Opportunities: English Vocabulary List

to fail to take advantage of an opportunity

"He never misses a trick."

"The shrewd investor never misses a trick when it comes to finding profitable business ventures."

another opportunity for one to do or achieve something one previously failed at

"She got a second bite at the cherry."

"After failing his driving test he is hoping for a second bite at the cherry next month."

to make sure that there is still a possibility or chance for something to be done or achieved at a later time

"Let us leave the door open for negotiation."

"The CEO's resignation leaves the door open for a younger candidate to take over the company leadership."

to make a process easier and more successful by providing support or taking action to overcome obstacles or resistance

"We greased the skids for them."

"The manager decided to grease the skids for the new employee's integration into the team."

to make the necessary preparations for an event or situation

"We prepare the ground for change."

"The team worked hard to prepare the ground for the new product launch next month."

used to mean that a specific place provides many opportunities to become wealthy and successful with little effort

"They thought streets paved with gold."

"Many immigrants arrived in the city believing its streets were paved with gold, seeking instant fortune."

a situation in which making a lot of money becomes possible with minimal time or effort

"The politician jumps on the gravy train for his own benefit."

"He saw the new government position as a gravy train, expecting easy money and little work."