importance or meaning,
often when this is not true )

- He was hoping to sell his house for $100,000, but he had to settle for $80,000

- You should see about getting your hair cut

( to prepare for or deal with an action or event, or to arrange for sthto be done )

- The rain held off just long enough for us to have our picnic
( doesn’t happen immediately )

- Cycling is potentially very dangerous in London - you really need to keep your wits
about you

- Have you been able to persuade your father to buy a computer - No, he is dead
against the idea
( disapprove )

- Mrs. Stannard shook hands, her eyes taking in Karin from head to foot

- They kicked off a two-month tour of the US with a party in Washington

- There was very little traffic on the way, so I went flat out all the way and got here
early

- She felt so stupid. She’d never be able to live it down

- He was wearing very shabby, dirty clothes and looked very down at heel

- I’m not sure my brother will ever get married because he hates the feeling of being
tied down

- This area is absolutely crying out for more investment

- We are up to ears in work

169
- I’ve got to mull over idioms and phrasal verbs for the forthcoming school-team
selection test

- Peter blurted the news out before we could stop him

- I was promised a good job from January this year, but it’s April now and I’m afraid
that they are just stringing me along

- The tablets brought temporary respite from the excruciating pain

( a pause or rest from something difficult or unpleasant )

- Capital punishment was done away with in Britain nearly half a century ago

- We met each other at the meeting by coincidence

- The concert was given under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A

( with the help, support, or protection of )

- When he suddenly brought up the subject of genetic engineering, there was an

embarrassed silence

- The weather was fine and everyone was making for the coast

- After she ate the chocolate, her face broke out in rash

- No witness of the accident has come forward yet

- You won’t buy into all this nonsense, do you

- If I’m late for work again, I’ll be in for a severe warning from my boss

- Katie really takes after her mother. She has got the same character

- We have employed a person to check up on the condition of our ancestral home from
time to time

- I was trying to catch up on the work I’ve missed

- The health ministry has come under fire from all sides

170
- They are working against time to try and get people out of the rubble alive

- We had to get a bank loan when the money finally gave out
( be used up )

- Through no fault of his own, Tony was an hour late for the meeting

- While Diana was very much in awe of her grandfather, she adores her grandmother

- The government has come under fire for its decision to close the mines
( to be criticized c2 )

- By his own account, he’s quite wealthy

- I only went to the meeting under protest

( unwillingly )

- Ignoring their protests, Newman brushed past waiting journalists

( to walk quickly past someone, usually because you do not want to speak to them )

- His car was completely written off in the accident

( be damaged so badly that couldn’t be repaired )

- We must size up the situation before we decide what to do

( to examine something or someone carefully and decide what you think about it )

- To get his proposal accepted, the Finance Manager had to fend off heavy pressure
from colleagues
( to avoid dealing with something that is unpleasant or difficult )

- This type of cheese is very hard to put by ( preserve )

- Their school building is in repair, so they are having lessons in the old library

- Jam oozed from the doughnut when she bit into it

- What are you getting at? I can't understand what you're trying to say.

- News of her "secret" wedding got about so fast

171
- I only get round to watching tv when the children are in bed.

- The teacher reluctantly gave in to the students’ request to change the date of the
exam
( to finally agree to something that someone wants after first refusing )

- I’ll stand by Ryan, no matter what people say about him

- I usually kick off work at about 5:30, so I’m home by 6:30 most nights

- We were walking through the woods when we chanced upon a trap set by hunters

- The small boat drifted helplessly at the mercy of the wind and waves

- The staff can’t take leaves at the same time. They have to take holidays in rotation
( one after the other, in a regular order )

- On the news last night it was given out that the Prime Minister had resigned.

- We have been really busy, but things are starting to slacken off now
( to work less hard or to be less than is usual or necessary )

- We had to wade through pages of legal jargon before we could sign the contract
( to spend a lot of time and effort doing something boring or difficult, especially
reading a lot of information )

- This song is really growing on me

- She was overwhelmed with honor in recognition of her bravery

- I hope this headache wears off soon

- The interviewees are supposed to give their answers to the job offers on the spot
( immediately )

- Time was cracking on and we were nowhere near finished

- He denied rubbing his wife’s lover out

172
( to get rid of, kill )

- Even though he was proven wrong, he absolutely refused to back down

- My husband loves stripping down old cars and then working on them for months until
they look like new
( to remove the unnecessary parts of a system or process in order to make it more
simple or efficient )

- Her father laid into her when she came home two hours late from a party
( to attack someone physically, or to criticize someone in an angry way )

- They offered to buy her a BMW but she’s holding out for a Porsche

- I’ve been playing tennis for years. If this complete beginner beats me, I’ll never live it
down

- The problem with losing weight is that, if you succeed, all your clothes need to be
taken in

- She played up the fact that I’d enjoyed studying Shakespeare at school and
suggested that I audition for a part
( to make something seem more important or better than it really is, esp. to get an
advantage )

- The Premiership clubs have never disguised their antipathy to those who oppose their
principles
- Could you possibly sit in for me at the next committee meeting? I’ll be busy then

- We are fighting to make peace in the Vietnam Waters, but negotiations are beset
with difficulties

- Serious things have happened and it’s no good people letting on that they didn’t...
( pretend )

- The pilot wasn’t letting them get on if a passenger was late, but had caved in to
pressure from others
( to agree to demands that you originally opposed because you have become tired or
frightened )

173
- Teachers could get a feel of the polytechnic education and the kind of training
imparted to the students

- Some self-help books can enable you to draw a line under the past and concentrate on
the future
( to decide that something is finished and stop thinking about it )

- A general amnesty for political prisoners may be in the offing

( likely to happen or appear soon )

- He ran up a lot of debts in the town and then disappeared without a trace

- Something has cropped up at work and it looks like I am going to be stuck at the
office all night

- I have tried asking her, but she’s proving difficult to pin down a particular date
( to discover the exact details about something )

- There is nothing like a spa treatment to end off a relaxing day spent on the beach

- Why fork out for a taxi when there’s perfectly good bus service?
( to pay an amount of money, especially unwillingly )

- All the employees were asked to chip in ten dollars so that flowers could be bought
for the receptionist’s birthday

- Psychology is by definition an inexact science

- We will have to economize on heating or we won’t be able to pay the bill

- The government has been forced to climb down over the issue of increased tax

- James got into trouble for impersonating a police officer

- Theo and his brother are always together. They’re completely inseparable

- I suppose my biggest fault is that I’m a perfectionist

- Don’t be so insensitive. Can’t you see you have upset Guy?

174
- Liskard and Callington are basically equidistant from here, so it’ll take about the same
time to get to either of them

- Please keep emails short. Brevity makes everyone’s lives easier

- I’m not convinced that there is a causal link between pollution and global warming

- Getting started on a rehabilitation regime sometimes requires help with

detoxification, a process to remove excess chemicals from the body

- When he was still unmarried ten years ago, he was footloose and fancy-free
( free to do what you like and go where you like because you have no responsibilities )

- Some women found the discussions off-putting and went home

( slightly unpleasant or worrying so that you do not want to get involved in any way )

- They owned a low-maintenance orchard near the river so they didn’t need to take care
of it often

- This miserabilist is suitable for some funeral songs

- The venom of many snakes, especially cobras, acts as a hallucinogen, producing

ecstatic visions

- Aims are necessary starting points, but before the teacher can begin to provide
learning experiences further refinement is necessary

- A detailed list of consumables in the factory is publicly given

- It is a form of escapism that is comforting to a great number of people

- Lucy has to work every alternate Saturday

- He threw his bag unceremoniously on the floor

- The student was given detention for consistently forgetting to do her homework

- He made a foolhardy attempt to climb the tree to recover his kite

175
( brave in a silly way, taking unnecessary risks )

- I hate going clothes shopping with Carlo, he’s so choosy that he takes hours to find
anything he likes

- Some fetal malformation cannot be diagnosed until late in pregnancy

( the condition of being wrongly formed, or a part of something, such as part of the
body, that is wrongly formed )

- Nowadays more and more people are choosing to buy unadulterated organic food,
which has been grown without pesticides and chemicals

- Luckily, this therapy has reduced significantly the incidence of certain malformations
in infants

- What our company is in urgent need now is visionaries to see opportunities

- Robert is more bookish and intellectual than many of his fellow students

- Mr. Brown said the planned charges were the last straw for customers already angry
over banks’ high-handed attitude
( using power or authority more forcefully than is needed, without thinking about the
feelings or wishes of other people )

- His novel has been picturized many times

- Ash and biodegradable waste must be added regularly to achieve the right carbon
nitrogen ratio
( able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful )

- When one of the plane’s engines went out, I thought I was a goner
( a person or thing that has no chance of continuing to live )

- The airfield was bathed in the ghostly glow of searchlight

( a light with a very bright beam that can be turned in any direction, to guard prisons or
to see the movements of enemy aircraft in the sky )

- The light is sickly, the color of insomnia and sodium glare

176
- Paule Constable whispers to a technician and there is a flurry of keystrokes

- Even if you’re a regular theatregoer, when it comes to the art of lighting design you’re
probably, well, in the dark

- Low income, increasing pressure and little administrative support make teachers
disheartened with with their profession

- You create rhythm, pace, move the audience’s focus, control the frame, cut between
long shots and close-ups
( a photograph taken from a short distance that gives a very detailed picture )

- One of the local newspapers poured scorn on the referee for his partiality in the last
game. The man was accused of favouring the home team

- The company has an annual turnover of $25 million

- Various malpractices by police officers were brought to light by the enquiry

- It was impossible to read the pedestal inscription for it had been defaced by some
mindless vandal

- Preconceived ideas may influence on what we are going to do

- The cup was positioned precariously on the edge of the table

- It’s undeniable that the misdiagnosis of the local incompetent healer was responsible
for her sudden death

- The new bypass has certainly made things a lot easier in the town centre since it has
taken away all the through-traffic

- Are you sure the milometer is working properly on this truck? It must have done more
than twenty thousand

- Taking advantage of someone’s trust or innocence is completely despicable (đáng

khinh)

- His nasty comments were completely uncalled for and left an unsavoury

177
( very unpleasant or disgusting )

- The restaurant was closed down following an inspection that deemed the kitchen to be
unhygienic and unfit for food preparation

- Reunification of East and West Germany began in 1900 when the Berlin Wall came
down

- You could hardly say he was lazy; he’s been gainfully employed ever since he left
school.

- The management body was set up in order to oversee the construction of the railway
system
( to watch or organize a job or an activity to make certain that it is being done
correctly )

- Marie was an indefatigable campaigner for better community services

( never becoming tired )

- She was completely disfigured by severe burns

( to spoil the appearance of something or someone, especially their face, completely )

- The young musician met a tragic and untimely death at the age of 25
(Something bad that is untimely happens unexpectedly early or at a time that is not
suitable )

- He considered himself the best in our class, but his recent scores in the examination
has disabused him of that notion
( to cause someone no longer to have a wrong idea )

- The government is now faced with the insuperable problems of unemployment

( so great or severe that it cannot be defeated or dealt with successfully ) formal

- We have our in-house advertising department; therefore, we don’t need to hire other
companies to publish the materials.
( Something that is done in-house is done within an organization or business by its
employees rather than by other people )

178
- The speaker had to break off midway in his long speech on agrarian revolution owing
to the chorus of catcalls erupting from his audience ( CALL )

- Mr.Lavrov, when asked about the violation of the previous ceasefire among the
belligerents, refused to point out who was to blame for ( FIRE )

- Emasculated by his Achilles heel, Tom was bitterly defeated by his opponent
( MASCULINE )

- When the bomb went out, he was laying quiet, somnolent on the bed beside the
entrance after a long day full of all the drudgery ( INSOMNIA )

- Suffering from claustrophobia has made many people desperately struggle to be in

confined space (PHOBIC )

- “We regret to say that”, the doctor sadly informed his patient, “once the
envenomation has begun, you are bound to die a painful death” ( VENOM )

- She should take these antidepressant drugs to treat her state ( DEPRESS )

- Are you in favour of interracial marriage ( RACE )

- Have you ever disabused anyone of anything ( USE )

- These results seem counter-intuitive ( INTUITION )

- A multinational force is being sent to the trouble spot ( NATION )

- She sailed around the world single-handed ( HAND )

( without any help from anyone else )

- The results of the tests substantiated his claim ( SUBSTANCE )

- This is a plant with variegated leaves ( VARY )

( having a pattern of different colours or marks )

- He is being trained as a paralegal to help a lawyer ( LAW )

( someone who works in a law company, or a company's legal department, and has some
legal training, but does not have all the qualifications to be a lawyer )

179
- What he said was a shopworn argument ( SHOP )
( If a story or joke is shopworn, it is boring or not interesting because it is so familiar
to people )

- The boy was very violent and his parents found him unmanageable ( MANAGE )

- People in the village no longer use water in that well because of its impurity ( PURITY)

- The evidence in this case is entirely circumstantial ( CIRCUMSTANCE )

( containing information, especially about a crime, that makes you think something is
true but does not completely prove it )

- A list of forthcoming events will be posted on the noticeboard

- Data on the economic reforms show that those localities which heavily depend on
agriculture achieve low economic growth rates

- That young woman used to suffer from her life-time physical abnormalities

- Some gases liquefy at cold temperatures

- He is better-known for his charitable activities than for his business in the steel
industry

- The brochure displayed very tempting photographs of the tourist attractions in

Sweden. They were so mouth-watering that it was hard for viewers to resist booking
that tour immediately ( MOUTH )

- What must be avoided at all costs is the suppression of anger, as feelings of

resentment can lead a relationship to breakdown irretrievably ( RETRIEVE )
( in a way that is not possible to correct or is impossible to return to a previously
existing situation or condition )

- Tourists can see many panoramic views of the ocean and mountain ( PANORAMA )
( with a view of a wide area… wonderful panoramic view of the…)

180
- Though they are students, their theatricals made a good impression on the local
audience ( THEATRE )
( stage performances by people who are not trained or paid to act, but who practise and
perform in the time when they are not working )

- The islands have been westernized by the growth of tourism

- Dolphins, mammalian species, sometimes jump above the surface of the water

- We like Mary. She’s very nice and ladylike

- It’s Frank’s obstinacy that drives his parents crazy

- There are apocryphal stories of them cleaning out thousands of pounds worth of
stock in a matter of days ( APOCALYPTIC )

- Soldiers must be aware of the incoming risks and responsibilities of military service
(COME)

- A spinning maelstrom of rain swept around the mountain ( STREAM )

