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Chapter 51 – Illness: feeling under the weatherFeeling unwellInformal expressions that mean ‘not well, but not seriously ill’:Off-colourOut of sortsUnder the weatherFeeling poorlyFighting off (e.g. a cold) – trying to get ofGone down with (e.g. the flu) – you don’t use this expression with ‘I’, has caught, usually a non-serious illnessCome down with (e.g. a cold) – you can use this one with ‘I’Suffers from – used for more long-term problemsMinor health problemsTo hurtTo give pain caused by and injury (to refer in a non-serious way to minor problems)To achePersistent low-level pain (to refer in a non-serious way to minor problems)Aches and painsNOT pains and achesCuts and bruisesNOT bruises and cutsTo stingSudden, burning painTo throbTo beat with painStiff neckPain and difficulty in moving your neck roundTo twist your ankleTo injure your ankle by turning it suddenlyDizzyA feeling that you are spinning round and can’t balanceFeverishWith a high temperature/feverShivery/hot and coldShaking slightly, usually because of a feverSleeplessWithout sleeping much (e.g. sleepless nights)NauseousFeeling that you want to vomitTo trembleTo shakeBunged upblockedGetting betterTo get over somethingTo get better, recoverTo recover fromGetting better, used for more serious illnessesOn the mendGetting betterOver the worstPast the most difficult periodTo be back on your feetTo be fully healthy againChapter 52Medical information leafletsLow doseMeasured amount of medicine that is relatively smallAsthmaMedical condition in which breathing becomes difficult because air passages have narrowedPast historyRecord of medical conditions a person has experiencedDisorderIllness of the body or mindGastrointestinal diseaseIllness of the stomach or digestive passagesBowelTube that carries solid waste out of the bodyAdverse reactionsUnwanted resultsStrokeSudden change in blood supply to the brain causing loss of function of part of the bodyConditionsIllnesses or physical problemsTo exceedTo take more thanDurationLengthSide effectsUnwanted effects in addition to the intended oneAllergic reactionsConditions affecting skin or breathing because of eating or coming into contact with certain substancesParticlesSmall piecesStoolsMedical term for excrement (formal) or poo (informal, childish)Medical metaphorsSocial and other problems are often talked about as if they were illnesses. These medical words are often used as metaphors in non-medical situations.SymptomMedical meaning = problem indicating an illnessTo diagnoseMedical meaning = to identify what illness a patient hasPrognosisMedical meaning = how experts expect an illness to developAilingMedical meaning = unwell, sicklyAn ailing organisationOne that has a lot of problemsRashMedical meaning = a lot of small, red spots on the skinA rash ofA number of similar things happening at the same timeFeverMedical meaning = high temperatureFeverGreat excitement (World Cup fever, election fever)Fever pitchA point of very high intensityJaundicedMedical meaning = yellow-looking skin because of a liver problemJaundicedUnenthusiastic or sceptical because of previous bad experiencesScarMedical meaning = mark left on skin after an injury such as a cutTo carry the scars of/to be scarred byTo be permanently affected by a negative experienceTo infectMedical meaning = to pass on an illnessTo infectTo pass on toPulseMedical meaning = regular beating of a heart, e.g. as felt on wristTo have your finger on the pulse To understand how things are changingChapter 53 – Diet, sports and fitnessCholesterol and healthImpededSlowed down or made difficultPlaqueUnwanted substance that forms on the surface of the arteriesTo clogTo cause something to become blockedCholesterolFatty substance found in the body tissue and blood of all animalsStrokeSudden change in the blood supply to the brain causing loss of function of part of the bodyNutritiousContaining substances that your body needs to stay healthy (noun: nutrition)To pose a dangerTo cause a problemFibreSubstance in foods such as fruit, vegetables and brown bread, which travels through the body as wasteLentilsVery small dried beans that are cooked and eatenOatmealType of flour from oats or a grain used to make porridge (a cooked breakfast meal)Exercise and caloriesCardiovascularRelating to the heart and bloodDiabeticsPeople suffering from diabetes, an illness in which the body cannot cope with glucose (sugar) because it does not produce enough insulin InsulinHormone that controls the level of sugar in the bodySportyGood or keen at sportsTo be intent onto be determined toBriskQuick and energeticSport and fitness metaphorsTo score an own goalTo make things worse rather than betterTo move the goalpostsTo change the rulesLevel playing fieldFair situationIn the runningSeriously consideredNeck and neckLevel with each other and equally likely to winTo skate aroundTo not talk directly about somethingTo sail throughTo pass very easilyChapter 54 – Industries: from manufacturing to serviceIndustries and industrial practicesExpressionExplanationOpposite expressionExplanationHeavy industrye.g. steel works, shipbuildingLight industrye.g. manufacturing car parts, TV setsManufacturing industryMaking things, e.g. consumer goodsService industryServing people, e.g. tourism, bankingHigh-technology (high-tech, informal) industryInvolving computers, e.g. software industryLow technology (low-tech, informal)Involving little or no computer technologyCutting-edge technologyInvolving new and innovative technologyConventional technologyUsing standard, proven technologyPrivatisatione.g. selling off state railways to private companiesNationalisation/state ownershipWhen industry is owned by the governmentIndustrial practicesOn pieceworkOnly paid for the amount you produceChild labourThe employment of children to do adult jobsTrade union representationUnion that negotiates wages and conditions for the people it representsSweatshopsFactories where people work very long hours for low wagesRetraining and reskillingTraining new people for new jobs and teaching them new skillsMultinationalsBig companies with operations in many different countriesCost-cutting exerciseEffort to reduce their costsTo relocateTo move the company’s offices (or, less commonly, production) to a different placeTo switch productionTo move the centre of manufacturing to a different placeComponentsPartsTo assembleTo put togetherChapter 55 – Technology and its impactTechnological advances affecting daily lifeTechnologyExamples of uses/applicationsDigital technologyDigital photography, digital video and audio recording; digital broadcastingWi-fiA system for connecting electronic devices to the internet without using wiresSatellite communicationsSatellite navigation (SATNAV) systems; mobile phonesBiotechnologyGenetic modification of plantsArtificial intelligence (AI)Automatic translation; identification systemsErgonomicsDesign of environments so people can work efficiently and comfortablyAnalogueNon-digitalGPSGlobal positioning systemDisease-resistantWith a high level of protection against diseasesErgonomically designedDesigned to give maximum comfort and efficiencyHow much of a techie are you?Examples of technological devices:SmartphoneHands-free earpieceSmart ID cardLaptop (computer/notebookDesktop computerMP3 playerGames consoleTabletE-readerInteractive flat-screen TVRouterChapter 56 – Technology of the futureTechnologySmart buildings/homesComputer-controlled buildings and homes where things like lighting, heating, security etc. are completely automatic; the adjective smart can be used for anything that uses computers or information stored in electronic form (e.g. a smartphone, smart TV, smart car)Interplanetary travel and space tourismTravel to planets in outer space, either for exploration or for tourismNanotechnologyScience of developing and producing extremely small tools and machines by controlling the arrangement of atoms and moleculesKeyhole surgeryMedical operation in which a very small hole is made in a person’s body to reach the organ or tissue insideThe environment and natureDoomsday scenarioThe worst possible prediction, what will happen in the futureDestinyThe things that will happen to us in the futureTo foreseeTo