extra8

I gotta motor

"I gotta go." -------------------- to put it mildly/lightly without making something seem as bad as it really is The area is not very wealthy, to put it mildly - actually, it's pretty poor.

late in the game/day

after the time when an action could be successful He finally came up with some great ideas, but it was much too late in the game to be of any use.

martial aart

any of the fighting sports that include judo and karate -- perch v vs noun

bellcart

bellman

flub

[transitive] American English informal to make a mistake or do something badly [= fluff, mess something ↔ up]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMSeveral of the actors flubbed their lines. she flubbed the first line of the song

pile

[uncountable, singular] the short threads, pieces of wool, etc. that form the soft surface of carpets and some types of cloth such as velvet a deep-pile carpet Corduroy is the poor man's velvet; its pile is made of cotton rather than silk or satin

underbrush

[uncountable] a mass of bushes and plants that grow close together under trees in woods and forests

tag

[uncountable] a children's game in which one child chases the others and tries to touch one of them lets play tag

burgundy

[uncountable] a dark red colour —burgundy adjective: a burgundy skirt = maroon

ignominy

[uncountable] formal an event or situation that makes you feel ashamed or embarrassed, especially in public [= humiliation] ignominy of Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe feared the ignominy of being exposed as a spy. VS enigma ---- sing-song / singalong an informal occasion at which people sing songs together a singalong in the local bar -------------- stately home › a large, old house that usually has beautiful furniture, decorations, and gardens --- duvet = quilt

scrap

[uncountable] things that are not wanted or cannot be used for their original purpose, but which have some value for the material they are made of We sold the car for scrap(= so that any good parts can be used again). scrap metal a scrap dealer(= a person who buys and sells scrap )

glaring

[usually before noun] (of something bad) very easily seen synonym blatant a glaring error/omission/inconsistency/injustice the most "glaring example" of this problem = stark 3 very different to something in a way that is easy to see synonym clear stark differences Social divisions in the city are stark. The good weather was in stark contrast to the storms of previous weeks.

floe

] if the colour runs in a piece of clothing when it gets wet, it dissolves and may come out of the clothing into other things The colour ran and made all my underwear pink.

a ground rule for sth

a basic principle. "some ground rules for assessing new machines" -- trick or treat a children's custom of calling at houses at Halloween with the threat of pranks if they are not given a small gift (often used as a greeting by children doing this).

do cartwheels

a circular movement in which you throw yourself sideways with your hands on the floor, swing your legs over your head, and then come back with your feet on the floor' ------------ tidbit titbit) a small special piece of food

commanding

a commanding view or position is one from which you can clearly see a long way

sequins

disk-shaped beads used for decorative purposes. In earlier centuries they were made from shiny metals.

doleful

doʊlfl very sad synonym mournful a doleful expression/face/song

frisky

horny

mother of pearl

inside smooth shiny surface of a shell, from which pearls are formed --- horde hɔːrd (sometimes disapproving) a large crowd of people There are always hordes of tourists here in the summer. Football fans turned up in hordes VS hoard ----------- charm sb into doing sth use ur attractiveness to make e do sth

capsize

kæpsaɪz [intransitive, transitive] capsize (something) if a boat capsizes or something capsizes it, it turns over in the water i believe that my life has capsized ----; all readers readership

cadaver

kəˈdævər cadaver pronunciation American (technical) a dead human body SYNONYM corpse

the pot is calling the kettle black

nformal used humorously to say that you should not criticize someone for something, because you have done the same thing . or have the same fault Elliot accused me of being selfish. Talk about the p

in the least

not in the least not at all Really, I'm not in the least tired. 'Do you mind if I put the television on?' 'No, not in the least.' he didnt sound surprised in the least

inextricable

nˈekstrɪkəbl (formal) too closely linked to be separated Knowledge and economic power have become inextricable. an inextricable connection between the past and the present

ride-or-die husband/wife

o be down with your husband/wife no matter what, through it all the good and the bad. Thats my ride or die husband 4 life

spook

spuːk (informal) 1 a ghost a castle haunted by spooks

subversive

subversive ideas, activities etc are secret and intended to damage or destroy a government or an established system: British EnglishHe was engaged in subversive activities. subversive propaganda/literature ---- concession stand American English a small business that sells food, drinks, or other things at sports events, theatres etc

natter

talk casually, especially on unimportant matters; chat. "they nattered away for hours" ---- witter: (on) (about something) (British English, informal, usually disapproving) to talk about something unimportant and boring for a long time What's he wittering on about?

To wit

that is to say : namely Examples of TO WIT <if we keep spending money like it's water, we're sure to end up in the same place as it often does, to wit, down the drain> Origin of TO WIT

yield

to allow other traffic on a bigger road to go first [= give way British English] yield to Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMYield to traffic on the left.

to hail from

to be a native of, to come from, to originate from; to have as one's birth place or residence -- tux= tuxedo

get a raw deal

to be treated unfairly Older workers often get a raw deal.

stand in a good stead

to be useful or helpful to somebody when needed Your languages will stand you in good stead when it comes to finding a job.

taken aback

to be very shocked or surprised: I was rather taken aback by her honesty. taken about by the directness of the question - She booked a flight to Chicago. The performance is booked up(= there are no more tickets available). I'm sorry—we're fully booked. (British English) I'd like to book a table for two for 8 o'clock tonight.

sth account for sth

to give a satisfactory explanation of why something has happened or why you did something [= explain]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMCan you account for your movements on that night?

seek to do th

to try to do something synonym attempt They quickly sought to distance themselves from the protesters.

totter

transitive] (+ adverb/preposition) to walk or move with weak unsteady steps, especially because you are drunk or ill/sick SYNONYM stagger She managed to totter back to her seat. 2 [intransitive] to be weak and seem likely to fall the tottering walls of the castle (figurative) a tottering dictatorship

apt

æpt apt pronunciation American 1 suitable or appropriate in the circumstances a particularly apt description/name/comment The song would have been more apt for a bass voice. 2 likely or having a natural tendency to do something apt to be... apt to be forgetful/careless apt to do something Babies are apt to put objects into their mouths. 3 apt pupil a person who has a natural ability to learn and understand

lineaaments

ˈlɪniəmənts lineaments pronunciation American [plural] (formal) the typical features of something Her actions were marked with the lineaments of her character.

temparate

ˈtempərət 1 [usually before noun] (technical) (of a climate or region) having a mild temperature without extremes of heat or cold

trinket

ˈtrɪŋkɪt trinket pronunciation American a piece of jewellery or small decorative object that is not worth much money

verdant

ˈvɜːrdnt (literary) (of grass, plants, fields, etc.) fresh and green --- vernal = related to spring

wanton

ˈwɑːntən (formal) 1 [usually before noun] causing harm or damage deliberately and for no acceptable reason wanton destruction a wanton disregard for human life the wanton killing of innocent creatures

roly-poly

ˌroʊli ˈpoʊli [only before noun] (informal) (of people) short, round and fat synonym plump

insupportable

ˌɪnsəˈpɔːrtəbl insupportable pronunciation American so bad or difficult that you cannot accept it or deal with it SYNONYM intolerable Their debt had become an insupportable burden. =insufferable

gruff

1 (of a voice) deep and rough, and often sounding unfriendly 2 (of a person's behaviour) unfriendly and impatient Beneath his gruff exterior, he's really very kind-hearted.

instingate

(especially British English) to make something start or happen, usually something official SYNONYM bring something about The government has instigated a programme of economic reform. 2 instigate something to cause something bad to happen They were accused of instigating racial violence. ----- Vs insinuate to suggest indirectly that something unpleasant is true SYNONYM imply insinuate that... The article insinuated that he was having an affair with his friend's wife. insinuate something What are you trying to insinuate? an insinuating smile

shtick

(especially North American English) 1 a style of humour that is typical of a particular performer

fetching

(especially of a person or their clothes) attractive She looked very fetching in a little red hat. a fetching blue sweater a fetching smile fetchingly ˈfetʃɪŋli ; ˈfetʃɪŋli adverb Strands of hair hung fetchingly around her face.

take umbrage at

(formal) to become upset and angry about something someone has said or done (often + at ) He took great umbrage at newspaper reviews of his book. The minister took umbrage when colleagues queried her budget plans. ------------ hook he patient up to machines

adduce

(formal) to provide evidence, reasons, facts, etc. in order to explain something or to show that something is true synonym cite Several factors have been adduced to explain the fall in the birth rate. The defending lawyer was able to adduce evidence of his client's innocence.

malady

(formal) a serious problem synonym ill Violent crime is only one of the maladies afflicting modern society.

crest sth

(formal) to reach the top of a hill, mountain or wave He slowed the pace as they crested the ridge. The ship crested a wave and then fell twenty feet or more.

bear

(formal) to show something; to carry something so that it can be seen The document bore her signature. He was badly wounded in the war and still bears the scars. She bears little resemblance to(= is not much like) her mother.< ollo The title of the essay bore little relation to(= was not much connected with) the contents. < collo

seal the deal

(idiomatic) to come to an agreement, to finalise the deal.

for the life of me

(informal) however hard you try I cannot for the life of me imagine why they want to leave. --- advised sb of sth (formal) to officially tell somebody something synonym inform advise somebody of something Please advise us of any change of address. advise somebody when, where, how, etc... I will contact you later to advise you when to come. advise somebody that... I regret to advise you that the course is now full.

same old same old

(informal) used to say that a situation or someone's behaviour remains the same, especially when it is boring or annoying 'How's work going?' 'Oh, you know. Same old same old.' See also: old, same ---------------------------------------- crop up = pop up

take the plunge

(informal) to decide to do something important or difficult, especially after thinking about it for a long time , usually marriage They finally decided to take the plunge and get married.

cook up

(informal) to invent something, especially in order to trick somebody Synonym concoct make up to cook up a story

land up in/at

(informal) to reach a final position or situation, sometimes after other things have happened synonym end up We travelled around for a while and landed up in Seattle. He landed up in a ditch after he lost control of his car. Careful—you don't want to land up in hospital.

botched

(informal) to spoil something by doing it badly He completely botched up the interview. The work they did on the house was a botched job.

peppy

(informal, especially North American English) lively and full of energy or enthusiasm a peppy advertising jingle

brazen

(disapproving) open and without shame, usually about something that people find shocking synonym shameless She had become brazen about the whole affair. his brazen admission that he was cheating she brazenly admitted letting him into the house

du jour

(də zho͝or, do̅o̅) adj. (= today's) after a noun 1. Prepared for a given day: The soup du jour is cream of potato. 2. Most recent; current: the trend du jour. [French : du, of the + jour, day.] The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. du jour (duː ˈʒɔː; French dy ʒur) adj 1. (postpositive) currently very fashionable or popular: the young writer du jour.

subdued

1 subdued lighting, colours etc are less bright than usual [= gentle] 2 a person that is subdued is unusually quiet and possibly unhappy: British EnglishRichard seems very subdued tonight. British Englisha subdued manner American English'Oh,' she said in a subdued voice. Subdued lighting. The symptoms are similar to those caused by the diseases but in a very subdued and mild form. There was light modern music playing a bit loud for my tastes but as more people arrived it did become more subdued. Subdued tones and abstract effects of light. Subdued mood and could only manage an egg. Subdued affair. Subdued voices not far from the spot where they stood. Subdued atmosphere.

flare-up

2 a situation in which someone suddenly has problems because of a disease or illness after not having any problems for a long time: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa flare-up of her arthritis a situation in which someone suddenly becomes angry or violent: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMApart from one or two flare-ups the match went fairly smoothly.

hair crimping

a method of styling usually straight, long hair so that it becomes wavy, often in a sawtooth fashion. ---VS crumpled paper ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ intimidating pronunciation American frightening in a way which makes a person feel less confident an intimidating manner intimidating for/to somebody This kind of questioning can be very intimidating to children.

froth

= foam= lather --- colors run ] if the colour runs in a piece of clothing when it gets wet, it dissolves and may come out of the clothing into other things ---- The colour ran and made all my underwear pink. ------------ have a ball to have a good time

pummel

= jab, punch to keep hitting somebody/something hard, especially with your fists (= tightly closed hands) pummel somebody/something (with something) He pummelled the pillow with his fists. (figurative) She pummelled (= strongly criticized) her opponents. pummel (at something) Her fists pummelled at his chest. ------ metropolis vs municipility

capricious

= unpredictable, variable, unstable, inconsistent, erratic 1 likely to change your mind suddenly or behave in an unexpected way: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMShe was as capricious as her mother had been. 2 literary changing quickly and suddenly: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa capricious wind —capriciously adverb

keep (close) tabs on sth/ sb

== keep track (informal) to watch somebody/something carefully in order to know what is happening so that you can control a particular situation It's not always possible to keep tabs on everyone's movements.

take on board

=adopt to understand and accept ideas and opinions which may change the way you behave in the future Banks need to take on board the views of their customers. It seems that young people are finally taking on board the message that it's not cool to smoke. See sweep the board --- phe·nom·e·na (fĭ-nŏm′ə-nə) n. Plural of phenomenon. The American Heritage® Dictionary of

strike a balance bw -- n ---

=compromise If you strike a balance between two things, you accept parts of both things in order to satisfy some of the demands of both sides in an argument, rather than all the demands of just one side: It's a question of striking the right balance between quality and productivity.

dunk

=dip dunk something (in/into something) to put food quickly into liquid before eating it She sat reading a magazine, dunking cookies in her coffee. 2 [transitive] dunk somebody/something< impo (especially North American English) to push somebody underwater for a short time, as a joke; to put something into water The camera survived being dunked in the river.

ordinance

=law ˈɔːrdɪnəns [countable, uncountable] (formal) an order or a rule made by a government or somebody in a position of authority --- out of sorts ) ill/sick or upset She was tired and out of sorts by the time she arrived home. Are you feeling all right? You look a bit out of sorts.

preclude

=prevent formal to prevent something or make something impossible: rules that preclude experimentation in teaching methods preclude somebody from doing something Age alone will not preclude him from standing as a candidate.

razzle dazzle

=razzmatazz [uncountable] (informal) a lot of noisy exciting activity that is intended to attract people's attention The documentary focuses on the razzmatazz of an American political campaign.

wuss

=wimp informal A weak or ineffectual person (often used as a general term of abuse): we are not just a group of shallow wusses what a snivelling wuss! MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Only wimps and wusses blamed their misfortune on others - real men made their own fortune. Boys who don't conform are ridiculed, called wimps and wusses. Call me a wimp and a wuss if you want to, but I could picture him in my head, and I couldn't talk to him.

vendetta

A blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family. Every family cultivates its vendetta; every clan, its feud. That deadly combination has let loose a wave of vengeance killings, tribal vendettas, mercenary kidnappings and thievery. To reveal the offense would mean dragging his family into an obligatory vendetta. 1.1A prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone: he has accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him The two sides have been engaged in a bitter private vendetta. vendetta between endettas between rival gangs He accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him. the victim of a political vendetta

boulverad

A broad city street, often tree-lined and landscaped.

flat rate

A charge that is the same in all cases, not varying in proportion with something: a system of charging a flat rate per household [AS MODIFIER]: replacing the fee-for-service system with flat-rate payments (Of a fee, wage, or price) the same in all cases, not varying with changed conditions or in particular cases: a $30 flat fare

man of the cloth

A clergyman.

platter

I'll have the fish platter (= several types of fish and other food served on a large plate).

truth be told

I'm not sure if I can do this, truth be told. Actually, truth be told, I just don't like you. Synonyms[edit] to be honest frankly

out of wedlock

Idiom: out of wedlock Of parents not legally married to each other: born out of wedlock. --- rectal intercourse

drown a noise out

If a loud noise drowns out another noise, it prevents it from being heard.

hit a nerve

If something hits a nerve, it upsets someone or causes them pain, often when it is something they are trying to hide. I think I hit a nerve with my comments about divorce. She suddenly looked distressed and I knew I'd touched a raw nerve.

for the common weal

If something is done for the common weal, it is done in the interests and for the benefit of the majority or the general public. -- emulate match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation. "lesser men trying to emulate his greatness" synonyms: imitate, copy, mirror, echo, follow, model oneself on; More imitate. "hers is not a hairstyle I wish to emulate" COMPUTING -- demonic diˈmänik/Submit adjective of, resembling, or characteristic of demons or evil spirits. "demonic possession"

in someone's good/bad books

If you are....they are pleased/not pleased with you: He's in Melanie's bad books because he arrived two hours late. I cleaned the bathroom yesterday so I'm in Mum's good books.

enervating

Illness and Disability en‧er‧vate [transitive] formal to make you feel tired and weak: The hot sun enervated her to the point of collapse. —enervated adjective [not before noun] David felt too enervated to resist. —enervating adjective

excuse my french

Inf. Excuse my use of swear words or taboo words. (Does not refer to real French.) Pardon my French, but this is a hell of a day. What she needs is a kick in the ass, if you'll excuse my French.

save it

Inf. Stop talking.; Shut up!; Tell it to me later. I've heard enough. Save it! Save it! You talk too much! --- take a call --- i love u to pieces -- on condition that She accepted the position on condition that there would be opportunity for advancement.

quote unquote

It is a spoken term, not written. What the user is trying to say is that what follows 'quote unquote' is what someone else has said. It is usually used with skepticism or cynicism about a word or two (short phrase). If you were to use it in a written sentence, it would be : John said, "Quote unquote - I really do hate you, James." This is because you are relating the actual words John spoke.

put sb on a pedestal

Women are both put on a pedestal and treated like second-class citizens. Fig. elevated to a position of honor or reverence. (Alludes to honoring someone on display on a pedestal like a statue. *Typically: place someone ~; put someone ~.) He puts his wife on a pedestal. She can do no wrong in his opinion. I was just doing my job. There is no point in placing me on a pedestal! put/place somebody on a pedestal to admire someone so much that you treat them or talk about them as though they are perfect:

Onwards and upwards

You can do it, Jane. Onwards and upwards! These words are said in order to encourage someone to forget an unpleasant experience or failure and to think about the future instead. I know you were disappointed about failing that Spanish exam, but it's not the end of the world. Onwards and upwards!

entourage

[C usually singular, also + plural verb] British English a group of people who travel with an important person: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe president and his entourage

carnage

[MASS NOUN] The killing of a large number of people: the bombing was timed to cause as much carnage as possible MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES For this day of carnage and tears there can be no justification or excuse. In the Philippines campaign, the fight to liberate Manila ended in carnage. The only problems I can see with the film are it's length and the will to show scenes of carnage on the streets of New York.

evils

[countable, usually plural] a bad or harmful thing; the bad effect of something the evils of drugs/alcohol social evils

ordnance

[countable] 1 American English a law, usually of a city or town, that forbids or restricts an activity: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa city ordinance that says parks must be closed at 11 p.m

socialite

[countable] someone who is well known for going to many fashionable parties, and who is often rich: American Englisha Washington socialite

hiccup

[countable] (informal) a small problem or temporary delay There was a slight hiccup in the timetable. We've planned it down to the last detail — we don't want any unexpected hiccups.

IV/ drip ( on a drip)

[countable] (medical) a piece of equipment that passes liquid food, medicine or blood very slowly through a tube into a patient's vein She's been put on a drip. He was on a drip for three days.

a low pain threshold

a high/low pain/boredom etc threshold (=the ability or inability to suffer a lot of pain or boredom before you react to it) -- the sum of the sum of something all of something, especially when you think that it is not very much This is the sum of my achievements so far the sum of her knowledge -- kick the habit of -------------- conditional sentences with inversiion should u require any further information, please contact us had I known about his behavior, I would have ... had the ppl not been informed, the situation would have been much worse

hot potato

a controversial topic = hot potato dog registeration has become a polictical hot potato -- and the like = and more of the same --- immune system --- artist: a professional entertainer, such as an actor, singer or a dancer

arc

a curved shape the arc of a rainbow The giant red sun presses up against the distant arc of the earth. ---- 5 [transitive] to lead or guide somebody to a place show somebody + adverb/preposition The attendant showed us to our seats. We were shown into the waiting room. the roly-poly concierge showed us to our rooms ----- skitter ˈskɪtər [intransitive] + adverb/preposition to run or move very quickly and lightly Tiny white crabs skitter into their holes at my approach. ----

hunch

a feeling or guess based on intuition rather than fact. "I have a hunch that someone is telling lies" synonyms: feeling, guess, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, impression, inkling, idea, notion, fancy, presentiment, premonition, intuition; More

with a bad taste in one's mouth

a feeling that something is false or unfair, a feeling of ill will I left the meeting with a bad taste in my mouth. There was a lot of dishonesty in the room

pact

a formal agreement between two or more people, groups or countries, especially one in which they agree to help each other a non-aggression pact They have made a pact with each other not to speak about their differences in public. a suicide pact(= an agreement by two or more people to kill themselves at the same time) The two parties agreed an electoral pact.

himbo

a good-looking but unintelligent young man. "how did she trick audiences conditioned to drool over himbos into falling for a middle-aged guy with a slight case of rheumatism?" VS bimbo ---- undertanking - noun - ʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ undertaking pronunciation American 1 [countable] a task or project, especially one that is important and/or difficult SYNONYM venture He is interested in buying the club as a commercial undertaking. In those days, the trip across country was a dangerous undertaking.

cohort

a group of people banded together or treated as a group. "a cohort of civil servants patiently drafting legislation"

treasuree trove

a group of valuable or interesting things or pieces of information, or the place where they are treasure trove of Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMOur Science Shop is a treasure trove of curiosities and gadgets.

noose

a hangman's noose (figurative) His debts were a noose around his neck. ravish=rape pl> nooses moose > moose goose> geese

heady

a heady smell, drink etc is pleasantly strong and seems to affect you strongly: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa heady combination of wine and brandy the heady smell of spices

a raft of

a large amount of something. "a raft of government initiatives"

urban sprawl

a large area of buildings that are spread out in an untidy and unattractive way: British EnglishWe drove through miles of urban sprawl before we finally got out into the countryside.

tenement

a large building divided into apartments, especially in the poorer areas of a city tenement building/house/block

billow

a large undulating mass of something, typically cloud, smoke, or steam. MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Flying in across a track of pearl and gold laid by the setting sun across the Atlantic, I watched the island shape itself as a dark mass hardening from a billow of pink sea-level clouds. As I turn around, the cheering cries of the people are almost as deafening as the explosion blows the homemade rocket into the clouds amidst billows of white smoke. She felt rejuvenated by the water as it washed over her and breathed deep the billows of steam clouding the air like an impregnable fog.ev (of fabric) fill with air and swell outwards: her dress billowed out around her

escape hatch

a means of escape in an emergency, esp from a submarine ---- have reason enough to do bla bla= to have a good reason

backseat driver

a meddler who insists on giving unwanted advice meddler - an officious annoying person who interferes with others

body dysmorphia disorder

a mental illness that involves belief that one's own appearance is unusually defective (worthy of hiding or fixing), while one's thoughts about it are pervasive and intrusive (at least one hour per day), although the perceived flaw might be nonexistent (BDD's delusional variant).

run-through

a practice performance of a ceremony, play, or concert the bride wore her dress for a runthrough

assisted living

a system that provides a place to live and medical care for people (such as elderly or disabled people) who need help with daily activities Full Definition of ASSISTED LIVING : a system of housing and limited care that is designed for senior citizens who need some assistance with daily activities but do not require care in a nursing home —usually hyphenated when used attributively <an assisted-living facility>

co·gnac (kōn′yăk′, kŏn′-, kôn′-)

a tye of wine ----- the buck stops here The need to act or take responsibility, that other people pass on to still other people, ultimately ends up here. (An expression made famous by U.S. President Harry Truman, about the finality of decisions a president must make. See also pass the buck.) After everyone else has avoided making the decision, I will have to do it. The buck stops here.

upheaval

a very big change that often causes problems: political upheaval Moving house is a major upheaval.

catamaran

a vessel (as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls ---------------------------- tacky Lacking style or good taste; tawdry: tacky clothes.

filial piety

a virtue of respect for one's parents

knickerbocker

are a form of men's or boys' baggy-kneed trousers particularly popular in the early twentieth century USA. Golfers' plus twos and plus fours were breeches of this type. Before World War II, skiers often wore knickerbockers too, usually ankle-length.شروال

bubble to the surface

arise thoughts ... when i ... their in-fights ... when he came back to the country

as such 2

as the word is usually understood; in the exact sense of the word The new job is not a promotion as such, but it has good prospects. 'Well, did they offer it to you?' 'No, not as such, but they said I had a good chance.' you can stay over although there is no guest room as such"

comprise = be comprised of

be comprised of comprise something to have somebody/something as parts or members SYNONYM consist of The collection comprises 327 paintings. The committee is comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors. 2 comprise something to be the parts or members that form something SYNONYM make something up Older people comprise a large proportion of those living in poverty.

put it on my ta

bill me for it --- debility physical weakness, especially as a result of illness. synonyms: frailty, weakness, enfeeblement, enervation, devitalization, lassitude, exhaustion, weariness, fatigue, prostration; More

pick up the slack

breɪ 1 [intransitive] when a donkey brays, it makes a loud unpleasant sound 2 [intransitive] (of a person) to talk or laugh in a loud unpleasant voice

seal

by his reaction to my situation, our friendship was sealed to make a victory certain: British EnglishSmith's goal sealed the victory.