- There is no need to learn all the semaphore signs before beginning to signal
( SEMANTIC )

- Not all couples are sympathizer during long car trips ( SYMPATHETIC )

- A number of parapsychologists are still researching into telepathy and hypnosis

(PSYCHOLOGY )

- Many studies have examined various psychological correlates of extrasensory

perception scores, such as personality traits ( SENSE )

- If you are two-faced, sooner or later everyone will find out and you will be loathed (
FACE )

- In a tax-deferred annuity, your money grows much faster than in a taxable account (
TAX )

181
- Ava told me sth unintelligible under her breath, which I could not make head or tail of
(INTELLIGENT )

- My friends started going out late to nightclubs so I decided to dissociate myself

from the group ( SOCIAL )

- The witness claimed she was capable of discovering the man’s evil intentions from the
murderous look in his eyes ( MURDER )

- Research has proved that certain types of meditation can decrease key stress
symptoms such as anxiety and irritability ( IRRITATE )

- My father is a strict disciplinarian who always believes in ‘spare the rod, spoil the
child’

- Sales forecasts indicate a poor outlook for the clothing industry ( LOOK )

- An alarm sounds when the temperature reaches a predetermined level ( DETERMINE)

- Children who grow up in time of war are more likely to be maladjusted than others
( ADJUST )

- She stood there completely expressionless so I had no idea at all what she was
thinking
( EXPRESS )

- I’ve tried to advise my daughter against hitch-hiking around Europe alone, but she
won’t listen to me. She is so headstrong ( HEAD )

- How awful! What an outrageous thing for anyone to do! ( OUTRAGE )

- Pseudo-science includes beliefs, theories, or practices that have been or are

considered scientific, but have no basis in scientific fact ( SCIENCE )

- They argue that killing seals for inessential products cannot be justified
( ESSENTIAL )

- They were accused of non-observance of the terms of the contract ( OBSERVE )

182
- A business that teaches and reinforces error-free performance at all levels is a
business that is dedicated to the well-being of its employees ( ERROR )

- From September 1829 until March 1830 Lundy was assisted in the editorship of the
paper by William Lloyd Garrison ( EDITE )

- “Education-wise, this show is harmful to your belief structure,” Stewart said in

disbelief ( EDUCATION )

- The aim of this project is to create a multi-purpose house that will serve as
Dormitories, Restaurant with terrace, Bar, Dharma Shop, Office and Meeting area.
( PURPOSE )

- Determining why some high ability students demonstrate low levels of achievement is
difficult because underachievement occurs for many different reasons ( ACHIEVE )

- This chapter explores how judicial untruthfulness about what is at stake for
constitutional losers puts constitutional stature at risk ( TRUE )

- A fair-minded person always tries to be fair and reasonable, and always listens to
other people’s opinions ( MIND )

- He was discovered to have been expropriating company funds ( PROPERTY )

- Hunger and a slap-up meal did not sit happily side by side ( SLAP )

- After 2012, the base shifted the event to a biennial schedule, but budget cuts forced
it to cancel the 2014 show ( ANNUAL )

- Both countries are signatories to the Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty (

PROLIFERATE )
( the controlling of the spread and/or amount of something, especially nuclear or
chemical weapons )

- I admire her forthright way of dealing with people ( RIGHT )

( honest and direct in behaviour )

- The economy appears to be uppermost in people’s minds ( MOST )

( in the highest position or having the most influence)

183
- He demanded exemplary sentences for those behind the violence ( EXAMPLE )
= severe

- It’s a disorderly sort of a house with books and papers lying around everywhere
( ORDER )
= untidy and badly organized

- Our takings were down this week because the weather was so bad ( TAKE )
( all the money that a business gets from selling things )

- The program gives the facts but does not apportion blame ( PORTION )
( give or share out sth, especially blame or money, among several people or things )
- Most people believe that the government dispenses even-handed justice ( HAND )
( treating everyone fairly and equally )

- Although the US has recognized same-sex marriage nationwide, it doesn’t mean the
allies can rest on our laurels and are exonerated from the responsibility to advocate
our LGBT friends and families (ONUS)

- The fauna is becoming comparatively depauperate due to the isolation, young

geological age of the island and forestry activities within habitats (PAUPER)

- It is quite difficult to know your level if the consolidations are no-brainers (BRAIN)

- Others consider taking a gap year and travelling before college an eye-opening
experience that provides insight into real life (EYE)

- She looked absolutely dumbfounded when I told her what happened. She could hardly
say a word (DUMB)

- She was thunderstruck when her parents told her she was orphaned (THUNDER)

- The game was much enlivened when both teams scored with five minutes of each
other (LIFE)

- The car rolled down a railway embankment and hit a tree (BANK)

- Are you doing this on purpose just to infuriate me? (FURIOUS)

184
- You should avoid those journalists. They are just mischief-makers, only distressing
and prying into your private life (CHIEF)

- The careless driver was unapologetic about his bad behaviour (APOLOGIZE)

- The pregnant woman is looking at the collection of maternity clothes (MATERNAL)

- We are trying to create our own computerized database (DATA)

- The company has established total supremacy over its rivals (SUPREME)

- Before enrolling on a course, you should first ensure that it has been validated by an
officially recognized body (VALID)

- To contrast and relate the two styles of Picasso, you should have his early drawings
juxtaposed with his later works in the exhibition (POSE)

- It is common knowledge that oil and water are immiscible (MIX)

- There was yet another walkout yesterday at the factory over the question of tea-
breaks (WALK)

- One of the cars involved in the accident was a complete write-off (WRITE)

- Our principal is virtually trilingual in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese (LANGUAGE)

- The last recession devitalized the economy (VITAL)

- Like many technophiles of his generation, he was fascinated by the Internet

(TECHNOLOGY)

- Since most problems are multifaceted, there are several alternatives to choose from
each with unique pros and cons (FACET)

- I don’t think Tom’s getting too much sleep lately. His eyes are terribly blood-shot
(BLEED)

- Don’t you think you can soft-soap me! (SOAP)

185
- A combination of boredom and, increasingly, absenteeism ensured that the standard
of the son’s work declined alarmingly (ABSENCE)

- The locals are advised to stay away from confrontational rioters (CONFRONT)

- He sound exceedingly enthusiastic about the idea (EXCESS)

- The movie has been criticized for apparently legitimizing violence (LEGITIMATE)

- A conspicuous indication of his promising career wrecked by scandal is that he has

been demoted to a lower range (PROMOTE)

- The plan to revitalize the inner cities has been unanimously approved by the
committee (VITAL)

- She had had a presentiment of what might lie ahead (PRESENT)

- ”Help!” she cried, waving her arms distractedly in an attempt to attract someone’s
attention (DISTRACT)

- Her willingness to work hard is what signalizes her from the other students (SIGN)

- The impact on the environment of this massive oil spillage is imponderable (PONDER)

- The box didn’t look very prepossessing , but the necklace inside was beautiful
(POSSESS)

- Tuesday’s news report of another baby mix-up case sadly lent topicality to last night’s
TV drama on a similar subject (TOPIC)

- Many governments are declassified after 50 years (CLASS)

- The car veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a oncoming truck
(COME)

- The opening of the new theatre a month ahead of schedule brought backslapping
around (SLAP)

186
- It was very neighbourly of you to do her shopping for her (NEIGHBOUR)

- Tourists and many Vietnamese expatriates in France took part in a protest taking
place at … (PATRIOT)

- He was one of the all-time great boxers with his quick jab and dazzling footwork
(FOOT)

- My friends started going out late to nightclubs so I decided to dissociate myself

from the group (SOCIAL)

- In buying their business, the company gains a major foothold in a market it considers
critical to the future of the industry (HOLD)

- I cannot comment; I have sworn to secrecy on the matter (SECRET)

- Although the U.S has recognized same-sex marriage nationwide, it doesn’t mean we
allies can rest on our laurels and are exonerated from the responsibility to advocate
our LGBT friends and families (ONUS)

- As the global warming looms large, more and more icebergs make the transpolar
journey from one continent to another, resulting in the sea level rise (POLE)

- My mother was unable to get over her cyberphobia since she was never a part of the
high-tech generation, for whom computers must have been a living nightmare (PHOBIC)

- People coming from the Southern Vietnam always enjoy home cooking, especially the
snakehead fish done slowly in earthenware pots over fires then served with rice and
vegetables (EARTH)

- The fauna is becoming comparatively depauperate due to the isolation, young

geological age of the island and forestry activities within habitats (PAUPER)

- The jailbreaking of iOS is led by an unsurpassably talented and pre-eminent group of

hackers, whose jobs are much more complex than its simple elements might imply
(PASS)

187
- The mind-boggling TV series Sense8 has posed a serious question: What happens when
our convictions and callings clash irreconcilably with those of ordinary people?
(CONCILIATE)

- Training for advanced English exams is an opportunity to challenge yourselves, for it

is quite difficult to know your level if the consolidations are no-brainers (BRAIN)

- When children are bitten by poisonous snakes, initial treatment of envenomation

involves keeping them collected and preventing further toxin release until access to
medical assistance (VENOM)

- While many people argue that taking a gap year and travelling before college is merely
a waste of time and money, others consider it an eye-opening experience that provides
insight into real life (EYE)

- The agenda for meeting is still not finalized (FINAL)

- Management decided the office was over-manned and sacked three junior typists
(MAN)

- University faculties expect to receive completed theses by the beginning of June

(THESIS)

- He made a foodhardy attempt to climb the tree to recover his kite (FOOL)

- Store cards are offered at the till and people can obtain fistfuls of credit cards with
relative ease (FIST)

- Please place your cigarette ends in the receptacles provided (RECEIVE)

- Why don’t you take the initiative and arrange the meeting (INITIATE)

- His workmates were very uncooperative and selfish (COOPERATE)

- Heavy rain and excessive use have the soil impoverished (POVERTY)

- Now aged 42, he is no longer considered a serious contender for the title
(CONTENTION)

188
- It knew of plans to carry out killings of exiled political dissident and at the very least
did nothing to top them (RESIDENT)

- How can a loving, omnipotent God permit disease, war and suffering ? (POTENT)

- They put on an impromptu concert for the visitors (IMPROVISE)

- Find the area and perimeter of the following shape (METRE)

- As the clock ticked monotonously on the wall Mr Simons slowly and methodically cut
up and ate his food (TONE)

- He knew hundreds, perhaps thousands, of song off the top of his head, but he was not
a virtuoso musician (VIRTUE)

- Her action earned her the enmity of two or three colleagues (ENEMY)

- I fought some guy on the weekend and headbut his ass into the ground (HEAD)

- Stop pussyfooting around and tell me what you really think (FOOT)

189
 Key Word Transformations
1. Electricity is getting very expensive these days.
cost
The __COST OF ELECTRICITY IS GETTING__ higher and higher these days.

2. Unemployment has risen considerably over the last eighteen months and the
government is under pressure to find a solution.
increase
The government is under pressure due to __AN INCREASE IN UNEMPLOYMENT__
over the last eighteen months.

3. The minister's resignation from the government was caused by the discovery of his
role in the financial scandal.
led
The discovery of the minister's role in the financial scandal __LED TO HIS
RESIGNATION FROM__ the government.

4. Oh, there you are! I didn't even know you had gone out!
unaware
I __WAS UNAWARE OF THE__ fact that you had gone out.

5. Don't get involved in this John, it has nothing to do with you.

keep
This has nothing to do with you so __KEEP OUT (OF IT)__.

6. I really can't understand why he can't finish the project on time.

baffled
I am really __BAFFLED THAT/WHY HE IS UNABLE__ to finish the project on time.

7. Mr. Edwards was sacked partly because of his arriving late to work.
contributed
Mr. Edwards' constant lateness __CONTRIBUTED TO HIS SACKING/DISMISSAL__
from the company.

8. You can't just suddenly decide to go on a safari. You need to plan things very
carefully.
spur
Going on safari isn't a decision you can make __ON THE SPUR OF THE__ moment. You
need to plan things very carefully.

190
1. She wants nothing less than to get that job. It would be a dream come true.
set
She has __SET HER HEART/(MIND) ON__ getting that job.

2. If they ever discover your role in the incident, you will go to prison.
light
If your role in the incident __EVER COMES TO LIGHT__, you'll go to prison.

3. Harry plays tennis much better than I do.

nearly
I am not __NEARLY AS GOOD A__ tennis player as Harry is.

4. Both candidates for the job are strong. They are both equally good.
hardly
There is __HARDLY ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN / ANYTHING SEPARATING__ the
two job candidates.

5. That child is twice as tall as he was two years ago.

doubled
That child's __HEIGHT HAS DOUBLED__ in the last two years.

6. As soon as I arrived at the pub, a fight started.

sooner
No __SOONER HAD I ARRIVED THAN__ a fight broke out in the pub.

7. There were very few people who understood what the professor said in the meeting.
virtually
There __WAS VIRTUALLY NOBODY/NO-ONE__ who understood what the professor
said in the meeting.

8. The bank robbers had disappeared completely by the time the police arrived.
sign
There __WAS NO SIGN OF THE__ robbers when the police arrived.

1. Give me a call only if you have to buy gas for the car.
run
Unless __YOU RUN OUT OF__ gas, don't call me.

2. Watch the new secretary carefully this week to make sure she doesn't make any big
mistakes.
eye
Keep __AN EYE ON THE__ secretary this week to make sure she doesn't make any big
mistakes.

191
3. You shouldn't be surprised at Kevin winning that tournament.
come
It __SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE__ that Kevin won that tournament.

4. There is no doubt at all that the government will win the election.
conclusion
It is __A FOREGONE CONCLUSION__ that the government will win the election.

5. This is certainly not the last time you will be needed here on a Sunday.
means
It is __BY NO MEANS CERTAIN (THAT)__ you won't be needed again on a Sunday.

6. Whatever happens, don't let anyone into the building without proper identity.
circumstances
__UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES__ should you let anyone into the building without
proper identity.

7. If it wasn't for your arrogance, you would have gotten your promotion a long time
ago.
but
__BUT FOR YOUR__ arrogance, you would have gotten your promotion a long time ago.

8. I presume you are coming to the party Miriam.

read
Can I __TAKE IT AS READ (THAT)__ you are coming to the party Miriam?

1. You are not a bad lawyer Martin, but I don't think it is a very suitable job for you.
cut
I just don't think you __ARE CUT OUT TO BE__ a lawyer.

2. I don't have the foggiest idea whether he will be coming or not.

whatsoever
I have __NO IDEA WHATSOEVER WHETHER/IF__ he will be coming or not.

