English Vocabulary, Expressions and Idioms in Use #1 (1-16,59)

read my mind

"How about a drink, then?" "Ah, you ___!" (= to know what someone is thinking without them telling you)

stretching

"I'm so tired", she said, yawning and ___. (= estirarse)

if at first you don't succeed, try, try again

(saying) said to encourage someone who has failed at something to try to do it again

(by) all accounts

*By* ___, San Francisco is a city that's easy to fall in love with. (= as said by most people)

(cut something into) shreds

*Cut* the radishes (=rábanos) *into* ___ to garnish the plates. (= a very small, thin piece that has been torn from something)

(everything) hinges on

*Everything* ___ the outcome of these talks. (to depend completely)

(for) want (of)

*For* ___ *of* anything better to do I watched television for a while. (= a lack of something)

(It) turns out (that)

*It* ___ *that* she had known him when they were children. (= resulta que)

(keep someone) posted (on)

*Keep me* ___ *on* anything that happens while I'm away.

wriggled

A large worm ___ in the freshly dug earth. (avanzar serpenteando)

beset (with)

A life ___ *with* financial worries. (= to affect somebody/something in an unpleasant or harmful way)

channelled

A lot of money has been ___ *into* research in that particular field. (= to direct something into a particular place or situation)

scratching their heads

A lot of people must be ___ about which way to vote. (= to think hard about something)

Pigeons

A lots of animals, from coyotes to common ___, mate for life. (= palomas)

straggle

A year after the hurricane, tourists are beginning to ___ (= come in small numbers) back to the region.

(overseas) aid

About a fifth of the country's income is in the form of *overseas* ___. humanitarian/emergency/foreign/overseas ___ (= help in the form of food, money, medical supplies, or weapons that is given by a richer country to a poorer country)

seemingly

According to local estate agents even a little change ___ goes a long way. (= aparentemente)

spreading (gossip/rumours)

Are you ___ *gossip* again? (= telling a lot of people)

spreading (rumours)

Are you ___ *rumours* again? (= telling a lot of people)

sober

Are you ___ enough to drive, Jim? (= sobrio)

stuck in a rut

Are you feeling ___ and lack a sense of purpose? (= estancado, atrapado en la rutina)

For instance

As an example (= por ejemplo)

changed my mind

At first I thought she was unfriendly, but I've ___. (= to form an opinion or make a decision about something that is not the same as the one you first had)

fell short (of)

August car sales ___ *of* the industry's expectations. (= to fail to reach an amount or standard that was expected or hoped for, causing disappointment)

(have something) under your belt

Basic computer skills are a good thing to *have* ___. (= en tu haber)

all that glitters is not gold

Be cautious, ___. (= said about something that seems to be good on the surface, but might not be when you look at it more closely)

tend (to)

Children ___ *to* get unsettled if you keep on changing their routine. (= tender)

popularity

Cinema in Britain is undergoing a revival of ___. (= popularidad, fama)

teetering

Danielle was ___ around in five-inch heels.

test (of)

Driving on that icy road was a real ___ *of* my skill. (= prueba)

punishable

Drug dealing is ___ by death in some countries. (= something that can be punished for)

(spending) restraint

During the recession, the left wing government opted for a policy of *spending* ___ rather than a reduction in unemployment benefits.

begetter

Elvis Presley was the true ___ of modern youth culture. (= who has caused something to come into existence)

famine-stricken

Emergency aid for ___ countries is crucial. (= suffering severely from the effects of famine)

(look at someone) aghast

Erica *looked at him* ___ (= shock, horror, sorpresa, preocupación)

for all intents and purposes

Escape from the prison was, ___, impossible. (= almost completely)

misdemeanour

Every week, as children, we were beaten for some *minor* ___.

Whistled

He ___ as he worked. (= silbar)

research

He has dedicated his life to scientific ___. (= investigación)

play date

He picked his daughter up from school then drove her to a friend's house for a ___. (= an arrangement for children to spend time together and play)

(with) disdain

He regards the political process *with* ___. (= the feeling of not liking someone or something and thinking that they do not deserve your interest or respect)

changed his tune

He was against the idea to start with, but he soon ___ when he realised how much money he'd get. (= to change your opinion completely, especially because you know it will bring you an advantage)

oblivion

He was another minor poet who was consigned to ___. (= olvido)

(on a) technicality

He was disqualified from the competition *on a* ___. (= tecnicismo)

in other words

He was economical with the truth- ___, he was lying. (= dicho de otro modo)

performance

He was fired from his $165,000 job for poor ___. (= desempeño)

reckless

He was found guilty of ___ driving. (= imprudente, temerario, irresponsable)

playful

He was in a ___ mood. (= guasón, festivo)

(go to any) lengths

He'll *go to any* ___ to get what he wants. (= to try very hard to achieve something)

smart

He's ___ enough to know he can't run the business without her. (= listo, inteligente)

posing as

He's ___ her date, but he's really her bodyguard. (= pretend to be in order to deceive)

dreading

He's ___ the exam- he's sure he's going to fail. (= temer)

stickler (for detail/accuracy/efficiency)

He's a ___ for *detail*. (= tiquismiquis, perfeccionista)

Weird

He's got some ___ ideas. (= raro, excéntrico)

fussy (about)

He's so ___ *about* the house; everything has to be absolutely perfect. (= exigente, quisquilloso, tiquismiquis)

knowledgeable (about)

He's very ___ *about* English literature. (= knowing a lot)

mature

He's very ___ for his age. (= maduro)

companionable (presence)

Her ___ *presence* soothed him and even made him happy. (= friendly and pleasant to be with)

refined

Her ___ culture and artistic knowledge allowed her to enjoy very diverse art forms. (= distinguido, elegante)

attitude

Her ___ has definitely changed for the better since she started this new job. (= actitud)

coolness

Her ___ in an emergency was admirable. (= calma)

(it's) little wonder (that)

Her car isn't working, so *it's* ___ she hasn't come to visit you recently. (= it is not really surprising)

sort (them) out

Her financial records are a mess, but we'll ___ *them* ___. (= to deal successfully with a problem or situation).

instinct

Her first ___ was to run. (= instinto)

get the wrong end of the stick

Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and *got the wrong end* ___. (= to not understand a situation correctly)

wiggle

Her hips ___ as she walks. (= contonearse)

controversy

Her latest book has engendered a lot of ___. (= desacuerdo, polémica)

question (+question word)

However, in light of recent data many have started to ___ *whether* it will raise rates again so soon. (= to express doubts about the value or truth of something)

hard-wired

Humans are ___ to love fattening foods. (= behaviour that is ___ is caused by your genes and the way that your brain is made, rather than learnt from experience)

hardwired

Humans are ___ to love fattening foods. (= mentalmente programado)

vividly

I ___ remember my first day at school. (= claramente)

insightful

I don't have anything ___ to say about that. (= perspicaz, esclarecedor)

silver lining

I see a ___ and a lesson in everything. (= el lado bueno de las cosas)

forego (the pleasure of)

I shall have to ___ *the pleasure of* seeing you this week. (= to not have or do something enjoyable)

uneasily

I shifted ___ in my seat. (= in a way that shows anxiety or discomfort)

approach

In my opinion, no other composers even begin to ___ Mozart. (= aproximarse)

picky (eaters)

In short, they're ___ *eaters*, and their appetites are capricious and unpredictable. (= tiquismiquis)

go for

Instead of butter, I always ___ margarine or a low-fat spread. (= to choose something)

winning (mentality/smile)

Inter lacks a coach with a ___ *mentality*, who knows how to develop attractive football. (= attractive in a way that makes other people like you)

stress me out

Interviews always ___. (= preocuparse, estresarse, ponerse tenso)

give credit

It was also considered important to ___ for disclosure where it does occur. (= reconocer)

insights (into)

It was an interesting book, full of fascinating ___ *into* human relationships. (= the ability to have a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation)

fondness (for)

It was her father's ___ *for* drink that brought about the break-up of her parents' marriage.

trifling (sum of money)

It was such a ___ *sum of money* to argue about! (= small or not important)

to say the least

It's going to be awkward, ___. (= used to show that what you are describing is in fact much more serious or important than you have suggested)

lively

It's hard work teaching a class of ___ children. (= llenos de vida)

in the short run

It's not a long term solution, but it will save money ___. (= a corto plazo)

(good) marks (in)

Matilda's had very *good* ___ *in* English throughout the year. (= school score; US grade)

pigment

Melanin is the dark brown ___ of the hair, skin, and eyes that is present in varying amounts in every human being. (= pigmento)

prostitution

Members of the comittee have accused Google of "commercial ___" because of a failure to tackle hate speech on its advertising platform. (= the unworthy or corrupt use of one's talents for personal or financial gain)

fluctuated

My weight ___ wildly depending on how much I ate. (= oscilar, cambiar)

related to the fact that

Obviously, this is ___ setting up this kind of system is a complex and expensive endeavor. (= está relacionado con el hecho de que)

it goes without saying (that)

Of course, ___ *that* you'll be paid for the extra hours you work. (= sobra decir)

Swedish

Relating to Sweden, its people, or their language. (= sueco)above

sparkle (in her eye)

She was so happy; you could see that ___ *in her eye*. (= bright shine)

(severely) curtailed

Spending on books has been *severely* ___. (= reducir)

(seasonal) allergies

Springtime pollen likely to trigger *seasonal* ___. (= a condition that makes a person become sick or develop skin or breathing problems because they have eaten certain foods or been near certain substances)

my cup of tea

Thanks for inviting me, but ballet isn't really ___. (= the type of think you like)

(change) hands

That Italian restaurant is nowhere near as good since it *changed* ___. (= went from one owner to another)

(a real) pain in the neck

That child is *a real* ___. (= someone or something that is very annoying)

human being

That is no way to treat another ___. (= persona)

failure

The meeting was a complete ___. (= fracaso)

tackle

There

injury

Two players are out of the team because of ___. (= lesión)

(change your) mind

When I first met him I didn't like him but I've *changed my* ___.

transform (herself into)

Whenever a camera was pointed at her, Marilyn would instantly ___ *herself into* a radiant star.

stand the test of time

Which songs from the last year will ___? (= soportar el paso del tiempo)

know full well

You ___ that you're not supposed to take the car without asking me! (= to know something without a doubt)

so far

___ we've made £32,000. (= until now)

feast

a wedding ___. (= fiesta, comilona)

awkward

an ___ customer (= difícil de tratar)

aide

an ___ to the prime minister (= asistente de un miembro de alto rango del gobierno o militar)

bank holiday

an official holiday when banks and most businesses are closed for a day

mastery (of)

her ___ *of* the piano (= dominio)

he who laughs last, laughs longest

said to emphasise that the person who has control of a situation in the end is most successful, even if other people had seemed originally to have an advantage

practice makes perfect

said to encourage someone to continue to do something many times, so that they will learn to do it very well

ageing (process)

skin care products which claim to halt the ___ *process* (= the process of growing old)

Do I make myself clear?

something you say in order to emphasise what you have just said, or to express your authority

thrust and parry

the ___ of open debate (= to enter into verbal combat)

longstanding

the ___ water resource dispute between the Israelis and Palestinians. (= duradero)

vision

to have good/perfect/poor/blurred/normal ___ (= the ability to see)

familiarity breeds contempt

used to say that if you know someone very well you stop respecting them because you have seen all of their bad qualities

horses for courses

used to say that it is important to choose suitable people for particular activities because everyone has different skills

euphemism (for)

"Senior citizen" is a ___ *for* old person. (= eufemismo)

grinning from ear to ear

"We've had a fantastic response!" he said, ___. (= to look extremely happy)

easier said than done

"Why don't you just ask Simon to pay?" "That's ___." (= said when something seems like a good idea but would be difficult to do)

forehead

"You haven't got a temperature", she said, touching the boy's ___. (= frente)

(a) swarm (of)

*A* ___ *of* photographers followed the star's car. (= a large group of people all moving together)

(American) white nationalists

*American* ___ say immigration should be restricted to people of European ancestry. (= nationalism which holds the belief that white people are a race)

(appearances can be) deceptive

*Appearances can be* ___. (= making you believe something that is not true)

slack (business)

*Business* is usually ___ in the winter. (= not as busy or successful as usual in business)

(look on the) bright (side)

*Look on the* ___ *side*; no one was badly hurt.

(on no) account (should)

*On no* ___ *should* the house be left unlocked. (= not for any reason)

(problems) arise

*Problems* ___ if the parents' approach to discipline is inconsistent. (= to happen)

(the) crux (of the matter)

*The* ___ *of the matter* is that attitudes have changed (= quid)

(to the) astonishment (of)

*To the* ___ *of* her colleagues, she resigned. (= very great surprise)

(under no) circumstances (should)

*Under no* ___ *should* you (= you should not) approach the man. (= used to emphasize that something should never happen or be allowed)

(with) the course of time

*With* ___, I've learned to live with my disability. (= el paso del tiempo, gradualmente)

out of his depth

A 15 year-old boy, for example, may be ___ if he has to explain the role of women or the jihad. (= verse metido en camisa de once varas)

Bridge

A ___ across the River Thames. (= puente)

blithe

A ___ and carefree girl. (= happy, not anxious)

utopia

A ___ of affordable housing, green spaces and artificial lakes, which would provide a solution to the city's postwar housing shortage. (= the idea of a perfect society in which everyone works well with each other and is happy)

flood

A ___ of cheap imports has come into the country. (= a large amount or number of something)

police

A committee was set up to ___ the new agreement on picketing. (= to observe or record the activity or enforcement of)

in an attempt to

A definition was proposed ___ capture the meaning of the term. (= con la intención de)

handy

A dictionary is a ___ tool for translators. (= útil, práctico)

unwind (after work)

A glass of wine in the evening helps me to ___ *after work*. (= relax)

raise (awareness)

A group of college students are working to ___ *awareness* about mental health problems. (= concienciar)

(my) shoulders

A huge burden was lifted from *my* ___ when I told my parents about my problem. (= used to refer to the responsibility that someone has or feels for something)

Referee

A judge is acting as a ___ in the pay dispute between the trade union and management. (= árbitro)

put paid to

A knee injury has ___ her chances of getting into the final. (= poner fin)

roused (to action)

A lot of people were ___ *to action* by the appeal. (= to make somebody want to start doing something when they were not active or interested in doing it)

performing

A major Hollywood star will be ___ on stage tonight. (= representar, actuar)

ban from

A maximum three ___ attending or participating in competitions. (= prohibición de)s

device

A mouse is a ___ that makes it easier to select different options from computers menus. (= dispositivo)

backlash

A negative ___ from customers led to a rapid decline in the company's market share. (= reacción en masa)

complexity

A problem of great ___. (= difícil de entender)

festival

A rock ___. (= an organized set of special events, such as musical performances)

on behalf of

A solicitor issued a statement ___ the victim's family. (= instead of someone, or as a representative of someone)

undermined

A succession of scandals and revelations has ___ the government over the past year. (= perjudicar)

aid (to)

