Unit 1 - 1A, Unit 1 - 1B, Unit 1 - 1C and 23 More Topics · Face2Face Advanced Vocabulary List

the act of two people looking directly into each other’s eyes, often used to communicate unspoken messages or emotions, such as attraction, understanding, or tension

"Make eye contact please."

"Maintaining consistent eye contact during the interview demonstrated his confidence and genuine interest in the position."

to talk about the private lives of others with someone, often sharing secrets or spreading untrue information

"Do not gossip about your coworkers."

"Some employees like to gossip about their coworkers which creates a negative and unproductive work environment."

to interrupt a conversation

"Do not butt in during our conversation."

"It is impolite to butt in on someone else's conversation when they are not addressing you."

to unintentionally hear a conversation or someone's remarks

"I overheard a whisper."

"While waiting in line, she happened to overhear a fascinating conversation about ancient history."

to complain quietly or softly, often in a way that others cannot hear or understand

"The employees grumble about low pay."

"He would often grumble under his breath about the unfairness of the situation, but never spoke up directly."

to secretly listen to a conversation without the knowledge or consent of those involved

"Do not eavesdrop on private conversations."

"The curious child tried to eavesdrop on her parents private conversation by pressing her ear against the wooden door of their bedroom."

to argue over unimportant things in an ongoing and repetitive way

"Stop bickering about small things."

"The two siblings bicker constantly about small things like who left the dirty dishes in the sink."

to talk with someone in a playful or romantic way to explore a potential connection

"He tried to chat up the bartender."

"He went to the bar to try to chat up an attractive woman who was sitting alone."

to engage or communicate with someone or something

"I came into contact with a rare plant."

"If the chemicals come into contact with your skin you should wash the area immediately with plenty of water."

to undergo or experience something

"We have a problem."

"The nation had to have a period of national mourning following the tragic event."

a noisy bitter argument between countries, organizations, people, etc.

"A row broke out."

"The international row escalated, threatening diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations."

to intentionally become involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse

"I will intervene now."

"The mediator decided to intervene in the dispute to prevent further escalation."

to engage or communicate with someone or something

"I will come into contact."

"It is important to come into contact with nature for mental well-being."

used to say that one person has the same ideas, opinions, or mentality as another person

"We are on the same wavelength about this."

"My best friend and I are always on the same wavelength and often say the exact same thing at once."

having an enjoyable or friendly relationship with someone and be able to make good interactions with them

"They are on good terms with their neighbors."

"Even after their divorce my parents remain on friendly terms and still speak to each other regularly."

having an unfriendly relationship with someone, often due to a disagreement

"He is on bad terms with his brother."

"The two brothers have been on bad terms for years and refuse to attend the same family gatherings."

at fixed, evenly spaced intervals of time

"I exercise on a regular basis."

"I go to the gym on a regular basis because exercising several times a week keeps me healthy and fit."

used to describe someone who has no plans or obligations, often feeling uncertain about how to spend their time

"I am at a loose end this afternoon."

"With nothing to do on Sunday afternoon I found myself at a loose end feeling quite bored."

with very little time to prepare or respond to something

"He can leave at a moment's notice."

"The emergency team must be ready to leave at a moment's notice whenever a disaster occurs."

with a quick look or observation, often without going into detail

"She knew the answer at a glance."

"You could tell at a glance that the house was abandoned because the windows were all broken and dirty."

becoming more frequent, often used to describe a trend or phenomenon

"Crime is on the increase in this area."

"The number of tourists visiting our small town is on the increase every year which is great for local businesses."

a distance or attitude of separation or detachment, often used to imply that someone is kept at a safe or respectful distance, physically or emotionally

"He kept his colleagues at arm's length."

"She kept her difficult colleague at arm's length because she did not trust him with any personal information."

without a specific order, plan, or pattern

"The numbers were chosen at random."

"The teacher selected students at random to answer questions and everyone had to be prepared because nobody knew who would be called on next."

at moments that are not constant or regular

"At times I feel lonely."

"At times I feel lonely but then I call my friends and they always cheer me up."

having responsibility or blame for something that has gone wrong or caused harm

"The other driver was at fault."

"The driver who ran the red light was clearly at fault for causing the serious accident."

available to access or use whenever requested, typically used for streaming or digital services

"The movie is available on demand."

