Lesson 5. September 25

get the better of

(Of a feeling or urge) be too strong to conceal or resist. Despite her best efforts, anxiety often g__ the b_____ of her. Emotions may g__ the b_____ of the person at such a moment. Sometimes, anger can g__ the b_____ of us, leading to regrettable actions.

a cynical grab for

An insincere or self-serving attempt to gain something. One Weibo user even accused the couple of a c______ g___ f__ celebrity status. Many saw his sudden interest in charity as a c______ g___ f__ positive publicity.

sexist media coverage

Biased or discriminatory reporting that reinforces gender stereotypes or inequalities. Some users criticised s_____ m____ c_______ that they said focused more on the proposal than on Ms He's sporting achievement. S_____ m____ c_______ portrayed women as weak and dependent.

emotionally shaky and vulnerable

Feeling unstable and exposed to emotional distress. After the breakup, she felt e__________ s____ and v_________. During times of uncertainty, people often become e__________ s____ and v_________.

100% on board

Fully supportive or in agreement with something. A public proposal will do the trick provided that the person is 100% o_ b____. If we want this project to succeed, we all need to be 100% o_ b____.

male entitlement

The belief that men are inherently deserving of certain privileges or advantages. The proposal revealed a sense of m___ e__________. Addressing m___ e__________ is essential for promoting gender equality.

achieve glory

To attain great success, recognition, or fame. People get married all the time, only a few have the chance to a______ Olympic g____. The hallmark of success, though, was to a______ g____ while giving the impression of making no effort at all.

do the trick

To be effective or successful in achieving a specific result. A simple apology may d_ the t____ and mend their relationship. His creative approach to problem-solving always seems to d_ the t____. A public proposal will d_ the t____ provided that the person is 100% on board

hijack

To disrupt or divert attention from a significant event. Protesters attempted h_____ing a medal ceremony to draw attention to their cause.

gush

To express so much praise or emotion about somebody/something that it does not seem sincere. Some g___ed over the "romantic gesture of a lifetime" but others were sceptical. "This is the best party I've ever had," Taylor g___ed. Critics g___ed over the author's brilliant storytelling in her new novel.

shout from the rooftops

To express something loudly and publicly. Others said Mr Qin had simply been "s____ing his love f___ the r_______" and there was nothing wrong with that. When the good news arrived, he couldn't help but s____ f___ the r_______. They wanted to s____ f___ the r_______ about their team's victory.

go spectacularly wrong

To fail in a dramatic and disastrous manner. Proposing in public could be risky — and some do g_ s____________ w____. The attempt to surprise him w___ s____________ w____ when he found out in advance. Their ambitious project w___ s____________ w____ due to unforeseen complications.

steal the limelight

To get more attention than anyone or anything else in a situation. = hog She accused her co-star of trying to s____ the l________. The experimental car certainly s____ the l________ at the motor show.

add pressure to

To increase stress or demands on someone. What a way to a__ p_______ t_ her, having the entire world watch her as she makes such a private and life-changing decision. He didn't want to a__ p_______ t_ his teammates by expecting perfection

sway

To influence or change someone's beliefs, views, or decisions. The world attention may have s___ed the girl's opinion. She wasn't s___ed by his good looks or his clever talk. The powerful speech had the ability to s___ the opinion of the entire audience.

badmouth

To say bad things about someone to other people (informal). No one wants to employ somebody who b_______s their former employer. Her co-workers b_______ed her to her boss.

stand aside and cheer from the background

To support someone else's success or achievement without seeking recognition for oneself. When men experience success, women are expected to s____ a____ and c____ f___ the b_________. True leaders don't need the spotlight; they're content to s____ a____ and c____ f___ the b_________. (rather than seeking the limelight)