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Vocabulary
Aegrotat ee'gro-tat, n (Latin aegrotat, he or she is sick, 3rd person singular of aegrotare, from aeger, sick)A medical certificate of illness excusing student's sickness. Rarely used today except in Britain, and then only in the context of degrees and courses considered as passed by a student too ill to finish the appropriate material. Aegrotat is the only surviving remnant of the Latin verb aegrotare.Almacantar al-me-kan'ter, n (Arabic almuqantarat, the sundials)A circle of altitude, parallel to the horizon. An astronomical term, used to describe imaginary lines in the sky by which an astronomer determines the height of a star in the sky relative to the horizon. Many Arabic loanwords to English begin with the prefix "al", which in Arabic simply means "the".Amphigory am'fi-ge-ree, n (French amphigouri, of unknown origin)A nonsense verse. Specifically, a poem designed to look and sound good, but which has no meaning upon closer reading. The term 'amphigory' could be applied to large segments of modern poetry, except that its authors probably actually believe that what they are writing is something other than a meaningless trifle.Barathrum ba-rath'rum, n (Latin, from Greek barathron)An abyss; an insatiable person. The second meaning, probably more popular than the first, derives from the metaphor of a bottomless pit, which characterises the stomach of some people, such as my brother.Boustrophedon boo-strof-ee'don, adj and adv (Greek, from bous ox and strophe a turning)Of writing, alternating left to right then right to left. Not a word with a great deal of utility, unless you study ancient inscriptions, but very descriptive. I like the metaphor of an ox ploughing the field back and forth from one direction to the other.Cancrizans kang'kri-zanz, adj (Latin cancrizare to move backwards, like a crab)Moving backwards; especially, of a musical canon, repeating the theme backwards. While sometimes used in the general sense, cancrizans is most commonly used to refer to a particular type of baroque composition known as acrab canon, the most well-known of which is by Bach and is part of his Musical Offering - one of my favourite pieces of music.Carfax kar'faks, n (Latin quadrifurcus, four-forked)A place where four roads meet; an intersection of main roads at the center of a town. Despite its appearance, it has nothing to do with cars or faxes, but is an anglicisation of the older Latin term. Now largely forgotten except in a few place names in the UK, but there's no other word to represent the main intersection in a town.Colophon kol'e-fon, n (Latin, from Greek kolophon, summit, finishing touch)A publisher's emblem or inscription, usually found at the beginning of a book. Everyone has seen these insignia, which once were very elaborate but have been downplayed by modern publishers. It used to be that the colophon of a book also listed the author's name and the date and place of publication.Delenda de-len'da, n pl (Latin, neuter plural of gerundive of delere, to delete)Things to be deleted or destroyed. The term is best known from the Latin phrase "Delenda est Carthago", or "Carthage must be destroyed", spoken by Cato the Elder in 157 B.C. after perceiving that Carthage might pose a threat to the Roman Republic. In this age of censors and shredders, delenda is rare, but most definitely not at risk of being deleted from dictionaries.Diaglyph die'a-glif, n (Greek, dia through, and glyphein to carve)A figure etched or engraved into a flat surface of a gem, stone or other object. Used in contrast with cameo, which is carved in relief, with the figure jutting out from the flat base. Synonymous with intaglio, a term derived from Italian, and perhaps somewhat more common.Enchiridion en-kie-rid'ee-on, n (Greek, from en in and cheir hand)A book carried in the hand for reference, especially one used for music or theology. Etymologically, it's a book that is meant to be able to be carried in one's hand, which today probably encompasses most books, but, ironically enough, not all 'handbooks'. What a strange language we have ...Episemon ep-i-say'mon, n (Greek, a badge, from epi, on, and sema, a sign)A badge or characteristic device - in this sense, it is synonymous with and etymologically identical to the Latin-derived insignia. However, episemon also means one of three obsolete Greek letters (vau, qoppa and sampi) used
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solely in the Greek alphabetical numeral system. I just had to put something in this list related to my academic work on numerals.Famulus fam'yoo-lus, n (Latin, a servant)A private secretary or attendant. Used especially to describe an assistant to a magician or scholar. I particularly like this word not only because it sounds more refined than 'lackey' or 'Hey, you', but because of its applicability to graduate students in a modern context.Farrago fe-rah'go, n (Latin farrago, mixed fodder, from far, grain) A confused mass of objects or people; any disordered mixture. This is an excellent term to describe the chaos evident in a crowd, jumble sale, or any drawer in my home. It's not just a mess, but adds the extra context of confusion and clutter.Galimatias gal-i-may'shi-us, n (French, gibberish)Nonsense; a confused mixture of unrelated things. This very cordial-sounding word is extraordinarily useful in contexts where one wishes to inform someone that their ideas are bafflingly ridiculous and incoherent without seeming overly impolite. It combines the senses of 'incoherent' and 'ridiculous' into a unique and useful term.Growlery growl'er-ee, n (English; cf. Dutch grollen, to grumble)A retreat for times of ill humour. This term has largely become obsolete, which is strange, given that so many people seem to have a place to go when they are in a bad mood - a place to be alone and think. It's similar in meaning to the Latin-derived sanctum sanctorum, with the added connotation that the individual in question is going to the place to be alone while upset.Haecceity hek-see'i-tee, n (Latin, from haec, this)The aspect of existence on which individuality depends; the hereness and nowness of reality. First coined by the philosopher Duns Scotus, haecceity is that sense one gets of being in the present tense, the pure experience of a single moment in time. No other word has such subtle connotations. In addition, it sounds and looks very interesting.Hecatomb hek'a-toam, n (Greek hekatombe, from hekaton one hundred and bous ox)A large sacrifice or slaughter; the killing of one hundred animals or people. Hecatomb, like decimate, is a word for killing involving the number to be killed, but has now come to mean a more general slaughter of many people. Not only does it sound appropriately ominous and grave, but, in this age, it seems all too likely that it may remain useful in the future.Imbroglio im-broal'yo, n (Italian, confusion, from imbrogliare to confuse, embroil)An intricate, confusing or disturbing situation; a confused mass or heap. Imbroglio is close to predicament in meaning, only with a remarkable sound (especially its Italian soft 'g') and the added connotation of confusion and entanglement. It is to be preferred enormously over the anglicised 'embroilment'.Incunabulum in-ku-nab'u-lum, n (Latin incunabula, swaddling-clothes, from in in, and cunae a cradle)An early printed book; an early version or stage; the cradle or birthplace of something. While initially (and still occasionally) used today to refer to the books printed at the dawn of the printing press (prior to 1500), it can also be used in other, more general senses, with great usefulness today. For instance, we might call Project Gutenberg an incunabulum of the Internet.Jeremiad jer-i-my'ad, n (From Jeremiah, reputed author of the Book of Lamentations)A lamentation or prolonged complaint; an angry or cautionary harangue. Poor Jeremiah! He writes one complaining letter to God, whines about the state of the world, gets it published in the most popular book of all time, and his name is forever attached to the concept of complaining and lamenting one's fate. I think there's a moral message in there somewhere, but I haven't figured out yet what it is.Kenspeckle ken'spek-l, adj (Scottish English, from Old Norse kennispeki power of recognition)Easily recognizable or distinguishable; conspicuous. This word sounds very interesting, and is all the more remarkable because it is etymologically unrelated to the similar-sounding and synonymous conspicuous (Latin con, an intensive, and specere, to look). Kenspeckle is mostly used in Scotland and northern England these days; perhaps it should enjoy greater currency.Liripipe lir'i-pipe, n (Late Latin liripipium; ultimate origin unknown)The long tail of a graduate’s hood; a part or lesson committed to memory. Liripipe is one of those mysterious words for things that you never knew had a name. In its first sense, it is only useful to amaze your friends at
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graduation ceremonies, where many older-style hooded gowns have them. The second sense is perhaps more useful, but also used only rarely today.Lucubration loo'ku-bray'shun, n (Latin lucubrare, from lux light)Study or composition lasting late into the night. This is a fantastic word for the activities of 'night owls' such as myself, without synonym or parallel and having a striking sound. Though it's mostly used facetiously today, I see no reason why lucubration should not be restored to its proper glory. Let's all help take back the night!Mascaron mas'ke-ron, n (French masque, a mask, from Italian maschera)A grotesque face on a door-knocker. Everyone's seen and used them, but I'll bet you didn't know there was a word for this. Not only does it have a remarkable sound, but it's the sort of thing that really ought to have a word. Related to mask, mascaron may ultimately derive from the Arabic maskharah, a jester or man in masquerade.Miasma mi-az'me, n (Greek, pollution, from miainein to stain, pollute)Foul vapours emitted from rotting matter; unwholesome air or atmosphere. I can safely predict, with the current state of the environment, that miasma may become a much more common word in the next fifty years as it becomes a more common state of affairs. It has an appropriately gaseous and foul-sounding name, adding to its linguistic appeal.Mumpsimus mump'si-mes, n (A blunder for Latin sumpsimus, we have received)A view stubbornly held even when shown to be wrong; one holding such a view. In an old story, it's said that an ignorant priest, knowing the sound of the Latin Mass but not speaking the language, said the meaningless 'mumpsimus' instead of 'sumpsimus'. When corrected, he is said to have replied, "I will not change my old mumpsimus for your new sumpsimus". This learned joke has lasted five centuries in the form of this fine-sounding word.Nepenthe ni-pen'thee, n (Greek, from ne- not, and penthos grief)Something, such as a drink or a drug, capable of making one forget suffering. First mentioned in Homer's Odysseyas a potion capable of erasing all bad memories. By extension, the use of nepenthe today largely reflects the reputed powers of alcohol to get rid of the memory of one's woes. Whether or not this actually works (other than temporarily), the word is marvellous.Omphaloskepsis om-fe-lo-skep'sis, n (Greek, from omphalos navel and skepsis query, doubt)Navel-gazing. This extraordinarily rare word is not normally used literally, but instead to refer to the sort of introspective self-analysis all too common in academia and pop psychology. A favourite pastime of postmodern philosophers, especially when used facetiously to refer to the habit of mentally considering everything while ignoring the real world.Orphrey or'free, n (Old French orfreis, from Latin auriphrygium Phrygian gold)Gold or other rich embroidery, especially that found on clerical vestments. I admit that there isn't that much use for this word today, given that most priests don't have highly embroidered vestments anymore. Nevertheless, the fine sound of this word suggests that it needs to be revived and possibly expanded in meaning.Panopticon pan-op'ti-kon, n (Greek, pan- all and optikon for seeing)A prison where all inmates can be watched from one point; an exhibition room. The panopticon was an idea of Jeremy Bentham. If a single guard post is erected in the middle of a circular prison, all cells can be seen from that point. Unfortunately, the idea never caught on, though the word was used to apply to a royal exhibition in London roughly organized on such a scheme.Peccavi pek-ah-vee, n (Latin peccavi I have sinned)An admission of sin or guilt. Not only is this word's meaning unique, and its sound very interesting, but it gave rise to the most witty multilingual pun of all time. In 1843, when Sir Charles Napier sent a preliminary dispatch of a single word: "peccavi". The reason: his military victory and conquest of the province of Sind (now in Pakistan). His message: "I have Sind".Phrontistery fron'tis-te-ree, n (Greek phrontisterion, from phrontistes a thinker, from phroneein to think)A thinking-place; a place for study. I simply had to include 'phrontistery' on this list. It was first used by Aristophanes to apply to the school of Socrates, and was somewhat mocking in tone. A peculiar (and under-used) term, I hope to reclaim it for thinking people everywhere. No other term is synonymous, and its intellectual if pompous sound merely adds to its charm.Pilgarlick pil-gar'lik, n (English, peel + garlic)
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A poor wretch; used whimsically and self-pityingly to refer to oneself. Originally, pilgarlick was used to refer to a bald or balding person (hence its etymology, one's bald head looking like peeled garlic). Since then, it has come to be used mostly in self-reference, when one is lamenting one's lot in life. There truly needs to be a term like this in common use.Quincunx kwin'kunks, n (Latin quincunx, from quinque five, and uncia a twelfth part)An arrangement of five things with four at the corners of a square and one in the middle. The unique meaning and peculiar sound of this word, coupled with the fact that it is a pattern seen on cards and dice, are the reasons for it making my list. Such a symbol was at one time used for the Roman fraction 5/12, thus explaining its etymology.Redivivus red-i-vee'vus, adj (Latin, from red- again, and vivus alive)Resuscitated, come to life again. There are plenty of words to describe coming back to life (renaissance, resurrection), but none so pleasant-sounding as this one. Used largely in literary and formal contexts, it is taken straight from the Latin term of the same meaning. It is, I think, an ideal term to be used in place of 'renaissance' to refer to things newly restored to popularity.Rhadamanthine rad-e-man'thine, adj (Greek, from Rhadamanthos, a judge of the lower world)Like a stern judge; rigorously just and severe. Sometimes found capitalised, this word means not only conservatism but also strict legalism and harsh punishment, thus reflecting the attitudes of many judges today just as it did in ancient Greece. Rhadamanthos was (with Minos and Aeakos), one of the three judges in the underworld to whom one would plead one's case after death on the basis of one's character and deeds. Good luck!Selcouth sel'kooth, adj (Old English sel(d)cuth, from seldan seldom, and cuth, known)Strange; unfamiliar; marvellous. Combining the sense of strangeness with that of wonder, selcouth is a fantastic self-referential word, being both marvellous and (to most English speakers) entirely unfamiliar. No word is really synonymous with it, and it reflects very well the sense of wonder and amazement at seeing something truly new and unusual. Enjoy it!Sisyphean sis-i-fee'an, adj (Greek, from Sisyphus, king of Corinth)Laborious, endless and futile. This term, sometimes capitalised, derives from the story of the legendary king Sisyphus, who was condemned after his death to perpetually roll a huge stone to the top of the hill, only to have it roll back each time he neared his goal. Sisyphean is a marvelous adjective to describe much of the work done in the world today.Skeuomorph skyoo'e-morf, n (Greek skeuos vessel, tool, and morphe, shape)A retained but no longer functional stylistic feature. This term was originally used in architecture and archaeology to refer to a feature whose origin was functional, but whose only vestige was as a decorative ornament. It is of great use today as imitation seams, supports and other things are applied to bits of plastic that came directly out of a mould.Spatchcock spach'kok, v or n (English, probably from dispatch and cock)To insert into a text too hurriedly or inappropriately; a fowl stuffed and cooked immediately after killing. This is probably my favourite word of all time. Though there's little use for it any more as a noun, the idea of hurriedly killing, stuffing and cooking a bird has enormous metaphorical value. As a verb, spatchcock is a term that should be picked up and used by every editor who has ever had to read a manuscript that has been prepared in such a manner.Tantivy tan-tiv'ee, adv (Imitation, either of a hunting-horn or horses' hooves)At full gallop; headlong. Tantivy is most often used today as an adverb, but can also be used as a noun (a hunting-cry), an adjective (swift, speedy) and an interjection (the sound of the horn or of horses' hooves). Its remarkable range of meanings seems all the more remarkable in that no one really knows the origins of this peculiar but mellifluous word.Tintinnabulate tin-ti-nab'you-late, v (Latin tintinnabulum a bell, from tinnire to jingle)To ring (as a bell); to tinkle. This fantastic word describes the sound of bells ringing just as well for us as it did in Roman times. When it is used today, it is usually facetiously, with the rather less satisfactory if shorter choices ring,tinkle and jingle serving day-to-day functions. A real shame, given the remarkable sound of this fine word.Tregetour trej'e-ter, n (Old French tresgetour, from tresgeter, from Latin trans across and jetere to throw)
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A juggler, trickster or deceiver. Originally used to describe a type of jester or juggler, tregetour, though now archaic, eventually came to mean someone who uses cunning tricks to deceive others (sometimes but not limited to stage performances). A useful poetic word for a magician, but also a more pleasant-sounding name for a huckster or con man.Ultracrepidate ul-tre-krep'i-date, v (Latin, from ultra, beyond, and crepida, sandal)To criticize beyond sphere of one’s knowledge. This very interesting-sounding and useful word for a common practice has a very interesting etymology. In a Roman story, a cobbler criticised the sandals in a painting by the painter Apelles, and then complained about further parts of the work, to which Apelles is said to have replied, "Ne sutor ultra crepidam", or, roughly, "The cobbler must not go beyond the sandal". As true today as it was then.Vilipend vil'i-pend, v (Latin vilis, worthless and pendere to weigh)To despise; to make light of; to disparage mockingly. Related to vile and vilification, vilipend is a word that implies disparagement, slander or criticism, but usually with a fairly light and mocking tone. A particularly good term to refer to a certain style of literary and academic mockery - and God knows there are enough people out there who need to be vilipended.Widdershins wid'er-shinz, adv (Low German weddersins)Counterclockwise; in the contrary direction. You might ask why I'd include this obsolete adverb (used only facetiously and in some Scottish dialects), when it has a perfectly good synonym. To this, I point out that the day may soon come when clocks with hands are obsolete, at which point we may need to revive this word to alleviate the confusion. Also spelled and pronounced withershins.Xenium zee'ni-um, n (Greek xenos guest, host, stranger)A gift made to a guest or ambassador; any compulsory gift. As I'm writing, the Christmas season approaches, reminding me of the necessity of a word to reflect a gift you're obliged to give rather than one you really want to. Whenever you go to the wedding of a stranger or an enemy, think of this word and smile. My gift of 'xenium' to you is most definitely desired.Yare yair, adj (Old English gearu or gearo, ready, prompt)Marked by quickness and agility; nimble; prepared; easily handled. It's basically obsolete anymore, but this fantastic short little gem is very useful. It reflects the sense of preparedness and mental quickness one feels from time to time - the feeling that one is ready to face the world and its challenges, and that anything is possible. Try it, use it - I think you'll like it.Zetetic ze-tet'ik, adj or n (Greek zetetikos, from zeteein to seek)Proceeding by inquiry; a search or investigation; a skeptical seeker of knowledge. A term originally used to refer toPyrrhonists, a group of ancient Greek skeptics, it has come to mean both the process of inquiry and one who so proceeds. A zetetic is thus a sort of intellectual agnostic who, while seeking greater truths, is always wary of falsehood.
epeolatry - worship of words
acquiesce - satisfy
fen - swamp
atrabilious - bad-tempered or irritable
absquatulate - depart
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copacetic - good or even excellent
alexipharmic - having a nature of an antidote (i like this one cuz it has my name in it )
esculent - edible
empasm - a powder-like ancient medicine used to take the smell away...