think that something will occur in the futureMega-citiesCities of more than 10 million peopleGridlockedUnable to move at allPopulation explosionRapid increase in populationGenetic modification/engineeringChanging genesGenetically modified (GM) food/cropsFood/crops created by changing the genes of the ingredientsGene therapyChanging genes in order to prevent disease or disabilityThe human genomeThe ‘map’ or index of all the genes in a human beingTo envisageTo see a possible or probable situation in the futureDesigner babiesBabies whose genetic characteristics are artificially createdCloningMaking a genetically identical copySociety and peopleNuclear familyFamily with father, mother and one or two childrenGlobalisationIncrease of trade around the world, with companies producing and trading goods in many different countries or the spread of similar social and cultural behaviour around the worldGlobal villageA single community covering the whole worldExtra-terrestrial beingsCreatures from other planetsGulfGap/differenceDrastic measuresSevere actions that have noticeable effectsChapter 57 – Energy: from fossil fuels to windmillsFossil fuelsFossil fuelsSources of energy which were formed underground from plant and animal remains millions of years agoOil wellHole made in the ground for the removal of oilOffshoreAway from or at a distance from the coastCoal-firedUsing coal as a fuelCoal minesDeep hole or system of holes under the ground from which coal is removedPipelineVery large tube through which liquid or gas can flow for long distancesRenewable energyOnshoreOn the landWind farmsGroup of wind turbines that are used for producing electricitySolar panelsDevices that change energy from the sun into electricityHydroelectricProducing electricity by the force of fast-moving water such as rivers or waterfallsBiomassDead plant and animal material suitable for using as fuelTidal powerUsing the force of the sea tide to produce energyWave powerUsing the waves in the sea to produce energyRenewablesCan also be used as a countable nounNuclearUsing the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleusGeothermalUsing the heat inside the earthUsing energyConsumptionHow much is used of somethingPower-hungryThat use a great amount of energyAppliancesEquipment, especially electrical equipment, used in the homeMonitoringRegularly watching and checking something over a period of timeConsumingUsing, especially in large amountsGas-guzzlerSomething that uses a lot of fuel, e.g. a car (informal)Energy-efficientUsing only a little electricity/gas etc.Food milesDistance food is transported from where it is produced to when it reaches the consumerCarbon footprintMeasurement of the amount of carbon dioxide that one’s activities createDepositsLayer formed under the ground, especially over a very long periodFiniteHaving an end or lasting a limited timeChapter 58 – Space: no room to swing a catThings occupying a lot of spaceWordTypical contexts of useExtensiveEdinburgh has extensive traffic-free routes.The building contains extensive educational facilities.SpaciousA spacious gardenThe city of Washington is spacious and green.RoomyA roomy carThe house was roomy.RamblingA large, rambling building, a rambling mansionWide open spacesLarge areas without buildings or treesScatteredRandomly across a wide areaSpread outNot close to one anotherAmple roomMore than enough spaceInsufficient space or things occupying too small a spaceWordTypical contexts of useCrampedCramped hotel roomsLiving in small, cramped apartmentsPoky (informal)Two poky little roomsA poky little flatCongestedTanker traffic on the congested waterwayThe congested streets (full of traffic, people etc.)Compact (positive connotation)A tiny, compact refrigeratorA compact, low, white villaOther words and expressionsTo be hemmed inTo be surrounded by people and not able to moveBustlingLots of people busily moving aroundThere isn’t enough room to swing a catIt’s very small (informal)To be packed in like sardinesToo many people in a small placeLabyrinthVast and complexBoundaryThe edge of a large spaceRearBackCrammed intoTo be among many people in a small spaceTo squeeze inTo sit between two people in a small spaceSquashHaving a lot of people in a small roomTo stuff inTo put a lot of things into something, suggests doing something quickly and without much careChapter 59 – Time: once in a blue moonColloquial expressions relating to timeOnce in a blue moonVery infrequentlyAll his born daysAll his lifeIn a mo/in a sec/in a tick/in less than no time/in a jiffyVery soon (mo and sec are short for moment and second)For donkey’s years/since the year dotFor a long timeTill the cows come homeFor everFor keeps/for goodTo keep for everIn the nick of timeOnly just in timeOver the hill/past itToo oldHas-beenPerson who is no longer famousIn a flash/at a rate of knotsVery quicklyAdjectives relating to the passing of timeAdjectiveMeaningCommon collocationsFleetingBrief or quickGlimpse, visit, smile, moment, appearanceLengthyContinuing for a long timeProcess, investigation, discussions, negotiations, delaysTransientLasting for only a short time (formal)Effect, population, feeling, pleasurePersistentLasting for a long time or hard to stop or get rid ofCough, problems, rumour, smell, accusations, critic, offender, failure, gossipInexorableContinuing without hope of being stopped (formal)Rise, slide, decline, pressure, advance of timeIncipientJust beginning (formal)Panic, rage, rebellion, stages, wrinkles, dementiaProtractedLasting for a long time or made to last longer (formal)Negotiations, discussions, argumentLingeringTaking a long time to leave or disappearPerfume, kiss, smileOther useful time wordsSimultaneousHappening at the same timeDurationAmount of time that it lastedTo prolongTo make it last longerAt short noticeJust a short time before it’s due to happenRepeatedlyMany timesChapter 60 – Motion: taking stepsVerbs of movementVerbType of movementReasons for type of movementTo limpUnevenOne leg hurtsTo hopOn one foot, quicklyNot using one footTo staggerUnsteadyDrunk, illTo stumbleNearly fallingUneven surfaceTo lurchSudden or irregularDrunk, ill, walking on moving ship etc.To tiptoeQuiet and on toesNot to be heardTo ambleEasy, gentlePleasure or relaxation, no special aimTo strideLong stepsPurposefulTo strutProud, chest held outTo look importantTo trampFirm, heavy stepsWalking for a long timeTo tramplePressing repeatedly with feetOften wishing to destroyTo stampPushing foot down heavilyAnger, or just heavy-footedTo trudgeHeavy, slow, with difficultyTiredTo chaseQuicklyWanting to catch something or someoneMetaphorical examples of motionTo limpTo continue with difficultyTo hop offTo quickly get offTo staggerTo continue although it’s hardStaggeringlyAmazinglyTo lurchTo move/continue in a way that is not smoothTo take in her strideTo take calmlyTo trampleTo behave in a cruel/unfair way towards someone or somethingTo chaseTo try hard to get somethingTo stumbleTo make a mistake while you are trying to achieve somethingPeople and water move in similar waysCrowds and tourists flowed across the square all day long.As soon as the school doors opened, children spilled out into the playground.People streamed into the lecture hall and soon there was standing room only.People have been pouring into the exhibition all day.A trickle of people appeared outside and by midday a crowd had gathered.We meandered round the town, window shopping to our hearts’ content.Refugees have been flooding across the border since the start of the war.Taking stepsAdjectives often used with taking (a) step(s) in a metaphorical contextBackwardBigCriticalDecisiveFirstGiantMajorSignificantUnprecedented (never having happened before)Chapter 61 – Manner: behaviour and body languageMannersCourtesyPoliteness and respectCourteousPolite and respectfulDiscourteousImpolite and lacking respectOffhandShowing a rude lack of interest in othersInsolentMuch stronger than discourteousEtiquetteSet of rules or customs for accepted behaviour in particular social groups or social situationsTo stand on ceremonyTo behave in a formal wayStraitlacedHaving old-fashioned and fixed moralsThe done thingWhat your are expected to do in a social situationNetiquetteCode of behaviour when using the