3. He failed the exam as he didn't work as fast as the rest of the class.
pace
His failure was blamed on his inability __TO KEEP PACE WITH THE__ rest of the
class.

4. Everyone is criticising the government for its poor unemployment record

come
The government __HAS COME IN FOR CRITICISM__ over its unemployment record.

5. He was always going to leave that house after the divorce was finalised.
bound

192
He __WAS BOUND TO LEAVE__ the house after the divorce.

6. I don't find it at all surprising that nobody came to the party.

wonder
It's __NO WONDER THAT__ nobody came to the party.

7. Please don't tell anyone else what I told you about Elizabeth.
keep
__PLEASE KEEP TO__ yourself what I told you about Elizabeth.

8. Our boss is absolutely determined not to give us that pay rise.

intent
Our boss __IS INTENT ON NOT GIVING__ the pay rise.

1. I could only afford that house because of the loan you gave me.
lent
Had __YOU NOT LENT ME THE__ money, I wouldn't have been able to afford the
house.

2. You don't have to come and see the new house if you don't wish.
obligation
You are __UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO COME__ and see the new house if you don't
wish.

3. You should have seen the boss as soon as you arrived. You knew he wanted to see you.
supposed
You __WERE SUPPOSED TO SEE__ boss when you arrived.

4. She is already married and you knew! I wish you had told me.
might
You __MIGHT HAVE TOLD ME__ she was married!

5. I went in to work for an hour even though I knew it was a holiday.

not
I need __NOT HAVE GONE__ into work but I did anyway.

6. The headmaster will give a prize to the top student of the year.
awarded
The __TOP STUDENT WILL BE AWARDED__ a prize by the headmaster.

7. Police arrested Johnson because they think he was involved in the robbery.
suspicion
Johnson was detained __ON SUSPICION OF INVOLVEMENT/BEING INVOLVED__ in
the robbery.

193
8. You don't need to concern yourself with the new tax laws till October.
effect
The new tax laws __DON'T TAKE EFFECT TILL OCTOBER__.

1. She still hasn't really recovered from losing her job in August.
being
She still really hasn't got __OVER BEING MADE REDUNDANT__ in August.

2. I'm afraid I believed his fake story completely!

taken
I regret to say that I __WAS TAKEN IN BY__ his fake story.

3. This washing machine will give you years of service if you care for it properly.
after
Properly __LOOKED AFTER, THIS WASHING MACHINE__ will give you years of
service.

4. Could you help me tackle a problem with my son?

dealing
I'd be grateful for __YOUR HELP IN DEALING WITH__ a problem with my son.

5. The news that the President had quit came as a great surprise to everyone.
aback
Everyone __WAS TAKEN ABACK BY THE__ President quitting.

6. Do you mind if I observe you while you draw that sketch?

objection
Do you __HAVE ANY OBJECTION IF I__ observe you while you draw that sketch?

7. Janet has never passed any exams, as far as I'm aware.

knowledge
To __MY KNOWLEDGE, JANET HAS__ no formal qualifications.

8. None of us was expecting to have a test this morning.

blue
This morning's test __CAME OUT OF THE BLUE__ for every one of us.

1. The school's management are investigating allegations of teacher brutality. into

Allegations of teacher brutality are being looked into by the school's management.

2. If I lose this job, nobody will let me forget it.

live
I'll never live it down if I lose this job.

3. They'll have to cancel the show if the audience doesn't increase.

194
mean
A continued low audience for the show will mean its cancellation.

4. A phone call was the first we heard about them withdrawing from the concert.
pulling
The first we heard about them pulling out of the concert was a phone call.

5. Please do those photocopies whenever you have the time.

happen
Please do those photocopies if you happen to have the time.

6. I'm just about to give up this diet because it's not working at all.
point
I'm on the point of giving this diet up because it's not working at all.

7. The shop was closed for a week while they decorated it.
done
While it was being done up, the shop was closed for a week.

8. He lost the race as he didn't run as quickly as the rest of the boys.
pace
His loss was blamed on his inability to keep pace with rest of the boys.

9. If you don't know what you're doing, you shouldn't dismantle the watch.
apart
Don't take the watch apart unless you know what you're doing.

10. Don't tell a soul what I said to you about Margaret.

keep
Keep to yourself what I said to you about Margaret

11. We had no problems at all during our holiday in Turkey.

plan
Everything went according to plan during our holiday in Turkey

12. Our class has won the History Quiz for the third year running.
succession
For the third year in succession, our class has won the History Quiz

13. What used to be my workplace is now a Thai restaurant.

turned
My old workplace has been turned into a Thai restaurant.

14. I don't mind at all if you film my wedding speech.

objection

195
I have no objection to you filming my wedding speech.

15. "Don't tell Chris too much or you'll regret it," Sally told June.
against
Sally advised June against saying too much to Chris.

16. Mary didn't seem to be at all scared when she drove the motorbike.
disregard
Mary showed a disregard for her own safety when she drove the motorbike.

17. Jane said it was Sarah's fault that the dinner party was a disaster.
placed
Jane placed the blame on Sarah for the disastrous dinner party.

18. The heavy downpour brought their picnic to an abrupt end.

CUT
They had to cut short their picnic because of the heavy downpour.

19. His argument was irrelevant to the case being discussed

NOTHING
His argument had nothing to do with the case being discussed

20. Karen sometimes appears very silly

APT
Karen is apt to be very silly sometimes

21. The meal was delicious apart from the chicken

EXCEPTION
With the exception of the chicken, the meal was delicious

22. The match had to be cancelled due to the bad weather

CALLED
The match had to be called off because of the bad weather

23. I phone her nearly every day

GOES
Hardly a day goes by without my calling her

24. If you don’t work harder, you’ll fail the exam

SOCKS
You need to pull your socks up if you want to pass the exam

25. I feel totally relaxed after a nice warm bath

LEAVES
A nice warm bath leaves me feeling totally relaxed

196
26. I’m quite happy to go on holiday alone
AVERSE
I’m not averse to going on holiday on my own

27. It’s impossible to say how he will react to your news

TELLING
There is no telling how he will react to your news

28. You are not the only person to fail this exam
ALONE
You are not alone in failing this exam

29. We can’t promise that we’ll be back in time

GUARANTEE
There is no guarantee that we’ll be back in time

30. He was really jealous when he saw his brother’s new car
GREEN
He was green with envy to see his brother’s new car

31. The new bar is much better than the old one
IMPROVEMENT
This new bar is a great improvement on the old one

32. Do you mind if I change the channel?

OBJECTION
Do you have any objection to my changing the channel?

33. Give me a phone call when you arrive, ever if it is after my bedtime
WHETHER
No matter whether it is after my bedtime when you arrive or not, give me a phone call

34. A lack of match practice is threatening to ruin the player’s chances of qualifying
UNDER
The player’s chances of qualifying are under threat due to a lack of match practice

35. Her father made it clear that he would not be discussing the matter any further
OPEN
Her father made it clear that the matter was no longer open to discussion

36. The prisoner was led to dock by an armed officer

WAY
The prisoner made his way to the dock under an armed escort.
37. The lawyer for the defence suggested the witness was not telling the truth

197
DOUBT
The defence lawyer called into doubt the witness’ version of events

38. Jackie really has no idea of the difficulty of driving to London during rush hours
HOW
Little does Jackie know how hard it is to drive to London during rush hour

39. The applicant’s cover letter impressed his prospective employers immediately on
viewing it.
No sooner had they seen the applicant’s cover letter than his prospective employers
were impressed by it

40. I felt relaxed at my boyfriend’s house because his parents treated me like part of
the family
My boyfriend’s parents put me at ease by treating me like part of the family

41. The team was divided over who should be chosen to lead the expedition
CHOICE
The choice of expedition leader was dividing the team

42. The crash victim was beyond help when emergency services reached her
WHATSOEVER
There was nothing whatsoever emergency services could do on reaching the victim

43. His childhood piano teacher impressed him in a way he would never forget
LASTING
His childhood piano teacher made a lasting impression on him

44. Jane certainly wasn’t going to accept Alex’s apology last night
MOOD
Jane was not in the mood for an apology from Alex last night

45. Jane didn’t get the job because she wasn’t experienced enough
DOWN
Jane’s failure to get the job was down to lack of experience

46. The project was not cleared to begin until a full planning appeal had been heard
HEARING
Only after hearing a full planning appeal was the project finally cleared to begin

47. He refused to accept help and this led to his increasing isolation
DOWN
His increasing isolation was down to his refusal to accept help

198
48. His fake arrogance only hid his genuine insecurity
LAY
Behind his fake arrogance lay a hidden insecurity

49. Only the top fifteen players will make it through to the next round
ADVANCE
The top fifteen players only will advance to the next round

50. The goalkeeper did not have to make a single save all game
WITHOUT
The game ended without the goalkeeper having to make a single save

51. It is quite urgent that we hold this meeting

MATTER
The meeting should be held as a matter of urgency

52. There were plenty of people there to help us so the job got done quickly
LACK
The job got done quickly because there was no lack of help

53. Your gift is so generous that I do not feel like I can accept it
POSSIBLY
I could not possibly accept such a generous gift

54. Everything about the film was good but we were mostly impressed by the
photography
IMPRESSIVE
The photography was the most impressive thing about the film

55. Mandy has never forgotten to bring a snack

REMEMBER
Mandy never fails to remember to bring a snack

56. Everyone in the company is hard-working, including Bob

ANYONE
Bob is as hard-working as anyone else in the company

57. The time that must be invested in development is the only drawback of this
software
ASIDE
This software has no drawbacks aside from its lengthy development time

1. I really don’t like it when you cheated me yesterday

RIDE
I’d rather you hadn’t taken me for a ride yesterday

199
2. Don’t make a fuss over such trivial things
MOUNTAIN
Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

3. We were amazed to know that he was a liar

UNTRUTH
To our amazement, he told an untruth

4. Everyday television viewers witness some sort of violence or crime on their screens
GOES BY
Hardly a day goes by without television viewers witnessing some sort of violence or
crime on their screens

5. Some parents are confident that there children will succeed

HOPES
Some parents have high hopes that their children will succeed

6. It is best for you to give up resistance and to cooperate

INTEREST
It is in your interest to give up resistance and to cooperate

7. I can’t stand your stupid remarks any longer

ENOUGH
I’ve had enough of your stupid remarks

8. He insisted on absolute obedience and recognition of his right to give orders

NOTHING
He insisted on nothing but his right to give orders

9. She bears a strong resemblance to somebody else that I used to know

REMINDS
She reminds me very much of somebody else that I used to know

10. You will start to feel better as soon as this drug is effective
The moment this drug takes effect, you will start to feel better

1. He had made no effort to conceal his dislike for me ever since I was promoted over
him
GRUDGE
He has had a grudge against me ever since I was promoted over him

2. He seems to be more active because he has won a scholarship to study

LEASE
That he has won a scholarship to study overseas gives him a new lease of life

200
3. Police arrested Johnson because they think he was involved in the robbery
SUSPICION
Johnson was detained on suspicion of being involved in the robbery

4. His irresponsible attitude is endangering his career as a doctor

JEOPARDY
His career as a doctor has been put in jeopardy because of his irresponsible attitude

5. It is usual for young children to ask a lot of questions

APT
Young children are apt to ask a lot of questions

6. Don’t let her give in however hard they try to persuade her
GUNS
Make sure she sticks to her guns however hard they try to persuade her

7. I couldn’t stop thinking about the exam despite playing backgammon with Paul
MIND
Playing backgammon with Paul failed to take my mind off the exam

8. Being inexperienced was a disadvantage to her when she applied for promotion
COUNTED
Her lack of experience counted against her when she applied for promotion

9. I don’t mind staying in on a Saturday night if I have good company

AVERSE
I’m not averse to staying in on a Saturday night if I have good company

10. I find grammar exercises extremely boring

STIFF
Grammar exercises bore me stiff.

1. I know it’s a great shame but we’ve cancelled the summer party
= Unfortunately, the summer party has been cancelled

2. None of the passengers were injured because of the driver’s quick reaction
= But for the driver’s quick reaction, some of the passengers would have been injured

3. Seeing Patricia cry like that made me feel guilty

What made me feel guilty was seeing Patricia cry like that

4. I had to clear the spare room before I could start decorating

= Only when I had cleared the spare room could I start decorating

201
5. Being in prison seems to have changed Kevin’s behaviour for the better
LEAF
= Kevin has turned over a new leaf since he got out of prison

6. I decided right there and then to buy it and now I really regret it!
WHIM
I bought it on a whim and now I really regret it!

7. I left my last job because I didn’t really agree with my manager’s approach
EYE
= I left my last job because I didn’t really see eye to eye with my manager

8. I sincerely promise you that I’m telling you the truth

I promise you from the bottom of my heart that I’m telling the truth

9. A reliable source told me that the local newspaper is going to shut down
AUTHORITY
= I have it on good authority that the local newspaper is going to shut down

10. Don’t you think you should be a bit more respectful to them, Edward?
TREAT
= Don’t you think you should treat them with a bit more respect, Edward?

1. I bet your friend could tell several stories about you

GOOD
= I bet your friend could tell a good few stories about you

2. Although Mia was a bit off colour, she decided to take the exam
SET
= Being under the weather, Mia set her mind on taking the exam

3. This knife sharpener is completely useless

DEAD
= This knife sharpener is a dead loss

4. Being her only niece, Ann is very precious to her

APPLE
= Being her only niece, Ann is the apple of her eyes

5. That he decided to retire early marked the end of his distinguished career
CURTAIN
= His decision to retire early brought the curtain down on his distinguished career

6. It was more of a business arrangement rather than a marriage

= It was not so much a marriage as a business arrangement

202
7. She herself admitted to being rather selfish
= On her own admission, she was rather selfish

8. You may not be considered qualified if you don’t obey the game regulations
= Failure to obey the game regulations may lead to disqualification

9. I will only be satisfied if the manager apologized fully

= Nothing short of a full apology from the manager will satisfy me

10. The man’s life was one of great poverty

= Throughout his life, the man was very poor

1. When I grow up, I’m going to be really important

CAT
= I’m going to be a fat cat when I grow up

2. If there’s no reason not to, I’ll vote for Jeremy

= All things being equal, I’ll vote for Jeremy

3. They were so worried that they didn’t know how they would manage the task in time
END
= They were at their wits’ end, wondering how they would manage the task in time

4. I didn’t want to give up while some hope of success remained

DEFEAT
= I was loath to admit defeat while there was still some hope of success

5. It is unwise to draw conclusions too quickly about people’s motives

JUMP
= It is unwise to jump to conclusions about people’s motives

6. Surprisingly, a large number of people believe left-handed people are more intelligent
WIDESPREAD
= Surprisingly, there is a widespread belief that left-handed people are more intelligent

7. It is better to give vent to your feelings

BOTTLE
= It is better not to bottle up your feelings.
( to express a negative emotion in a forceful and often unfair way )

8. It will be extremely difficult to get your work finished by the deadline

UPHILL
= It will be an uphill struggle to get your work finished by the deadline

203
9. The appeal of Shakespeare’s plays has certainly lasted through centuries
TEST
= The appeal of Shakespeare’s plays has certainly stood the test of time

10. If you want my opinion, he’s useless

WORTH
= For what it is worth, he is useless

1. He was exasperated with being criticized in public all the time

TEETH
= He was fed up to the back teeth with being criticized in public all the time

2. The factory is making every possible effort to finish the orders on time
FIRING
= The factory is firing on all cylinders to finish the orders on time

3. Forecasters were trying to protect themselves from making the wrong prediction
about the storm, saying that it could bring lots of snow, or it could head away from us
HEDGING
= Forecasters were hedging their bets about the storm, say that it could bring lots of
snow, or it could head away from us

4. The software company leaves you no choice - if you don’t accept the license, you can’t
use the software.
BARREL
= The software company has you over the barrel - if you don’t ...