pinguescence - the process of becoming fat
kerfuffle - commotion
nychthemeron - period of one day (24 hrs)
yclept - by the name of, as in "there lives a mechanic yclept Willy"
triscadecaphobia - fear of the number 13
haptic - in relation to a touching or feeling sensation
oyez - call to attention
thaumaturgy - performance of miracles
onomasticon - dictionary of names
hypnobioscope - device for learning while asleep (fictional)
jingoism - war-like or aggressive patriotism
zymurgy - the art or practice of fermentation (can you say mmm beer)
umquhile - word relating to others being erstwhile and quondam (which are two more words for you) meaning formerly, previously
quondam - having been formerly, former, sometime
erstwhile - former, archaic
epopoeia - a type of epopee, an epic poem
quocker-wodger - a wooden pupet on a string (perfect for swearing)
anfractuosity - a channel, canal or passage full of windings and turns
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floccinaucinihilipilification - an estimation of something as being worthless
scopperloit - rude or rough play
depone - testify under oath
amblygon - obtuse triangle
nihilarian - person who deals with unimportant things
selcouth - rare, strange, marvelous, wonderful
exude - emit
quidnunc - gossip
agnomen - nickname
doppelganger - someone resembling a person (usually evil)
I dunno if anyone has been waiting for the definitions, but here is the list of today's words definitions:
culiage - the right of the lord to spend the first knight with his subject's new bride
demegoric - relating to public speaking
arenaceous - having the texture of sand
deisidiamonia - fear of supernatural powers
huderon - lazy (adj)
pataphysics - The science of imaginary solutions
inhebetate - To make something obtuse, dull or blunt
gulosity - excessive appetite; greediness, voracity
and finally a few more to tickle the brain a little more
noology - study of intuition and comprehension
solecism - error in grammar or wording
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makari - archaic Scottish term for poet
sauterne - a sweet wine
scabiosa - a not-so-nice way of saying "pretty flower" (mainly due to words roots)
blarney - flattery designed to gain favor
vernorexia - a romantic mood inspired by Spring
aba - garment of camel or goat hair; camel or goat-hair fabricabb - yarn used for warpaby - to make amends; atone; pay a penaltyait - small island in lake or riverala - membranous outgrowth on a plant or animalalb - long white robe worn by priestsalk - sap or resin from turpentine treesalt - high musical toneama - a Japanese pearl-diverana - in equal quantitiesard - plough used to scratch top surface of soilawn - beard or similar bristly growth on stalk of grainbar - unit of pressure of one million dynes per square centimeterbee - hardwood on either side of bowsprit through which forestays are reevedbel - unit of noise intensity equal to ten decibelsbis - twice; in two placesbot - larva of a botfly that infests horsescep - brown edible mushroomcog - single-masted, square-sailed ship with raised sterncol - depression or pass in a mountain rangecwm - valley or glendag - dirty tatted tuft of sheep's wooldah - short heavy Burmese knifedal - a dried legume, such as lentils, beans or peasdap - to dip gently into water; to fish with a surface flydaw - simpleton; bird of the crow familydit - poem; words of a songdol - unit for measuring intensity of paindop - copper cup for holding a diamond while cutting iteft - again; afterwardseft - newteke - in addition; also; likewise
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ell - old unit of length equal to 45 inchesere - beforeerg - unit of work measuring force of one dyne applied over one centimetereth - old English letter for voiced 'th' soundfid - conical wooden pin used to splice strands of ropefie - expression of disgust or disapprovalfub - to put off; to fobfug - hot; close; smoky state of atmospheregad - to wander about idly or in pursuit of pleasuregal - unit of acceleration of one centimeter per second per secondgar - mild oathgat - opening or strait between two sandbanksgib - wedge-shaped piece of metal that holds another in placegid - brain disease suffered by sheepgig - light two-wheeled one-horse carriagehoc - card game, now obsoletehod - V-shaped trough for carrying bricks or mortar on the shouldershoy - large one-decked boatife - tropical African fibrous plantiff - if and only ifist - one who holds to an 'ism'ivi - Tahitian chestnut treejib - small triangular sail extending from the head of the foremastjow - to ring a bell; a stroke of a belljud - mass of coal ready for final removaljug - sound of the nightingalejus - law; legal rightkeb - ewe that gives birth to stillborn lambked - wingless fly that feeds on livestockkef - state of dreamy or drug-induced reposekep - to catch an approaching object or falling liquidket - carrion; matted woolkex - dry hollow plant stalkkif - drug like marijuana smoked in North Africakip - skin of a young animalkip - unit of weight equivalent to 1000 poundskir - drink of black currant syrup and white winekit - a small pocket violinkop - bank of terracing at a football fieldlac - dark red transparent resin used to make shellaclar - local god of a houselea - arable land left fallow or used for pasturelev - monetary unit of Bulgarialey - mystical straight line between features of landscapelux - unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square meter
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mel - honeymew - to shed, moult or changemho - unit of electrical conductancemil - unit of 1/1000 inch used for measuring thickness of wiremim - prim, demuremon - Japanese family crestmor - humus layer formed by slow decomposition in acidic soilmow - to make a grimaceneb - bird's beaknef - ornamental stand in shape of ship for holding salt or cutlerynim - to steal; to pilferobi - broad sash worn with a kimonoord - point of a weapon; a beginningorf - viral infection of sheeport - scrap of food; morselpam - card game in which jack of club has highest valuepax - tablet decorated with sacred figure and kissed by participants in massped - naturally formed mass or aggregate of soilper - through; according to; by means or agency ofpro - in favour of; forpug - ground clay mixed with waterpuy - small volcanic conepyx - box or vessel in which coins or consecrated Eucharist are keptqat - leaves chewed or brewed in tea as a stimulantqua - in the capacity ofras - headlandrep - plain-woven fabric with crosswise ribsret - to expose to moisture; to soak; to soften by soakingrev - to run an engine before bringing it into useria - normal drowned valley; long wide creekroc - enormous legendary Arabian birdrom - a gypsy manrya - colourful Scandinavian knotted-pile rugsal - a saltsaw - saying or proverbsay - delicate woollen fabricseg - stud or metal plate in sole of a shoe to prevent wearsic - thussuq - Middle Eastern marketplacetaj - crown or head-dresstaw - to prepare skins by soaking, salting, stretching and paringted - to spread grass for dryingteg - a sheep in its second year; the fleece of such a sheeptej - Ethiopian honey-meadtex - unit of measurement of fineness of fibres and yarn
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tod - old unit of weight of wool equal to 28 poundstog - unit of measurement for insulation properties of fabricton - unit of cooling power equal to 12,000 BTU per hourtot - bone or other object retrieved from garbage piletow - bundle of untwisted natural fibrestup - ram; pile-driver; striking face of steam hammer or jackhammertye - inclined trough for washing oreure - use; customvis - force; powervug - small cavity in a rockwen - enormously congested citywey - old measure for dry goods usually equal to 40 bushelswis - to know, to believewye - a Y-branching pipe or railroad track arrangementwyn - old English rune having value 'w'yad - rod used by readers of the Torah as a pointer for following textyag - synthetic diamond made of yttrium aluminum garnetyam - posting-house along a roadyaw - to move unsteadily side to side; to rotate about a vertical axisyen - craving or yearningyeo - stream or drain used in miningyew - to rise, as a layer of froth in a boiling liquidyex - to hiccup, belch or spityok - pejorative Jewish term for a non-Jewyon - yonder; that over there; those over therezek - inmate of prison labour campzel - form of Oriental cymbalzho - cross between a yak and a cowzug - waterproof leather used for boots
abjure - renounce or turn away fromaught - anythingbelie - give a false impressionbight - curvy races at the edge of a geographical featurebivouac - a temporary camp, usually without a tentcairn - mound of stones used as a marker, such as a roman road marker or a tombstonedescry - to catch a sight ofell - a measure of distance, that is no longer used for some reason, equal to 45in or 114 cmewer - large, wide-mouthed water jugeyot - small island usually found in a riverfurlong - 1/8 of a milehame - hide or peltlouver - a dome structure on the roof with side-opennings help smoke escapeniggard - mystery person, one that gives gifts, but in a grudging manner (probably not used due to it's similarity with another certain word)
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passward - something granting passage of a guard (and you know where another certain misspelled word originated from)quail - be intimidated by, give way totithe - 1/10thtryst - an arranged meetingtumult - a noisy disturbanceupbraid - criticize
commonly misused, at least i have had to correct a few people in the last couple of months
wroth vs wraith vs wrath
wroth - adj (angry, wrathful)wraith - ghost apparitionwrath - fierce anger (as an adjective meaning archaic)
abide 1 put up with, tolerateabide 2 awaitabjure renounce, turn away fromabroad in the open, at largeadamant diamond, or (more generally) any very hard substanceafield away, especially from homeaforetime in earlier timesaghast terrified, amazedagin a dialect word meaning 'against', 'next to'alms-guest one given shelter as an act of charityamiss not as things should beanon soon; ever and anon oftenapace quicklyargent silver or (especially in heraldry) silver-whiteaskance to look with eyes squinted; most commonly seen in the phrase look askance, to view someone or something in a suspicious or doubtful mannerassuage soften, lessen, sootheattercop spider (originally meaning 'poison-head', and historically used as an insult as well as a literally)aught anythingaumbry small cupboard or closetawry crooked, out of proper order (pronounced 'a-wry')
backarapper a firework made from firecrackers folded together to explode one after the other (a dialect word from the English Midlands)
bade old past tense of 'bid', pronounced 'bad'; bade farewell said goodbye
baldric a shoulder-belt for carrying horns, swords, etc
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baleful malignant, filled with evil
baluster a railing supported by small pillars (Tolkien's usage is archaic; in modern English a baluster is a single pillar, and the entire pillared structure is a balustrade)
bane a person or item that causes death
bannock flat bread-cake
barrel the long, cylindrical part of a key
baseborn ignoble, illegitimate
bay (of a dog) bark or howl
bebother bring extreme trouble upon
befall happen, occur
belie give a false impression
benighted in, or overtaken by, darkness
beset attacked, assaulted by enemies
besom a stiff broom made out of sticks and twigs
besotted 1 made drunk
besotted 2 obsessed, entranced
besought old past tense of beseech
bier platform for carrying a coffin or body
bight a curved recess in the edge of a geographical feature, such as a coast or forest tree-line
billow (large) wave
bivouac temporary camp, without tents
blazoned painted or inscribed (an heraldic term)
blench flinch, give way in fear
bole the trunk of a tree, particularly the part below its branches
bond storage of wine, etc, until duty has been paid; out of bond released from this
booby stupid person
boon favour, gift
bower 1 space surrounded by foliage
bower 2 an inner or private chamber
brace pair
brake thicket
brazen made of brass
13
brood 1 children
brood 2 related creatures
brook tolerate, accept
buckler a small round shield, held in one hand
bulwark a defensive structure
burg a fortress, or a fortified town
burgeon come forth, bud, begin to grow quickly
burnished polished
byre cow-shed
cairn a mound of stones or rocks, used as a marker, memorial or tomb
candle a type of firework, usually designed to be held in the hand
canker one of various diseases of plants or animals; used figuratively to suggest a corrupting influence
carcanet jewelled necklace
carouse drink heavily
carven old form of 'carved'
cataract waterfall
cesspool a pool of waste-water or sewage
chalcedony a precious form of quartz: onyx, agate and cornelian are all types of chalcedony
champ (of a horse) munch on the bit, showing eagerness
chime agree with, be in harmony with
chine deep and narrow ravine
churl a person lacking manners or breeding; churlish rude, ungrateful or mean
circlet a thin band of precious metal, worn on the head
clave old past tense of cleave, in the sense 'stick, adhere'
close-serried packed tightly together
cloven split into two
coëval born at the same time
cob spider (the name survives in the term 'cobweb')
coffer strongbox, especially for holding valuables
comely pleasant-looking
commons shared food; short commons insufficient food
14
compass accomplish, achieve
conclave a meeting, or the place where a meeting is held
concourse large group of people; crowd
coney rabbit
confines borders; borderlands
confusticate confuse, baffle
conjoint united, combined; conjoint rule the rule of a kingdom divided equally between two or more leaders
cony rabbit
coomb short valley in the side of a hill or mountain
coop cage, imprison
coronal circlet or garland worn around the head
corslet a piece of armour covering the body, but not the arms or legs
cot a small shelter; the origin of the word 'cottage'
counsels words of advice
courtesy 1 politeness, consideration
courtesy 2 formal gesture made by a woman; better known in its modern form, 'curtsy'
coverlet quilt, bed-covering
covert a shelter, especially one created naturally by trees or bushes
covet be jealous of, desire
cozen lie to, cheat, deceive
cracker firework designed to explode with a loud noise
craven coward
crocks items of crockery: plates, dishes, etc.
cudgel A short club, or a stick used as a weapon
culvert a channel carrying water beneath a thoroughfare
cumbrous awkward, inconvenient
cunning-handed deft, artful, dexterous
cur a worthless or ill-tempered dog
curdle turn sour, congeal into lumps or curds
daffadowndilly an archaic and poetic variation on daffodil, a yellow or white spring flower
dainty morsel, delicacy
15
damask steel and iron specially welded to make a serpentine pattern
dank cold and damp
darkling dark (poetical)
dastard an ignoble and cowardly person
daunt intimidate
dearth scarcity or shortage, especially of food
declaim speak or recite passionately
deem consider, conclude
defile 1 sully, corrupt, ruin
defile 2 a narrow gorge or valley with steep sides
defray pay for
dell small valley
descry catch sight of, especially something difficult to see
devices things, especially situations, devised or engineered
dingle deep hollow, usually shaded with trees
dissemble hide one's true intentions
divers numerous and various
doggrel trivial or worthless verse; the modern spelling doggerel is incorrectly printed in some editions of The Lord of the Rings
dolven delved, mined, dug out
doom fate (as opposed to modern usage, doom in this sense is not necessarily bad)
dotard a person who has lost their wits, especially through old age
doughty strong, powerful
dour stern, unyielding; dour-handed steady-handed
draught 1 drawing or pulling force
draught 2 a drink drawn from a barrel or storage jar
draught 3 the depth of water needed to sail a ship, hence a vessel of great draught is particulary large
drear dismal, gloomy
dregs sediment found at the bottom of wine, tea, etc. To 'drink to the dregs' is to completely drain a cup or (metaphorically) fully involve oneself
dromund large ship
dry (of bricks or stone) laid without mortar
durst old form of 'dare' or 'dared'; durstn't not dare
16
dwimmer-crafty skilled in the arts of magic, especially having powers of illusion
earth-dolven mined from the earth
eaves the fringe of a forest (from the resemblance of the overhanging forest canopy to the eaves of a house); also used figuratively for the edges of a mountain range
ell a measure of length, usually equivalent to 45 inches or 114 cm (though Tolkien defines an ell as used by the Hobbits as measuring just 29 inches, or about 69 cm, presumably due to the the Hobbits' own small size)
embattled 1 of a fortress, having battlements
embattled 2 of an army, fortified against attack (this is the dictionary definition, but in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien's usage seems to mean simply 'in battle')
embrasure bevelled opening in a wall, especially for a door or window
encompass surround
ere before
errantry journeying in search of adventure
espy catch sight of
esquire bearer of a knight's arms and shield
essay attempt
esteem consider to be of worth; esteem too lightly underestimate
et a variation of 'ate', common in British rural dialects
etten eaten - see 'et'
ewer large, wide-mouthed water jug
eyot a small island, especially found in a river
fag-end last remnant
faggot bundle of sticks used as firewood
falter waver, lose courage
fane temple
fare travel, go on a journey
fastness secure fortress
fathom a distance of 6 feet (used especially for rope or cloth); the 'feet' of the Hobbits were rather shorter than ours, so a distance of 6 Hobbit feet was equivalent to modern 4 feet 6 inches, or about 1.4 metres
fawn cringe, grovel
fealty allegiance and service to a lord
feign pretend17
fell 1 merciless, terrifying
fell 2 animal's hide
fell 3 moorland hill
fender a metal frame placed around a fireplace
fetter chain, shackle
fey heedless of death; having no thought for one's own fate
fief land under the power of a lord owing allegiance in turn to a higher lord or king
figured marked with drawings or writing
fillet narrow band worn around the head
firth An inlet of the sea at a wide river estuary
flagon large jug or mug, usually used to hold wine or beer
flammifer in Latin, flammifer literally means 'fiery', but Tolkien's usage is likely meant to suggest 'flame-bearer', as a reference to the blazing Silmaril borne by Eärendil.
flank the exposed side of an attacking or marching army
flotsam floating wreckage; flotsam and jetsam items washed up by the sea, or a flood (also used figuratively)
flummoxed bewildered, disconcerted
footpad a thief (historically, a 'footpad' was a highwayman who had no horse)
forbear hold back from
forebode foresee (especially something that is evil)
forespeak foretell, predict
foreswear swear not to do something
forgo let go, do without
forlorn abandoned, desolate
forsake desert, turn away from (the past tense is forsook)
forsooth in truth, actually
fortnight a period of two weeks
fosse a defensive trench or ditch
founder sink, after taking on water
fountain firework designed to be placed on the ground, spraying coloured sparks
fraught full (of)
freshet a stream, or (strictly) a flood of fresh water
frith a complex archaic word with multiple possible interpretations; the particular sense meant by Tolkien is uncertain, but in context he probably intends 'peaceful place' or 'sanctuary'
18
froward stubborn, rebellious
furlong one eighth of a mile (220 yards), or about one fifth of a kilometre
gable narrowing part of a wall beneath its roof, usually triangular in shape
gaffer a word meaning both 'old man' and 'foreman': its use as the nickname of Hamfast Gamgee is probably intended to combine both meanings.
gainsay contradict
gallop boil and bubble
game crippled
gammer old woman
gangrel lean and awkward (equivalent to modern gangling)
garn an English dialect word used to express disbelief or disagreement, literally meaning 'go on' (in the sense of 'go away', 'be off with you')
garner granary or storehouse
garnet deep red gem
garth an enclosed garden or yard
ghyll deep ravine
gibbet A gallows built to display the body of an executed criminal
gimlet A sharp boring tool, similar in general design to a corkscrew; see like gimlets see sharply
girdle 1 belt or cord used especially to confine clothing
girdle 2 something which surrounds or encircles; girdle of Arda the central regions of Arda, equidistant from the far north and south
girt bound or attached with a belt
glede burning coal or cinder
gloaming the twilight of evening
glower scowl, frown
goggle stare with round eyes
gold in the gold to hit something exactly (a reference to the central colour of an archery target)
grandsire grandfather
graven engraved, carved
greened made green from the mosses and lichens on a tree's trunk
grist crops ready to be ground by a mill
grot old form of 'grotto'; an ornamental or picturesque cavern
19
guerdon reward
guileful treacherous, deceitful
gunwale the top edge of a boat's side, pronounced (and sometimes spelt) 'gunnel'
habergeon a mail-coat with short sleeves, or no sleeves at all
hale robust, strong of body
hallow (as a verb) bless, make holy; (as a noun) a blessed or holy place
halt lame
hame hide, pelt
hang to leave food, especially game, in the open until it becomes 'high' or tender
harbour succour, assistance
hardly 1 with great difficulty
hardly 2 only just
harness military gear
harry ravage
haste hurry, rush
hauberk a long mail-coat, usually with sleeves
headstall a covering for a horse's head, used as an alternative to bridle and bit
hearken listen, pay attention
heed thought, consideration
heedless careless of danger
hence from here
hew chop, slice
hither 1 to here, to this place; hither and thither in various directions
hither 2 nearer, closer
hoar grey- or white-haired
hobble limp, walk with difficulty
hobnob converse in a friendly and casual way
hock the middle joint of a horse's or pony's leg
hog-back hill or ridge with a distinct crest
house-man a servant working in their master's house, rather than on their lands
hue 1 form or shape
20
hue 2 outcry, especially seen in hue and cry, a general call to pursue a wrongdoer or criminal
hummock a small hill or knoll (in The Lord of the Rings, 'hummock' is used metaphorically to describe the shape made by the palantírbeneath Gandalf's cloak)
hunter's moon the full moon of mid- to late October
hythe a small harbour or haven, especially on a river
ill evil, wrong
jerkin jacket without sleeves
jetsam items thrown overboard from a ship, and later washed ashore
keen sharp
kerb a raised edge to a road or path
kindle set fire to, begin to burn
kine cattle
lappet flap or fold of a garment
lave wash, bathe
lay a poem that is meant to be sung
lea region of grassland
league a measure of distance, usually considered to be equivalent to three miles; actually a Hobbit league (or tigh in Bree) was a little shorter than a conventional league, at 4,800 yards (about 4,400 metres) rather than 5,280 yards (about 4,800 metres)
leaguer an encampment or encampments, especially for defensive purposes
leasow a meadow used for pasture
leave permission
lee shelter, especially from wind and weather
leech healer
leechcraft an old name for the practice of medicine, associated with the ancient belief that blood-sucking leeches had a healing effect
liege one bound by feudal alliance, either as a lord or a vassal. When Denethor calls Peregrin Took 'my liege' (The Return of the King V 1) he is using the word in the latter sense.
lissom lithe, supple
lithe supple, flexible
21
livery uniform of servants or soldiers following a certain lord or house
loath reluctant
lob spider (seen, for example, in the name Shelob)
longfather forefather, ancestor; longfather-tree family tree showing ancestry
loth reluctant [a variation on loath above]
louver a domed structure built on a roof with side-openings to allow smoke to escape
lower to become less high (used of hills, cliffs, and so on)
malefactor one who commits an evil act
mantle cloak, cover
mar spoil or damage beyond repair
march border
marchwarden border guard
mark notice, detect
marshal place in proper order
mast-lands wooded lands in which swine feed on the fruit of trees such as beeches or oaks
mattock a primitive weapon, originally a farming tool, perhaps best described as a double-headed battle-hoe
maw jaws and throat, especially of a ferocious animal
mayhap perhaps
mead 1 an alcoholic drink made from honey
mead 2 meadow
mere lake or pond
mew a type of gull
midge tiny airborne biting insect; not unlike a mosquito, but much smaller
mischance accident
misdoubt have suspicions or misgivings about someone or something
misgive fill with doubt or suspicion
moonshine fantastic ideas
muff hand-warmer, made historically from fur
muster collect, assemble
nethermost lowest, deepest
22
nicety precision, exactness; weigh to a nicety measure exactly
niggard miserly person, especially one who gives gifts, but in a grudging manner
nigh near; well nigh, wellnigh almost, very nearly
nightshade probably simply 'darkness' (the literal use of this word appears to be unique to Tolkien - in historical English, it is only used figuratively as the name of a poisonous plant)
noisome foul-smelling, poisonous
nook corner, recess
notch set an arrow to a bowstring, ready to fire
nuncheon light meal eaten at midday
oast kiln for drying hops, or the building that houses one
obeisance bowing or kneeling in submission
oft often
ostler stable-keeper
oust take possession of another's lands, property, title, etc.