internetBody language and non-verbal languageVerb/expressionWhat it indicatesCommentTo raise your eyebrowsSurprise or shock (either showing or causing)Either a person or behaviour can raise eyebrowsTo twitchNervousnessRepeated small movements with part of the bodyTo flinchPain or fearSudden small movementTo squirmEmbarrassment or nervousnessMove from side to side in an awkward wayTo smirkSelf-satisfactionSmile (negative associations)To beamHappinessBroad smile (positive associations)To sniff at somethingDisapprovalBreathe air in through your nose in a way that makes noiseTo snortDisgust or great amusementMake an explosive sound by forcing air quickly up and down the noseTo titterNervousness or embarrassmentSmall laughChapter 62 – Sound: listen up!Adjectives indicating lack of sound and their collocationsSilentWithout noise or not talking; used for people and things that are perhaps unexpectedly or surprisingly quietQuietWithout much noise or activity, or not talking muchNoiselessWithout noise (usually used as an adverb in formal or literary style)SoundlessWithout sound (usually used as an adverb in formal or literary style to indicate an unexpected lack of soundVerbs for describing specific noisesTo slamTo close with a loud bangTo squeakHigh, irritating noiseTo poundDull, beating soundTo creakNoise of friction of wood and/or metalTo sizzleSound made by fryingTo ring outTypically used for the sound of a gunshotTo crashLoud, heavy noise, typically used for wavesTo hoot/tootSound made by a car hornTo wailTo make a rising and falling soundTo hammerTo knock very loudly and repeatedlySome adjectives for noise and silenceEerieRather scaryDeafeningExtremely and painfully loudGratingUnpleasant, irritatingPiercingHigh noise that hurts the earsHigh-pitchedHigher than most voices, like a whistleInaudibleImpossible to hearSome fixed expressions connected with noise and silenceYou could have heard a pin dropThere was total silenceI can’t hear myself thinkSaid when people are making too much noisePeace and quietCalm and quiet period, after a noisy timeAs quiet as a mouseVery quiet indeedChapter 63 – Weight and densitySynonyms for ‘heavy’WeightyAbstract and physical things; usually includes the idea of ‘seriousness’UnwieldyAbstract and physical things; usually includes the idea of ‘difficult to handle’CumbersomeOften used for machines and equipment that are difficult to handle; also used for systems, structure etc.BurdensomeUsually used of abstract thingsPonderousSlow and clumsy because of weight but usually used for dull and excessively serious abstract thingsLumberingUsually used of physical things; often suggesting ‘heavy movement’Phrasal verbs with ‘weigh’To weigh downTo carry very heavy thingsTo weigh upTo consider and compareTo weigh outTo weigh a quantity of loose goodsWeighing on meTroubling my mindTo weigh inTo add more points to the argumentMaking things more/less denseTo thickenTo make thickerLumpyHaving solid pieces in itTo siftTo shake something in a sieve to separate the grainsTo congealTo become thick and solidTo solidifyTo become solidTo thinTo make thinnerTo thin outTo become less dense/to make less thickTo dilute/water down somethingTo add waterAdjectives connected with densityWordMeaningLiteral useMetaphorical useImpenetrableImpossible to move throughAn impenetrable jungle/forestImpenetrable jargonImpervious (to)Liquid cannot pass throughAn impervious material e.g. glassA person who is impervious to criticismChapter 64 – All the colours of the rainbowWords and expressions about colourPitch blackIntensely black, used about darkness, night etc. (pitch is an old word for tar)Jet blackIntensely black, used about hair, eyes etc. (jet is a black semi-precious gemstone)ScarletVery bright redCrimsonStrong deep redShocking pinkAn extremely bright pinkGingerOrangey red, used about hair and catsNavyDark blue, used about clothes, not eyesTurquoiseGreenish blue, used about fabrics, paint, sea etc. but not usually eyesLimeA bright yellowish greenBeigeA light creamy brownMousyA light not very interesting brown, used about only hairChestnutA deep reddish brown, used about hair and horsesAuburnA red-brown colour, usually used about hairRubyDeep red (also a gemstone)EmeraldBright green (also a gemstone)AmberYellowy orange (also a gemstone)CoralOrangey pink (also a gemstone)SapphireDeep blue (also a gemstone)JadeDark green (also a gemstone)Words for talking about colourPrimary coloursRed, blue and yellowPastel coloursPale shades of colourMauvePale purpleStrong coloursOpposite of pastel coloursHarsh coloursColours that are unpleasantly strongVivid coloursStrong, bright colours like scarlet and turquoiseElectricExtremely brightFluorescentVery bright colours which seem to glow in the darkTingeA tiny bitMonochromeUsing only one colour, or shades of one colourSuffixes –y and –ish show that a colour is partly present (bluey green, reddish brown)Colour metaphorsBlueDepression (feeling blue), physical or unskilled (blue-collar workers)RedAnger (to see red), danger (red alert, red flag), special importance (red-carpet, red-letter day), communist or very left-wing in politicsGreenNausea (to look green, to turn/go green), envy (green with envy), care for the environment (green tourism, the Green Party)BlackDepressing or without hope (a black future), anger (to look as black as thunder), illegality or incorrectness (black market, black sheep of the family, black mark)GreyLack of clarity (a grey area), brains (grey matter, grey cells)WhitePurity (white as snow, whiter than white), being pale (white as a sheet), something terrifying (a white-knuckle ride in a rollercoaster), office workers (white-collar workers)Chapter 65 – Speed: fast and slowGoing fastTo race/dash/tearTo go somewhere very quickly on foot or by means of transportTo nip/pop/zip/dart/whizzFast movement, but used mainly for going short distancesTo boltFast movement over short distance, but also has an added association of running away from somethingTo careerTo move rapidly and out of controlTo scamper/scurry/scuttleSmall rapid steps, often of lots of small animals together (like mice, spiders etc.)To speed upIncreasing speed, can refer to movement on foot or by means of transportTo accelerateIncreasing speed, us only used about transportGoing up or down fastTo plunge/plummetSuggest downward movement as well as speed, mainly used metaphoricallyTo soar/rocketSuggest a fast upward movement, mainly used metaphoricallyPrimary association of ‘to soar’ is with birds, and when it is used about people’s feelings it provides associations of happiness and feeling carefreeTo slump/tumbleSuggest a rapid downward movement, opposite of to soar/rocketGoing slowlyTo crawl/creepEmphasize that the movement is slow, often used metaphoricallyTo totterAlso suggests a very slow movement, but one that is particularly unsteady as wellTo sidleTo walk anxiously and nervouslyTo dawdleTo move more slowly than is necessary or to waste timeChapter 66 – Cause and effect‘Cause’ verbs and their collocationsVerbCommentUsual collocationsTo causeUsually collocates with negative results and situationsTo cause:sadness/unhappiness (a lot of) trouble/problems an illness (e.g. pneumonia) a disaster/an accidentTo produceMore neutral, deals with more concrete results, used in formal contextsTo produce:a reportstatistics/figuresgood results/evidenceTo giveCan be used for both positive and negative situations, less formal than ‘cause’To give:(a lot of) pleasure/happinessa reason/motivation for something (a lot of) troublegood resultsTo generateOften used in contexts where people are forced to do more than usual, and in computer contexts, sometimes has a rather negative feel, used in formal contextsTo generate:revenue/income/money complaints/extra work/controversygraphics/documents interest/enthusiasm/publicityOther ‘cause’ wordsTo provokeTo causeTo precipitate/spark offTo cause quickly, suddenlyTo bring aboutTo gradually produceTo result inTo produceGrounds forCause, reasonTo have implications forTo be likely to cause certain resultsBased onHas been developed as a result of = the available data provide the basis for an argumentChapter 67 – Spot the difference: making comparisonsTalking about similarityCollocationMeaningAffinity between, to feel an affinity