"The streaming service offers thousands of movies on demand so you can watch anything at any time."

in a way that is intentional and not accidental

"He broke the window on purpose."

"He broke the window on purpose because he was angry and wanted to cause damage to the building."

used to describe the typical or average value or amount based on a set of data or observations

"It rains on average."

"On average, students in this program achieve a high level of proficiency in their chosen field."

easily available or readily accessible

"Help is at hand."

"With the solution readily at hand, we can proceed with the project immediately."

covering or including a wide range of topics, subjects, or people

"The topic is broad."

"The conference offered a broad range of workshops covering everything from advanced technology to personal development."

the size, amount, or degree of one thing compared with another

"The map has a scale of one inch to a mile."

"The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to quantify the size of earthquakes based on the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by seismographs."

used to emphasize that significant achievements or accomplishments require time, effort, and patience, and cannot be completed quickly or easily

"Do not give up — Rome was not built in a day."

"Building a strong brand takes years of consistent effort — Rome was not built in a day."

used for saying that after experiencing a negative or painful event, individuals become more cautious and wary in similar situations

"I got bitten by a dog once, so now I am careful — once bitten, twice shy."

"After the failed merger, the company was far more cautious about partnerships — once bitten, twice shy."

used to say that people's actions show their true intentions or beliefs more clearly than their words

"He always says nice things, but actions speak louder than words."

"He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words, so I'll wait to see what he actually does."

used for saying that what is enjoyable or beneficial for one person may be unappealing or harmful to another person due to individual differences, tastes, or preferences

"I love spicy food, but my friend hates it — one man's meat is another man's poison."

"The open-plan office worked well for some and terribly for others — one man's meat is another man's poison."

used to imply that one must dare to take risks in order to achieve something or to be successful

"Just apply for the course — nothing ventured, nothing gained."

"The company took a calculated risk entering a new market, knowing that nothing ventured, nothing gained."

used to mean that it is better to take action or complete a task, even if it is delayed, rather than not doing it at all

"You are late, but better late than never!"

"The government finally introduced the reforms — better late than never, according to most analysts."

used to express strong emotions, concerns, or intensity of feeling

"I am deeply grateful for your help."

"I am deeply grateful for your help and support during this difficult time in my life."

in a complete and absolute way

"I totally agree with your opinion."

"I totally agree with your opinion and I think we should implement your suggestion as soon as possible."

in a favorable or approving manner

"She is a highly respected doctor."

"She is a highly respected doctor and many patients travel from far away just to see her."

to a very great amount or degree

"The weather is extremely cold today."

"The weather is extremely cold today so make sure to wear a warm coat and gloves before going outside."

to the greatest amount or extent possible

"I completely forgot about our meeting."

"I completely forgot about our meeting today because I had so many other things on my mind."

to the fullest or complete degree

"The house was entirely destroyed by fire."

"The house was entirely destroyed by the fire and the family lost all of their belongings in the disaster."

in a clear and detailed manner

"I vividly remember that day."

"I vividly remember the day we met because it was sunny and you were wearing a red dress."

in a manner that is very much or to a great extent

"Wash your hands thoroughly with soap."

"Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds to kill germs and prevent infection."

to a high degree, used for emphasis

"He is really happy."

"She was really impressed by the unexpected generosity of the stranger."

in a firm, determined, or passionate way, used when expressing opinions, etc.

"He spoke strongly."

"She argued strongly for the new policy, believing it would benefit everyone."

in a resolute, determined, or unwavering manner, often indicating certainty or strength of conviction

"He held firmly."

"She gripped the steering wheel firmly, determined to maintain control of the vehicle."

to an extreme or intense degree, especially in opposition or emotion

"He was bitterly."

"The rivals argued bitterly over the disputed territory and historical grievances."

in a clear, definite, and easily distinguishable manner, often referring to clarity of thought, perception, or expression

"I heard distinctly."

"The faint melody was distinctly audible above the general din of the crowded marketplace."

extremely impressive and beautiful, often evoking awe or excitement

"The view is spectacular."

"The spectacular view from the top of the mountain made the difficult climb worthwhile for the tired hikers."

covered or dressed in snow

"The hills are snow-clad."

"The snow clad trees glistened in the morning sunlight and the children ran outside to build a snowman."

having a bright yellow color like the metal gold

"The sun is golden."

"The golden retriever wagged its tail happily and licked the child's face as they played together in the backyard on a sunny afternoon."

having multiple twists and turns

"The road is winding."