outworn exhausted
overbear defeat by weight of numbers
overweening arrogantly over-confident
palfrey riding horse, especially one used by a lady
pallid pale
panoply full suit of armour, often including weaponry
parapet defensive wall built to protect troops
parley discuss terms of peace or cease-fire
passward something granting passage of a guard
pate head, mind
pent restricted, confined
penthouse the area beneath a sloping roof, especially as a later extension to an existing building
perforce having no choice, being forced
picket stake driven into the ground; picketed horses horses tethered to pickets
pig-a-back a way of carrying a person or thing on the shoulders and back; sometimes spelt pick-a-back or piggy-back
pinion 1 a bird's wing, and especially the flight feathers
23
pinion 2 bind or hold fast (ultimately derived from [1] above - 'pinioning' originally referred to cutting a bird's wing to prevent it from flying away)
plash splash
portage overland transportation of a boat
portend foreshadow, give warning, act as an omen
portent omen, sign
postern a back- or side-entrance
profound deep
propound put forward; express an idea for others to consider
prosy dull, contented with the commonplace
provender food
puissant powerful, influential
purloin steal
quaff drink deeply
quail give way to, be intimidated by
raiment clothing
rearguard that part of an army set to cover its rear ranks, especially in retreat
recreant disloyal, unfaithful to duty (this is an old usage; in modern English, recreant more usually means 'cowardly')
rede counsel
redound contribute to, advance
redress setting right
reft past tense of the old word reave, to take by force
rent past tense of rend, to tear or split
repair go often
respite relief, calm interval
revelry merrymaking
revile insult, abuse
rick a stack, especially of hay
rill a small or narrow stream
riven split or broken
24
rope-walk rope-maker's yard
rude simple, primitive
rue regret, repent of
rumour sound
runagate vagabond, wanderer (though Tolkien plays on the etymological origins of the word, 'runaway, renegade')
sable heraldic term for black
sallow having yellow or pale brown skin
salver tray, usually made of some valuable metal
save except
scree small stones that slide over one another underfoot, or a mountain-slope covered with stones like these
semblance appearance
serf peasant (properly, an agricultural worker bound to a piece of land)
shade ghost or phantasm
shale outer shell of a seed
shank leg; especially that part between the knee and ankle
sheaf bundle or cluster of stalks
shoal a particularly shallow part of a river- or sea-bed
shore slice, tear (an old past tense of 'shear')
shun refuse
shuttering closing the shutter on a lamp, so that its light is hidden
sires forefathers, ancestors
sister-son nephew
slot track followed by a hunter
slowcoach someone who moves slowly, or is often late
sluggard slow or lazy person
smite strike, attack (the past tense is smote)
snuff sniff deeply
sojourn temporary stay
sooth true, truthful
sortie an attack launched by a besieged force
sparkler hand-held firework, designed to emit showers of sparks when ignited
25
spinney group of trees, or small wood
squib small explosive firework, usually designed to burn with a fizzing or hissing sound
staves 1 straight sticks used by travellers ('staves' is the old plural form of 'staff')
staves 2 verses or stanzas of a poem
stead place, position
stem block, hold back
stock the trunk or stump of a tree; stock and stone things of the natural world
stone-cast stone used as a missile in battle
stoop in falconry, to swoop on prey
straightway immmediately, directly
strait narrowly confining
straitly narrowly, tightly
strand shore, shoreline, especially a beach
stricken struck; (as an adjective) damaged, broken
succour give aid
sunder divide, separate
surcoat robe or tabard worn over armour, usually bearing insignia
surety certainty, assurance
surname an additional name indicating some quality or ability (as distinct from modern usage, surname in this context has no connection with family)
sward region of short grass, lawn
swart dark-skinned
swarthy dark-skinned
swath a strip of grass that has been flattened or mown
swoon faint
sword-thain noble soldier appointed by a king
tarn mountain lake
tarry pause, wait
thain lord or noble appointed by a king
thenceforward from that time on
thither to or in that place
26
thraldom slavery
thrall slave
thrawn 1 twisted, misshapen
thrawn 2 obstinate, stubborn
throe violent agony
throve old past tense of 'thrive'
thunder-clap airborne firework that explodes with a loud report
thwart foil, stop
tidings news
till cultivate, make land ready for growing crops
tilth cultivated earth
tippet a shoulder-length cape
tipsy slightly drunk
tithe one tenth
toils trap, snare
tomnoddy foolish person
toothsome pleasantly appetising
tor rocky hill, especially among moorland
torch slow-burning firework mainly designed to provide illumination, or to ignite other fireworks
toss-pot drunkard
tracery complex interlinked ornamentation
traffic trade
trammels nets, traps
trapessing wandering about, especially in a weary manner (this is an ancient form of a dialect word which is usually spelt traipsing in modern English)
traverse travel through or across
troth faith, loyalty; break troth betray friendship or alliance; pledge one's troth promise loyalty and faithfulness, especially as a betrothal
trothplighted betrothed, engaged to be married
trove found treasure
truncheon a wooden shaft used as a weapon, or part of a weapon
tryst an arranged meeting; break tryst fail to attend a tryst
tumult noisy disturbance
27
tunic a long, loose garment, usually without sleeves
tuppence two pence, a very small amount of money; not care tuppence have no interest
turnkey jailor
turves segments of earth cut from the ground complete with grass and roots
tussock clump of grass
twain two
twine twist strands together into a rope
umbel a cluster of flowers growing from a single stem, as in hemlock or parsley
unblazoned an heraldic term: plain, undecorated
ungentle rough, coarse
unmarked unseen, unnoticed
unquiet anxious, concerned
unrecked unconsidered, abandoned without thought
unsated unsatisfied
unsullied pure, uncorrupted
upbraid criticise
upheave push or force upwards
urchin mischievous child
vagabond homeless wanderer, vagrant
vale the valley of a river
vambrace armour worn on the forearm
van foremost ranks of an army
varmint pest, bothersome person or animal
vassal servant, bondsman
victuals foodstuff, provisions
vie struggle with, be rival to
vigil watchfulness; hold vigil make devotion
viol an old instrument, usually with six strings, similar to a violin but held in a vertical position like a 'cello
vittles food (a colloquial word derived from victuals)
28
waif homeless person
wain wagon; The Wain the constellation of the Plough or Big Dipper
wan pale
wards the 'teeth' of a key
ware old form of aware
waver 1 shimmer, flicker
waver 2 show indecision
wax grow stronger; increase
waylay intercept, prevent from going forward
wayward uncontrollable, unpredictable
wayworn tired or unkempt from travelling
weapontake a derivation of Old English wapentake, modernised in both spelling an usage. This word originally referred to a district or region, but Tolkien uses it more literally to mean the taking up of weapons.
web tapestry
wellnigh almost, very nearly
weregild a payment in compensation for a death
weskit A colloquial rendering of the word 'waistcoat'
wester move towards the west; (of the sun) pass towards sunset
wheedle coax, persuade
whelm engulf, cover
whence from where
whereat for which reason
wherefore for what (or which) reason
whet sharpen
whither to which place
wile trick, deceit
wizened of shrivelled appearance
wold an upland region of moorland
wont customarily, regularly; wont to err thus regularly make mistakes of this kind
woodwright A craftsman who works with wood
worrit worry
worst defeat
29
wrack 1 clouds being driven by a strong wind
wrack 2 destruction (an old form of modern wreck)
wraith ghost, apparition
wreathe engulf, surround (especially of vapour or fire)
wrest take by force
writhen twisted, formed into writhing shapes
wroth angry
yammer 1 wail, weep, whine
yammer 2 talk in a complaining or bad-tempered manner
yoke wooden harness for oxen; under the yoke under complete control
yonder over there
yore long ago
zenith highest point
aberration
(n.) something that differs from the norm (In 1974, Poland won the World Cup, but the success turned out to be an aberration, and Poland have not won a World Cup since).
abhor
(v.) to hate, detest (Because he always wound up getting hit in the head when he tried to play cricket, Marcin began to abhor the sport).
acquiesce
(v.) to agree without protesting (Though Mr. Pospieszny wanted to stay outside and work in his garage, when his wife told him that he had better come in to dinner, he acquiesced to her demands.)
alacrity
(n.) eagerness, speed (For some reason, Simon loved to help his girlfriend whenever he could, so when his girlfriend asked him to set the table he did so with alacrity.)
amiable
30
(adj.) friendly (An amiable fellow, Neil got along with just about everyone.)
appease
(v.) to calm, satisfy (When Jerry cries, his mother gives him chocolate to appeasehim.)
arcane
(adj.) obscure, secret, known only by a few (The professor is an expert in arcaneKashubian literature.)
avarice
(n.) excessive greed (The banker’s avarice led him to amass an enormous personal fortune.)
brazen
(adj.) excessively bold, brash, clear and obvious (Critics condemned the writer’sbrazen attempt to plagiarise Frankow-Czerwonko’s work.)
brusque
(adj.) short, abrupt, dismissive (Simon’s brusque manner sometimes offends his colleagues.)
cajole
(v.) to urge, coax (Magda's friends cajoled her into drinking too much.)
callous
(adj.) harsh, cold, unfeeling (The murderer’s callous lack of remorse shocked the jury.)
candor
(n.) honesty, frankness (We were surprised by the candor of the politician’s speech because she is usually rather evasive.)
chide
(v.) to voice disapproval (Hania chided Gregory for his vulgar habits and sloppy appearance.)
circumspect
(adj.) cautious (Though I promised Marta’s father I would bring her home promptly by midnight, it would have been more circumspect not to have specified a time.)
clandestine
31
(adj.) secret (Announcing to her boyfriend that she was going to the library, Maria actually went to meet George for a clandestine liaison.)
coerce
(v.) to make somebody do something by force or threat (The court decided that David Beckham did not have to honor the contract because he had been coercedinto signing it.)
coherent
(adj.) logically consistent, intelligible (William could not figure out what Harold had seen because he was too distraught to deliver a coherent statement.)
complacency
(n.) self-satisfied ignorance of danger (Simon tried to shock his friends out of theircomplacency by painting a frightening picture of what might happen to them.)
confidant
(n.) a person entrusted with secrets (Shortly after we met, he became my chiefconfidant.)
connive
(v.) to plot, scheme (She connived to get me to give up my plans to start up a new business.)
cumulative
(adj.) increasing, building upon itself (The cumulative effect of hours spent using the World English website was a vast improvement in his vocabulary and general level of English.)
debase
(v.) to lower the quality or esteem of something (The large raise that he gave himself debased his motives for running the charity.)
decry
(v.) to criticize openly (Andrzej Lepper, the leader of the Polish Self Defence partydecried the appaling state of Polish roads.)
deferential
(adj.) showing respect for another’s authority (Donata is always excessivelydeferential to any kind of authority figure.)
demure
32
(adj.) quiet, modest, reserved (Though everyone else at the party was dancing and going crazy, she remained demure.)
deride
(v.) to laugh at mockingly, scorn (The native speaker often derided the other teacher’s accent.)
despot
(n.) one who has total power and rules brutally (The despot issued a death sentence for anyone who disobeyed his laws.)
diligent
(adj.) showing care in doing one’s work (The diligent researcher made sure to double check her measurements.)
elated
(adj.) overjoyed, thrilled (When he found out he had won the lottery, the postman was elated.)
eloquent
(adj.) expressive, articulate, moving (The best man gave such an eloquent speech that most guests were crying.)
embezzle
(v.) to steal money by falsifying records (The accountant was fired for embezzling€10,000 of the company’s funds.)
empathy
(n.) sensitivity to another’s feelings as if they were one’s own (I feel suchempathy for my dog when she’s upset so am I!)
enmity
(n.) ill will, hatred, hostility (John and Scott have clearly not forgiven each other, because the enmity between them is obvious to anyone in their presence.)
erudite
(adj.) learned (My English teacher is such an erudite scholar that he has translated some of the most difficult and abstruse Old English poetry.)
extol
33
(v.) to praise, revere (Kamila extolled the virtues of a vegetarian diet to her meat-loving boyfriend.)
fabricate
(v.) to make up, invent (When I arrived an hour late to class, I fabricated some excuse about my car breaking down on the way to work.)
feral
(adj.) wild, savage (That beast looks so feral that I would fear being alone with it.)
flabbergasted
(adj.) astounded (Whenever I read an Agatha Christie mystery novel, I am alwaysflabbergasted when I learn the identity of the murderer.)
forsake
(v.) to give up, renounce (I won't forsake my conservative principles.)
fractious
(adj.) troublesome or irritable (Although the child insisted he wasn’t tired, hisfractious behaviour - especially his decision to crush his jam sandwiches all over the floor - convinced everyone present that it was time to put him to bed.)
furtive
(adj.) secretive, sly (Claudia’s placement of her drugs in her sock drawer was not as furtive as she thought, as the sock drawer is the first place most parents look.)
gluttony
(n.) overindulgence in food or drink (Helen’s fried chicken tastes so divine, I don’t know how anyone can call gluttony a sin.)
gratuitous
(adj.) uncalled for, unwarranted (Every evening the guy at the fish and chip shop gives me a gratuitous helping of vinegar.)
haughty
(adj.) disdainfully proud (The superstar’s haughty dismissal of her co-stars will backfire on her someday.)
hypocrisy
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(n.) pretending to believe what one does not (Once the politician began passing legislation that contradicted his campaign promises, his hypocrisy became apparent.)
impeccable
(adj.) exemplary, flawless (If your grades were as impeccable as your brother’s, then you too would receive a car for a graduation present.)
impertinent
(adj.) rude, insolent (Most of your comments are so impertinent that I don’t wish to dignify them with an answer.)
implacable
(adj.) incapable of being appeased or mitigated (Watch out: once you shun Grandmother’s cooking, she is totally implacable.)
impudent
(adj.) casually rude, insolent, impertinent (The impudent young woman looked her teacher up and down and told him he was hot.)
incisive
(adj.) clear, sharp, direct (The discussion wasn’t going anywhere until her incisivecomment allowed everyone to see what the true issues were.)
indolent
(adj.) lazy (Why should my indolent children, who can’t even pick themselves up off the sofa to pour their own juice, be rewarded with a trip to Burger King?)
inept
(adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified (She proved how inept she was when she forgot two orders and spilled a pint of cider in a customer’s lap.)
infamy
(n.) notoriety, extreme ill repute (The infamy of his crime will not lessen as time passes.)
inhibit
(v.) to prevent, restrain, stop (When I told you I needed the car last night, I certainly never meant to inhibit you from going out.)
innate
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(adj.) inborn, native, inherent (His incredible athletic talent is innate, he never trains, lifts weights, or practices.)
insatiable
(adj.) incapable of being satisfied (My insatiable appetite for blondes was a real problem on my recent holiday in Japan!)
insular
(adj.) separated and narrow-minded; tight-knit, closed off (Because of the sensitive nature of their jobs, those who work for MI5 must remain insular and generally only spend time with each other.)
intrepid
(adj.) brave in the face of danger (After scaling a live volcano prior to its eruption, the explorer was praised for his intrepid attitude.)
inveterate
(adj.) stubbornly established by habit (I’m the first to admit that I’m an inveteratecider drinker—I drink four pints a day.)
jubilant
(adj.) extremely joyful, happy (The crowd was jubilant when the firefighter carried the woman from the flaming building.)
knell
(n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death (Echoing throughout our village, the funeral knell made the grey day even more grim.)
lithe
(adj.) graceful, flexible, supple (Although the dancers were all outstanding, Joanna’s control of her lithe body was particularly impressive.)
lurid
(adj.) ghastly, sensational (Barry’s story, in which he described a character torturing his neighbour's tortoise, was judged too lurid to be published on the English Library's website.)
maverick
(n.) an independent, nonconformist person (John is a real maverick and always does things his own way.)
maxim
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(n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct (Ms. Stone’s etiquettemaxims are both entertaining and instructional.)
meticulous
(adj.) extremely careful with details (The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.)
modicum
(n.) a small amount of something (Refusing to display even a modicum of sensitivity, Magda announced her boss’s affair to the entire office.)
At
not at all: not in any way
at all times: always
at any rate: whatever happens
keep someone at arm's length: avoid becoming closely involved with someone
at close quarters: very near
at one's disposal: to be used as one wishes
at a distance: not near
at fault: causing something wrong
at first: at the beginning
see at a glance: see immediately
at hand: near; readily available
at last: finally, after some delay
at a loss: uncertain what to do or say
at the mercy of: without defense against
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at the moment: now
at once: immediately
at present: now
at rest: not moving
at risk: threatened by danger or loss
at short notice: with little warning
at stake: to be won or lost
at a stretch: continuously
at that rate: under those circumstances
at this point: at this place; at this moment
at the wheel: in control
Behind
behind the scenes: (of persons) influencing events secretly; (in a theater) behind the stage
behind schedule: not on time
Beside
be beside oneself: lose one's self-control
beside the point: irrelevant
Between
read between the lines: deduce a meaning that is not actually expressed
Beyond
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beyond help: unable to be helped
beyond a joke: too annoying to be amusing
beyond reproach: perfect; blameless
By
by accident: not deliberately
by all means: by any possible method
bit by bit: gradually
by chance: by accident; without planning
by courtesy of: with the help or permission of
win by default: win because of lack of competition
by degrees: gradually
perform by ear: perform (music) by listening to the sound, without referring to written music
by hand: without the use of machinery
by heart: from memory
little by little: gradually
by means of: by using
by mistake: accidentally
by no means: not at all
one by one: one at a time
by oneself: alone
side by side: beside one another
by the way: incidentally (used to introduce an unrelated topic of conversation)
by word of mouth: orally
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For
once and for all: for the last time (e.g. used when giving someone a final warning)
for certain: definitely; without doubt
for a change: for the sake of variety
for example: as an illustration
for fun: for the sake of enjoyment
for good: permanently
for good measure: in addition to the necessary amount
for instance: for example; as an illustration
for keeps: (colloquial) permanently
for a living: as a profession
for now: temporarily
run for office: compete for an elected position
for one thing: because of one reason (out of several)
for the sake of: for the benefit of; for the purpose of
for sale: intended to be sold
for sure: definitely (more colloquial than for certain)
food for thought: something which makes one think
play for time: delay doing something in the hope that the situation will improve
for the time being: until some other arrangement is made
ask for trouble: act in a dangerous or foolish way
for a while: for a period of time
word for word: exactly as said or written
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From
from afar: from a distance
from all sides: from all directions
from head to foot: (of a person) completely; all over
from scratch: from the beginning
from time to time: occasionally
In
in addition to: as well as
in advance: before
be in agreement with: have the same opinion as
in any case: whatever happens
in brief: in a few words
in bulk: (of goods) in large amounts; not in packages
be in charge of: have responsibility for
in common: shared by all members of a group
in control: having the power to direct something
in the course of: during
in danger: likely to be harmed
in a daze: unable to think clearly; confused
in debt: owing money
in demand: (of goods or persons) desired by many people
in depth: (investigate something) thoroughly
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in detail: (explain something) thoroughly
in disgrace: regarded with disapproval because of having done something wrong
in the distance: far away
in doubt: uncertain
in duplicate: so that there are two identical copies (of a document)
in earnest: seriously; in a determined way
in effect: (of rules) operating
in the end: finally
in fact: in reality; really
in fashion: fashionable; accepted as being the most desirable and up to date
in favor of: supporting (an idea)
in flames: burning, with visible flames
in a flash: very quickly; suddenly
in full: without omitting anything
in general: usually; as a whole
hand in hand: (of persons) holding hands; (of related situations) occurring together
in a hurry: trying to accomplish something quickly
in jest: as a joke
in kind: (payment) in goods rather than in money
in itself: without reference to anything else
in league with: (of persons) joined together with (usually for a dishonest purpose)
be in the limelight: be the focus of attention; receive great publicity
in the long run: in the end; eventually
in the long term: looking ahead to the distant future
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leave someone in the lurch: abandon someone who is in a difficult situation
be in the minority: be in the smaller of two groups
in mint condition: (of manufactured goods) perfect; brand-new
in a minute: soon
in a moment: soon; quickly
set something in motion: start something going
nip something in the bud: put an end to something before it gets properly started
in no time: very soon; very quickly
in order of: arranged according to
in order to: for the purpose of
in part: to some degree
in particular: especially
in power: (of a political party) holding office
in practice: able to do something well because of recent practice; in reality (opposite of in theory)
in print: (of a book) printed and available from the publisher
in private: not in front of other people
in public: openly; not in private
in reality: really
in reserve: saved for later use
in retrospect: looking back over past events
in return for: as repayment for
be in the right: be correct
in season: (of fruit or vegetables) readily available at that time of year
in a second: soon; quickly
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in short supply: scarce; not easily obtainable
in sight: able to be seen
in stock: (of goods at a store) present and available
in that case: if that is true
in theory: ideally; according to theoretical considerations
be in time: not be late
in touch with in: communication with; informed about
in triplicate: so that there are three identical copies (of a document)
be in trouble: be in a difficult situation; be blamed or punished for doing something wrong
in tune: at the correct pitch
act in unison: act together
in vain: without success
in the vicinity of: near
once in a while: occasionally
in words of one syllable: (explain something) clearly and simply
in working order: able to function properly
in the wrong: responsible for an error; guilty
Inside
inside out: with the inner side out; thoroughly
Into
paint oneself into a corner: take a course of action which greatly narrows one's future choices of action
go into hiding: hide oneself
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get into a rut: get into a fixed and uninteresting way of life
get into trouble: get into a difficult situation; do something deserving blame or punishment
Of
of course: certainly; as one would expect; as everyone knows
hard of hearing: somewhat deaf
next of kin: nearest relative or relatives
of one's own accord: voluntarily; on one's own initiative
of one's own free will: voluntarily; by choice
one's point of view: one's opinion about something
right of way: public right to use a path or road; (of road traffic) right to proceed before others
rule of thumb: a simple way to calculate what procedure to follow, based on extensive experience,
rather than on theoretical considerations
Off
go off the air: (of radio or television) stop broadcasting
off duty: not engaged in one's regular work
off one's hands: no longer one's responsibility
off and on: from time to time
off the record: say something privately, that is not to be officially recorded
off the track: following a wrong line of thought or action
On
on account of: because of
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be on the air: (of radio or television) be in the process of broadcasting
on the alert: ready to act
be on all fours: (of a person) be on hands and knees
on the average: usually; normally
on behalf of: for; in the interests of
on board: on a ship or airplane
on business: as part of one's work
on condition that: only if; provided that
on demand: when asked for
on display: being exhibited
on duty: engaged in one's regular work
on fire: burning
to go on foot: to walk
be on one's guard: be alert and ready to meet an attack
on hand: available
on loan: lent and not yet returned
shoot on location: (of a movie) film in natural surroundings, not in a studio
on the lookout: watchful
put something on the map: cause something to become well-known
get on one's nerves: annoy; irritate
on no account: absolutely not
on the one hand: (used to introduce one side of an argument)
on one's own: alone; without help
act on one's own initiative: act independently, without orders from anyone else
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on order: requested but not yet delivered
on the other hand: (used to introduce a contrasting side of an argument)
act on principle: do something to support a policy
on purpose: deliberately
go on record: say something which is to be officially recorded
on sale: being sold at a lower price than usual
on schedule: at the correct time; as planned or predicted
on second thoughts: after thinking further about something
on a shoestring: with a very small amount of money
be on the spot: be where important events are taking place; be placed in an awkward situation
on the spur of the moment: on a sudden impulse
go off on a tangent: change suddenly to a new line of thought or action
on time: at the correct time
walk on tiptoe: walk on the toes and balls of the feet
accept something on trust: accept something without proof
on the verge of: very close to; about to
on the whole: taking everything into consideration
Out of
out of the blue: unexpectedly
out of breath: (after running) panting from a shortage of oxygen
out of character: unlike a person's known character
out of control: not able to be regulated or guided
out of danger: safe
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out of date: no longer used; old-fashioned; (of news) no longer true
out of debt: having paid one's debts
be out of one's depth: be unable to handle a situation because of lack of experience
out of doors: in the open air; not in a building
out of fashion: not fashionable; not presently in common use
out of hand: not under control
out of harm's way: safe
out of line with: in disagreement with
be out of one's mind: be insane
out of order: not functioning properly; (at a formal meeting) not behaving according to the rules
out of the ordinary: unusual
out of place: unsuitable
out of practice: unable to do something as well as one has in past, because of lack of recent practice
out of print: (of a book) no longer available from the publisher
out of proportion: too big or too small; not having the appropriate relationship to something
out of the question: impossible; not to be considered
out of season: (of fruit or vegetables) not readily available at that time of year
out of shape: (of persons) not in top condition because of lack of exercise
out of sight: hidden, not able to be seen
out of stock: (of goods at a store) temporarily unavailable
out of style: not fashionable
out of touch: with not in communication with; not informed about
out of town: having temporarily left town
out of trouble: not in trouble
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out of tune: not at the correct pitch
out of work: no longer having employment
To
to all intents and purposes: in all important ways
to a certain extent: partly
to date: so far; until now
up to date: current; modern
see eye to eye with: agree entirely with
take something to heart: be much affected by something
made to measure: exactly suitable; (of clothes) made for a certain person
keep something to oneself: not tell anyone
to the point: relevant
Under
under age: below the age of being legally permitted to do something
be under arrest: be held prisoner and charged with wrongdoing
under the auspices of: with the patronage of; supported by
under one's breath: in a whisper
under the circumstances: because this is true
under consideration: being thought about
under control: able to be regulated or guided
under cover of: protected by; undetected because of
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under fire: being shot at; being criticized
under the impression that: having the idea that
be under the influence of: be affected by
be under oath: have sworn to tell the truth
under observation: being watched carefully
under restraint: prevented from doing something
Up
have something up one's sleeve: have a secret idea or plan in reserve
With
with impunity: without risk of injury or punishment
with the naked eye: without using a magnifying lens
with no strings attached: (of help given) with no conditions; to be used freely
take with a pinch of salt: not believe completely
with regard to: concerning; about
with respect to: concerning; about
tarred with the same brush: having the same faults
with a vengeance: very much; more than usual
Within
within limits: to a certain extent; not too much
within living memory: within the memory of people now alive
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Without
go without saying: be obvious
morose
(adj.) gloomy or sullen (David’s morose nature made him very unpleasant to talk to.)