A thesaurus is a useful ___ *to* writing. (= a piece of equipment that helps you to do something)

signal

A whistle is the ___ for the children to line up ready to go into the classroom. (= señal)

binding (agreement)

According to specialists in labor law, a signed contract is a ___ *agreement*. (= that must be obeyed because it is accepted in law)

schedule

According to the ___, the event is about to start. (= programa)

give a lecture

Administration was asked to ___ to 15 directors. (= dar una charla o conferencia)

stagger

After he was attacked, he managed to ___ to the phone and call for help. (= to walk or move with difficulty as if you are going to fall)

(in full) spate

After heavy rain, the river was *in full* ___. (= of a river, containing more water and flowing more strongly than usual)

(go) downhill

After his wife died, his health started to *go* ___. (= to gradually become worse)

(set) about

After putting up the tent, she *set* ___ making a fire. She *set* ___ the business of cleaning the house. (= start doing something with vigour or determination)

hammer (out a deal)

After several days of negotiations, they eventually ___ *out a deal*. (= to reach a decision or agreement after discussing it or arguing about it for a long time)

stable (job)

After several part-time jobs, he's now got a ___ *job* in a bank. (= estable)

a plume of smoke

After the explosion, ___ could be seen in the sky for miles away. (= a tall, thin mass of smoke, dust, or similar substance that rises up into the air)

skin-deep

After the first half-hour she realised that her new-found confidence was no more than ___. (= superficial)

flow

After they'd all had a drink or two, the conversation began to ___. (= fluir)

supports

Alcoholics Anonymous is a group which ___ people who are trying to stop drinking too much alcohol. (= apoyar)

attend (school/classes)

All children are required to ___ *school*. (= to go officially and usually regularly to a place)

outlandish (ideas)

All sorts of people were allowed to lecture, some of them with quite ___ *ideas*. (= looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar)

regardless (of)

All the children are lumped together in one class, ___ of their ability. (= sea cual sea)

(out) on a limb

All the other countries signed the agreement, leaving Britain *out* ___. (= aislado)

in blissful ignorance

All the time his business was failing, he kept his wife and family ___. (= not knowing any of the unpleasant facts about something)

rate

Although she's recovering from her illness, her ___ *of* progress is quite slow. (= ritmo, velocidad)

Originated (in)

Although the technology ___ *in* the UK, it has been developed in the US. (= to come from a particular place, time, situation)

artifice

Amazingly for Hollywood, she seems almost entirely without ___. (= artificio, truco)

head-on

And difficult subjects have to be tackled ___, including the inherently ethical responsibilities that come with knowledge and with the ability to act. (= face it)

got it

And he ___ without any fighting, without any standing in line. (= conseguir, salirse con la suya)

(fitness) fanatic

And he is also a *fitness* ___ whose strict regime has added years to his playing career. (= a person with an obsessive interest in a particular activity)

forgetfulness

And writing is the enemy of ___, of thoughtlessness. (= olvido)

(laughing) stock

Another performance like that and this team will be the *laughing* ___ of the league. (= hazmerreír)

cheating

Anyone caught ___ will be immediately disqualified from the exam. (= hacer trampas)

bookshops

Anyway, I scoured a few ___ to find good books on how to do your own plumbing. (= librerías)

icons

Beckham has been one of the country's best-loved sporting ___. (= a very famous person or thing considered as representing a set of beliefs or a way of life)

celebrity

Being recognised in the street is part and parcel of being a ___. (= famoso)

took his first steps

Born in 1938 in Fray Bentos, Uruguay, he ___ as a trumpeter in 1958, at the age of 20. (= iniciarse, primeras etapas)

beneficial

Breast-feeding is extremely ___ to the health of newborn babies. (= beneficioso)

script

Bruce Robinson wrote the ___ for "The Killing Fields" (= guión)

Above

Bruises ___ both eyes. (= encima de)

pushing (for)

But she promised she would not stop ___ *for* the rights of children. (= luchar, impulsar, empuje)

viewability

By solely focusing on, or optimising towards, ___, we might be damaging our campaigns' chances of real success. (= the state or condition of being viewable)

old-fashioned

Call me ___, but I like handwritten letters. (= anticuado)

advice

Can I give you *a piece of* ___ )? (= un consejo)

(bury) the hatchet

Can't you two just *bury* ___? (= reconciliarse)

awarded (a prize)

Carlos was ___ first *prize* in the essay competition. (= to give money or a prize following an official decision)

coined (the term)

Cartier-Bresson ___ *the term* "decisive moment". (= to invent a new word or expression, or to use one in a particular way for the first time)

outlawed

Cartoons poking fun at Mohammed have been ___. (= banned)

the mainstay of

Cattle farming is ___ the country's economy. (= the most important part of something, providing support for everything else)

pouring

Commuters came ___ out of the station. (= to come or go somewhere continuously in large numbers)

social media

Companies are increasingly making use of ___ in order to market their goods. (= redes sociales)

enabled

Computerisation has ___ us to do away with a lot of paperwork. (= posibilitar)

trade fairs

Conferences and ___ are a great way to meet prospective new clients. (= ferias comerciales)

spending

Consumer ___ has more than doubled in the last ten years. (= the money that is used for a particular purpose, especially by a government or organisation)

lured (into)

Consumers are often ___ *into* debt by unscrupulous lenders. (= to persuade or trick somebody to go somewhere or to do something by promising them a reward)

levelled (at)

Criticism has been ___ *at* senior figures in the industry. (= to accuse someone in public of doing something wrong)

commodity

Crude oil is the world's most important ___. (= a product that can be bought and sold)

depicted (as)

Cupid is usually ___ *as* a winged boy with a bow and arrow. (= to represent or show something in a picture or story)

radishes

Cut the ___ into shreds to garnish the plates. (= a small vegetable...)

attendance record

Daily ___ of all children, staff and volunteers. (= asistencia, concurrencia)

pave the way (for)

Data from the space flight should ___ *for* a more detailed exploration of Mars. (= preparar el camino)

hit (by)

Demand for transatlantic flights has been ___ *by* fears of terrorist attacks. (= to have an unpleasant or negative effect on a person or thing)

erode (self-esteem)

Depressive symptoms ___ *self-esteem* in severe mental illness. (= to slowly reduce or destroy something)

counterfeits

Despite the introduction of a security shield on the new $10 stamp, ___ are costing the postal service millions of pounds a year. (= not genuine)

evolve (from)

Did humans ___ *from* apes?

dazzling

Dillyn was almost blinded by the ___ whiteness of the spotless floors and walls. (= so bright that you cannot see for a short time after looking at it)

died out

Dinosaurs ___ millions of years ago. (= extinguirse)

protocol

Diplomatic ___. (Rules and acceptable behaviour used at official ceremonies and occasions; protocolo)

recipe *for*

Do you know a good ___ (for) wholemeal bread? (= receta)

goal

Do you think I'll be able to achieve my ___ of losing five kilos before the summer? (= objetivo)

(take) offence

Do you think he *took* ___ (= was upset) at what I said about his hair?

wishful thinking

Do you think you might be in line for promotion?No, it's just ___. (= the imagining or discussion of a very unlikely future event or situation as if it were possible and might one day happen)

fee

Does the bank charge a ___ for setting up the account? (= tarifa)

embraced

Dole has long ___ the concept. (= acoger)

stare (at)

Don't ___ *at* people like that, it's rude. (= to look for a long time with the eyes wide open, especially when surprised, frightened, or thinking)

flooding (into)

Donations are ___ *into* the homeless shelter. (= to flow quickly and in large amounts)

gregarious

Emma's a ___, outgoing sort of person. (= sociable)

petered (out)

Enthusiasm for the sidecar ___ *out* in the 1970s. (= gradually came to an end)

overcome

Eventually she managed to ___ her shyness in class. (= to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something)

emerge

Every 15-20 years, a new generation ___ with a unique set of characteristics and behaviours shaped by the societal events of their youth. (= surgir)

grill

Every time I come home from school, they ___ me about what I learned that day. (= interrogar, cuestionar)

overrides

Every time I make a suggestion at work, my boss ___ me. (= invalidar, ignorar)

keyboard

Everyone who has a computer has a ___, but not everyone has a joystick or gamepad. (= teclado)

Come to an end

Everyone wishes the war would ___ soon. (= to finish)

(go) swimmingly

Everything *went* ___ until Peter started talking about money. (= successfully and without any problems)

fake

Experts revealed that the painting was a ___. (= an object that is made to look real or valuable in order to deceive people)

cowardice

Father imprisoned after fear and ___ put baby's life in peril. (= the condition of lacking bravery, being easily frightened, or being eager to avoid danger)

head on

Feeling good about yourself gives you the confidence to meet life's challenges ___. (= afrontar)

are averse to

Few people ___ the idea of a free holiday. (= opposed to)

(bring something to a) standstill

Fighting and shortages have *brought* normal life *to a* virtual ___ in the city. (= a condition in which all movement or activity has stopped)

do my own thing

Finally, I'll be able to ___. (= to do what you want without worrying about what anyone else thinks of you)

(take) centre stage (in)

Finance is *taking* ____ *in* debates on policy. (= centro de atención, centro del debate)

jumping on the bandwagon

First one boy at school had that haircut and now they're all ___. (= subirse al carro)

withdrawn

Following her son's death, she became quiet and ___ and rarely went out. (= not wanting to talk to other people; extremely quiet and shy)

brittle (and break)

For example, getting enough calcium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, in which bones become ___ *and break* as one ages. (= frágil, quebradizo)

child's play

For her, computer programming is ___. (= something that is very easy to do)

empowering

For me, learning to drive was an ___ experience. (= empoderamiento, potenciación, motivación)

library

For sixty years the Geology Museum remained in the public ___ building. (= biblioteca)

(bread and) butter

Gardening is my *bread and* ___ right now. (= main source of income)

(come) up with (the idea)

Gavin *came* ___ *the idea* of dividing the rooms in half. (= idear)

atemporal

God is ___ in that for him everything is simultaneous, there being no past, present, or future. (= existing or considered without relation of time)

(the top/bottom of the corporate) ladder

Going to business school is no longer considered an essential rung on the way to *the top of the corporate* ___.

stealthy (footsteps)

Guiromélans senses more than hears Balen's ___ *footsteps* beneath the tables. (= sigiloso)

(bring) about

Harold's working to *bring* ___ changes in the industry. (= to cause something to happen)

choice

Harvard was not his first ___. (= elección)

cluster (of galaxies)

Have a look at the ___ *of galaxies* in this photograph. (= cúmulo)

figured out

Have you ___ how much the trip will cost? (= calcular)

taught me a lesson

Having my car stolen really ___; I'll never leave it unlocked again. (= to show someone, as a result of experience, what should not be done in the future)

(called) on

He *called* ___ the government to hold a vote. (= demand that someone do something)

cheek

He *had the* ___ *to* ask me to pay for her! (= behaviour or talk that is rude and shows no respect)

(be) lagging (behind)

He *is* ___ *behind* - I think we'd better wait for him to catch us up. (= to move or make progress so slowly that you are behind other people or things)

sweet nothings

He *murmured* ___ in her ear. (= romantic talk)

drew attention (to)

He ___ *to* three spelling mistakes. (= to notice something interesting or important)

came up with

He ___ a great idea for the ad campaign. (= to suggest or think of an idea or plan)

overcame (difficulties)

He ___ all *difficulties* in his path to the top. (= to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something)

inadvertently

He ___ deleted the file. (= without intention; accidentally)

pressed

He ___ his face against the window. (= empujar, apretar)

pretended

He ___ that he didn't mind, but I knew that he did. (= fingir)

hit the headlines

He ___ two years ago when he was arrested for selling drugs to the mayor's nephew. (= to appear in the news suddenly or receive a lot of attention in news reports)

was beside himself (with a feeling or emotion)

He ___ with grief when she died. (= almost out of control)

(utmost) politeness

He always treated me with the *utmost* ___. (= behaviour that is respectful and considerate of other people)

dexterity

He answered the reporters' questions with all the ___ of a politician. (= habilidad, destreza)

embroiled

He became ___ in a dispute with his neighbours. (= implicated)

sight-read

He can ___ without effort. (= to play or sing written music the first time you see it)

(occupy the) middle ground

He can be magical, he can be comical, but only rarely does he *occupy the* ___. (= posición intermedia)

decide (whether)

He can't ___ *whether* to buy it. (= to choose something after thinking about several possibilities)

on account of

He doesn't drink alcohol ___ his poor health. (= debido a)

disappointing

He failed to turn up for the concert, ___ the crowds of fans waiting outside. (= decepcionar)

(quiet) contentment

He fell asleep in *quiet* ___. (= a state of happiness and satisfaction)

compelled (to)

He felt ___ *to* report the incident. (= obligado, con el deber de)

(track) down

He finally managed to *track* ___ the book he wanted. (= localizar)

obliging

He found an ___ doctor who gave him the drugs he needed. (= willing to do a service or kindness; helpful)

radiant (smile)

He gave a ___ *smile* when he heard her news. (= obviously very happy, or very beautiful)

(with the) aid (of)

He gets about *with the* ___ *of* a walking stick. (= help or support)

lured (someone to something)

He had ___ his victim *to* a deserted house. (to persuade or trick somebody to go somewhere or to do something by promising them a reward)

hinted (at)

He has ___ *at* the possibility of moving to Canada. (= insinuar, sugerir)

(boredom) threshold

He has a low *boredom* ___ (= he gets bored easily). (= the level at which something starts to happen or have an effect)

misleading (about)

He has admitted ___ the police *about* his movements on the night of the murder. (= to cause someone to believe something that is not true)

hatred

He has an extreme ___ of taxes and tolls. (= an extremely strong feeling of dislike)

(highlight the) plight (of the)

He has been sleeping rough in the streets to *highlight the* ___ *of the* homeless. (= an unpleasant condition, especially a serious, sad, or difficult one)

(put) on the table

He has given the council until the end of the month to *put* a plan of action ___. (= offered for discussion)

rightness

He is convinced of the ___ of his actions. (= ​the state of being morally or legally correct, goodness)

forthcoming

He is expected to win by a large majority in the ___ elections. (= happening soon)

stray (dog)

He is only a ___ *dog*. (= a pet that no longer has a home or cannot find its home)

accomplished

He is tall, handsome, ___ and, most worrying of all, Oxford educated. (= consumado)

bearing down on (someone/something)