withCloseness, similarity; feeling that different things/people have much in commonAkin toSimilar in spirit/feelTo use analogyTo see similarities that help us understand somethingDoes not correspond toIs not equal to/does not matchTo equateTo consider as the sameTantamount toThe equivalent of (normally used in negative contexts)InterchangeableSo similar that they could be exchanged one for the otherIndistinguishable fromSo similar you cannot see the differenceTalking about difference: adjectives/verbs beginning with ‘di’DiverseUsed to show a group is made up of different types of somethingDisparateUsed for different types within a group, but emphasises separation and differenceDissimilarVery often used with ‘not’DivergentOften used to show contrasting opinions or ideas within a groupDistinctUsed to describe differences where one might be deceived by similaritiesDistinctiveUsed to describe something that is easy to recognise because it is differentDiscreteDifferent and separate, not overlappingTo differentiateTo find a difference betweenTo diversifyTo become or make more variedTo divergeTo move away, become more different than somethingTo distinguishTo notice the difference between two thingsChapter 68 – Difficulties and dilemmasNouns relating to difficultiesSnag, hitchFairly small difficultiesGlitchFairly small difficulty, usually refers to a technical problem of some kindSetbackProgress has been stopped by somethingStumbling blockSomething that prevents action or agreementPitfallAn unexpected difficulty (often used in plural)ObstacleAnything that stops progress, either literally or metaphoricallyImpedimentSomething that prevents free action, progress or movementDilemmaA situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two, sometimes unpleasant, alternativesOrdealSevere experience, which is very difficult, painful or tiringAdjectives relating to difficultyadjectiveMeaningCollocationsProblematicFull of problems or difficultiesRelationship, situation, conceptAbstruseDifficult to understandTheory, argument, philosopherArduousDifficult, tiring, needing much effortClimb, task, journeyComplexDifficult to understand as it has many partsIssue, problem, theory, processConvolutedUnreasonably long and hard to followExplanation, sentences, theoryGruellingExtremely tiring and difficultJourney, work, match, expeditionInsufferableDifficult to bear as it is annoying or uncomfortableBehaviour, heat, boredom, pain, personObstructiveCausing deliberate difficultiesPerson, measure, behaviourToughDifficult to deal with or doTime, job, climate, decisionTraumaticShocking and upsettingExperience, past, childhoodWaywardChangeable, selfish and/or hard to controlBehaviour, child, personCommon mistake:Difficulty is used in the singular in the expression ‘to have difficulty in doing something’:I had great difficulty in finding a job at first (NOT great difficulties!).Colloquial expressions relating to difficultiesWhat a pain! / What a drag!What a nuisance!ChoreBoring job that has to be doneWhat’s eating him? / What’s got into him? / What’s bugging him? / What’s (up) with him?What’s the matter with him?HassleSituation causing trouble or difficultyTo hassleTo ask again and againSheer tortureUsed figuratively to refer to an unpleasant experienceTo slog (your guts out)/to grind/to graft/to flog yourself to deathTo work hardIn a fix/in a spot/in a hole/up against it/ up to your neckIn a difficult situationSticky/trickyDifficultOff the hook/in the clear/out of the wood(s)Freed from a difficult situationDownsideThe disadvantage of a situationChapter 69 – Modality: expressing facts, opinions, desiresExpressions based on modal verbsI must admit/confess/sayYou must be joking!You must have been frightened/worried/nervous/delighted/overjoyedIt may/might (well) never happenWhat, may/might I ask…?I was just strolling through the park when who should I see/meet/bump into but my boss.Accidents will happen! (accidents are inevitable)That car won’t start.That’ll be Sean making that noise.You might well be offered the job, you never know.I should be so lucky! (that is not likely)Ways of expressing probabilityThe odds areIt is likely thatThe odds are against herIt is unlikely thatAre bound toAlmost certain toUnquestionablyThere is no doubt at allApparentObviousFor sureI am sure (usually comes at the end)In all probabilityIt is very likelyThe chances areIt is probable thatThere’s every likelihoodIt is very probableWays of expressing obligation and lack of obligationIt is essentialObligatoryI have no optionI have an obligationOptionalWays of expressing a desire to do somethingI am determined/anxious/eager/keen/resolved to…I wish/desire/year/ long to…I have ambitions/aspirations to…Chapter 70 – Number: statistics and quantityChanges in numbers and quantitiesTwofoldThe suffix ‘-fold’ means ‘multiplied by that number’QuadrupledIncreased by for timesBy a factor of threeMultiplied by threeDrasticSevere and suddenThreefoldTwofold, threefold etc. can be used as an adverb or adjectiveRevised upwardsChanged to a higher numberRevised downwardsChanged to a lower numberTo deviate from the normTo move away from the standard or accepted patternTo fluctuateTo keep going up and downTo seesawTo go up and down at regular intervalsErraticNot regular and often changing suddenlyMore expressions for describing statistics and numbersAggregateTotalTo aggregateTo add up all the different amountsBlipTemporary changeCorrelation betweenConnection between facts or things which cause or affect each otherGPD Gross Domestic Product: the total amount that a country producesExpenditureThe amount of money spent on somethingDiscrepancy betweenDifference between two things that should be the sameRatioThe relationship between two amounts, which expresses how much bigger one is than the otherFlawedInaccurateMultipleVery many of the same type, or of a different typeInconsistent withNot in agreement withAssessing quantityBallpark figureA guess believed to be accurateTo tot everything upTo add everything up (less formal)To run into six figuresTo get a figure over a 100,000VariablesDifferent factors that may changeProjected figuresPlanned figuresTo err on the side of cautionTo be cautiousTo round things downMake, say, 2.5 into 2 rather than 3ConservativeCautiousChapter 71 – Permission: getting to go-aheadPermitting and agreeing that something may happen: verbsTo accedeTo accept, but often associated with initial unwillingnessTo acquiesceTo permit something to happen, but often associated with a degree of secrecy or conspiracyTo assentTo agree to something, often associated with plans, proposals, ideas etc.To authoriseTo give official permissionTo condoneTo approve or allow something which almost most people consider to be wrongTo countenanceTo consider giving assent or permission, often used in negative contextsTo endorseTo give official approval of somethingPermitting: phrasal expressionsTo give a carte blancheTo give complete freedom to do whatever they think is necessary (formal)To give the go-ahead for/to give the green light toTo give permission for something to startProhibiting and disapproving: verbsTo barTo officially exclude, forbid someone access to somethingTo clamp downTo use one’s full power to prevent or limit somethingTo outlawTo make something illegalTo vetoTo use one’s official power to forbid‘Regardless’ is not an adjective but an adverb. It means ‘not paying attention’. A common mistake is that many people think it is an adjective. It can be used on its own. (Her parents said she couldn’t go to the party but she went to it regardless./They built the extension to their house regardless of the fact that they had not received formal permission.)Chapter 72 – Complaining and protestingExpressions connected with complainingCommon expressions in informal situationsCommon expressions in formal situationsCommon expressions in neutral situationsYou’ve got to do something about…I wish to complain about…I’m not at all satisfied about…I’m fed up with/sick of…This is most unsatisfactory.Something will have to be done about…I’ve just about had enough of…I take great exception to…I wish you wouldn’t…This is just on!I really must object to…It just won’t do!Enough is enough!This is (simply) unacceptable.This is shameful.Verbs