bad to the bone

c) Completely bad and evil; pure evil. Translations[edit]. completely bad and evil; pure

unequivocal

completely clear and without any possibility of doubt:ʌnɪˈkwɪvəkl (formal) expressing your opinion or intention very clearly and firmly synonym unambiguous an unequivocal rejection The answer was an unequivocal 'no'. opposite equivocal unequivocally ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli ; ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli adverb We are unequivocally in favour of the changes. He stated unequivocally that he knew nothing about the document. His answer was an unequivocal 'No.'

fully-fledged

completely developed or trained: What started as a small business is now a fully fledged company. After years of study, Tim is now a fully fledged architect.of persons, e.g.) having gained full status; "a full-fledged lawyer"; "by the age of seventeen I was a full-fledged atheist"; "sees itself as a fully fledged rival party"

depraved

completely evil or morally unacceptable:Morally corrupt; wicked: he was a depraved lecher this city is depraved MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Inevitably, you must wonder whether barbarism is the natural condition of man let loose, or the depraved state of man when corrupted by violence. Legend tells us that the golden civilisation became so corrupt and depraved that it was destroyed by the angry gods - but did the city ever exist at all? It isn't the first time he has shown a depraved indifference toward responsibility, and sadly, it may not be the last. a killer's depraved mind

preposterous

completely unreasonable or silly [= absurd]:a preposterous suggestion MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES I believe these authorities to be wasting your time and taxes on this utterly preposterous project. Their position is so utterly preposterous it could be construed as libel. My list of possibilities, like anyone else's, is utterly preposterous. The whole idea sounds absolutely preposterous!

complicit in sth

com‧plic‧i‧ty [uncountable] formal 1 involvement in a crime, together with other people complicity in Jennings denied complicity in the murder. 2 involvement in or knowledge of a situation, especially one that is morally wrong or dishonest complicity with His complicity with the former government had led to his downfall. —complicit adjective: The careers of officers complicit in the cover-up were ruined

thaw

also thaw out [intransitive and transitive] to let frozen food become warmer until it is ready to cook [≠ freeze]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThaw frozen meat in its packet and then cook as soon as possible.

antipathy

antipathy (between A and B)| antipathy (to/toward(s) somebody/something) (formal) a strong feeling of dislike SYNONYM hostility personal/mutual antipathy a growing antipathy towards the idea His professional judgement was coloured by his personal antipathies. antipathetic ˌæntɪpəˈθetɪk antipathetic pronunciation English; ˌæntɪpəˈθetɪk antipathetic pronunciation American ADJECTIVE antipathetic (to somebody/something) antipathetic to change

altered state

any state of mind differing from the normal state of consciousness of a person, esp. one induced by drugs, hypnosis, or mental disorder Example: An altered state of mind is any condition which is significantly different from a normative waking beta wave. Etymology: 1893

tom, dick and harry

anyone Draw the curtains or we'll have every Tom, Dick, and Harry peeking in the window. Usage notes: usually said about any person you do not know or think is unimportant, and sometimes used in the form any Tom, Dick, or Harry: I want a qualified plumber to do the job, not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry. See also: and, every, harry

on the dole

doʊl dole pronunciation American [singular] usually the dole (British English, informal) money paid by the state to unemployed people,collo He's been on the dole(= without a job) for a year. The government is changing the rules for claiming dole. lengthening dole queues We could all be in the dole queue on Monday (= have lost our jobs).

drab

dræb drab pronunciation American drabber, drabbest without interest or colour; dull and boring a cold drab little office drab women, dressed in browns and greys

flinch

flɪntʃ [intransitive] to make a sudden movement with your face or body as a result of pain, fear, surprise, etc He met my gaze without flinching. He didn't even flinch (= wasn't surprised) when I told him the price. flinch at something He flinched at the sight of the blood. flinch away She flinched away from the dog. see also unflinching

innards

guts

uggs

hands-on father It simply means he is interested in the caring of his child and will be helpful in changing nappies and other duties instead of letting the mother do every thing. Hands on is used in a lot of situations meaning willing to help. ----- scruff scruff. facial hair. basically day three to five after a shave. "man my scruff is itchy

encumber

encumber somebody/something (with something) to make it difficult for somebody to do something or for something to happen The police operation was encumbered by crowds of reporters. The business is encumbered with debt. 2 encumber somebody/something (with something) to be large and/or heavy and make it difficult for somebody to move The frogmen were encumbered by their diving equipment. = hamper ------------------- spin a story : to tell (a tale, story, etc) by drawing it out at great lengt

despondent

extremely unhappy and without hope: British EnglishGill had been out of work for a year and was getting very despondent. despondent about British EnglishHe was becoming increasingly despondent about the way things were going. —despondency noun [uncountable] —despondently adverb ---- frisky inclined to frisk : playful <frisky puppies>; also : lively <a frisky performance> — frisk·i·ly adverb — frisk·i·ness noun See frisky defined for English-language learners » See frisky defined for kids » Examples of FRISKY The kids were frisky after all that candy

atrium

eɪtriəm 1 a large high space, usually with a glass roof, in the centre of a modern building The reception was held in the atrium. ----- otolarynologist --- podiatrist : a doctor with medical school education in diagnosing and treating problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. ------ pediatrician: pediatrician (spelt paediatrician in some countries) is a children's doctor

rusty

f knowledge or a skill) impaired by lack of recent practice. "my typing is a little rusty" synonyms: out of practice, not as good as it used to be, below

negligence

failure to take enough care over something that you are responsible for: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMnegligence in carrying out safety procedures Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe bridge's architect was sued for criminal negligence.

the rigours of something

harsh and demanding conditions: the problems and difficulties of a situation: all the rigors of a Canadian winter the stresses and rigours of modern life the rigours of a harsh winter MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Out of the rigours of this harsh clime emerged a religion of stark simplicity which enjoined good thoughts, good words and good deeds, and respect for the environment. When in Spain he had made a point of sharing the rigours of his soldiers. But Khan still needs to prove he can withstand the physical rigors of a complete tournament.

premordial nature

fitra praɪˈmɔːrdiəl ---- animosity anəˈmäsitē/Submit noun strong hostility. "he no longer felt any animosity toward her"

feud

fjuːd feud pronunciation American an angry and bitter argument between two people or groups of people that continues over a long period of time feud (between A and B) a long-running feud between the two artists feud (with somebody) a feud with the neighbours a family feud (= within a family or between two families) feud (over somebody/something) a feud over money ----- dapper fellow : A smart, well-made, little man.

do sth justic

do justice to somebody/something; do somebody/something justice 1 to treat or represent somebody/something fairly, especially in a way that shows how good, attractive, etc. they are That photo doesn't do you justice. He didn't play as well as he can, but to do him justice, it was his first game since his injury. The review did not do justice to her talents if u pick topi as braod as this one, u wouldnt b able to do it justi in a 2-page research paper

chance

do something by accident or without intending to: he was very effusive if they chanced to meet MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES SYNONYMS 1.1 (chance upon/on/across)= come across find or see by accident: he chanced upon an interesting advertisement

at your own risk

do something even though you have been warned about the possible dangers and will have to take responsibility for anything bad that happens Persons swimming beyond this point do so at their own risk (= on a notice). Valuables are left at their owner's risk (= on a notice). ---- bedroom and living room all in one = bedsit / studio ---- (figurative) I don't want to drive a wedge between the two of you (= to make you start disliking each other).

underway

having started and in progress; being done or carried out. "the remodeling should be underway by July"

tautology

he use of redundant words

henge

hendʒ a circle of large vertical wooden or stone objects built in prehistoric times

hothouse

hothouse atmosphere/environment etc a situation or place where there is a lot of activity and ideas An environment conducive to vigorous growth or development; a hotbed: "With its mix of African, Latin, European, and pan-American influences, the Caribbean is truly a musical hothouse" (New Yorker).In the hothouse atmosphere of college there are plenty of opportunities for falling in love. -------------------------------------- lighthouse= منارة

put the flags out

humorous › something that you say when you are pleased and surprised that something has happened: Josh has cleaned the bathroom - put the flags out!

horde

hɔːrd (sometimes disapproving) a large crowd of people There are always hordes of tourists here in the summer. Football fans turned up in hordes. VS hoard VS herd

hunky-dory

hʌŋkɪˈdɔːri/Submit adjectiveinformal 1. fine; going well. "everything is hunky-dory"

it dawned on me that

if a fact dawns on you, you realize it for the first time: British EnglishThe ghastly truth dawned on me. British English It dawned on me that Jo had been right all along = clicked to me that

ostracize

if a group of people ostracize someone, they refuse to accept them as a member of the group: She was afraid that if she spoke up her colleagues would ostracize her. He was ostracized by the other students. —ostracism noun [uncountable] He suffered years of ostracism. exclude, shun, spurn, cold-shoulder, reject, shut out, avoid, ignore, snub, cut dead, keep at arm's length, leave out in the cold -- rabb/i/ ---- /ˌfärməˈso͞otikəl /

going to hell in a handbasket

if a person or system is going to hell in a handbasket, they are in an extremely bad state and becoming worse He believes the welfare system in this country is going to hell in a handcart.

dog-eat-dog

if a situation is dog eat dog, people will do anything to be successful, even if what they do harms other people In showbusiness it's dog eat dog - one day you're a star, the next you've been replaced by younger talent. we live in a dog-eat-dog world ( or so goes he claim ) |< rmember

the police rounded up sb

if police or soldiers round up a group of people, they find them and arrest or capture them A number of suspects were rounded up and questioned. --- a hearing [singular] an opportunity to explain your actions, ideas or opinions to get give somebody a fair hearing His views may be unfashionable but he deserves a hearing.. --- السمن

waylay

if someone waylays you, they stop you when you are going somewhere, for example to attack you or talk to you: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThey used to waylay him as he came out of the factory. 2 [usually passive] if you are waylaid, you are delayed when you are doing something - often used humorously to say why you are late: Sorry, we got waylaid at the bar.

without missing a beat

if you do or say something without missing a beat, you continue confidently with what you are saying or doing She was asked what single achievement she was most proud of. 'My son,' she replied, without missing a beat.

not on my watch!

if you hear of something you disagree with, and you won't let that happen while you're around. "He uses a lot of chilli when he's cooking." "Not on my watch!" "Green pants go with a red shirt." "Not on my watch! --- i will fill u in with details

leverage

influence that you can use to make people do what you want: diplomatic leverage by the US If the United Nations had more troops in the area, it would have greater leverage.

have a chip on your shoulder

informal C2 to seem angry all the time because you think you have been treated unfairly or feel you are not as good as other people: He's got a chip on his shoulder about not having been to university.

yank sth

informal to suddenly pull something quickly and with force yank something out/back/open etc One of the men grabbed Tom's hair and yanked his head back. Nick yanked the door open. yank on/at With both hands she yanked at the necklace. —yank noun [countable] Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe gave the rope a yank. --- sanctimonious, self-righteous

lunge at

lʌndʒ to make a sudden strong movement towards someone or something, especially to attack them lunge at/forward/towards/out etc Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe goats lunged at each other with their horns. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMJohn lunged forward and grabbed him by the throat. —lunge noun [countable] Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMBrad made a lunge towards his opponent, but missed.

euphonious

juːˈfoʊniəs euphonious pronunciation American (formal) (of a sound, word, etc.) pleasant to listen to

jog ur memories of

make u remember sth : evoke do or say something to help you remember This photo of your dog may jog your memories of the old days Fig. to stimulate someone's memory to recall something. Hearing the first part of the song I'd forgotten really jogged my memory. DI tried to jog Bill's memory about our childhood antics.

bring sb down

make unhappy "this sad music is beinging u down" ----- At the end: in the last part u can ask questions at the end of my speech Vs in the end: eventually in the end, we found her lost cat

crass

kræs crass pronunciation American very stupid and showing no sympathy or understanding SYNONYM insensitive the crass questions all disabled people get asked an act of crass (= great) stupidity crassly kræsli crassly pronunciation English; kræsli crassly pronunciation American ADVERB crassness kræsnəs crassness pronunciation English; kræsnəs crassness pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable]

it's a drag

man" is informal slang (speech). You could also use the word "bummer". It is not considered proper if used in a business or professional settings. It conveys how you feel doing or experiencing anything that you would prefer not doing. It also indicates an experience as unpleasant. Examples of usage are. Being sick is a drag or bummer. Some jobs are a drag. Getting arrested is a drag. What a bummer (drag), I have to babysit Friday night. SS Asker's Rating & Comment

choir

kwaɪər 1 [countable + singular or plural verb] a group of people who sing together, for example in church services or public performances She sings in the school choir.

quixotic dream/plan/wish/endeavors

kwɪkˈsɑːtɪk (formal) having or involving ideas or plans that show imagination but are usually not practical From the character Don Quixote in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, whose adventures are a result of him trying to achieve or obtain things that are impossible.

conducive

kənˈduːsɪv conducive pronunciation American conducive to something making it easy, possible or likely for something to happen Chairs in rows are not as conducive to discussion as chairs arranged in a circle. The soft lights and music were conducive to a relaxed atmosphere. VS conductive ( heat / electrcity )

lithe

laɪð lithe pronunciation American (of a person or their body) moving or bending easily, in a way that is elegant a tall lithe figure lithely laɪðli lithely pronunciation English; laɪðli lithely pronunciation American ADVERB She moved lithely to the music.

liken sth to sth

liken something/somebody to something/somebody (formal) to compare one thing or person to another and say they are similar Life is often likened to a journey.

burro

lil donkey= mule

at eventide

literary = in the evening the end of the day; evening: the moonflower opens its white, trumpet-like flowers at eventide

flaxen-haired

literary flaxen hair is light yellow in colour [= blond] chic= stylish

spurn

literary to refuse to accept something or someone, especially because you are too proud: British EnglishShe spurned all offers of help. British Englisha spurned lover she spurned his title and money = disdain

dialectic

logic a method of examining and discussing ideas in order to find the truth, in which two opposing ideas are compared in order to find a solution that includes them both —dialectical adjective

longevity

lɔːnˈdʒevəti ; lɑːnˈdʒevəti [uncountable] (formal) long life; the fact of lasting a long time We wish you both health and longevity. He prides himself on the longevity of the company.

mope

moʊp [intransitive] to feel sorry for yourself, without making any effort to do anything or be more happy: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMDon't lie there moping on a lovely morning like this! Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe week he died, we all sat around and moped. synonym brood Moping won't do any good!

malifluous

məˈliflo͞oəs/Submit adjective (of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. "the voice was mellifluous and smooth"

masseuse

məˈsuːs masseuse pronunciation American a woman whose job is giving people massage

miffed

mɪft miffed pronunciation American [not before noun] (informal) slightly angry or upset SYNONYM annoyed She's a bit miffed that we're not taking her with us.

acrid

n acrid smell or taste is strong and unpleasant and stings your nose or throat: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa cloud of acrid smoke 2 formal an acrid remark expresses anger and criticizes someone strongly

a goof-off

n. Slang = shirker One who shirks work or responsibility.

nada

nada (ˈnɑːdə) n 1. US nothing ----- = diddly-squat --- jump at the chance

duds

nformal One that is disappointingly ineffective or unsuccessful. he was a dud and all his family knew it 3. duds Informal a. Clothing. she always wears designer duds

niceties

niceties (formal) 1 [countable, usually plural] the small details or points of difference, especially concerning the correct way of behaving or of doing things he affability enabled him to cut smoothly through soical niceties and start initimate friendships

stoic

not showing emotion or not complaining when bad things happen to you —stoically adverb: bore the pain stoically. a person who is able to suffer pain or trouble without complaining or showing what they are feeling stoic (also stoical ˈstəʊɪkl stoical pronunciation English; ˈstoʊɪkl stoical pronunciation American ) ADJECTIVE her stoic endurance his stoical acceptance of death

uncharacteristic of somebody

not typical of somebody; not the way somebody usually behaves The remark was quite uncharacteristic of her. opposite characteristic uncharacteristically ˌʌnˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪkli ; ˌʌnˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪkli adverb The children had been uncharacteristically quiet.

query

quesion to express doubt about whether something is true or correct: Both players queried the umpire's decision. query whether Many people are querying whether the tests are accurate. = question the accuracy of the tests 2 to ask a question: 'What time are we leaving?' Maggie queried.

storehouse of info

of information/memories etc something that contains a lot of information etc: British EnglishThe local archives service offers a storehouse of material. 2 old-fashioned a building where things are stored [= warehouse] --- realm = relm --- schoolmate

vascular

of, relating to, affecting, or consisting of a vessel or vessels, esp. those that carry blood. "vascular disease"

smitten with love

overwhelmed or struck by something, usually love. The way you light up every time the waiter comes over to your table, it's obvious you're smitten with him. Smitten is related to the verb smite, which comes from the Old English smitan, meaning "to hit, strike, beat." What do hitting and beating have to do with love, you may ask? Well, when some people fall in love they report feeling as though they've been "struck by lightning." Obviously those people have never actually been struck by lightning, because when you're struck by lightning you don't start saying things like, "Oh, you like the beach? Brad loves the beach!" and, "You have a cat? So does Brad!"

overshadow

oʊvərˈʃædoʊ [often passive] 1 overshadow somebody/something to make somebody/something seem less important, or successful He had always been overshadowed by his elder sister. Domestic policy was soon overshadowed by political unrest abroad.

rat on sb

past tense and past participle ratted, present participle ratting [intransitive] informal 1 if someone rats on you, they tell someone in authority about something wrong that you have done [= grass on] rat on Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThey'll kill you if they find out you've ratted on them! -------------------- spoken someone who has been disloyal to you or deceived you: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMBut you promised --------------------- row [intransitive] British English to argue in an angry way row about Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThey rowed about money all the time. to help us, you rat!

slur ur words

past tense and past participle slurred, present participle slurring 1 [intransitive and transitive] to speak unclearly without separating your words or sounds correctly slur your words/speech She was slurring her words as if she was drunk. His voice sounded slurred. VS stutter = stammer

peremptory

peremptory behaviour, speech etc is not polite or friendly and shows that the person speaking expects to be obeyed immediately: a peremptory demand for silence = 1.= imperious, arbitrary, assertive, authoritative, autocratic, dictatorial, dogmatic, bossy (informal), intolerant, domineering, overbearing, high-handed • He treated his colleagues in a peremptory manner.

written in stone

permanent or not subject to change. (Often in the negative.) Now, this isn't carved in stone yet, but this looks like the way it's going to be. Is this policy carved in stone, or can it still be modified?

cleave to sb/someone

phrasal verb 1 formal to continue to think that a method, belief, person etc is true or valuable, even when this seems unlikely: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMJohn still cleaves to his romantic ideals.

tack on

phrasal verb to add something new to something that is already complete, especially in a way that looks wrong or spoils the original thing: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa beautiful old house with a hideous modern extension tacked on at the back

marry sb off to s

phrasal verb to find a husband or wife for someone - used in order to show disapproval marry somebody ↔ off to Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThey married her off to the first young man who came along.

cogenial

pleasant in a way that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed congenial atmosphere/surroundings/environment<< collo The department provides a congenial atmosphere for research Frank was a very congenial colleague. congenial to LThe summers out here are not congenial to the average North European. 2 suitable for something: Compost provides congenial conditions for roots to develop. —congeniality noun [uncountable --------------- compost : سماد

retreat

quiet place 4 [countable] a quiet, private place that you go to in order to get away from your usual life a country retreat 5 [uncountable, countable] a period of time when somebody stops their usual activities and goes to a quiet place for prayer and thought; an organized event when people can do this He went into retreat and tried to resolve the conflicts within himself. to go on a Buddhist retreat --- greek yoghurt = labneh

knock urself out

please begin doing it If you want to make hotel and airline and car reservations and take care of everything, well, then, knock yourself out. Usage notes: usually said to show you are unhappy with someone who has complained about your efforts --- A term for: Do whatever the hell you want, it doesn't bother me. "dad, can i go to the park?" "Can you get there yourself?" "Yeah" "well then, knock yourself out. Equivalent to "Go for it" "Can I have a piece of your burrito?" "Knock yourself out."

press a point/claim/case

point/claim/case 7 [transitive] press something to express or repeat something with force I don't want to press the point, but you do owe me $200. She is still pressing her claim for compensation. They were determined to press their case at the highest level.PRE

indigent

poor; needy. "a charity for the relief of indigent artists" synonyms: poor, impecunious, destitute, penniless, impoverished, poverty-stricken, down and out, pauperized, without a penny to one's name, without two farthings/pennies to rub together; More antonyms: rich noun the indigent= the por

knowhow

practical knowledge or skill; expertise: technical know-how More example sentences with some help of skilled friends and the exchange of know-how, the process of refurbishing was made easier They are a talented team with a varied brand of footballing skill and know-how. These guys are doing the best they can, but they don't have the same expertise and know-how. Without the skill and know-how of the wine-growers and wine-makers there would be no great wines.

prop

propping, propped to support an object by leaning it against something, or putting something under it etc; to support a person in the same way prop something/somebody/yourself (up) (against something) He propped his bike against the wall. She propped herself up on one elbow. He lay propped against the pillows. prop something + adjective The door was propped open.

prevaricate

prɪˈværɪkeɪt [intransitive, transitive] (+ speech) (formal) to avoid giving a direct answer to a question in order to hide the truth synonym beat about the bush Stop prevaricating and come to the point. prevarication prɪˌværɪˈkeɪʃn ; prɪˌværɪˈkeɪʃn noun [uncountable, countable] She accused him of prevarication. The report was full of lies and prevarications. Beta: Related Entries equivocate -- footpath ( in the forest for example)

cleric

religious leader in any religion Muslim clerics VS clerk -- voice ur opinion

refurbish

renovate and redecorate (something, especially a building): the premises have been completely refurbished in our corporate style

brassy

resembling brass in colour. "the last rays of the sun were brassy and chill" (of a person, typically a woman) tastelessly showy or loud in appearance or manner. "her brassy, audacious exterior"

ensue from sth

result from sth to happen after or as a result of something ensue from Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMproblems that ensue from food and medical shortages

wreathe

riːð (formal) 1 [transitive, usually passive] wreathe something (in/with something) to surround or cover something The mountain tops were wreathed in mist. The plant grew everywhere, its stems wreathed with soft blue flowers. (figurative) Her face was wreathed in smiles(= she was smiling a lot). VS the noun > wreath < voiceless

floor buffer

rotary floor machine is an electrical appliance that is used to clean and maintain non-carpeted floors,

insolent

rude and not showing any respect: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMan insolent tone of voice Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMYou insolent child! ---- globular ˈɡlɑːbjələr globular pronunciation American shaped like a ball, globe or globule; consisting of globules The plant has distinctive globular flowers.

ruse

ruːz ruse pronunciation American حيلة a way of doing something or of getting something by cheating somebody SYNONYM trick She tried to think of a ruse to get him out of the house.

remiss

rɪˈmɪs [not before noun] (formal) not giving something enough care and attention synonym negligent remiss (of somebody) (to do something) It was remiss of them not to inform us of these changes sooner. remiss (in something/in doing something) She had clearly been remiss in her duty. [not before noun] formal careless because you did not do something that you ought to have done [= negligent] remiss in Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMparents who are remiss in their duties it was remiss of somebody to do something Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMIt was remiss of the social services not to notify the police.

retentive

rɪˈtentɪv retentive pronunciation American (of the memory) able to store facts and remember things easily She has an amazingly retentive memory. see also retain --- binomial epinthesis ; adding letters metathesis ; switching them

resolved

rɪˈzɑːlvd resolved pronunciation American; rɪˈzɔːlvd resolved pronunciation American [not before noun] resolved (to do something) (formal) determined I was resolved not to see him -- besides = in addition ( alone ) - in addition to ( with sth ) --- trifle ˈtraɪfl trifle pronunciation American 1 a trifle [singular] (used as an adverb) (formal or humorous) slightly She seemed a trifle anxious. He was just a trifle too friendly for my liking. 2 [countable] something that is not valuable or important There's no point worrying over such trifles. $1000 is a mere trifle to her. 3 [countable, uncountable] (British English) a cold dessert (= a sweet dish) made from cake and fruit with wine and/or jelly poured over it, covered with custard and cream --- benefactor ˈbenɪfæktər benefactor pronunciation American (formal) a person who gives money or other help to a person or an organization such as a school or charity a generous benefactor friends and benefactors of the hospital

tidings

ral] (old-fashioned or humorous) news I am the bearer of good tidings.< colo He brought glad tidings.< colo Even worse tidings were to follow.

grackle

raven --------------- pitch-black completely black or dark a pitch-black night

submerge

səbˈmɜːrdʒ submerge pronunciation American 1 [intransitive, transitive] to go under the surface of water or liquid; to put something or make something go under the surface of water or liquid The submarine had had time to submerge before the warship could approach. submerge something The fields had been submerged by floodwater. 2 [transitive] submerge something to hide ideas, feelings, opinions, etc. completely Doubts that had been submerged in her mind suddenly resurfaced.