5. The comedian made the audience all laugh uncontrollably with his jokes
AISLES
= The comedian had the audience rolling in the aisles with his jokes

6. The door-to-door sales representative was just pretending to be honest and was
actually a swindler
COLORS
= It turned out that the door-to-door sales representative was sailing under false
colors and was actually a swindler

7. They were among the first to be innovative and use clay to build contemporary
sculptures
BREAK
= They were among the first to break with tradition and use clay to build contemporary
sculptures

204
8. We decided to go for a walk despite the bad weather
BRAVE
= We decided to brave the elements and go for a walk

9. Rumors of his ill health brought an atmosphere of grief to the celebrations

GLOOM
= Rumors of his ill health cast gloom over the celebrations

10. He spent the rest of his life helping the poor as a punishment for the crimes he had
committed
PENANCE
= He devoted the rest of his life to helping the poor as a penance for his past crimes

1. Phil stopped being so unrealistic when he lost his job

BROUGHT
= The loss of his job brought Phil down to earth

2. You must not enter this area unless you are wearing protective clothing
STRICTLY
= Entry to this area is strictly forbidden to anyone who is not wearing protective
clothing

3. My grandmother would always make us eat everything on our plates when we visited
her
WASTE
= Nothing we were given to eat was allowed to go to waste

4. I had spent every last penny of my money

WHATSOEVER
= I had absolutely no money left whatsoever

5. Owing to illness, Sally was unable to sing the solo, as arranged

HAVE
= Sally was to have sung the solo but she fell ill

6. Fancy you and I having the same surname

SHOULD
It’s odd that you and I should have the same surname

7. The mechanic put a lot of effort to repair the engine of my car

PAINS
= The mechanic was at great pains to repair the engine of my car

205
8. Several years of heavy working in the harmful conditions of the coalmine have
undoubtedly undermined my father’s health
TOLL
= … have undoubtedly taken their toll on my father’s health

9. She just came to see me when she had nothing to do

= Only when she was at a loose end did she come to see me

10. The personnel officer promised him that she wouldn’t tell anyone that he had been
in the prison
WORD
= The personnel officer gave him her word that she wouldn’t tell anyone that he had
been in the prison

1. She is not upset; she is only pretending

ACT
= She is not upset; she is only putting on an act

2. He was finally able to adjust himself to the new working condition

SWING
= He finally got into the swing of the new working condition

3. Mike has a more complex personality than you may think

DEPTHS
= Mike has greater depths to him than you may think

4. How will the changes affect the company?

IMPLICATIONS
= What implications will the changes have on the company?

5. Since the advertisement, we’ve had more applications than we can deal with
SWAMPED
= Since the advertisement, we’ve been swamped with applications

6. Should they strike the consultant off, she will never work again
= If she be struck off, the consultant will never work again

7. For further information, please send a self-addressed envelope to the above address
= Further information can be obtained by sending a self-addressed envelope to the
above address

8. My uncle did not suffer from his experience

= My uncle was none the worse for his experience

206
9. I really admire you for your improvement ( HAT )
= I take my hat off to you for your improvement

10. David feels uncomfortable in front of all those people ( ILL )

= David seems really ill at ease in front of all those people

1. Don’t be upset by what she said ( HEART )

= Don’t take what she said to heart

2. I promised him that there would be no reception of the situation in the future
( WORD )
= I gave him my word that there would be no reception of the situation in the future

3. I don’t think it was reasonable of you to complain so much about the service
( JUSTIFIED )
= I don’t think you were justified in making such a fuss about the service

4. Your attitude to life would be greatly improved by regular exercise

( WONDERS )
= Regular exercise do wonders for the way you look at life

5. The manager said that he had paid attention to my complaints and would take the
appropriate action ( NOTE )
= The manager said that he had taken note of my complaints and would act accordingly

6. His behaviour at the conference gave him the bad reputation he now has
( CONDUCTED )
= The way he conducted himself at the conference resulted in the bad reputation he
now has

7. He had no idea what was going to happen to him when he walked into that room
( STORE )
= Little did he know what lay in store for him when he walked into that room

8. He became famous but it cost him his privacy ( EXPENSE )

= His rise in fame came at the expense of his privacy

9. You shouldn’t let trivial matters worry you so much ( PREY )

= You shouldn’t let trivial matters prey on you to such a great extent

10. We decided to stay for longer because we were so thrilled by the place
( PROLONG )
= We decided to prolong our stay - so thrilled were we by the place

207
1. I’ll have to find out about the background to the problem before I can comment
( ACQUAINT )
= I’ll have to acquaint myself with the background to the problem before I can
comment

2. I told the manager very clearly that I would not tolerate such appalling service
( UNCERTAIN )
= I told the manager in no uncertain terms that I would not tolerate such appalling
service

3. Since there wasn’t a better alternative, I accepted the job (ABSENCE)

= In the absence of a better alternative, I accepted the job

4. She is determined to become a doctor ( HEART )

= She has set her heart on becoming a doctor

5. The forthcoming biography of him will make him seem an arrogant and selfish man (
PORTRAYED )
= In the forthcoming biography of him, he will portrayed as being arrogant and selfish

6. I felt vaguely that something was wrong, but what was it? ( BACK )
= I felt at the back of my mind that sth was wrong, but what was it?

7. What exactly am I supposed to have done wrong? ( STAND )

= What exactly do I stand accused of having done wrong

8. The incident ruined my chances of promotion ( PAID )

= The incident put paid to my chances of promotion

9. Sam made absolutely sure nothing would go wrong when he planned the expedition (
CHANCE )
= Sam left nothing to chance when he planned the expedition

10. I don’t really know why, but I don’t trust him ( FINGER )
= I can’t put my finger on the reason/ why but I don’t trust him

1. Being inexperienced was a disadvantage to her when she applied for promotion (
COUNTED )
= Her lack of experience counted against her when she applied for promotion

2. The brochure gives hardly any useful information

= Precious little useful information is given in the brochure

3. Trudy was quite relieved when she found out the truth
It was something of a relief to Trudy when she found out the truth

208
4. The collision didn’t damage my car much
= Not a great deal of damage was done to by car

5. Just thinking about his face at that moment makes me laugh

= The very thought of his face at that moment makes me laugh

6. Arguing with her won’t get you anywhere

= It won’t do you any good to argue with her

7. It won’t harm us to see what special offers are on at the moment

= We might as well see what special offers are on at the moment

8. He discontinues his studies because he is poor

= His poverty prevents him from continuing his studies

9. You certainly could never accuse Tom of being mean ( NOTHING )

= Tom is nothing other than generous

10. Why on earth did you do sth as dangerous as that? ( POSSESSED )

= What on earth possessed you to do sth as dangerous as that?

1. Brian is a strong contender for the position ( LIST )

= Brian is on the short list for the position

2. Katy hasn’t been feeling well lately ( RUN )

= Katy has been feeling run down lately

3. There was no further delay in awarding the prizes ( ADO )

= The prizes were awarded without further ado

4. The money was released very gradually ( DRIBS )

= The money was released in dribs and drabs

5. You have said exactly the right thing ( NAIL )

= You have hit the nail on the head

6. Don’t tell the boss anything about this ( BREATHE )

= Don’t breathe a word of this to the boss

7. I was not sure whether to go with him or not ( MINDS )

= I was in two minds about whether to go with him

8. Our boss criticizes our work at all time ( FAULT )

= Our boss is always finding fault with our work

209
9. In spite of his efforts, his plans failed ( CAME )
= His plans came nothing although he tried hard

10. Mr Downson accused Richard of leaking the news ( PUT )

= Mr Downson put the blame on Richard for leaking the news

1. It was not until five years had elapsed that the whole truth about the murder came
out
= Not for another five years did the whole truth about the murder come out

2. The inhabitants were far worse-off twenty years ago than they are now
= The inhabitants are nowhere near as badly-off as they were twenty years ago

3. Don’t make me suffer because of your problems! ( ON )

= Don’t take it out on me just because you’ve got problems!

4. She just pretended to welcome him, then quickly left the waiting room (MOTIONS)
= She just went through the motions of welcoming him, then quickly left the waiting
room

5. We have made neither a profit nor a loss this year ( EVEN )

= We have broken even this year

6. It would be easy to make a film adaptation of Danielle Steel’s latest novel

= Danielle Steel’s latest novel lends itself to being made into a film

7. Recent research has changed theories about the causes of bird flu ( LIGHT )
= Theories about the causes of bird flu have changed in the light of recent research

8. Brian couldn’t explain how the stolen computer got into the boot of his car ( LOSS)
= Brian was at a loss to explain how the stolen computer got into the boot of his car

9. The company is unable to guarantee an allocated car-parking space to all employees (

COUNT )
= The company’s employees shouldn’t count on being allocated a car-parking space

10. The public reacted angrily to the minister’s remarks ( DREW )

= The minister’s remarks drew an angry response from the public

1. His smooth manner didn’t deceive us ( TAKEN )

= We were not taken in by his smooth manner

2. I haven’t realized what it means yet ( SUNK )

= It hasn’t sunk in yet

210
3. The disagreement is a lot of fuss about nothing ( TEACUP )
= The disagreement is a storm in a teacup

4. Organic vegetables are said to be very healthy ( WONDERS )

= Organic vegetables are said to do wonders for one’s health

5. The regiment’s reputation was greatly damaged by his outrageous conduct

( HARM )
= His outrageous conduct did great harm to the regiment’s reputation

6. Christmas and roast turkey go together in my mind ( WITH )

= I associate Christmas with roast turkey

7. Don’t eat so many sweets and you won’t have to visit the dentist so often
( SAVE )
= Eating fewer sweets will save you having to visit the dentist so often

8. The fact that he will never race again is sth he cannot accept ( TERMS )
= He cannot come to terms with the fact that he will never race again

9. It was a tight fit, but we parked the car eventually ( DEAL )

= There wasn’t a great deal of room, but we parked the car eventually

10. They are waiting for him to arrive at any minute ( DUE )
= He is due to arrive at any time

1. Nobody else in the country possesses his skills on the trumpet

( UNMATCHED)
= His skills on the trumpet are unmatched by anybody else in the country

2. My son has finally come to accept that there’s no such thing as a free lunch
( DAWNING )
= It’s finally dawning on my son that there is not such thing as a free lunch

3. I think he’s at last beginning to agree with me ( ROUND )

= I think he’s at last coming round to my way of thinking

4. Initially, I think you develop the plot very convincingly ( UNFOLDS )

= Initially, I think the plot unfolds convincingly

5. Why didn’t you ask me before you used my computer?

= I’d rather you had asked me before you used my computer

6. What he told me made me very curious to hear the rest of the story
( APPETITE )

211
= What he told me whetted my appetite for the rest of the story

7. Competitors were amazed by how shrewdly he conducted his business affairs

( MARVELLED )
= Competitors marvelled at the shrewdness with which he conducted his business
affairs

8. After a long hard journey, I cheered up when I saw my home ( SIGHT )

= After a long hard journey, my spirits were lifted when I caught sight of my home

9. I said that I thought he was wrong about the best way for us to proceed
( ISSUE )
= I took issue with him about how best we should proceed

10. I didn’t want to give up while some hope of success remained ( DEFEAT )
= I was loath to admit defeat while there remained some hope of success

1. It was more of an argument than a discussion

= It was not so much a discussion as an argument

2. The direct aim of the statement is to make the public aware of the present situation
= The statement boils down to making the public aware of the present situation

3. The Mountain Rescue Team is pessimistic about the missing climbers

= The Mountain Rescue Team doesn’t hold out much hope for the missing climbers

4. He threatened the officers with violence

= He made threats of violence against the officers

5. Despite difficulties there may be, I promise to protect her

= Against all odds, I promise to protect her

6. You have to use logic and lateral thinking in equal measure in this job
( STRIKE )
= You have to strike a balance between logic and lateral thinking in this job

7. The effects of the gale were felt mainly along the south coast ( BRUNT )
= The south coast took the brunt of the gale

8. Ours is the only company allowed to import these chemicals ( MONOPOLY )

= Our company has the monopoly over the import of these chemicals

9. The handling of the matter has been heavily criticized by the press ( SCORN)
= The press has poured scorn on the handling of the matter

212
10. Joan was not sure if it was a good idea to employ such young staff
( MISGIVINGS )
= Joan had misgivings about employing such young staff

1. A rather nasty problem has appeared to me

= I’ve come up against a rather nasty problem

2. You can’t possibly expect me to pay for the tickets

= There is no question of me paying for the tickets

3. He’s so garrulous that we are not able to say anything ( WORD )

= He’s so garrulous that we are not able to get a word in edgewise
( an opportunity to speak )

4.The authorities had decided they would get tough with dissidents (CRACKDOWN)
= The authorities had decided there would be a crackdown on dissidents

5. Don’t expect him to spare your feelings: he always says exactly what he thinks
(MIND)
= He always speaks his mind

6. I always had the feeling she was not pushing our friendship forward ( ARM )
= I always had the feeling she was keeping me at arm’s length

7. There’s no one available at this moment to take her class ( NOTICE )

= There’s no one available at such short notice to take her class

8. Romania won all of the medals ( SWEEP )

= Romania made a clean sweep of the medals

9. It all boils down to one thing - we need another ten thousand dollars to complete the
project ( BOTTOM )
= The bottom line is that we need another ten thousand dollars to complete the project

10. The boys hurled lots of snowballs at their next-door neighbour (PELTED)
= The boys pelted their next-door neighbour with snowballs

- This essay shows a slight improvement on the last

= This essay is marginally better than the last

- Jim knew he would have to go on the business trip at a moment’s notice

= Jim was poised to go on the business trip at a moment’s notice (=ready)

- We were lucky to find somewhere to park so quickly

= It was a stroke of luck that we found somewhere to park quickly

213
- The modern factory doesn’t look right in the countryside, surrounded by fields and
hedges
= The modern factory looks out of place, surrounded by fields and hedges

- I can’t cope at all with my new job, and that bothers me

= I wish I weren’t out of my depth in my new job

- Tony shared his deepest feelings with me

= Tony opened his heart to me

- He is the kind of man who will do anything to crush the competition

= He is the kind of man who will go to any lengths to crush the competition

- What has this experience taught you?