"The winding road through the mountains had many sharp turns so drivers had to slow down to avoid accidents."

a busy, noisy, and active environment or situation

"I love the hustle and bustle of the city."

"He prefers the quiet countryside over the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre."

tapped or surrounded by ice

"The ship was icebound."

"The icebound ship was trapped in the frozen sea and the crew waited for the spring thaw to escape."

causing strong admiration or shock due to beauty or impact

"She looks stunning."

"The stunning view from the mountaintop took her breath away and she stood there silently taking photographs of the incredible landscape."

(of buildings) having many floors

"The apartment is in a high-rise building."

"The apartment is in a high rise building on the thirtieth floor with a great view."

the customs, traditions, rituals, and behaviors that are inherited and preserved within a community or society over time

"Their heritage is rich."

"The festival celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage passed down through generations of the community."

having extremely intense or burning heat

"The searing heat was unbearable."

"The desert sun beat down with searing intensity, making the air shimmer and the sand too hot to touch."

to get bigger abnormally, often due to inflammation or fluid accumulation

"His ankle swelled up badly."

"His ankle began to swell up immediately after he twisted it badly during the basketball game."

to become obstructed or clogged, typically preventing normal movement or flow

"The drain blocked up with hair."

"The fallen leaves had completely blocked up the drain causing water to flood the street."

to become affected by an illness

"She went down with flu."

"Half the class went down with a terrible cold before the winter holidays began."

(of a person's skin) to become covered in spots or a similar condition because of a sickness or allergy

"My skin came out in spots."

"After eating strawberries, my daughter came out in red spots all over her arms and face."

used to express contemplation, or fill the gaps in communciation

"Well, that is very interesting, indeed."

"Well, that is very interesting indeed. I did not expect to hear that from you today."

to catch an infectious disease or illness from someone or something

"I might pick up."

"Be careful not to pick up any germs from the crowded public transport."

(of an infectious disease) to be transmitted or spread from person to person

"The flu will go around."

"During winter, the common cold tends to go around the office very quickly."

to prescribe a medical treatment or medication to someone

"The doctor will put on cream."

"The physician decided to put on a new course of antibiotics for the patient."

to stop taking medicine, a drug, alcohol, etc.

"He will come off tablets soon."

"The patient is gradually coming off the strong painkillers after his surgery."

(of an illness or disease) to suddenly worsen or become active again after a period of improvement

"His temper flares up easily."

"His old knee injury tends to flare up whenever the weather becomes cold and damp."

to begin to develop or appear, especially in the context of a condition, illness, or feeling

"A rash came on."

"The athlete's fatigue began to come on gradually during the latter stages of the marathon race."

telling only part of the truth or being vague in speech

"The politician was economical with the truth."

"The politician was being economical with the truth by avoiding the real facts about the budget crisis."

unable to hear properly

"She is hard of hearing."

"My grandfather is hard of hearing and often asks people to speak up when they address him."

an old person, especially someone who is retired

"Help senior citizen."

"Senior citizens receive discounts on public transportation and at many movie theaters."

to be in a very poor condition, particularly compared to the past

"My car has seen better days."

"This antique furniture has clearly seen better days and is in desperate need of restoration."

feeling unwell or slightly ill

"He is under the weather today."

"I felt a bit under the weather yesterday so I stayed at home all day long."

cold in an unpleasant or uncomfortable way

"The evening is chilly."

"The chilly morning air made her shiver as she waited for the bus to take her to work."

(of a person) not keeping up with current trends, ideas, or advancements

"My dad's music taste is behind the times."

"My grandfather is behind the times because he still uses an old flip phone and refuses to get a smartphone."

to have or approach old age

"She is getting on."

"My grandfather is getting on in years but remains remarkably active and engaged."

difficult to accomplish, requiring skill or effort

"The job is challenging."

"The challenging course pushed the students to their limits but they all passed and felt proud of their achievement at the end."

actions or information that are meant to gain the support or attention of the public

"Bad publicity damaged company."

"The company received a lot of bad publicity after the scandal became public knowledge."

a formal meeting or gathering where members of the media are invited to ask questions and receive information from a person or organization

"The mayor holds a press conference at noon."

"The press conference was called to announce the company's new environmentally friendly product line."

to bring a charge against an individual or organization in a law court

"The customer plans to sue the company."