myriad
(adj.) consisting of a very great number (It was difficult to decide what to do on Saturday night because the city presented us with myriad possibilities for fun.)
nadir
(n.) the lowest point of something (My day was boring, but the nadir came when my new car was stolen.)
nominal
(adj.) trifling, insignificant (Because he was moving the following week and needed to get rid of his furniture more than he needed money, Kim sold everything for a nominal price.)
novice
(n.) a beginner, someone without training or experience (Because we were allnovices at archery, our instructor decided to begin with the basics
nuance
(n.) a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression (The nuances of the poem were not obvious to the casual reader, but the teacher was able to point them out.)
oblivious
(adj.) lacking consciousness or awareness of something (Oblivious to the burning smell emanating from the kitchen, my father did not notice that the rolls in the oven were burned until much too late.)
obsequious
(adj.) excessively compliant or submissive (Donald acted like Susan’s servant, obeying her every request in an obsequious manner.)
obtuse
(adj.) lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect (Political opponents warned that the prime minister’s obtuse approach to foreign policy would embroil the nation in mindless war.)
panacea
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(n.) a remedy for all ills or difficulties (Doctors wish there was a single panaceafor every disease, but sadly there is not.)
parody
(n.) a satirical imitation (A hush fell over the classroom when the teacher returned to find Magdalena acting out a parody of his teaching style.)
penchant
(n.) a tendency, partiality, preference (Fiona’s dinner parties quickly became monotonous on account of her penchant for Indian dishes.)
perusal
(n.) a careful examination, review (The actor agreed to accept the role after a three-month perusal of the movie script.)
plethora
(n.) an abundance, excess (The wedding banquet included a plethora of oysters piled almost three feet high.)
predilection
(n.) a preference or inclination for something (James has a predilection for eating toad in the whole with tomato ketchup.)
quaint
(adj.) charmingly old-fashioned (Mary was delighted by the quaint bonnets she saw in Romania.)
rash
(adj.) hasty, incautious (It’s best to think things over calmly and thoroughly, rather than make rash decisions.)
refurbish
(v.) to restore, clean up (After being refurbished the old Triumph motorcycle commanded the handsome price of $6000.)
repudiate
(v.) to reject, refuse to accept (Tom made a strong case for an extension of his curfew, but his mother repudiated it with a few biting words.)
rife
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(adj.) abundant (Surprisingly, the teacher’s writing was rife with spelling errors.)
salient
(adj.) significant, conspicuous (One of the salient differences between Alison and Helen is that Alison is a couple of kilos heavier.)
serendipity
(n.) luck, finding good things without looking for them (In an amazing bit ofserendipity, penniless Mark found a $50 bill on the back seat of the bus.)
staid
(adj.) sedate, serious, self-restrained (The staid butler never changed his expression no matter what happened.)
superfluous
(adj.) exceeding what is necessary (Samantha had already won the campaign so her constant flattery of others was superfluous.)
sycophant
(n.) one who flatters for self-gain (Some see the people in the cabinet as the Prime Minister’s closest advisors, but others see them as sycophants.)
taciturn
(adj.) not inclined to talk (Though Magda never seems to stop talking, her brother is quite taciturn.)
truculent
(adj.) ready to fight, cruel (This club doesn’t really attract the dangerous types, so why was that bouncer being so truculent?)
umbrage
(n.) resentment, offence (He called me a lily-livered coward, and I took umbrageat the insult.)
venerable
(adj.) deserving of respect because of age or achievement (The venerable High Court judge had made several key rulings in landmark cases throughout the years.)
vex
(v.) to confuse or annoy (My boyfriend vexes me by pinching my bottom for hours on end.)
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vociferous
(adj.) loud, boisterous (I’m tired of his vociferous whining so I’m breaking up with him.)
wanton
(adj.) undisciplined, lewd, lustful (Joanna’s wanton demeanor often made the frat guys next door very excited.)
zenith
(n.) the highest point, culminating point (I was too nice to tell Emily that she had reached the absolute zenith of her career with that one top 10 hit of hers.)
Phrasal verbs
Account for [Account for something].- (insep) explain (money, difference, actions) When you account for something, you explain or give a reason for it.
How will you account for the money you spent? She couldn't account for her absence from work.
How will you account for such a big difference?
Act out [Act something out].- 1 perform (script, story) When you act something out, you perform it or make it into a play.
The script itself is well written and well acted out by the cast. The new middle class liked to see its own dilemmas acted out on stage.
When you read a story or a poem to your child, act it out with him or her.
2 express (fantasy, frustration, instincts) Express your feelings or ideas:
He has become desperate and is acting out his frustration. Children like to act out their fantasies.
Act up.- (child, car, computer, injury, arm, leg, wound) When somebody or something acts up, they behave badly, hurt or don't work properly. Play up
This computer's acting up again. The children were acting up because their mother wasn't there.
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Add in [Add something in].- include (cost, flour, figures) When you add something in, you include it or mix it with something else.
Add in the cost of the accessories you might need. Slowly add in flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until well blended.
Add on [Add something on].- include When you add something on, you include it or add it.
These are quite expensive though, by the time you've added on border taxes. The airlines themselves are adding on fees and surcharges as they struggle to cope with a decline in
passengers.
Add up.- (insep) make sense When something adds up, it makes sense.
This just doesn't add up. Their economic proposals don't add up.
Add up [Add something up].- calculate (bill, expenses, figures, numbers) When you add something up, you calculate the total.
She added up the bill. You made a mistake while you were adding these numbers up.
Allow for [Allow for something].- When you allow for something, you take it into consideration or make it possible.
There should be a comfortable working atmosphere, one that doesn't discriminate and allows for mistakes.
Answer back.- When you answer back, you reply rudely.
Don't answer back to your mum! Don't answer me back!
Answer for.- (insep) (actions, behaviour) When you answer for something, you take the responsibility for something wrong you have done.
Some Iraqis had hoped to see Saddam's elder son answer for his actions before a war crimes tribunal. Everyone must answer for his own actions.
Apply for [Answer for something].- (insep) (job, permit, permission, grant, scholarship, loan) When you apply for something, you fill in a form or write a formal letter asking for it.
Applying for financial aid has never been easier! No credit? No problem! Apply for your new Visa Card and MasterCard Today!
You can apply for a library card online!
Ask after [Ask after somebody].- (insep) When you ask after somebody, you inquire how somebody is getting on.
55
I heard he is in Kalatura prison, and I wrote to the government asking after him. The next day, her brother came to ask after her.
Ask about, ask around.- (insep) When you ask around, you make inquiries.
I'll ask around and see if there's a room vacant somewhere. I am going to ask about to see if anyone has any suggestions of other products.
Ask for [Ask for something] .- (help, receipt, trouble) When you ask for something, you request it.
They have written to the actress asking for her help in raising money for Nicaraguan children. If you're donating items to charitable organizations, don't forget to ask for a receipt for tax purposes.
Anyone who sends a credit card number via e-mail is asking for trouble!
Ask in [Ask somebody in].- When you ask somebody in, you invite someone into your house, office etc.
Don't leave them standing on the doorstep; ask them in! Ask her in; I want to talk to her.
Ask out [Ask somebody out].- When you ask somebody out, you ask somebody to go to the theatre, a restaurant, etc, with you. Take out
Jerry's too scared to ask her out. tt Have you asked her out yet? This is the third time he's asked me out.
Do men like it when women ask them out?
Ask over [Ask somebody over].- When you ask somebody over, you invite them to your house.
I'll ask her over to dinner next weekend. If you can't face travelling, especially if you have very young children, why not ask them over to yours.
Ask round [Ask somebody round].- When you ask somebody round, you invite them to your house.
Let's ask them round for a meal next week. I asked her round for dinner last week but she declined.
Auction off [Auction something off].- (furniture) When you auction something off, you get rid of it by selling it at an auction.
I sold two of the houses we never used and auctioned off the furniture. She auctioned off all the jewelry that he gave her.
Back down.- (insep) When you back down, you accept another person's point of view or argument instead of your own or you decide not to do something after all. Climb down, give in
Yesterday, he backed down on his campaign pledge to cut carbon dioxide emissions, one of the major causes of global warming.
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The company only backed down after a worldwide campaign by activists.
Brtish Airways has backed down from its policy of not allowing staff to wear jewellry.
Back out [Back out, Back out of something].- (insep) Withdraw (agreement, deal, arrangement, contract) When you back out or back out of something, you avoid doing something when you have promised to do it. Pull out
He backed out at the last moment. The company is thought to have become suspicious and backed out of the deal.
You can't back out of the deal now -you signed your name on the contract.
Back up [Back somebody/something up].- 1 When you back somebody up, you support them.
Four witnesses backed him up. Make sure that you have some examples to back up your arguments.
2 When you back up a computer file, you make a copy as a precaution.
For more information about how to back up your data, see Help and Support Center. Back up your files, so that you can restore them if a virus damages them.
Back up [Back up, back something up].- When you back up or back a vehicle up, you move backwards in a vehicle.
We had to back up a long way and try a different route. I backed the car up several hundred yards.
Bail out [Bail somebody out].- 1 When you bail somebody out, you pay a deposit so that somebody who has been arrested can be released.
He called his father to bail him out knowing that he had quite a bit of influence in the city.
2 Help somebody who is in trouble.
He drew on his family name and family connections to help bail him out of failed ventures in the oil industry.
Faced with bankruptcy, he turned to a shadowy Mafia-controlled finance company to bail him out.
He does what he wants and ignores the consequences, usually because his parents are there to bail him out.
Bang up [Bang somebody up].- When somebody is banged up, they are put in prison. Lock up
He was banged up for drug dealing. He has been banged up for a decade now, but becomes eligible for parole this year.
Be back.- (insep) When you are back, you have returned. Come back
What time will you be back?57
I'll be back in a minute.
Be off.- 1 (insep) When you are off, you leave a place. Go away
I'm just off to see the solicitor. I should be back around lunchtime. She's caught the travel bug now - she's off to Barbados this year.
Where's she off to then?
2 (insep) When something is off, it's disconnected or it's not working.
The power was off for about 3 hours.
3 (insep) When an event is off, it has been cancelled.
Due to the many last minute cancellations tonight's party is off. He said no one had told them officially that the concert was off.
4 (insep) (milk, fish) When food or drink goes off, it's not good to eat any more. Go off
Put the milk in the fridge or it will go off.
Be out.- 1 (insep) When something is out, it's available to the public; appear. Come out
When is the new magazine out? They tried to keep it secret but the story is out now.
2 (insep) Not to be at home or work.
The manager is out at the moment.
Black out.- (insep) Faint When you black out, you lose consciousness. Pass out Come round, come to Bring round, bring to
I blacked out and when I woke up I was in hospital.
Blow out [Blow out, blow something out].- (insep) (match, candle, flame, lamp) When something blows out or you blow it out, it's extinguished. Put something out
I blew out the candles and we ate cake.
Blow over.- (insep) (scandal, problem, troubles, issue, controversy, affair, row, argument) When something blows over, it's forgotten.
The politician is keeping a low profile until the scandal blows over.
Blow up [Blow up, blow something up].- 1 When something blows up, it explodes.
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Terrorists intended to blow up the parliament when the president was speaking there, but police foiled the plans.
2 (insep) When you blow up, you become angry.
I've been under a lot of pressure lately. I didn't mean to blow up like that. I don't understand. It's not like her to blow up over a silly little row like that.
3 (incident, affair) When you blow something up, you exaggerate it.
4 (tyre, dinghy, balloon, airbed) When you blow something up, you fill it with air. Pump something up
More volunteers are needed to blow up balloons and distribute posters andballoons to all the houses early in the morning before the event.
Blurt out [Blurt something out].- (news, answer, secret) When you blurt something out, you say it without thinking.
Don't blurt out answers without thinking. Every parent, at least once, has had the little darling blurt out something that was said in private that was
never intended for others to hear.
Boil down [Boil down to something].- (insep) (situation, question, issue) When something boils down to something else, this is the most important thing.
A lot of this boils down to lack of education.
Boss around [Boss somebody around].- When you boss somebody around, you treat them unpleasantly, giving unnecessary order all the time.
The new manager made a big mistake when he started bossing the staff about. Stop bossing me around, will you?
Bounce back.- When you bounce back, you recover from something unpleasant.
The company went bankrupt, but managed to bounce back with a new management.
Brass off.- When you are brassed off, you are angry, upset or fed up.
I'm brassed off.
Break down.- 1 (insep) (car, system, machine, talks, negotiations, marriage, argument, plan)When something
breaks down, it stops working because it has a serious problem. Pack up, conk out
The elevators in this building are always breaking down. Sorry I'm late. The car broke down on the way here.
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2 When a person breaks down, they lose control and start crying. Crack up
When he told her he didn't love her anymore, she broke down.
Break down [Break something down].- Destroy (door, wall, barrier, resistance, opposition, reserve)When you break something down, you destroy it.
The police got into the house by breaking the door down.
Break in [Break in, break into something].- (insep) (building, house, grounds, computer, system)When you break in or break into a place or system, you enter it using force or by breaking the law. Break out
An unemployed programmer from Britain has been accused of breaking into a large number of US military computers.
Break in [Break somebody in].- (employee, recruit) When you break somebody in, you help them get used to a new situation or job or you train them.
I'll bring my wife with me, but this is all new to her so I'll have to break her in gently.
Break in [Break something in].- (boots, shoes, car, horse) When you break something in, you use it until it's comfortable, it works properly or does what it's supposed to do.
I've been breaking the boots in since yesterday, and except for some lower shin pressure, they haven't bothered me at all.
Break off [Break something off].- (agreement, engagement, relations, relationship, alliance) When you break something off, you put an end to it because of a problem.
I was extremely stunned when Mac and Brumby broke off their engagement.
Break out.- 1 (insep) (riots, violence, row, fire, epidemic, disease, war, rash, spots, sweat, tears, argument) When something breaks out, it begins suddenly or violently.
The two criminals broke out of prison yesterday.
2 (insep) When you break out, you escape. Break in
The two criminals broke out of prison yesterday.
Break up [Break something up].- (fight,quarrel, party, crowd, marriage, relationship, couple, alliance, school, meeting) When you break something up or something breaks up, it stops.
Three policemen were needed to break up the fight. The meeting broke up around 10 o'clock.
Breeze through [Breeze through something].- (insep) (exam, test) When you breeze through something, you pass easily. Sail through, sweep through, walk through
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In the dream, I was in a classroom, taking some sort of test, and I just breezed through it, like it was nothing.
Bring about [Bring something about].- Cause (reform, changes) When you bring something about, you make something happen.
This bill, together with that concerning private pensions, will bring about the reform of the pension system in Romania.
Bring back [Bring something back].- (memories) When something brings something else back, it makes you think about something that happened a long time ago.
Looking at the photos brought back a lot of memories of my visit to the place.
Bring in [Bring somebody in].- (doctor, expert, consultant, technician) When you bring somebody in, you ask them to come and help. Call in
Bring in [Bring something in].- (bill, law, regulation, rule, system, scheme) When an organization brings something in, they introduce it.
I suggest that you initiate a campaign to bring in a law to stop car manufacturers advertising speed as one of the main attributes of new models.
Bring off [Bring something off].- Accomplish When you bring something off, you succeed in something. Pull off
Bring out [Bring something out].- (product) When a company or organization brings something out, they make it available to the public.
He's bringing out a new novel. Madonna has just brought out a new record.
Bring round, bring to [Bring somebody round, bring somebody to].- When you bring somebody round, you help them regain consciousness.
Bring up [Bring somebody up].- When you bring somebody up, you look after a child until it has grown up.
It isn't easy to bring up children nowadays. My parents brought me up to be polite.
Bring up [Bring something up].- (issue, matter, point, subject) When you bring something up, you mention a subject or topic. Come up, drag up
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I feel these programmes bring up issues they're too young to deal with.
Brush up [Brush something up, brush up on something].- (English, French, subject) When you brush something up or you brush up on something, you study it to try and revise or improve it a little. Polish up
I'm looking for a short course to brush up my English before I go on holiday.
Build up [Build something up].- (muscles, strength, stamina, reputation, sales, speed, collection, profits) When you build something up, you increase the ammount of something.
Over the years the company built up a reputation for technological innovation. A little practice will soon build up your confidence.
It is important to have a daily exercise routine to build up your muscles, weakened by a long period of illness.
Bump into [Bump into somebody].- (insep) When you bump into somebody, you meet them by chance. Come across somebody, run into somebody
I bumped into her one evening, and she invited me down to her place near theriver.
Butt in [Butt in, butt in on somebody].- When you butt in or butt in on somebody, you interrupt them. Break in on
I am sorry to butt in on your conversation, but I have specific information from my own experiences on this subject.
Butter up [Butter somebody up].- When you butter somebody up, you praise them excessively so that they will do what you want.
Even if he was just buttering her up, the compliment thrilled her.
Buzz off.- (insep, infml) When you buzz off, you go away. Dash off
The reverend had to buzz off for an afternoon service, but returned about three-thirty.
Call back [Call back, call somebody back].- When you call back or call somebody back, you return a phone call or call again later. Phone back, ring back
I'll call you back as soon as I hear anything. Can you ask her to call me back, please?
Call in.- (insep) visit When you call in, you pay somebody a short visit. Drop in, pop in
Call in next time you're in town. I've just called in to see if you needed anything.
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Call in [Call somebody in].- (doctor, expert, consultant, police, technician) When you call somebody in, you ask somebody, like a doctor or a technician, to come and help you with a problem.
We had to call in a doctor. The situation got out of hand and the Army had to be called in.
We can't afford to call in a technician every time the washing-machine breaks down.
Call off [Call something off].- cancel When you call something off, you cancel an event. Be off, put off
The concert was called off because of rain. It's too late to call off the ceremony now.
Call out [Call something out].- shout When you call something out, you announce or say something in a loud voice.
He called out the results. She called out his name but there was no answer.
Call up [Call somebody up].- phone When you call somebody up, you telephone somebody.
Call me up when you get there. He called me up this this morning.
Calm down [Calm down, calm somebody down].- When you calm down, you become more relaxed.
He was very upset about it, but he calmed down eventually. She was rude and aggressive towards him but it was clear he was trying to calm her down.
Carry away [Get carried away].- When you get carried away, you behave in a silly way because you are too excited, angry, etc; not know what you are doing.
Sorry I called you a fool; I got a bit carried away. She got carried away in the shop and spent all her money on new dresses.
Carry on.- (insep) Continue When you carry on, or carry on doing something, you continue doing something. Go on, keep on
Carry on working! He carried on as if nothing had happened.
If things carry on the way they are, you'll lose your job.
Carry out [Carry something out].- Do (survey, investigation, research, review, plan, threat) When you carry something out, you do a task.
It's going to be difficult to carry out that plan. The government is going to carry out a survey on the nation's health.
Politicians don't usually carry out their promises.
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Carve out [Carve something out].- Get (career, name, reputation, place, role) When you carve something out, you manage to get it by working hard.
Catch on.- (insep) (idea, fashion, concept) When something catches on, it becomes popular.
The idea eventually caught on and became all the rage by the 1980s.
Chase away [Chase somebody away, chase something off].- When you chase somebody or an animal away, you force a person or animal to leave a place with threats or by attacking them.
A passer-by stopped his car to help and, along with several neighbors, managed to chase the dog away. No one was bitten.
chase off.- The same as chase away.
Chat up [Chat somebody up].- When you chat somebody up, you talk to them in a friendly way because you are sexually attracted to them.
Normally I find it dead hard to chat up a girl but I was drunk and had no inhibitions.
Check in [Check in, check something in].- When you check in, you arrive at a hotel or airport and report your arrival at reception or check-in desk.
We checked into the hotel a little after midnight. I arrived in London a few days ago and checked into the Bolsover Hotel.
When I checked in with a confirmed economy ticket, I was told that the flight was overbooked.
Check out.- When you check out, you pay and leave.
After breakfast I checked out of the hotel.
Check out [Check something out].- When you check something out, you check that something is correct or it's what you want.
You've got to check the facts out before you start torturing yourself. Hey, check this out!
Cheer up [Cheer up, cheer somebody up, cheer something up].- When you cheer up, you try to feel happier.
I got you this. I thought it might cheer you up. I took him to the party because he needed cheering up.
Fancy a pint to cheer you up?
Chew over [Chew something over].- Think When you chew something over, you think about it or discuss it very carefully. Mull over, think over
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I can't imagine Jeffrey being the kind of guy to openly argue, but rather chew it over in silence and - eventually - decide for himself.