= What conclusions have you drawn from this experience?

- Nowadays goods are often acquired but not paid for immediately
= Nowadays goods are often bought on credit

- The underprivileged were no worse-off fifty years ago than they are now.
= The underprivileged were every bit as badly-off fifty years ago as they are now

- In a nutshell, Joseph’s not up to the job

= The long and the short of it is that Joseph’s not up to the job

- Although the signs are optimistic, there are imminent dark cloud (TEETH)
= On the horizon are dark cloud in the teeth of optimistic signs

- We only ingratiated ourselves with our teacher because Kate insisted (CURRIED)
= It was at Kate’s insistence that we curried favor with our teacher

- Nobody expected it of him but Sam was laid off (RANKS)

= Against all expectations, Sam joined the ranks of the unemployed

- If the candidates didn’t work harder, they would fail the exam (SOCKS)
= The candidates, were they not to pull their socks up, would not make the grade

- The lawyer for the defence suspected the witness gave false testimony (PERJURED)
= The defence lawyer called into question whether the witness perjured himself

- He was really jealous when he saw his opponent make it through to next round
(ADVANCE)
= He was green with envy upon seeing his opponent advance to next round

214
- You look grumpy this morning (BED)
= You get out of bed on the wrong side this morning

- She felt uncomfortable in the huge hotel (FISH)

= She felt like a fish out of water in the huge hotel

- If you don’t have time, don’t visit Mr. Jones today because he will talk for a long time
(HEAD)
= If you don’t have time, don’t visit Mr. Jones today because he will talk your head off

- The success of our local theater has made our city famous (MAP)
= The success of our local theater has put our city on the map

- I resent the way that she clearly feels herself to be superior to me (NOSE)
= I resent the way that she looks down her nose on me

- The effects of the gale were felt mainly along the south coast (BRUNT)
= The south coast took the brunt of the gale

- The tourists were unharmed after the train crash (WORSE)

= The tourists were none the worse for their experience in the train crash

- It seems to me that my parents cope calmly with everything I do

= I’m under the impression that my parents take everything I do in their stride

- You need to make sure that he has enough money to pay for the car before you sell it
to him (COLOUR)
= You need to see the colour of his money before you sell him the car

- I was determined to go despite any difficulties (WATER)

= I was determined to go, come hell or high water

- He got promoted so quickly because he knew important people who could help him
(FRIENDS)
= He got promoted so quickly because he had friends in high places

- The board met secretly to discuss changes in company policy (DOORS)

= The board met behind closed doors to discuss changes in company policy

- Digging in the garden allows me to vent my frustrations (OUTLET)

= Digging in the garden gives me an out outlet for any frustrations

- In his new book the writer presents an interesting theory of art (FORWARD)
= In his new book the writer puts forward an interesting theory of art

215
- The pop star insisted that there was no basis to the claims made against him
(UNFOUNDED)
= The pop star insisted that the claims made against him were unfounded

- We are not responsible for valuables that are not left in the hotel safe (DISCLAIM)
= We disclaim responsibility for valuables that are not left in the hotel safe

- Nowadays many doctors are busy with their work, so they have less time for their
children (BOUND)
= Nowadays many doctors are too bound up in their work to have time for their children

- Managing the company will probably be much more complicated than they say
= Managing the company should not be anything like as easy as they say

- I did not attend the farewell party last night because I had a lot of work to deal with
(NECK)
= If I had not been up to my neck in work, I would have attended the farewell party
last night

- Despite having been very nervous at first, he completed the test successfully
(STATE)
= Despite having in a state at first,he was cooking with gas

- His impressive speech helped her achieve very good results for her promotion
(MIRACLES)
= His impressive speech helped her work miracles for her promotion

- The secretary admires her manager so much that she doesn’t see his faults, so she
does everything he orders (TUNE)
= The secretary dances to her manager’s tune because she puts him on pedestal

- The singer was willing to sacrifice her happiness to become famous (ALTAR)
= The singer was willing to sacrifice her happiness at the altar of fame

- In the court, a lawyer made every effort to find mistakes in the witness’s statement
(HOLES)
= In the court, a lawyer made every effort to pick holes in the witness’s statement

- It’s likely they were delayed in a traffic jam

= They will probably have been caught up in a traffic jam

216
- Jane really wants to have everyone looking at her every time we go out in a group
= Jane can’t help wanting to be the centre of attention every time we go out in a group

- I regret not having the feeling of achieving anything after reaching the summit but I
was too exhausted
= I wish I had felt a sense of achievement after reaching the summit but I was too
exhausted

- With that bad cold you won’t be able to help us, so take the day off work
= With that bad cold you’ll be of no use to anyone so take the day off work

- Most employees used to be proud of working for the same company all their lives but
not anymore (PRIDE)
= Most employees no longer pride themselves on working for the same company all their
lives

- They still haven’t carried out a full assessment of the effects of these changes
= The effects of these changes have yet to be fully assessed

- You don’t realize quite how much fat there is in that pizza (DEAL)
= There’s a great deal more fat in that pizza than you realize

- I imagine it was tough for you to refuse every beggar that asked you for money
(TURN)
= It must have been tough to turn down every beggar that asked you for money

- I was not well enough to play football that day

= I didn’t feel up to playing football that day

- I think John is planning to take over the business when his boss retires (DESIGNS)
= I am of the opinion that John has designs on the business when his boss retires

- John advised starting the project over again from the beginning to get it perfect
(SCRATCH)
= It was on John’s recommendation that the project be started from scratch to ensure
perfection

- Making a fuss over such trivial things at this stage will get us nowhere (MOUNTAIN)
= Making a mountain out of a molehill at this stage will be of no avail

217
- People always hold fate responsible for whatever’s going wrong in their life
(UNTOWARD)
= People always pin the blame on fate whenever something untoward in their life
happens.

- People say that Ng Chi Thanh was once an example of an exceptionally green street
(SINGLED)
= Ng Chi Thanh is said to have been singled out as an exceptionally green street

- Whatever difficulties Anna had, she still attended university (SHINE)

= Anna still attended university come rain or shine

- The view from the hotel is absolutely breathtaking

= The view from the hotel will take your breath away

- Fortunately, his route took him very near where they lived
= As luck would have it, his route took him very near where they lived

- There was absolute quietness after the manager said the factory would be closing
(DROP)
= You could hear a pin drop after the manager said the factory would be closing

- Susie believes this job interview is really important (STORE)

= Susie is setting great store on this job interview

- Last year Raph had a luxurious lifestyle, but since he lost his job, he has had to make
a few changes
= Last year Raph was living in clover, but on being made redundant, he has had to make a
few changes

- I very much want to know - you must tell me who has won! (CURIOSITY)
= I am burning with curiosity - you must tell me who has won!

- Given their recent matches, it’s unlikely that the Spanish team will win the cup
(EVIDENCE)
= On the evidence of their recent matches, it’s unlikely that the Spanish team will win
the cup

218
- While most writers earn only modest royalties, a lucky few create a bestseller
(STRIKE)
= A few writers strike it lucky by creating a bestseller, but earning only modest
royalties is the norm

1. She did everything possible to save her marriage

POWER
= She did everything in her power to save her marriage

2. This room needs to be decorated, doesn’t it?

= This room needs doing up, doesn’t it?

3. My husband and I had a row about buying a car

WORDS
= I had words with my husband about buying a car

4. The government’s plan to privatize the railways met with strong opposition from
passengers
CAME
= The government’s plan to privatize the railways came in for fierce criticism from the
passengers

5. The firm went bankrupt after failing to win the contract

LIQUIDATION
= The firm went into liquidation after failing to win the contract

6. She was miserable when her mother made her give away all her childhood toys
PARTED
= She was miserable to have parted with all her childhood toys

7. The community spoke enthusiastically about the recently elected mayor

SANG
= The community sang the recently elected mayor’s praises

8. By leaving Mary alone, I’m sure she’ll finish the project on time
DEVICES
= If Mary is left to her own devices, I’m sure she’ll finish the project on time

219
9. The overfishing of cod is a matter which is worrying environmentalists
VOICED
= Environmentalists have voiced concerns about the overfishing of cod

10. The police say that the circumstances of her disappearance are suspicious
TREATING
= The police are treating the circumstances of her disappearance as suspicious

11. The doctor is very busy. I’m afraid he cannot see you today
SPARE
= The doctor cannot spare the time to see you today

12. I shouldn’t have trusted a stranger with my savings

BETTER
= I should have known better than to trust a stranger with my savings

13. The journalist wrote down everything she said in her notebook
RECORD
= The journalist kept a record of everything she said in her notebook

14. As well as her normal salary, she makes some extra money by freelancing
SUPPLEMENT
= She does freelance work to supplement her normal income

15. My supervisor did not even hint to me that he was about to resign
INDICATION
= I was given no indication by my supervisor that he was about to resign

16. The subject of productivity bonuses has been mentioned at every management and
workers meeting
CROPPED
= The subject of productivity bonuses has cropped up at every meeting between
management and workers

17. I can recommend you to the manager; I’m a friend of his

WORD
= I can put in a good word for you to the manager; I’m a friend of his

18. Martin cannot go any higher in his career

220
= Martin has reached the pinnacle of his career

19. My husband will be angry when I tell him

ROOF
= My husband will hit the roof when I tell him

20. Julie and Andrew like the same sort of music

TASTE
= Julie and Andrew have the same taste in music

21. Sam was really anxious, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket team
TENTERHOOKS
= Sam was on tenterhooks, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket team

22. The heir to the family fortune was eventually found to be an impostor
EXPOSED
= The heir to the family fortune was eventually exposed as an impostor

23. He claimed my point was not relevant to the proceedings

DISMISSED
= He dismissed my point as irrelevant to the proceedings

24. She is well-known for her vast knowledge of Renaissance painting

AUTHORITY
= She is an authority on Renaissance painting

25. I don’t think I will ever be able to buy my own house

DESPAIR
= I despair of ever being able to buy my own house

26. We liked the new teacher right away

TOOK
= We took an instant liking to the new teacher right away

27. Zoe always makes spontaneous decisions concerning her travel plans
ACTS
= Zoe always acts on impulse when making her travel plans

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28. Jim knew he would have to go on the business trip at a moment’s notice ( with little
warning or time for preparation )
POISED
= Jim was poised to go on the business trip

29. His latest theory is in complete opposition to mainstream thinking

FLIES
= His latest theory flies in the face of mainstream thinking

30. His interpretation of the novel was far too complex for me to grasp, I’m afraid
HEAD
= His interpretation of the novel was went over my head, I’m afraid

31. Julie always listens to my complaints about work

LENDS
= Julie always lends an ear to my complaints about work

32. Thankfully, she wasn’t hurt at all in the accident

EMERGED
= She emerged unhurt from the accident

33. The waiters in the new restaurant were very inefficient

SHODDY
= We received shoddy service from the waiters in the new restaurant

34. I couldn’t face telling her what I’d heard

BRING
= I couldn’t bring myself to tell her what I’d heard

35. She lost all self-control when she found out what he had done
CONTAIN
= She couldn’t contain herself when she found out what he had done

36. The singer said he wanted nothing to do with the other members of the band
DISTANCED
= The singer distanced himself from the other members of the band

37. There was hardly any movement in the traffic in front of us

INCHED

222
= The traffic hardly inched along in front of us

38. Susie couldn’t stop crying when her pet rabbit died
FLOODS
= Susie was in floods of tears when her pet rabbit died

39. I couldn’t work out what he was trying to say, could you?
DRIVING
= I couldn’t work out what he was driving at, could you?

40. She realized immediately that his story was made up

THROUGH
She immediately saw through his story

41.There is a considerable number of choices on offer in this brochure

ARRAY
= This brochure has a wide array of choices

42. Jack’s teacher says he’s particularly good at languages

FLAIR
= Jack’s teacher says that he has got a flair for languages

43. The politician tried to find people who were willing to back his campaign to help the
homeless
DRUM
= The politician tried to drum on support for his campaign to help the homeless

44. Karen’s bad mood is totally unconnected with the matter in hand
BEARING
= The matter in hand has no bearing on Karen’s bad mood

45. Their rivals are still a long way behind

STREETS
= They are still streets ahead of their rivals

46. She was an excellent playwright whose work didn’t get the recognition it deserved
RENOWN
= She was an excellent playwright who gained little renown for her work

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47. I knew the project would not succeed from the start
DOOMED
= I knew the project was doomed to failure from the start

48. Lawrence’s car became his most prized possession when he first bought it
JOY
= Lawrence’s car became his pride and joy when he first bought it

49. Those of us at the back couldn’t hear most of the play

= Most of the play was inaudible to those of us at the back

50. It’s difficult to imagine his work being improved on by anyone

BETTERING
= It’s difficult to imagine anyone bettering him at his work

51. Tom tease Alice about her new hairstyle

POKED
= Tom poked fun at Alice’s new hairstyle

52. Harvey ordered some new equipment without prior permission

LIBERTY
= Harvey took the liberty of ordering some new equipment

(to do something that will have an effect on someone else, without asking their
permission)

53. Most scientists argue that it is preferable to use organic products

AVERSE
= Most scientists are not averse to the use of organic products

54. It’s just possible that we may have to introduce pay cuts
RULED
= We haven’t ruled out the possibility of introducing pay cuts

55. Alex grimaced as he swallowed the foul-tasting medicine

PULLED
= Alex pulled a face as he swallowed the foul-tasting medicine

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56. Each new generation is given the family jewels
DOWN
= The family jewels are handed down to each new generation

57. The government received many criticisms concerning their new housing policy
FEW
= The government came in for a good few criticisms concerning their new housing policy

58. He was given an honorary medal by the military

CONFERRED
= An honorary medal was conferred upon him by the military

59. Miranda's mother became very emotional when she saw her daughter in her wedding
dress. (OVERCOME)
= Miranda’s mother was overcome with emotion on seeing her daughter in her wedding
dress

60. Is there enough ice cream for everyone, or shall I go and buy some more?
ROUND
= Is there enough ice cream to go round, or shall I go and buy some more?