"The customer plans to sue the company for negligence after suffering serious injuries from a defective product."

the first and main page of a newspaper in which important news pieces are printed

"The front page is busy."

"The story appeared on the front page of the newspaper."

an official statement issued by an organization or company to members of the media with the aim of providing information about a specific topic or event

"Press release announces news to media."

"A press release is an official statement issued to the media by an organization to announce news."

to become widely known or receive significant attention in the new

"The news hit headlines."

"The controversial political scandal was expected to hit the headlines across all major news outlets."

to subscribe to a person or organization's account on a social media platform to check everything that they post or publish

"I follow you."

"Many users choose to follow influential accounts for daily updates and curated content in their specific interests."

to try to get or achieve something

"They seek peace."

"The diplomat will seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing international conflict."

to organize a specific event, such as a meeting, party, election, etc.

"We will hold a party."

"The committee decided to hold a special meeting to discuss the upcoming budget proposal."

to start doing something

"Let's go study."

"He decided to go pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional musician."

a machine used for printing or pressing materials

"Use the printing press."

"The industrial revolution was significantly propelled by the invention of the steam-powered press."

a published false statement that damages a person's reputation

"The newspaper was sued for libel after printing the false story."

"Libel is the publication of a false written statement that damages a person's reputation"

to feature in a publication or news coverage

"They will make news."

"Her courageous actions during the crisis were sure to make headlines in all the major newspapers."

to make available for sale or distribution to the public

"They issue new coins."

"The company will issue a limited edition of their popular product next month."

to be subjected to or experience a particular reaction or feedback from others

"He will receive criticism."

"The controversial policy was expected to receive considerable backlash from environmental groups."

the reporting of specific news or events by the media

"Live coverage was excellent."

"The coverage of the event was live and detailed."

(of a story, etc.) to be published in a magazine, newspaper, etc.

"The story will run."

"The investigative report about political corruption is scheduled to run in next Sunday's edition."

details about an event or series of events presented through writing, drama, cinema, radio, or television, typically to entertain or inform an audience

"It is a good story."

"The novel weaves a compelling story of love, loss, and ultimate redemption across several decades."

overly bold, impudent, or lacking in sensitivity

"His manner was brash."

"His brash remarks about his colleagues' performance were met with disapproval and discomfort."

‌a British tabloid newspaper, whose name is in red at the top of the front page

"The red-top newspaper focuses on sensational stories."

"The red top newspaper focused on celebrity gossip and sensational crime stories rather than serious news."

plain and not brightly colored

"The room was painted a sober grey."

"Her sober attire was appropriate for the solemn occasion and conveyed a sense of understated elegance."

the styles and trends of clothing, accessories, makeup, and other items that are popular in a certain time and place

"This is new fashion."

"The latest fashion trends often emerge from runway shows and quickly influence what people wear globally."

to emit a sudden and loud vocalization, to express emotions such as joy, triumph, anger, or to attract attention

"He will shout loudly."

"The crowd began to shout with joy when their team scored the winning goal."

the attraction and allure that makes one interesting

"Strong appeal made."

"The antique vase possessed a unique appeal that captivated collectors from all over the world."

a group of individuals who receive, consume, or engage with a particular form of media, such as television shows, films, performances, or social media content

"The audience enjoyed the show."

"The film's director carefully considered the preferences of the target audience during production."

the act of communicating or working together with someone or something

"Social interaction is important for mental health."

"Social interaction is important for mental health and helps prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation."

to fit or lock together securely, keeping things in a stable or connected position

"The gears interlock well."

"The interlocking pieces of the modular shelving unit allowed for a stable and customizable storage solution."

a weight or mechanism used to provide stability and balance by offsetting the weight of another object or system

"The weight is a counterbalance."

"The heavy counterweight on the opposite side of the lever served to counterbalance the immense force applied."

an attack made in response to someone else's attack

"The army launched a counterattack."

"A counterattack is a tactical offensive maneuver made by a defending force to repel an enemy's assault and regain lost territory quickly."

any half of a circle

"The table was a semicircle."

"The architect designed a beautiful garden path in the shape of a semicircle around the fountain."

a woman with superior mental or physical capabilities, particularly one who succeeds in both her career and home life

"She is a superwoman."

"The single mother was hailed as a superwoman for managing her demanding career and raising three children alone."

individuals or groups possessing extremely large amounts of wealth

"The super-rich bought the island."