Chip in.- 1 Contribute When you chip in, you contribute money towards something. Club together, pitch in
Local schools students, individuals and community groups have all chipped in to bring this area alive.
2 Interrupt When you chip in, you interrupt a conversation. Butt in
Some senior Army officials chipped in to say it was safe and there was no danger.
Clam up.- (insep) When you clam up, you refuse to speak. Shut up
I've tried talking to her about it, but she just clams up and changes the subject. He would clam up when the conversation turned personal.
Clear off [Clear something off].- Leave When something clears off or you clear it off, it disappears or is removed.
During the night the fog cleared off. We cleared off all the dirt and rock that was loose on the ground.
Clear up [Clear up, clear something up].- 1 (kitchen, mess) When you clear up, or clear something up, you tidy &
clean or remove dirt and clean. Clean up
I cleared up the mess from the kids in the back garden.
2 (doubt, problem, disagreement, misunderstanding, confusion, issue, crime, mystery) When you clear something
up, you find an answer or an explanation for something or settle it. Sort out
I think this misunderstanding will be cleared up soon.
3 (insep) (weather) When bad weather clears up, it improves. Brighten up
The weather is horrible at the moment. I hope it clears up later.
Climb down.- (insep) When you climb down, you admit you are wrong. Back down
Barclays and its supporters were eventually forced to climb down in the face of a fierce and sustained public backlash.
Clog up.- (insep) Block (arteries, pipe, drain, well) When something clogs up, it blocks. Choke up
Some types of weed have to be kept in check so that they don't clog up the pond, leaving the fish little space for swimming.
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Close down [Close something down].- (factory, plant, business, company, shop, production, operations) When you close something down, you close it permanently. Shut down
Come across [Come across somebody].- (insep) When you come across somebody, you meet them by chance. Bump into , run into, stumble across
Not long ago, I came across an old friend from the gang. I won't say his name for privacy reasons.
Come across [Come across something].- (insep) (photo) When you come across something, you find it by chance.
This stretch of coastline is famous for the fossils that you just come across lying on the beach.
Come round, come around .- 1 (insep) When you come round, you recover consciousness. Come to, pass out, black out
I had no idea what had happened to me when I came round.
2 (insep) When you come round, you pay somebody a visit. Drop by
Bill and Ben are coming round tonight. We're going to watch a video. Look, I'll come round to yours later, yeah?
Come on.- 1 (insep) When something comes on, it starts.
We had a good chat before the film came on.
2 (insep) When someting comes on, it makes progress. Get on
How's dinner coming on? I'm starving.
Come to.- (insep) When you come to, you recover consciousness. Come (a)round, pass out, black out
When Rose came to in the lifeboat, she could not remember what had happened. When he came to, he was being loaded into an ambulance.
Come through.- (insep) (call, message, document, authorization, divorce, money, results, news)When something comes through, you recieve it.
As the final results came through, it couldn't have been any worse.
Come through [Come through something].- (insep) Survive (car crash, accident, operation, illness, war, ordeal, crisis) When you come through something, you survive or recover.
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My cousin was in a serious car accident last week. Fortunately, he came through it with only minor injuries.
Come up.- 1 (insep) (issue, point, matter, question, subject) When something comes up, it's mentioned. Bring up
You'd better make sure you know these verbs because they always come up in the exam.
2 (insep) (job, vacancy) When something comes up, it appears.
As new jobs come up, we will contact students who have signed with the Odd Jobs database.
Come up with [Come up with something].- (insep) (plan, proposal, idea, theory, scheme, solution, suggestion, compromise, money, funding) When you come up with something, it occurs to you or you manage to find it: .
Cool down.- 1 (insep) When you cool down, you become less hot.
Let food cool down before putting it in the fridge or freezer. Sweat is the body's natural way of cooling you down.
2 (insep) When you cool down, you become less excited.
I thought we could finally calmly discuss our quarrel, now that she had cooled down a bit. She knew that she might regret it later, when she had cooled down.
Cop out [Cop out, cop out of something].- (responsibility) When you cop out or cop out of something, you avoid something because you are afraid or you don't want to keep your promise.
I hoped Maxwell would focus on the freedom issue, but he copped out.
Cotton on.- Understand (informal) When you cotton on, you begin to understand.
American trial lawyers are beginning to cotton on to the usefulness of using computerised graphics and other high-tech exhibits to impress judges and jurors.
Cough up [Cough something up].-(informal) (money, name) When you cough something up, you give somebody something because you have to. Pay up
The health minister said the federal government must eventually cough up more money if it wants to maintain a high-quality health system.
Count on [Count on somebody].- (insep) When you count on somebody, you rely on them to help or support you.
Ask Mary. You can always count on her to know the latest information.
Crack down [Crack down on somebody, crack down on something].- (informal) (criminals, vandals, extremists) When the government or the police crack down on something, they are much stricter than before. Clamp down on
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We need to crack down on youth offenders with heavy penalties and teach them respect for other people.
Ever since September 11th the Saudi government has been under pressure to crack down on extremist groups.
Cut back [Cut something back, cut down on something].- (spending, public expenditure, expenses, production, budget, costs) When you cut something back or cut back on something, you reduce something to save money.
Kraft Foods, the maker of brands from Oreo cookies to Oscar Meyer bologna, announced plans Tuesday to cut back on sugar and fat in some products.
Cut down [Cut down, cut down on something].- (smoking, cigarettes, sugar, fatty foods; luxuries, spending, cost) When you cut down on something, you reduce the ammount you take of it.
People with diabetes are usually advised to cut down on sugar and sugary foods.
Cut down [Cut something down].- (tree, forest) When you cut something down, you make it fall to the ground by cutting it.
The tree was damaged in the storm so they had to cut it down.
Cut off [Cut something off].- (electricity, water) When you cut something off or something is cut off, you remove it by cutting or you separate or stop it somehow.
For years, the country was part of the soviet union and was cut off from the rest of europe.
Dash off.- (insep) When you dash off, you leave in a hurry.
I must dash off; I'm already late. He dashed off before I could talk to him.
Dash off [Dash something off].- (letter, note, email) When you dash something off, you write it in a hurry.
Feel free to dash off an email to us at any time.
Dawn on [Dawn on somebody].- When something dawns on you, you suddenly begin to understand something.
It dawned on me that something unusual was going on. The truth finally dawned on him.
Die away.- (noise, sound, voice, light, breeze) When something dies away, it gradually becomes weaker until it disappears; it fades. Fade away
The strange noise finally died away. I particularly like it at night, when the traffic dies away.
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Die down.- (insep) (applause, gossip, rumours, wind, storm, flames, fire, pain, excitement, scandal)When something dies down, it becomes quieter or less noticeable.
The wind's died down at last. The rumours will soon die down.
He offered to leave the country for a spell until the fuss had died down.
Die out.- (insep) (custom, tradition, habit, idea, race, species) When something dies out, it gradually disappears.
Many Indian communities are dying out. The Panda is in danger of dying out.
Sadly this tradition died out in the early 1900s.
Dig over [Dig something over].- (soil, patch, garden, flowerbed) When you dig something over, you break the ground into smaller pieces with a spade or fork so that plants can grow.
He spent the morning digging over the vegetable patch. When I was digging over the garden I made a strange discovery.
Dig up [Dig something up].- 1 (scandal, the past, idea, excuse, facts, information) When you dig something up, you
search for it and find it: Rake up, dredge up
I have no answer for that, and I am not sure I want to dig up the past.
2 When you dig something up, you remove it from the ground using a fork or spade.
If you dig up potatoes and the skin rubs off easily, they need more time to mature.
Do away with [Do away with something].- abolish (law, privilege, rule, regulation, paperwork, tax)When an organizations does away with something, they get rid of it.
The death penalty has been done away with in many countries. They should do away with all that paperwork.
Do in [Do somebody in, do something in].- (head) When something does you in, it makes you tired or it makes you feel unable to deal with a situation.
I think it was the late hours more than the alcohol that really did me in. Please help, this is doing my head in.
Do up [Do something up].- 1 (flat, building, cottage, room) When you do something up, you repair and decorate it.
I spent a month doing up the flat and I think it's quite nice now.
2 (button, coat, dress, trousers, zip) When you do something up, you fasten it.
Her hair was done up in a neat bun at the back of her head.69
Doss down .- (insep) When you doss down somewhere, you sleep there temporarily or you sleep there instead of going home. Kip down
If you can find another blanket I'll just doss down on the sofa.
Doze off.- (insep) When you doze off, you fall into a light sleep. Drop off
Judy dozed off while she was watching television.
Drag on.- (insep) When something drags on, it's very slow and lasts longer than necessary.
Legal battles are agonizingly slow and costly, and the appeals process can drag on for years.
Drag up [Drag something up].- (story, incident) When you drag something up, you mention some unpleasant fact from the past. Bring up
This is all in the past. Why are you bringing it all up now?
Draw up.- (insep) When a vehicle draws up, it gets closer to a place and stops. Pull up
A convoy of buses drew up at the airport and they all climbed on board.
Draw up [Draw something up].- (list, plan, document, proposal, contract, will) When you draw something up, you prepare it very carefully in writing.
The Metropolitan Police force is drawing up plans to recruit more ethnic minority officers from overseas.
Dream up [Dream something up].- (explanation, idea, plot, ploy, scheme) When you dream something up, you think of something unusual or foolish.
Look at the picture and dream up a sensational story to go with it.
Dredge up [Dredge something up].- (scandal, the past, memory, old grivances, quarrel, filth, mistake, misdeeds, story) When you dredge something up, you remind somebody of unpleasant events in the past. Dig up, rake up
It's not good to dredge up the past.
Dress down.- (insep) When you dress down, the clothes you wear are not as formal as the ones you usually wear. Dress up
Some companies allow their employees to dress down on Fridays. Dressing down allows staff to be comfortable and be themselves.
Dress up.- (insep) When you dress up, you put on better clothes for a special occasion. Dress down
He didn't dress up for the occasion at all, wearing an orange baseball cap, baggy khakis, and an oversized black sweater.
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They dressed the child up in her best clothes and took her to the celebration.
Drop in (on somebody).- When you drop in on somebody, you pay a short visit without warning. Call in, pop in
I thought I'd dropped in and say hello. Drop in to see us next time you're in town.
Drop off.- 1 (insep) When you drop off, you fall asleep. Doze off
The girl was so tired that she dropped off to sleep at once. Ashley finally dropped off to sleep after midnight.
2 (attendance, numbers, membership, interest, support, traffic, temperatures) When something drops off, it
becomes less or fewer. Fall off
Unfortunately, attendance has dropped off over the last few months. Temperatures will drop off quickly as northwest winds strengthen.
Drop off [Drop somebody off].- When you drop somebody off, you stop the vehicle you are driving to leave a passenger. Let off
Come on. I'll drop you off at your flat. They had a disagreement as he brought her home, he dropped her off and went to work.
Drum up [Drum something up].- (support, enthusiasm, interest, business, trade) When you drum something up, you try to make people interested in it.
US Defence Secretary Dick Cheney is about to go on a tour of Europe and the Middle East to drum up support for the military action.
They held a press conference last week to try to drum up support for their proposal.
Dumb down [Dumb something down].- (language, news, test) When you dumb something down, you make it easier so that everybody can understand it.
They want to dumb down the test. We hope that less information will make the paper more digestible—at the risk of dumbing down the
news.
Ease off.- (insep) (pain, rain, traffic) When something eases off, it becomes less intense.
The pain eased off after he took the tablets. The rain should ease off after midday.
The heavy rain was easing off as we left the hotel, but I borrowed an umbrella just in case.
Ease up.- (Same as ease off)
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I wondered if I would ever catch Mike but he started to slow and I kept seeing him closer and closer as he grew tired, and then eased up when I got near.
Eat away [Eat something away].- When something eats something else away, it destroys it by eating or by chemical action.
Pollution has eaten away the stonework. The metal was eaten away by the acid.
Eat in.- (insep) When you eat in, you eat at home. Eat out
We won't eat in tonight. I don't fancy going out tonight; shall we eat in?
Eat out.- (insep) When you eat out, you eat in a restaurant. Dine out Eat in
I'm too tired to cook; why don't we eat out tonight? She really enjoys eating out.
Eat up [Eat up, eat something up].- When you eat up or eat something up, you finish eating.
Eat up children! Eat up your vegetables!
Egg on [Egg somebody on].- When you egg somebody on, you encourage them to do something silly.
They egged him on to drink the whole bottle. They egged him on until he finally jumped.
Eke out [Eke something out].- 1 (rations, pension, food) When you eke something out, you make it last longer.
Developing alternative energy sources is one part of the plan to eke out the Earth's resources.
2 (existence, living, income) When you eke something out, you try hard to make a living, usually with little money
or food. Scratch out
The land is arid and dry so I imagine it's difficult to eke out a living.
End up.- (insep) When you end up somewhere or in a certain state, you end there or that way after a series of events. Wind up
You'll end up in prison if you go on like that. He ended up homeless.
Explain away [Explaing something away].- When you explain something away, you give an excuse to avoid blame.
She tried to explain away the situation, but the police knew she was guilty. I don't know how I'm going to explain that away.
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Eye up [Eye somebody up].- When you eye somebody up, you look at them in a way that shows you are sexually interested in them.
The chap across the room is eyeing her up, but she doesn't seem to notice.
Fade away.- (insep) (noise, music, sound, light, hope) When something fades away, it gradually becomes weaker until it disappears; it fades. Die away
After a moment the noise faded away, and only the sound of a light breeze, and ringing, filled my ears.
Fall apart.- (insep) (family, life, marriage, relationship, house, car, business, deal) When something falls apart, it desintegrates or falls to pieces.
The building is falling apart. His marriage fell apart when he cheated on his wife.
Fall back on [Fall back on somebody, fall back on something] .- (insep) When you fall back on somebody or something, you turn to them or use it when in difficulty or because no other choice is available; resort to.
It's great to have a friend to fall back on. People fall back on alternative medicine when modern drugs don't work.
They had no money to fall back on.
Fall behind.- (insep) When you fall behind or something falls behind, it remains at the same level or standard.
Your schoolwork has fallen behind. He fell behind with the rent and was asked to leave the flat.
Fall down.- (insep) When you fall down, you fall accidentallly or because something is in a poor state of repair.
She fell down and hurt her knees. She tripped and fell down
Fall for [Fall for somebody].-(insep) When you fall for somebody, you fall in love with them.
She fell for him in a big way. Why does he always fall for the wrong women.
Fall for [Fall for something].- When you fall for something, you are tricked or deceived.
How could you fall for such an old trick? She fell for his talk and bought the encyclopedia.
Fall off.- 1 (insep) (bike, horse, button) When you fall off something, you separate from it and fall down.
He fell off his bike and hurt himself.
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2 (insep) (attendance, interest, quality, profits) When something falls off, it decreases or becomes less or
fewer. Drop off
Attendance has fallen off this term.
Fall out.- (insep) (a situation, somebody) When two people fall out, they quarrel or have an argument and stop being friends.
They've fallen out over some stupid misunderstanding. I don't like Bill - I fell out with him when he sold me a car that didn't work.
Fall over.- (insep) When you fall over, you fall to the ground.
She slipped on the ice and fell over. He fell over and broke his leg.
My daughter is learning to walk so she falls over quite a lot.
Fall through.- (insep) (idea, plan, project, arrangement, scheme, proposal) When something falls through, it fails and it's abandoned.
The deal fell through for reasons that are not clear. The sale fell through at the last minute.
The employees decided not to work for him and his plan fell through.
Fed up with something [Be fed up with something / somebody] .- (insep) When you are fed up with something or somebody, you are tired, depressed, bored or no longer interested in them.
Are you as fed up with what's going on in Washington as I am? I've become increasingly concerned about the current direction of our country.
Ferret out [Ferret something out].- (secret, the truth, details, error, facts, information) When you ferret something out, you succeed in finding some difficult or secret information. Dig out
She managed to ferret out the secret.
Fight off [Fight something off].- (infection, cold, illness, attack, enemy, competition) When you fight something off, you try to avoid or get rid of it.
I'm taking lots of vitamin C to help me fight off this cold. Stress weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infection.
Figure out [Figure something out].- When you figure something out, you manage to understand.
Have you figured out what the problem is? I just can't figure her out.
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Fill in for [Fill in for somebody].- (insep) When you fill in for somebody, you do their job temporarily because they can't. Cover for, sit in for, stand in for
Colleen was pleased that Gwen Swick was able to fill in for her, as Gwen was an old friend and they had worked together many times.
Fill in [Fill somebody in, fill somebody in on something].- (details) When you fill somebody in, or fill somebody in on something, you give them information.
My assistant will fill you in on the details. For those who haven't see it, let me fill you in on some of the highlights.
Fill in [Fill something in].- (form, cheque, name, coupon, space, questionnaire,hole) When you fill something in, you complete it with the correct information.
She gave me a form and told me to fill it in. You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire designed to measure your quality of life.
Fill up [Fill up, fill something up].- (glass, car, tank, bottle, container, theater) When you fill something up or something fills up, it becomes full.
You should always switch off the engine before you fill up with petrol. She filled up the kettle with water and made everyone a cup of tea.
Find out [Find out, find something out].- When you find something out, you discover or get information.
What will she say when she finds out? When you lose everything you find out who your real friends are.
Fit in.- (insep) When you fit in, you get on with a group of people or you feel as if belonging to a group.
It's difficult for them to fit in with the way of life here.
Flake out .- (insep, informal) When you flake out, you fall asleep.
He flaked out on the sofa.
Flare up.- (insep) When you flare up, you become angry.
He was an alcoholic and would flare up at anything.
Flick through [Flick through something].- (insep) (magazine, book, album, article, channels, cards)When you flick through something, you read or look quickly at the pages of a magazine or book. It also means to change repeatedly from one station or channel to another. Flip through, glance over, leaf through
He flicked through the channels on the TV, hoping for some news. I was flicking through the channels when I saw her on the telly. I couldn't believe it.
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Flip through [Flip through something].- (insep) The same as flick through.
Flush out [Flush somebody out].- (rebels, resistance, militants, guerrillas, criminals) When you flush somebody out, you force them to leave a place.
The Angolan armed forces have recently flushed out the rebels from the area. In the port of Umm Qasr, to the south, royal marines have been flashing out the last pockets of resistance.
Fob off [Fob somebody off].- (patient, creditor) When you fob somebody off, you stop somebody complaining by giving them silly answers.
I keep ringing them and complaining but they just fob me off ! They couldnt care less.
Fob off [Fob something off].- (responsibility) When you fob something off, you manage to make somebody accept something faulty, worthless or difficult to deal with.
Don't try to fob off your responsibility on others! I don't want to be fobbed off with excuses, I want to know who is responsible for this problem!
Freak out [Freak out, freak somebody out].- When you freak out, you react in an anxious, excited and wild manner to something.
My parents would freak out if I talked to them about this. Don't freak out and do something stupid every time something bad happens.
Frighten away [Frighten something away].- When you frighten somebody or an animal away, you make them leave using fear. Scare away, scare off
They feel a refinery would frighten away tourists and potential tourism investors.
Frighten off.- the same as frighten away.
Fuck about.- (taboo, slang) When you fuck around, you behave in a stupid way which annoys people.
After a ridiculous amount of fucking about and watching crap on TV, I eventually persuaded them to leave.
Fuck around.- The same as fuck about.
Fuck off.- (taboo) (insep) When you tell somebody to fuck off, you tell them in a very offensive way to leave you alone. Bugger off, sod off, piss off
He started yelling at me again and then told me to fuck off.
Fuck up [Fuck something up].- When you fuck something up, you make of mess of it. Balls up, cock up, mess up
Every time we win, we go and fuck up the next match with a stupid result.
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Get about, get around, get round.- 1 (insep) When you get round, you go to different places; you travel.
He gets around a lot. She's getting old; she doesn't get around as much as she used to.
The Underground is the best way to get around in London.
2 (insep) (news, rumours, gossip, word) When something gets round, it becomes well known; it spreads.
The word got around that she was having an affair. The rumour got around that he was a drug dealer.
Gossip soon gets around in a small neighbourhood.
3 (insep) (law, rule, problem) When you get around something, you avoid or escape the effects of something, such as a rule, without breaking it.
It's very difficult to get arond the the tax laws. They managed to get around the problem in the end.
Get away.-(insep) When you get away, you leave or escape or have a holiday.
They got away in a stolen car. It's nice to get away at Easter.
The boy tried to catch to the butterfly but it got away.
Get away with [Get away with something].- (insep) When you get away with something, you are not punished for something wrong you have done.
She won't get away with an offensive remark like that. You won't get away with this.
How did you manage to get away with cheating on your wife?
She got away with a fine.
Get back.- (insep) When you get back, you return. Come back
They didn't get back home until 3 o'clock in the morning. I'll tell her when she gets back.
Get back [Get something back].- When you get something back, you recover it. Take back
You shouldn't lend books; you never get them back. He's started to exercise. He needs to get his strength back.
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Get by.- 1 (insep) When you get by, you manage to do something.
When you're a student you have to learn to get by with very little money. My English is just good enough to get by.
He doesn't do very well in his exams; he just gets by.
2 (insep) When you get by, you go past.
They moved aside to let the ambulance get by. There were so many people that I couldn't get by.
Get in [Get in, get in something].- (insep) When you get in or get in a place, you go in there.
Get into the car. We're leaving. It wasn't until I got into the shop that I realised I hadn't got enough money on me.
Get into [Get into something].- (insep) (mess, trouble, debt, muddle) When you get into something, you become involved in a difficult situation, often without intending to.
Don't use your credit card too much or you'll get into debt. He got into trouble with the police because he forgot to pay for his shopping before he left the shop.
Get off [Get off something].- (insep) (bus, NOT car, train, plane, horse) When you get off a vehicle, you leave it. Jump off Get on
Just as we got off the bus, it started to rain. Please do not get off the ride until it has come to a complete stop.
Get on.- (insep) When you get on or you are getting on, you are old.
I'm getting on a bit now, but I've still got all me faculties.
Get on, get on with [Get on, get on with something].- 1 (work) (insep) When you get on or get on with something, you make progress in it.