He leaped away from the car ___ him. (= move toward someone in a threatening way)

bequest

He left a ___ to each of his grandchildren. (= testamento)

outlandish (clothes)

He likes to wear ___ *clothes* and change his eccentric hairstyles. (= estrafalario)

housemates

He remains with the six other ___ for at least another week. (= compañeros de piso)

challenging

He resigned from the company in order to take a more ___ job. (= desafiante)

creeped him out

He said the empty streets ___. (= le asustaban)

label

He seems to be stuck with the ___ of "troublemaker". (= a word or a phrase that is used to describe qualities of people, activities or things in an unfair way)

telling (effect)

He spoke reasonably, carefully, and with ___ *effect*. (= very effective)

stroke

He suffered a ___ in 1988 that left him unable to speak, but his mental capacity wasn't affected. (= derrame cerebral)

fascinating

He told some ___ tales about his life in India. (= muy interesante)

albeit

He tried, ___ without success (= although)

reinforce

He used hand gestures to ___ what he was saying. (= reforzar)

narrow-mindedness

He wanted to escape from the ___ of the people in the small town where he grew up. (= intolerancia)

eavesdropping (on)

He was ___ *on* our conversation. (= to listen to someone's private conversation without them knowing)

murmuring (to himself)

He was ___ *to himself*. (= speak quietly)

outraged

He was ___ by the act of discrimination. (= angry and indignant)

Released

He was ___ from prison after serving two years of a five-year sentence. (= liberar)

put off

He was ___ science by bad teaching. (= to make somebody lose interest in or enthusiasm for something/somebody)

hate (preacher)

He was a ___ *preacher* who spread terror in UK and Europe. (= to dislike someone or something very much)

(change your) tune

He was against the idea to start with, but he soon *changed his* ___ when he realized how much money he'd get. (= to change your opinion completely, especially because you know it will bring you an advantage)

outright

He was killed ___. (= instantly, immediately; en el acto)

besotted (with someone)

He was so completely ___ *with* her that he couldn't see how badly she treated him. (= enamorado, enchochado)

paying attention to

He wasn't ___ the safety instructions. (= to watch, listen to, or think carefully or with interest)

reasonable (doubt)

He went free because the jury decided there was a ___ *doubt* about his guilt. (= based on or using good judgment and therefore fair and practical)

outperforming

He won the "worker of the year" award after ___ all his colleagues. (= produce better results)on the u

reveal

He would not ___ where he had hidden her chocolate eggs. (= desvelar)

try his luck

He'd always wanted to act and in 1959 came to London to ___ the stage. (= to try to achieve something although you know you might not succeed)

to be reckoned with

Her new novel marks her as a writer ___. (= worth taking seriously because of being powerful, important, or good)

ordinary

Her paintings depict the lives of ___ people in the last century. (= usual; not different or special)

enthralling

Her performance was ___. (= apasionante, fascinante, cautivador)

hindered

Her progress certainly hasn't been ___ *by* her lack of experience. (= obstaculizar, impedir, dificultar)

tantamount to

Her refusal to answer was ___ an admission of guilt. (= being almost the same or having the same effect as something, usually something bad)

chances (of)

Her resignation has improved my ___ *of* promotion. (= the level of possibility that something will happen).

quirky

Her sense of humour was decidedly ___. (= eccentric)

tendency to

His *___* exaggerate is well known. (= tendencia a)

dismissive (attitude)

His ___ *attitude* towards women left him isolated. (= despectivo)

taste (in)

His ___ *in* clothes leaves a little to be desired. (= gusto)

essay

His ___ was full of spelling errors. (= redacción)

fallacious (reasoning)

His argument is based on ___ *reasoning*. (= not correct)

erode (someone's confidence)

His behaviour over the last few months has ___ *my confidence* in his judgment. (= to slowly reduce or destroy something)

blighted (by)

His career has been ___ *by* injuries. (= to spoil or damage something, especially by causing a lot of problems)

spattered (with)

His clothes were ___ *with* blood. (= salpicados)

(cast a) slur (on)

His comments *cast a* ___ *on* the integrity of his employees. (= a remark that criticises someone and is likely to have a harmful effect on their reputation)

(go) unnoticed

His contribution did not *go* ___. (= without being seen or noticed)

blockage

His death was caused by a ___ in one of his arteries. (= obstrucción)

(resulted) from

His difficulty in walking *results* ___ a childhood illness. (= ser el resultado de)

not mince words

His doctorly persona is that of a gruff surgeon who does ___. (= ser claro, directo, no andarse con rodeos)

buried

His father is ___ in the cemetery on the hill. (= enterrado)

usher in

His inventions helped ___ the era of skyscrapers. (= to be at the start of a new period, especially when important changes or new things happen, or to cause important changes to start happening)

groundbreaking

His latest movie is interesting, but not ___. (= when something is very new and a big change from other things of its type)

hate-filled

His message and his ___ ideology have instructed and inspired untold recruits and imitators. (= full of hatred; very hostile)

brimming (with confidence and energy)

His recent triumphs have left the tennis ace ___ (over) *with* (= full of) *confidence* and energy.

corridor

His room is along the ___. (= pasillo)

borders on

His suggestion ___ the ridiculous. (= to be almost the same)

(at the) forefront (of)

His team is *at the* ___ *of* scientific research into vaccines. (= the most noticeable or important position)

get by (on)

How can he ___ *on* so little money? (= to be able to live by having just enough of something you need)

come about

How did it ___ that the police were involved? (= happen)

stuck in my mind

However, I couldn't get those four words out of my head and, like a familiar tune that simply won't go away, the phrase ___. (= quedarse grabado en la mente, quedarse pegado)

flocked (to)

Hundreds of people ___ *to* the football match. (= to go or gather together somewhere in large numbers)

(cross the) threshold

I *crossed the* ___ into our new house. (= the floor or ground at the bottom of a doorway, considered as the entrance to a building or room)

(to have no) objection (to doing something)

I *have no* objection *to* him coming to stay. (= objeción, inconveniente)

(make a) blunder

I *made a* ___ by getting his name wrong. (= careless mistake)

(never cease to be) amazed

I *never cease to be* ___ at the way people hurt one another. (= surprised)

clutching at straws

I Know I'm just ___ here, but is it possible that the doctors are wrong? (= to try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely)

overheard

I ___ a very funny conversation on the bus this morning. (= to hear what other people are saying without intending to and without their knowledge)

threw caution to the wind

I ___ and bought the most expensive one. (= to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results)

detest (+ ing)

I ___ havi*ng* to get up when it's dark outside. (= detestar, odiar)

didn't get a wink of sleep

I ___ last night. (= not be able to sleep)

crave

I ___ some sweet. (= ansiar, desear)

let it be known

I ___ that I was not happy about the decision that had been made. (= to make certain that people know something)

wonder

I ___ what the future holds for you and me. (= preguntarse)

laptop

I always take my ___ when I travel. (= portátil)

prevail

I am sure that common sense will ___ in the end. (= prove more powerful or superior)

(resist the) urge (to)

I can never *resist the* ___ *to* laugh. (= a strong wish, especially one that is difficult or impossible to control)

resist

I can never ___ chocolate. He couldn't ___ embelleshing the story of his accident a little. (= parar de hacer algo que quieres hacer, tentaciones)

urge

I can never resist the ___ to laugh. (= impulso)

brush

I can't find my __, but I still have my comb. (= cepillo, brocha)

identity

I cannot reveal the ___ of my source. (= identidad)

(conceal my) disgust

I could scarcely *conceal my* ___ at his table manners. (= descontento)

not sleep a wink

I did ___ last night with all that noise. (= to not sleep at all)

(not) get (much) sleep

I didn't ___ *much* ___ last night. (= anoche dormí poco)

deliberately

I didn't do it ___ -it was an accident! (= intencionadamente)

tone

I didn't like the jokey ___ of the article - I thought it was inappropriate. (= tono, matiz, maneras)

for fear of

I didn't want to move ___ waking her up. (= because you are worried that a particular thing might happen)

(bear) grudge

I don't *bear* any ___ *against* you. (= rencor)

foresee

I don't ___ any difficulties so long as we keep within budget. (= prever)

keep my mouth shut

I don't know whether to tell him what I know or ___. (= to not talk about something)

drop the subject

I don't want to talk about it any more - let's ___. (= to stop talking about something, especially because it is upsetting or annoying)

as much as the next (guy)

I enjoy winning awards ___ *guy*, but other things are more important to me. (= como al que más)

(pay) off

I expect to *pay* the debt ___ within two years. (= saldar)

(come up) against

I feel like I'm getting nowhere with my online campaign. I keep *coming up* ___ a wall of hostility. (= encountering)

(put in/make an) appearance

I felt like I had to *put in an* ___ *at* the staff party, but I only stayed for an hour.

weepy

I felt tired and ___. (= feeling likely to cry)

surrendered (to)

I finally ___ *to* temptation, and ate the last piece of chocolate. (= rendirse ante)

reluctance (to)

I fully understand his ___ *to* leave his children. (= an unwillingness to do something)

(physical) exertion(s)

I get out of breath with any kind of *physical* ___. He needed to relax after the ___ of a busy day at work. (= the use of a lot of mental or physical effort)

mixed feelings

I had ___ about leaving home. I was excited but at the same time, I knew I would miss my family. (= making you not certain how you feel about someone or something)

mixed feelings

I had ___ about leaving home. I was excited but at the same time, I knew I would miss my family. (= when you feel both pleased and not pleased about something at the same time)

funny (feeling)

I had a ___ *feeling* that you'd show up! (= presentimiento, intuición)

even so

I had a terrible headache, but ___ I went to the concert. (= despite that)

couldn't help

I had four children and ___ wondering what would happen if I became a cripple. (= no puedo remediar)

resort to

I had to ___ threats to get my money. (= to do something that you do not want to do because you cannot find any other way of achieving something)

miscarriages

I had two ___ before I gave birth to my daughter. (= abortos)

retain

I have a good memory and I am able to ___ facts easily. He managed to ___ his dignity throughout the performance. (= conservar, mantener, retener)

(pain) threshold

I have a high *pain* ___ (= I can suffer a lot of pain before I start to react). (= the level at which something starts to happen or have an effect)

stuff

I have some ___ to do before leaving. (= cosas)

(get something) in (by)

I have to *get* my application ___ *by* Thursday. (= to send something so that it arrives by a particular time)

clinch (the deal, contract, bargain)

I hear he finally ___ *the deal* to buy the land he wanted. (= to finally get or win something)

screaming

I heard a woman in the house opposite ___ for help. (= gritar, chillar)

(allaying your) fears

I hope I have succeeded in *allaying your* ___ about the future of the company. (= miedos)

take into account (the fact that)

I hope my teacher will ___ *the fact that* I was ill just before the exams when she marks my paper. (= to consider or remember something when judging a situation)

sympathise

I know what it's like to have migraines, so I really ___ *with* you. (= empatizar, ponerse en el lugar del otro)

freshly

I love ___ *squeezed orange juice*. (= recently done)

do sport

I love eating, that's why I have to ___. (= hacer deporte)

overslept

I missed the bus this morning because I ___ again. (= to sleep for longer than you intended to and so wake up late)

exhausted

I must get some sleep - I'm ___. (= agotado)

however (much)

I mustn't have any more chocolate, ___ *much* I feel like it. (= despite whatever amount or degree)

took me for a walk

I needed some "air" and Hamdi ___ through the infinite. (= llevarme de paseo)

further

I never got ___ than the first five pages of "Ulysses". (= más lejos)

tit for tat

I noticed she didn't send me a card - I think it was ___ because I forgot her birthday last year. (= ojo por ojo, diente por diente)

call (on)

I now ___ *on* everyone to raise a glass to the happy couple. (= to ask someone in a formal way to do something)

second (sight)

I once met a man with ___ *sight* who told me I was going to lose my job - and I did. (= clarividencia)

deal with

I prefer to ___ the same salesperson each time. (= hacer negocios)

immediately

I rang ___ for an ambulance. (= instantly)

unpredictable

I really enjoy having a holiday in the UK, if only the weather weren't so ___. (= impredecible)

(hang) around

I spent most of my youth *hanging* ___ the bars of Dublin. (= merodear, matar el tiempo)

hanging (around)

I spent most of my youth ___ *around* the bars of Dublin. (= to wait or spend time somewhere, usually for no particular reason)

lolling

I spent most of the weekend ___ *around* on the beach. (= to lie, sit, or hang down in a relaxed, informal, or uncontrolled way)

whenever

I start singing ___ I hear this song. (= siempre que; conjunción)

focus (of attention)

I think Dave likes to be the ___ *of attention*. (= centre)

demand

I think I'm quite within my rights to ___ a full refund. (= to ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows that you do not expect to be refused)

capable (of)

I think both sexes are equally ___ *of* looking after children. (= ser capaz de)

complex (about)

I think he's got a ___ *about* being bald. (= complejo de inferioridad)

(under the) circumstances

I think she coped very well *under the* ___. (= a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is)

sensible

I think the ___ thing to do is call and ask for directions. (= sensato)

over the top

I thought the decorations were way ___. (= demasiado extrema)

(at/from) the outset

I told him *from* ___ I wasn't interested. (= the beginning)

outright

I told him ___ what I thought of him. (= very directly)

(have something) altered

I took the coat back to the shop to *have* it ___. (= to make small changes to a piece of clothing so that it fits better)

betrayed

I trusted him and he ___ me. (= traicionar)

imprint

I want to ___ this wonderful day in my memory. (= grabar)

overwhelmed (by/with)

I was ___ *by* all the flowers and letters of support I received. (= to cause someone to feel sudden strong emotion)

thrilled (that)

I was ___ *that* so many people turned up to the party. (= extremely happy about something)

hooked

I was ___ after two episodes. (= enjoying something so much that you are unable to stop having it, watching it, doing it, etc.)

dawned (on someone that)

I was about to pay for the shopping when it suddenly ___ *on* me *that* I'd left my wallet at home. (= to become known or obvious to someone, often suddenly)

playground

I was playing football in the ___. (= patio de colegio, parque)

flattery

I was really pleased when he said how well I'd done, because he isn't known for ___. (= adulación, halagos)

gibberish

I was so nervous, I just started talking ___. (= palabras sin sentido)

colluded (with)

I was suspected that the police had ___ *with* the witnesses. (= conspirar)

toddling

I watched my two-year-old nephew ___ around after his puppy. (= especially of a young child, to walk with short steps, trying to keep the body balanced)

inscrutable

I wonder if she's holding something back, so ___ does she seem at times. (= inescrutable, hermético)

(change) places

I wouldn't *change* ___ with him for the world! (= be in another person's situation)

otherwise

I'd better write it down, ___ I'll forget it. (= si no)

otherwise

I'd better write it down, ___ I'll forget it. (= si no, de lo contrario)

(be on your best) behaviour

I'd just met his parents for the first time so I *was on my best* ___. (= comportarse)

blunt

I'll be ___ - that last piece of work you did was terrible. (= direct speaking, without considering other people's feelings)

(get something) over (with)

I'll be glad to *get* these exams ___ *with*. (= to finish and unpleasant but necessary piece of work)

just in case

I'll take my umbrella too, ___ (= por si acaso)

determined (to)

I'm ___ *to* get this piece of work done today. She's ___ *to* make a success of this project. (= wanting to do something very much and not allowing anyone or any difficulties to stop you)

nowhere near

I'm ___ finishing the book - I'm only half-way through it. (= para nada, ni por asomo)

at a loss

I'm ___ to know how I can help you. It was unlike him to be ___ *for words*. (= not knowing what to do or say)

at my wits' end

I'm ___. I don't know how to help him. (= al borde de la desesperación)

(be) stumped

I'm completely ___ -how did she manage to escape? (= be unable to answer a question or solve a problem because it is too difficult)

quit

I'm going to ___ smoking. (= dejar de hacer algo)

clue

I'm never going to guess the answer if you don't give me a ___. (= pista)

apprehensive (about)

I'm very ___ *about* tomorrow's meeting (= feeling worried about something that is going to happen)

apprehensive (about)

I'm very ___ *about* tomorrow's meeting. (= feeling worried about something that it's going to happen)

attached

I'm very ___ to my old guitar. (= tener apego)

(lose) track (of something)

I've *lost* ___ *of* the number of times he's asked me to lend him money.