substantiate sth

səbˈstænʃieɪt substantiate pronunciation American substantiate something (formal) to provide information or evidence to prove that something is true = prove/ support The results of the tests substantiated his claims. They made accusations which could not be substantiated

circuitous

sərˈkjuːɪtəs (formal) (of a route or journey) long and not direct synonym roundabout He took us on a circuitous route to the hotel. The journey was circuitous and slow.

salacious

səˈleɪʃəs (formal) (of stories, pictures, etc.) encouraging sexual desire or containing too much sexual detail The papers concentrated on the more salacious aspects of the case. salacious love letters

survey

səˈveɪ / [WITH OBJECT] 1look closely at or examine (someone or something): her green eyes surveyed him coolly I surveyed the options MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Something in the two larger puppies caught his eye and he picked one of them up, surveying it closely. His eyes were worried as he helped her stand up, surveying her closely for injury. She surveyed me closely through her fine spectacles.

syndicate sth

sɪndɪkeɪt syndicate pronunciation American [usually passive] to sell an article, a photograph, a television programme, etc. to several different newspapers, etc His column is syndicated throughout the world remeber: syndicate : نقابة

condone

to accept or forgive behaviour that most people think is morally wrong: I cannot condone the use of violence under any circumstances.

see sb off

to accompany one to the point of departure for a trip and say good-bye upon departure. We went to the train station to see Andy off. We saw off all the scouts going to camp.

back down

to admit that you were wrong or that you have been defeated: Eventually, Roberto backed down and apologized. Local residents have forced the local council to back down from/on its plans to build a nightclub on their street. (Definition of back down from the Cambri

be at sb's beck and call

to always be ready to do what someone wants: I was tired of being at her beck and call all day long. Ready to comply with any wish or command. ----------------- Sino-Japanese vocabulary: That portion of the Japanese vocabulary that is of Chinese origin or makes use of morphemes of Chinese origin (similar to the use of Latin/Greek in English).

hav a field day

to be able to do something you enjoy a great deal, esp. criticizing someone The newspapers would have a field day if his drinking was ever widely known.

rest assured

to be assured; to be certain. Rest assured that you'll receive the best of care. Please rest assured that we will do everything possible to help.

tough it out

to be strong while experiencing difficulties Should we tough it out, or should we close the store and go out of business now?

hold court

to get a lot of attention from a group of people by talking in a way that is entertaining, especially on social occasions Usage notes: In the past, a king or queen held court when they talked to the people who gave them advice. You'll find Mick holding court in the kitchen.

pander to

to give someone anything they want in order to please them, even if it seems unreasonable or unnecessary - used to show disapproval: Gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire or taste or a person with such a desire or taste):يلبي رغبات newspapers are pandering to people's baser instincts MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES So are cable news executives just pandering to the popular taste in order to get a bigger rating? She tries to hold on to as much genuine stuff as she can while pandering to fancier tastes. This low price should ensure a high take-up, pandering to people's desire to look good and not worry about a comfortable ride. Some newspapers feel they have to pander to the prejudices of their readers. Highly trained staff will pander to your every whim. <<collo

throw sb off

to interrupt and confuse someone; to mislead someone. The interruption threw me off, and I lost my place in the speech. Little noises throw me off. Please try to be quiet. Your comment threw me off.

chime in

to join or interrupt a conversation He kept chiming in with his own opinions. + speech 'And me!' she chimed in. ---- bloodcurdling " scream" causing a feeling of extreme fear: a bloodcurdling story/scream

do a double take

to react with surprise; to have to look twice to make sure that one really saw correctly. When the boy led a goat into the park, everyone did a double take. When the nurse saw that the man had six toes, she did a double take. See also: double, take McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. do a double take to look at something or someone twice because you are so surprised at what you have seen He walked past her and she did a double take. Without his beard he was quite transformed.

obscure

to prevent something from being seen or heard clearly: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe view was obscured by mist. her head obscured my vision

some idioms

to put the cat among the pigeons to do or say something that causes trouble and makes a lot of people angry or worried Tell them all they've got to work on Saturday. That should set the cat among the pigeons. ------------------------------ kick out = put sb/sth out to get rid of someone or an animal; to eliminate someone or an animal from something or some place. The usher put the noisy boys out of the theater. He put out the boys. Please put out the cat after dinner. ----- turn the lightts of = put out the lights ---- put out to inconvenience oneself. I just don't know why I put myself out for you! No, I did not put myself out at all. It was no trouble, in fact ur mother has always put herself out for her a. To inconvenience: Did our early arrival put you out? b. To offend or irritate: I was put out by his attention to the television set. she was put out by his comment ---- a man of his word = he keeps his promise ----- a man about town = - a man devoted to the pursuit of pleasure ---- the best man The bridegroom's chief attendant at a wedding. --- white coffee : ( with milk ) --- too many cooks spoil the broth it's no use crying over spilt milk --- Just as the phrase 'Pigs will fly' is used to indicate an unlikely event, the phrase 'When fish ride bicycles' is also sometimes used for the same purpose. = when cows jump over the moon ---- breakage: something that has been broken: Any breakages must be paid for.

take a stroll down the memory lane

to remember some of the happy things that you did in the past We were just taking a stroll down memory lane and recalling the days of our youth. --- drill sth home means that you repeat it and repeat it and repeat it until the person you are telling accepts it as the truth. --- thats so f-----up = thats so jacked up

tranvestite

trans·ves·tite [trans-ves-tahyt, tranz-] Show IPA noun a person, especially a male, who assumes the dress and manner usually associated with the opposite sex. = drag queen / crossdresser

it transpired that

tranˈspʌɪə , trɑːn-/ VERB [NO OBJECT] 1 [WITH CLAUSE] (usually it transpires) (Of a secret or something unknown) come to be known; be revealed: it transpired that millions of dollars of debt had been hidden in a complex web of transactions MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES During questioning, it transpired that the US Secret Service would continue providing protection services to the twins. And when the facts emerged and it transpired that Michael had nothing to do with any of it - people still preferred to believe the lie. So while rueing the fact that we are not in the right business to make lots of money it transpired that none of us had chosen the field we were working in but had, by various means, fallen into it.

trope

troʊp trope pronunciation American (technical) a word or phrase that is used in a way that is different from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental image or effect. Metaphors and similes are tropes.

trance

træns trance pronunciation American 1 [countable] a state in which somebody seems to be asleep but is aware of what is said to them, for example if they are hypnotized to go/fall into a trance < collo 2 [countable] a state in which you are thinking so much about something that you do not notice what is happening around you Synonym daze 3 (also trance music) [uncountable] a type of electronic dance music with hypnotic rhythms and sounds ---- transitive>measures to combat crime/inflation/unemployment/disease

such that

saying that a particular type of situation, behaviour, action etc causes the result that you are mentioning such (...) that: He speaks to me in such a way that I always feel he is insulting me. be such that: Their relationship was such that they spent every possible minute together. such is/was: Such was Crowther's reputation in the city that no one ever questioned his judgment. such as to: The countess's treatment of her servants was such as to cause great resentment.

sensitize sb to sth

sensitize somebody/something (to something) to make somebody/something more aware of something, especially a problem or something bad People are becoming more sensitized to the dangers threatening the environment.

serendipitous

serənˈdɪpəti [uncountable] the fact of something interesting or pleasant happening by chance Meeting her like that, and there of all places, was true serendipity! serendipitous the serendipitous benefits of studying abroad ˌserənˈdɪpətəs ; ˌserənˈdɪpətəs adjective serendipitous discoveries

set the stage for sth

set the stage for something to make it possible for something to happen; to make something likely to happen Family problems in childhood can set the stage for stress in adult life.

mink

she was wearing a mink jacket

truncation

shortness: the property of being truncated or short (formal) to make something shorter, especially by cutting off the top or end My article was published in truncated form. a truncated pyramid Further discussion was truncated by the arrival of tea. truncation ; noun [uncountable, countable]

can it

shut up

contortionist

someone who twists their body into strange positions in order to entertain people

wedge sth somewhere

something + adverb/preposition to put or squeeze something tightly into a narrow space, so that it cannot move easily synonym jam The boat was now wedged between the rocks. She wedged herself into the passenger seat. The phone was wedged under his chin.

go ballistic

spoken to suddenly become very angry: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMI couldn't believe it! She went ballistic just because there were peas in her pasta.

by all means

spoken used to mean 'of course' when politely allowing someone to do something or agreeing with a suggestion: OM'Can I bring Alan?' 'By all means!' 4 by no means/not by any means not at all: It is by no means certain that the game will take place. She's not a bad kid, by any means.

stow

stoʊ stow something (away) (in something) to put something in a safe place She found a seat, stowed her backpack and sat down. His passport was stowed away in the desk. stoʊ

on board with ath

supporting something While most of us might be OK about interracial dating, some people aren't on board with the notion. ------- brawl= quarrel

transffixed

trænsˈfɪks [usually passive] transfix somebody to make somebody unable to move because they are afraid, surprised, etc. synonym paralyse Luisa stood transfixed with shock. -- convocation ˌkɑːnvəˈkeɪʃn (formal) 1 [countable] a large formal meeting, especially of Church officials or members of a university 2 [uncountable] the act of calling together a convocation 3 [countable] (North American English) a ceremony held in a university or college when students receive their degrees --- level-headed calm and sensible

a knockout

very attractive woman. So named because her attractiveness is so stunning that it can (figuratively) knock you out. (make you speechless, stutter, etc.) Hence the term "knockout."

ghastly

very bad or unpleasant [= horrible]: a ghastly little hotel The whole thing was a ghastly mistake. The weather was ghastly. 2 making you very frightened, upset, or shocked: a ghastly accident 3 look/feel ghastly to look or feel ill, upset, or unhappy: Are you all right? You look ghastly! one of the most ghastly crimes ever committed

parched

very dry, especially because of hot weather: the parched African landscape He raised the water bottle to his parched lips. 2 be parched informal to be very thirsty vs perch

veneer

vəˈnɪr 2 [singular] veneer (of something) (formal) an outer appearance of a particular quality that hides the true nature of somebody/something Her veneer of politeness began to crack. ----- Grin and bear it Fig. to endure something unpleasant in good humor. There is nothing you can do but grin and bear it. I hate having to work for rude people. I guess I have to grin and bear it.

wan

wɑːn wan pronunciation American looking pale and weak his grey, wan face She gave me a wan smile (= showing no energy or enthusiasm). the wan sunlight of a winter's morning wanly wɒnli wanly pronunciation English; wɑːnli wanly pronunciation American ADVERB He smiled wanly.

zine

ziːn / NOUN • informal a magazine, especially a fanzine. MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES More definitions of zine

antethesis

ænˈtɪθəsɪs [usually singular] plural antitheses ænˈtɪθəsiːz ; ænˈtɪθəsiːz (formal) 1 the opposite of something Love is the antithesis of selfishness. Students finishing their education at 16 is the very antithesis of what society needs. 2 a contrast between two things There is an antithesis between the needs of the state and the needs of the people. antithetical ˌæntɪˈθetɪkl ; ˌæntɪˈθetɪkl adjective antithetical (to something) A culture of violence is antithetical to the church's traditional teaching.

charade

ʃəˈrɑːd/Submit noun plural noun: charades 1. an absurd pretence intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance. "talk of unity was nothing more than a charade" ----------------------- have a wank to masturbate I'd like to have a wank if you'd just get out of my room. David has a wank every day at about 4 in the afternoon. I'm sure he's off having a wank for the third time in the past hour. If the boss hasn't had a wank today, I'd say he could use one. I'm sure the stick up his ass would be useful in that case.

calling

ˈkɔːlɪŋ 1 a strong desire or feeling of duty to do a particular job, especially one in which you help other people synonym vocation He realized that his calling was to preach the gospel. 2 (formal) a profession or career My father considered engineering one of the highest possible callings.

corny

ˈkɔːrni cornier, corniest (informal) not original; used too often to be interesting or to sound sincere a corny joke/song I know it sounds corny, but it really was love at first sight!

liable

ˈlaɪəbl liable pronunciation American [not before noun] 1 liable (for something) legally responsible for paying the cost of something You will be liable for any damage caused. The court ruled he could not be held personally liable for his wife's debts. 2 liable to do something likely to do something We're all liable to make mistakes when we're tired. The bridge is liable to collapse at any moment. 3 liable to something likely to be affected by something SYNONYM prone You are more liable to injury if you exercise infrequently.

in longhand

ˈlɑːŋhænd [uncountable] in ordinary writing, not typed or written in shorthand I prefer to write my work down in longhand first. --- indubitably --- get out of someone's hair to stop annoying someone. Will you get out of my hair! You area real pain!

learned

ˈlɜːrnɪd learned pronunciation American [usually before noun] 1 (formal) having a lot of knowledge because you have studied and read a lot a learned professor see also friend (5) 2 (formal) connected with or for learned people; showing and expressing deep knowledge SYNONYM scholarly a learned journal 3 lɜːnd learned pronunciation English; lɜːrnd learned pronunciation American developed by training or experience; not existing at birth a learned skill We all have different learned responses to anger.

saunter

ˈsɔːntər saunter pronunciation American [intransitive] + adverb/preposition to walk in a slow relaxed way SYNONYM stroll =amble He sauntered by, looking as if he had all the time in the world. saunter NOUN [singular] This part of the route should be an easy saunter. goss= gosspi thicko = a stupid peron aforementioned= mentioned previously --- VS ---- to walk proudly : strut - swagger to walk heavely : trudge- lumber VS slur ur words - stutter = stammer

taxi

ˈtæksi taxiing, taxied, taxied [intransitive] (of a plane) to move slowly along the ground before taking off or after landing

tinder

ˈtɪndər [uncountable] dry material, especially wood or grass, that burns easily and can be used to light a fire The fire started late Saturday in tinder-dry grass near the Snake River. VS tinder

tinker with

ˈtɪŋkər [intransitive] tinker (with something) to make small changes to something in order to repair or improve it, especially in a way that may not be helpful He's in the garage tinkering with his bike. The password will prevent others from tinkering with your data. The government is merely tinkering at the edges of a much wider problem. --------------------------- 2 ˈblʌbər [uncountable] the fat of whales and other sea animal

valiant

ˈvæliənt (especially literary) /ˈvalɪənt very brave or determined synonym courageous valiant warriors She made a valiant attempt not to laugh. feathered warriors valiantly protecting young maidens from jade-eyed panthers.

vermin

ˈvɜːrmɪn [plural] 1 wild animals or birds that destroy plants or food, or attack farm animals and birds On farms the fox is considered vermin and treated as such. 2 insects that live on the bodies of animals and sometimes humans The room was crawling with vermin. 3 (disapproving) people who are very unpleasant or dangerous to society

watertight

ˈwɑːtərtaɪt 1 that does not allow water to get in or out a watertight container The roof has been made watertight. 2 (of an excuse, a plan, an argument, etc.) carefully prepared so that it contains no mistakes, faults or weaknesses a watertight alibi The case has to be made watertight.

wistful

ˈwɪstfl wistful pronunciation American thinking sadly about something that you would like to have, especially something in the past that you can no longer have/ do a wistful smile wistfully ˈwɪstfəli wistfully pronunciation English; ˈwɪstfəli wistfully pronunciation American ADVERB She sighed wistfully. 'If only I had known you then,' he said wistfully. wistfulness

withering

ˈwɪðərɪŋ withering pronunciation American 2 (of a look, remark, etc.) intended to make somebody feel silly or ashamed withering scorn She gave him a withering look. witheringly ˈwɪðərɪŋli witheringly pronunciation English; ˈwɪðərɪŋli witheringly pronunciation American ADVERB = scornful, blasting, devastating, humiliating, snubbing, blighting, hurtful, mortifying • She launched a withering attack on the Press.

adamant that

ˈædəmənt adamant pronunciation American determined not to change your mind or to be persuaded about something Eva was adamant that she would not come. adamantly ˈædəməntli adamantly pronunciation English; ˈædəməntli adamantly pronunciation American ADVERB His family were adamantly opposed to the marriage.

allegory

ˈæləɡɔːri [countable, uncountable] plural allegories a story, play, picture, etc. in which each character or event is a symbol representing an idea or a quality, such as truth, evil, death, etc; the use of such symbols a political allegory the poet's use of allegory see also fable allegorical ˌæləˈɡɒrɪkl ; ˌæləˈɡɔːrɪkl adjective an allegorical figure/novel

irksome

ˈɜːrksəm irksome pronunciation American (formal) annoying or irritating SYNONYM tiresome I found the restrictions irksome.

gruesome

ˈɡruːsəm gruesome pronunciation American very unpleasant and filling you with horror, usually because it is connected with death or injury a gruesome murder gruesome pictures of dead bodies (humorous) We spent a week in a gruesome apartment in Miami. gruesomely ˈɡruːsəmli gruesomely pronunciation English; ˈɡruːsəmli gruesomely pronunciation American ADVERB = grisly

grandiose

ˈɡrændioʊs (disapproving) seeming very impressive but too large, complicated, expensive, etc. to be practical or possible The grandiose scheme for a journey across the desert came to nothing. a grandiose opera house He could no longer live the grandiose lifestyle to which he had become accustomed. --- to give somebody a lot of pleasure and enjoyment This news will delight his fans all over the world. --- media / family ( sig/pl)

gambit

ˈɡæmbɪt gambit pronunciation American 1 a thing that somebody does, or something that somebody says at the beginning of a situation or conversation, that is intended to give them some advantage an opening gambit(= the first thing you say) The opposition have dismissed promises of tax cuts as a pre-election gambit. His idea of a brilliant conversational gambit is 'What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?' something that you do or say which is intended to give you an advantage in an argument: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa clever debating gambit Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThese questions are often an opening gambit (=the thing you say first) for a negotiation.

gander

ˈɡændər gander pronunciation American a male goose (= a bird like a large duck ) IDIOMS have/take a gander (at something) (informal) to look at something --- male sow - boar

galling

ˈɡɔːlɪŋ [not usually before noun] (of a situation or fact) making you angry because it is unfair It was galling to have to apologize to a man she hated. =annoying

gurgle

ˈɡɜːrɡl gurgle pronunciation American 1 [intransitive] to make a sound like water flowing quickly through a narrow space Water gurgled through the pipes. The water made a gurgling noise as it ran down the drain. a gurgling stream 2 [intransitive] if a baby gurgles, it makes a noise in its throat when it is happy The baby gurgled happily. She gurgled with laughter. VS gargle ---- dank= muggy

interloper

ˈɪntərloʊpər interloper pronunciation American a person who is present in a place or a situation where they do not belong SYNONYM intruder She felt like an interloper in her own family.

shindig

ˈʃɪndɪɡ (informal) a big noisy party -- millennium> 1000

throttle

ˈθrɑːtl throttle somebody to attack or kill somebody by squeezing their throat in order to stop them from breathing synonym strangle He throttled the guard with his bare hands. (humorous) I like her, although I could cheerfully throttle her at times (= because she is annoying). (figurative) The city is being throttled by traffic.

bon vivant

ˌbɑːn viːˈvɑːnt a person who enjoys going out with friends and eating good food, drinking good wine, etc.

downwind

ˌdaʊnˈwɪnd in the direction in which the wind is blowing sailing downwind -- from being extremely poor to being very rich a rags-to-riches story Hers was a classic tale of rags to riches.

domineering

ˌdɑːməˈnɪrɪŋ domineering pronunciation American (disapproving) trying to control other people without considering their opinions or feelings a cold and domineering father a domineering manner = trying to control other people in an unpleasant way SYNONYM domineering an overbearing parent an overbearing manner She found him rude and overbearing. =imperious

gerontology

ˌdʒerənˈtɑːlədʒi [uncountable] the scientific study of old age and the process of growing old = geriatrics

film noir

ˌfɪlm ˈnwɑːr (from French) 1 [uncountable] a style of making films/movies in which there are strong feelings of fear or evil; films/movies made in this style

carousel

ˌkærəˈsel or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders

convulation

ˌkɑːnvəˈluːʃn [usually plural] (formal) 1 a thing that is very complicated and difficult to follow the bizarre convolutions of the story convulated

connoisseur

ˌkɑːnəˈsʊr connoisseur pronunciation American an expert on matters involving the judgement of beauty, quality or skill in art, food or music a connoisseur of Italian painting a wine connoisseur The exhibition will be a delight for the collector and connoisseur of silver ornaments. --- "convoke" somebody/something (formal) to gather together a group of people for a formal meeting SYNONYM convene

something of a misnomer

ˌmɪsˈnoʊmər a name or a word that is not appropriate or accurate 'Villa' was something of a misnomer—the place was no more than an old farmhouse.

prenatal

ˌpriːˈneɪtl (especially North American English) (British English also antenatal) relating to the medical care given to pregnant women compare post-natal prenatal test

perpendicular

ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr 1 perpendicular (to something) (technical) forming an angle of 90° with another line or surface; vertical and going straight up Are the lines perpendicular to each other? The staircase was almost perpendicular (= very steep). ---- outright ˈaʊtraɪt [only before noun] 1 complete and total an outright ban/rejection/victory She was the outright winner. No one party is expected to gain an outright majority. 2 open and direct There was outright opposition to the plan.

repercussions

ˌriːpərˈkʌʃn [usually plural] an indirect and usually bad result of an action or event that may happen some time afterwards synonym consequence The collapse of the company will have repercussions for the whole industry.

reimburse

ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs (formal) to pay back money to somebody which they have spent or lost reimburse something We will reimburse any expenses incurred. reimburse somebody (for something) You will be reimbursed for any loss or damage caused by our company. reimbursement ˌriːɪmˈbɜːsmənt ; ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrsmənt noun [uncountable] You will receive reimbursement for any additional costs incurred.

racketeer

ˌrækəˈtɪr (disapproving) a person who makes money through dishonest or illegal activities racketeering ; noun [uncountable] He was charged with fraud and racketeering.

septuagenarian

ˌseptʃuədʒəˈneriən septuagenarian pronunciation American (formal) a person between 70 and 79 years old

schizophrenia

ˌskɪtsə(ʊ)ˈfriːnɪə / NOUN الانفصام schizophrenic Pronunciation: /-ˈfrɛnɪk/

statuesque

ˌstætʃuˈesk (formal) (usually of a woman) tall and beautiful in an impressive way; like a statue synonym imposing

surreptitious

ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃəs surreptitious pronunciation American done secretly or quickly, in the hope that other people will not notice SYNONYM furtive She sneaked a surreptitious glance at her watch.

transformigy

ˌtrænsˈmɑːɡrɪfaɪ transmogrifies, transmogrifying, transmogrified, transmogrified transmogrify somebody/something (often humorous) to change somebody/something completely, especially in a surprising way synonym transform

ammunition

ˌæmjuˈnɪʃn ammunition pronunciation American [uncountable] = munitionذخيرة 1 a supply of bullets, etc. to be fired from guns The bandits escaped with a rifle and 120 rounds of ammunition. 2 information that can be used against another person in an argument The letter gave her all the ammunition she needed. These figures provide political ammunition to police chiefs arguing for more resources. ------ clearance=permission a show of hands

antecedents

ˌæntɪˈsiːdnt 1 [countable] (formal) a thing or an event that exists or comes before another, and may have influenced it The .. were to blame for the situations 2 antecedents [plural] (formal) the people in somebody's family who lived a long time ago Synonym ancestors, forebears 3 [countable] (grammar) a word or phrase to which the following word, especially a pronoun, refers In 'He grabbed the ball and threw it in the air', 'ball' is the antecedent of 'it'.

avocation

ˌævoʊˈkeɪʃn (formal) a hobby or other activity that you do for interest and enjoyment Beta: Collocates MODIFIER lifelong

orthodontics

ˌɔːrθəˈdɑːntɪks [uncountable] the treatment of problems concerning the position of the teeth and jaws orthodontic ˌɔːθəˈdɒntɪk ; ˌɔːrθəˈdɑːntɪk adjective orthodontic treatment

orthepeadics

ˌɔːrθəˈpiːdɪks [uncountable] the branch of medicine concerned with injuries and diseases of the bones or muscles orthopaedic ˌɔːθəˈpiːdɪk ; ˌɔːrθəˈpiːdɪk (especially US orthopedic) adjective an orthopaedic surgeon/hospital orthopaedic surgery

intercept

ˌɪntərˈsept intercept somebody/something to stop somebody/something that is going from one place to another from arriving Reporters intercepted him as he tried to leave the hotel. The letter was intercepted. interception ˌɪntəˈsepʃn ; ˌɪntərˈsepʃn noun [uncountable, countable] the interception of enemy radio signals to stop something or someone that is going from one place to another before they get there: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMan attempt to intercept drugs being smuggled over the border Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHis phone calls were intercepted.