and nouns relating to complaining and protestingVerbMeaningNounTo complain (about)To express dissatisfaction or annoyanceComplaintTo protest (about)To strongly express complaint, disapproval or disagreementProtestTo object (to)To be against something or someoneObjectionTo remonstrate with somebody/remonstrate about somethingTo complain to someone/complain about something (formal)Remonstrance (very formal and not common)To find fault (with)To criticise or complain about even small mistakesFault-findingTo grumble (about)To complain in a quiet but angry wayGrumbleTo gripe (about)To complain continuously (informal)GripeTo grouseTo complain, usually often (informal)GrouseTo whingeTo complain persistently (informal)Whinge, whingeingChapter 73 – Apology, regret and reconciliationApologies and excuses: collocationsAdjective collocationsNounSincere, heartfeltApologyGood, perfect, lame, flimsy, weakExcuseConvincing, detailed, phoneyExplanationCast-iron, convincing, perfect, phoneyAlibiFlimsy, falsePretext (pretended reason for doing something rather than the real reason)Regretfulness in legal contextsRemorseFeeling guilt or regretAcquittedDeclared not guilty (noun = acquittal)To repentTo say you’re sorry and ask for forgiveness (noun = repentance)Posthumous pardonOfficial forgiveness after someone’s death for crimes they were unjustly convicted forTo exonerateTo declare someone to be free of blameReprieveOfficial order stopping or delaying punishmentTo forgive and forgetThese verbs are always in this orderPeace and reconciliationTreatyWritten agreement between two or more countriesArmisticeAgreement to stop war while peace discussions take placeTruceAgreement between two enemies to stop fighting for a period of timeAccordOfficial agreement, especially between two countriesCeasefireAgreement to stop fighting in order to allow discussions about peaceChapter 74 – A pat on the back: complimenting and praisingCollocations with compliment and praiseTo pay complimentsTo fish for complimentsTake it as a complimentA back-handed/double-edged compliment (compliment which seems both negative and positive. Back-handed has a more malicious intent, double-edged are more innocent.)To give praise toPraiseworthyWidely/highly praised, praised to the skies, to sing someone’s/something’s praises, to shower/heap praise on something/someoneTo damn someone with faint praise (to praise with such lack of enthusiasm that you give the impression of actually having rather negative feelings)Other expressions relating to praisingTo pay tribute toTo praise (formal)To give someone a standing ovationTo stand up and clap loudly for a long timeTo extol the virtues/benefits ofTo praise highly (formal)To be the toast ofTo be admired for some recent achievement (often used about artists and celebrities)To pat someone on the back/to give someone a pat on the backTo praise, often children (used mostly metaphorically)To earn/win plauditsTo get positive comments (formal)To laudTo praise highly in official situations (formal) Adjective: laudable (of behaviour)/laudatory (of comments or remarks)Chapter 75 – Promises and betsPromisesTo promise someone the earth/moonTo promise someone a great deal (implication that this promise is unrealistic)The afternoon promises to be interestingExpecting/anticipating it will be interestingThe child shows great promise as a violinist.She’s a promising artist.Indicating positive future developmentAn oath/to swearA formal promiseTo be put under oathYou have to swear to tell the truthI could have swornI was absolutely certainI couldn’t swear to itI am not totally sureTo swear byTo use something and think it’s wonderfulSwear words/bad languageTaboo expressionsTo pledgeTo promise something, often friendship or moneyTo vowTo make a determined decision or promise to do something (wedding: exchanging vows)To turn over a new leafTo change one’s behaviour for the betterResolutions, vows, promises, pledgesCan be made, kept or brokenTo go back on your wordTo break a promiseBoth ‘swear’ and ‘oath’ can mean either (make) a solemn promise or (use) taboo language.BetsTo betTo risk something, usually money, on the unknown result of something in the hope of winning more moneyTo gambleTo put money on the results of a game of some kindStakeThe amount of money that you riskAt stakeAt risk (to be put at stake)WagerMore formal word for bet (both bet and wager can be used in a non-literal sense)Your best betThe best decision or choiceDon’t bet on itI think what you’ve just said is unlikely to happenTo have a flutterTo have a small betTo put (good) money/to bet my life onTo be sureTo hedge your betsTo protect yourself from the results of making a single wrong choiceThe oddsThe statistical or betting chances of something to happen (what are the odds/the odds are against…)Chapter 76 – Reminiscences and regretsLooking back: sharing memoriesOut of touchNot knowing what has happened recentlyWhat became ofWhere he is and what happened to himIf I recallIf I remember correctlyTo think backTo think about the pastTo hear anything ofTo receive any news aboutTakes me back toMakes me rememberVague memoryNot a very clear memoryIt’s all coming back to me nowI’m beginning to remember it more clearlyWhat stands/sticks out in my mindWhat I remember more than other thingsReminiscing aboutThinking about pleasant things that happened in the pastTo look through rose-tinted/rose-coloured spectaclesTo see only the pleasant things about a situation and not notice the things that are unpleasant NostalgiaA feeling of pleasure and sometimes slight sadness at the same time as you think about things that happened in the pastExpressing regretRemorseRegretShameEmbarrassment and guilt about something bad that happenedPangsSudden sharp feelings, especially of painful emotion; collocates frequently with guilt, regret, conscience, remorse (pangs of guilt)To rueTo regret very much (I rue the day we ever met) (formal); collocates with ‘the day’ and ‘the fact that’To lamentTo feel sad about something (formal)To mournTo feel sad about something that you did not take up (formal)Chapter 77 – Agreement, disagreement and compromiseAgreement: sharing viewsTo tally withTo match or agree withTo concur withTo share/agree with an idea/opinionTo find in accord withTo be in complete agreement withTo coincide withTo be the same asTo conform toTo fit in withTo approve ofTo think something is right or goodTo meet with someone’s approvalTo be liked by that personTo agree to differTo continue to hold different opinions but to see no point in continuing to argue about themPolitical and social disagreementDissentOpposition to the accepted way of thinkingDiscordLack of agreement or harmony (suggests arguments and rows)RiftDisagreement (with different groups/factions forming)SplitWhen a larger group breaks up into two or more smaller groups because they disagree about somethingDivisionSimilar to split but more abstract and formal (can be countable or uncountable)ControversyA lot of disagreement about a subject usually because it affects a lot of peopleCompromiseTo reach a compromiseTwo or more parties lower their demands to make everyone happyTo compromise onTo lower your demands to satisfy your competitorTo make concessions toTo accept some of the demands ofTo reach a settlementTo reach a decision/agreementTo exercise discretionTo be sensitive, to use your judgementChapter 78 – Academic writing: making sensePresenting arguments and commenting on others’ workTo advocate somethingTo argue in favour of somethingTo deduce somethingTo reach a conclusion by thinking carefully about the known factsTo infer somethingTo reach a conclusion indirectlyTo complement somethingTo combine well with something so that each piece of work becomes more effectiveTo overlap with somethingTo partially cover the same materialEmpiricalBased on what is observed rather than theoryAmbiguousOpen to different interpretationsCoherentLogically structuredComprehensiveCovering all that is relevantAuthoritativeThorough and expertTalking about figures and processesArbitraryBased on chance or personal choice rather than a system or data that supports themTo deviate from the normTo be different from what is typicalTo distortTo give a false impressionIncidenceHow often something