(burning) ambition

I've always had a *burning* ___ to be a film director. (= a very strong wish to achieve something)

burning

I've always had a ___ *ambition* to be a film director. (= insaciable)

racking my brains

I've been ___ all day trying to remember her name. (= to try very hard to think of or remember something)

clean

I've been ___ for 3 weeks. (= having stopped taking drugs)

(grown) weary (of)

I've been going out with the same people to the same places for years and I've just *grown* ___ *of* it. (= cansados)

sneaking (suspicion)

I've got a ___ *suspicion* that we're going the wrong way. (= presentimiento)

(come) up

I've got to go - something has just *come* ___ at home and I'm needed there. (= to arise, happen)

a dog's life

I've got to go to the supermarket, then cook a meal, then pick Dave up from the station - it's ___! (= something that you say which means that life is hard and unpleasant)

move on

I've lived in this town long enough- it's time to ___. (= mudarse)

appetite

I've read an excerpt of the book on the Web and it's *whetted* my ___. (= the feeling of wanting or needing something)

sleepless (nights)

I've spent so many ___ *nights* worrying about him. (without any sleep)

intent (on)

I've tried persuading her not to go but she's ___ *on* it. (= determined to do something, especially something that will harm other people)

happen overnight

IT transformation doesn't ___. (= did not happen suddenly)

confessional

If I had been a wiser girl, a stronger, and a more sensible, very likely I might not have gone to the ___ at all. (= confesionario)

complications (arise)

If any ___ *arise*, let me know and I'll help. (= something that makes a situation more difficult, or the act of doing this)

arise

If any complications ___, let me know and I'll help. (=to happen)

(change your) ways

If he wants to carry on living here, he's going to have to *change his* ___ and learn to be a bit less messy. (= improve the bad parts of his behaviour)

(on) a level playing field

If the tax systems are different in each European country, how can industries start *on* ___? (= situación en la que todos parten de la misma base, situación justa)

compromised

If we back down on this issue, our reputation will be ___. (= comprometida)

(move up/climb the corporate) ladder

If women want to *climb the corporate* ___, they may have to sacrifice some of their family life.

adds up

If you buy three packets, it ___ to a total of $18. (= sumar)

forfeit

If you cancel now, you ___ your deposit. (= perder)

undermine (confidence)

If you continually criticise children you can seriously ___ their *confidence*. (= to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually)

criticism

If you have any constructive ___ of the project, I'd be glad to hear it. (= crítica)

template

If you need to write a lot of similar letters, set up a ___ on your computer. (= plantilla)

(get) in with

If you want to be elected to the club, she's the person you need to *get* ___. (= juntarse con)

exert (influence)

If you were to ___ your *influence* they might change their decision. (= emplear, ejercer)

printed

If you would like to have a ___ copy, or give your comments and ideas, please send us an email to info@... (= impreso)

(poor) vision/sight

If your ___ is *poor*, you should not drive a car. (= the ability to see)

sleepwalks

If your child ___ for a long time, talk to your doctor. (= sonámbulo)

blow up

Imagine what is to embark on a bus and look around in fear, not knowing whether that bus will reach its destination or ___. (= estallar, explotar)

buoying

Improved job markets and recent largely healthy economic news are clearly ___ consumers. (= animar)

(live below the) poverty line

In 1991 almost 36 million Americans were *living below the* ___. (= the official level of income that is needed to achieve a basic living standard with enough money for things such as food, clothing, and a place to live)

unstinting (support/generosity/praise)

In response to the generous tributes, he thanked the city for its ___ *support*. They were ___ *in their praise*. (= given or giving generously)

(strong) bonds

In societies with *strong* family ___, people tend to live longer. (= relationships)

practice sport

In that sense, the researcher has reminded us that it is important that children keep a healthy diet and ___ regularly. (= practicar deporte de manera regular o profesional)

swings

In the end there wasn't that much of a problem and the kids are looking forward to getting back on the ___ again. (= columpios)

(a) pinpoint (of light)

In the middle of the blackness, there was *a* tiny ___ *of light*. (= a very small spot of something)

glossed

In the school edition of the book, the older and more rare words have been ___. (= to provide an explanation for a word or phrase)

don't mince words

In this campaign, we ___. (= no andarse con rodeos)

(never cross your) mind (that)

It *never crossed my* ___ *that* she might be married. (= I never thought)

Took

It ___ her three hours to repair her bike. (= to require a particular amount of time)

discouraged

It ___ me to hear so little enthusiasm for the project. (= to make someone feel less confident or hopeful)

try your best

It doesn't matter if you fail, just ___.

make a good case for

It has to be carefully nuanced, but I can ___ you as well. (= defend a position very well)

(difficult to) envisage

It is *difficult to* ___ how people will react. (= to imagine or expect something in the future, especially something good)

war-torn

It is a long-term task to rebuild the infrastructure of a ___ country such as Angola. (= severely damaged by a long war, especially between different groups from the same country)

figured out

It is difficult to access funding before the elements of an outline business plan have been ___. (= calcular)

sentient (person)

It is hard for a ___ *person* to understand how any parents could treat their child so badly. (= sensible)

(not see the) wood for the trees

It is often difficult for people in organisations to *see the* ___. (to be unable to get a general understanding of a situation because you are too worried about the details)

put into words

It seems impossible to imagine, but it's now been a year since we first were paired up, and I can't ___ what a wonderful experience it had been. (= expresar con palabras)

figure out

It takes most people some time to ___ new software. (= entender)

recover (from)

It took her a long time to ___ *from* her heart operation. (= recuperarse)

make-or-break

It was a ___ decision for the manager. (= can bring great success or complete failure)

flawless

It was a ___ performance. (= perfect or without mistakes)

naive

It was a little ___ of you to think that they would listen to your suggestions. (= ingenuo)

grateful

It was a long journey and I was ___ for his company. (= agradecido)

so-called

It was one of his ___ friends who supplied him with the drugs that killed him. (= used to show that you think a word that is used to describe someone or something is not suitable or not correct)

pettiness

It was the ___ of their arguments that irritated her. (= mezquindad)

went away

It was weeks before the bruises ___. (= desaparecer)

(draw a) parallel (between)

It would be easy to *draw a* ___ *between* the city's history and that of its theatres. (= something very similar to something else, or a similarity between two things)

uphill (struggle/battle/fight)

It'll be an ___ *struggle (=battle/fight)* to get the new proposals accepted. (= ardua, difícil, dura)

(as) clear as day

It's *as* ___ that the government is going to win the election. (= claro como el agua)

incorrect (to)

It's ___ *to* address people by their first names at these formal events. (= inapropiado, erróneo)

amazing

It's ___ to think that the managing director is only 23. (= asombroso, sorprendente)

compelling (argument)

It's a fairly ___ *argument* for going. (= convincente)

seamlessly

It's a kids' movie that ___ combines live action with computer-generated creatures. (= happening without any sudden changes, interruption, or difficulty)

aroused (interest)

It's a subject that has ___ a lot of *interest*. (= to cause someone to have a particular feeling)

long-held (ambition)

It's been her ___ *ambition* to work with horses. (= de toda la vida)

judge (whether)

It's difficult to ___ *whether* the new system really is an improvement. (= to form an opinion about somebody/something, based on the information you have)

commuting

It's exhausting ___ from Brighton to London every day. (= viajar, trasladarse diariamente para ir al trabajo)

blame (for)

It's tempting to ___ television *for* the increase in crime. (= culpar)

misfortunes

It's unfair to take advantage of other people's ___. (= desgracias, infortunios)

zest (for life)

It's wonderful to see the children's ___ *for life*. (= enthusiasm, eagerness, energy, and interest)

deeply engaged

Italy is ___ in food assistance. (= profundamente comprometido)

mincing (steps)

Japanese women walk in ___ *steps*. (little steps)

update (on)

Jo's just doing an ___ *on* the mailing list. (= actualización)

select committee

John Smith is a member of the ___ on education. (= a group of politicians, from different political parties, chosen to report and advise on a particular subject)

deep (in love)

John is ___ *in love* with Amanda. (= very strongly felt or experienced and usually lasting a long time)

came up trumps

John's uncle ___, finding us a place to stay at the last minute. (= to complete an activity successfully or to produce a good result, especially when you were not expected to)

stern (warning/look/voice)

Journalists received a ___ *warning* not to go anywhere near the battleship. (= severe, or showing disapproval)

tearful

Katy's always a bit ___ when it's time to go back to school. (= likely to cry)

summoned (to)

Late last night, the French ambassador was ___ *to* the Foreign Office to discuss the crisis. (= to order someone to come to or be present at a particular place, or to officially arrange a meeting of people)

for the time being

Leave the ironing ___; I'll do it later. (= for a limited period)

go up to heaven

Let your prayers ___. (= subir al cielo)

foolishness

Let's stop this ___. (= tontería)

pour

Letters of complaint continue to ___ in. (= to come or go somewhere continuously in large numbers)

to say the least

Life for these marginalised people is, ____, abysmal. (= cuanto menos)

intrepid (adventurer)

Look around and find a place to go chat with some other ___ young *adventurers*. (= fearless; adventurous)

(vent your) frustration (on)

Look, it's annoying, but it's not my fault! Don't *vent your* ___ *on* me! (= frustración)

amend (the law)

MPs were urged to ___ *the law* to prevent another oil tanker disaster. (= make minor changes)

bent over backwards

Mann insisted that he ___ to be objective in presenting the story. (= hacer todo lo que se pueda)

(see an) upturn (in)

Many companies are *seeing an* ___ *in* business. (= an improvement or a change to a higher level or value)

indigo (blue)

Many of us had our first encounter with ___ long ago, the day we bought our first pair of blue jeans. (= color azul añil)

reluctant (to)

Many parents feel ___ *to* talk openly with their children. (= not willing to do something)

wayward

Many parents legitimise their ___ children. (= difficult to control or predict because of wilful or perverse behaviour)

ploughed (into someone/something)

Many people were injured when the train came off the rails and ___ *into* the bank. (= to crash violently into something, especially because you are driving too fast or not paying enough attention)

crave

Many young children ___ attention. (= ansiar, desear)

(haunted by) guilt

Margaret was *haunted by* ___ at the terrible things she'd done. (= culpa)

immortalised

Marlene Dietrich was ___ through her roles in films like "The Blue Angel". (= to make someone or something so famous that that person or thing is remembered for a very long time)

lost for words

Mary was ___ when she was awarded the prize. (= to be so shocked, surprised, full of admiration, etc. that you cannot speak)

out of kilter

Missing more than one night's sleep can throw your body ___. (= en mal estado de funcionamiento)

surveillance

More banks are now installing ___ cameras. (= vigilancia)

relentless (heat)

More in the crowd ask for food and water as the sun continues to cover the area with ___ *heat*. (= incesante)

take a dim view of

Most bosses ___ long lunches. (= to disapprove of something)

evolving

Most languages are constantly ___ and changing, which is what keeps them alive. (= evolucionar)

outlandish

Most of Ripolles' statues are ___. (= strange, weird)

dwellers

Most of the exhibitions left the viewers with the conviction that the most authentic identity of an urban environment is determined by its ___. (= a person or animal that lives in or at a specified place)

(work) alongside

Most of the staff refused to *work* ___ the new team. (= next to, or together with)

alongside

Most of the staff refused to work ___ the new team. (= junto a, al lado de)

performed

Most of the students ___ well in the exam. The operation will be ___ next week. (= realizar)

wears off

Most patients find that the numbness from the injection ___ after about an hour. (= of a feeling or the effect of something, to gradually disappear)

end up

Much of this meat will probably ___ as dog food. (= to finally be in a particular place or situation)

blame (for)

My brother took the ___ *for* my mistakes. (= responsabilidad)

(tax) threshold

My earnings are just above the *tax* ___ (= more than the amount at which you start paying tax). (= the level at which something starts to happen or have an effect)

(a) burden (to)

My elderly mother worries that she's *a* ___ *to* me. (= carga)

by heart

My father can still recite the poems he learned ___ at school. (= learned in such a way that you can repeat it from memory)

enriched (by)

My life was greatly ___ *by* knowing her. (= enriquecida)

thenceforth

My life was totally different ___. (= after that; from that time forward)

rows

My parents often have ___, but my dad does most of the shouting. (= a noisy argument or fight)

(run) out

My patience is beginning to *run* ___. (= agotarse)

move forward

My projects help me to ___. (= avanzar, seguir adelante)

remarkable

My son has a ___ talent for mathematics. (= destacable)

devious (plan)

Never before has a ___ little *plan* backfired so badly. (= deshonesto)

halfway (between)

New York City is ___ *between* Boston and Washington, DC. (= a medio camino entre)

make ends meet

Newcastle teacher gives plasma just to ___. (= llegar a fin de mes)

(raise the) prospect

Newly discovered variations between genomes of different ethnic groups *raise the* ___ of tailoring medicines for different communities. (= the idea of something that will or might happen in the future)

(get) around (somewhere)

News of someone's pregnancy soon *gets* ___. (= to spread)

strive (to do something)