unrequited

ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd (formal) (of love) not returned by the person that you love compare requite

unabridged

ˌʌnəˈbrɪdʒd unabridged pronunciation American (of a novel, play, speech, etc.) complete, without being made shorter in any way Opposite abridge --- reprimand=renuke=reproach=berate= tell sb off

unadulterated

ˌʌnəˈdʌltəreɪtɪd unadulterated pronunciation American unadulterated love/fun 1 [usually before noun] you use unadulterated to emphasize that something is complete or total SYNONYM undiluted For me, the holiday was sheer unadulterated pleasure. 2 not mixed with other substances; not adulterated SYNONYM pure unadulterated foods

unwholesome

ˌʌnˈhoʊlsəm unwholesome pronunciation American 1 harmful to health; not looking healthy 2 that you consider unpleasant or not natural SYNONYM unhealthy OPPOSITE wholesome She developed an obsessive and unwholesome passion for him.

equinox

تساوي الليل والنهار ---- tomb tuːm VS quixotic wish

quayside

رصيف الميناء

exorcism

طرد الارواح الشريرة ; ˈeksɔːrsɪzəm [uncountable, countable] 1 the act of getting rid of an evil spirit from a place or a person's body by prayers or magic; a ceremony where this is done A priest performed an exorcism and afterwards the ghost disappeared. --- gain perspective A mental view or outlook: "It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present" (Fabian Linden).

cartilage

غضروف VS printer cartridges

knock sb up

2 (informal, especially North American English) to make a woman pregnant

spell over to

2 to start in one area and then affect other areas Unrest has spilt over into areas outside the city. The effects of stress at work can spill over into home life.

ruffle

2- to offend or upset someone slightly: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMLouise's sharp comments had ruffled his pride. nothing could ruffle their stoicism

white elephant

2. An article, ornament, or household utensil no longer wanted by its owner

rig

3 (North American English, informal) a large lorry/truck

sour

3 (of people) not cheerful; bad-tempered and unpleasant a sour and disillusioned woman a sour face The meeting ended on a sour note ( collo ) with several people walking out. "Does this mean we're going to be silent and sour the whole rest of the trip sourly ; adverb 'Who asked you?' he said sourly. sourness

very

3 used to emphasize a noun synonym mere The very thought of drink made him feel sick. 'I can't do that!' she gasped, appalled at the very idea.

backpedal on sth

3. To retreat or withdraw from a position or attitude: The senator later backpedaled on the issue. ---- intergalactic ˌɪntərɡəˈlæktɪk intergalactic pronunciation American [only before noun] existing or happening between galaxies of stars intergalactic space/travel --- I owe u big time

gag

4 (especially North American English) a trick you play on somebody It was just a gag—we didn't mean to upset anyone. (informal) a joke or a funny story, especially one told by a professional comedian synonym joke to tell/crack a gag a running gag(= one that is regularly repeated during a performance) VS gig

joint

4 (informal) a place where people meet to eat, drink, dance, etc, especially one that is cheap a fast-food joint The joint was jumping (= full of people and activity).

have a feeling for sth

6 [uncountable] the ability to understand somebody/something or to do something in a sensitive way He played the piano with great feeling. feeling for somebody/something She has a wonderful feeling for colour.

on all fronts

8 [countable] a particular area of activity Things are looking unsettled on the economic front.على الصعيد الاقتصادي Progress has been made on all fronts.على جميع الاصعدة

interspresed with sth

to put something in something else or among or between other things Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations. Interspersed in the narrative are the personal stories of several important women architects. --- noun ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs ; ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs (usually humorous) a person who does not have much knowledge When it comes to music, I'm a complete ignoramus.

off-kilter

unbalanced: eccentric, unconventional <off-kilter characters> <an off-kilter approach

grotesque

unpleasant, shocking, and offensive: It's grotesque to portray peace campaigners as unpatriotic. By modern standards, the treatment of prisoners was grotesque. 2 extremely ugly in a strange or unnatural way: a grotesque figure with a huge head

duck and dive

use one's ingenuity to deal with or evade a situation.

sugar-coated

used to describe something that is made to seem better than it really is .......ing the truth

mightily

very; very much mightily impressed/relieved

vivatious

vɪˈveɪʃəs,vʌɪ- adjective 1. (especially of a woman) attractively lively and animated. "her vivacious and elegant mother"

madeup

wearing make-up a heavily made-up face/woman

whiteout

weather conditions in which there is so much cloud or snow that you cannot see anything

can-do

willing to try new things and expecting that they will be successful a can-do attitude/spirit Texas is a state of big opportunity, a can-do place.

spangled

with shiny points of light be spangled with something British EnglishThe city skyline was spangled with lights. —spangled also spangly adjective: British Englishacrobats in spangled tights star-spangled -- bugger off

gawp at sth/sb

ɡɔːp [intransitive] gawp (at somebody/something) (British English, informal) to stare at somebody/something in a rude or stupid way synonym gape Don't gawp at me like that! Crowds stood gawping as the victims were brought out of the bombed building.

primp

ɪmp [intransitive, transitive] primp (something/yourself) (often disapproving) to make yourself look attractive by arranging your hair, putting on make-up, etc.

indict

ɪnˈdʌɪt/Submit verbNORTH AMERICAN formally accuse of or charge with a crime. "his former manager was indicted for fraud"

seedlings

ˈsiːdlɪŋ a young plant that has grown from a seed tomato seedlings

scraggly beard

ˈskræɡli (North American English, informal) thin and growing in a way that is not even a scraggly beard

specious

ˈspiːʃəs (formal) seeming right or true but actually wrong or false synonym misleading a specious argument

vivasection

ˌvɪvɪˈsekʃn [uncountable] the practice of doing experiments on live animals for medical or scientific research

epilogue

] a speech or piece of writing that is added to the end of a book, film, or play and discusses or explains the ending

wobble

] to move from side to side in an unsteady way; to make something do this This chair wobbles. (figurative) Her voice wobbled with emotion. wobble something Don't wobble the table—I'm trying to write.

jade

a bright green colour jade eyes

haunch

a buttock and thigh considered together, in a human or animal. synonyms: rump, rear, rear end, backside, seat; More

loose cannon

a person, usually a public figure, who often behaves in a way that nobody can predict a person whose actions are unpredictable and uncontrollable. As it turned out, he's not just a loose cannon. He makes sense. Some loose cannon in the State Department has been leaking stories to the press.

in the order of

about something; approximately something She earns something in the order of £80000 a year. I was 41, a hermit-writer who slept ten to 12 hours a night, a tomboy who had held perhaps two babies, ever, regarding them as benign, ignorable life-forms on the order of cats

cut and dried

adjective ; [not usually before noun] decided in a way that cannot be changed or argued about The inquiry is by no means cut and dried.

blistering

adjective 1. (of heat) intense. "the blistering heat of the desert"

at a moment's notice

almost immediately Everyone was packed and ready to leave at a moment's notice.

be a far cry from

be very different to. "he is a far cry from the telegenic legislators who increasingly prowl Capitol Hill"

it's not rocket science

humorous › used to say that you do not think that something is very difficult to do or to understand: Come on, it's only a crossword, it's not rocket science. Drugs equals crime. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.

denigrate

\ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt\ : to say very critical and often unfair things about (someone)

lobe

1 = ear lobe 2 a part of an organ in the body, especially the lungs or brain

shrimp scampi

a dish of large shrimps (= a type of sea creature) fried in butter and garlic

clinomania

an obsession with bed rest.

ponderous

ive 1. slow and clumsy because of great weight. "a swarthy, ponderous giant of a man"

wordsmith

noun 1. a skilled user of words.

offhand

said or done without thinking or planning: an offhand remark

Harness

suspenders that climbers work ------ itty-bitty = itsy bitsy

wind down

(of a person) to rest or relax after a period of activity or excitement SYNONYM unwind 2 (of a piece of machinery) to go slowly and then sto

becalmed

(of a sailing ship) unable to move through lack of wind: his ship was becalmed for nine days • figurative a place becalmed in its past MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES High above, sheets of material hang like sails on a becalmed Spanish galleon. Conversely, the 'ambient' tracks float in amorphous realms of drifting waves, each composition conjuring a realm of becalmed bliss. There are three pivotal points where the camera eddies around a becalmed Johnny who seems ready to disintegrate. ------ fiend Line breaks: fiend Pronunciation: /fiːnd / NOUN 1an evil spirit or demon.

kink

difficulty or flaw that is likely to impede operation, as in a plan or system -- sidebar a term for information placed adjacent to an article in a printed or Web publication, graphically separate but with contextual connection. The term has long been used in newspaper and magazine layout. -- circuicide

to have a distaste for sth

dislike; disinclination: a distaste for household chores.

effing

fuking

EBONY SKIN

"Dark skin tone ebony is a tree الابنوس remember : ebonics

pleated

ˈpliːtɪd having pleats a pleated skirt

the kincker

(North American English, informal) a surprising end to a series of events

stray

(Of the eyes or a hand) move idly or casually: her eyes strayed to the telephone MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES His right hand strays to his cheek where it's quickly becoming red. 'Stephanie,' Rayne began, eyes straying to my legs before falling on my face. The soldiers stiffened, their hands straying closer to the triggers pointed at her people

velocity

(In general use) speed: the tank shot backward at an incredible velocity MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Scientists and inventors are unraveling new technology at incredible velocity. But you don't have to be a dot-com executive to see how the Internet accelerates business velocity. Medical advances aside, almost every technological progress has been about velocity, about the simple process of speeding things up.

emanate

(of a feeling, quality, or sensation) issue or spread out from (a source). "warmth emanated from the fireplace" emanate from something to come from something or somewhere SYNONYM issue from The sound of loud music emanated from the building. The proposal originally emanated from the UN.

foolproof

(of a plan, machine, method, solution etc.) very well designed and easy to use so that it cannot fail and you cannot use it wrongly synonym infallible This recipe is foolproof—it works every time. No system can ever be completely foolproof.

debilitating

(of a disease or condition) making someone very weak and infirm. "debilitating back pain"

Graciously

(of people or behaviour) kind, polite and generous, especially to somebody of a lower social position a gracious lady a gracious smile Lady Caroline was gracious enough to accept our invitation. He has not yet learned how to be gracious in defeat. She graciously accepted our invitation. Sibyl was the most gracious, helpful, and generous person to work with. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa gracious apology 2- merciful --------------------- solicit to offer to have sex with someone in exchange for money: American EnglishShe was arrested for soliciting. she stood in the street soliciting herself -- wingman is a role that a person may take when a friend needs support with approaching potential partners. A wingman is someone who is on the "inside" and is used to help someone with intimate relationships. In general, a woman's wingman will help her avoid attention from undesirable prospective partners, whereas a man's wingman will help him attract desirable ones. ----- it has been quite a whiile = it has been a minute

obtain

(of rules, systems, customs, etc.) to exist synonym apply These conditions no longer obtain. (intransitive) ---- bandit a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area. "the bandit produced a weapon and demanded money"

the evil day/ moment hour

(often humorous) the time when you have to do something difficult or unpleasant I'd better go and see the dentist—I can't put off the evil hour any longer.

schmaltzy

(shmält′sē) effusively or insincerely emotional; "a bathetic novel"; "maudlin expressions of sympathy"; "mushy effusiveness"; "a schmaltzy song"; "sentimental soap operas"; "slushy poetry" ʃmɔːlts [uncountable] (informal, disapproving) the quality of being too sentimental At the end of the movie we drown in a sea of schmaltz. schmaltzy ; adjectiveschmaltzier, schmaltziest -- successoiries a producer and retailer of motivational office decorations, mostly featuring photographs paired with sentiments about motivation, teamwork, and perseverance. The word "Successories" is itself a registered trademark. --- uncountable nouns and have the following ... You cannot use numbers or plural quantity words before them, --- incredulity \ˌin-kri-ˈdü-lə-tē, -ˈdyü-\ : a feeling that you do not or cannot believe or accept that something is true or real Full Definition of INCREDULITY : the quality or state of being incredulous : disbelief See incredulity defined for English-language learners » See incredulity defined for kids » Examples of INCREDULITY The news of his death was met with expressions of incredulity. <the teacher's incredulity about the claims in the essay proved to be well-founded> First Known Use of INCREDULITY

hood

(slang, especially North American English) a neighbourhood, especially a person's own neighbourhood

can't hold a candle to sb

. (Also with cannot.) Mary can't hold a candle to Ann when it comes to athletics. As for singing, John can't hold a candle to Jane. See also: candle, hold McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. can't hold a candle to somebody/something if someone or something cannot hold a candle to someone or something else, they are not as good as that other person or thing These pop bands that you hear nowadays can't hold a candle to the groups we used to listen to in the sixties. See also: candle, hold

knock the wind out someone's sails

. Fig. to humiliate someone. The sharp rebuke from the boss knocked the wind out of his sails. That scolding really knocked the wind out of her sails.

have someobody by the balls

(very informal!) to have someone in a situation where you have complete power over them I owe them £5,000. They've got me by the balls.

whistleblower

(whistle-blower or whistle blower) is a person who exposes misconduct, alleged dishonest or illegal activity occurring in an organization

squabble

(with somebody) (about/over something) to argue noisily about something that is not very important synonym bicker- spat2 My sisters were squabbling over what to watch on TV. squabble noun family squabbles There were endless squabbles over who should sit where. The party is split by internal squabbles.

apron

) an area with a hard surface at an airport, where aircraft are turned around, loaded, etc.

polygraph

--- Syllabification: im·mer·sion Pronunciation: /iˈmərZHən, -SHən

pendent

--- dementia dɪˈmenʃə [uncountable] (medical) a serious mental disorder caused by brain disease or injury, that affects the ability to think, remember and behave normally ---- denote sth denote that... to be a sign of something synonym indicate A very high temperature often denotes a serious illness. 2 denote something | denote what, when, etc... to mean something synonym represent In this example 'X' denotes the time taken and 'Y' denotes the distance covered. The red triangle denotes danger. Here 'family' denotes mother, father and children. compare connote

faux hawk

---- screenplay----screenwriter [countable] someone who writes plays for film or television [↪ playwright] serape

window blinds

----- unnoticed If something goes/ happens or passes unnoticed, it is not seen or noticed by anyone. adj usu ADJ after v, also v-link ADJ, ADJ n I tried to slip up the stairs unnoticed..., Her forty-fourth birthday had just passed, unnoticed by all but herself.

tirade

------- (against somebody/something) a long angry speech criticizing somebody/something or accusing somebody of something She launched into a tirade of abuse against politicians.

go bout sth

----go about something to continue to do something; to keep busy with something Despite the threat of war, people went about their business as usual. -----go about something to start working on something Synonym tackle You're not going about the job in the right way. go about doing something How should I go about finding a job?

make-believe

-a type of play is most common at ages 4 and 5, - fantasy

unscrupulous

-ʌnˈskruːpjələs unscrupulous pronunciation American without moral principles; not honest or fair SYNONYM unprincipled unscrupulous methods- I knew he was unscrupulous but it didn't occur to me to think he would poison the man who had just helped him through a dangerous OPPOSITE scrupulous unscrupulously ----- coercion koʊˈɜːrʒn coercion pronunciation American [uncountable] (formal) the action of making somebody do something that they do not want to do, using force or threatening to use force He claimed he had only acted under coercion.

pull the plug off on sb/sth

. Lit. to turn off someone's life-support system in a hospital. (Based on pull the plug (on something) {2}. This results in the death of the person whose life support has been terminated.) They had to get a court order to pull the plug on their father. Fred signed a living will making it possible to pull the plug on him without a court order. 2. Fig. to put an end to someone's activities or plans. (Based on pull the plug (on something) {2}.) The mayor was doing a fine job until the treasurer pulled the plug on him. David pulled the plug on Fred, who was taking too long with the project.

on the flip side

. another aspect of a situation. On the flip side, if we lower the taxes it may stimulate consumer spending. ------------------------ wager= bet

rekindle

. to arouse or cause to be aroused again: rekindle the romance in your relationship.

have chip on one's shoulder

...

money grubber

...noun \ˈmə-nē-ˌgrə-bər\ : a person who cares too much about getting money consumers should be protected from selfish money grubbing dealers ----- remember: 1 [countable] the young form of an insect, that looks like a small fat worm 2 [uncountable] (informal) food Grub's up! (= the meal is ready) They serve good pub grub there.

PECAN

/PEK/ -- BRAY breɪ 1 [intransitive] when a donkey brays, it makes a loud unpleasant sound

I got a crick in my neck

/krik / NOUN A painful stiff feeling in the neck or back.

precipitate

/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt / [WITH OBJECT] 1Cause (an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely: the incident precipitated a political crisis MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES He said: 'It appears that the death was precipitated by these stressful events which caused him to collapse.' Will our relationship pass the test or will the new situation precipitate a change for the worse? Loss of public confidence underlay the financial and political crisis which precipitated the downfall of a system of government too little changed in its habits and priorities since the days of Louis XIV. preipitate legal proceedings

vignette

/viːˈnjɛt , vɪ-/ NOUN 1a brief evocative description, account, or episode: a classic vignette of embassy life

chutzpah

/ˈhʊt.spə/ approving › unusual and shocking behaviour, involving taking risks but not feeling guilty جرأة he high technology entrepreneurs also seem to have a certain chutzpah that enables them to take risks and ride the hard times relatively unscathed. How could Guy Ritchie, who showed such chutzpah in his first couple of films, have become such a muddled, pretentious bore? Tuesday 7 February 2006 - 04:35pm I find the chutzpah of Cardinal O'Connor something to behold ( see newswatch ). SYNONYM nerve

pollester

/ˈpōlstər / NOUN A person who conducts or analyzes opinion polls. MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES The results startled even the pollsters who conducted and analyzed the surveys. Then the pollsters started conducting scientific polls of the general population. Re-evaluate your budget priorities if over half of your polling is to be conducted by a pollster that is not hired by the campaign.

self-professed

/ˌself.prəˈfest/ › said, announced, or admitted about yourself: a self-professed gambler She's a self-professed supporter of prison reform. -- SMIRK to smile in an unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased by someone else's bad luck or think you are better than other people: British EnglishThe boys tried not to smirk. smirk at British EnglishWhat are you smirking at? —smirk noun [countable] British EnglishHe had a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

unassuming

/ˌʌn·əˈsu·mɪŋ/ › quiet and not attracting attention: a shy and unassuming person an unassuming little restaurant --- don't sweat it (American informal) something that you say in order to tell someone not to worry Don't sweat it! We've got plenty of time to get there before the show starts.

sordid

1 immoral or dishonest It was a shock to discover the truth about his sordid past. I didn't want to hear the sordid details of their relationship.< collo sordid details 2 very dirty and unpleasant Synonym squalid people living in sordid conditions --- remember: sitcom) › a funny television or radio show in which the same characters appear in each programme in a different story

stark

1 (often disapproving) looking severe and without any colour or decoration I think white would be too stark for the bedroom. The hills stood stark against the winter sky. 2 unpleasant; real, and impossible to avoid synonym bleak The author paints a stark picture of life in a prison camp. a stark choice The remains of the building stand as a stark reminder of the fire. He now faces the stark reality of life in prison. The stark fact is that even with more time, we still couldn't raise enough money. stark simplicity the stark facts blunt, bald, bare, simple, basic, plain, unvarnished, stark reality = gritty

talk sb down

1 MAL to speak to and calm someone who is upset or nervous, especially because they have taken an illegal drug She talked him down, telling jokes to ease the tension. 2 to talk about someone or something in a way that makes people think they are not as good as they really are I don't like to hear people talking this country down.

averse to sth

I mentioned it to Kate and she wasn't averse to the idea. 2 averse to something / to doing something (formal) not liking something or wanting to do something; opposed to doing something He was averse to any change.

rupture

1 [NO OBJECT] (Especially of a pipe or container, or bodily part such as an organ or membrane) break or burst suddenly: if the main artery ruptures he could die MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Then at 31 weeks into her seventh pregnancy (already complicated by placenta praevia) her membranes ruptured and premature labour ensued. Swabbing a specimen should only be performed if the tympanic membrane has ruptured. The mitochondria gradually swells, and eventually the outer membrane ruptures, releasing caspase-activating proteins into the cytosol. [10,32] GET MORE EXAMPLES SYNONYMS 1.1 [WITH OBJECT] Cause to break or burst suddenly: the impact ruptured both fuel tanks VS rapture

lumber sb with sth

1 [intransitive] + adverb/preposition to move in a slow, heavy and awkward way = trudge A family of elephants lumbered by. The huge convoy of trucks lumbered out of the city. 2 [transitive, usually passive] lumber somebody (with somebody/something) (informal) to give somebody a responsibility, etc, that they do not want and that they cannot get rid of When our parents went out, my sister got lumbered with me for the evening. She might say 'Yes'. Then you'd be lumbered.

shrill

1 [intransitive] written to produce a very high and unpleasant sound: British EnglishThe telephone shrilled twice. 2 [transitive] to say something in a very high voice: British English'I hate you!' she shrilled.

ramp

1 a slope that has been built to connect two places that are at different levels: Ramps are needed at exits and entrances for wheelchair users. 2 American English a road for driving onto or off a large main road [= slip road British English] Take the Lake Drive ramp at Charles Street. off-/on-ramp They missed the off-ramp to Manhattan.

sullen

1 angry and silent, especially because you feel life has been unfair to you:bad-tempered and not speaking, either on a particular occasion or because it is part of your character Bob looked pale and sullen. She gave him a sullen glare. sullen teenagers 2 (literary) (of the sky or weather) dark and unpleasant a sullen grey sky British EnglishBill sat in sullen silence and refused to eat his lunch. British Englisha look of sullen resentment 2 literary a sullen sky or sea is dark and looks as if bad weather is coming —sullenly adverb —sullenness noun [uncountable]

incision

a surgical cut made in skin or flesh. "an abdominal incision" synonyms: cut, opening, slit More

collate

1 collate something to collect information together from different sources in order to examine and compare it to collate data/information/figures = glean the collation of information --- heavy heart heavy heart sad, sorrowful It was with a heavy heart that he attended his father's funeral. -- foot the bill pay all of the expenses, pay the shot -- from pillar to post from one problem to another After getting fired, he went from pillar to post - more bad luck.

conjure something up

1 to make something appear as a picture in your mind synonym evoke That smell always conjures up memories of holidays in France. He strained to conjure up her face and voice, but they had vanished.

regent

1- North American A member of the governing body of a university or other academic institution. MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Senate resolutions must be presented to the regents through the university president. The 19 panel members, including Jiles, were chosen from among the Coordinating Board members, university regents and trustees, college administrators and community leaders. University of California regents handed fellow board member and activist Ward Connerly a defeat last month, voting down his proposal to stop funding ethnic graduations and gay freshman orientation. 2 One who rules during the minority, absence, or disability of a monarch- One acting as a ruler or governor. ---- regency (Regency) Back to top Relating to or denoting British architecture, clothing, and furniture of the Regency or, more widely, of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Regency style was contemporary with the Empire style and shares many of its features: elaborate and ornate, it is generally neoclassical, with a generous borrowing of Greek and Egyptian motifs.

gag/retch

1- joke 2-to have the unpleasant feeling in your mouth and stomach as if you are going to vomit synonym retch She gagged on the blood that filled her mouth. The stench of rotting meat made him gag.

itinerery

1. A route or proposed route of a journey.

open-faced

1. Having a face that seems to exhibit honesty and sincerity. 2. Having a side uncovered: an open-faced sandwich. adj 1. having an ingenuous expression

full-blown

1. Having blossomed or opened completely: full-blown roses. 2. Fully developed or matured. 3. Having or displaying all the characteristics necessary for completeness: a full-blown financial crisis. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. full-blown adj 1. characterized by the fullest, strongest, or best development 2. in full bloom

disorientaton

1. Loss of one's sense of direction, position, or relationship with one's surroundings. ---- herpertension vs hypotension --- a ( adj ) breakfast a light/hearty/poor bf

catty

1. Subtly cruel or malicious; spiteful: a catty remark -------------------------------- # hash sign OR pound sign

MAKE

18 [no passive] make something to manage to reach or go to a place or position Do you think we'll make Dover by 12? I'm sorry I couldn't make your party last night. He'll never make (= get a place in) the team. The story made (= appeared on) the front pages of the national newspapers. We just managed to make the deadline(= to finish something in time). something successful 19 make something to cause something to be a success Good wine can make a meal. The news really made my day.

solitary

1done or existing alone: I live a pretty solitary life tigers are essentially solitary MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES SYNONYMS 1.1(of a place) secluded or isolated: solitary farmsteads [ATTRIBUTIVE, OFTEN WITH NEGATIVE] single; only:[only before noun] used to emphasize that there is only one of something [= single]: the solitary goal of the match The benches were empty except for a single solitary figure. we have not a solitary shred of evidence to go on

a confluence of ...