"The super-rich gathered at the exclusive charity gala, discussing their latest investments."

a person who gains success beyond what is expected or normal, often in a way that makes them exhausted

"She is an overachiever."

"The constant pressure to be an overachiever led to his burnout and need for a long break."

the act of working too much or too long

"His overwork caused illness."

"The company's culture of overwork meant that employees rarely took their full vacation entitlement."

not receiving enough money for the work one does

"The staff are underpaid."

"Many essential workers feel underpaid for the demanding and crucial services they provide to society."

situated beneath the feet

"Watch out for the rug underfoot."

"The icy patch of pavement underfoot made it difficult to walk without slipping."

a person who consistently performs below their potential or fails to meet expected standards or goals

"He is an underachiever."

"Despite his intelligence, the student was considered an underachiever because he rarely completed his assignments on time."

located or occurring above the level of the head

"The lamp is overhead."

"The pilot announced that the flight was now cruising at an altitude well overhead the clouds."

to not go to work or school for a certain period of time to take care of personal matters or recharge one's energy and focus

"I need time off."

"She decided to take some time off from her demanding job to travel and explore new cultures."

the knowledge, skills, and understanding gained from performing jobs or tasks in a professional setting

"The internship provides valuable work experience."

"The internship provided valuable work experience that helped him get a full time job later."

to reach a conclusion or make a choice after careful consideration and evaluation of various options or possibilities

"They come to a decision."

"After much deliberation and weighing of evidence, the jury finally came to a unanimous verdict."

to investigate or explore something in order to gather information or understand it better

"We will look into the matter."

"The committee promised to look into the matter and report their findings next week."

to study or learn something

"I will do math."

"She decided to do a comprehensive study of ancient Roman history for her thesis."

to obtain something through one's own actions or hard work

"Gain victory."

"Through diligent practice and unwavering determination, the athlete was able to gain a significant advantage."

to find a solution to a problem

"Let's work out this."

"The detectives are working out the complex financial motives behind the elaborate corporate fraud."

to formally request something, such as a place at a university, a job, etc.

"Apply for the job online."

"She decided to apply for the management position because she felt she had the necessary qualifications and experience."

to study a particular subject in school, university, etc.

"I will take science."

"She decided to take advanced calculus during her final year of university."

the intuitive understanding or perception of the inner nature or truth of something

"I have an insight."

"Her deep insight into human nature allowed her to understand complex motivations."

in the same situation for such a long time that it is no longer appealing

"My job is in a rut."

"After years of doing the same monotonous tasks, she felt she was stuck in a rut and needed a change."

a job that does not provide one with the chance to advance to a better position or job

"He feels stuck in a dead-end job with no future."

"He feels stuck in a dead end job with no future and dreams of starting his own business."

to overwhelm someone or something with an excessive amount of work, tasks, requests, or messages, often causing a feeling of being stressed

"I am snowed under."

"With the approaching deadline, the entire team was snowed under with urgent client requests."

to have work-related discussions outside of work, particularly when it is annoying or inappropriate

"They always talk shop."

"During the family dinner, it was frustrating when the colleagues started to talk shop about their latest project."

working for oneself rather than for another

"He is self-employed."

"The self employed plumber sets his own hours and decides which jobs to take or refuse."

a sum of money that is very insufficient

"He earned only a pittance."

"The interns were paid a mere pittance for their work despite the company making millions in annual profits."

having exceptional strength, influence, or capabilities

"He is high-powered."

"The company hired a high-powered lawyer to represent them in the complex legal dispute."

very average and without any notable qualities

"The movie was run-of-the-mill."

"While the hotel was clean and functional, its decor and amenities were decidedly run-of-the-mill."

to put someone in a difficult or challenging situation without providing any help or guidance

"They threw me in deep end."

"The new manager was thrown in at the deep end with a crisis on his first day."

the latest time or date by which something must be completed or submitted

"The deadline for the project is Friday."

"The deadline for the project is Friday and the team works overtime to finish on time."

as quickly as one possibly can because there is not much time available

"We are working against the clock."

"The paramedics worked against the clock to save the patient's life before it was too late."

to be involved with something that is too challenging or demanding for one to handle

"I am up to my ears in work."

"After the unexpected surge in orders, the small business owner found himself up to his neck in administrative tasks."

to try to be calm and relaxed and possibly rest

"You should take it easy."