Newspaper editors all ___ *to* be first with a story. (= to try very hard to achieve something)

awe-inspiring

Niagara Falls really is an ___ sight. (= causing you to feel great respect or admiration)

(make) up (for something)

No amount of money can *make* ___ *for* the death of a child. (= compensate or offset)

appeal

No witnesses to the accident have come forward yet, despite the police's ___. (= llamamiento)

the end justify the means

Not always ___. (said about a situation in which the final aim is so important that any way of achieving it is acceptable)

one step forward and two steps back

Nothing worked, and we spent two decades taking ___. (un paso adelante y dos atrás)

as to (whether)

Now drivers have been left confused ___ *whether* they can still park in the bay. (= with respect to; concerning)

hasty (conclusions)

Now let's not leap to any ___ *conclusions*. (= done in a hurry)

shopping centres

Now the growth of big rural ___ is bringing shoppers out of town. (= centros comerciales)

obscure

Official policy has changed, for reasons that remain ___. (= poco claras, desconocidas)

let your hair down

Oh ___ for once! (= to allow yourself to behave much more freely than usual and enjoy yourself)

bookshelf

On one side of the table stands a wooden ___. (= estantería para libros)

being the butt of his jokes

On set, he's loved for his sense of humor, even when his costars end up ___. (= ser el blanco de las burlas)

Christmas Eve

On this ___, as millions the world over celebrate his birth, top religious authorities debate the meaning and the message of Jesus's life and death. (= Nochebuena)

out of the blue

One day, ___, she announced that she was leaving. (= completely unexpected)

out of the blue

One day, ___, she announced that she was leaving. (= inesperadamente)

absence (from)

One notable ___ *from* the concert was a classical pianist. (= the fact of not being where you are usually expected to be)

mongrel

One of the more unusual recruits to the unit was Trump, a ___ *dog* found starving and very ill in a puddle under the yacht. (= a dog of no definable type or breed)

skepticism

Other scientists have expressed ___ about this results. (= escepticismo)

recruiting

Our HR team has decades of experience in the ___ of college and university graduates. (= reclutamiento, selección de personal)

convenient

Our local shop has very ___ opening hours. (= suitable for your purposes and needs and causing the least difficulty)

intercourse

Our survey reveals that most couples *have* ___ once a week. (= the act of having sex)

metamorphose

Overnight, family houses ___ *into* bed and breakfast as 7,000 visitors roll into town.

(a far) cry (from)

Paris was *a far* ___ *from* the village where she grew up. (= very different from)

(heart) condition

Paul suffers from a *heart* ___. (= any of different types of diseases)

whispering (that)

People are ___ *that* she's going to retire next year. (= to suggest privately that something might be true)

(informal) register

People chatting at a party will usually be talking in (an) *informal* ___. (= registro, estilo)

let your hair down

Perfect place to ___ on a Friday night. (= desmelenarse, pasarlo bien)

jaded (palate)

Perhaps some caviar can tempt your ___ *palate*. (= hastiado, harto)

coax

Perhaps you could ___ your father *into* tak*ing* you to the station. (= to persuade someone gently to do something or go somewhere, by being kind and patient, or by appearing to be)

oven

Place the cake in the ___ at 180ºC. (= horno)

enraged

Plans to build a new nightclub in the neighbourhood have ___ local residents. (= enfurecer)

remind

Please ___ me *to* post this letter. (= recordarle a alguien)

(in) ink

Please write *in* ___, not in pencil. (= tinta)

(a) spate (of burglaries/killings/thefts)

Police are investigating *a* ___ *of burglaries* in the Kingsland Road area. (= a large number of things, which are usually unpleasant, that happen suddenly within a short period of time)

intricate (web)

Police officers uncovered an ___ *web* of deceit. (= having a lot of small parts or details that are arranged in a complicated way and are therefore sometimes difficult to understand, solve, or produce)

(a) plum (job)

Political clout is still the surest way to get *a* ___ *job*. (= chollo)

parry

Predictably the president ___ enquiries about the arms scandal. (= esquivar)

steadily

Prices have risen ___. (= gradualmente)

inhuman

Prisoners of war were subjected to ___ and degrading treatment. (= extremely cruel)

as a result of

Profits have declined ___ the recent drop in sales. (= because of)

ordinary (people)

Readers of the magazine said they wanted more stories about ___ *people* and fewer stories about the rich and famous. ( =not different or special; usual)

pouring (into)

Refugees have been ___ *into* neighbouring countries to escape the civil war. (= to flow quickly and in large amounts)

Swiss

Relating to Switzerland or its people. (= suizo)

alive

Relatives of the missing sailors are struggling to keep their hopes ___. (= living)

impairment

Renal ___ needs to be treated urgently. (= deterioro, discapacidad)

lavatory

Restrooms must have an access to a handwashing ___. (= toilet)

questioned (+question word)

Results from a study ___ *whether* treatment with the drug really improved survival. (= to express doubts about the value or truth of something)

apart

Salary ___, it's not a bad job. (= except for or not considering)

homebound

Santa also makes time to visit with the elderly and ___ during this event. (= persona confinada en casa)

springs to mind

Say the word "Australia" and a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately ___. (= venirse a la mente)

stumped (by)

Scientists are ___ *by* this mystery virus. (= to be unable to answer a question or solve a problem because it is too difficult)

pave the way

Scientists hope that data from the probe will ___ *for* a more detailed exploration of Mars. (= create the circumstances to enable something to happen or be done)

(but) as yet

Several proposals have been considered, *but* ___ no feasible plans are in place. (= until now or a particular time in the past)

(have nothing but) scorn (for someone)

She *has nothing but* ___ *for* the new generation of politicians. (= a very strong feeling of no respect for someone or something that you think is stupid or has no value)

(has the) distinction (of being)

She *has the* ___ *of being* one of the few people to have an honorary degree conferred on her by the university this year. (= cualidad de especial, distinción)

(have the) knack (of)

She *has the* ___ *of* making people feel comfortable. (= a skill or an ability to do something easily and well)

(be) viewed (as)

She *is* ___ *as* beautiful by many people. (= to think about somebody/something in a particular way)

underwent (an operation)

She ___ *an operation* on a tumour in her left lung last year. (= to experience something that is unpleasant or something that involves a change)

bristled (at something)

She ___ *at* the suggestion that she had in any way neglected the child. (= react angrily)

despised (him for)

She ___ *him for* the way he treated her sister. (= to feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think that that person or thing is bad or has no value)

decided (that)

She ___ *that* she would travel to India. (= to choose something after thinking about several possibilities)

chiselled (out of)

She ___ a figure *out of* the marble. (= to use a chisel)

ran out of time

She ___ and didn't finish the last question. (= quedarse sin tiempo)

makes a point of

She ___ calling her grandmother every week. (= to always do something or take particular care to do it)

recorded

She ___ her first CD at the age of 12. (= grabar, registrar)

despised

She ___ him for the way he treated his sister. (= despreciar)

inquired after

She ___ his grandfather's health. (= to ask for information about someone, especially about their health, in order to be polite)

was given to (something)

She ___ staying in bed till lunchtime. (= do something as a habit)

gave birth

She ___ to twins. (= dar a luz)

tottered

She ___ unsteadily down the stairs in her high-heeled shoes. (= to walk with difficulty in a way that looks as if you are about to fall)

splashed

She ___ water everywhere. (= salpicar)

fashions

She always wears *the latest*. (= popular style)

intimidating

She can be very ___ when she's angry. (= intimidante, amedrentador)

rubs shoulders (with)

She claims that she ___ *with* royalty all the time. (= to meet and spend time with someone)

sugar and spice

She could be all ___ when she wanted to be. (= friendly, esp. a girl)

faked

She didn't want to go out, so she ___ a headache. (= fingir)

(in suspicious) circumstances

She died *in suspicious* ___. (= a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is)

rejuvenated (by)

She felt ___ *by* her fortnight in the Bahamas. (= to make someone look or feel young and energetic again)

dare

She fixed the child with a stare of such disapproval he did not ___ move. (to be brave enough to do something)

sound (advice)

She gave me some very ___ *advice*. (= showing good judgment; able to be trusted)

deprived

She had a ___ childhood. (= desfavorecidos, necesitados)

from then on

She had a car accident a year ago and suffered from back pain ___. ( = from that time)

niggling

She had no ___ *doubts* like the ones that plagued me. (= of thoughts, worries or details, unimportant but demanding one's attention in an annoying way)

ability (to)

She had the ___ *to* explain things clearly and concisely. (= capacidad)

strength

She had the ___ and stamina to take the lead and win the gold medal. (= fuerza)

haughty (manner/face/look)

She has a rather ___ *manner*. (= arrogant)

intriguing

She has an ___ personality. (= interesante)

niggling (at the back of your mind)

She hears it every day, ___ and nagging *at the back of her mind*, reminding her that she failed. (= preocupar, molestar)

long-time

She is a ___ friend of the family. (= desde hace mucho tiempo)

shrewd

She is a ___ politician who wants to avoid offending the electorate unnecessarily. (= having or based on a clear understanding and good judgment of a situation, resulting in an advantage)

reframe (the debate)

She is trying to ___ *the debate* about the care of vulnerable children. (= replantear)

reframe

She is trying to ___ the debate about the care of vulnerable children. (= replantear)

(go over something) in her mind

She kept *going over* the accident *again and again* ___, wishing that she could somehow have prevented it. (= to think repeatedly about an event that has happened)

whispered

She leaned over and ___ something in his ear. (= susurrar, cuchichear)

whispered

She leaned over and ___ something in his ear. (= to speak very quietly, using the breath but not the voice, so that only the person close to you can hear you)

breeze

She let the gentle ___ cool her face. (= brisa)

suggestions

She made some very helpful ___ but her boss rejected them all. (= sugerencias)

urgent

She needs ___ treatment. (= urgente)

(as an) afterthought

She only asked me to her party *as an* ___. (= an idea, thought, or plan that was not originally intended but is thought of at a later time)

ashamed (of oneself)

She ought to be thoroughly ___ *of herself*; talking to her mother like that! (= feeling guilty or embarrassed)

measured

She replied in a ___ tone to his threat. (= moderado)

brawn

She said she preferred ___ to brains. (= músculo, fuerza física)

surrounded

She said that she wanted to die ___ by the people she loves. (= rodeado)

fit in

She says that she does't ___ at her new school. (= encajar, adaptarse)

detached

She seemed a bit ___, as if her mind were on other things. (= desinteresado)

sixth sense

She seemed to have a ___ when it came to knowing what her twin was thinking. (= sexto sentido)

halfway (through something)

She started feeling sick ___ *through* dinner. (= in the middle of something)

poetry

She started writing ___ at a young age. (= poesía)

smart

She tends to wear quite ___ clothes for work. (= elegante)

look down on

She thinks they ___ her because she doesn't have a job. (= to think that you are better than someone)

haughty (disdain)

She threw him a look of ___ *disdain*. (= arrogant)

barely

She was ___ 15 when she won her first championship. (= by the smallest amount)

baffled

She was completely ___ by his strange behaviour. (= dejar estupefacto, desconcertar)

distressed

She was deeply ___ by the news of his death. (= upset or worried)

bright

She was enthusiastic and full of ___ ideas and suggestions. (= brillante, listo, inteligente)

relieve

She was given a shot of morphine to ___ the pain. (= aliviar)

flippancy

She was infuriated by his careless ___. (= poca seriedad)

headphones

She was listening the radio through ___. (= cascos para escuchar música)

cursory (glance)

She was one of those ladies that at ___ *glance*, one's heart would tumble. (= rápido, superficial)

published

She was only 19 when her first novel was ___. (= publicado)

(cheer) up

She was sick so I sent her some flowers to *cheer* her ___. (= animar, reconfortar)

covered

She was wearing a rather daring skirt that only just ___ her bottom. (= put something over something else)

(a change of) scene

She'd been with the same company for too many years and felt she needed *a change of* ___, so she applied for a job as a stage manager. (= a new situation)

(end) up

She'll *end* ___ penniless if she continues to spend like that. (= acabar)

fluent (in)

She's ___ *in* French and English and has a working knowledge of Spanish. (= can speak a language easily, well, and quickly)

prone (to)

She's ___ *to* exaggerate, that's for sure. (= tending, likely to show a particular negative characteristic)

applied

She's ___ for a job with an insurance company. (= solicitar)

threatening

She's ___ to take me to court for not paying the bill on time. (= amenazar)

(set the) record (straight)

She's decided to write her memoirs to *set the* ___ *straight* once and for all. (= make the true facts known)

razor-sharp (mind)

She's got a ___ *mind*. (= describes a person who thinks very clearly and quickly)

nutty (idea)

She's got some ___ *idea* about setting up a school for cats. (= loco)

(career) prospects

She's hoping the course will improve her *career* ___. (= the possibility of being successful, especially at work)

squeamish

She's really ___ and can't stand the sight of blood. (= aprensivo)

pernickety (about)

She's very ___ *about* her food. (= giving too much attention to small details that are not important in a way that annoys other people)

adept (at)

She's very ___ *at* dealing with the media. (= having a natural ability to do something that needs skill)

arise

Should the *opportunity* ___, I'd love to go to China.

wondering

Shouldn't you phone home? Your parents will be ___ where you are. (= preguntarse)

in seventh heaven

Since they got married, they're ___. (= extremely happy)

damage

Smoking is likely to ___ your health permanently. (= dañar)

thumbs up

So it's the ___ for Brighton's latest nightclub. (= used to show approval of something)

area of expertise

Software is not really my ___. (= a high level of knowledge in a field)

wilfully (ignored)

Some basic safety rules were ___ *ignored*. (= in a way that is done intentionally)

exert (pressure on)

Some managers ___ considerable *pressure on* their staff to work extra hours without being paid. (= ejercer)

(dangerously) misleading

Some of the information on the website was *dangerously* ___. (= causing someone to believe something that is not true)

go to great lenghts

Some people ___ to make their homes attractive. (= to try very hard to achieve something)

enable

Some tests ___ you to find out the sex of your baby before it's born. (= permitir, hacer algo posible)

inhibited (from)

Some workers were ___ *from* speaking by the presence of their managers. (= cohibidos)

(make) off (with something)

Somebody broke into the shop and *made* ___ *with* several TVs. (= to steal)

devious (tactics)

Sometimes it is necessary to adopt ___ *tactics* to expose bullies and cheats. (= deshonesto)

perform (a feat)

SpaceX to ___ *a feat* not attempted since NASA's Apollo missions. (= lograr)

out of control

Stress often results from feeling like things are ___. (= fuera de control)

workload

Students do find that their ___ increases throughout the course. (= volumen de trabajo)