occursPredominantThe largest in numberIn sequenceIn particular orderWidespreadIn many places or with many peopleWords typically used in academic contextsTo appendTo add (at the end)To conceiveTo think upTo contradictTo go againstTo demonstrate/indicateTo showTo denoteTo be a sign of, stand forTo negateTo make useless, wipe outTo perceiveTo seeTo reflect uponTo think aboutTo resideTo lie, liveTo triggerTo causeTo utiliseTo useAn instance of somethingAn example of somethingThe converseTo oppositeCrucialVery importantNotwithstandingDespite thisSomewhatRatherTherebyIn this wayWherebyBy which (method)Chapter 79 – Academic writing: text structureExplaining, reinforcing, exemplifyingTo reiterateTo repeat, restateTo summariseTo describe briefly the main facts or ideasTo epitomiseTo be a perfect example ofTo assertTo say that something is certainly trueTo expoundTo develop, proposeTo underscoreTo emphasiseTo positTo suggest as a basic fact or principleTo account forTo explain, find the cause ofCategorising and includingTo comprise/make upTo consist ofTo be comprised ofTo be composed ofTo subsumeTo bring together, uniteTo embraceTo cover, includeTo categoriseTo label as belonging to a particular type or classTo touch uponTo include something only brieflyStructuring the textFunction in the textExampleBeginningI should like to preface my argument with a story.Mapping out the textI shall return to this point later in my essay.Connecting pointsThis brings me to my next area of discussion.FocusingI should now like to address the question…Ordering pointsIn ascending/descending orderQuoting/referringTo cite, to allude toIncluding/excluding materialTo touch upon, to deal with, to be beyond the scope ofDrawing conclusionsWe are forced to conclude…Chapter 80 – Writing: style and formatAspects of writingTo scribbleTo write quickly, without much careChattyWhen used about writing, informalTo jot downTo write something down to remember it (informal)To make a note ofTo write something down to remember it (more formal)To doodleTo draw and write irrelevant things on the paper in front of youTo copy outTo copy in writingTo draftTo make a first attempt at writing somethingTo write downTo copy in writing what is spokenTo write upTo make a proper final written text based on previous draftsManuscriptOriginal version produced by the authorType and printTo touch typeTo type, using all your fingers without looking at the keyboardTypescriptAn author’s text that has not yet been publishedTo run off a copyTo print outTo formatTo create the page as it will appear when printedTo cut and paste/copy and pasteTo move text from one place to another electronicallyCharactersThe letters and numbers on a keyboardBoldLike this Italicised/in italicsLike this Shaded boxLike this In a different font sizeLike thisDouble inverted commas/quotation marks‘’ ‘’Single quotation marks/quotes‘ ‘Bullet (point)To be indentedTo begin away from the normal marginRound brackets( )Diamond/angle brackets< >Square brackets[ ]Curly brackets{ }Capitals/upper case (more technical)LIKE THISSmall letters/lower caselike thisBlock capitalsWritten apart in capital lettersIn superscriptWritten above the normal lineTitleSubtitleChapter 1Chapter heading1.1Sub-heading (within a chapter)Chapter 81 – Whatchamacallit: being indirectVague and general wordsThingCan be a subject (one of the things I want to talk about)To have got a thing about somethingTo either like or dislike somethingTo make such a thing of itTo make such a fuss about itA thingAnything (there wasn’t a thing we could do about it)For one thing, … For another thing, …Firstly, … Secondly, …The thing is, …Used to introduce a topic or a problem, or to provide an explanation,As things are, …As the situation isTo getTo understandTo get it togetherTo take positive action or organise yourselfTo get things sorted (out)To organise things so that the problem is solvedTo get someone to myselfTo be alone with someoneWhen you can’t think of the wordThingy, thingummy, thingumijic, thingamibob, whatsit, whatchamacallit, whatnotFor objectsWhatsisname, whatsisfaceFor menWhatsername, whatserfaceFor womenNote that these words can be written in different ways.QuantifiersThe following quantifiers are rare in formal writing, but common in informal spoken language. They all have the same definition: a lot of.Bags ofA load ofA mass ofMasses ofDozens ofTons ofUmpteenBeing indirect and less threateningIt’s not the most e.g. practical/sensible/intelligent/appropriate thing you’ve ever done.It’s impractical/not very sensible/rather unintelligent/inappropriate.I mean that in the nicest possible wayNo offenceNo offence intendedNo offenceIf you don’t mind my saying soNo offenceI gatherI’ve heard it from someoneIncidentallyOften used to introduce a new subject into the conversation in an indirect wayPresent company exceptedNot including you or meMyself includedAll of you, and me tooChapter 82 – Give or take: more vague expressionsVague expressions for numbers and quantitiesIn excess ofMore than (formal)Somewhere in the region ofAround/about (less formal)Give or take, e.g. half an hourIt could take half an hour(informal)Approximately a monthCould be a month before or after (rather formal)A week or soMore than a week, but unclear how much more (informal)SmatteringSmall proportionDash/smidgenVery small quantityDollopUsually a small amount (you can also say a large dollop)LashingsVery large quantitiesOodlesVery large quantitiesStacks ofA large number or quantity of (informal)Making things less precise in informal conversationMore or lessOften used with verbs and adverbs to make things more vagueA bit (of a)Used with adjectives and nouns to soften the meaningOr whateverOr somethingThings like thatThat kind of thingUseful expression for referring vaguely to things and actionsOr words to that effectOr similar words expressing the same meaningChapter 83 – The way you say itVerbs denoting volume: from quiet to loudTo mumble/mutterUsed in a negative sense Without a murmurWithout any protest, complaint or commentTo raise your voiceTo speak louderDon’t raise your voice at me!Do not speak in that loud, angry tone!To yellOften conveys urgency, anger, frustration, or when there is much surrounding noiseTo shout, yell, scream, roar, shriekSpeaking extremely loudly, are all followed by ‘at’To shriekLoud and very high-pitched, can be used in both positive and negative contextsTo roarSuggests very loud volume, but deeper pitched, like a lion, used in both positive and negative contextsVerbs describing speech and styles of conversationTo nag (at)To criticise faults or duties not doneTo bicker over who sits by the windowTo argue in an irritated way usually about something pretty. Synonym = to squabble.To slag offTo criticise in an insulting way (very informal)To whine and whingeTo complain in an annoying way (informal, negative)To chat awayTo suggest light, non-serious talk (note how away is used to emphasise continuous/extended talk)To gossipTo talk about people, rumoursTo wind someone upTo tease, fool someone (noun = wind-up)To butter someone upTo say nice things because you want something from someone (negative)To exaggerateTo make something seem greater that it really isTo generaliseTo make general statements about somethingSpeech and articulation problemsto lisp / a lispDifficulty in making an ‘s’ sound and making a ‘th’ sound insteadTo stammer / a stammerSpeak with abnormal pauses and repetitionsTo stutterTo repeat sounds at the beginning of wordsTo slurTo say words with a slow, lazy sound; difficult to understandTo get tongue-tiedNot being able to say what you want to say because of nerves, i.e. emotional rather than physical problem affecting speechChapter 84 – Abbreviations and acronymsAbbreviations pronounced as individual letterse.g.For example (from exempli gratia, Latin)i.e.That is (from id est, Latin)ADThe year of our Lord (from Anno Domini, Latin), used in the Christian calendar to count years since the birth of Christ; many people prefer CE as an alternative (Common Era)BCBefore Christ, used to count the years before the birth of Christ; many people prefer BCE (before the Common Era)EUEuropean UnionIDIdentity documentNBNote well (from nota bene, Latin), used as a warning or to point out something