61. My grandmother was nearly 86 when she died earlier this year.
= My grandmother, had she lived, would now be 86

62. The price of oranges has fallen because there are so many on the market
= There is such an abundance of oranges on the market that the price has fallen

63. Very few residents came to the meeting last night

= The meeting last night was poorly attended

64. These low-lying areas are constantly threatened by floods

= There is a constant threat of flooding in these low-lying areas

65. The original plan was to complete the building by August.

= The building was originally due to be completed by August

66. Since the advertisements, we’ve had more applications than we can deal with
= Since the advertisements, we have been swamped with applications.

225
67. I feel it's wrong that this site is going to be redeveloped by the council.
= I feel it’s wrong that this site has been earmarked for redevelopment by the council

68. When Rania stood next to the basketball players, she looked very small
(DWARFED)
= When Rania stood next to the basketball players, she was dwarfed by them

69. Mary was always making John the subject of her cruel jokes. ( BUTT )
= John was always the butt of Mary’s cruel jokes

70. Do you think there's any chance of the socialist party winning the election this time
round?
= Do you think there’s any chance that the socialist party will get in this time round?

71. Suzy managed to cope with so many problems when she was declared bankrupt
(STRIDE)
= Suzy took so many problems in her stride when she was declared bankrupt

72. The M.P often had a different opinion from the accepted Party policies ( STEP )
= The M.P was often out of step with his Party’s policies

73. I’m so busy at the moment that I can’t take on any extra work ( PLATE )
= I have so much on my plate at the moment that I can’t take on any extra work

74. It’s incredible how he managed to survive

= It’s beyond belief how he managed to survive

75. She speaks French quite well

= She has quite a good command of French

76. Vanessa practices the violin nearly everyday

= Scarcely a day goes by without Vanessa practicing the violin

77. He realized how much he cared for her only when she had been away for a long time
= Her prolonged absence made him realize how much he cared for her

78. It would have taken a miracle to save the paintings from the fire
= Nothing short of a miracle would have saved the paintings from the fire

226
79. The BBC produces programs to interest all sorts of people
= All sorts of people are catered for by the BBC

80. We were reluctant to leave our old home

= It was with regret that we left our old home

81. I eventually persuaded her not to hand in her resignation

= I eventually talked her out of handing in her resignation

82. Their house is now worth more than when they bought it
= The house house has increased in value since they bought it

83. If you adjust the mirror a little, you will be able to see more clearly
= A with slight adjustment to the mirror, you will be able to see more clearly

84. The letter arrived completely unexpectedly this morning

= The letter arrived completely out of the blue this morning

85. The new rules about uniforms will apply next year
= The new rules about uniforms will be put into force next year

86. So many people were really delighted when the government lost the election
= There was much jubilation when the government lost the election

87. The Queen has ruled the country for almost fifty years
= The Queen has been on the throne for almost fifty years

88. You certainly could never accuse Tom of being mean

= Tom is nothing other than generous

89. I’m not going any further till I’ve had sth to eat
= This is as far as I’m going until I’ve had sth to eat

90. Bobby ate two ice creams one after the other after lunch.
= Bobby ate two ice creams in a row after lunch

91. Brian is a strong contender for the position

= Brian is on the short list for the position

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92. She blushed with embarrassment at having made such a stupid mistake
(SHAMEFACED)
= She was shamefaced at having made such a…

93. Your outrageous behaviour has caused problems for the club
(EMBARRASSMENT)
= Your outrageous behaviour has been a source of embarrassment to the club

94. In my opinion, computers are more trouble than they’re worth

(HINDRANCE)
= In my opinion, computers are more of a hindrance than a help

95. Those gates must be locked before we leave the premises (PRIOR)
= We must lock the gates prior to leaving the premises

96. Customers will not want to buy this product (MARKET)

= There will be no market for this product

97. Digging in the garden gives me an outlet for my frustrations (VENT)

= Digging in the garden allows me to vent my frustrations

98. The TV broadcast the whole of the tennis tournament (EXTENSIVE)

= There was extensive coverage of the tennis tournament

99. The boys hurled lots of snowballs at their next-door neighbor (PELTED)
= The boys pelted their next-door neighbor with snowballs

100. The first sign of the disease is blurred vision (ONSET)

= The onset of the disease is marked by blurred vision

1. We forgot to include the cost of accommodation in our holiday budget

(ALLOW)
= We didn’t allow for the cost of accommodation

228
2. They say he owes a lot of people money (DEBT)
= He’s said to be in debt to a lot of people

3. Unless we can obtain more information, we can’t process your claim

(FORTHCOMING)
= Unless further information is forthcoming, we can’t process your claim

4. The redevelopment program needs to be supported by the local council

(BACKING)
= The program needs the backing of the local council

5. Rick’s boss says he thinks Rick is doing a wonderful job (PRAISE)

= Rick’s boss has nothing but praise for Rick

6. When you go abroad, don’t forget to write to me (DROP)

= When you go abroad, don’t forget to drop me a line

7. The washing machine destroyed my silk shirt (TATTERS)

= The washing machine reduced my silk shirt to tatters

8. She didn’t try to hide her feelings, but said his new plan was “silly” (WORDS)
= She didn’t mince her words but said his new plan was “silly”

9. The recent poor examination results raise the issue of the effectiveness of
our teaching methods (QUESTION)
= The recent poor examination results call into question the effectiveness of
our teaching methods

10. These books just aren’t on the same level (LEAGUE)

= These books just aren’t in the same league

11. You never continue with sth until it is finished (THROUGH)

= You follow things through to the end

12. Although she were all encouraging her to climb up the tree, she refused
(EGG)

229
= Although we were all egging her on to climb up the tree, she refused

13. My financial problems are putting pressure on me (WEIGHING)

= My financial problems are weighing on me

14. The school play has really lasted too long (DRAGGING)
= The school play is really dragging on

15. Jim is progressing too slowly with his school project (BEHIND)
= Jim has fallen behind work

16. The social unrest is not going to become less intense in just a few hours
(DIE)
= The social unrest is not going to die down in just a few hours

17. She didn’t really sing. She just opened and closed her mouth saying nothing
(WORDS)
= She didn’t really sing. She just mouthed the words

18. I never allow my mother in law to interfere into my affairs (NOSE)

= I never allow my mother in law to nose into my affairs

19. He tried to cheer me up because I felt sad (MOUTH)

= He tried to cheer me up because I was down in the mouth

20. It was really embarrassing when you asked what her age was! (FOOT)
= You really put your foot in it when you asked what her age was

21. I think you should take the responsibility for what happened (SHOULDER)
= I think you should shoulder the responsibility for what happened

22. If only I hadn’t answered my teacher back (KICKED)

= I could have kicked myself for answering my teacher back

23. Paul didn’t like it when you called him shallow (BEING)
= Paul didn’t take lightly being called shallow

230
24. I don’t like that colour hair dye (LIKING)
= That colour hair dye is not to my liking

25. He remembers his grandmother with love (FOND)

= He has fond memories of his grandmother

26. We will have to believe him, because we don’t know if he really took the money
(BENEFIT)
= We’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt because we don’t know if he really
took the money

27. His efforts to set up a local youth centre were finally successful (BORE)
= His efforts to set up a local youth centre finally bore fruits

28. Not in the right mood to V = not in the right frame of mind

29. They were offended by her manner of speaking (OFFENCE)

= They took offence at her manner of speaking

30. The company is introducing a new dress code on the first of next month (FORCE)
= A new dress code will come into force on the first of next month

31. Marcus hasn’t got very far with his dissertation (MADE)
= Marcus made little progress with his dissertation

32. There wasn’t a single ticket left for concert so we couldn’t go (SELL-OUT)
= The concert was a complete sell-out, so we...

33. You have the ability to do really well in your career if you make an effort (MIND)
= You could do really well in your career if you put your mind to it

34. It didn’t live up to my expectations

35. A cup of tea is the most refreshing drink of all (MATCH)

= There’s nothing to match tea as a refreshing drink

36. Some friends nominated him as a spokesman (FORWARD)

= Some friends put my name forward as a spokesman

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37. You’ve been looking miserable all day (MOON)
= You’ve done nothing but moon about all day

38. There are more than 6 hospitals in this city (EXCESS)

= There are in excess of six hospitals in this city

39. Mike has a more complex personality than you may think (DEPTHS)
= Mike has greater depths to him than you may think

40. Don’t have the remotest idea = not know at all

41. Mistake sb for sb = confuse sb with sb

42. Ray’s good work record enabled him to get promotion (STRENGTH)
= Ray got promotion on the strength of his good work record

43. The government has tried to make the incident seem less serious (PLAYED)
= The government has played down the seriousness of the incident
44. We couldn’t understand the film at all (SENSE)
= We could make absolutely no sense of the film

45. Tom’s presence at parties adds to everyone’s enjoyment (SOUL)

= Tom is always the life and soul of the party

46. Linda didn’t agree with me about the closure (SHARE)

= Linda didn’t share my opinion about the closure

47. The gv’s retraining program proved to be unsuccessful due to the lack of funds
(MET)
= The gv’s retraining program met with no success due to…

48. The lease on my flat is valid until the end of the year (RENEWAL)
= The lease on my flat does not come up for renewal until the end of the year

49. There is plenty of food (ABUNDANCE)

= Food is in abundance

50. They are very much in love with each other (EYES)
= They have eyes only for each other

232
51. He was rather depressed because she had been fired (LOW)
= He was at a low ebb because she had been fired

52. He had nothing to do so he decided to see a movie (END)

= He was at a loose end so he decided to see a movie

53. We rarely visit our relatives (OCCASIONS)

= Only on rare occasions do we visit our relatives

54. I don’t make decisions here, so there’s nothing I can do (HANDS)

= I don’t make decisions here, so my hands are tied.

55. I don’t even know whether he’s in town (ALL)

= For all I know, he may not be in town

56. It’s doubtful whether they’ll sign the contract (OPEN)

= It’s open to doubt whether they’ll sign the contract

57. There are fewer males than females in our country. (IN)
= Females are in a minority in our countries

57. I consider him my worst enemy (LOOK)

= I look upon him as my worst enemy

58. Mary is bound to pass her exam (FOREGONE)

= It is a foregone conclusion that Mary will pass her exam

59. The company tried unsuccessfully to secure a bank loan (AVAIL)

= The company’s efforts were to no avail in securing a bank loan

60. Everyone was in a deep sleep when the fire started (SOUND)
= Everyone was sound asleep when…

61. Seeing the damage to his car, Jerry became furious (BESIDE)
= Jerry was beside himself with anger when he saw the damage…

62. She looks exactly like her mother. (EXACT)

= She’s the exact double of her mother

233
63. Occasional = now and then

64. He resented the way she spoke to him (EXCEPTION)

= He took exception to the way..

65. There is a bus to the station every half hour on Saturday (INTERVALS)
= There is a bus to the station at half-hour intervals on Saturday

66. It was not until I started talking to her that I found her attractive (GOT)
= Not until I got talking to her did I find her attractive

67. He worked really hard and successfully earned himself a place in the company
(CARVING)
= He succeeded in carving (out) a place (for himself) in the company

68. Her husband could not force himself to tell her that their child was dead (BRING)
= Her husband couldn’t bring himself to tell her that their child has passed away

69. My next-door neighbour and I don’t like each other (LOST)

= There is little/no love lost between my next-door neighbour and I

70. That’s the impressionist the audience didn’t like

= That’s the impressionist the audience went down badly with

71. In his recent article, he pointed out all the faults in the government’s policy
= In his recent article, he was critical of the government’s policy

72. I thought about what had happened all those years before
= I cast my mind back to what had happened all those years before

234
 Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
The party ended in a fight and the police were called
( the final result/ outcome)

We’ve got so much housework to do. You can start on the washing while I clean the bath
( to begin a job/ task )

“Can I throw away this newspaper” “No, I haven’t finished with it yet”
( to have no further need for sth )

On your way home could you stop off at the shops and get some milk
( to make a short break in a journey )

I’m starting up my own business next month. I’m going to open a restaurant
( to establish your own business )

Oh, look at the time. I’d better start back, it’s getting late
( to begin your return journey home )

He had been ill for sometime but it was the terribly cold winter that finally finished
him off
( to destroy/ kill/ consume/ complete )

We’d planned to eat out but we ended up walking around town all evening looking for a
decent restaurant

“What time did Peter come home?” “He didn’t. He stopped out all night”
( stay out all night )

It was a great meal. We finished off with brandy and cigars

( to have sth at the end )

We headed off any possible problems with good preparation and planning
( to prevent problems or disaster by taking pre-emptive action )

They eyed each other up all night before someone finally introduced them
( to look at someone with a particular interest or concern )

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Would you stop trying to muscle in on my party. You’ll have your own party when it’s
your birthday
( to get involved in sth when it’s not your business )

My parents handed down this recipe to my mother and she handed it down to me
( to give or leave knowledge or possessions to someone younger than you )

I thumbed through a magazine while I sat in the dentist’s waiting room

( to turn the pages of a book or magazine to get a general idea of what’s in it )

You think you can palm me off with any old excuse, but you’re wrong. I want to know the
truth
( to dismiss sb’s questions with non-committal or untrue answers )

The strikers backed down and returned to work once they realized their demands
would not be met
( to change your opinion or position due to pressure from other people )

You’re just going to have to face up to the fact that she has left you and isn’t going to
return
( to admit sth unpleasant or painful to yourself )

The police didn’t believe his alibi but it was backed up by everyone they asked
( to support someone by agreeing that what they say is true )

You’ve done nothing all year. You’d better knuckle down to some series studying if you
want to pass the exam
( to start working hard )

I’ve gained so much weight recently I can hardly squeeze into my jeans
( to only just fit into an item of clothing )

It’s absolutely freezing today. Make sure you wrap up warm before going outside
( to put on and wear warm clothes - hats, scarves, coat )

It was a hot afternoon so we all stripped off and swam in the river
( to take off all or most of your clothes )