How are you getting on with your studies? After a few problems at first, he's getting on well at his new school.
He wasn't an easy man to get on with.
2 When you get on with something, you continue doing it. Get along, go on
The best thing to do is get on with your job to the best of your ability, if you work hard and are efficient it gets noticed, often by the people who matter.
Get on [Get on something].- (insep) (bus, train, plane, horse) When you get on a vehicle, you take a place in or on it. Get off
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The bus was full. We couldn't get on. As usual I got on the train and travelled all the way to Kings Cross.
Get on with [Get on with somebody].- (insep) (neighbours, relatives, friends) When two people get on or you get on with them, you have a friendly relationship with them. Get along Fall out
Do you get on with your neighbours? How do you get on with your boss?
Get out.- 1 When you get out, you leave a place or go outside.
A security guard told him to get out. We had to get out of there as quickly as we could.
2 When something gets out, it stops being a secret.
If word gets out, it could ruin her career. When word got out that a huge diamond field had been found, speculation fever mounted.
Get through.- (insep) When you you get through or you get through to somebody, you manage to contact them. Be through, come through, put through
I couldn't get through to them on the phone. I spent over two hours trying so I emailed them the next day.
Get through [Get through, get through something].- (insep) (exam, test, finals) When you get through or get through something, such as a test, you manage to pass it. Scrape through, sail through
We're sure that you will get through your exam.
2.- (insep) (cigarettes, beer, money) When you get through something, you use it or spend it.
While we watched the match we got through two large bottles of coke, two hamburgers each and packet of crisps.
He gets through about thirty cigarettes a day.
The average Brit gets through three cups of tea each day, which is 40 per cent of everything he drinks.
Get through to [Get throgh to somebody].- (insep) When you get through to somebody, you manage to make them understand something.
I had never worked with this age group before and I didn't know how I would handle them or if I would be able to get through to them.
Give away [Give something away].- When you give something away, you give it to somebody for free.
He gave away all his money. I had a lot of books I didn't want to keep so I gave them away to a friend.
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Give in.- (insep) [+ to] When you give in, you admit that you are defeated or cannot do something; you yield.
He's very stubborn. He won't give in no matter how much you try to persuade him. President Mobutu Sese Seko finally gave in to mounting pro-democracy pressure by announcing the end
of the one party state in Zaire.
The government gave in to pressure from the industry.
Give out [Give something out].- (leaflet, food, money, information) When you give something out, you distribute it. Hand out
Give out the questionnaires and ask students to complete them. If your staff spends valuable time giving out directions, business hours and other information, post that
data on the web, and refer your customers to it.
Give up [Give something up].- (chocolate, fatty foods, smoking, hope, job) When you give something up, you stop doing or having it; you stop attempting to do it.
My doctor tried to persuade me to give smoking up. He gave up his job three years ago and started traveling around the world.
If you want to lose weight you'll have to give up eating sweets.
Glam up [Glam up, glam yourself up].- When you glam up or glam yourself up, you dress attractively.
Casual dress is fine, although some of the locals do get glammed up.
Gloss over [Gloss over something].- (insep) (failure, issue) When you gloss over something, you try to excuse or not to mention something bad.
He glossed over painful events and painted a positive picture.
Go about [Go about something].- (insep) (daily routine, business, work) When you go about something, you do it in the usual way or you start doing it.
How did you go about getting this book published?
Go off.- 1 (insep) (alarm, bomb, device, gun) When something goes off, it explodes or is activated.
The powerful device went off just metres from the market entrance. Why did the alarm go off like that?
2 When something goes off, it's not good anymore.
Put the milk in the fridge or it will go off. This meat smells absolutely revolting. It must have gone off.
Go off [Go off somebody, go off something].- (insep) When you go off somebody or something, you stop liking them. Take to
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After that traumatic episode we kept a close watch on Belle but noticed that she had started to go off her food.
I liked him at the start, but then went off him rapidly.
Go on.- 1 (insep) When you go on doing something, you continue doing doing it. Carry on
He went on speaking for two hours. The ovation went on for two minutes.
2 (insep) When something goes on, it takes places.
You should have let me know what was going on. They had the feeling that there was something fishy going on.
Go on about [Go on about something].- When you go on about something, you talk continuously about it in a boring and annoying way.
I'm sorry. You must be bored senseless hearing me going on about it. Do you have to keep going on about it?
Goof off.- (insep, AmE) When you goof off, you spend time doing nothing, esp. avoiding work. Skive off
A new way to goof off at work: when the boss isn't looking, employees flock to Internet game sites. If employees are badly managed or badly motivated, they'll goof off.
Hand in [Hand something in].- (work, essay, assignment, paper, form, application, notice, resignation, petition, keys, money, weapons, tickets) When you hand something in, you give it to somebody in charge. Give in
The minister handed in his resignation when it was known that he was implicated in the scandal. The Guerrilla have agreed to hand in their weapons.
You can hand in your homework on Monday.
Hand on [Hand something on].- 1 (custom, story, clothes, knowledge, responsibility) When you hand something on, you give it to somebody who is younger or who comes later.
Over the course of time, the story was handed on verbally from one generation to another, until the time came when the people were able to read and write.
2 (photograph, magazine) When you hand something on, you give it to somebody who is next to you: Hand down, pass on
Hand out [Hand something out].- (leaflets, books, food) When you hand something out, you distribute it. Give out
Mary, could you help me hand out the photocopies, please? He was handing out free tickets for the concert.
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Hand over [Hand something over].- (money, gun, prisoner, control, power, responsibility) When you hand something over, you it to somebody else so that they take control.
Have things changed since the hand over of sovereignty from the British to Chinese?
Hang about/around.- The same as hang around.
There was a group of young people hanging around on the corner of the street. You should allow your son to hang around in the street after dark.
Hang on.- (insep) When you hang on, you wait. Hold on
Hang on a minute; I need to talk to you. ( on the phone ) I'm afraid he's busy at the moment; would you like to hang on?
I can't hang on any longer; I'm in a hurry.
Hang up.- (phone) When you hang up, you finish a phone conversation.
She hung up on me. Don't hang up; I need to speak to your sister.
Hang up [Hang something up].- (picture, coat) When you hang something up, you put it on a wall or hook.
Hang up your coat and come and join us.
Have back [Have somebody back].- When you have somebody back, they return after having left.
It so nice to have you back, love.
Have back [Have something back].- (money) When you have something back, somebody gives it back to you. Give back
It seems like a fair deal to me. Anyone who is not happy with that can have their money back.
Idiom > Have your own back: When you have your own back, you get your revenge.
Have on [Have something on].- 1 (clothes) When you have something on, you are wearing it.
Can you remember what the suspect had on when he ran out of the bank
2 (radio, TV) When you have something on, it's switched on and you are using it.
Mama often had the radio on as she did her housework and almost always sang along.
Have on [Have somebody on].- When you have somebody on, you try to make them believe something that is not true to have a laugh.
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Are you having me on?
Head off.- (insep) When you head off somewhere, you go in that direction.
We said our goodbyes and he headed off in the other direction.
Head off [Head off something].- prevent (criticism, disaster, crisis, threat, quarrel, disagreement)When you head off something unpleasant, you prevent it from happening. Fend off, stave off, ward off
The United States proposed a compromise to head off a trade war with the EU.
Hold back [Hold something back].- (emotions, anger, frustration, tears, information, evidence, ideas, crowds, enemy, progress, project) When you hold something back, you control it or keep it secret. Keep back
He pressed his lips together, trying to hold back his emotions. We are certainly not in any way trying to hold back any information.
Hold on.- (insep) When you hold on, you wait.
Please hold on a moment. All our lines are busy, but please hold on.
Hold up [Hold somebody up, hold something up].- 1 (traffic, bad weather) When something holds somebody or something else up, it delays it.
The march held up traffic in the city centre but there was no trouble or arrests.
2 (bank) When criminals hold up a bank, they rob it.
Armed robbers held up the bank and escaped with £20,000.
Hold up.- When somebody or something holds up, they remain strong.
She seems to be holding up. I can't believe she's taking it so calmly.
Hurry up.- (insep) When you hurry up, you go faster.
Hurry up! We're going to be late.
Hush up [Hurry something up].- When you hush something up, you prevent the public from knowing about it. Cover up
While accusations continued that the State Government was doing everything to hush up the case, the authorities have decided not to speak.
Ice up.- (insep) When something ices up, it becomes covered in ice so that it doesn't work properly.83
Sometimes Atlanta ices up and you don't want to drive if you can avoid it. The river ices up in the winter and public areas are inaccessible after the snow falls.
Iron out [Iron something out].- (problems, difficulties, differences, details, faults, misunderstanding; crease, fold) When you iron something out, you get rid of a problem or find an anwer for it.
They managed to iron out all the problems with the new production process. The system has been tested in the UK for the last 9 months to iron out any teething problems.
We still have a long way to go before we iron out all the current financial difficulties.
Invite in [Invite somebody in].- When you invite somebody in, you ask them to come in. Ask in
They were not expecting her but invited her in for a cup of tea and a chat.
Invite out [Invite somebody out].- When you invite somebody over, you ask them to go with you for a meal, to see a show, etc. Ask out
I invited her out again, and she said she really wanted to go dancing.
Invite over, invite round [Invite somebody over, invite somebody round].- When you invite somebody over, you ask them to pay you a visit.
Do you invite them over for food after the service? The best way to celebrate and thank people is to invite them round to your place for a party.
Itch for [Itch for something].- (insep) When you itch for something, you desperately want to have it or do it. Long for
She's just returned from a hunting trip in the Himalayas, and she's itching for a new challenge.
Jack in [Jack something in].- (job, course, studies) When you jack something in, you stop doing something you don't like. Pack in
He decided to jack in his job and spend more time with his family. I can't stand it anymore; I'm going to jack it in.
Jack up [Jack something up].- (car) When you jack something up, you lift it off the ground using a jack.
He jacked up the car and changed the wheel in no time.
Jam on [Jam on something].- (insep) When you jam the breaks on, you use them suddenly with a lot of force. Slam on
He jammed on the brakes but it was too late to avoid hitting the other car.
Jazz up [Jazz something up].- (party, salad) When you jazz something up, you make it more interesting or exciting. Liven up
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One good way to jazz up your salads is by adding toasted nuts. Pictures can really jazz up the computer's desktop.
Join in.- (insep) (work, applause, celebrations, fun, game, discussion) When you join in, you take part or become involved.
They couldn't wait to join in the fun.
Join up.- (insep) When you join up, you become a member of the Armed forces.
He packed in his job and joined up.
Jot down [Jot something down].- (address, number, message) When you jot something down, you make a quick and short note of something.
Jot it down before you forget it.
Jumble up.- (insep) (papers, thoughts, ideas, emotions) When things are jumbled up, they are all mixed together. Mix up
Everything gets so jumbled up in my life that I never know which direction I'm supposed to be going, or why, or when I'll reach what I'm looking for.
Jump at [Jump at something].- (insep) (chance, offer, opportunity) When you jump at something, you take it quickly. Leap at
He told the budding actors to jump at every opportunity they can to perform Shakespeare.
Jump off [Jump off something].- (insep) (bus, train, plane, boat, horse, roof, cliff, bridge) When you jump off a vehicle or a place, you leave it suddenly by jumping. Get off Jump on
I jumped off the boat onto the dock thinking this would help and lost my balance, scraping my knees and elbows. It was a terrible experience.
Keep away.- When you keep away from somebody or something, you avoid somebody or avoid going somewhere.
Keep away from me!
Keep back [Keep something back].- (emotions, anger, tears, information, evidence, ideas, crowd)When you keep something back, you controll it or keep it secret. Hold back
The minister gave a press conference to explain the whole thing but we knew he was keeping something back.
Keep down [Keep something down].- (prices, spending, noise, voice, weight) When you keep something down, you don't increase it or you keep it at a low level.
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Keep the noise down; I'm trying to do some work! Keep it down, will you?
How do you expect me to keep prices down when inflation is now running at 5%?
Keep off something [Keep off something].- (insep) (grass, the street, alcohol, cigarettes) When you keep off something, you avoid it or you don't touch it.
Keep your hands off me! Try and keep off fatty foods.
Try to keep off the subject; there's no need to hurt her feelings.
Keep on.- When you keep on doing something, you continue doing it. Carry on, go on
I said hello but he didn't say anything; he just kept on watching the television.
Keep on [Keep something on].- When you keep something on, you don't take off; you continue wearing it.
You can keep your hat on! Keep your coat on; it's a bit cold in here.
Keep on at, keep on about [Keep on at something, keep on about something].- When you keep on at something, you continue talking to somebody or about something in a boring or annoying way.
Do you have to keep on about your daughter the whole morning? Keep on at her until she tells you.
Keep out [keep out, keep somebody out].- When you keep out or keep somebody out, you stay outside or you prevent somebody or something from entering.
Private property; keep out! They've put up a fence to keep out intruders.
Keep to [keep to something].- (path, subject, arrangement, routine, plan, rules, regulation, promise, minimum) When you keep to something, you do what you are supposed to do. Stick to
I know you don't like the agreement but we have to keep to it. Keep to the path; it's easy to get lost in that part of the mountain.
Keep up, keep up with [Keep something up, keep up with somebody].- (conversation, payments, pace, speed, good work) When you keep something up, you continue doing it or it remains at the same level.
Keep up the good work! They coach spoke to the players to try and keep their morale up.
It's the same story every year; salaries don't keep up with the cost of living.
You're going too fast; I can't keep up.
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Keep up appearences: When you keep up appearences, you try to make people believe that you have a lot of money and everything is all right when, in fact, that is not true any more.
Kick in.- (insep) (reality, benefits, recovery) When something kicks in, it begins to take effect.
I think reality has just kicked in. It must be taken for several days before the full effect kicks in.
If the pain kicks in again, you've got the nurse's number and mine.
Kick off.- (insep) When something kicks off, it starts.
Let's kick off with a little bit of music. The tour is going to kick off right here in Atlanta, June 20th at the Lakewood Amphitheater.
Kit out [Kit somebody out, kit something out].- When kit somebody out, you get all the clothes or things they need to do something.
We can go to Oxford Street and get ourselves kitted out.
Knock off.- 1 (insep) When you knock off, you finish work.
Yesterday afternoon the guys decided to just knock off early and go bowling.
2 (pounds) When you knock a particular ammount of money off a price, you reduce it.
I managed to get them to knock $300 off the price.
Lag behind .- When you lag behind, you move more slowly than others.
We seem to be lagging behind the rest of the country in these new initiatives. Women's wages still lag behind.
Lash out [Lash out, lash out at somebody].- Criticize When you lash out or lash out at somebody, you criticize or speak to them angrily. Hit out
He lashed out at those making accusations against him. I started to get really angry and started lashing out at people.
Lap up [Lap something up].- Accept (attention, admiration, information, praise) When you lap something up, you believe or accept it with great pleasure.
They lapped up all his lies. He told them the most ridiculous story I've ever heard but they lapped it up.
Lay down [Lay something down].- (the law, rules, conditions, price limits, speed limits, arms) When you lay something down, you establish what must be done.
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The Directives lay down the hygiene conditions under which wild game meat is to be obtained, processed and inspected, in order to prevent food poisoning.
Lay off [Lay somebody off].- Sack (workers, staff, men, employees) When you lay somebody off, you tell a worker to leave their job because there is no work for them to do anymore.
The company is not doing well. We may have to lay some of our staff off. Larger companies are finding they have to lay off workers to meet their profit levels.
They will have to lay off some of their staff.
Let down [Let somebody down].- Disappoint When you let somebody down, you disappoint them.
You can rely on me; I'll never let you down. We're relying on you to do it. You won't let us down, will you?
Let down [Let something down].- (bucket, rope, plane, tyre, balloon) When you let something down, you lower it or deflate it.
Hang on! I'll let down a rope so that you can come up.
Let your hair down: When you let you hair down, you relax and enjoy yourself freely.
Let in [Let somebody in].- When you let somebody in, you allow them to come into a place.
Her father let me in. Let yourself in!
Lock the door and don't let anyone in.
Let off [Let somebody off].- When you let somebody off, you give them a light punishment or no punishment at all.
He was let off lightly. She was let off with only a reprimand.
I'll let you off this time if you promise not to do it again.
He was lucky to be let off with only a warning.
She was let off with a fine.
Let off [Let something off].- (gun, rifle, bomb, fireworks, cracker, rocket, steam) When you let something off, you fire or make something explode. Go off
They let off some fireworks to celebrate the occasion.
Let on [Let something on].- (secret) When you let something on, you reveal a secret.
I'm going to have a baby, but please don't let on, will you She let on that her husomebodyand was in trouble with the police.
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Don't let on about this. It must remain a secret.
Let out [Let somebody out, let something out].- 1 Release When you let somebody or something out, you release them; you allow them to leave a place, usually by unlocking the door.
They're letting him out because he's been a model prisoner. Did you let the dog out?
2 (scream, yell, sigh, cry, gasp) When you let something out, you make a loud sound.
She let out a sigh of relief when she heard the news.
3 (dress, skirt, trousers) When you let clothes out, you make clothes wider.
This skirt is too tight. I'll have to let it out at the waist.
4 (room, house) When you let a place out, you rent it.
She lets out rooms to students.
Light up.- When you light up, you start smoking.
Lighting up is increasingly regarded as an antisocial activity.
Light something up.- When something lights something else up, it makes bright or full of light.
Fireworks lit up the sky in the middle of the event, which gave the night a special touch.
Line up [Line somebody up, line something up].- When you line somebody or things up, you put people or things in a row.
Could you line up according to your age? The oldest should stand at the front, and the youngest at the back.
Live something down [Live something down].- When you live something down, you try to behave in such a way that people forget about some unpleasant thing you did in the past.
Jake has spent his life trying to live down his father's reputation.
Live in.- (insep) When you live in, you live in the same place you work or study.
Live-in nanny needed for family with 15 month old girl and newborn due in February.
Liven up [Liven something up].- (party, flat, kitchen, meeting) When you liven something up, you make it more interesting or exciting. Jazz up
This party is a bit boring. But don't worry! It'll soon liven up once everyone has had a drink or two!
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Live up to [Live up to something] .- (expectations, reputation, name, principles, promises, ideals)When you live up to something, you are or you do what people expect. Match up to
The Government has failed to live up to its promises. I'm just dying to know if he lives up to his reputation.
I think the movie was quite good although it didn't live up to my expectations.
Log off [Log off, Log off something].- When you log off or log off something, you exit a computer system.
Before you log off, close any programs and documents you have open, ensuring that you save any changes you make.
Log on [Log on, Log on to something].- When you log on or log on to something, you enter a computer system.
When I logged on, I was asked to change my password.
Look after [Look after somebody].- (insep) (children, baby, patient) When you look after somebody, you take care of them.
The nurses in this hospital are great. They really look after their patients. One of the most difficult jobs in the world is looking after a new baby.
Look round, look around.- When you look round, you turn to look at something behind you or look in different differections.
She looked around and saw him. I looked around the place but I didn't see it.
Look round, look around [Look round something, look around something].- 1 When you look round a place, you visit it.
We can look around the castle later.
2 (job, flat) When you look round for something, you go to different places looking for it.
Have you started looking arond for a job.
Look back.- When you look back, you try to remember the past.
That was ten years ago and we'ver never looked back.
Look for [Look for somebody, look for something].- (insep) When you look for somebody, you try to find them.
I'm looking for my keys. Have you seen them?
Look foward to [Look forward to something].- (insep) When you look foward to something, you can't wait for it to happen because you know you will enjoy it.
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I'm looking forward to the concert.
Look up.- (things, business, trade) When something is looking up, it's improving.
I'm so glad that things are all looking up for you.
Look up [Look somebody up].- When you look somebody up, you contact them and pay them a visit after not having seen them for some time or because you happen to be where they live.
Do look up and see us next time you are in the area. Look me up next time you are in town.
Look something up [Look something up].- (word, number, information, time) When you look something up, you find the information in a dictionary or reference book.
Can you look up this word in the dictionary? We looked it up in our records but we weren't able to find where the ship was built.
Look up to [Look up to somebody].- When you look you to somebody, you admire and respect them.
When I was a child I always looked up to my grandparents, who were wonderful people.
Lump together [Lump something together].- When you lump things together, you put them in one group or treat them in the same way.
Sudan was created by lumping together different desert nations.
Make after [Make after somebody].- (insep) When you make after somebody or an animal, you chase them.
They made after him but couldn't catch him. The dog made after the cat but it managed to escape by climbing a tree.
Make away.- (insep) When criminals make away, they escape. Make off
They managed to make away after all.
Make away with [Make away with something].- (insep) (jewels, money) When criminals make away with something, they steal it and take it away. Make off with
They made away with the stolen jewels.
Make for.- 1 (insep) When you make for a place, you move towards a place, usu. in a hurry. Head for
They made for the door. He made for the toilet as soon as we got home.
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2 (insep) When something makes for something else, it produces or contributes to it in some way.
The minister's speech makes for greater optimism. His constant lies don't make for a good relationship.
His brilliant explanation makes for a better understanding of the whole issue.
Make into [Make into something].- When you make something into something else, you change it into something else. Turn into
The idea is to make the building into flats.
Make off.- (insep) When you make off, you leave a place in a hurry.
Overpowering the guard, the thief made off with the money and the guard's gun.
Make out.- (insep) When you make out something, you pretend something is true.
He made out he was an expert in the field but it was clear he didn't know what he was talking about.
Make out [Make something out].- 1 When you make something out, you manage to understand or see it.
I couldn't quite make out the writing on the package.
2 (cheque, bill, tax return, shopping list) When you make something out out, you write or complete it. Write out
Please make out the cheque to CMM Intelligence Ltd.
Make up [Make something up].- When you make something up, you invent it.
The story she told you wasn't true. She just made it up.
Measure up to [Measure up to something].- (insep) (standard, description, expectations, responsibilities) When somebody or something measures up to something, they reach or fulfill something or are as good as something else.