(door) burst (open)

Suddenly the *door* ___ *open* and police officers rushed in. (= opened suddenly and forcefully)

powder

Talcum ___. (= polvo)

evokes

That smell always ___ memories of my old school. (= evocar, recordar)

sensible (way of)

That would be a more ___ *way of* dealing with the problem. (= sensato)

(atmosphere) unbearable

The *atmosphere* at work at the moment is almost ___. (= too painful or unpleasant for you to continue to experience)

prohibitive (cost)

The *cost* of private treatment can be ___. (= prohibitivo)

(sun) rising

The *sun* was ___ and the clouds looked beautiful. (= of the sun, moon, or another celestial body appear above the horizon)

correspondent

The BBC's political ___. (0 corresponsal)

overturned

The Court of Appeal ___ the earlier decision. (= anular, revocar)

all at sea

The European Union has been ___ in its approach to freezing of assets and other decisions. (= confused)

right across

The Sierra de Tramuntana, the mountain range that runs ___ the northwest island, parallel to the coast. (= extenderse)

(fight) alongside

The UK *fought* ___ France, Turkey, and Sardinia during the Crimean War. (= next to, or together with)

counter-arguments (against raising)

The ___ *against raising* the minimum wage don't hold up to facts. (= an argument against another argument, idea, or suggestion)

connection (between something and something)

The ___ *between* smoking *and* heart disease is well known. (= conexión)

craze (for)

The ___ *for* health foods has become big business. (= an activity, object, or idea that is extremely popular, usually for a short time)

reason (for)

The ___ *for* the disaster was engine failure, not human error. (= a cause or an explanation for something that has happened or that somebody has done)

downside (of)

The ___ *of* living here, of course, is that it is expensive. (= desventaja)

dismal (weather)

The ___ *weather* made the late afternoon seem like evening. (= causing a mood of gloom or depression)

principal

The ___ aim of this meeting is to reach a decision that we all agree on. (= main; first in order of importance)

pattern

The ___ of family life has been changing over recent years. (= patrón, modelo)

downside

The ___ of living here, of course, is that it is expensive. This is good news for farmers, but I do see a ___. (= disadvantage)

novelty (wear off)

The ___ of living together is starting to *wear off*. (= the excitement or interest that something new or unusual creates)

rewards

The ___ of motherhood outweigh the anguish. (= recompensas, compensaciones)

scent

The ___ of roses. (= a pleasant natural smell)

glow

The ___ of the fire. Are your friends saying you have that pregnancy ___? (= brillo, resplandor)

upper classes

The ___ usually send their children to expensive private schools. (= clase acomodada, clase alta)

hearing

The ___ will be held behind closed doors. (= an official meeting that is held to collect the facts about an event or problem)

as far as

The aim is to prevent negative environmental impact ___ possible. (= en cuanto)

assist

The army arrived to ___ in the search. (= to help)

fragile (peace)

The assassination could do serious damage to the ___ *peace* agreement that was signed last month. (= frágil)

rose

The balloon ___ gently (up) into the air. (= to move upwards)

unstoppable (rise in)

The band has enjoyed a seemingly ___ *rise in* popularity. (= imparable)

agreed (to)

The bank has ___ (= is willing) *to* lend me £5,000. (= to accept a suggestion or idea)

tipped (off)

The bank robber was arrested after the police were ___ *off*. (= secretly informed)

(deeply) ingrained

The belief that you should own your house is *deeply* ___ in our society.

outweigh

The benefits of this treatment far ___ any risks. (= to be greater or more important than something else)

abstinence (from)

The best way to avoid pregnancy is total ___ *from* sex. (= abstinencia)

hackneyed (plots)

The blame, say critics, lies with the ___, highly predictable *plots*. (= trillado, repetitivo)

harsh

The book confronts the ___ social and political realities of the world today. (= unpleasant, unkind, cruel, or more severe than is necessary)

(beyond) belief

The brutality of the murders was *beyond* ___. (= insólito, incomprensible)

burning (issue)

The burning (issue) is: can the Internet be regulated? (= a subject or question that must be dealt with or answered quickly)

triggered

The car crash ___ a lot of bad memories for me. (= to cause something to start)

pounce

The cat sat in the tree ready to ___ *on* the ducks below. (= abalanzarse)

starving

The cats were neglected and ___. (= dying because of not having enough food)

gloomy

The cemetery is a ___ place. (= unhappy and without hope)

(get someone) down

The chaos in the house was staring to *get* him ___. (= to depress)

distressed

The charity helps kids in ___ situations. (= de penuria)

(harsh) upbringing

The children had had a *harsh* ___. (= the way in which you are treated and educated when young, especially by your parents, especially in relation to the effect that this has on how you behave and make moral decisions)

appetite (for)

The children have an insatiable ___ *for* pizza. (= the feeling that you want to eat food)

(with) rapt (attention)

The children watched *with* ___ *attention*. (= absorto)

mounting

The children's excitement is ___ as Christmas gets nearer. Amidst ___ tension, tribal leaders have agreed to meet. (= gradually increasing)

notorious

The city is ___ for its red light district and strip clubs. (= famous for something bad)

abounds with

The coast here ___ rare plants. (= to have a lot of something)

caters for

The college ___ deaf and visually-impaired students. (= provide a service for)

reviewing

The committee is ___ the current situation. (= revisar)

makeup

The committee's membership does not reflect the city's racial ___. (= composición)

reputation (for)

The company has a worldwide ___ *for* quality. (= the opinion that people have about what somebody/something is like, based on what has happened in the past)

(on the) edge (of)

The company is *on the* ___ *of* collapse. (= borde)

poised (to)

The company is ___ *to* launch its new advertising campaign. (= ready to do a particular thing at any moment)

(jump) at (the chance)

The company offered Maria a post in the New York branch and she *jumped* ___ *the chance*. (= recibir con entusiasmo)

cover (up)

The company tried to ___ *up* its employment of illegal immigrants. (= to stop people discovering the truth about something bad)

(greeted/regarded/treated with) scepticism

The company's environmental claims have been *greeted with* ___ by conservationists. (= escepticismo)

panel (of)

The competition will be judged by a ___ *of* experts. (= grupos de discusión, grupos de debate)

revised (upwards)

The cost of completion has been ___ *upwards* again due to inflation. (= reconsider)

imposed

The council has ___ a ban on alcohol in the city parks. (= imponer, ordenar)

perilous

The country roads are quite ___. (= extremely dangerous)

daunting (prospect)

The country was faced with the ___ *prospect* of overcoming four decades of division. (= desalentador)

sternest (test)

The country's president is facing the ___ *test* of his authority since he came to power five years ago. (= the most serious and difficult)

constrained (by)

The country's progress was ___ *by* a leader who refused to look forward. (= to control or limit something)

stored

The data is ___ on a hard disk and backed up on a CD. (= almacenado)

swarms (of bees/wasps/ants/flies)

The dead sheep was covered with ___ of flies. (= a large group of insects all moving together)

binding (on)

The decision is ___ *on* both parties. (= that must be obeyed because it is accepted in law)

Upon

The decision was base ___ two considerations. (= on)

drew (out)

The director ___ the meeting *out* for another hour. (= extend, prolong)

all the time in the world

The doctor made me feel as if she had ___ to listen to my problems. (= a large amount of time available)

non-committal

The doctor was ___ about when I could drive again. (= not giving an opinion; not showing which side of an argument you agree with)

pessimistic (about)

The doctors are ___ *about* his chances of recovery. (= pesimista)

soulful (eyes)

The dog looked at me with its big, ___, brown *eyes*. (= expressing deep feelings, often sadness or love)

devastating (effects)

The drought has had ___ *effects*. (= causing a lot of damage or destruction)

tipping point

The earth has already passed the ___ in terms of global warming. (= the time at which a change or an effect cannot be stopped)

(swing into) action

The emergency services *swung into* ___ as soon as the disaster was reported. (= the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty)

be consigned to history

The era of containers being transported from the North Sea port to Northern Italy on trains crawling along at 18 Km per hour must be ___ as soon as possible. (= obsoleto, relegado al pasado)

(seamlessly) woven

The film effortlessly contains a lot of big issues from race, family, love and friendship, health and identity all *seamlessly* ___ together. (= to form something from several different things or to combine several different things, in a complicated or skilled way)

(raise) concerns

The findings *raise* ___ about an increase in unintended pregnancies. (= a worried or nervous feeling about something)

(resulted) in

The fire *resulted* ___ damage to their property. (= resultar en)

delicious

The food was absolutely ___. (= delicioso, exquisito, rico)

harmonize (with)

The garden has been designed to ___ *with* the natural landscape. (= hacer juego)

adapt (to)

The good thing about children is that they ___ very easily *to* new environments. (= become familiar)

adapt (to)

The good thing about children is that they ___ very easily *to* new environments. (become familiar; adaptarse)

(be willing to) negotiate (with)

The government *is not willing to* ___ *with* terrorists. (= to try to reach an agreement by formal discussion)

passed (a law)

The government ___ *a law* to restrict the sale of guns. (= aprobar)

(cut) back on

The government has announced plans to *cut* ___ defence spending by 10 percent next year. (= reducir)

overhauled

The government has recently ___ the healthcare system. (= reformado)

overhauled

The government has recently ___ the healthcare system. (= to repair or improve something so that every part of it works as it should)

growth

The government is trying to limit population ___. (= crecimiento)

reinforcement

The harbour walls need urgent ___. (= the act of making something stronger)

lower classes

The highest mortality was found in the ___. (= clases bajas)

waiting list

The hospital has a two-year ___ for minor operations. (= lista de espera)

(carry) out

The hospital is *carrying* ___ *tests* to find out what's wrong with her. (= conducting)

raise (funds)

The hospital is trying to ___ *funds* for a new kidney (= the kidneys of some animals that are cooked and eaten) machine. (= to bring or collect money or people together)

venue (for)

The hotel is an ideal ___ *for* conferences and business meetings. (= lugar de celebración)

converted

The house, a former barn, has been attractively ___. (= changed in form, character or function)

sluggish

The housing market has been very ___ these past few years. (= moving or operating more slowly than usual and with less energy or power)

landmark (in the history of)

The invention of the silicon chip was a ___ *in the history of* the computer. (= hito)

(pulled) out

The investors *pulled* ___ their funds when the company closed down. (= retire, withdraw)

the crux (of)

The issue of an arms embargo will be at ___ *of* the negotiations in Geneva. (= el centro)

disclose (her sources)

The journalist refused to ___ *her sources*. (= desvelar)

reveal

The journalist refused to ___ her sources. (= to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret)

binding

The judge said the document was not legally ___. (= that must be obeyed because it is accepted in law)

wolf whistles

The last time she went out wearing those ripped jeans she got several ___. (= silbidos a una tía buena)

penalty

The law carries a ___ of up to three years in prison. (= sanción)

Ramblers

The law is predicted to bring benefits not just for ___ but for the whole region by attracting more walkers and tourists. (= excursionista)

authenticated

The letter has been ____ by handwriting experts. (= to prove that something is real)

wagged

The little dog's tail ___ in delight. (= of a tail or finger, to move from side to side or up and down, especially quickly and repeatedly)

in jeopardy

The lives of thousands of birds are ___ as a result of the oil spillage. (= in danger of being damaged or destroyed)

hospitality

The local people showed me great ___. (= the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors)

(upwardly) mobile

The meeting attracted *upwardly* ___ professional and political women. (= moving to a higher social class; acquiring wealth and status)

attend

The meeting is on the fifth and we're hoping everyone will ___. (= to go to an event, school, etc.)

loud and clear

The message from management came through ___: things would have to change. (= very clear and easy to understand)

poised (for)

The military forces are ___ *for* attack. (= ready to do a particular thing at any moment)

paid tribute to

The minister ___ the men who had fought the blaze. (= to praise someone)

consignment (of)

The most recent ___ *of* cloth was faulty. (= an amount of goods that is sent somewhere)

miscellany

The museum houses a fascinating ___ of nautical treasures. (= a mixture of different things)

transformed

The new haircut completely ___ her. The growth of the textile industry ___ the area. (= cambiar completamente)

commissioned

The newspaper ___ a series of articles on the worst excesses of the fashion industry. (= to formally choose someone to do a special piece of work, or to formally ask for a special piece of work from someone)

appraisal (of)

The newspaper gave an editorial ___ *of* the government's achievements of the past year. (= a judgement of the value, performance or nature of somebody/something)

biased

The newspapers gave a very ___ report of the meeting. (= showing an unreasonable like or dislike for a person based on personal opinions)

in the cold light of day

The next morning, ___, Sarah realised what a complete idiot she had been. (= to think about it clearly and calmly, without the emotions you had at the time it happened)

setup

The novel's ___ smacks of stereotype, but its heroine has a strong voice and a spine of steel. (= preparativos)

(working) environment

The office is quite bright and airy- it's a pleasant *working* ___. (= entorno)

ceaselessly

The only realistic way to combat abortion is to work ___ over time to change attitudes about it. (= sin cesar)

clams (up)

The only time she ___ *up* is when I ask about her boyfriend. (= abruptly stop talking)

stone-age

The organisation is criticised for its surly service and ___ software. (= básico, simple)

bear out (something/someone)

The other witnesses will ___ what I say. (= to show that somebody is right or that something is true)

(at) auction

The painting will be sold *at* ___ next week. (= subasta)

all but

The party was ___ over when we arrived. (= almost)

run out of steam

The peace talks seem to have ___. (= ​to suddenly lose the energy or interest to continue doing what you are doing)

filled

The perfume of the roses ___ the room. (= llenar)

beyond my wildest dreams

The plan succeeded ___. (= to a degree you had never thought possible)

golf course

The playing of golf is prohibited on this park except on the ___. (= campo de golf)

apprehend

The police have finally ___ the killer. (= arrestar)

shivering

The poor dog; it's ___! (= shaking because of cold, illness or fear)

is due to

The present chairman ___ retire next month. (= se espera, se debe)

betraying

The president has been accused of ___ his election promises. (= traicionar)

tackle

The president is clearly in a dilemma about how to ___ the crisis. (= abordar)

influential

The president is the most ___ member of the company. (= influyente)

epoch

The president said that his country was moving into a *new* ___, which would be one of lasting peace. (= a long period of time, especially one in which there are new developments and great change)

(in) marked contrast (to)

The president spoke with passion for an hour, *in* ___ *to* his subdued address yesterday. (= claro contraste)

set off

The president's comments ___ a debate on education. (= desencadenar)

counterparts

The prime minister is to meet his European ___ to discuss the war against drugs. (= a person or thing that has the same purpose as another one in a different place or organisation)

play (down)