236
The party was great. Jo dressed up as Dracula and I went as Frankenstein’s monster
( to wear special clothes - smart formal clothes or fancy dress )

Tom rolled up his shirt sleeves and started doing the washing up
( to shorten the length of sleeves or trousers by turning the ends over )

These new shoes are killing me. I need to wear them in

( to wear shoes or boots until they become comfortable )

When the alarm sounded he threw on an old jacket and went rushing outside
( to put on clothes quickly without much thought or care )

The sun at midday is really strong. Make sure you cover yourself up and stay in the
shade
( to wear clothes in order to protect or hide your body )

You look an absolute mess. Tuck in your shirt and make yourself presentable
( to push a shirt into trousers so you look tidy )

These new trousers are a bit too long. Could you take them up for me?
( to shorten the length of clothing by turning the ends up and sewing them )

The burglars made off with a priceless painting and valuable jewelry before the police
could arrive
( to leave a place quickly with stolen goods )

After the director was arrested for fraud the company tried to cover up the financial
scandal
( to hide the truth about a crime, scandal or mistake )

After three nights on the run the prisoner finally went to the police and turned himself
in
( to go to the authorities and give yourself up / surrender )

He got away with murdering his wife because the police didn’t have enough evidence to
convict him
( to be unpunished for a crime you committed )

237
When she discovered her boss was embezzling company money, she informed on him and
he was arrested
( to tell people in authority about someone who has done something wrong )

He’d been on the run for over thirty years when the police finally caught up with him in
Rio
( to catch a criminal after a long time trying to find them )

Police staked out the warehouse for two weeks and watched the gang closely
( to watch a place to observe criminal activity )

The thieves entered the office block but they were seen off by the security guard
( to frighten and chase a criminal away )

After his arrest he swore he was innocent and that he’d been set up by the police
( to make someone appear to have committed a crime when actually they did not )

The police are cracking down on drunk drivers over the Christmas period
( to prevent something from happening by taking strong legal measures )

Her risotto pie was delicious and everyone tucked in hungrily

( to eat food enthusiastically )

We pigged out on pizza and coke. I felt absolutely stuffed

( to eat too much of something )

He polished off the rest of the pie in no time

( to quickly eat all the remains of something )

We eat out at least once a week. There’s a great Japanese restaurant in town
( to eat in a restaurant, not at home )

She sat nervously picking at her meal, frequently glancing at the clock
( to eat small amounts of food because you are not hungry or have no appetite )

He knocked back two glasses of wine in quick succession and left

( to finish a drink very quickly or in one mouthful, especially alcohol )

238
She had no appetite at all but managed to force down a little soup
( to eat or drink something when you don’t want to )

Come on, I’ve already finished. Drink up and let’s get going
( to finish all your drink )

You can’t leave the table until you eat up all your broccoli
( to finish eating all your food )

He was late for work so he gulped down his tea and ran to catch the bus
( to consume food or drink very quickly, swallowing large amounts each time )

The end of year exams were so easy. I breezed through with top marks in all my
subjects
( to pass an exam very easily )

Next semester we start studying economic theory so I want to read up on it during the
holidays
( to read a lot about a subject to increase your knowledge )

I’d better brush up my French for the business trip to Paris next month. I haven’t used
it for years
( to improve your skills or knowledge after a long time of not using it )

He did nothing all year but knuckled down to some serious work just before the exam
and passed
( to begin to work / study hard )

She’d never studied Spanish before but she picked up enough to survive while she was
living in Madrid
( to learn something without making a conscious effort )

He pored over the philosophy books for hours but still couldn’t understand a thing
( to read / study something very carefully )

She answered the questions well but was marked down for bad spelling and poor
grammar
( to reduce the score someone gets in an exam )

239
He dropped out of university in the first year and got a job in a bank
( to quit a course, school, college or university before finishing or graduating )

If you don’t go to your English lessons you’ll quickly fall behind

( to fail to keep at the same level of knowledge as your classmates )

Exercise 15 was really difficult. It took me ages to work out but I got the answer in
the end
( to get the answer, to realize how something works or is done )

She’s perked up considerably since the operation and is now up and about again
( to feel better after being ill )

It’s been a difficult time but she’s bearing up well considering the seriousness of the
operation
( to remain at a certain level of health during an illness )

He picked up a nasty stomach bug on holiday and was ill the whole time
( to catch an illness or cold )

I blacked out during the accident and can’t remember a thing about it
( to lose consciousness )

The surgeon finished the operation and stitched up the patient

( to close a cut by sewing the skin together )

The nurse patched him up after the accident and put his arm in a sling
( to treat injuries - bandage or plaster )

I thought the rash had disappeared but it’s flared up again and is now worse than ever
( to suddenly get worse )

He’s stable after the operation and the doctors think he’s going to pull through
( to recover from a very serious illness or operation )

Something stung me and my hand swelled up twice the size

( body part increases in size due to illness or injury )

240
At first it really hurt but after a few minutes the pain started to wear off
( for feelings or the effects of something to gradually diminish )

The new house felt strange at first but it didn’t take them long to settle in
( to get used to the place you live and feel comfortable there )

When I returned from Australia my sister put me up for a few months until I found a
job and my own place
( to allow someone to live in your home temporarily )

Miss Jones decided to take in a lodger to make some extra money

( to bring someone into your house to live (for money or as charity) )

She’d only known her boyfriend a few weeks when she decided to move in with him
( to start living in a new place )

They suffered his bad behaviour and dirty habits for months until they eventually
kicked him out
( to force someone to leave )

The building had been disused for years so they knocked it down and built some new
flats
( to demolish a building )

She was furious with her husband for stopping out all night and not even phoning to say
where he was
( to stay out all night )

They decided to rent out their country home during the summer to make some extra
cash
( to allow a property to be lived in by someone else in return for money )

Last year we did up the living room in peach and magnolia. This year we want to do up
the dining room on mauve
( to decorate )

Tom and Jo were delighted when their son finally moved out and found a place of his
own
( to leave the place you live )

241
He splashed out on a luxury two-week cruise
( to extravagantly spend a lot of money on something usually luxurious )

At first he didn’t want to pay me but eventually he coughed up

( to spend or pay back money, usually reluctantly )

I need to come up with all the money quick. I just don’t know where I’ll get it from
( to find or produce a sum of money )

It was such an expensive country to visit. We got through a fortune

( to use up a large amount of money )

Every time she wants something she just takes out another loan to pay for it.
( to get money through a loan )

Everyone chipped in to buy a present when Mr. Briggs retired.

( to contribute money to a communal fund )

I set aside a little money each week to pay the bills.

She came into a lot of money when her grandfather died.

( to receive money through inheritance when someone dies )

The company had to pay out a fortune in compensation.

( to pay a large amount of money for something )

She cashed in on all the publicity from her divorce.

( to gain financial advantage from a situation )

1. They’re the best of friends and always stick up for each other if there’s trouble.
( to defend someone who is being criticized or bullied )

2. I met Joe again after many years but we didn’t have much to say to each other. It
was clear we had grown apart.
( to become less close to someone as you get older )

3. Why have you and Mark fallen out? You used to be best friends.
( to argue and lose a friendship with someone )

242
4. Sue discovered her husband was cheating on her when she saw him with another
woman.
( to be unfaithful to your husband or wife by having an affair )

5. She got cold feet two weeks before the wedding and called it off.
( to cancel an engagement or a wedding )

6. He walked out on his wife after 30 years of marriage and started living with another
woman.
( to leave your husband or wife )

7. They fuss over their children all the time. They’re such spoilt kids.
( to pay too much attention to someone )

8. She takes everything from you and gives you nothing in return. Can’t you see she’s
just putting on you?
( to unreasonably demand too much from someone )

9. You’re a saint. I’ll never forget the way you stood by me when I lost my job.
( to stay with someone and support them during a difficult time )

10. He’s the most reliable person I know. You can always count on him to help you.
( to rely on )

1. Every time the President tried to speak he was shouted down by protestors so he
stopped the meeting.
( to stop another person from talking by shouting so they can’t be heard )

2. She was so difficult to talk to. Our conversation dried up and we just sat in silence.
It was really awkward.
( to stop talking with someone because you have nothing to talk about )

3. Please don’t butt in when I’m talking to my friends. It’s terribly rude.
( to interrupt another person’s conversation rudely )

4. I accidentally told your mother we’re moving to Australia. It slipped out while we
were chatting. She’s really upset.
( to tell someone something by accident - without intending to )

243
5. Half way through the interview she completely clammed up and couldn’t say a thing.
( to stop talking because you are nervous or have nothing to say )

6. It was so boring. The lecturer droned on and on about a load of old rubbish.
( to talk continuously in a boring manner )

7. She’s so stuck up and superior. I can’t stand the way she talks down to me.
( to speak to someone in an arrogant or patronizing way )

8. I had a good talk with Phil last night and he really started to open up about the way
he feels.
( to talk about your feelings and thoughts - to express emotions )

9. I hate going to office parties. I always get chatted up by some creep from accounts.
( to talk to someone with a particular interest, often sexual )

10. She’s got a photographic memory. She can reel off the names of every President
since 1796.
( to repeat memorized information quickly and accurately )

1. The player committed a foul but the referee told them to play on.
( to continue playing a game after an incident or accident )

2. They had been losing but came back in the second half and won the game 6-2.
( to recover and win a game or match when previously you were losing )

3. After the half-time break they brought on their best player.

( to put a new player into a game after it has already begun )

4. The players warmed up on court for ten minutes before starting the match.
( to do stretches and exercise in preparation for playing a sport )

5. Their chances of winning disappeared when they were knocked out in the semi-finals.
( to defeat an opponent so they no longer compete in a competition )

6. It’ll be a tough match next week when they take on the defending champions.
( to fight or play an opponent )

244
7. The boxers tried to psych each other out before the match.
( to mentally weaken an opponent )

8. He was sent off for hitting an opponent and his team had to continue with one less
player.
( to tell a player to leave a game because they have broken the rules )

9. The crowd cheered her on as she entered the final lap of the race.
( for fans and supporters to encourage a team or player )

10. The match was rained off due to bad weather and a new date was set.
( for a game or match to be postponed because of rain )

1. Can you put me through to the manager, please?

( to connect someone by telephone )

2. I can’t get through to Andy, the line must be busy. I’ll try again later.
( to make contact with someone by telephone )

3. I don’t believe it! I was just talking to Charlie and the line’s gone dead. We’ve been
cut off.
( to lose the connection during a telephone call )

4. I know you’ve got to go but before you hang up just let me tell you this…
( to finish a telephone call and put down the receiver )

5. Sorry Sue someone’s just knocked the door. I’d better answer it. Can I phone you
back later? ( to call someone again later )

6. If you’re ill and can’t come to work you need to phone in before 9 a.m.
( to telephone your place of work or a radio station )

7. “Who was that on the phone?” “I don’t know. It rang off before I could answer it.”
( for the telephone to stop ringing before you can answer it )

8. The trip to London next week has been cancelled. I have to ring round and let
everyone
know.
( to telephone a number of people to organize something or get information )

245
9. She picked up the phone receiver and dialed the number.
( to hold and lift the telephone receiver )

10. It’s been great to speak to you my darling. Now I’ll put dad on the telephone so he
can have a chat.
( to pass the telephone to another person so they can continue the conversation )

1. When the storm finally blew over we went outside to check the damage it had caused.
( for a storm to move away, becoming weaker and finally stopping )

2. The weather’s really warming up. I think I’ll take this jacket off.
( for the temperature to increase )

3. The storm suddenly broke and we had to shelter in a doorway until the rain eased off
a bit.
( for rain to become lighter )

4. They’ve decided to cancel the game. It looks like this rain’s set in for the rest of the
afternoon.
( for a type of weather to become established for a long period of time )

5. It rained all morning but cleared up in the afternoon and we could go outside.
( for the weather to improve and stop raining )

6. Our camping holiday was ruined by the wet weather. It poured down all week and we
were nearly flooded.
( to rain heavily )

7. I hope the rain holds off until we get back. I haven’t brought an umbrella.
( for rain and bad weather not to start )

8. The day started sunny and bright but the sky clouded over at lunch time and it
rained all afternoon.
( to become cloudy )

9. The temperature suddenly dropped and everything iced up.

( to become covered with ice )

246
10. The wet weather ruined everything and the concert was rained off for a second
year running
( for an outdoor event to be cancelled due to wet weather )

1. Everything slackens off towards the end of the week and nothing at all gets done on
Friday afternoon.
( for work to become less busy )

2. I usually work in accounts but I’m filling in for Martin this week while he’s away on
holiday.
( to do another persons job temporarily while they are away )

3. It’s five thirty already. We should pack up and go home. See you tomorrow.
( to finish working for the day )

4. Have you heard old Philips has retired? Are you going to put in for his job?
( to apply for a job with the company you are already working for )

5. The company expanded quicker than expected and had to take on twelve new
members of staff.
( to employ a new worker / to agree to new responsibilities at work )

6. They gave me the job but I turned it down when I got a better offer.
( to reject a job offer )

7. I hate Monday mornings. It takes me hours to plough through all the letters and
messages from the weekend.
( to work steadily and complete difficult or boring work )

8. I’ve worked here for twenty years and been passed over for promotion every time.
( to not consider someone for a promotion )

9. I’d had enough of their nasty attitude so I walked out on them. I couldn’t take it
anymore.
( to quit a job suddenly because you don’t like it )

10. You’d better be careful. You’ll quickly burn out if you keep working 20 hours a day.
( to over work and have a break down )

247
1. On the rocks: in serious difficulty

2. Give sb/sth a wide berth: to avoid a person/ place

3. Batten down the hatches: prepare for a difficult situation

4. Run a tight ship: control a business firmly and effectively

5. Go by the board: to be forgotten or not used

6. Weather the storm: survive difficult times

7. Make good headway = make progress

8. In the offing: likely to happen or appear soon

9. Take the wind out of sb’s sail: make sb feel less confident

10. In the wake of: following closely behind

Thousands of people lost their jobs in the wake of recession

11. In sb’s wake: following closely behind

12. All hands on decks: everyone must help

13. Any port in a storm: accept any help/ take any opportunity if you are in a bad
situation

14. A call to arms: a call to prepare for confrontation

15. Drop a bombshell: make an unexpected or shattering announcement

16. Beat a (hasty) retreat: withdraw

17. On the warpath: angry and ready to argue or fight

18. Come out swinging/ fighting: to react to sth in a strong, forceful way

19. Shoot yourself in the foot: tự huỷ

248
20. Shoot sb down in flames: immediately criticize one’s idea and refuse to accept it