2 (formal) the fact of two or more things becoming one a confluence of social factors formal a situation in which two or more things combine or happen at the same time confluence of a confluence of unhappy events -- pl of axis = axes pl of crisis= crises discipline < spelling

royalty

2 [countable, usually plural] a sum of money that is paid to somebody who has written a book, piece of music, etc. each time that it is sold or performed All royalties from the album will go to charity. She received £2000 in royalties. a royalty payment

swivel

2 [intransitive, transitive] swivel (something) (+ adverb/preposition) to turn or move your body, eyes or head around quickly to face another direction SYNONYM swing- spin He swivelled around to look at her.

humble

2 [transitive] to easily defeat someone who is much stronger than you are: The mighty U.S. army was humbled by a small South East Asian country. 3 humble yourself to show that you are not too proud to ask for something, admit you are wrong etc: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMI knew he had humbled himself to ask for my help. ---------------- polyglot= multilingual -- comply with

approach

2 [transitive] to speak to somebody about something, especially to ask them for something or to offer to do something approach somebody We have been approached by a number of companies that are interested in our product. I'd like to ask his opinion but I find him difficult to approach (= not easy to talk to in a friendly way). approach somebody for something/about (doing) something She approached the bank for a loan. don't be loath (ث( to approach ur instructor with questions

spew

2 informal Vomit= throw up = barf: ( no object) he felt faint and nauseous—he had to get out before he spewed MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Andrea felt sick and spewed over the side of the boat. Take the drinking slowly, this doesn't mean you have to be the only sober person, it just means you won't be left behind spewing in the garden after all your friends leave for town. And I could almost get through a whole pint of the black stuff without spewing. 1 [intransitive always + adverb/ preposition,transitive] spew out/forth/up to flow out of something quickly in large quantities, or to make something flow out in this way: British EnglishFactory chimneys spewed fumes out into the sky. spew from/into/over etc British EnglishBrown water spewed from the tap.

blot out

2 to deliberately try to forget an unpleasant memory or thought He tried to blot out the image of Helen's sad face. She just wanted to sleep and blot out the terrifying events of the day.

booby hatch

2. Offensive Slang An institution for the mentally ill. -----------

a safe bet

2. someone or something that you are certain will win or succeed She is still a safe bet for re-election. Simplicity of design is a sure bet in the fashion world.

the ball is in your court

: If someone you're negotiating with says "the ball's in your court", they think it's your turn to make a move or make an offer. For example: We've offered him ten thousand dollars a month, so the ball's in his court now. They know our position, so the ball's in their court. If they want to pursue the matter, they'll have to make the next move. ---- irrespective to = regardless of --- forfeit ˈfɔːrfət forfeit pronunciation American forfeit something to lose something or have something taken away from you because you have done something wrong If you cancel your flight, you will forfeit your deposit. He has forfeited his right to be taken seriously.

run-off

: an additional race, contest, or election that is held because an earlier one has not resulted in a winner Vs - run-through

defibrillator

; diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər (medical) a piece of equipment used to control the movements of the heart muscles by giving the heart a controlled electric shock

receptive

; rɪˈseptɪv receptive pronunciation American e.g. to advise receptive (to something) willing to listen to or to accept new ideas or suggestions SYNONYM responsive She was always receptive to new ideas. He gave an impressive speech to a receptive audience. receptiveness rɪˈseptɪvnəs receptiveness pronunciation English; rɪˈseptɪvnəs receptiveness pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable] receptivity ˌriːsepˈtɪvəti receptivity pronunciation English; ˌriːsepˈtɪvəti receptivity pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable]

sardonic

; sɑːrˈdɑːnɪk (disapproving) showing that you think that you are better than other people and do not take them seriously synonym mocking a sardonic smile sardonically sɑːˈdɒnɪkli ; sɑːrˈdɑːnɪkli adverb He looked down at her sardonically.

subsumed in sth

; səbˈsuːm [usually passive] subsume something + adverb/preposition (formal) to include something in a particular group and not consider it separately All these different ideas can be subsumed under just two broad categories. -- rag [countable] (informal, usually disapproving) a newspaper that you believe to be of low quality the local rag

ambivalent

; æmˈbɪvələnt ambivalent pronunciation American ambivalent (about/towards somebody/something) not sure whether you want or like something or not ambivalent about We are both somewhat ambivalent about having a child. ambivalent attitude/feelings etc —ambivalence noun [singular, uncountable] O'Neill had a genuine ambivalence toward US involvement in the war. —ambivalently adverb having or showing both good and bad feelings about somebody/something She seems to feel ambivalent about her new job. He has an ambivalent attitude towards her. ambivalence æmˈbɪvələns ambivalence pronunciation English; æmˈbɪvələns ambivalence pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable, singular] ambivalence (about/towards somebody/something) There was ambivalence among church members about women becoming priests. Many people feel some ambivalence towards television and its effect on our lives.

curtsy

; ˈkɜːrtsi plural curtsies or curtseys a formal sign made by a woman in a dance or to say hello or goodbye to an important person, by bending her knees with one foot in front of the other curtsy verbcurtsies, curtsying, curtsied, curtsied (also curtsey) [intransitive] curtsy (to somebody) She curtsied to the Queen.

needle sb

; ˈniːdl needle pronunciation American needle somebody (informal) to deliberately annoy somebody, especially by criticizing them continuously SYNONYM antagonize Don't let her needle you. He knew Jo was trying to needle him into losing his temper.

rampant

; ˈræmpənt 1 (of something bad) existing or spreading everywhere in a way that cannot be controlled synonym unchecked rampant inflation Unemployment is now rampant in most of Europe.

visionary

; ˈvɪʒəneri 1 (approving) original and showing the ability to think about or plan the future with great imagination and intelligence a visionary leader

wizened

; ˈwɪznd looking smaller and having many folds and lines in the skin, because of being old synonym shrivelled a wizened little man wizened apples her old wizened face

overriding

; ˌoʊvərˈraɪdɪŋ [only before noun] more important than anything else in a particular situation (the overriding factor/consideration/concern)< collo Their overriding aim was to keep costs low. Time was of overriding importance.

adulation

; ˌædʒəˈleɪʃn [uncountable] (formal) admiration and praise, especially when this is greater than is necessary The band enjoy the adulation of their fans wherever they go. adulatory ˌædjuˈleɪtəri ; ˈædʒələtɔːri adjective

apoplectic

; ˌæpəˈplektɪk 1 very angry He was apoplectic with rage at the decision.

infinitesmal

; ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtesɪml (formal) extremely small synonym tiny infinitesimal traces of poison an infinitesimal risk = trifle miger

cognizant of sth

= aware of sth if someone is cognizant of something, they know about it and understand it cognizant of Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe was cognizant of the peculiarities of the case.

steel oneself

= brace oneself ; stiːl to prepare yourself to deal with something unpleasant steel yourself (for/against something) As she waited, she steeled herself for disappointment. steel yourself to do something He steeled himself to tell them the truth.

jaunty

= cheerful showing that you are confident and happy: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe had a jaunty walk. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHer hat was set at a jaunty angle.

pillow sham

A decorative pillowcase for covering a pillow when it is not in use. MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES A Paint-It Board, which is used for T-shirts and sweats, was placed inside the pillow sham at the bottom through the zipper on the back. I discover that the flannel sheets that my mom got me for Christmas aren't, in fact, flannel sheets, but a flannel pillow sham and duvet cover. If you don't sew, you probably know someone who could do this for you - it's only slightly trickier than making a pillow sham, mainly because of the amount and stiffness of the fabric.

a diamond in the rough

A diamond in the rough is someone or something that has great potential, but isn't not refined and polished. Fig. a person who has good qualities despite a rough exterior; a person with great potential. Sam looks a little scruffy, but he's a diamond in the rough. He's a diamond in the rough—a little hard to take at times, but very smart and helpful.

cacalls

A loud whistle or a comment of a sexual nature made by a man to a passing woman.

avatar

A manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher.

waif

A person who appears thin or poorly nourished: skimpily clad waifs pranced down the catwalk MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES waifish ADJECTIVE MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Curvaceous, decidedly feminine and womanly I would say, rather than waifish and childlike. Ben Drawing shows a waifish, pale boy with scruffy black hair and tattoos lounging in black bathing briefs on a brightly colored beach towel. Audrey Hepburn may look very good in those stylish designer clothes, if you're into her starving waifish look, but she isn't a very good actress. A homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, especially a child: she is foster-mother to various waifs and strays

dont poke the bear

A phrase of warning used to prevent oneself or others from asking or doing something that might provoke a negative response from someone or something else. Employee 1: "Should I ask the boss for a day off?" Employee 2: "He just found out his wife left him, so don't poke the bear."

troughs

A point of low activity or achievement: seasonal peaks and troughs in the demand for goods and services MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES This has created bigger "peaks and troughs" in port activity. < collo The with-profits version aims to smooth out stock market peaks and troughs by holding back some investment returns in good years to support payouts in bad years. By not investing all the funds at once, the peaks and troughs of the stockmarket can be avoided.

received pronounciation

A pronunciation of British English, originally based on the speech of the upper class of southeastern England and characteristic of the English spoken at the public schools and at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Until recently it was the standard form of English used in British broadcasting.

anadiplosis

A rhetorical term for the repetition of the last word of one line or clause to begin the next.

wallflower

A shy or excluded person at a dance or party, especially a girl without a partner: I felt like a miserable wallflower at a boisterous party MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES A new dance class - where wallflowers won't be welcome - swings into action next month. Grace, a mousy wallflower of a girl who had remained quiet until now, is pointing towards the window, where the curtains are now billowing in the wind and the tree branches are scraping against the glass. You can almost imagine him at the school dance as the wallflower, smiling a secret smile to himself as he watched the gyrations and romantic aspirations of others. ---- Shy and fond of being on one's own: a retiring, acquiescent woman = shrinking violet

time and again

Again and again; repeatedly.

consignemnt shop

American English a shop where you take things you do not want, so the shop can sell them and give you a share of the profit

rotary

American English a roundabout

gem

An outstanding person or thing: this architectural gem of a palace MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES The cathedral is now a vibrant and living component of the cultural and religious life of Waterford city and is one of our most treasured architectural gems. Now you can find all of these wonderful pop gems living in a different world. One of the city's architectural gems is to be restored to glory by a multi-million pound revamp - but some of Manchester's oldest trees will be felled in the process.

put sb up

B2 to provide someone with a place to stay temporarily: Sally is putting me up for the weekend.

po-faced

British English informal having an unfriendly disapproving expression on your face

spare sb a glance

British English written to look quickly at someone or something spare a glance at British EnglishBefore leaving the old town, spare another glance at the tower. spare somebody/something a glance

ladyship

British English, informal) a way of talking to or about a girl or woman that you think is trying to be too important Perhaps her ladyship would like to hang up her own clothes today! compare lordship -- authorship ˈɔːθərʃɪp [uncountable] 1 the identity of the person who wrote something, especially a book The authorship of the poem is unknown. 2 the activity or fact of writing a book He published the report in joint authorship with a colleague. --- priesthood ----- one-half a page = half a page!

a whole host of

C1 a large number of something: There's a whole host of reasons why he didn't get the job. = raft ---- a dime a dozen

you name it

C2 used to say there are many things to choose from: Gin, vodka, whisky, beer - you name it, I've got it. I've tried every diet going - you name it, I've tried it. (Definition of you name it from the Cambridge Advanced Learn ---- unspeakable 1. Beyond description; inexpressible: unspeakable happiness. 2. Inexpressibly bad or objectionable: unspeakable poverty. 3. Not to be spoken: unspeakable thoughts.

trying

Causing strain, hardship, or distress. try′ing·ly adv. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. trying (ˈtraɪɪŋ) adj 1. upsetting, difficult, or annoying: a trying day at the office. ˈtryingly adv ˈtryingness n Collins English Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003 try•ing (ˈtraɪ ɪŋ) adj. straining one's patience and goodwill; annoying, difficult, or irritating. [1710-20] try′ing•ly, adv. try′ing•ness, n.

detriment

Damage, harm, or loss: took a long leave of absence without detriment to her career. See Synonyms at disadvantage. 2. Something that causes damage, harm, or loss: Smoking is now considered a detriment to good health.

every dog has its day

Everyone gets a chance eventually. Don't worry, you'll get chosen for the team. Every dog has its day. You may become famous someday. Every dog has ...

irridescent

Exhibitting rainbow like colors

go down like a lead balloon

Fail completely and be considered a flop by the public. if something that you say or show to people goes down like a lead balloon, they do not like it at all My joke about the alcoholic went down like a lead balloon. the new band would go down like a lead balloon

ecology

Field of study Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment, such as the interactions organisms have with each other and with their abiotic environment. Wikipedia Related topics

get out of someone's hair

Fig. Inf. to stop annoying someone. Will you get out of my hair! You area real pain!

out of line

Fig. [of something said or behavior] improper. I'm afraid that your behavior was quite out of line. I do not wish to speak further about this matter. Bill, that remark was out of line. Please be more respectful. Your request is out of line.

for days on end

Fig. for many days. We kept on traveling for days on end. Doctor, I've had this pain for days on end. ---- from then on

someone's butter and bread

Fig. someone's basic income; someone's livelihood—the source of one's food. I can't miss another day of work. That's my bread and butter. I worked as a bartender for a year, and it was the tips that were my bread and butter.

sacred cow

Fig. something that is regarded by some people with such respect and veneration that they do not like it being criticized by anyone in any way. (From the fact that the cow is regarded as sacred in India and is not eaten or mistreated.) A university education is a sacred cow in the Smith family. Fred is regarded as a failure because he quit school at 16. Don't talk about eating meat to Pam. Vegetarianism is one of her sacred cows.

hit the jackpot

Fig. to be exactly right; to find exactly what was sough hit the jackpot when I found this little cafe on Fourth Street. I wanted a small house with a fireplace, and I really hit the jackpot with this one. When my second book was published I thought I'd really hit the jackpot. to succeed I think we hit the jackpot with our ad campaign because our sales have nearly doubled. to be very successful, often in a way which means you make a lot of money

raise the bar

Fig. to make a task a little more difficult. (As with raising the bar in high jumping or pole vaulting.) Just as I was getting accustomed to my job, the manager raised the bar and I had to perform even better.

under sb's thumb

Fig. under someone's control and management. (*Typically: get someone ~; have someone ~; hold someone ~; keep someone ~.) You can't keep your kids under your thumb all their lives. I don't want to have these people under my thumb. I'm not the manager type ---------- hate to break it to u = hate to tell u hate to break it to u but this is not how we do the work here ---------- indentured servant --- take chances: - take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;

grunt work

Fig. work that is menial and thankless. During the summer, I earned money doing grunt work. I did all of the grunt work on the project, but my boss got all of the credit. See also: grunt, work McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. grunt work (American informal) hard work that is not very interesting Her job was nothing glamorous - a lot of grunt work drafting agreements for

spaz

From spastic, the disability. Means a person that acts insane or mentally retarded Dave ran around screaming with his tounge hanging out like a spaz

white noise

Full Definition of WHITE NOISE 1 a : a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range — compare pink noise b : a constant background noise; especially : one that drowns out other sounds 2 : meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter <the white noise of policy and politics in America — Joseph Nocera> See white noise defined for English-language learners » See white noise defined for kids » First Known Use of WHITE NOISE 1943 Rhymes with WHITE NOISE pink noise, self-poise, turquoise white noise noun (Medical Dictionary) Medical Definition of WHITE NOISE : a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range that has been used to mask out unwanted noise interfering with sleep—called also white sound Learn More About WHITE NOISE Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "white noise" Browse Next Word in the Dictionary: white-nosed guenon Previous Word in the Dictionary: whitening stone All Words Near: white noise Seen & Heard What made you want to look up white noise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). View Seen & Heard highlights from around the site » Merriam-Webster on Facebook Name That Thing Take Our 10-Question Quiz

buzz off

Go away. "Buzz off! You're annoying me"!

wire-to-wire victory

Having a lead throughout a contest: a wire-to-wire victory.

androgynous

Having both female and male characteristics; ---- sport a smile = wear a smile ---

annals

Historical records

it just got to me

It just got to me is in the past tense. "The shouting went on all night. In the end I threw a brick through their window. The noise just got to me." So basically, it means "It annoyed me intensely." often with the indication that it is an explanation/excuse for an over-reaction. , in fact it can be used for any situation that is personally emotionally disturbing or upsetting, also in respect of personal situations that have become increasingly difficult e.g. Work is so busy it's really getting to me (I'm becoming stressed) - A.: Why were you crying, B? B.: Oh, I was watching a show about crippled children in Ethiopia. It just got to me, I guess.

to boot

It means in addition to, or besides. 'I got my money back and a gift certificate to boot.' Source:

box urslef in

It means to put yourself into a position where you have limited or no options. Like putting yourself literally into a box with no way out

hit the spot

Meaning was very good, or was a good plan, idea, etc) Man! Those nachos sure hit the spot! VS hit a nerve

catch up with sb

Meet someone after a period of time and find out what they have been doing catch up with my friend

giddy up

Move faster! (Properly said to a horse to start it moving. Also said to people or things as a joke.) : Giddy up, Charlie! It's time to start moving. = lets go!

boot camp

North American 1A military training camp for new recruits, with very harsh discipline. MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES 1.1A prison for young offenders, run on military lines.

homicide

North American 1The deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder: he was charged with homicide two thirds of homicides in the county were drug-related

wake up and smell the coffee

Prov. Try to pay attention to what's going on. - --- priest hole the term given to hiding places for priests built into many of the principal Catholic houses of England during the period

bask in

Revel in and make the most of (something pleasing): he went on basking in the glory of his first book MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES He positively basks in this news, delighted at the thought. This two-hour show offers a venue for jazz lovers to bask in the appreciation of the music. Even as he basks in the glory of his school's achievement, he nurses a grudge. she basked in her triauph

get jumped

SUDDENLY being maliciously assulted by a large number of individuals, usually physical but may be verbal

bite someone's head off

Scold or speak very angrily to someone, as in Ask her to step down from the board? She'd bite my head off! The first expression, dating from the mid-1900s, replaced the much earlier bite someone's nose off (16th century); the variant was first recorded in 1886

bite the bullet

Sl. to accept something difficult and try to live with it. You are just going to have to bite the bullet and make the best of it. Jim bit the bullet and accepted what he knew had to be.

a new broom sweeps clean

Someone who is new in a particular job will do a very good job at first, to prove how competent he or she i

otolaryngologist

Specialist (surgeon) in ear, nose and throat disorders.

cop a feel

To feel on a woman's breasts or buttox; usually when she is not expecting it. Often followed up by a slap in the face.

break a sweat

To put effort into something. He succeeded effortlessly, without breaking a sweat.

cut the mustartrd

To succeed; to come up to expectations. or ( of tools) be effective "I looked around and found a proposition that exactly cut the mustard". The modern sense of the idiom is 'to succeed; to have the ability to do something; to come up to expectations', but the phrase is most often used in the negative form, as "can't cut the mustard," ---- on a serious note meaning 'not able to handle the job' mean jokes apart , let's be serious now, --- be glad to see the back of to be pleased when someone leaves or when something ends because you did not like them She was an absolute pain when she stayed with us and we were both really pleased to see the back of her. I'll be glad to see the back of this thesis. It's been going on far too long.

paramedics

Trained emergency medical people who help people who are hurt or sick

tres bella

Very beautiful, gorgeous. "Tres" is a French intensifier word as "very" is in English.

we are through

We're not friends/a couple/brothers/sisters/etc.. anymore. Also you can say it like: We are finished. We are done. We are over. It's over. This is the end.

more power for u

Well done!; You really stood up for yourself!; You really did something for your own benefit! (The stress is on to, and the you is usually "ya.") Bill: I finally told her off, but good. Bob: More power to you! Sue: I spent years getting ready for that job, and I finally got it. Mary: More power to you!

much less

When our headlights flashed, the deer barely blinked, much less moved. They can hardly keep their Internet site running, much less guard against hackers. = let alone/ not to mention/ and didnt even do that

relation

[countable] a member of your family [= relative]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMWe have relations in Canada and Scotland. relation of/to Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMWhat relation are you to Jessica? --- a tense situation is one in which you feel very anxious and worried because of something bad that might happen [↪ tension] tense situation/atmosphere/moment/talk etc Marion spoke, eager to break the tense silence. --- upkeep 1 the process of keeping something in good condition [= maintenance] upkeep of Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMMost of the money is spent on the upkeep of the building.

marque

[countable] mɑːrk the well-known name of a type of car or other product, especially an expensive one: the prestigious Ferrari marque

implore

[intransitive and transitive] formal to ask for something in an emotional way [= beg]: 'Don't go,' I implored her. implore somebody to do something She implored the soldiers to save her child. —imploring adjective: a ragged child with imploring eyes

multiply

[intransitive, transitive] (biology) to reproduce in large numbers; to make something do this Rabbits multiply rapidly. multiply something It is possible to multiply these bacteria in the laboratory. ---- a man on th street= layman taxidermy = تحنيط

slog

[intransitive, transitive] to work hard and steadily at something, especially something that takes a long time and is boring or difficult slog (away) (at something) He's been slogging away at that piece of music for weeks. slog (through something) The teacher made us slog through long lists of vocabulary. My mother slogged all her life for us. slog your way through something She slogged her way through four piles of ironing.

converge

[intransitive] if ideas, policies, aims, etc.converge, they become very similar or the same opposite diverge convergence

impose

[intransitive] to expect somebody to do something for you or to spend time with you, when it may not be convenient for them 'You must stay for lunch.' 'Well, thanks, but I don't want to impose...'< collo impose on/upon somebody/something Everyone imposes on Dave's good nature. 5 [transitive] impose yourself (on/upon somebody/something) to make somebody/something accept or be aware of your presence or ideasيفرض نفسه European civilization was the first to impose itself across the whole world.

grumble

[intransitive] to make a deep continuous sound synonym rumble Thunder grumbled in the distance. the sleeping woman shifted and grumbled without opening her eyes her tomach grumbled 2-complain

lone

[only before noun] all ex are collo 1 used to talk about the only person or thing in a place, or the only person or thing that does something [= solitary]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMA lone figure was standing at the bus stop. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe was by no means a lone voice criticizing the government. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa lone gunman Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe lone survivor of a shipwreck 2 lone mother/father/parent etc British English someone who looks after their children on their own [= single]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa lone-parent family 3 lone wolf someone who prefers to be alone

veritable

[only before noun] formal a word used to emphasize a description of someone or something [= real]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe area is a veritable paradise for those who love walking and swimming. -- tuberculosis السل

crash diet

[only before noun] involving hard work or a lot of effort over a short period of time in order to achieve quick results a crash course in computer programming a crash diet

dressing down

[singular] (old-fashioned, informal) an occasion when somebody speaks angrily to a person because they have done something wrong ------------------ get around to sth/do sth di regueur

merit

[transitive not in progressive] formal to be good, important, or serious enough for praise or attention [= deserve]: The results have been encouraging enough to merit further investigation. It's a fascinating book which merits attention. He claims that their success was not merited. The case does not merit further investigation.

deter

[transitive, intransitive] deter (somebody) (from something/from doing something) to make somebody decide not to do something or continue doing something, especially by making them understand the difficulties and unpleasant results of their actions = dissuade/prevent I told him I wasn't interested, but he wasn't deterred. The high price of the service could deter people from seeking advice. [↪ deterrent]: British EnglishThe company's financial difficulties have deterred potential investors. deter somebody from (doing) something British EnglishThe security camera was installed to deter people from stealing. ! Do not say 'deter someone to do something'. Say deter someone from doing something.

tap into sth

[transitive, intransitive] to make use of a source of energy, knowledge, etc. that already exists tap something We need to tap the expertise of the people we already have. tap into something The movie seems to tap into a general sentimentality about animals. ---- untapped available but not yet used untapped reserves of oil --- cold hearted : having no sympathy

exhume

[transitive] formal to remove a dead body from the ground, especially in order to check the cause of death [= dig up] —exhumation noun [uncountable and countable]

safegaurd

[transitive] to protect something from harm or damage safeguard somebody's interests/rights/welfare etc British EnglishThe industry has a duty to safeguard consumers. British Englishtechnology that will safeguard the environment safeguard something against something British Englisha program for safeguarding the computer system against viruses

low baller

a person who bargains extremely lower that retail or reasonable price. also, being ridiculously cheap. the price for the phone is $250. no low ballers. by julian, roberto April 29, 2008

firebrand

a person who tries to get people to become angry and to do things for a political or social cause

mole

a person who works within an organization and secretly passes important information to another organization or country = spy -------------- sparrow/ robin/ cormorant << types of birds

arch-rival

a person's main opponent a game between Rangers and their arch-rivals Celtic --- marvel at sth/sb Fig. to express wonder or surprise at someone or something. I can only marvel at Valerie and all she has accomplished. We all marveled at the beauty of the new building.

red herring

a piece of information or suggestion introduced to draw attention away from the real facts of a situation. (A red herring is a type of strong-smelling smoked fish that was once drawn across the trail of a scent to mislead hunting dogs and put them off the scent.) The detectives were following a red herring, but they're on the right track now. The mystery novel has a couple of red herrings that keep readers off guard. -------------- off guardعلى حين غرة Off one's guard; unprepared: a quiz that caught the class off-guard. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Thesaurus Legend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms Adj. 1. off-guard - not prepared or vigilantoff-guard - not prepared or vigilant; "the blow caught him napping"; "caught in an off-guard moment"; "found him off his guard"

strip mall

a retail complex consisting of stores or restaurants in adjacent spaces in one long building, typically having a narrow parking area directly in front of the stores.