"After a long and stressful week, she decided to take it easy and relax at home."

the different levels of jobs and responsibilities that people can move up in their chosen profession as they gain more experience and skills

"She climbed the career ladder."

"After years of dedication and hard work, he finally climbed the corporate ladder and was promoted to the position of senior vice president."

to accept something as a challenge

"She will take on new responsibilities."

"The young manager decided to take on new responsibilities despite having limited experience in that area."

a very large sum of money

"She made a fortune."

"After years of hard work and smart investments, he finally amassed a considerable fortune."

in a way that is certain and beyond any doubt

"He is decidedly wrong."

"The room was decidedly too small for fifty people so we had to find a larger venue for the conference."

to a moderate degree or extent

"He was somewhat nervous before the exam."

"He was somewhat nervous before the exam but he managed to calm himself down and do well."

a large number, amount, or extent of something

"We have a good deal."

"The charity managed to secure a good deal of funding from generous corporate sponsors."

by a significant degree or extent, indicating a large difference, advantage, or superiority

"He is miles better."

"Her performance in the competition was miles ahead of all the other contestants, securing her an easy victory."

extremely small

"A tiny flower bloomed."

"She found a tiny, delicate flower blooming in the crack of the pavement."

in a manner that almost does not exist or occur

"I could barely hear the speaker."

"I could barely hear the speaker because the microphone was not working properly and the room was very noisy."

to a very small or barely noticeable degree

"Her score improved marginally."

"Her test scores improved marginally this semester but she still needs to study harder."

used to indicate proximity in terms of distance, amount, or similarity, often in negative contexts

"The museum is not anywhere near here."

"The hotel was not anywhere near as nice as the photos on the website had promised it would be."

in a way that is nearly true, accurate, complete, or accomplished

"I pretty much agree."

"I pretty much agree with everything you said and I cannot think of any points where we disagree."

a toy that usually looks like an animal and is covered and filled with soft materials

"The soft stuffed toy accompanied her to bed every night."

"The stuffed teddy bear was missing an eye but remained her favorite bedtime companion."

a small, smooth stone often found on beaches or riverbeds

"The pebble is smooth from years of water erosion."

"The smooth pebble skipped three times across the surface of the calm lake."

used to emphasize the amount or intensity of something

"That is way too expensive for me."

"That is way too expensive for me so I will have to look for a cheaper alternative instead."

a large quantity or amount of something

"A load of rocks."

"A considerable load of evidence was presented to the jury during the lengthy trial."

a small amount, quantity, or piece of something

"A bit of cake."

"The tiny bit of information he provided was not enough to solve the mysterious puzzle."

to a noticeable or considerable extent

"The temperature dropped significantly overnight."

"The temperature dropped significantly overnight and we had to turn on the heater to stay warm."

in a way that shows an easily distinguishable quality

"I distinctly remember meeting you before."

"I distinctly remember meeting you before but I cannot remember your name or where we met."

to the extent of one part out of two equal portions

"The cake is half gone."

"He only managed to complete half of the assigned reading before falling asleep."

to a degree that is close to being complete

"The baby is nearly one year old."

"The baby is nearly one year old and will start walking very soon according to the doctor."

used to indicate a rough estimate without precise measurements or exact figures

"I am more or less finished."

"The two dresses are more or less the same price so you can choose whichever one you like."

in a way that is not continuous or regular

"It rained off and on all day."

"It rained off and on all day so we never knew whether to take an umbrella or leave it at home."

used to show that one does not care if one's offer is accepted or rejected one will not negotiate further

"The price is final — take it or leave it."

"After weeks of back-and-forth, the supplier presented a final figure and said take it or leave it, with no room for further negotiation."

an inconsistent and unpredictable approach or method with no clear pattern of success or failure

"His aim is hit-and-miss."

"The quality of the products was hit and miss sometimes they were great and other times they were terrible."

repeatedly going in one direction and then in the opposite direction

"The pendulum swung back and forth."

"He walked back and forth nervously while waiting for the doctor to tell him the results of the test."

to bring about either success or failure for someone or something

"This audition will make or break his career."

"This audition will make or break her acting career because the director is looking for a new star."

used to indicate that something applies individually to every single member of a group or set

"Each and every student passed."