The prime minister tried to ___ *down* the political scandal. (= to make seem less important)

elated (by)

The prince was reported to be ___ *by* the birth of his daughter. (= extremely happy and excited, often because something has happened or been achieved)

monetise

The problem was how to ___ this kind of social networking site. (= to make money from something)

layman's terms

The process was explained to us in ___. (= simple language that anyone can understand)

harmful

The programme makers disagree that seeing violence on television has a ___ effect on children. (= dañino, nocivo)

stages

The project is in its final ___ and should be completed by August. (= etapas)

outright

The proposal net with their ___ opposition. (= complete, absolute)

hate (speech)

The question of how much responsibility technology companies should bear for policing the activities of their users online has become increasingly vexed in a world of extremism and ___ *speech*. (= speech that attacks, threatens, or insults a person or group)

(be just a) foretaste (of)

The recent factory closures and job losses *are just a* ___ *of* the recession that is to come. (= a sample or suggestion of something that lies ahead)

to a certain extent

The reduction of spatial constraints and a new awareness of the world as a whole are relativizing individual, ethnic, racial and national reference points ___. (= hasta cierto punto)

post-truth (politics)

The referendum was the first major vote in the era of ___ *politics*. (= relating to a situation in which people are more likely to accept an argument based on their emotions and beliefs, rather than one based on facts)

in fits and starts

The reform process has proceeded ___. (= con altibajos)

(living) standards

The region enjoys the highest *living* ___ in Asia. (= a level of quality)

renowned (for)

The region is ___ *for* its outstanding natural beauty. (= famous for something)

a level playing field

The regulations will create ___ for food manufacturers in the EU. (= situación justa)

insight (into)

The research affords (=provide) a new ___ *into* the origins of the universe. (= perspectiva)

mismanaged

The restaurant was hopelessly ___ by a former rock musician with no business experience. (= mal dirigido, mal regentado)

wordless

The robot story is largely ___, but options abound for those looking for a purely visual or 'silent' comic book. (= sin palabras)

complicated

The rules are rather ___ to follow. (= difíciles de entender)

(come to a) standstill

The runaway bus eventually *came to a* ___ when it rolled into a muddy field. (= detenerse)

argued (that)

The senator ___ *that* cuts in military spending were needed. (= give the reasons for your opinion)

argued

The senator ___ for/against making cuts in military spending. (= dar su opinión)

to the human eye

The sensor emits a beam of light that gets bounced back, though it's invisible ___. (= fixed expression that goes with naked/invisible/perceptible)

shocking

The sex scenes in the book were considered very ___ at the time when it was published. (= escandaloso)

Flock

The shepherd is bringing his ___ down from the hills. (= rebaño, bandada)

personality

The show is hosted by a popular TV ___. (= famoso)

split

The singer ___ with his wife last June. (= separarse)

lingered (days later)

The smell from the fire still ___ *days later*. (= to take a long time to leave or disappear)

resisted

The soldiers ___ the enemy attacks for two days. (= oponerse)

muted (response)

The speech received only a ___ *response* from the unions. (= débil, mudo)

Welfare

The state is still the main provider of ___. (= practical or financial help provided by the government)

(on) top (of something)

The stock market has been unpredictable, and you really have to stay *on* ___ *of* things. (= al tanto)

closely (related to)

The students had to answer questions ___ *related to* what they just learned. (= in a way that involves a strong resemblance or connection)

glaring (right in my eyes)

The sun was ___ *right in my eyes*. (= to shine to brightly)

workplace

The survey asks workers about facilities in their ___. (= lugar de trabajo)

giants

The takeover battle is between two of America's retail ___. (= a very successful and powerful person or organisation)

pushed back

The target date for construction has been ___ at least until fall. (= posponer)

poses

The task ___ no special problems. (= entrañar, plantear)

groundbreaking

The telephone was a ___ invention. (= pionero, revolucionario)

through no fault of their own

The traditional national minorities found themselves in a new country ___, without ever having moved from their centuries-old homelands. (= sin ninguna culpa)

turned out (to)

The truth ___ *to* be stranger than we had expected. (= resultó ser)

wriggle

The tunnel was low and dark, but she managed to ___ *through* to the other side. (= avanzar con esfuerzo)

(look) alike

The twins *look* ___, but they differ in temperament. (= parecerse)

established

The two brothers ___ a clothes retailing business. (= crear, establecer, fundar)

(sexual) urges

The two of them seem unable to control their *sexual* ___. (= a strong wish, especially one that is difficult or impossible to control)

boycott

The union called on its members to ___ the meeting. (= to refuse to buy a product or take part in an activity as a way of expressing strong disapproval)

(highly) rated (for)

The university is *highly* ___ *for* its research work. (= to have or think that somebody/something has a particular level of quality, value, etc.)

rankled (with)

The unkind way in which his girlfriend left him still ___ *with* him long after. (= to make someone annoyed or angry for a long time)

colourful

The views are breathtaking, and in spring the garden itself is very ___ and bright. (= having bright colours or a lot of different colours)

handed

The waiter smiled politely as he ___ me my bill. (= acercar, extender)

couple (of)

The weather's been terrible for the last ___ *of* days. (= par)

blatant (attempt)

The whole episode was a ___ *attempt* to gain publicity. (= very obvious and intentional, when this is a bad thing)

(settle) in

The whole family moved to Switzerland last month and their two children are *settling* ___ well at school there. (= establecerse, asentarse)

ill-conceived

The whole project was ___. (= mal planteado)

(borders on) the absurd

The whole situation *borders on* ___. (= things that happen that are stupid or unreasonable)

draws (the gaze)

The woman's seated, open-legged pose intentionally ___ *the gaze* to her sexuality. (= to attract)

watershed

The year 1969 was a ___ in her life- she changed her career and remarried. (= punto de inflexión)

mighty

Their ___ army marched on Moscow. (= poderoso)

devoid

Their apartment *is* ___ *of all* comforts. (= to lack or be without something that is necessary or usual)

is devoid of (something)

Their apartment ___ all comforts (= to lack)

fell on deaf ears

Their appeals to release the hostages ___. (it was not listened by anyone)

premature

Their criticisms seem ___ considering that the results aren't yet known. (= happening or done too soon, especially before the natural or suitable time)

aesthetic

Their furniture was more ___ than functional. (= estética)

on the ground

Their political ideas have a lot of support ___. (= among the general public)

goes back (to)

Their relationship ___ *to* when they were at college together. (= remontarse)

all manner of

There are ___ architectural styles in the capital. (= todo tipo de)

by and large

There are a few small things that I don't like about my job, but ___ it's very enjoyable. (= when everything about a situation is considered together)

usefulness

There are doubts about the ___ of these tests. (= utilidad)

tackling (a problem)

There are many ways of ___ this *problem*. (= to try to deal with something or someone)

tackling

There are many ways of ___ this problem. (= abordar un problema)

Brexit

There have been various attempts to calculate how much ___ will cost. (short for "British exit")

holly

There is a lesser presence of other plant species such as ____ and gentian. (= acebo, usado como decoración navideña)

badness

There is goodness and ___ in everyone. (= the quality of being evil or morally unacceptable)

(a) shred (of evidence)

There isn't *a* ___ *of evidence* to support her accusation. (= a very small amount of)

misunderstanding

There must be some ___. I never asked for these chairs to be delivered. (= malentendido)

(a) cluster (of)

There was *a* ___ *of* fans around him, asking for autographs. (= grupo de estrellas, árboles, casas o gente)

wheeling (and dealing)

There was a lot of behind-the-scenes political ___ *and dealing* going on. (= tejemanejes)

optimism

There was a note of ___ in his voice as he spoke about the company's future. (= optimismo, entusiasmo, esperanza)

conglomeration (of)

There was a strange ___ *of* objects on the mantelpiece. (= a large group or mass of different things all collected together in an untidy or unusual way)

(come) off

There was some sort of property deal that didn't *come* ___. (= succeed)

isolated

There were only a few ___ cases of violent behaviour. (= aislado)

giveaway

There's a ___ with our magazine next month-a free CD! (= something that a company gives free)

(on) display

There's an Egyptian art collection *on* ___ at the museum at the moment. (= being shown)

display (of)

There's never much of a ___ *of* affection between them. (= the fact of someone showing how they feel)

entertainment

There's not much in the way of ___ in this town -just the cinema and a couple of pubs. (= entretenimiento, diversión, espectáculo)

in front of

There's parking space ___ the hotel. (= delante de)

(a) shred (of hope)

There's still *a* ___ *of hope* that a peace agreement can be reached. (= a very small amount of)

prove (facts)

These *facts* have not yet been ___. (= to show that something is true)

(bring someone to) heel

These are people who, whether they were guilty or not, were targeted by very powerful forces determined to *bring* them *to* ___. (= bring someone under control, force someone to obey you)

the assumption

These calculations are *based on* ___ that prices will continue to rise. (= suposición)

among

These diseases are more common ___ young children. (= within a group)

bloom

These flowers will ___ all through the summer. (= brotar)

skewed

These last-minute changes have ___ the company's results. (= make biased or distorted in a way that is regarded as inaccurate, unfair, or misleading)

shook (hands on something)

They ___ *hands on* the deal (= to show that they had reached an agreement).

ploughed (something into something)

They ___ all their savings *into* their daughter's business. (= to invest a large amount of money in a company or project)

miraculously

They ___ survived the plane crash. (= as if by a miracle)

(religious) fanatics

They are not fools or mindless *religious* ___: they are philosophers. (= a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal)

split second

They brought out guns and for a ___ nobody moved. (= a very short moment of time)

thorough

They did a ___ search of the area but found nothing. (= detailed and careful)

self-regulation

They favour the ___ of the industry, and strict codes of conduct have already been issued by the Advertising Association. (= making certain yourself that you or your employees act according to the rules, rather than having this done by other people)

Quarrel

They had a bitter ___ about some money three years ago and they haven't spoken to each other since. (= an angry disagreement)

messy

They had a bitter, ___ divorce. (= desagradable, confuso)

reason

They have ___ *to* believe that he is lying. This result gives us *all the more* ___ *for* optimism. (= a fact that makes it right or fair to do something)

casual

They have a ___ attitude towards safety- they don't care enough. (= not interested)

masquerade

They kept up the ___ of being happily married for over 30 years. (= behaviour that is intended to prevent the truth about something unpleasant or not wanted from becoming known)

kicking

They must be ___ themselves for selling their shares too early. (= arrepentirse)

murmuring (about)

They were ___ *about* the boss's nephew getting the job. (= complain but not in a public way)

beside (yourself with)

They were ___ *themselves with* excitement. (= unable to control yourself because of the strength of emotion you are feeling)

blacklisted

They were ___ because of their extreme views. (= to put someone's name on a list of people or groups regarded as unacceptable or untrustworthy and often marked down for punishment or exclusion)

outstay my welcome

They were busy so I left; I didn't want to ___. (= to continue to stay in a place although other people want you to leave)

companionable (silence)

They were pleasantly tired and lingered over their tea in a ___ *silence*. (= cordial)

bickering (about)

They're always ___ *about* their personal problems. (= to argue about things that are not important)

bickering (with sb over/about sth)

They're always ___ *with* each other *about* their personal problems. (= discutir acaloradamente)

-mongers

They're nothing but a bunch of war___. (= a person who encourages a particular activity, especially one that causes trouble)

finest

This 100-year-old restaurant is among London's ___. (= mejor)

outstrip

This cutting-edge technology allowed the manufacturer to ___ all his rivals. (= take a convincing lead, do much better than your rivals)

not come as a surprise

This did ___, since the comparative value for the previous year had been exceptionally high. (= no es de extrañar)

boundary

This film blurs the ___ between reality and fantasy. (= límite)

a far cry from

This flat is ___ the house they had before. (= to be completely different from something)

ageism

This form of ___ deprives older people of social status and role. (= tratar mal a la gente mayor por su edad)

portrait

This interesting composition includes a ___ of a fine-looking old man holding an artist's portfolio. (= retrato)

fly in the face of (common sense)

This is an argument that seems to ___ *common sense*. (= to completely oppose what seems sensible or normal)

self-righteousness

This is another example of Trump's ___ and complete lack of humility. (= the quality of believing that your ideas and behaviour are morally better than those of other people)

fleeting (visit)

This is just a ___ *visit*. (= short or quick)

prescriptive

This is not meant to be ___, but is simply one possible approach. (= preceptivo, normativo, reglamentario)

(get a message) across

This is the *message* that we want to *get* ___ to the public. (= convey)

means

This is to some extent paradoxical because the ___ that rich countries have now are many times greater than a century ago. (= medios)

marvel

This miniature phone is the latest technological ___ from Japan. (= maravilla)

self-awareness

This requires a high level of ___ and ability to make informed and independent decisions. (= good knowledge and judgment about yourself)

home affairs

This strategic document was discussed by justice and ___ ministers. (= matters relating to the domestic administration of a nation)

mainstream

This technology was designed for specialists but is now starting to move *into the*___. (= considered normal, and having or using ideas, beliefs, etc. that are accepted by most people)

crossed the line

This time, you've really ___. (= sobrepasar los límites)

aspirational

This wine is by essence an ___ product, bringing greater status and security to the consumer's buying decision. (= ambicioso)

sure sign

Those black clouds are a ___ of rain. (= signo evidente)

makeshift (camps)

Thousands of refugees are living in ___ *camps*. (= temporary and of low quality, but used because of a sudden need)

purchased

Tickets must be ___ two weeks in advance. (= comprar)

(relieve the) tedium

To *relieve the* ___ of the journey, John looked out of the window and counted passing trucks. (= aburrimiento, tedio)

scale

To achieve economies of ___ in production: to produce many items so the cost of producing each one is reduced. (= the size or extent of something)

concerned (about)

Today, people are much more ___ *about* their health than they were in the past. (= preocupados)

what is yet to happen

Today, we are talking about the issues that have not yet been resolved and about ___ in the acceding countries before 1 May. (= todavía está por venir)what's next

unthinkable (a generation ago)

Today, we see growing acceptance of gay marriage; something that would have been ___ *a generation ago*. (= so shocking that it cannot be imagined as possible)

unthinkable

Today, we see growing acceptance of gay marriage; something that would have been ___ a generation ago. (= so shocking that it cannot be imagined as possible)

ethical

Transplantation of organs from living donors raises ___ issues. (= ético)

lewd

Twelve viewers complained that one of the performances included ___ and offensive gestures. (= lascivo, obsceno)

crippled

Twenty-five people died and others were left ___. (= mutilado, inválido)

simultaneously

Two children answered the teacher's question ___. (= a la vez)

stand trial

Two other men are to ___ next month for their part in the bombing. (= to be put on trial in a law court)

negotiate

Up to 10 000 vehicles a day ___ this narrow, winding road. (= to successfully get over or past a difficult part on a path or route)

fluctuate

Vegetable prices ___ *according to* the season.