seafarer

a sailor or someone who travels regularly by ship

salutary

a salutary experience is unpleasant but teaches you something salutary experience/lesson/reminder etc American EnglishLosing money in this way taught young Jones a salutary lesson.

baton

a short thin stick used by a conductor (=the leader of a group of musicians) to direct the music

a dash of sth

a small amount of a substance that is added to something else dash of British EnglishAdd salt, pepper and a dash of vinegar. b) a small amount of a quality that is added to something else dash of British EnglishAdd a dash of romance to your life with a trip to Paris. ---------------------- goodbye= until next time ----------------- blessed= ˈblesɪd --- ˈsmuːðli ------------- a situation This state of affairs can no longer be ignored. the survey revealed a sorry state of affairs.

bassinet

a small bed for a baby, that looks like a basket --- use the before the names of restaurants and hotels :)

end table

a small table next to a sofa

pom-pom

a small woollen ball attached to a garment, especially a hat, for decoration.

jab

a sudden hard hit, especially with a pointed object or your fist (=closed hand): = punch Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa boxer with a good left jab --- [intransitive and transitive] = prod to push something into or towards something else with short quick movements jab at Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMShe jabbed at the elevator buttons. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMWhen I didn't respond, he jabbed a finger at me. jab somebody with something Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMStop jabbing me with your elbow! jab something into something Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe soldier jabbed a rifle into his ribs ---- prod= to quickly push something or someone with your finger or a pointed object [= poke]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROM'Don't go to sleep,' she said, prodding me in the ribs. prod at Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMTheo prodded at the dead snake. She prodded him in the ribs to wake him up. prod at somebody/something He prodded at his breakfast with a fork.

twinge

a sudden, sharp localized pain. "he felt a twinge in his knee" ------------------------- things are looking up things are starting to go well the past couple of months haven't been easiy for me...but things are looking up by ceetee September 12, 2006

in unision

a) if people speak or do something in unison, they say the same words at the same time or do the same thing at the same time: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROM'Good morning!' the kids replied in unison. they sang in unision -- torrid heat/ passion --- snake if a river, road, train, or line snakes somewhere, it moves in long, twisting curves snake along/past/down etc British EnglishThe road snaked along the valley far below. British EnglishThe train was snaking its way through the mountains. the snaking line waiting at the airport

cresendo

a. A steady increase in intensity or force: "insisted [that] all paragraphs ... should be structured as a crescendo rising to a climactic last sentence" (Henry A. Kissinger).

have a thick skin

able to ignore personal criticism People will tell you they don't like your clothes or your voice or the color of your eyes, so you need to have a thick skin to survive.

palpitation

an abnormality of heartbeat that ranges from often unnoticed skipped beats or accelerated heart rate to very noticeable changes accompanied bخفقان القلب -- u cant have ur cake and eat it too It can be used to say that one cannot or should not have or want more than one deserves or can handle, or that one cannot or should not try to have two incompatible things. The proverb's meaning is similar to the phrases "you can't have it both ways" and "you can't have the best of both worlds." Conversely, in the positive sense, it refers to "having it both ways" or "having the best of both worlds."

bedspread

an attractive cover for a bed that goes on top of all the other covers

elusive

an elusive result is difficult to achieve: She enjoys a firm reputation in this country but wider international success has been elusive. ( hard to achieve ) 3 an elusive idea or quality is difficult to describe or understand: Look up a word starting with For me, the poem has an elusive quality.

innuendo

an indirect remark about somebody/something, usually suggesting something bad or rude; the use of remarks like this innuendoes about her private life The song is full of sexual innuendo.

turn of events

an unforeseen development; "events suddenly took an awkward turn"

scowl

at somebody/something) to look at somebody/something in an angry or annoyed way SYNONYM glower The receptionist scowled at me. ---- ogle (somebody) to look hard at somebody in an offensive way, usually showing sexual interest He was not in the habit of ogling women.

On tap

available and ready to use Working in a library, I have all this information on tap. I have just the kind of person you're talking about on tap. The cook has any kind of food you might want on tap.

reclusive

avoiding the company of other people; solitary. "he led a reclusive life" synonyms: solitary, secluded, isolated, hermit-like, cloistered, sequestered, withdrawn, retiring, shut away; More

oust sb

aʊst to force somebody out of a job or position of power, especially in order to take their place oust somebody (as something) He was ousted as chairman. oust somebody (from something) The rebels finally managed to oust the government from power. -- favorable ˈfeɪvərəbl 1 making people have a good opinion of somebody/something She made a favourable impression on his parents. The biography shows him in a favourable light. 2 positive and showing your good opinion of somebody/something favourable comments Reviews of the book have been favourable. 3 favourable (to/for somebody/something) good for something and making it likely to be successful or have an advantage synonym advantageous The terms of the agreement are favourable to both sides. The weather was favourable for a barbecue outside. favourable economic conditions --- trust fund ًصندوق ائتماني

in your element/ ut of your element

be in your element to feel happy and relaxed because you are doing something that you like doing and are good at You should have seen her when they asked her to sing, she was in her element. be out of your element to feel unhappy or strange because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with He felt out of his element at such a formal occasion. See also: out Cambridge Idioms Dictionary, 2nd ed. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006. Reproduced with permission. in your element doing something you like very much and are comfortable with Paul is in his element when he's working in the office, but when he's making sales calls, he's miserable. ----- itching: o have a restless desire (to do something) he was itching to start his Spanish classes ----- many firendships burn bright but burn short --- may the best man win --- to feel a burning desire to do sth ---- the vening dissolved into a long night of lovely talks

be privy to sth

be privy to something sharing in the knowledge of facts that are secret: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMColby was privy to the committee's decisions.

in dribs and drabs

bit by bit. I'll have to pay you what I owe you in dribs and drabs. The whole story is being revealed in dribs and drabs. See also: and McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. -in dribs and drabs in small amounts or a few at a time We could only afford to pay the builder in dribs and drabs. The hostages have been released in dribs ---- sacristan an officer charged with care of the sacristy, the church, and their contents. In ancient times, many duties of the --- sanctimonious, self-righteous

gutted

bitterly disappointed or upset: I know how gutted the players must feel

wreak havoc

cause a situation in which there is a lot of damage or a lack of order, especially so that it is difficult for something to continue in the normal way cause/create havoc Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMA strike will cause havoc for commuters. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMpolicies that would wreak havoc on the country's economy Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMRain has continued to play havoc with sporting events.

pathogenic

causing disease ˈpæθəˈdʒenɪk ; ˈpæθəˈdʒenɪk adjective pathogenic organisms -- tyrant ; ˈtaɪrənt a person who has complete power in a country and uses it in a cruel and unfair way synonym dictator The country was ruled by a succession of tyrants. (figurative) His boss is a complete tyrant. ------ youve been duped = uve been tricked --- dissent dɪˈsent (formal) 1 [uncountable] the fact of having or expressing opinions that are different from those that are officially accepted political/religious dissent Voices of dissent began to rise against the established authority in the 1950s and 1960s. Stability only exists in the country because dissent has been suppressed.

indubitably

certainly or without doubt: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMMr Sachs is indubitably charming.

dreary

depressingly dull and bleak or repetitive: the dreary round of working, eating, and trying to sleep place - weather - season ˈdrir-ē\ : causing unhappiness or sad feelings : not warm, cheerful, dull, bleak, and depressing etc. :feeling, displaying, or reflecting listlessness or discouragement

unsavory

disreputable unpleasant or morally unacceptable: the club has an unsavoury reputation. There were a lot of unsavoury characters (=unpleasant people) around the station.

disgruntled

disˈgrəntld/ adjective angry or dissatisfied. "judges receive letters from disgruntled members of the public" --- outlaw sth ˈaʊtlɔː 1 outlaw something to make something illegal synonym ban plans to outlaw the carrying of knives the outlawed nationalist party --- appeal 2 دعوى əˈpiːl 1 [countable, uncountable] a formal request to a court or to somebody in authority for a judgement or a decision to be changed: (British English) to lodge an appeal (North American English) to file an appeal (British English) an appeal court/judge (North American English) an appeals court/judge --- miscarriage ˈmɪskærɪdʒ [countable, uncountable] the process of giving birth to a baby before it is fully developed and able to survive; an occasion when this happens to have a miscarriage The pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 11 weeks. This test carries a high risk of miscarriage. She had suffered multiple miscarriages before trying the treatment. --- ponzi scheme ˈpɑːnzi skiːm a plan for making money that involves encouraging people to invest by offering them a high rate of interest and using their money to pay earlier investors. When there are not enough new investors, people who have recently invested lose their money. From Charles Ponzi, who organized the first scheme of this kind in the US in 1919.

dispassionate (approving)

dɪsˈpæʃənət (approving) not influenced by emotion synonym impartial taking a calm, dispassionate view of the situation a dispassionate observer dispassionately dɪsˈpæʃənətli ; dɪsˈpæʃənətli adverb The case needs to be examined dispassionately at a public inquiry. --- JV junior varsity a sports team at a US school, college or university for players who are younger than the school's regular varsity team. This is usually in American football and basketball. The junior varsity competes against similar teams from other schools. note at Football — American style

deplorable

dɪˈplɔːrəbl (formal) very bad and unacceptable, often in a way that shocks people synonym appalling a deplorable incident They were living in the most deplorable conditions. The acting was deplorabl her accent is deplorable -- deplore = abhore --- through through (with something/somebody) (especially North American English) used to show that you have finished using something or have ended a relationship with somebody Are you through with that newspaper? Todd and I are through.

divisive

dɪˈvaɪsɪv divisive pronunciation American (disapproving) causing people to be split into groups that disagree with or oppose each other He believes that unemployment is socially divisive. a divisive issue see also divide divisively dɪˈvaɪsɪvli divisively pronunciation English; dɪˈvaɪsɪvli divisively pronunciation American ADVERB divisiveness dɪˈvaɪsɪvnəs divisiveness pronunciation English; dɪˈvaɪsɪvnəs divisiveness pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable] The minister disliked the divisiveness of rich and poor children going to different schools.

Geronimo

dʒəˈrɒnɪməʊ / EXCLAMATION Used to express exhilaration, especially when leaping from a great height or moving at speed: Jimmy shouted as he rode—'Geronimo!'

be on non-speaks with sb

eans that you have had a strong disagreement with them and refuse to speak to them His rightwing brother, Peter, also a journalist, was put on non-speakers for several years after revealing a pro-red joke that Christopher once made in private.

spryness

ease and grace in physical activity <has the spryness and flexibility of a professional athlete> = lithe

Average Joe

ed primarily in North America to refer to a completely average person (man)

elide

elide something (phonetics) to leave out the sound of part of a word when you are pronouncing it The 't' in 'often' may be elided. see also elision

fly the coop

escape; to get out or get away. (Alludes to a chicken escaping from a chicken coop.) I couldn't stand the party, so I flew the coop. The prisoner flew the coop at the first opportunity. love has flown the coop See also: coop, fly McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. fly the coop (mainly American) to leave somewhere, especially to leave your home for the first time in order to live away from the family Usage notes: A coop is a place where chickens are kept. The last of our kids has finally flown the coop so we have the whole house to ourselves. See also: coop, fly

diabolic

evil or cruel: diabolical abuse

alibi

excuse for something that you have done wrong ----- a watertight alibi an alibi that seems almost impossible to disprove; a perfect alibi.

concurrent

existing or happening at the same time: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe exhibition reflected concurrent developments abroad. 2 formal in agreement concurrent with Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMMy opinions are concurrent with yours. —concurrently adverb: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMBecause his prison sentences run concurrently, he could be free in

serape

faɪˈnæləti [uncountable] the quality of being final and impossible to change the finality of death There was a note of finality in his voice. 'No', she said with finality.<<collo ------- noun of expell expulsion (from...) the act of forcing somebody to leave a place; the act of expelling somebody These events led to the expulsion of senior diplomats from the country. Troops are engaged in the expulsion of enemy forces from the area. 2 [uncountable, countable] expulsion (from...) the act of sending somebody away from a school or an organization, so that they can no longer belong to it; the act of expelling somebody The headteacher threatened the three girls with expulsion. The club faces expulsion from the football league. 3 [uncountable] expulsion (from...) (formal) the act of sending or driving a substance out of your body or a container the expulsion of air from the lungs ---- serape The serape or sarape is a long blanket-like shawl, often brightly colored and fringed at the ends, worn in Mexico, especially by men.

listless

feeling tired and not interested in things: The heat was making me listless. ----------------------------- sloth : laziness Waking up from the hindrance of sloth and torpor

-fest

fest -fest pronunciation American (in nouns) a festival or large meeting involving a particular activity or with a particular atmosphere a jazzfest a talkfest (= a session involving long discussions)

gripping

firmly holding the attention or interest; exciting. "a gripping TV thriller"

preternatural

formal = supernatural OR strange 1 beyond what is usual or normal: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe felt possessed of a preternatural strength and fearlessness. 2 strange, mysterious, and unnatural: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe preternatural green light —preternaturally adverb: town was preternaturally quiet. = supernatural, odd, strange, unusual, extraordinary, mysterious, marvellous, peculiar, abnormal, irregular, unearthly, miraculous, unnatural, inexplicable, unaccountable, anomalous • preternatural powers

rapacious

formal always wanting more money, goods etc than you need or have a right to [= greedy]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMrapacious landlords —rapaciously adverb —rapacity noun [uncountable]

inexorable

formal an inexorable process cannot be stopped: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe inexorable decline of Britain's manufacturing industry Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe seemingly inexorable rise in crime ɪnˈeksərəbli adverb events leading inexorably towards a crisis

flack

formal noun 1. a publicity agent. verb 1. publicize or promote. "each author is flacking his 'exclusive' account of the whole mess" ------------ push the envlope to move beyond the limit of what has usually been done or was the accepted standard TV shows are really pushing the envelope by showing so much sex and violence.

recalcitrant

formal refusing to do what you are told to do, even after you have been punished [= unruly]: a recalcitrant pupil

exact

formal to demand and get something from someone by using threats, force etc exact something from somebody Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the I exacted a promise from Ros that she wouldn't say a word. 2= retaliate exact revenge (on somebody) if someone exacts revenge, they punish a person who has harmed them: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the Leonard was determined to exact revenge on his wife's killer. >>>3 exact a high/heavy price if something exacts a high or a heavy price, it has a very bad effect on a person or on a situation: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the The years of conflict have exacted a heavy price from the civilians- Stress can exact a high price from workers (= can affect them badly).------ purge 2(formal) to make yourself/somebody/something pure, healthy or clean by getting rid of bad thoughts or feelings purge yourself/somebody/something (of something) We need to purge our sport of racism. purge something (from something) Nothing could purge the guilt from her mind. ----- horticulture the study and art of growing flowers --- to the core= to the marrow completely or totally A showman to the core, Chuck arrived at my party wearing a white headdress and a long purple cape. Usage notes: often used in the form rotten to the core (totally bad or evil): That kid is rotten to the core. See also: core

be given to sth

formal to tend to do something, especially something that you should not do: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHe was a quiet man, not usually given to complaining.

foil

fɔɪl foil pronunciation American [often passive] to stop something from happening, especially something illegal; to prevent somebody from doing something SYNONYM thwart foil something to foil a plan/crime/plot Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle the paintings out of the country. foil somebody (in something) They were foiled in their attempt to smuggle the paintings. ----- ɪmˈpiːd impede pronunciation American [often passive] impede something (formal) to delay or stop the progress of something SYNONYM hinder, hamper Work on the building was impeded by severe weather. -- ˈsmʌɡl smuggle pronunciation American smuggle something/somebody (+ adverb/preposition) to take, send or bring goods or people secretly and illegally into or out of a country, etc They were caught smuggling diamonds into the country. He managed to smuggle a gun into the prison. smuggled drugs We do not yet know how the bomb was smuggled abroad.

fictitious

fɪkˈtɪʃəs/Submit adjective 1. not real or true; imaginary or fabricated. "reports of a deal were dismissed as fictitious by the Minister" synonyms: false, fake, counterfeit, fabricated, sham; More =factitous fækˈtɪʃəs (formal) not genuine but created deliberately and made to appear to be true

get through to sb

get through to somebody to make somebody understand or accept what you say, especially when you are trying to help them I find it impossible to get through to her.

tight

having a close relationship with somebody else or with other people It was a tight community and newcomers were not welcome. he was still tight with her father after they slipt up 6little money if money is tight, you do not have enough of it money is tight/things are tight Money was tight and he needed a job badly. As you know, I run the magazine on a pretty tight budget. 7little time if time is tight, it is difficult for you to do everything you need to do in the time available: Time is tight, and she has another meeting to go to this afternoon. We should arrive on time, but it'll be tight. As usual, his schedule on Saturday was tight (=he had arranged to do several things in a short time). I''m working to a very tight deadline (=I have to finish a piece of work vey quickly). 9not generous informal not generous, or trying hard to avoid spending money: Don't be so tight! ---- mounted: fixed firmly to a larger thing: The statue was mounted on a marble base. music blasting from wall-mounted speakers an umounted door --- not to let the slightest go unadvertised, I ... ----------

feisty

having a strong determined character and being willing to argue with people - use this to show approval: ˈfaɪ.sti/ › active, forceful, and full of determination: a feisty lady He launched a feisty attack on the government. DiFranco charmed the audience with her feisty spirit. ---- cat got your tongue= why aren't u saying anything?

reeky

having an unpleasant smell <a reeky riverbank that at low tide smells of rotting fish>

in sb's/ sth's stead

in somebody's/something's stead (formal) instead of somebody/something Foxton was dismissed and John Smith was appointed in his stead.

to taste

in the quantity that is needed to make something taste the way you prefer Add salt and pepper to taste.

as such

in the way something is; as someone or something is. I cannot accept your manuscript as such. It needs revisions. You are new to this job, and as such, I will have to train you. --------------------- excitd= stoked about -------------- We were second-class citizens and they treated us as such. Accountants were boring. Such (= that) was her opinion before meeting Ian! He said he didn't have time or made "some such" excuse<collo

flit

intransitive always + adverb/preposition]ينطنط من والى يتنقل بين butterflies flitting from one flower to the other to move lightly or quickly and not stay in one place for very long: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMBirds flitted about in the trees above them. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMShe seemed to spend her life flitting from one country to another. he has been flitting from one job to another for a couple of months Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHis eyes flitted to his watch. Move swiftly and lightly: small birds flitted about in the branches • figurative the idea had flitted through his mind r boots to the hat shrouding her face from the sun. Birds were chirping, flitting from one twig to another.

impeachment

is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which, depending on the country, may include the removal of that official from office as well as criminal or civil punishment.

mansplaining

is a portmanteau of the words "man" and "explaining" that describes the act of a man speaking to a woman with the assumption that she knows less than he does about the topic being discussed on the basis of her gender.[1] --- to challenge someone to a fight. Wilbur wanted to call him out, but thought better of it. Why did you call out that guy? He used to be a prizefighter! call sth out < to draw their attention to a mistake theyve done

smacktalk

is a slang term seen in chat channels in chat room, blog, and MMOG conversations. It generally refers to the use of threatening or intentionally inflammatory language. Smack talk can also be used with bullying, whether that be face-to-face interaction, or cyber-bullying.

wet nurse

is a woman who breast feeds and cares for another's child. Wet nurses are employed when the mother is unable or chooses not to nurse the child

cherry-picking

is the act of pointing to individual cases or data that seem to confirm a particular position, while ignoring a significant portion of related cases or data that may contradict that position. It is a kind of fallacy of selective attention,

British Dame

is the female equivalent of a Knight in the British honours system. The title Dame is used instead of Sir.

emeritus - emirita

iˈmerɪtəs often Emeritus used with a title to show that a person, usually a university teacher, keeps the title as an honour, although he or she has stopped working the Emeritus Professor of Biology HELP In North American English the form Emerita /iˈmerɪtə/ is used for women: Professor Emerita Mary Judd

in collusion with/ in caboots with

kəˈluːʒn collusion pronunciation American [uncountable] (formal, disapproving) secret agreement especially in order to do something dishonest or to trick people The police were corrupt and were operating in collusion with the drug dealers. There was collusion between the two witnesses (= they gave the same false evidence). collusive kəˈluːsɪv collusive pronunciation English; kəˈluːsɪv collusive pronunciation American ADJECTIVE There is a secret collusive relationship between politics and the media which the outside world rarely -------------------- huddled huddled pronunciation English; huddled pronunciation American ADJECTIVE People were huddled together around the fire. huddled figures in shop doorways We found him huddled on the floor.

capacious

kəˈpeɪʃəs (formal) having a lot of space to put things in synonym roomy capacious pockets live : can be an adj we saw a real life ( collo) rattlesnake enfeeble to make sb / sth weak

corral

kəˈræl (in N America) a fenced area for horses, cows etc. on a farm or ranch They drove the ponies into a corral. --- muck= manure məˈnʊr [uncountable] the waste matter from animals that is spread over or mixed with the soil to help plants and crops grow synonym dung Dig plenty of well-rotted manure into the soil. --- blanket ˈblæŋkɪt [often passive] blanket something (formal) to cover something completely with a thick layer Snow soon blanketed the frozen ground. ------- bottle fly >>> the blue fly

break even

make neither profit nor loss ( in business)

milieu

miːˈljɜː milieus pronunciation American (from French, formal) a person's social environment. "Gregory came from the same aristocratic milieu as Sidonius" synonyms: environment, background, backdrop, setting, context, atmosphere, scene; More the social environment that you live or work in SYNONYM background The findings of the report refer to a particular social and cultural milieu. The ward aims to: create a therapeutic milieu in which mutual respect is key to the successful rehabilitation of those in our care. The globalization party itself is situated within the cultural milieu of Thai society. Milieu therapy helps a patient to recover through manipulation of his environment in a hospital. There is no problem in creating such a tangible movement from the pro-independence milieu. I suspect that the temper of the times is unlikely to ever again provide a more hospitable milieu for such a movement. The result is a stunning intellectual milieu of I feel most privileged to be a part. It's not meant in any way to constitute some sort of faction or sect within the more general anarchist milieu. McLeod, John Narrative & Psychotherapy ( Sage 1987 ) Exploration of the concept of self in story telling against a changing social milieu.

no picnic

no bed of roses --- the meal, usually consisting of sandwiches, salad and fruit, etc. that you take with you when you go on a picnic Let's eat our picnic by the lake. a picnic lunch a picnic basket IDIOMS be no picnic (informal) to be difficult and cause a lot of problems Bringing up a family when you're unemployed is no picnic. ---- barbecue= the girll itself --- high chance :) :( slim chance = fat chance < both a slight chance; a small chance. There is a slim chance that I will arrive on Monday, but Tuesday is more likely. ---- receivables= debts

as a matter of course

normally; as a normal procedure. The nurse takes your temperature as a matter of course. You are expected to make your own bed as a matter of course. See also: course, matter -- orangutan : a type of apes

maladaptive

not adjusting adequately or appropriately to the environment or situation. "maladaptive coping strategies such as increasing consumption of alcohol"

buttoned-up

not friendly and open about showing feelings Full Definition of BUTTONED-UP : coldly reserved or standoffish <a buttoned-up executive> is not able to express their feelings, especially sexual feelings conservative, as in professional style or manner. [1935-40] Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Thesaurus Legend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms Adj. 1. buttoned-up - (British colloquial) not inclined to conversation --- hithhiking ) is a means of transportation that is gained by asking people, usually strangers, for a ride in their automobile or other road vehicle

disnefranchised

not having any rights, especially the right to vote, and not feeling part of society

incline

noun ˈɪnklaɪn ; ˈɪnklaɪn (formal) a slope a steep/slight incline

nutjob

nouninformal 1. a mad or crazy person.

misdemanor

ny "lesser" criminal act in some common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished less --- give sb a black eye = punch them in the eye

fill out

o become larger, rounder or fatter the teenager started to fill out physically ---- cut-off date = deadline --- plural of corpus : corpra 2nd cor·po·ra Definition of CORPUS 1 : the human or animal body especially when dead ---- anthropomorphism : ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːrfɪk anthropomorphic pronunciation American (of beliefs or ideas) treating gods, animals or objects as if they had human qualities an explanation of animal behaviour in anthropomorphic terms

fend sb/sth off

o defend or protect yourself from something/somebody that is attacking you synonym fight off, ward off The police officer fended off the blows with his riot shield. 2 to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc, especially by avoiding them synonym ward off She managed to fend off questions about new tax increases. The Prime Minister fended off three challenges to her leadership.

brand sb as sth

o describe someone or something as a very bad type of person or thing, often unfairly brand somebody (as) something Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMYou can't brand all football supporters as hooligans. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMStealing that money has branded Jim for life - no-one will trust him again.

roped-off

o enclose, separate, or partition with or as if with a rope: rope off the scene of the crime. a roped-off alley motherssss-in-law

cant shake it

o in this instance, the character in the TV show has an idea that they can't stop having or thinking about. The classic example is when someone is being followed: I've got a tail, and I can't shake them. Meaning they can't get rid of the person following them (the tail). Another frequent use is when talking about illness: I've got a cold; I've had it for weeks and I can't seem to shake it. ------- afterthought An idea, response, or explanation that occurs to one after an event or decision.