21. Hang/ hold fire: delay making a decision

22. A fighting chance: a small but real possibility

23. A baptism of fire: very difficult first experience of sth

24. Run the gauntlet of sb: to have to deal with a lot of people who are criticizing or
attacking you

25. Join the ranks of: to become a part or member of a large group or organization

26. Steal a march on sb: to get an advantage over sb by acting before their rivals do

27. Run out of steam: lose energy or interest

28. Go off the rails: start behaving in an unacceptable way

29. Down the line: in the future

30. Back on track: again on the way to achieving sth

31. At/ behind the wheel: be the driver

32. In the driving seat: to mean that they are in control of the situation

33. Doing a U-turn: changing direction, opinion

34. Go/ move/ step up a gear: start to work more effectively or quickly than before

35. Be flying high: very successful

36. Fly by the seat of one’s pants: doing sth difficult without much experience

37. Do sth on autopilot: do sth without thinking

38. Take a nosedive: go down suddenly and fast

249
39. Be on a collision course: behave in a way -> disagreement or fight

40. Come to a standstill: stop

41. They think they are the cat’s whiskers: better than everyone else

42. Not have a cat in hell’s chance: to be completely unable to achieve sth

43. It’s a dog’s life! : life is hard and unpleasant

44. A dog in the manger: keeping sth so that other people can’t use not because you
really want it yourself

45. Flog a dead horse: wasting time trying to do sth that won’t succeed

46. Until the cows come home: for a very long time

47. Sort (out) the sheep from the goats: find the people or things of high quality from
a group of mixed quality

48. Might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb: might as well do sth more serious as
you are going to be punished anyway
( you’re already late, so just take all day off. You might as well be hung for a sheep as a
lamb )

49. Shed crocodile tears: tears that you cry when you are not really sad or sorry

50. Sick as a parrot: very disappointed

51. Cry wolf: keep asking for help when do not need it

52. A wolf in sheep’s clothing: a person with a pleasant and friendly appearance that
hides the fact that they are evil

53. Be an elephant in the room: an obvious problem that people do not want to talk
about

54. Don’t bury your head in the sand

250
55. Have a good head for sth: have a natural ability to do sth well

56. Be more to sth than meets the eye: more difficult than you thought

57. Put our heads together: plan sth together

58. Lose face: lose the respect of others: mất mặt

59. My face doesn’t fit: my appearance/ personality isn’t suitable for the job

60. Be one in the eye for sb: be a disappointment or defeat for sb

61. Get my tongue around sth: pronounce

62. Teething troubles: problems in the early stages of doing sth new

63. Get my teeth into: become involved in sth enthusiastically

64. Tread on one’s toes: do sth that could upset sb by getting involved in sth that is
their responsibility

65. Point the finger at sb: accuse sb of being responsible for

66. Make my toes curl: make you feel embarrassed or ashamed for sb
else: t xấu hổ thay m

67. Keep your finger on the pulse: stay up-to-date

68. The dice are loaded against me: I would be unlikely to succeed

69. Hold all the cards: in a strong position

70. Keep/ play my cards close to my chest: don’t reveal my plans

71. Play one’s ace/ trump card: use one’s advantage, esp one others didn’t know about

72. Move the goalpost: to change the rules while sb is trying to do … make it more
difficult for them

251
73. Knock sb for six: to shock or upset sb very much

74. Get the red card from sb: be criticized by

75. It’s just not cricket: it’s not right or fair behaviour

76. A whole new ball game: a completely different situation

77. Play hardball: so determined that even cheat

78. Take a rain check: cannot accept an invitation now, but would like to do so at a later
time

79. Not pull any punches: speak in an honest and direct way without trying to be tactful

80. Be/feel punch-drunk: be tired and confused

81. Below the belt: insulting and unfair (remark)

82. Throw in the sponge/ towel: admit defeat

83. The writing is on the wall: there are clear signs that sth will fail or no longer exist

84. Turn the other cheek: to not do anything to hurt sb who has hurt you: ko trả đũa

85. Fall on your sword: to accept the responsibility or blame for a problem or mistake

86. At one fell swoop: at the same time

87. Eat sb out of house and home: to eat a lot of the food sb has in their house

88. Make sb’s hair stand on end: to make sb very frightened

89. In the twinkling of an eye: happens very quickly

90. Lay it on thick/ lay it on with a trowel: grossly exaggerate or overemphasize sth

91. An albatross around one’s neck: a heavy burden that prevents one from achieving
success

252
92. Like ships that pass in the night: (sb) come into your life and leave again after a
short time

93. Castles in the air: plans that have little chance of happening

94. Go for the whole hog: do sth completely or thoroughly

95. (live in/ be in) an ivory tower: be separated from the ordinary and unpleasant things
that happen in life

96. Set one’s sights on sth (c2): decide to achieve sth

97. Up to scratch: up to a satisfactory standard or quality

98. On track: working on and likely to achieve sth

99. Burn the candle at both ends: going to bed late and getting up early

100. Have a lot of ground to make up: a lot of work to catch up

1. Round the clock: all the time

2. Learn sth off by heart: learn sth so that you can remember it perfectly

3. A memory like a sieve: a bad memory

4. Sth jogs my memory: remind sb

5. Word for word: use exactly the same word

6. Learn by rote: learn sth to be able to repeat it exactly (even if you do not
understand it )

7. Go in one ear and out the other

8. Sth sticks in my mind: easily remember

253
9. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks: it’s difficult to make sb change their way of
doing things, esp if they have been doing it for a long time

10. You’re teaching your grandmother to suck eggs!: giving advice to sb about sth they
know more than you

11. Learn my lesson: learn sth from a negative experience, not to do sth again

12. At the cutting edge: at the most recent stage of development on a particular type
of work or activity

13. Hot off the press: having just been printed and containing the most recent
information

14. Sth is the brainchild of sb: a clever and original idea, plan or invention

15. Push all the right buttons: does exactly what is necessary to get the result you want

16. Be light years away from: be a long way away from

17. On the blink: is not working correctly

18. Throw a spanner in the works: do sth that prevent a plan from succeeding

19. It’s not rocket science: not difficult to do or understand

20. Reinventing the wheel: wasting time trying to create sth that sb else has already
done

21. Go haywire: stop working normally and start working in a different and strange way

22. A cog in the machine: one part of a large organization

23. Set the wheels in motion: do sth which will cause a series of actions to start

24. To oil the wheels: make it easier for sth to happen

25. Roll in the aisles: laugh a lot

254
26. Bring the house down: make the audience laugh or clap a lot

27. Keep you on the edge of your seat: keep you excited and interested in what happens
next

28. Send shivers down my spine: sth is very moving

29. Wade through: finish reading sth

30. Do a hatchet job on sth: criticize

31. Have your name in lights: be famous

32. Wait in the wings: ready to become important

33. We live in each other’s pocket: do everything together

34. Go back a long way: have known each other a long time

35. Through thick and thin

36. Rub shoulders with important people: spend time with important or famous people

37. Have plenty of strings to your bow: have more than one ability

38. A glutton for punishment: who likes working hard or doing things that people find
unpleasant

39. Eat sb for breakfast: speak angrily or critically to defeat sb

40. Be on the fiddle: get money in an illegal or dishonest way

41. Have your hand in the till: steal the business’s money

42. Take sb all for a ride: deceive

43. under the counter: secretly, illegally

44. do a runner: run away to avoid a difficult situation

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45. Throw the book at: punish sb as severely as possible

46. Be brought to book: be punished

47. On the straight and narrow: behave in an honest and moral way

48. At the top of the ladder: in the highest position in an organization

49. Get a foot in the door: take a job at a low level in company

50. Go belly up: fail

51. Go to the wall: be destroyed financially

52. A big fish in a small pond: an important person in a not very important organization

53. Worship at the altar/ shrine/ temple of: being totally dedicated to

54. Rein in spending: spend less

55. Across the board: by people at every level

56. Between a rock and a hard place: whichever decision we make, there is a problem

57. The gloves are off: challenge each other in an unpleasant way

58. At the cutting edge: at the forefront of technological developments or

advancements

59. Be quids in: make a profit

60. Laugh all the way to the bank: make a lot of money easily

61. Money for old rope: money that is easily earned

62. Living on a shoestring: live on very little money

63. Be rolling in it: have lots of money

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64. Be strapped for cash: don’t have enough money

65. She takes him to the cleaner’s: get as much money from him as she could

66. Sell one’s own grandmother/ mother: do anything to get money

67. Throw money down the drain: waste money

68. Sth goes for a song: being sold very cheaply

69. Rags to riches: from poverty to wealth

70. Pay over the odds: pay more than sth is worth

71. New kid on the block: sb who is new in an organization

72. Win by a landslide: winning by getting a lot more voters than the other sides

73. The power behind the throne: someone with no official position but secretly
controls the organization

74. Be done to a turn: be cooked perfectly

75. Don’t lose sleep over it: not worry about

76. Go out on the town: spend the evenings in bars, restaurants, or clubs

77. On the hoof: without proper thought or preparation

78. Pass the time of day with sb: have a short conversation or chat with sb

79. Sth go down a treat: be enjoyed by everyone very much

80. Sth go with a swing: successful and exciting

81. Be on a high: feeling very happy and excited

82. Be full of the joys of spring: very happy indeed

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83. Sth is music to my ears: makes me feel happy

84. Knock sb for six: shock or upset sb very much

85. Down in the dumps: miserable

86. Be a bundle of nerves: be extremely nervous

87. Take my eye off the ball: lost concentration

88. Sweep it under the carpet: hide what happened

89. Make a pig’s ear of it: do it very badly

90. A slap in the face: hurtful, upsetting

91. In the cold light of day: later, when feeling calmer

92. Lose the plot: go crazy

93. Sth put one’s nose out of joint: upset or offend sb by getting sth they want

94. Be in over one’s head: in a difficult situation that one can’t deal with

95. Be in a tight corner: in a difficult position

96. Can’t see the wood for the trees: unable to understand a situation because you are
too involved in it

97. Pull the rug from under sb’s feet: cause difficulties for sb

98. Hold out an olive branch to sb: to do sth to show that you want an argument to end

99. Water under the bridge: a problem which happened in the past… no one is upset any
longer

100. Have blood on one’s hand: be responsible for the death of

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1. Be engulfed in flames: set alight

2. Be shrouded in mystery: not known

3. Beyond your wildest dreams: more than you could ever imagine or wish for

4. Do yourself the world of good: make yourself feel much healthier or happier

5. Sth take years off sb: make sb look and feel much younger

6. Live life to the full: experience as many good things as possible in life

7. Ahead of its time: has already fot features other products will not have for a long
time yet

8. To come clean: to tell the truth

9. Put your shoulder to the wheel: make an effort and work hard

10. Reach for the stars: try to achieve your ambitions or sth that is very difficult

11. Stick one’s neck out: give an opinion which others might not like

12. Skating on thin ice: are taking a risk

13. To upset the apple cart: cause trouble or spoil people’s plans

14. Tough it out: face a difficult situation without changing your plans or opinions

15. Cross that bridge when we come to it: face that problem when it happens, not now

16. Trim our sails: spend less money

17. For a split second: for a very brief moment

18. Be a bolt from the blue: be unexpected and very surprising

19. Be of the same mind: have the same opinion

20. Sing from the same hymn sheet: say the same things

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21. I beg to differ: I disagree

22. Pour oil on troubled waters: calm down a difficult situation

23. On a roll: having a successful period

24. Go down a storm: is very popular

25. Ahead of the game: know more about the most recent developments than the people
with whom they are competing

26. Come up trumps: complete an activity successfully

27. Sth goes down like a lead balloon: people do not like it at all

28. Sth is built on sand: is not firmly established

29. Don’t play me for a fool: don’t treat me as if I am stupid

30. We need to raise our game: need to work harder to achieve sth

31. Listen to sth with half an ear: not fully concentrate

32. Put/ stick two fingers up at sth/sb: angry at or have no respect for

33. Know a thing or two about: know a lot about

34. Don’t have two pennies to rub together: very poor

35. Be not short of a bob or two: quite rich

36. ( Mobile phones ) are two a penny: very common

37. Like a dog with two tails: very happy

38. Be brought down a peg or two

39. That’s him all over: that is typical of him

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40. All or nothing: completely or not at all

41. To cap it all: in addition to all the other bad things that have happened

42. Be all in mind: are imagined, not physically real

43. Be all things to all men: to please everyone even when this is not possible

44. Be no oil painting: is not pretty

45. Be no spring chicken: not young anymore

46. Sth is handed to sb on a plate: Sb got sth very easily and not have to work for it

47. You have to hand it to her: admire what she did

48. Be an old hand at: very experienced at

49. Hand over the reins to sb: give sb the power you have

50. Her children are off her hands: she is not responsible for them anymore

51. To sit on your hands: do nothing about a problem

52. Put their hand on their heart: be truthful

53. My heart goes out to sb (the homeless) = I feel sorry for them

54. Wear your heart on your sleeve: make your feelings obvious

55. My heart isn’t in sth: I’m not interested in sth

56. My heart is in my boots: unhappy

57. I come within an inch of my life: nearly die

58. Live out of a suitcase: not have a permanent place to live

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59. Live on borrowed time: exist longer than expected

60. Be dead to the world: in a deep sleep

61. Do sth in the dead of night: do sth in the middle of the night

62. Be at death’s door: nearly dead

63. I’m bored out of my mind

64. Put one’s mind to sth: make efforts

65. Take my mind off sth: stop thinking about

66. Sth preys on my mind: can’t stop thinking about

67. Sth is harder than I bargain for: much harder than I expect

68. Fall on hard times: find life difficult due to lack of money

69. Feel hard done by: feel unfairly treated

70. Fall from grace: do sth which makes people in authority stop liking or admiring them

71. (Prices) have fallen through the floor: drop to a very low level

72. Fall apart at the seams: be in a very bad state and about to fail

73. People are falling over themselves to V: very keen and eager to

74. Fall into line: start to accept the rules of an organization

75. Sth come into their own: are very useful in a particular situation

76. Take matters into your own: deal with sth ourselves

77. In your own time: when you are ready

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78. Play him at his own game: to try to get an advantage over sb by using the same
methods as they use

79. It is of his own making: it is his fault

80. Whisk away: to escort or accompany sb away very abruptly or hurried

81. Soldier on: to continue doing sth although it is difficult

82. To pick up a virus: contract

83. Be clued up: having a special and detailed knowledge of sth

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