importantIQIntelligence quotient: a way of measuring people’s intelligence using a system of numbersPTOPlease turn overUSBUniversal Serial Bus; a type of connection between a computer and an electronic deviceFAQFrequently asked questionsASAPAs soon as possibleVIPVery important personRSVPPlease reply (used on invitations, from French: répondez, s’il vous plait)UFOUnidentified flying objectsShortened and blended wordsBedsitOne room which is a bedroom and a sitting roomSitcomShort for situational comedy: a kind of humorous TV programmeSci-fiScience fictionInfoInformationBiodataBiographical data: details about someone’s life, job and achievementsBiopicBiographical picture: a film about the life of a real personWi-FiWireless fidelity: wireless connection for computers and electronic communicationsAcronymsAIDSAcquired immune deficiency syndromeNATONorth Atlantic Treaty OrganisationPINPersonal identification number VATValue-added taxAbbreviations used in academic writing and bibliographiesFig.Figure (picture or drawing, often with a number, in a book or other document)Ed. (plural: eds)Editor/editors (often used in bibliographical references)p. (plural: pp.)Page/pareEt al.And others (used in bibliographical references to refer to a book or article with several authors, usually three or more)Chapter 85 – Prefixes: creating new meaningsChapter 86 – Suffixes: forming new wordsChapter 87 – Word-building and word-blendingCommon well-established words partsWord partMeaningAuto-SelfBio-Life, living thingsCyber-Relating to computers and robotsDe-Opposite actionMono-Single, one-graph-Writing-gress-Step, walk, go-icsAn area of study or knowledge-phon-Sound-ologyStudyPre-BeforePost-AfterRetro-Back, backwardsTechno-Relating to advanced machinesTele-Over a distanceBlends (turning two well-established words into one word)BrunchA meal that is a combination of breakfast and lunchHeliportA place where helicopters can land and take offSmogPolluted fogMotelRoadside hotel for people travelling by carWebinarSeminar delivered over the internetGuesstimateApproximate calculationDocudramaTV programme that dramatizes real historical eventsBreathalyserA device to find out how much alcohol a person has drunkChapter 88 – English: a global languageThe origins of English vocabularyLexiconVocabulary (specialist term)SourcesWhere something comes fromAnglo-SaxonOld EnglishWord stockSet of wordsVikingNorse, from the north of Europe, e.g. DenmarkNormanFrom NormandyTo enrichTo make richerTo have impact onTo influence, to have an effect onConceptIdeaClassical originFrom Latin or Ancient GreekLinguistic consequencesResults affecting languageEnglish words from other languagesLanguageWordMeaningArabicAmberYellowy-orange substance originating from tree resin and used in jewelleryDutchRosterList of people’s turns for jobsFarsiTabbyGrey and brown stripy catGermanGimmickAn amusing or unusual wat of attracting attentionGreekTonicMedicine to make you feel stronger and betterHindiCotChild’s bed with high vertical sidesIcelandicMumpsA childhood illnessJapaneseKaraokeType of entertainment where ordinary people sing to popular musicPortuguesePalaverUnnecessary troubleRussianIntelligentsiaSocial class of intellectualsSpanishHammockNet hung and used as a bedTurkishTurbanType of men’s headwear, made from a long piece of clothFalse friendsSome English words may look like words from your language but have a different meaning. Such words are known as false friends. Example:Gift = present in EnglishGift = poison in GermanChapter 89 – False friends: words easily confusedWords similar in form and close in meaningTo interveneTo step in; in natural meaningTo interfereTo involve yourself; negative and criticalContinuallyVery frequently; often negativeContinuouslyWithout stopping; from a recipeSeriesSet of related programmesSerialSet of programmes where the story continues over different episodesIn the shade ofOut of the sun; pleasant connotationIn the shadow ofIn a place dominated by; negative connotationTo complimentTo praise, express admiration forTo complementTo make something seem better, more complete or more attractive in combinationWords of different form but from the same area of meaningMoistSlightly wet; from a recipeDampSlightly wet in an unpleasant wayThemeThe main idea that everything followedTopicWhat the people talk aboutSecurityconcerned with the protection of property etc.SafetyConcerned with the prevention of accidentsTo avoidTo stay away fromTo evadeTo escape from; more formalPhrasal combinationsVerb in sentenceNounSix men broke out of the prison.BreakoutThe disease has broken out in several villages.OutbreakEconomists are looking out for signs of an end to the recession.OutlookHe stood at the corner looking out for police cars.LookoutThe club decided to set up a committee.setupDifferences in verbsVerb 1Verb 2To upend (to move into vertical direction)To end up (to finish)To uphold (to confirm, support)To hold up (to delay)To outdo (to do better than)To do out (to decorate)To outrun (to run faster than)To run out (to use something so there is none left)To upset (to make someone worried, unhappy or angry)To set up (to organise or arrange something)Chapter 90 – one words, many meaningsPolysemyFair Equal, exposition, cloudless, light-complexioned, attractiveFlatApartment building, horizontal, absoluteCapitalUpper case, government seated city, financial assets, death penaltyMeanTo signify, rude, average, ungenerous, to intendHomographs: words with the same spellings but different meanings. (what a fair fair!)Chapter 91 – Collocation: which words go togetherAdjective + noun collocationsWe sayWe don’t usually sayThe real thingThe genuine thingThe genuine articleThe real articleA broad summaryA wide summaryIn great detailIn big detailA formidable opponent/reputation/task/challenge-Verb + adverb collocationsTo walkFast, quicklyTo moveQuickly, swiftly (NOT FAST)To feelStrongly (NOT POWERFULLY)To rememberRightly (NOT PERFECTLY)Adverb + adjective collocationsUtterlyAppalling, dismal, depressed, disgusting, distasteful, exhausted, false, fatuous, impossible, lost, ludicrous, na?ve, pointless, wrong, ridiculous, unacceptable, uselessVerb + object collocationsWe sayWe don’t sayTo raise your handTo lift your handTo raise a familyTo lift a familyTo visit/go to/click on/check out a website-Chapter 92 – Metaphor: seeing the lightWhat are metaphors?A metaphor is a way of expressing something by comparing it indirectly with something else that has similar characteristics.JungleA city (it is wild and full of dangers)To light up your lifeA person is like a light in your life in that they bring us great happinessIdioms and metaphorsTo be on the ballTo be very aware of things and ready to and ready to act – like a good footballerTo keep someone/something on a tight reinTo have a lot of control over someone, something – like a rider having control over a horseHeartCentreMouthThe place where a river joins the seaHeadPerson in charge of an organisationTo have an eye forTo be good at somethingTo keep a (close)eye onTo watch someone carefullyIn safe handsThe person in charge is capableHand in hand withTo co-exist and be interconnectedRule of thumbIn a way that is not exact but will allow you to be accurate enoughCommon metaphorical concepts in EnglishLightAssociated with intelligence and understandingBrightCleverDimLess intelligentTo see the lightTo understand somethingTo cast light onTo make something easier to understandTemperatureAssociated with intensity of feeling or passionTo blow hot and coldTo be enthusiastic at one time and not at another timeHotheadedReacting quickly on the basis of their feelings without thinking firstCold-heartedWithout feelingWater (movement)Associated with the movement of people: people flooding/trickling out of a hall, a constant stream of traffic.MoneyIs often likened to money (both seen as commodities that can be spent or wasted, or used profitably)Investing timeUsing time in a way that you think will bring you advantagesTo pay dividendsTo bring advantagesMilitary operationsLikened to business: strategies, tactics and campaigns, launching.Chapter 93 – Idioms for everyday situations and feelingsWhen things go rightTo work like a dreamTo succeed absolutely perfectlyTo go/run like clockworkTo