just for the record

oken used to tell someone that what you are saying should be remembered or written down: or the record, the police never charged me. just for the record, ive never even visited his house -------------------------- belong to = actual origin/relation belong in ; fits better in despite its different origin --------- CHAIR AS A VERB ADDLED VS RANCID and putrid ˈpjuːtrɪd / ADJECTIVE 1(Of organic matter) decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell: a butcher who sold putrid meat MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES They all in general had putrid gums, the spots and lassitude, with weakness of their knees. The egg cracks open and a putrid gas squirts out. She felt the scent of putrid alcohol and knew she was doomed.

big time

on a large scale; to a great extent. "this time they've messed up big time"

(a) case in point

one example of this Elliott is one of the best rappers around, and her new album is a case in point. Boston is such an unpredictable team - their victory over Indiana yesterday is a case in point.

vicious cycle

one trouble leads to another that aggravates the first fill up the car : fill the ank of th r with gas

last-ditch effort/attempt

only before noun] used to describe a final attempt to achieve something, when there is not much hope of succeeding She underwent a heart transplant in a last-ditch attempt to save her. -- reculsive

precarious

precarious situation or state is one which may very easily or quickly become worse: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHer health remained precarious, despite the treatment.<< collo with health Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe company's precarious financial position 2 likely to fall, or likely to cause someone to fall: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa precarious mountain trail —precariously adverb: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa cup of tea "balanced precariously" on her knee ================ vs pernicious remember:: disiduous

concession

price reduction [countable] British English a reduction in the price of tickets, fees etc for certain groups of people, for example old people or children [= reduction]: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMTo qualify for travel concessions you have to be 60. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMOpen daily, adults £4, concessions £2 (=people who have the right to a concession pay £2).

percipitate

priˈsipəˌtāt/ 1. cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely. "the incident precipitated a political crisis" synonyms: bring about/on, cause, lead to, give rise to, instigate, trigger, spark, touch off, provoke, hasten, accelerate, expedite More

preen urself

priːn 1 [transitive, intransitive] preen (yourself) (usually disapproving) to spend a lot of time making yourself look attractive and then admiring your appearance Will you stop preening yourself in front of the mirror? 2 [transitive] preen yourself (on something) (usually disapproving) to feel very pleased with yourself about something and show other people how pleased you are 3 [intransitive, transitive] preen (itself) (of a bird) to clean itself or make its feathers smooth with its beak

push sb over the edge

put sb into a condition of extreme emotional or mental suffering I worry that someone as upset as she is could easily be pushed over the edge and cause herself great harm. ----------- stony A stony expression or way of behaving is one that shows no sympathy or kindness: She gave me a stony glare as I walked into the room. Most of her comments were met with a stony silence.<<<<<<<<< colllo ---- go out of ur way to try very hard to do something, especially for someone else: They really went out of their way to make us feel welcome by giving us the best room in the house. -- a ranch hand a hired hand on a ranch --- savage 2 very severe: British EnglishThe government has announced savage cuts in spending. British Englisha savage storm savage heat

paralmilitary

pærəˈmɪləteri [usually before noun] 1 a paramilitary organization is an illegal group that is organized like an army a right-wing paramilitary group

rustic

simple, old-fashioned, and not spoiled by modern developments, in a way that is typical of the countryside: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe village had a certain rustic charm.<< collo --- falter [intransitive] to become weaker and unable to continue in an effective way: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe economy is showing signs of faltering. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMMy mother's grip upon the household never faltered. 2 [intransitive and transitive] to speak in a voice that sounds weak and uncertain, and keeps stopping: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMLaurie's voice faltered as she tried to thank him. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROM'I can't,' she faltered. 3 [intransitive] to become less certain and determined that you want to do something: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMWe must not falter in our resolve. 1 nervous and uncertain or unsteady: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa baby's first faltering steps 2 becoming less effective or successful: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMthe faltering Mideast peace talks --- mentor >>/ mentoooooooooor/ men'tee tu'tee tutor ˈt(y)o͞otər

leotards

skintight knit hose covering the body from the waist to the feet worn by acrobats and dancers and as stockings by women and girls

pifanny

slang >a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, initiated by piff. M: *cough cough* I finally understand the meaning of life... S: Dude, you have to tell us! M: uh? um... I forgot, what a waste of a piffany -----. An epiphany (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation, striking appearance") is an experience of sudden and striking realization. Generally ...

strata 2 > stratum 1

strata of society a level or grade of a people or population esp. with reference to social position and education: the lowest stratum of society. -- incidental ˌɪnsɪˈdentl 1 incidental (to something) happening in connection with something else, but not as important as it, or not intended The discovery was incidental to their main research. incidental music(= music used with a play or a film/movie to give atmosphere) You may be able to get help with incidental expenses(= small costs that you get in connection with something). 2 incidental to something (technical) happening as a natural result of something These risks are incidental to the work of a firefighter.

stricken

strɪkən (in compounds) seriously affected by the thing mentioned poverty-stricken families see also grief-stricken, horror-stricken, panic-stricken

sedan

sɪˈdæn (North American English) (British English saloon, saloon car) a car with four doors and a boot/trunk (= space at the back for carrying things) which is separated from the part where the driver and passengers sit VS salon səˈlɔːn ----- pastor ˈpæstər a minister in charge of a Christian church or group, especially in some Nonconformist churches ---- notary كاتب العدل a notarized document --- affidavit ˌæfəˈdeɪvɪt (law) a written statement that you swear is true, and that can be used as evidence in court to make/swear/sign an affidavit

gate-crash

the act of attending an invitation-only event when not invited.[1] The person doing the gate crashing is known as a gate crasher. ------------------- t-shirt = tee 2

origami

the art of paper folding

mugging

the crime of attacking somebody violently, or threatening to do so, in order to steal their money, especially in a public place Mugging is on the increase. There have been several muggings here recently.

androphobia

the fear of men vs atelphobia

swan song

the last performance, speech someone gives before retirment or dying -- topsy-turvy In a state of confusion: [AS ADJECTIVE]: the topsy-turvy months of the invasion MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES This topsy-turvy condition resulted in an expensive and chaotic quest for new artistic direction. But Sarah's outlook remains optimistic and most importantly as balanced as it can be in the upside-down, topsy-turvy world of an actor. It all converged one day during his topsy-turvy four-month ride as chief executive officer, when Upside magazine listed his company among the hot 100 firms in technology. --- king - queen - twin bed --- as far as i can tell Judging from the available information: the work will take about six weeks, as far as I can tell

the lesser of two evil / the lesser evil

the lesser of two evils| the lesser evil the less unpleasant of two unpleasant choices

converse

the opposite or reverse of a fact or statement Building new roads increases traffic and the converse is equally true: reducing the number and size of roads means less traffic. converse adjective the converse effect conversely = on the contrary VS converse (verb)

defendant

the person in a court of law who has been accused of doing something illegal [↪ plaintiff; = prisoner AmE] British EnglishWe find the defendant not guilty. ---- bully= someone who bullies ------ prophesy: to predict-to say what will happen in the future, especially using religious or magical knowledge [= foretell] prophesy that Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the - He prophesied that a flood would cover the earth. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the There was a great war between the countries, just as the elders had prophesied. prophecy: prediction a psychic prophesied that jo would receive a prophecy --- judicial: relating to the law, judges, or their decisions [↪ legislative]: on the the judicial system judicious: done in a sensible and careful way = wise : a judicious choice

LEVITATE

the process by which an object is suspended by a physical force against gravity, in a stable position without solid

crossover star

the process of achieving success in a different field or style, especially in popular music. "a jazz-classical crossover album" taylor is a crossover star ----------- mogul a person of rank, power, or influence in a particular field <movie moguls promising to turn young actresses into stars> talor is a young mogul

taste buds

the receptors for taste.

rump

the round area of flesh at the top of the back legs of an animal that has four legs He slapped the horse on the rump. 2 [uncountable] (also rump steak [countable, uncountable]) a piece of good quality meat cut from the rump of a cow -- hip on hip off bus for sight-seeing

bulb

the round underground part of some plants, shaped like an onion, that grows into a new plant every year the bulb fields of Holland ------ hustle vs hassle

ethologist

the scientific and objective study of animal behaviour, and is a sub-topic of

incubation

the time between somebody being infected with a disease and the appearance of the first symptoms (= signs) حضانة المرض

ther is no way round it

there is no way to avoid; there is no alternative to. .

jump in feet first

to become involved in something very quickly, often without thinking carefully about it first Take time to think things over before you make a decision, don't jump straight in with both feet. See also: both, feet, jump Cambridge Idioms Dictionary, 2nd ed. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006. Reproduced with permission. jump in with both feet also jump with both feet into something to become involved in something quickly and completely When she decides to get involved, she jumps in with both feet. When jo was offered the job, she jumped in feet first ---- opp: jum dive head-first 2 if you do something head-first, you become involved in it too quickly, without having time to think about it carefully: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa remark that sent him tumbling head-first into another controversy -- hold court to entertain people by telling them interesting or funny things I met Giles holding court with some tourists in a cafe. --- pasties ---- past of forsake forsook jo forsook unhealthy food a year ago

relent

to change your attitude and become less strict or cruel towards someone [= give in]: become more lenient or forgiving Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMAt last her father relented and came to visit her. --- never giving up ( relentless) strict, cruel, or determined, without ever stopping: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMher relentless determination to succeed regime that was relentless in its persecution of dissidents --- bottle caps -- Be a creative writer .. dont take the well-worn path used many times a well-worn path well-worn clothing a well-worn phrase/excuse/defense

come around to sth

to change your opinion or decision because someone has persuaded you to agree with them He'll come around eventually. come around to: We knew she would come around to our way of thinking. -- proceed to sth: move on to sth ----- quarterly : 4 times a year -- solicitude (for somebody/something) (formal) anxious care for somebody's comfort, health or happiness I was touched by his solicitude for the boy.

swab sth

to clean or remove liquid from a wound, etc, using a swab he monk swabbed a Q-tip around his inner cheek -- he monk swabbed a Q-tip around his inner cheek --fidget (with something) to keep moving your body, your hands or your feet because you are nervous, bored, excited, etc Sit still and stop fidgeting -- so much = in abundance he wanted the baby in abundance

catch sb up short

to come upon someone who is unprepared; to surprise someone. (See also asleep at the switch.) The enemy soldiers caught our army napping. The thieves caught the security guard napping. I didn't expect you so soon. You caught me off balance. The teacher asked a trick question and caught me up short. The robbers caught Ann off balance and stole her purse. catch s unawares --- austere ɔːˈstɪr 1 simple and plain; without any decorations her austere bedroom with its simple narrow bed Their clothes were always austere. 2 (of a person) strict and serious in appearance and behaviour My father was a distant, austere man. 3 allowing nothing that gives pleasure; not comfortable the monks' austere way of life

soldier on

to continue with what you are doing or trying to achieve, especially when this is difficult or unpleasant; to continue to do something in a determined way, esp. when you know you may not succeed She was working with these gorgeous guys, and she managed to soldier on despite being a bit intimidated by them. His partner left and he had to soldier on alone.

hatch up a scheme/plan

to create a plan or an idea, especially in secret Have you been hatching up a deal with her?

blubber

to cry noisily, especially in a way that annoys people VS blabber ˈblæbər [intransitive] blabber (on) (about something) (informal) to talk in a way that other people think is silly and annoying What was she blabbering on about this time? -- a hermit writer -- tomboy ; ˈtɑːmbɔɪ a young girl who enjoys activities and games that are traditionally considered to be for boys

fell

to cut down a tree Trees were felled and floated downstream.

get the better of sb

to defeat somebody/something or gain an advantage No one can get the better of her in an argument. She always gets the better of an argument. His curiosity got the better of him (= he didn't intend to ask questions, but he wanted to know so badly that he did).

flout the rules

to deliberately disobey a law, rule etc, without trying to hide what you are doing: Some companies flout the rules and employ children as young as seven. deliberately/openly flout something The union had openly flouted the law. يتحدى القانون --- cat got ur tongue= why aren't u saying anything

buy time

to do something in order to delay an event, a decision, etc The negotiators kept the gunman talking to buy time for the hostages.

slurp

to drink a liquid while making a noisy sucking sound slurp something He was slurping his tea. slurp (from something) She slurped noisily from her cup. --------------- he flicked the knife open [intransitive,transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move/ make something move in this way flick from/up/down The cow's tail flicked from side to side.

render

to express something in a different language SYNONYM translate render something (as something) The Italian phrase can be rendered as 'I did my best'. render something (into something) It's a concept that is difficult to render into English.

inculcate

to fix ideas, principles etc in someone's mind inculcate something in/into somebody I try to inculcate a sense of responsibility in my children. = instill, indoctrinate Not all schools manage to successfully inculcate a love of learning

extort

to get (something, such as money) from a person by the use of force or threats Full Definition of EXTORT transitive verb : to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : wring; also : to gain especially by ingenuity or compelling argument — ex·tort·er noun — ex·tor·tive adjective See extort defined for English-language learners » See extort defined for kids » Examples of EXTORT The criminals extorted large sums of money from their victims. He was arrested for extorting bribes. --- In modern usage blackmail differs from extortion in that the money or other valuable object or act is not extorted by threat of direct bodily harm, but by the threat of revealing something presumed to be injurious to the victim.

vacate

to leave a seat, room etc so that someone else can use it: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMGuests must vacate their rooms by 11:00. = evacuate [intransitive and transitive] to empty a place by making all the people leave: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMPolice evacuated the area. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe order was given to evacuate. ------ Semicolons to Separate List Items Items in lists are usually separated with commas (as in the first example below). However, if the list items themselves contain commas, then semicolons can be used as separators to outrank those commas. Examples: I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York. (commas used to separate the list items) I have been to Newcastle, Carlisle, and York in the North; Bristol, Exeter, and Portsmouth in the South; and Cromer, Norwich, and Lincoln in the East. (semicolons used to separate the list items as the list items themselves contain commas) You should choose ham, chicken, or char-grilled vegetable sandwiches; cups of tea, Bovril, or coffee (if you don't mind them lukewarm); or red wine (one of the few options that's drinkable when lukewarm). Read more at http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/semicolons_in_lists.htm#FiFioulqQaLJDXrH.99

left to their own devices

to leave somebody alone to do as they wish, and not tell them what to do يخليه بكيفه to let someone do what they want without helping them or trying to control them (usually passive) There are four hours of lessons each morning, and in the afternoon students are left to their own devices. Left to my own devices I wouldn't bother cooking in the evenings. See also: device, leave Cambridge Idioms Dictionary, 2nd ed. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006. Reproduced with permission. leave you to your own devices to allow you to decide for yourself what you do Most of the time, the prisoners were left to their own devices by the guards. When the two sides were left to their own devices, they managed to agree on terms for a new contract. See also: device, leave ------------- easter egg something extra hidden within a film for viewers to see if they can find it or not. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has easter eggs in it.

curtail sth

to limit something or--- make it last for a shorter time Spending on books has been severely curtailed. The lecture was curtailed by the fire alarm going off. ------ choker

raise Cain

to make a lot of trouble; to raise hell. Fred was really raising Cain about the whole matter. Let's stop raising Cain. = put the cat with pigeons to make a lot of trouble; to raise hell. (A Biblical reference, from Genesis 4.) Fred was really raising Cain about the whole matter. Let's stop raising Cain. See also: raise McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. raise Cain (old-fashioned) to complain angrily about something and to cause a lot of trouble for the people who are responsible for it They know that the children's parents will raise Cain if they're excluded from classes. raise Cain (old-fashioned) to complain angrily about something and to cause a lot of trouble for the people who are responsible for it They know that the children's parents will raise Cain if they're excluded from classes. --------------- bucket list= a list of things u ant to do b4 u die

to make a mountain out of a moleihill

to make a mountain out of a molehill يعمل من الحبة قبة Cliché to make a major issue out of a minor one; to exaggerate the importance of something. Come on, don't make a mountain out of a molehill. It's not that important. Mary is always making mountains out of molehills. See also: make, mountain, out even Homer sometimes nods even someone who is the best at what they do can turn in a subpar performance لكل سيف نبوة - لكل عالم هفوة any horse may stumble, any stage may err لكل جواد كبوة to beat one's breast: to show how sad or guilty you feel in an obvious or public way: There's no point in beating your breast about losing the money - you won't get it back. يعض أصابع الندم the proof of the pudding is in the eating Prov. You don't know the quality of something until you have tried it or experienced it. Theory says that this material will produce a superior widget, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

fan oneself

to make air move around by waving a fan, piece of paper etc so that you feel cooler fan yourself Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMPeople in the audience were fanning themselves with their programmes. -- novella a story that is shorter than a novel, but longer than a short story --- rail-thin overly slender,

draw sth up

to make or write something that needs careful thought or planning to draw up a contract/list the professor dedicated 3 hours for drawing up the final exam

make headway

to make progress (often negative) Talks between the two countries are making very little headway. See also: make to achieve progress We hope scientists are able to continue to make headway against cancer. ------------------------- copulation = intercourse

desensitize sb to sth

to make someone react less strongly to something by making them become used to it desensitize somebody to something American EnglishDoes TV desensitize people to violence?

bleat

to make the sound that a sheep or goat makes ------------- glimmer of hope = beacon of hope --------- thanks a bunch ------ a school of whales - flock of sheep - herd of cows ---- take/ go on a tour

pose as sb

to pretend to be someone else, in order to deceive people: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMBryce was caught posing as a lawyer. -- walk/ swim the sea / the land can be transitive --- 5 [countable] (literary) used to refer to a country or region in a way which appeals to the emotions or the imagination She longed to return to her native land. They dreamed of travelling to foreign lands. faraway lands beyond the sea America is the land of freedom and opportunity. the land of the fairies/elves/giants

romp around

to run and bounce around playfully. The horses were in the meadow, romping around in the crisp autumn air. The children need to get out and romp around. ----------------------- good-old existed or obtained in the past (or you believe existed or obtained in the past) -- the "Good old days" -- but is now neglected or vanishing or gone The good old tradition of liberal education The good old portable typewriter However, the term is almost always used ironically today: Good old Bob, always finds a new way to screw it up. Good old VHS had absolutely unique reds and oranges. The good old Know-Nothing party seems to be making a comeback. --- falsity ˈfɔːlsəti [uncountable] the state of not being true or genuine opposite truth --- laxative ˈlæksətɪv a medicine, food or drink that makes somebody empty their bowels easily laxative adjective -------- partake in to take part in an activity or event [= participate] partake in Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMa woman's fundamental right to partake in club affairs

not mince one's words

to say something in a direct way even though it might offend other people They were severely criticized by the chairman, who was not a man to mince his words. = call a spade a spade

pitch a tent

to set up a tent or a camp for a short time We could pitch our tent in that field. They pitched camp for the night near the river. see also pitched

chain-smoker

to smoke cigarettes continuously, lighting the next one from the one you have just smoked

mull over sth

to spend time thinking carefully about a plan or proposal synonym consider I need some time to mull it over before making a decision --- scavenger scavenge [transitive, intransitive] (of animals or birds) to eat dead animals that have been killed by another animal, by a car, etc scavenge something Crows scavenge carrion left on the roads. scavenge (on something) Some fish scavenge on dead fish in the wild.

click

to suddenly become clear or understood Suddenly it clicked—we'd been talking about different people. It all clicked into place. Pieces of the puzzle suddenly clicked together. 4 [intransitive] (informal) to become friends with somebody at once; to become popular with somebody We met at a party and clicked immediately. click with somebody He's never really clicked with his students. VS clink= chink ------ soliloquy səˈlɪləkwi soliloquy pronunciation American [countable, uncountable] plural soliloquies a speech in a play in which a character, who is alone on the stage, speaks his or her thoughts; the act of speaking thoughts in this way SYNONYM monologue Hamlet's famous soliloquy, 'To be or not to be...' the playwright's use of soliloquy soliloquize, -ise səˈlɪləkwaɪz soliloquize pronunciation English; səˈlɪləkwaɪz soliloquize pronunciation American VERB [intransitive]

shift gears

to suddenly change what you are doing I'd like to shift gears now and talk about a personal concern. talk about another point

pull for

to support and cheer for someone, a group, or something. We're pulling for you. We know you can do it! All the students were pulling for the team. See also: pull McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. pull for somebody/something to support someone or something The crowd was clearly pulling for the home team.

side with b

to support or argue against a person or group in a quarrel, fight etc side with/against British EnglishFrank sided with David against their mother. ---

take sb off-gaurd

to surprise someone by doing or saying something they were not expecting One of the larger airlines caught its rivals off guard yesterday by suddenly announcing a cut in fares. When they asked me to babysit, I was taken off guard and found myself agreeing to it.

reason with sb

to talk to somebody in order to persuade them to be more sensible I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn't listen.

spare a thought for sb

to think about someone who is in a difficult situation Please, spare a thought for the homeless this Christmas. Thesaurus entry for this meaning of spare -------------------------------- homely woman = ugly woman

grind sb down

to treat somebody in a cruel unpleasant way over a long period of time, so that they become unable to fight back Don't let them grind you down. Years of oppression had ground the people down.

take it out on sb

to treat someone badly because you are upset or angry, even if they have done nothing wrong: I know you've had a bad day, but there's no need to take it out on me!

test the waters

to try to discover what people think about an idea before you do anything about it, or to try to discover what a situation is really like before you become very involved in it I mentioned my idea to a couple of friends as a way of testing the water and they were very enthusiastic about it. Perhaps you should go to a couple of meetings to test the waters before you decide whether to join the club. -- a wine cellar a store of wine belonging to a person, restaurant etc

fathom sth out/ fathom

to understand what something means after thinking about it carefully [= work out]: make out I still can't fathom out what she meant. fathom how/why/where etc Mark couldn't fathom why she resented him so much. It's hard to fathom how a bereaved mother feels.

abreast

to walk, ride etc next to each other, all facing the same way two/three/four etc abreast (=with two, three, four etc people or vehicles next to each other) Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe planes were flying four abreast.

trudge

trʌdʒ trudge pronunciation American [intransitive] to walk slowly or with heavy steps, because you are tired or carrying something heavy + noun He trudged the last two miles to the town. + adverb/preposition The men trudged up the hill, laden with supplies. We spent the morning trudging around the mall looking for a suitable gift. ----- VS twinge zone out= space out --------- normality= normalcy TV depicts violance as a normalcy ( a normal situation) a situation where everything is normal or as you would expect it to be They are hoping for "a return to normality" now that the war is over. --- folly 1 [uncountable, countable] a lack of good judgement; the fact of doing something stupid; an activity or idea that shows a lack of judgement SYNONYM stupidity an act of sheer folly Giving up a secure job seems to be the height of folly. folly (to do something) It would be folly to turn the offer down. the follies of youth His idealism had been soured by the varied spectacle of human foll --- recipe- instil ----- pose a threat

turbid

turbid water or liquid is dirty and muddy murky, confused, thick, clouded, foul, unclear, dim, dense, unsettled, muddy, muddled, fuzzy, opaque, cloudy, hazy, foggy, incoherent, impure, roiled, dreggy Vs torpid- tipid - trepidation- intrepid-tepid

tab

tæb tab pronunciation American 1 a small piece of paper, cloth, metal, etc. that sticks out from the edge of something, and that is used to give information about it, or to hold it, fasten it, etc Insert tab A into slot 1 (= for example to make a model, box, etc.). --------------------------------------- series= both sig and pl ---------------- dɪˈstɪŋkt

torpid

tɔːpɪd / VS turbid ADJECTIVE 1mentally or physically inactive; lethargic:not active because you are lazy or sleepy: a torpid mind we sat around in a torpid state =lethargic, sluggish, inert, inactive, slow, slow-moving, lifeless, dull, listless", languid, lazy, idle, indolent, shiftless, slothful, heavy, stagnant, somnolent, sleepy, tired, fatigued, languorous, apathetic

chide

tʃaɪd chide pronunciation American (formal) to criticize or blame somebody because they have done something wrong SYNONYM rebuke chide somebody/yourself (for something/for doing something) She chided herself for being so impatient with the children. chide (somebody) + speech 'Isn't that a bit selfish?' he chided.

chink

tʃɪŋk chink pronunciation American [intransitive, transitive] when glasses, coins or other glass or metal objects chink or when you chink them, they make a light ringing sound SYNONYM clink the sound of bottles chinking chink something We chinked glasses and drank to each other's health. remember: a chink in sb's armour : ) Jane's insecurity is the chink in her armor. The boss seems mean, but the chink in his armor is that he is easily flattered.

ulterior

ulterior pronunciation English; ʌlˈtɪriər ulterior pronunciation American [only before noun] (of a reason for doing something) that somebody keeps hidden and does not admit She must have some "ulterior motive" <collo for being nice to me—what does she really want?

good call!