Never mind that he won the Pulitzer and the Nobel. He just doesn't measure up to the giants of his time - Faulkner, Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
Mess about.- (insep) When you mess about, you waste your time doing something silly or not doing anything at all. muck about
It was bliss just messing about, eating, exploring and, most important of all, talking.
Mess up [Mess up, mess something up].- (insep) When you mess something up, you do it badly or break it.
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It was so bad that, when the surgeon admitted he'd messed up on my nose and wanted to fix it again, I said no way.
Mix up [Mix somebody up].- When you mix somebody up with somebody else, you mix their identities. Mix up, muddle up, jumble up
Unfortunately, the bank had mixed him up with another customer who had the same surname and initials.
Mix up [Mix something up].- 1 When you mix things up, you confuse them. Muddle up
I was supposed to see my counselor on Saturday, but I mixed up the times and its actually this coming Saturday.
2 When you mix things up, you, mix them together.
First, you should mix up a little packet of yeast with one cup of warm water.
Move away.- (insep) When you move away, you leave a place to live somewhere else.
I had a crush on her, but she moved away during the semester and I never got to see her ever again.
Move in.- (insep) When you move in, you start living in a new house.
There had been reports they had moved in together, but it isn't true. I was dreading telling my dad I was moving in with Paul.
You can move in when you've paid the deposit.
Move on.- (insep) When you move on, you leave something behind or stop doing something and so something else instead.
Come on, it's all history now. It's time we all moved on. Lee has now moved on to work for a small tech company that makes routers or something like that.
Move out.- (insep) When you move out, you stop living in a particular place and start living somewhere else.
He used to share a flat with Bill but they argued a lot so he moved out. She lost contact with her childhood friends when she moved out of the area.
Muck about.- (insep) When you muck about, you waste your time doing something silly or not doing anything at all. muck about
Since I spend all day in work doing serious stuff with computers it's a joy to just muck about when at home.
Muck in.- (insep) When you muck in, you give a hand.
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Prince William is reaching the end of 10 weeks of voluntary work in remote Patagonia, earning the respect of his peers by mucking in with the rest.
Muddle up [Muddle something up].- When you muddle something or somebody up, you confuse them. Mix up
We got muddled up between you and your twin sister and did not realise we'd made a mistake until it was too late.
Mull over [Mull something over].- (decision, things, question, suggestion, issue) When you mull something over, you think about it or discuss it very carefully. Chew over, think over
Company executives are mulling over what to do with the contaminated building.
Naff off.- (slang) When you tell somebody to naff off, you tell them to go away, usu. because you're angry. Fuck off, piss off
She told them to naff off. He wished people would just naff off and leave him alone.
Nail down [Nail somebody down].- (answer, date, time, price) When you nail somebody down, you force them to state their intentions clearly. Peg down, pin down
I couldn't nail her down to an exact date. Try and nail them down to a price.
He's definitely coming but I couldn't nail him down to a specific time.
Narrow down [Narrow something down].- (list, number, choice, possibilities, search) When you narrow something down, you reduce it or limit it in some way.
They've narrowed down the list of candidates. They narrowed the number of suspects down to three.
Nip in.- (insep) When you nip in, you go into a place quickly or for a short time. Nip out
She nipped in and said hello.
Nip off.- (insep) When you nip off, you go somewhere quickly or for a short time.
I'll just nip off to the shops.
Nip out.- The same as nip off
Nod off.- (insep) When you nod off, you fall asleep unintentionally. Doze off, drop off
She nodded off in front of the TV. He was embarrased because he nodded off in the middle of the film.
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Nose about, nose around, nose into.- (insep) When you nose into something, you try to find out things about other people's affairs.
What are you nosing about here for ? I wish you'd stop nosing into other people's business.
Notch up [notch something up].- (victory, sale, record sales, contract) When you notch something up, you achieve something.
Yahoo.co.uk notched up almost 3.4 million weekly unique visitors during July. The band notched up another UK Number 1 single with their version of the classic Bangles song.
Nose out [Nose something out].- When you nose something out, you discover it by searching carefully.
His job is to nose out unpleasant facts about important politicians. He managed to nose out some important facts.
Note down [Note something down].- (address, number, message) When you note something down, you write it down. Jot something down, take something down, write something down
Note down his address.
Ooze out.- (insep) (gas, smoke, blood, tears) When something oozes out, it appears or leaks; it flows slowly.
Blood was oozing out from the wound.
Open out.- 1 (insep) When something opens out, it spreads; it becomes wider; it unfolds.
Open out the discussion so that students can contribute to the discussion using personal experience.
Open up [Open something up].- When you open up or open something up, you open it.
Police! Open up! They're opening up new stores in many parts of the country.
Opt in.- (insep) When you opt in, you choose to join something. Opt out
Customers can opt in to the programme at a level that suits them.
Opt out.- (insep) When you opt out, you choose to leave a system or operate independently. Opt in
The contract allowed him to opt out after two years
Order about, order around [Order somebody about, order somebody around].- When you order somebody about, you give them too many orders in an unpleasant way.
What really gets me is the way he thinks he can order me about.
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Order in [Order somebody in].- When you order somebody in, you order them to enter a place. Order out
The army was ordered in to disperse the demonstrators.
Order off [Order somebody off].- When a referee orders a player off, they order the player to leave the field.
Taxis in a dangerous condition have been ordered off the road following random safety checks.
Order out [Order somebody out].- When you order somebody out, you order them to leave. Order in
One of the defense lawyers was ordered out of the court for disrupting trial sessions.
Own up.- (insep) When you own up, you admit a fault or having done something wrong.
In the old days, if the guilty student didn't own up, all the class was punished.
Pack in [Pack something in].- (job, course, university) When you pack something in, you leave it because you find it very difficult to continue. Chuck in, jack in
At the age of 29 he packed in his job as an industrial caterer and moved to France.
Pack up.- (insep) (car, computer, system, machine) When something packs up, it stops working because it has a serious problem. Break down
On the way home the car packed up. It was midnight by the time we arrived.
Pass on [Pass something up].- (information, message) When you pass something on, you give it to another person.
By reproducing we pass on our genes to the next generation. I said I'd be happy to pass on the message.
Pass out.- (insep) When you pass out, you lose consciousness. Black out Come round, come to Bring round, bring to
She felt dizzy and then passed out but luckily someone caught her before she hit the ground. I remember climbing the ladder, but I can't remember the accident. I guess I must have passed out,
because the next thing I remember was the paramedic looking down at me.
Pass up [Pass something up].- (opportunity, chance, offer) When you pass something up, you don't take advantage of it. Snap up, take up
Every week you will find a fantastic computer or Internet offer that is too good to pass up.
Pass away.- (insep) When somebody passes away, they die. We say this verb to avoid using the word 'die'. Pass on
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She passed away at Royal Lodge, Windsor, on Saturday, and the news was announced by Buckingham Palace about two and a half hours later.
Patch up [Patch something up].- (differences, quarrel, things, dispute, marriage, friendship) When you patch something up with somebody, you are friends again.
Maybe I should try to patch things up with my wife.
Pay in [Pay something in].- (money, cheque) When you pay something in, you put money into a bank account.
The company pays my wages directly into my bank account.
Pay off.- (insep) (plan, planning, gamble, risk, effort, hard work, patience, persistence) When something pays off, it's successful.
He waited patiently for other publishers and his patience paid off. His work was accepted and published.
Pay off [Pay something off].- (insep) (debt, loan, mortgage, creditor) When you pay something off, you pay somebody all the money you owe them so that you are not in debt anymore.
He won so much money in the card game that he was able to pay off his debts.
Perk up [Perk somebody up, perk something up].- When something perks you up, it makes you feel more energetic. Liven somebody up
Coffee is the perfect drink to perk you up. Any ideas are welcome as to how to perk things up a bit.
Peter out.- (insep) (track, road, voice, conversation, enthusiasm, supplies, engine, storm) When something peters out, it gradully becomes smaller or less intense and ends.
With no one to guide me in my investigations my enthusiasm petered out, but not my interest, that was something which has always remained constant.
Her voice petered out and her last few words were mumbled into my ear.
Pick up.- (insep) (the economy, business, prices, sales, trade, demand, weather) When something picks up, it gets better.
Sales of the product have picked up in recent weeks. Profits were down last year, but in the first quarter of this year it seems that business has picked up.
Pick up [Pick somebody up, pick something up].- 1 (friend, passenger, hitchhiker) When you pick somebody up, you collect them in your car.
I'll pick you up at your house at seven.
2 (man, woman) When you pick somebody up, you are very friendly with them because you are trying to start a sexual relationship with them.
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Discos in Brazil are the best place to pick up a woman.
3 (bag, glass, baby, phone) When you pick something up, you lift it from somewhere. Lift up
She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
4 (bill, tab, cheque) When you pick something up, you pay for it.
At the end of the day, the taxpayer is having to pick up the bill for everything.
5 (language, idea, habit, English, word, rude words, job) When you pick something up, you learn it easily, sometimes by chance and without much effort.
My one year old enjoys the visuals and has already picked up a few words.
Idiom > Pick up the pieces: When you pick up the pieces, you try to go back to a satisfactory situation after things have gone wrong.
Pig out [Pick out, pig out on something].- (junk food, fast food) When you pig out or pig out on something, you eat a lot of something.
Whenever she's upset she pigs out on chocolate. When everyone goes to bed he pigs out on junk food.
Pin down [Pick down, pin somebody down to something].- (answer, date, time, price) When you pin somebody down, you force them to make a decision or to say clearly what their intentions are. Nail down, peg down
It was always hard to pin him down to a definite answer.
Piss off.- 1 (insep) When you tell somebody to piss off, you tell them in a very offensive way to leave you alone. Bugger off, fuck off, sod off
I told him to piss off and leave me alone.
2 When you are pissed off with something or something pisses you off, you are annoyed or bored with it.
Don't people who ask stupid questions really piss you off? Doesn't it just piss you off when some prick is going slower than you in the fast lane?
Plant out [Plant something out].- When you plant something out, you put young plants in the ground where you want them to grow.
It's too cold to plant the seedlings out. Wait until it's warmer.
Play down [Play something down].- When you play something down, you try to make it look less important. Play up
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The nuclear industry is always anxious to play down the dangers of an accident at a nuclear power station.
Play up [Play something up].- When you play something up, you try to make it look more important. Play down
The article played up his role in helping to write the state of Missouri's Constitution.
Plough back [Plough something back].- (profits) When you plough profits back into a business, you reinvest the money earned.
Companies are not generating enough profits to plough them back into fresh investments.
Pluck up [Pluck something up].- (courage) When you pluck up courage, you decide to be brave enough to do something.
How did you pluck up the courage to do it?
Plug in [Plug something in].- When you play something in, you connect a piece of electrical equipment to the main supply of electricity, or to another piece of electrical equipment.
I don't think the antenna's plugged in right.
Point out [Point something out].- When you point something out, you draw attention to it.
It's worth pointing out that all complaints, formal or informal, shall be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Polish off [Polish something off].-(meal, cake) When you polish something off, you eat it completely or you finish it. Eat up
We sat at the table and talked as we polished off the bottle of sherry.
Pop round.- (insep) When you pop round, you pay a short informal visit.
She called and said she really needed to talk to me so I said I'd pop round if I could.
Pop in.- (insep) When you pop in or you pop into a place, you make a short visit. Call in, drop in
I only popped in to say hello. Why don't you pop into the office later? There's something I want to show you.
Pop up.- (insep) When you pop up, you appear, often unexpectedly.
He has a habit of disappearing for ages and then just popping up out of the blue.
Pull out [Pull something out].-(tooth, nail, plug, gun) When you pull something out, you extract it.
The victim was still alive when he was pulled out from the rubble by police, who were close by when the explosion occurred.
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Pull out.-(troops, deal, negotiations) When you pull out, you withdraw.
They've just pulled out. The deal's off. They're not interested any more.
Pull through [Pull through, pull through something, pull somebody through].-(crisis, illness) When you pull through or pull through something, you manage to recover after dealing with a difficult situation.
She is in intensive care, in a very deep coma and it looks very unlikely that she will pull through. He's gonna be alright. He's gonna pull through.
Pump in [Pump something in].-(money, cash, funds, supplies) When an organization pumps something in, they provide money or resources for something. Pour in
Investors are pumping in money, although these young firms face a maze of scientific and commercial obstacles before they mature into commercially successful ventures.
Pump up [Pump something up].-(tyre, dinghy, balloon, airbed) When you pump something up, you fill it with air. Blow up
Sound quality is relatively good and you can pump up the bass to a reasonable level.
Push away [Push somebody away, push something away].- When you push somebody or something away, you move them to a distance from you.
I tried to kiss her but she pushed me away.
Push into [Push somebody into something].- When you push somebody into doing something, you try to influence or persuade them to do something.
The protesters are trying to push the government into reducing fuel tax.
Put about, put around [Put something about, put something around].- (news, rumours, stories)When you put something about, you spread bad or false news.
Rumours were put about that he had a drug problem.
Put across [Put something across].- (idea, message, views, concept, point, facts, things, oneself)When you put something across, you try to make people understand what you're trying to say.
We were trying to put across the message that looking after your heart is important.
Put away [Put something away].- 1 When you put something away, you put it where it's usually kept.
After they use something, it’s their responsibility to put it away.
2 When somebody is put away, they go to prison. Lock somebody up
I hope he gets put away for life.
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Hansen was not jailed for a true crime, she was put away by vested interests who had influence and wanted her out of the way. But she was no criminal.
3 (food, beers) When you put something away, you eat or drink a lot of it.
Mick Baker has put away thousands of pints in his 28-year mission to sample every beer in the British Isles.
4 (money, sum) When you put something away, you put it in the bank. Put by, lay aside
He's put away a decent sum of money. When I started a Saturday job as a waitress I opened a savings account and started putting about £5 or
£10 away each week.
Put behind [Put something behind].- Forget When you put something behind, you try to forget it.
It's gonna be such a relief, finally putting all this behind me.
Put by [Put something by].- Save(money) When you put something by, you put it in the bank. Put away, lay aside
Alice thought how she'd scrimped and saved over the years just to have a little money put by for when she retired.
Put down [Put something down].- When you put something down, you stop holding it.
He finished the book and put it down on the table.
Put down to [Put something down to something].- (insep) (hard work) When you put something down to something else, you think that is the probable explanation for it.
He puts his success down to hard work.
Put forward [Put something forward].- 1 (idea, plan, proposal, proposition, suggestion) When you put something forward, you offer it for consideration or discussion.
A new set of proposals were put forward aimed at saving the peace process. He put his plan forward so the others could think about it.
2 (clock, watch) When you put something forward, you adjust the time. Put back
In Britain the clocks are put forward at 2am on the last Sunday in March.
Put in [Put something in].- 1 (hard work, effort, hours, time) When you put something in, you work hard or spend time doing something.
We still have to put in a lot more work on the project to make it look attractive and viable to the business people.
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2 (central heating, lock, window) When you put something in, you install it.
We had a whole new system put in because the old one was completely useless.
3 (application, bid, bill, claim, order, request, protest, tender) When you put something in, you request it formally.
She immediately quit and put in a claim for worker's compensation.
Idiom > Put in an appearence: When you put in an appearence, you go somewhere to be seen for a short while, usually because you are expected to go.
Put off [Put somebody off].- When you put somebody off, you make them change their mind or stop being interested in something.
I didn't want her to come to the concert so I put her off by saying she wouldn't enjoy it.
Put off [Put something off].- (meeting, visit, decision) When you put something on, you do it at a later date. Be off, call off
The band had to put the tour off until May because the drummer broke his arm.
Put on [Put something on].- (clothes, weight) When you put something on, you dress yourself in it. Get on Take off
Don't put that tie on. It's completely out of fashion.
Put out [Put something out].- 1 (fire, flames, cigarette, pipe, light, lamp, candle) When you put something out, you stop it burning.
Please put out your cigarette. This is a no-smoking area.
2 (press release, story, message, statement, report, call, information, issue, description, warning, word) When you
put something out, you make it public. Blow out
They put the word out that they were looking for sponsors to help fund the project.
Put up [Put somebody up].- When you put somebody up, you give them a bed for the night.
Don't stay in a hotel. We can put you up for a few days.
Put up [Put something up].- 1 (notice, sign, poster, decorations, plaque, ladder, tent, fence, building) When you
put something up, you put it on a wall or post so that people can see it or use it. Stick up
Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
2 (prices, rent, taxes) When you put something up, you increase it. Go up
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He said the government would stand by its pledge at the general election in June not to put up income tax or VAT.
Put up [Put up something].- (insep) (fight, struggle, resistance, case, opposition, objections) When you put up something, you show a lot of opposition to something.
The enemy is putting up stiff resistance.
Rack up [Rack something up].- (losses, sales, points, titles) When you rack something up, it gradually increases in number or ammount.
Japanese athletes racked up only two medals in Salt Lake City. Most biotech companies are still racking up losses.
You may begin racking up points as soon as your membership is approved.
Rake up [Rake something up].- (scandal, the past, old grivances, quarrel, filth, mistake, misdeeds, story) When you rake something up, you remind somebody of unpleasant events in the past: Dig up, dredge up
I didn't feel entirely comfortable raking up the past but I agreed to support her whatever she decided. I have no desire to rake up old grievances, or to enter into a fresh discussion as to who was right and who
wrong.
Rattle on.- (insep) When you rattle on, you talk continuouly in a boring way. Rabbit on
He kept rattling on about her new car. He started rattling on about something that had happened at his office.
Rabbit on.- (insep) When you rabbit on, you talk continuouly in a boring way: Rattle on
While the blokes would rabbit on about football or train sets, their partners would discuss shopping, holidays or hairstyles.
Read on.- (insep) When you read on, you continue reading after having stopped.
Read on and learn how to write a better resume by avoiding the mistakes of others. Read on to see what happened.
Ring off.- (insep) When you ring off, you finish a phone conversation.
She had to ring off after about ten minutes, because her bus was coming.
Ring up [Ring somebody up].- When you ring somebody up, you phone them: . Call up, phone up
He said he was sick and tired of people ringing him up and asking him about it.
Rip off [Rip somebody off].- When you rip somebody off, you charge somebody too much money.
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We've been ripped off. The Internet has opened new doors to sales of all kinds. And, unfortunately, crooks are finding new
opportunities to rip people off.
Round off [Round something off].- 1 When you round something off, you change a figure into the nearest whole number.
The answer should be rounded off.
2 When you round something off, you bring it to a nice end.
Shall we have a drink to round off the evening?
Round up [Round something up].- 1 (cattle, criminals, suspects) When you round people or animals up, you catch them.
They are modern-day cowboys, using helicopters and stripped-down jeeps to round up cattle.
2 When you round up a figure, you increase it to the nearest whole number.
To simplify the graph, the sales figures have been rounded up to the nearest 100.
Rub along.- (insep) When people rub along they manage to have a satisfactory relationship.
Friendship's one thing; love's another. If they din't have time together to see how they rubbed along in everyday life I don't see how they could possibly know whether it was going to work.
Arguments are just part of being a couple and having to rub along together.
Rub in [Rub something in].- When you rub it in, you keep talking about something that makes another person embarrased or makes them feel bad.
Okay, okay, you've made your point! No need to rub it in. I admit I was wrong but you don't have to rub it in my face.
Rule out [Rule something out].- (possibility, idea) When you rule something out, you exclude it.
He did not rule out the possibility that the two sides could reach a settlement before the case goes to trial.
Run away.- When you run away, you leave a place by running; you escape.
The kids knocked on the door and ran away.
Run away from [Run away from something].- (insep) (responsibility, truth, facts, situation, reality)When you run away from something, you try to avoid dealing with it.
I am proud of him for not running away from his responsibilities, but I am still worried.
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Run out [Run ou, run out of something].- (insep) (money, time, patience, petrol, milk, coffee, sugar, supplies) When you run out of something, you use something until there's nothing left.
The police caught him when his car ran out of petrol three miles from the scene of the crime.
Run over [Run over somebody].- (or an animal, often passive) When you run over somebody, you hit somebody with a car and drive over them.
He said that there had been an accident. Gary had been run over by a truck and his leg was broken.
Run up [Run something up].- (debt, bill, account, overdraft, deficit) When you run something up, the ammount of money you have to pay increases.
He ran up a huge bill at the Hilton Hotel, and a host of other places in London, and then he just evaporated into thin air.
Rush in.- (insep) When you rush in, you go in in a hurry. Rush out
Neighbors spoke of a horrific scene as firefighters rushed in.
Rush out.- (insep) When you rush out, you go out in a hurry. Rush in
He rushed outside, leapt into a taxi and headed for the Bronx.
Rush off.- (insep) When you rush off, you leave in a hurry. Dash off
Where are you two rushing off to?
Sail through [Sail through, Sail through something].- (insep) (exam, examination, legislation, test)When you sail through something, you pass it easily. Breeze through, sweep through, walk through Scrape through something
Anti-terror legislation sailed through the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Scare away [Scare somebody away, scare something away].- (dog, bird) When you scare somebody or an animal away, you make them leave using fear. Frighten away
A neighbour with a baseball bat finally scared the dog away.
Scare off.- The same as scare away.
Scratch out [Scratch something out].- (existence, living, income) When you scratch something out, you try hard to make a living, usually with little money or food. Eke out
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Screw up [Screw up, screw something up].- When you screw up or screw something up, you spoil or ruin it.
Seal off [Seal something off].- (area, street) When the police seals a place off, they block it. Cordon off, cut off
The whole area has been sealed off and de-mining experts have arrived at the scene.
Sell out.- (concert, tickets) When something sells out, it sells all the items available.
The shows are sold out. There are no tickets left.
See off [See somebody off].- When you see somebody off, you go to the airport, station, etc. to say good-bye to them. Wave off
He's going to London tomorrow. I'm going to the airport to see him off.
See off [See somebody off, see something off].- (attack, opponent, opposition, challenger) When you see somebody or something off, you deal with some kind of danger and defeat it.
He believes there is enough quality in the team to see off their rivals.
See something through.- When you see something through, you make sure it's completed successfully.
This is right. We have to do this. We must see it through.