strive (for)

We ___ *for* perfection but sometimes have to accept something less. (= to try very hard to achieve something)

binge-watched

We ___ an entire season of Breaking Bad on Sunday. (ver de una sentada)

scrapped

We ___ our plans for a trip to France. (= descartar)

take it in turns

We ___ to do the housework. (= done it one after the other to make sure it is done fairly)

deeply concerned

We are ___ about its recent activities in Turkey. (= profundamente afectados, sumamente preocupados)

grateful

We are all profoundly ___ for your help and encouragement. (= agradecido)

embrace

We are always eager to ___ the latest technology. (= to accept something enthusiastically)

facts and figures

We are getting some ___ together and we will then have a full board meeting. (= exact detailed information)

drive

We are looking for someone with ___ and ambition. (= energy and determination to achieve things)

conveying (a message)

We are overwhelmed by information, so ___ *a message* that sticks is tougher than ever. (= transmitir, expresar)

blessing (on)

We ask God's ___ *on* Joan at this difficult time. (= bendición)

on the understanding that

We bought the sofa ___ we could return it if it didn't fit in the room. (= de acuerdo a; informal agreement)

kick out

We call on UEFA and FIFA to bring in rules to stamp out and ___ racism in football right across Europe. (= expulsar, echar a patadas)

report

We called the insurance company to ___ the theft. (= informar, relatar)

(help) out

We can *help* ___ by giving money to the Red Cross. (= auxiliar, ayudar)

sweep under the carpet

We cannot ___ things that we believe and hold true to us. (= hide)

borrow

We could always ___ some money from the bank. (= pedir un préstamo/ pedir prestado)

agree (on)

We couldn't ___ *on* what to buy. (= to decide something together)

Foster

We couldn't adopt a child, so we decided to ___. (= tener un niño en acogida)

foresee

We do not ___ any problems. (= to know about something before it happens)

(far/further) afield

We export our products to countries as *far* ___ as Japan and Canada. Our students come from Europe, Asia, and even *further* ___. (= a long/longer distance away)

traced

We finally ___ him to an address in Chicago. (= localizar)

serried (ranks of)

We flew over the city with its ___ *ranks of* identical grey houses. (= apretado)

whittle (down to)

We had 80 applicants for the job, but we've ___ them *down to* six. (= gradually reduce)

inconvenience

We had the ___ (= a state or an example of problems or trouble, often causing a delay or loss of comfort) of being unable to use the kitchen for several weeks.

hinges

We had to take the front door off its ___ to get our new sofa into the house. (= bisagra)

to be clear

We have ___ about getting the message out that marijuana isn't really a benign substance. (= ser transparentes, ser claros)

negotiating (for)

We have been ___ *for* more pay. (= to try to reach an agreement by formal discussion)

reassurances

We have been given ___ that the water is safe to drink. (= a statement that removes someone's doubts or fears)

thus far

We haven't had any problems ___. (= as far as this or until now)

(bad) omen

We hoped that the delay at the airport was not a *bad* ___ for our holiday. (= mal presagio)

drives (someone crazy/mad)

We love our two-year-old, but sometimes she ___ us *crazy*. (= to make someone upset or annoyed)

deliberate

We made a ___ decision to live apart for a while. (= deliberado)

Know-how

We need skilled workers and technical ___. (= Knowledge and experience)

run a business

We need to make it easier to start and ___ and to keep and invest profits. (= dirigir un negocio)

got (to do something)

We never ___ *to* test drive the car before we bought it. (= to have the opportunity to do something)

bait

We put down some poisoned ___ to kill the rats. (= a small amount of food on a hook to catch a fish or animal)

blazing (sunshine)

We quickly grew tired in the ___ *sunshine*. (= very bright and hot)

as luck would have it

We ran out of petrol on the way home, but ___, we were very near a garage. (= by chance)

at any cost

We realised we had to fight the lawsuit ___. (= no matter what dangers or difficulties are involved)

valued (customers)

We send Christmas cards to our most ___ *customers*. (= useful and important)

premise

We should start from the ___ that circumstances might change. (= an idea or theory on which a statement or action is based)

wandering (around)

We spent the morning ___ *around* the old part of the city. (= to walk around slowly in a relaxed way or without any clear purpose or direction)

every now and again

We still get together for lunch ___. (= sometimes, but not regularly)

tasks

We usually ask interviewees to perform a few simple ___ on the computer just to test their aptitude. (= tareas)

preserve

We want to ___ the character of the town while improving the facilities. (= conservar)

thoroughly

We went through the report ___ but couldn't find the information anywhere. (= exhaustivamente, minuciosamente)

encouraged

We were greatly ___ by the positive response of the public. (= animar)

chew (it over)

We won't be able to answer right away - we'll need to ___ *it over*. (= to think or talk about something, esp. when you need to make a decision)

at the crack of dawn

We'll have to leave ___. (= very early in the morning, especially at the time when the sun first appears)

pan (out)

We'll play it by ear and see how things ___ *out*. (= to develop in a particular way or in a successful way)

colleagues

We're having a small drinks party for one of our ___ who's leaving next week. (= compañeros de trabajo)

opposite

We're in the building ___ the government offices. (= de enfrente)

(very) tough (decisions)

We've had to make some *very* tough *decisions*. (= difficult to do or to deal with)

carpet (fitted)

We've just had a new ___ *fitted* in our bedroom. (= alfombra)

miraculous (recovery)

Well, you've made a ___ *recovery* since last night! (= very effective or surprising, or difficult to believe)

dismal (weather)

What ___ weather! (= very bad)

miserable (existence)

What a ___ *existence*! How could anyone live in such awful conditions? (= unpleasant and causing unhappiness)

(complete) disregard (for)

What amazes me is her *complete* ___ *for* anyone else's opinion. (= the fact of showing no care or respect for something)

bitterly (cold)

What happened to the predictions a few weeks ago of a ___ cold winter? (= extremely and unpleasantly)

(to be acting too) hastily

What is obvious at present is that the committee seems *to be acting too* ___. (= with excessive speed or urgency; hurriedly)

headmaster

What the ___ fails to understand is that clothes are a form of expression which is very important to girls when they reach a certain age. (= director de colegio)

economical

What's the most ___ way of heating this building? (= not using a lot of fuel, money, etc.)

(get/have the) impression (that)

When I first met him I *got (= had) the* ___ *that* he was a shy sort of person. (= an idea or opinion of what something or someone is like)

(exploded with) rage

When I told him what had happened, the manager *exploded with* ___. (= cólera, furia)

outworn

When a law has ___ its purpose it should be revoked. (= cease to be useful)

female intuition

When a woman anticipates something, it is sometimes put down to ___. (= intuición femenina)

pull (the ad)

When officials realised the cultural gaffe, the company ___ *the ad* and apologised. (= to remove or stop something that was going to be published or broadcast, especially because it is found to be offensive or not accurate)

follow suit

When one airline reduces its prices, the rest soon ___. (= copy a model)

bigotry

When religious people show ___ and intolerance, they are in fact betraying the religion they uphold. (= intolerancia, fanatismo, prejuicios)

resort to

When she didn't answer the phone, I ___ calling up to her from the street. (= to do something that you do not want to do because you cannot find any other way of achieving something)

hemmed in (by the police)

When they reached Trafalgar Square, the demonstrators were ___ *by the police*.

aroused

While men are ___ visually, women are more ___ by words. (= sexually excited)

resistant (to change)

Why are you so ___ *to change*? (= not wanting to accept something, especially changes or new ideas)

take exception to

Why did you ___ what he said? He was only joking. (= to be offended or made angry by something or someone)

(pour/heap) scorn (on)

Why do you always *pour* ___ *on* my suggestions? (= menosprecio)

(catch) up with

Will Western industry ever *catch* ___ Japanese innovations? (= alcanzar)

catch up (with)

Will Western industry ever ___ *with* Japanese innovations? (= alcanzar)

what's next

William Maley looks at how they have evolved and ___ for them. (= su futuro próximo)intriguin

self-awareness

With consciousness come moral beliefs, rational arguments and ___. (= conscious knowledge of one's own character and feelings)

knee-jerk reactions

With one of his typical ___, he said no immediately, citing some moral argument that no one understood. (= an automatic or reflex reaction)

grab (someone's) attention

With your first sentence you must ___ *the reader's* ___. (= to attract someone's attention)

useless (for)

Without fuel, the vehicles will become ___ *for* moving supplies. (= of no use; not working or not achieving what is needed)

constitute

Women ___ about ten percent of Parliament. Female workers ___ the majority of the labour force. (= to be the parts that together form something)

on top of

Work tends to pile up if I don't keep ___ it. (= in control of a situation)

stumbled across

Workmen ___ the mosaic while digging foundations for a new building. (= to discover something by chance, or to meet someone by chance)

never-ending (task)

Writing a dictionary is a ___ task. (= used to describe something that never ends or seems as if it will never end)

have a good time

You are sure to ___ during these festivities, because the mood of merriment that prevails is contagious. (= pasar un buen rato)

(tell) at a glance

You can *tell* ___ that something was wrong. (= looking quickly, immediately)

(take) on (responsibility)

You can't *take* ___ *responsibility* for the whole event. (= asumir)

draw (a comparison)

You can't really ___ *a comparison* between the two cases - they're completely different. (= hacer, establecer)

involved (me in)

You have ___ *me* *in* a great deal of extra work. (= to make somebody experience something, especially something unpleasant)

inquiring mind

You have a very ___, don't you? (= mente inquieta)

push yourself

You have to ___ and take it step by step, with clear objectives. (= esforzarse, motivarse)

understandable

You have to put the facts into a form that's ___ *to* everyone. (= easy to understand)

in need

You just hope that the money goes to those who are most ___. (= not having enough money or food)

stand in your way

You know I won't ___ if you want to apply for a job abroad. (= to try to stop or prevent something or someone)

(a) blazing (row)

You know how it is: one minute you're talking, the next there's *a* ___ *row*. (= discusión acalorada)

grooming

You should always pay attention to personal ___. (= aseo)

skinny

You should eat more - you're too ___. (= very thin)

unbelievable

You should see her wardrobe -it's ___- she's got about 50 pairs of shoes. (= increíble)

shell (out)

You won't have to ___ *out* a fortune for it. (= desembolsar)

take it easy

You'd better ____ until you feel better. (= rest, relax, or be calm)

(a change of) clothes

You'll need *a change of* ___ if you're staying overnight. (= a set of clothes as well that the ones that you are wearing)

can

You'll need a ___ of tuna for this recipe. (= bote)

bound (to)

You're ___ *to* feel nervous about your interview. (= certain or extremely likely to happen)

creature comforts

You're a long way from home and the only ___ you have are a television. (= things that make life more pleasant, such as good food and a comfortable place to live)

knuckle down (to)

You're going to have to really ___ *to* your work if you want to pass your final exams. (= study hard)

facts and figures

You're great at math and science because you prefer hard ___ over messy concepts and ideas. (= exact detailed information)

having second thoughts

You're not ___ about getting married, are you? (= to change your opinion about something or start to doubt it)

bury your head in the sand

You've got to face facts here - you can't just ___. (= to refuse to think about unpleasant facts, although they will have an influence on your situation)

collect

Your shoes will be repaired and ready for you to ___ on Thursday. (= recoger)

shrink

Your sweater will ___ if you wash it at too high a temperature. (= become smaller)

judging (by)

___ *by* her last letter, they are having a wonderful time. (= to form an opinion about somebody/something, based on the information you have)

no sooner (... than)

___ *had* I started mowing the lawn *than* it started raining. (= apenas, en cuanto)

as time (passed)

___ *passed*, I thought maybe she could fill the void in my life. (= a medida que el tiempo pasó)

inability (to)

___ *to* use a computer is a serious disadvantage when you are applying for jobs. (= incapacidad)

deep down

___ , I know you love me really. (= felt strongly and often hidden from other people)

providentially

___ , the weather remained good. (= happening exactly when needed but without being planned)

inner

___ beauty is about personality, not looks. (= interior)

Intimacy

___ between teachers and students is not recommended. (intimidad)

Border

___ controls. (= frontera)

by no stretch of the imagination

___ could you think of her as a real artist. (= even if you try, it is still difficult to accept)

flooded

___ fields (= mojados)

when it comes to (+ ing)

___ fish*ing*, John is an expert. (= cuando se trata de)

you'd better

___ go home now before the rain starts. (= you should)

unemployment

___ has fallen/risen again for the third consecutive month. (= desempleo)

given the fact that

___ he's had six months to do this, he hasn't made much progress. (= dado que)

high-flyer

___ in the industry typically earn 25 percent more than their colleagues. (= a person who is very successful in business)

hopefully

___ it won't rain. (= used, often at the start of a sentence, to express what you would like to happen)

Pardon

___ me interrupting, but there's a client to see you. (= perdón, disculpe)

In the interests of

___ safety, smoking is forbidden. (= in order to help or achieve something; por el bien de, por el interés de)

taxpayers

___ should not have to pay for the failure of private companies. (= a person who pays tax)

attainment

___ target (= the act of achieving something)

in view of

___ the late hour, we'll have to put off that discussion until our next meeting. (= considerando, dado que)

in face of

___ the present challenges, in particular that of climate change, we need courageous politicians. (= face-to-face with)

apart from

___ the salary, it's not a bad job. (= aparte de)

prick

___ the skin of the potatoes with a fork before baking them. (= to make a very small hole or holes in the surface of something, sometimes in a way that causes pain)

more often than not

___ when I make the effort to visit her, I wonder why I even bothered. (= most of the time)

shareholders

___ will be voting on the proposed merger of the companies next week. (= socios)

To be honest

___ with you, Islam has always fascinated me. (= para ser sincero)

Clear up

___ your own mess! (= resolver)

needless to say

___, he didn't believe me. (= of course)

In days gone by

___, people with disabilities were actually kept behind walls, inside institutions. (= en tiempos remotos)

look on the bright side

___; no one was badly hurt. (= to find good things in a bad situation)

festival

a Christian ___. (= a special day or period, usually in memory of a religious event, with its own social activities, food, or ceremonies)

heated

a ___ debate. (= discusión acalorada)

leading

a ___ expert on the country's ecology. (= very important or most important)

close-knit

a ___ family/community/relationship (= muy unida)

kidney

a ___ infection (= either of the two organs in the body that remove waste products from the blood and produce urine)

scary

a ___ movie (= frightening; aterrador)

persistent

a ___ skin rash. Be ___- don't give up. (= persistente, continuo, constante)