go smoothly, with no difficultiesTo be up and runningTo begin to work as plannedTo fall into placeTo be on the point of starting to work wellTo be looking upTo look very positiveWhen things go wrong: reacting in conversationOh no! That’s all we need(ed)!In response to news that makes current problems even worseThat’s the last thing I wanted to hear!In response to news that fulfils your worst fearsThis is like a bad dream!When one bad thing after another happens in quick successionIt’s a real nightmare / my worst nightmare.Used very generally, e.g. about traffic jams, computers going wrong.What a pain!Used very generally, in response to any situation that causes you difficulty.Confusing situations or situations you don’t understandThrew me completelyI didn’t know how to respondA complete shamblesA totally disorganised and chaotic eventIt’s a mystery to meIt’s something I cannot understandWe must have got our wires crossedThere must have been a miscommunication/misunderstandingI’m not with you / You’ve lost me thereWhat you said has confused meHappiness and sadnessTo be on top of the world/on cloud nine/over the moonTo be extremely happyTo be in (your) element / to be made forTo be ideally suited forTo be fed up to the back teethTo be extremely unhappy, disappointedTo be down in the dumps/down in the mouthTo be depressedChapter 94 – Brushing up on phrasal verbsLearning phrasal verbsTo come acrossTo meet/to give an impression of beingTo come overTo give an impression of beingTo put forwardTo proposeTo rush into a decisionTo make a hasty decisionThe verbTo come offTo happen successfullyTo come overTo travel from one place to anotherWhat came over meInfluence someone to behave in a particular wayTo come underTo experience something (usually unpleasant)To come upTo occur unexpectedlyTo come up againstTo have to deal with a problem or difficultyThe preposition/particleTo stay onTo remainTo dwell onTo keep thinking about, usually about something unpleasantTo catch onTo become popularTo go onTo talk at lengthTo urge onTo encourageTo press onTo continue in a determined wayPhrasal verbs in topicsTo brush up onTo improve knowledge of something already learnt but partly forgottenTo lay offTo stop employingTo call offTo cancelTo throw yourself intoTo start doing something with great energyTo settle inTo feel relaxed and happyTo put togetherTo prepare by collecting information from several sourcesChapter 95 – Connotation: making associationsDifferent kinds of associationsTo associateTo make connectionsDoveA white bird, has associations with peaceHawkA bird that hunts its prey, has associations with a more violent way of doing thingsBlack catsBritain: good luck, USA: bad luck (geographical difference in association)Personal associationE.g. you were attacked by a dog in your childhood, and therefore associate dogs with fear, whereas other people associate dogs with loyalty.A dog’s lifeA very unhappy and unpleasant lifeUnderstanding associationsWordAssociation/meaningParisGlamour, styleCowboy buildersBuilders who are not careful or trustworthySharkAggressionScarA wound on something that was once unspoilt, something ugly in a beautiful landscapeDiamondSomething preciousChapter 96 – Register: degrees of formalityFormal and informal wordsNeutralFormalInformalTV/television-The box / the tellyGlassesSpectaclesSpecsClothesClothing/garmentsGearUseEmploy/utilise-TryEndeavour/attemptHave a go/stab/brash/crack/shot atSpeech and writingWord/phraseSpeaking/writingCommentSubsequentlyWritingLinking adverb: in speech more likely to be ‘later’ or ‘afterwards’In sumWritingLinking expression: means ‘to sum up’Whatsisname/whatsernameSpeakingVague word: used when we cannot remember the name of a personThingySpeakingVague word: used as a noun, of people and things whose name one cannot rememberMind youSpeakingDiscourse marker: used to bring attention to an important pointNow thenSpeakingDiscourse marker: used to get people’s attention when you want to ask or tell them somethingOutdated wordsAsylumHospital for the mentally illFrockDressWirelessRadioConsumptionTuberculosis/TBEyeglassesglassesChapter 97 – Divided by a common languageStreets and roadsAmericanBritishStreetRoadKitty cornerDiagonally oppositeGas stationPetrol stationCrosswalkPedestrian crossing / zebra crossingTrailPathCreekStream, small riverTake a leftTurn leftInterstateMajor motorway in the US connecting different statesIntersectionJunctionCartTrolleyParking lotCar parkBacking upReversingOverpassFlyover, i.e. a bridge that carries one road over anotherEducational terminologyAmericanBritishCollegeUniversity (college in Britain usually means a place for specialised education for people over 16)CoursesModulesFreshmanFresher / first year (student)Sophomore(a)second yearJuniorsThird years / third year studentsMajoringDoing honours / doing an honours degreeProfessors (used as a general term for university teachers)Lecturers (used as a general term for university teachers – professor is a person with the highest academic rank)Elementary schoolPrimary schoolHigh schoolSecondary schoolAround the homeAmericanBritishGroundEarth (talking about the electricity cable)DumpsterSkipFaucetTapStoveCookerSkilletFrying panChapter 98 – Language and genderGender awareness and vocabularyMan in the streetA typical personNeanderthal ManA now extinct species that were the ancestors of present-day humansTo manhandleTo handle roughly, to use forceOlder usageCurrent usageSpokesmanSpokespersonFireman, policemanFirefighter, police officerMale nurseNurseMan-hoursWorking hoursAir hostessFlight attendantCleaning ladyCleanerForemanSupervisorMan-madeArtificialMankindThe human race / human beingsTo manTo staffWords relating to genderMale, femaleUsed for gender classification in biologyMasculine, feminineHaving qualities traditionally felt to be typically male or femaleManly, womanlyHaving positive qualities traditionally felt to be typically male or femaleEffeminateResembling a woman (used of men, negative)A tomboyA young girl who behaves and dresses like a boyA sissyA boy who behaves like a girl, or a weak and cowardly person (informal, negative, often used by children)ButchUsed of men and women, aggressively masculine in looks and behaviour (informal)Chapter 99 – In the headlinesFeatures of headline languageTo hit the headlinesTo suddenly receive a lot of attention in the newsTabloid newspapersPopular papers with small pages and short simple reportsTypical tabloid headlines:Articles, prepositions and auxiliary verbs are often omittedUse of present simple instead of past tense makes story sound more immediateAmbiguous use of languageWords with dramatic associations such as danger are often usedOften feature celebritiesAlliterationStrong and simple words, brief and vivid words, such as gunmanStrongly emotional words like crazed are often used to attract attentionViolent wordsTo crushTo destroyThugs, yobs, loutsPeople who cause troubleCrackdownTaking serious measures to deal with a problemBesiegedSurrounded, as if by armyTo ripTo move in a destructive wayPlaying with wordsMany headlines have wordplay in them, to entertain the readers in a way. For example:‘Moon becomes shooting star’ headline about football player John Moon, shot goals, shooting star informal expression of meteor, moon = another astronomical body.Chapter 100 – Red tapeCharacteristics of bureaucratic languageTo attainTo reachBestowed onGiven toTo demolishTo knock downAdjoiningNext toUndersignedThe person who wrote the letterAforementionedAboveTo commenceTo start (n: commencement)To cease operationsTo stop functioning (n: cessation)The deceasedThe dead personNext of kinClosest relativeIn the event ofIf there isMust be evacuatedPeople must leaveTo endeavourTo tryTo facilitateTo make possible, easierTo be instructedTo be toldTo proceedTo moveTo rectifyTo put rightTo resumeTo start againBureaucratic correspondenceAcknowledge receipt ofInform us that you have receivedWith the compliments ofWritten on a slip of paper sent with an item from a companyTo notifyTo informAt your earliest convenienceAs soon as possibleFurther clarification is requiredYou need more of an explanationIn respect ofRelating to, forWith regard toabout ................
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