See through [See through somebody].- (insep) When you see through somebody, you can clearly see what their intentions are and you are not deceived.
Send in [Send something in].- (application, request, entry, coupon, article, report, order) When you send something in, you send it somewhere so that it's dealt with it officially.
Serve out [Serve something out].- (sentence, term) When you serve something out, you do something until the end of a fixed period.
Do you believe John Howard will serve out his term if re-elected? Vote now. Mr. Wahid has denied any wrong-doing and has vowed to serve out the rest of his term.
Following his last trial, Kallinger was returned to Huntington to serve out his sentence.
Set off.- (insep) When you set off, you start a journey. Set out
Another scientific expedition has set off from Krasnoyarsk in Eastern Siberia to the place where in its time the Tunguska meteorite fell.
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Set out.- (insep) When you set out, you start a journey. Set off
Drivers are advised to listen to traffic bulletins and plan journeys before setting out.
Set up [Set something up].- (committee, commission, investigation, public enquiry, fund, business, company, organization, system) When you set something up, you start it.
A manhunt for the suspects is under way and roadblocks have been set up, but by late yesterday no one had been arrested yet.
A commission has been set up to investigate the incident.
Set up house: When you set up house, you start your own home. Set up shop: When you set up shop, you start a business.
Settle down.- (insep) When you settle down, you behave responsibly and live in a regular way, especially when you get married.
He says the last thing a man needs to do is settle down and get married.
Settle in.- (insep) (home, job, office, school, routine) When you settle in, you move into a new home, job, and start feeling confortable there.
Sex up [Sex something up].- When you sex something up, you make it look more interesting or exciting. Spice up
The BBC admitted Dr David Kelly was the source for its claims that Downing Street sexed up an Iraqui weapons dossier.
Shake off [Shake something off].- (cold, fever, illness, image, habbit, depression) When you shake something off, you get rid of it.
I can't seem to shake this cold off. I wish I could shake this fever off!
What I think I need advice on is how I can shake off this depression and start focusing on my life.
Shake off [Shake somebody off].- (the police, photographers, pursuers) When you shake somebody off, you scape from them.
Shake up [Shake something up].- 1 When you shake something up, you mix it by shaking.
2 (department, industry, cabinet, system) When you shake something up, you reorganize it completely.
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The new European Commission led by President Romano Prodi has announced a major shake up of the Brussels bureaucracy.
Shake up [Shake somebody up].- When something shakes you up, it shocks you.
Shoot off.- (insep) When you shoot off, you leave in a hurry.
The consultant had to shoot off to an important meeting.
Shoot up.- (insep) (prices) When something shoots yp, it increases very quickly.
The cost of natural gas has shot up nationwide in recent months.
Shop around.- (insep) When you shop around, you visit different shops in order to find the cheapest price.
Shop around for your insurance cover - but look at the quality of the product and the insurer's reputation for service, as well as value for money.
Shore up [Shore something up].- (building, wall, argument, case, confidence, image) When you shore something up, you do something to support it or make it stronger.
Show up.- (insep) When you show up, you arrive. Turn up
After he failed to show up for a hearing, a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Shut down [Shut something down].- (factory, plant, business, company, shop, production) When you shut something down, you close it permanently. Close something down
Legal action will be taken to shut down sites that fail to comply with the law.
Shut up [Shut up, shut somebody up].- When you shut up, you stop talking. Clam up
At first I thought I was going to have to do all the talking because he seemed really quiet. But after a while I couldn't shut him up.
Shut up [Shut something up].- When you shut something up, you close it. Lock up
All the guethouses appeared to be shut up for the night.
Sift through [Sift through something].- (insep) (evidence, documents, papers, rubble, wreckage)When you sift through something, you examine every part of it in order to find something.
She sifted through the rubbish bin looking for the letter from the bank that she'd lost.
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Single out [Single something out, single somebody out].- When you single somebody or something out, you choose them from a group for special treatment. Pick out
What I didn't like was being singled out because of my political views.
Sit down.- When you sit down, you move into a sitting position.
Why don't you sit down and have a drink? Come and sit down. We've got a lot to talk about.
Sit up .- When you sit up, you sit properly so that your back is straight.
At work, adjust your chair height and work station so you can sit up close to your work.
Skive off.- (insep) When you skive off, you spend time doing nothing, esp. avoiding work. Goof off
I don't feel like working today. I'm going to skive off and spend the day at the beach.
Slag off [Slag somebody off].- When you slag somebody off, you criticize somebody, especially when they're not there.
Stop slagging him off all the time!
Slip up.- (insep) When you slip up, you make a mistake.
Shop around for your insurance cover - but look at the quality of the product and the insurer's reputation for service, as well as value for money.
Slow down.- (insep) When you slow up, you move or do something more slowly.
You are driving too fast. Please slow down.
Snap up [Snap something up].- (bargain, offer) When you snap something up, you buy something quickly before other people do it, because it is cheap.
This unique offer won't last forever so snap it up right away.
Sort out [Sort something out].- When you sort something out, you find a solution for it.
There's nothing more you can do. You should let the lawyers sort it out. We have to talk. We have to sort this out.
Spark off [Spark something off].- (alarm, explosion, fight, war, vilence, incident, illness) When something sparks off something else, it makes it happen. Set off, trigger off
The report of the arrest sparked off clashes between supporters of Khan and forces loyal to the governor.
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Spew out [Spew something out].- (smoke, water, lava, curses) When something spews out something, it produces a lot of it; usually something bad.
The nearby volcano has been rumbling for weeks, spewing out lava and hot gases.
Splash out.- (insep) When you splash out on something, you spend a lot of money, perhaps too much, on something.
I urge parents to think twice before splashing out on expensive computer games for their kids.
Split up.- (insep) When two people split up, they finish their relationship.
That's why they split up. He had another woman.
Spruce up [Spruce up, spruce somebody up].- When you spruce yourself up or you get spruced up, you make yourself look neat and attractive. Smarten up
Spruce up [Spruce something up].- (image) When you spruce something up , you make it look neat and attractive.
He visited the camp in Karkaria which is being spruced up for the prime minister's visit tomorrow.
Squeeze in [Squeeze somebody in].- (insep) When you squeeze somebody in, you have time to see them.
She told me if I could wait an hour, she would squeeze me in.
Stand by.- (insep) When you stand by, you are ready for action.
Fire crews were standing by to extinguish any possible blaze.
Stand by [Stand by somebody].- (insep) When you stand by somebody, you support them when they need you.
If she loves him enough, surely she will stand by him.
Stand down.- (insep) When you stand down, you resign; you leave your job to somebody else. Step down
He has been under intense pressure to resign. But he has made it clear he has no intention of standing down.
Stand in for [Stand in for somebody].- (insep) When you stand in for somebody, you do their job temporarily because they can't. Cover for, fill in for, sit in for
My good old friend Mike Hancock asked me to stand in for him in this debate.
Stand out.- (insep) When something stands out, it's clearly noticeable. Stick out
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One of the things that stand out about this country pub is the truly welcoming and hospitable atmosphere.
Stand up.- When you stand up, you move so that you are on your feet and not sitting or lying anymore.
Stand up [Stand somebody up].- When you stand somebody up, you arrange to meet somebody and not go (usually in a romantic relationship).
I haven't heard from her since she stood me up
Stay away [Stay away from somebody, stay away from a place].- When you stay away from somebody or stay away from a place, you don't go near them.
Tourists stayed away, frightened by more than a year of violence. Record numbers of people have so far stayed away from polling stations in the first round of the French
presidential election.
Stay in.- (insep) When you stay in, you don't go out.
All her friends went to the disco but she had to stay in to study.
Step down [Stand somebody up].- (insep) When you step down, you resign; you leave your job to somebody else. Stand down
I think he should step down as chairman and let someone younger take over.
Stick about, stick around .- (insep) When you stick around, you stay in the same place.
I hope that you enjoy it here and that you stick around a bit!
Stick out.- (insep) When something sticks out, it's clearly noticeable. Stand out
What sticks out in my mind about this trip was how we were treated.
Stir up [Stir something up].- (trouble, hatred, anger, opposition, discontent, dissent, violence, the past, things, memories, passions, unrest, rebellion, revolt) When you stir something up, you cause it by your actions.
He loves stirring up trouble. He was accused of stirring up racial hatred.
Sometimes I wonder if you say what you do because you enjoy stirring things up.
Stop off.- (insep) When you stop off or stop off somewhere, you interrupt your journey for a while.
We stopped off at a service station and I bought myself some Smarties.
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Stumble across [Stumble across something].- When you stumble across something, you find it by chance. Come across
I stumbled across your webpage and was really impressed.
Stumble across [ Stumble across somebody].- When you stumble across somebody, you meet them by chance. Come across
Sum up.- When you sum up or sum something up, you repeat the main ideas.
Suss out [Suss somebody out].- When you suss somebody out, you discover what they are really like.
He first considered denying it, but he could tell that would be pointless since she quite obviously had sussed him out.
Sweep up [Sweep something up].- When you sweep something up, you clean it with a groom.
Get a broom and sweep up that mess.
Sweep through [Sweep through something].- (insep) (exam, examination, test) When you sweep through something, you pass it easily. Breeze through, sail through, walk through Scrape through
Switch off.- (insep) When you switch off, you stop paying attention.
Switch off [Switch something off].- (radio, TV, engine) When you switch something off, you. Turn off Switch on, turn on
What's the point of having a mobile if you're going to switch it off.
Switch on [Switch something on].- (radio, TV, engine) When you switch something off, you. Turn on Switch off, turn off
He switched the machine on and it started to vibrate and make a strange noise.
Take after [Take after somebody].- When you take after somebody in your family, you are like them in appearance, behaviour or character.
She takes after her dad. I take after my father but my brother is more like my mother.
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Take back [Take something back].- 1 When you take something back, you return it somewhere or to its owner.
If you don't like it, I can always take it back to the shop. I must take this book back to the library tomorrow.
2 When you take something back, you admit that something you said was wrong.
Too often we blurt out things that we wish we could take back.
Take off.- (insep) 1 When something takes off, it leaves the ground.
The plane took off at six o'clock. The plane took off two hours late because of the fog.
2 When something takes off, it becomes successful.
Victoria's solo pop career failed to take off. It might take an additional two years for the project to take off.
Take off [Take something off].- (coat, jacket, dress, shoes, lid, cover, ) When you take something off, you remove it.
Please take your jacket off if you find the place too warm.
Take off [Take somebody off].- When you take somebody off, you copy their way of talking or their behaviour in order to make people laugh.
He's quite good at taking off famous people.
Take on [Take somebody on].- (workers, staff) When you take somebody on, you employ them.
The company is doing so well that we'll have to take on more staff.
Take something on.- (responsibility, role, client, job, task, problem) When you take something on, you accept a responsibility or project.
She can't find a solicitor who is willing to take on her case.
Take to [Take to somebody].- (insep) When you take to somebody, you begin to like them. Go off somebody/something
She took to her new class mates immediately - they were all so friendly and helpful.
Talk into [Talk somebody into something].- When you talk somebody into something, you persuade somebody to do it.
I think I'm going to try to talk her into taking a day trip into Mexico.
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Take out [Take something out].- (insurance, driving-licence, permit, loan, mortgage, policy, ad, patent, summons) When you take something out, you apply for and get something.
Australia is a little like the US in that many people take out private insurance which can be quite costly.
Take out [Take it out on somebody].- When you take it out on somebody, you are unpleasant to somebody because you're angry or upset for some reason, even though it's not their fault.
You don't have to take it out on me, do you? I know you've had an exasperating day, but please don't take it out on me.
Take up [Take something up].- (offer, challenge, opportunity, invitation, suggestion; fishing, golf, job) When you take something up, you start doing an activity as a hobby, or accept a new job or offer.
The children have taken up tennis and they're really enjoying it. I had a lot of time on my hands so I decided to take up fishing.
He took up a job as a research assistant at a non-profit institution in Cambridge.
Tell off [Tell somebody off].- When you tell somebody off, you speak angrily to them because they have done something wrong.
I came home late and my mother told me off. His mother told him off for pulling his sister’s hair.
Think over [Think something over].- When you think something over, you think about it or discuss it very carefully. Chew over, mull over
If the offer is made by letter, you have time to think it over more carefully and less emotionally than you would if you received it by telephone or in person.
Think through [Think something through].- (situation, project, business, idea, matter) When you think something through, you consider all the different aspects. Sleep on
Has anybody thought through the consequences of war in terms of human suffering?
Throw something away [Throw something away].- When yo throw something away, you get rid of it.
I've always had a real aversion to throwing away food. Don't throw away that magazine. I want to keep it.
Throw up.- (insep) When you throw up, you vomit.
The smell was so disgusting that I nearly threw up. He threw up after eating 6 chocolate eggs in 10 minutes.
Throw up [Throw something up].- 1 (problems, facts, lessons, points, information) When something throws something else up, it produces it.
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The research threw up some interesting statistics.
2 (job, career, position) When you throw something up, you leave it.
He threw up his job with Pinkerton and settled in Argentina as a shoe dealer.
Tip off [Tip somebody off].- (police, reporter, newspapers) When somebody is tipped off about something, they receive secret information.
It seems a reporter was tipped off that something interesting was going to happen that night.
Trigger off [Trigger something off].- (alarm, explosion, fight, war, vilence, incident, illness) When something triggers something else off, it makes it happen. Spark off, set off
Stress and anxiety can trigger off many beauty problems, like acne, hair loss and dandruff.
Tuck in.- (insep, infml) When you tuck in, you begin to eat eagerly:
When ready, let it stand for a bit and then tuck in and enjoy.
Tuck in [Tuck somebody in].- When you tuck somebody in, you make a child comfortable in bed by adjusting the blankets.
I used to tuck her in every night with her favorite blanket.
Turn down [Turn somebody down].- When you turn somebody down, you don't accept them.
Simon asked Lucy to marry him but she turned him down.
Turn down [Turn something down].- 1 (job, offer, request, opportunity, application) When you turn something
down, you refuse to accept it. Take up
He was offered an excellent job in Canada, but he turned it down because he didn't want to leave France.
2 (radio, TV, heater, gas, sound, volume) When you turn something down, you reduce the noise, heat, etc. Turn up
When the liquid boils, turn the heat down and simmer it for 10 minutes.
Turn into [Turn into something].- (insep) When somebody or something turns into something esle, they change into that.
He doesn't do anything but watch TV; he's turning into a couch potatoe.
Turn off [Turn something off].- When you turn something on, you move the controls so that something stops working. Switch something off Turn on, switch on
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Please turn off the lights.
Turn on [Turn something on].- (radio, TV, heater, gas, tap, light) When you turn something on, you move the controls so that something starts working. Switch something on Turn off, switch off
People turn on the television to keep them company, and to keep them from thinking.
Turn out.- (insep) When something turns out a particular way, it happens that way. Pan out, work out
In the end, it turned out that there had been a misunderstanding. We were certainly relieved when the bomb threat turned out to be a false alarm.
Turn up.- (insep) When somebody or something turns up, they arrive or appear.
He turned up half an hour late. Why do you think he would suddenly turn up again after all these years?
Type in [Type something in].- When you type something in, you enter information into a computer.
Oh no! I've just deleted all my work! I'll have to type it in again.
Wade in.- (insep) When you wade in, you start doing something in a determined or forceful way.
After a few minutes the police waded in and started to break the crowds up.
Wade through [Wade through something].- (file, paperwork, report) When you wade through something, you spend a lot of time doing some boring or difficult job. Plough through
It's amazing how much garbage you have to wade through on the Internet before finding what you want.
Wait about, wait around.- (insep) When you wait around, you spend a long time doing nothing while you wait for somebody or something.
I don't have the time or the patience to wait around for a bus, especially during the winter when it's cold.
Wait up.- (insep) When you wait up, you don't go to bed because you're waiting for somebody.
I was shocked to see everybody still up, waiting for me. I gave my mother a big hug and kiss and told them that they shouldn't have waited up for me.
I remember how Dad waited up for me when I had a date.
I used to hate it when my parents waited up for me.Now, I'm the same way. I don't make it obvious, but I just can't get to sleep until my kids are home.
Wake up to [Wake up to something].- (danger, fact, threat, problem, truth) When you wake up to something, you become aware of a problem or dangerous situation.
In the 1980s, the world woke up to the threat of the ozone hole.
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Walk away from [Walk away from something].- 1 When you walk away from something, you leave an unpleasant situation instead of dealing with it.
New rules about bankruptcy would make it tougher to walk away from your debts. Though at times you may feel discouraged, hurt or angry, do not walk away from your family, from all
those who love you.
2 When you walk away from an accident, you are not hurt.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, your seat belt may be the determining factor for whether you walk away from the accident uninjured or not.
Fortunately the pilot was able to walk away from the accident with only a few bumps and bruises.
Walk away, walk off [Walk away with something, walk off with something].- (prize, title, competition, medal, award, degree) When you walk away with something, you win it.
Unfortunately, he didn't win the million but he did walk away with $10,000 in his pockets as a consolation prize.
Walk off [Walk something off].- (stress, anger, frustration, disquiet, headache, effect, pounds, kilos, excess weight, meal, lunch, dinner) When you walk something off, you get rid of it by walking. Work off
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and done regularly you can walk off those excess pounds.
Walk on.- (insep) When you walk on, you continue walking: He stopped and had a chat with her and then walked on.
Ward something [Ward off something].- (insep) (attack, blow, cold, disease, illness, danger, intruders, hunger, evel spirits, danger) When you ward off something unpleasant, you prevent it from happening. Fend off something, head off something, stave off something
This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
Wave off [Wave somebody off].- When you wave somebody off, you wave to them as they leave. See off
Martin waved him off at the station wondering when he was likely to see him again.
Wear off.- (insep) (effect, excitement, feeling, pain, shock, novelty, distress, stiffness, numbness)When something wears off, it disappears gradually.
He's in pain when the effect of the drugs he's taking starts to wear off. The pain is beginning to wear off.
Wear on.- (insep) (meeting, time, afternoon, week) When something wears on, it passes slowly: . Drag on, drag out
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Wear out.- When somebody is worn out or they wear themselves out, they are very tired.
I'm always tired, doctor. I'm absolutely worn out at the end of the day.
Wear out [Wear something out].- (clothes, shoes, boots, carpet, batteries, excuse, patience) When something wears out or you wear it out, it's damaged because you have used it a lot.
Ween off [Ween off something].- (insep) When you ween off something, you gradually stop taking some drug or medicine.
If you are currently on anti-depressant therapy and wish to ween off it, get in touch with your physician, and ask for a specific programme.
Wind down.- Relax When you wind down, you try to relax, usually because you are tired or after a long day of work.
For those who want to wind down at the end of the week there are plenty of great bars and restaurants nearby to explore.
Wind down [Wind something down].- When you wind something down, you gradually reduce its activity until it stops completely.
The board of directors voted to wind down the business after learning orders continued to drop in the second quarter.
Wind up.- When you wind up somewhere or wind up being or doing something, that's what happens in the end. End up
If you do that, you could wind up in jail or find yourself being sued for millions.
Wind up [Wind somebody up].- When you wind somebody up, you say or do things to annoy or make them nervous.
John's always winding me up saying that he will tell my friends at school and this girl who I really like. Why are you so wound up about all this?
Wise up [Wise up, wise up to something].- (esp. AmE) When you wise up or wise up to something, you use you common sense and become more aware of things.
It's about time employers wised up to the fact that staff who are happy work more efficiently.
Work off [Work something off].- (stress, anger, frustration, aggression, disquiet, energy, headache, steam, effect, pain, pounds, kilos, excess weight, calories, meal, lunch, dinner, debt, loan) When you work something off, you get rid of it by doing some form of exercise. Walk off
He went for a walk alone to clear your mind and work off his meal.
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Work out.- When something works out, it goes well.
I hope things work out with you and Lisa. I'm sorry things haven't worked out for you.
Work out [Work something out].- Understand When you work something out, you mange to understand it.
I couldn't work out how to switch the alarm off.
Work up [Work something up].- (appetite, enthusiasm, idea, support, sweat, thirst) When you work something up, you gradually develop it.
It wasn’t long before I had worked up a sweat. Work up an appetite with a wander through the gardens at Kew and then enjoy a meal in one of the cafes
or restaurants.
Wrap up.- (insep) When you wrap up, you put on warm clothes.
Prepare for the worst, wrap up well, good boots, take rucksack, food, map etc and be sensible, but have fun.
Wrap up [Wrap something up].- 1 When you wrap something up, you cover it in attractive paper.
If you wish, we will wrap the parcel in gift wrap paper and include a personal handwritten note.
2 (job, agreement, deal) When you wrap something up, you complete it in a satisfactory way. Wind up
It has been a most enjoyable session. I think we will wrap it up there.
Write down [Write something down].- When you write something down, you write it on a piece of paper.
It wasn't enough for her simply to hear new sounds or words. She had to see them written down.
Zero in on [Zero in on something].- 1 (insep) (missile, gun) When something zeros in on something else, you move accurately towards a target.
The missile zeroed in on the building .
2 (insep) (issue, problem, subject) When you zero in on something, you concentrate on it.
Zip by, zip past .- (insep) When you zip by, you go past a place very quickly. Zoom by
He zipped by in his car.
Zip out.- (insep) When you zip out, you go somewhere very quickly to do something.
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I'll just zip out and buy the newspaper.
Zip up [Zip something up].- (dress, jeans, coat) When you zip something up, you fasten a piece of clothing with a zip.
Can you help me zip up this dress?
Zoom by, zoom past .- (insep) When you zoom by, you go past a place very quickly. Zip by
My brother was stopped for speeding and moaned that other drivers were zooming past but only he was being booked.
Zoom off.- (insep) When you zoom off, you leave in a hurry.
They stayed a bit longer, just to be polite, and then they just zoomed off.
Zoom in.- (insep) When you zoom in or zoom in on something, you move the zoom in a camera closer to the picture. Zoom out
Zoom in on those flowers; they're really pretty.
Zoom out.- When you zoom out or zoom out on something, you move the zoom in a camera away from the picture. Zoom in
Use the zoom slider control on the left side of the map to zoom out.
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