used to express approval (or criticism) of a person's decision or suggestion. "So you asked her to leave? Good call" ---------- take sb's mind off sth if an activity takes someone's mind off their problems, it stops them from thinking about them That's the good thing about helping other people - it takes your mind off your own problems. ---- salami= a type of sausage --- pizzaz an attractive combination of vitality and glamour. "a summer collection with pizzazz

do sth at one's peril

used to warn somebody that if they do something, it may be dangerous or cause them problems Teachers "ignore" the importance of these results "at their peril."<<very collo Anyone who breaks the law does so at their peril.

butt heads with

v phr Definition: to get into a fight or disagreement Example: Every time she goes to the post office, she butts heads with the postal workers. Etymology: imitative of sheep butting heads in conflict Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon

at the ready

vailable to be used immediately: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMSoldiers stood around with weapons at the ready. -- ditty a short simple poem or song - used humorously --- to have a narrow shave to have a close call --- volunteer sth [transitive] to tell someone something without being asked: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMMichael volunteered the information before I had a chance to ask. teenagers do not usually volunteer conversations with their parents

swerve

verb 1. change or cause to change direction abruptly. "a car swerved around a corner" synonyms: veer, deviate, skew, diverge, sheer, weave, zigzag, change direction; More ---- jeer [intransitive and transitive] to laugh at someone or shout unkind things at them in a way that shows you do not respect them: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROM"You know I'm right!" she jeered. Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe President was booed and jeered by a crowd of protesters. jeer at Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMFans jeered at the referee. —jeer noun [countable] Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThere were jeers and booing from the audience. —jeering noun [uncountable]

angst

æŋst angst pronunciation American [uncountable] (from German) a feeling of anxiety and worry about a situation, or about your life songs full of teenage angst ------ the fabric of sth C2 the structure or parts of something: the fabric of society Unhappiness was woven into the natural fabric of people's lives. We must invest in the fabric of our hospitals and start rebuilding them. ----- /ˈɑːr-/ › a building where weapons and military equipment are stored: The army planned to attack enemy arsenals. ---- grin and bear it (only used as an infinitive and in orders) to accept pain, disappointment or a difficult situation without complaining There's nothing we can do about it. We'll just have to grin and bear it.

thence

ðens thence pronunciation American (old use or formal) from that place; following that They made their way from Spain to France and thence to England. He was promoted to manager, thence to a partnership in the firm.

ominpotent

ɑːmˈnɪpətənt omnipotent pronunciation American (formal) having total power; able to do anything an omnipotent God omnipotence ɒmˈnɪpətəns omnipotence pronunciation English; ɑːmˈnɪpətəns omnipotence pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable] the omnipotence of God

optomotrist

ɑːpˈtɑːmətrɪst (British English also optician, ophthalmic optician) a person whose job is to examine people's eyes and to recommend and sell glasses ---

Artifice

ɑːrtɪfɪs artifice pronunciation American [uncountable, countable] (formal) = ruse, trick the clever use of tricks to cheat somebody SYNONYM cunning Pretending to faint was merely (an) artifice. the artifices of the theatre VS artifacts

afoot

əˈfʊt [not before noun] being planned; happening There are plans afoot to increase taxation. Changes were afoot.

acclaim

əˈkleɪm [uncountable] praise and approval for somebody/something, especially an artistic achievement international/popular/critical acclaim -- aclaimed əˈkleɪm [usually passive] to praise or welcome somebody/something publicly acclaim somebody/something a highly/widely acclaimed performance acclaim somebody/something as something The work was acclaimed as a masterpiece. -- the outback The remote rural part of a country especially of Australia or New Zealand.

accrue

əˈkruː (formal) 1 [intransitive] to increase over a period of time Interest will accrue if you keep your money in a savings account. accrue (to somebody) (from something) economic benefits accruing to the country from tourism benefits accrue for those who study abroad

amenities

əˈmenəti [usually plural] plural amenities الخدمات في مكان a feature that makes a place pleasant, comfortable or easy to live in The campsite is close to all local amenities.< collo Many of the houses lacked even basic amenities(= baths, showers, hot water, etc.). < collo Vs ammunition

amalgamate

əˈmælɡəmeɪt amalgamate (something) (with/into something) 1 [intransitive, transitive] if two organizations amalgamate or are amalgamated, they join together to form one large organization synonym merge A number of colleges have amalgamated to form the new university. amalgamate with/into something The company has now amalgamated with another local firm. amalgamate something They decided to amalgamate the two schools. amalgamate something with/into something The two companies were amalgamated into one. 2 [transitive] amalgamate something (into/with something) to put two or more things together so that they form one synonym merge This information will be amalgamated with information obtained earlier. amalgamation əˌmælɡəˈmeɪʃn ; əˌmælɡəˈmeɪʃn noun [uncountable, countable] the amalgamation of small farms into larger units

anew

əˈnuː (formal) again if somebody does something anew, they do it again from the beginning or do it in a different way They started life anew in Canada. in a new or different and typically more positive way. "her career had begun anew, with a lucrative Japanese modelling contract"

opproprium

əˈproʊbriəm opprobrium pronunciation American [uncountable] (formal) severe criticism of a person, country, etc. by a large group of people The bombing has attracted international opprobrium. The government did not deserve the opprobrium heaped on it by the national pres ---- predicament : emergency, mess, jam (informal), dilemma, pinch, plight, scrape (informal), hot water (informal), pickle (informal) quandary

assiduous

əˈsɪdʒuəs (formal) working very hard and taking great care that everything is done as well as it can be synonym diligent one of the most assiduous members of the team their assiduous efforts and attention to detail She was assiduous in her duties. --- receptacle receptacle (for something) (formal) a container for putting something in a trash rec eptacle a receptacle for the embryo In the backyard there was a large receptacle for catching rainwater. (figurative) The seas have been used as a receptacle for a range of industrial toxins ---- the well-to-do : the rich

attenuate

əˈtenjueɪt attenuate pronunciation American attenuate something (formal) to make something weaker or less effective The drug attenuates the effects of the virus. attenuation əˌtenjʊˈeɪʃn attenuation pronunciation English; əˌtenjʊˈeɪʃn attenuation pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable]

ward off= avert= keep at bay

əˈvɜːrt avert pronunciation American 1 avert something to prevent something bad or dangerous from happening A disaster was narrowly averted. He did his best to avert suspicion. Talks are taking place in an attempt to avert a strike. 2 avert your eyes/gaze/face (from something) to turn your eyes, etc. away from something that you do not want to see She averted her eyes from the terrible scene in front of her.

awhile

əˈwaɪl awhile pronunciation American (formal or literary) for a short time stay awhile VS for a while > i slept for a while > for a long time

awash

əˈwɑːʃ awash pronunciation American [not before noun] 1 awash (with water) covered with water The river had burst its banks and the road was awash. -- bite off more than you can chew to try to do too much, or something that is too difficult

appendicitis

əˌpendəˈsaɪtɪs [uncountable] a painful swelling of the appendix that can be very serious

expedient

ɪkˈspiːdiənt expedient pronunciation American [not usually before noun] (of an action) useful or necessary for a particular purpose, but not always fair or right-helping you to deal with a problem quickly and effectively although sometimes in a way that is not morally right [≠ inexpedient]: It might be expedient not to pay him until the work is finished. The management has taken a series of expedient measures to improve the company's financial situation. The government has clearly decided that a cut in interest rates would be politically expedient.<< coolo This solution is politically expedient but may well cause long-term problems. OPPOSITE inexpedient expediency ɪkˈspiːdiənsi expediency pronunciation English; ɪkˈspiːdiənsi expediency pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable] He acted out of expediency, not principle. ----- ɪkˈspiːdiənt expedient pronunciation American an action that is useful or necessary for a particular purpose, but not always fair or right The disease was controlled by "the simple expedient of " < cooollo not allowing anyone to leave the city.

extol

ɪkˈstoʊl extol pronunciation American extolling, extolled (formal) to praise somebody/something very much extol somebody/something Doctors often extol the virtues of eating less fat.< collo extol the virtue extol somebody/something as something She was extolled as a genius --- vs exalt - exert- exhort ɪɡˈzɔːrt exhort pronunciation American (formal) to try hard to persuade somebody to do something Synonym urge exhort somebody to do something The party leader exhorted his members to start preparing for government. exhort somebody to something They had been exhorted to action. exhort (somebody) + speech 'Come on!' he exhorted (them).

imperious

ɪmˈpɪriəs imperious pronunciation American (formal) expecting people to obey you and treating them as if they are not as important as you The professor was as imperious as ever. She put out an imperious hand to stop him. an imperious gesture/voice/command imperiously ɪmˈpɪəriəsli imperiously pronunciation English; ɪmˈpɪriəsli imperiously pronunciation American ADVERB 'Get it now,' she demanded imperiously. = domineering, dictatorial, bossy (informal), haughty, lordly, commanding, arrogant, authoritative, autocratic, overbearing, tyrannical, magisterial, despotic, high-handed, overweening, tyrannous • She gave him a witheringly imperious look

indemnity

ɪnˈdemnəti indemnity pronunciation American plural indemnities (formal or law) = compensation 1 [uncountable] indemnity (against something) protection against damage or loss, especially in the form of a promise to pay for any damage or loss that happens an indemnity clause/fund/policy indemnity insurance 2 [countable] a sum of money that is given as payment for damage or loss

induce

ɪnˈduːs induce pronunciation American 1 induce somebody to do something (formal) to persuade or influence somebody to do something Nothing would induce me to take the job. 2 induce something (formal) to cause something drugs which induce sleep a drug-induced coma

incarceration

ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪt incarcerate pronunciation English; ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt incarcerate pronunciation American [usually passive] incarcerate somebody (in something) (formal) to put somebody in prison or in another place from which they cannot escape SYNONYM imprison Thousands were incarcerated in labour camps. incarceration ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃn incarceration pronunciation English; ɪnˌkɑːrsəˈreɪʃn incarceration pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable] There have been angry protests about his arrest and incarceration.

insidious

ɪnˈsɪdiəs insidious pronunciation American (formal, disapproving) spreading gradually or without being noticed, but causing serious harm the insidious effects of polluted water supplies High-blood pressure is an insidious condition which has few symptoms. insidiously ɪnˈsɪdiəsli insidiously pronunciation English; ɪnˈsɪdiəsli insidiously pronunciation American ADVERB This kind of advertising acts insidiously on young minds. ----- = PERNICIOUS pərˈnɪʃəs pernicious pronunciation American (formal) having a very harmful effect on somebody/something, especially in a way that is gradual and not easily noticed the pernicious influence of TV violence on children Ageism is equally as offensive and pernicious as sexism. stealthy, subtle, cunning, designing, smooth, tricky, crooked, sneaking, slick, sly, treacherous, deceptive, wily, crafty, artful, disingenuous, Machiavellian, deceitful, surreptitious, duplicitous, guileful • They focus on overt racism rather than insidious aspects of racism. vS perspicacious ˌpɜːrspɪˈkeɪʃəs perspicacious pronunciation American (formal) able to understand somebody/something quickly and accurately; showing this a perspicacious remark He was perspicacious enough to realize that things were soon going to change

interstice

ɪnˈtɜːrstɪs [usually plural] (formal) a small crack or space in something

inordinate

ɪnˈɔːrdɪnət inordinate pronunciation American (formal) far more than is usual or expected SYNONYM excessive They spent an inordinate amount of time and money on the production. The strike has led to inordinate delays. inordinately ɪnˈɔːdɪnətli inordinately pronunciation English; ɪnˈɔːrdɪnətli inordinately pronunciation American ADVERB inordinately high prices ------------- be quick off the mark: to be quick to act or to react to an event or situation The police were quick off the mark reaching the scene of the accident. Steven was quick off the mark when the internet started. He had his first website up and running before most people had even tried email. Bobby is always quick off the mark when a girl comes into the bar. He's offering her a drink before most of us have even noticed her. ---------------- vɪnˈdɪktɪv vindictive pronunciation American trying to harm or upset somebody, or showing that you want to, because you think that they have harmed you SYNONYM spiteful He accused her of being vindictive. a vindictive comment vindictively vɪnˈdɪktɪvli vindictively pronunciation English; vɪnˈdɪktɪvli vindictively pronunciation American ADVERB 'It serves them right,' he thought vindictively. vindictiveness vɪnˈdɪktɪvnəs vindictiveness pronunciation English; vɪnˈdɪktɪvnəs vindictiveness pronunciation American NOUN [uncountable]

effect

ɪˈfekt effect pronunciation American effect something (formal) to make something happen to effect a cure/change/recovery << collo Usage notesUsage note: affect / effect affectverb = 'to have an influence on somebody/something':Does television affect children's behaviour? It is not a noun. effectnoun = 'result, influence':Does television have an effect on children's behaviour? effectverb is quite rare and formal and means 'to achieve or produce'. They hope to effect a reconciliation.

shirk

ʃɜːrk shirk pronunciation American [intransitive, transitive] to avoid doing something you should do, especially because you are too lazy Discipline in the company was strict and no one shirked. shirk from something/doing something A determined burglar will not shirk from breaking a window to gain entry. shirk something/doing something She never shirked her responsibilities. shirker ʃɜːkə(r) shirker pronunciation English; ʃɜːrkər shirker pronunciation American NOUN There is no room in our organization for shirkers. = dodge, avoid, evade, get out of, duck (out of), shun, sidestep, body-swerve, bob off, scrimshank = skive, slack, idle, malinger, swing the lead, gold-brick, bob off, bludge, scrimshank -------------------------- veg‧e‧ta‧tive [only before noun] 1 technical relating to plants, and particularly to the way they grow or make new plants vegetative reproduction/propagation 2 a vegetative state a condition in which someone cannot think or move because their brain has been damaged

shift

ʃɪft move 1 [intransitive, transitive] to move, or move something, from one position or place to another Lydia shifted uncomfortably in her chair. I shifted uneasily under his gaze. shift (from...) (to...) The action of the novel shifts from Paris to London. shift something Could you help me shift some furniture? shift something (from...) (to...) He shifted his gaze from the child to her. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

unprecedented

ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd unprecedented pronunciation American that has never happened, been done or been known before The situation is unprecedented in modern times. There were unprecedented scenes of violence in the city's main square. unprecedentedly ʌnˈpresɪdentɪdli unprecedentedly pronunciation English; ʌnˈpresɪdentɪdli unprecedentedly pronunciation American ADVERB a period of unprecedentedly high food prices ---- pehenomenon > sing

uphold

ʌpˈheld 1 uphold something to support something that you think is right and make sure that it continues to exist We have a duty to uphold the law. The regime has been criticized for failing to uphold human rights. 2 uphold something (especially of a court of law) to agree that a previous decision was correct or that a request is reasonable to uphold a conviction/an appeal/a complaint upholder ʌpˈhəʊldə(r) ; ʌpˈhoʊldər noun an upholder of traditional values

bellow

ˈbeloʊ bellow pronunciation American 1 [intransitive, transitive] to shout in a loud deep voice, especially because you are angry SYNONYM yell bellow (at somebody) They bellowed at her to stop. Do you have to bellow in my ear? bellow something (at somebody) The coach bellowed instructions from the sidelines. + speech 'Get over here!' he bellowed. 2 [intransitive] when a large animal such as a bull bellows, it makes a loud deep sound bellow NOUN to let out a bellow of rage/pain

backmail

ˈblækmeɪl استبزاز to force somebody to give you money or do something for you by threatening them, for example by saying you will tell people a secret about them blackmail somebody She blackmailed him for years by threatening to tell the newspapers about their affair. -blackmail somebody into doing something The President said he wouldn't be blackmailed into agreeing to the terrorists' demands emotional blackmailing

brethren

ˈbreðrən [plural] (old-fashioned) 1 used to talk to people in church or to talk about the members of a male religious group Let us pray, brethren. 2 people who are part of the same society as yourself We should do all we can to help our less fortunate brethren. ---- smack [uncountable] (slang) the drug heroin smack addicts [uncountable] (slang) the drug heroin smack addicts 2-3 hit / smooch ------ ˈpɑːrtɪŋ [only before noun] said or done by somebody as they leave a parting kiss His parting words were 'I love you.' IDIOMS parting shot a final remark, especially an unkind one, that somebody makes as they leave As her parting shot she warned Pete never to come near her again.

bilious

ˈbɪliəs bilious pronunciation American 1 feeling as if you might vomit soon I felt a little bilious after last night's dinner. = sickly ,sick, nauseated, queasy, out of sorts, nauseous, liverish • She appears to be suffering a bilious attack.

deference

ˈdefərəns [uncountable] behaviour that shows that you respect somebody/something The women wore veils in deference to the customs of the country. The flags were lowered out of deference to the bereaved family.

dopey

ˈdoʊpi dopey pronunciation American (informal) dopier, dopiest 1 rather stupid a dopey grin not fully awake or thinking clearly, sometimes because you have taken a drug I felt dopey and drowsy after the operation.

gingerly

ˈdʒɪndʒərli gingerly pronunciation American in a careful way, because you are afraid of being hurt, of making a noise, etc He opened the box gingerly and looked inside.

extradite

ˈekstrədaɪt extradite somebody (to...) (from...) to officially send back somebody who has been accused or found guilty of a crime to the country where the crime was committed The British government attempted to extradite the suspects from Belgium. extradition ˌekstrəˈdɪʃn ; ˌekstrəˈdɪʃn noun [uncountable, countable] the extradition of terrorist suspects an extradition treaty to start extradition proceedings ---- disillusionment ˌdisəˈlo͞oZHənmənt/Submit noun a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be. "the high abstention rate at the election reflected the voters' growing disillusionment with politics"

quota

ˈkwoʊtə [countable] an amount of something that somebody expects or needs to have or achieve I'm going home now—I've done my quota of work for the day. to get your full quota of sleep ------------------------ شَلَلٌ دِمَاغِيٌّ cerebral palsy.

contraband

ˈkɑːntrəbænd [uncountable] goods that are illegally taken into or out of a country contraband goods to smuggle contraband

cosset

ˈkɑːsɪt cosset pronunciation American cosset somebody (often disapproving) to treat somebody with a lot of care and give them a lot of attention, sometimes too much SYNONYM pamper As a child, she had been spoiled and cosseted.

concourse

ˈkɑːŋkɔːrs a large, open part of a public building, especially an airport or a train station the station concourse

lurid

ˈlʊrɪd (disapproving) 1 too bright in colour, in a way that is not attractive She was wearing a lurid orange and green blouse. 2 (especially of a story or piece of writing) shocking and violent in a way that is deliberate lurid headlines The paper gave all the lurid details of the murder. Presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms: the more lurid details of the massacre were too frightening for the children MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Playing at or discussing sex - even in graphic lurid detail - isn't really anything to freak out about. Newspapers also report, in lurid and graphic detail, cases of abuse that these women experience. Within an hour of hearing this news I was assailed by the first of countless journalists and by next morning my son's death was in every paper in the most lurid of terms.

mezzanine

ˈmezəniːn ˈmetsəniːn ; ˈmetsəniːn 1 a floor that is built between two floors of a building and is smaller than the other floors a bedroom on the mezzanine a mezzanine floor

matriarch

ˈmeɪtrɑːrk a woman who is the head of a family or social group compare patriarch

macho

ˈmɑːtʃoʊ (usually disapproving) male in an aggressive way He's too macho to ever admit he was wrong. Masculine in an overly assertive or aggressive way: the big macho tough guy MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Like a typical macho guy, he views his exile in Gayville not as a sign he might have some thinking to do, but as an educational experience that's made him a better lover to women. He behaved differently around other men in general and found himself slipping into a much more aggressive and macho posture in everyday life. The film also does an amiable job of revealing the 'soul surfer' culture behind these wave daredevils - even the overly macho dialogue seems natural in this context. macho pride/posturing Day-Glo wall hangings with luridly macho Aztec scenes

mistifying

ˈmɪstɪfaɪ mystifies, mystifying, mystified, mystified mystify somebody to make somebody confused because they do not understand something synonym baffle They were totally mystified by the girl's disappearance. mystification ˌmɪstɪfɪˈkeɪʃn ; ˌmɪstɪfɪˈkeɪʃn noun [uncountable] He looked at her in mystification. mystifying ; adjective

noxious

ˈnɑːkʃəs noxious pronunciation American (formal) poisonous or harmful noxious fumes

protégé

ˈproʊtəʒeɪ protégée pronunciation American (from French) ربيبا a young person who is helped in their career and personal development by a more experienced person a protégé of the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin

promptly

ˈprɑːmptli = immediately 1 without delay She deals with all the correspondence promptly and efficiently.

prissy

ˈprɪsi prissy pronunciation American (informal, disapproving) too careful to always behave correctly and appearing easily shocked by rude behaviour, etc. = squeamish, prim and proper, fussy, fastidious Synonym prudish She was a prissy little girl. Children's clothes that are attractive without being priss --------------------- remember: peiggish prɪɡ prig pronunciation American (disapproving) = self-rightous, sanctimonious a person who behaves in a morally correct way and who shows that they disapprove of what other people do priggish priggish pronunciation English; priggish pronunciation American adjective He was in danger of becoming priggish and opinionated.

pastime

ˈpæstaɪm something that you enjoy doing when you are not working synonym hobby Watching television now seems to be the most popular national pastime.

reticent

ˈretɪsnt (formal) unwilling to tell people about things synonym reserved, uncommunicative She was shy and reticent. reticent about something He was extremely reticent about his personal life. reticence ˈretɪsns ; ˈretɪsns noun [uncountable] That night she had overcome her natural reticence and talked about their married life.

relapse

ˈriːlæps [countable, uncountable] the fact of becoming ill/sick again after making an improvement to have/suffer a relapse << collo a risk of relapse

rampage

ˈræmpeɪdʒ [usually singular] a sudden period of wild and violent behaviour, often causing damage and destruction Gangs of youths went on the rampage in the city yesterday. A state of emergency was declared following overnight rampages by student demonstrators.

seedy

ˈsiːdi seedy pronunciation American seedier, seediest (disapproving) 1.= sleazy, sordid, squalid, low, nasty • They suck you into their seedy world. dirty and unpleasant, possibly connected with immoral or illegal activities a seedy bar the seedy world of prostitution a seedy-looking man

scamper+adv

ˈskæmpər [intransitive] + adverb/preposition (especially of children or small animals) to move quickly with short light step VS skreɪp scrape action/sound 1 [singular] the action or unpleasant sound of one thing rubbing roughly against another the scrape of iron on stone She felt the scrape of wall against bare skin. the scrape of chairs being moved damage 2 [countable] an injury or a mark caused by rubbing against something rough She emerged from the overturned car with only a few scrapes and bruises.

stragglers

ˈstræɡlər [usually plural] a person or an animal that is among the last or the slowest in a group to do something, for example, to finish a race or leave a place The tour guide came back for the stragglers who were still taking pictures. ---- wickety wickety wack = uncool -------------- sprightly = spry --- seizures [countable] a sudden attack of an illness, especially one that affects the brain an epileptic seizure نوبات صرع ---- gruff ɡrʌf 1 (of a voice) deep and rough, and often sounding unfriendly 2 (of a person's behaviour) unfriendly and impatient Beneath his gruff exterior, he's really very kind-hearted. gruffly

Stygian darkness

ˈstɪdʒiən stygian pronunciation American [usually before noun] (literary) very dark, and therefore frightening Stygian gloom

sanguine

ˈsæŋɡwɪn sanguine pronunciation American sanguine (about something) (formal) cheerful and confident about the future SYNONYM optimistic They are less sanguine about the company's long-term prospects. He tends to take a sanguine view of the problems involved. sanguinely ˈsæŋɡwɪnli sanguinely pronunciation English; ˈsæŋɡwɪnli sanguinely pronunciation American ADVERB

shrink

• informal Back to top A psychiatrist: you should see a shrink

spread like wildfire

› If (disease or news ) spreads like wildfire, it quickly affects or becomes known by more and more people: Once one child in the school has the infection, it spreads like wildfire. the news had spread like wildfire MORE EXAMPLE SENTENCES Normally such riots on such an emotive issue would spread like wildfire across the country. Sometimes it's word of mouth, playground chat that spreads like wildfire. If they come across something good, word of mouth spreads like wildfire. ---- noun + I pro (you..etc) + noun --- suitable for sth -- avert to prevent something unpleasant from happening: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMThe tragedy could have been averted if the crew had followed safety procedures. 2 avert your eyes/gaze etc to look away from something so that you do not see it: Look up a word starting with D or S for samples of headword or sentence pronunciations on the LDOCE CD-ROMHenry averted his eyes as she undressed.

smidgen

› a very small amount: Could I have a smidgen more wine? It was five years since I'd last seen him, but he hadn't changed a smidgen. do you want sugar? just a smidgen

conniving

› describes a person who deceives others for their own advantage: He's a conniving bastard!

be on the mend

› to be getting better after an illness or injury: She's been ill with flu but she's on the mend now. --- goofing off s a slang term in the United States for engaging in recreation or an idle pastime while obligations of work or society are neglected --- المعالج باليود iodized salt

handle sb/sth with kid gloves

› to be very polite or kind to someone because you do not want to make them angry or upset the secretary treated her with kid gloves remember : gingerly