"Each and every participant in the workshop will receive a certificate of completion for their efforts."

a part of something that is considered its most integral or essential component

"Stress is part and parcel of this job."

"Making mistakes is part and parcel of learning a new language so do not be afraid to try."

on multiple occasions

"It happened time after time."

"Time after time, she has shown incredible resilience in overcoming every challenge she has faced."

rapid and significant progress or improvement

"Business grows by leaps and bounds."

"Her English improved by leaps and bounds after she started practicing every single day."

repeatedly without pause or change

"He said it over and over."

"He said it over and over but she still did not understand what he was trying to tell her."

sticking to principles of right and wrong conduct and moral standards

"His decision is ethical."

"The ethical dilemma forced the doctor to choose between saving one patient or five others and she struggled to make the right decision."

by chance and without planning in advance

"I accidentally spilled my coffee."

"I accidentally spilled coffee on my shirt this morning and had to change before going to work."

in a quiet and humble way, often showing willingness to accept or obey without protest

"He meekly accepted the punishment."

"He meekly accepted the punishment without arguing or complaining because he knew he was wrong."

in a courteous or respectful manner

"He asked politely."

"The young man politely held the door open for the elderly woman and she thanked him for his kind and thoughtful gesture."

in a way that shows deep love, admiration, or devotion

"She looked adoringly at her new baby."

"She looked adoringly at her new baby and could not stop smiling at his tiny face."

without any uncertainty

"She clearly explained the rules."

"She clearly explained the rules to everyone so there should be no confusion about what is allowed."

in a manner that is difficult or impossible to believe or comprehend

"The food was unbelievably delicious."

"The food was unbelievably delicious and we ate until we were completely full and satisfied."

in a way that expresses strong anger, pain, or resentment

"She cried bitterly."

"The old man cried bitterly at his wife's funeral and his family tried to comfort him in his grief."

to escape punishment for one's wrong actions

"He got away with it."

"The thief tried to get away with the stolen goods but was caught by security."

to start talking about something that is different from the topic of the discussion

"Let's get away from this."

"The family needed a vacation to get away from the stress of their daily routine."

to escape a responsibility

"He wants to get out of work."

"He tried to get out of doing his chores by pretending that he had a lot of homework to complete."

to finally find the time, motivation, or opportunity to do something that has been postponed or delayed

"I will get around to it later."

"I have been meaning to fix that leaky faucet but I have not gotten around to it yet."

to seek to harm or punish someone who has wronged or harmed one

"He wants his own back."

"After months of planning, she finally got her own back on the colleague who betrayed her."

to return to a place, state, or condition

"He gets back home before dark."

"I need to get back to work now because my lunch break is almost over and my boss is expecting me."

to successfully communicate a message or idea to someone in a way that they understand or accept it

"I cannot get through to him."

"The teacher struggled to get through to the troubled student who seemed to have given up on his education."

to become involved in or associated with a particular situation, activity, or group

"I want to get into music."

"She managed to get into a prestigious university program through sheer determination and hard work."

to find a way to overcome a problem or obstacle

"We will get around."

"Despite numerous setbacks, the determined team managed to get around every obstacle in their path."

to successfully complete a task

"We will get through."

"With diligent effort and unwavering focus, they were able to get through the challenging project on time."

the end of a relationship or an association

"The breakup was painful."

"Their breakup was messy because neither wanted to move out of the apartment they shared together."

a problem that gets in the way of a process or makes it worse

"Major setback delayed project."

"The injury was a major setback for the athlete who had trained for years for the Olympics."

a loud, sustained noise or shout of disapproval, protest, or outrage

"There is a public outcry over the new tax."

"There is a public outcry over the new tax and protesters gather outside the parliament building."

the beginning point or stage of something, especially unpleasant

"Sudden onset of illness."

"The sudden onset of illness surprised everyone in the family last week."

the group of individuals admitted to a program or institution during a specific period

"The university intake for 2025 is 5"

"The university intake for two thousand twenty five is five thousand students and applications are up from last year."

to comprehend something

"I can't take in."

"She tried to take in all the new information presented at the conference, but it was overwhelming."

to become clear to the mind

"The truth will dawn."

"Slowly, the realization of his mistake began to dawn on him."

the first time sunlight appears during the day

"Dawn was quiet."

"We left at dawn to avoid the heat later in the day."

to ask a lot of challenging and persistent questions to get information or clarification

"They grill him."

"The investigative journalist continued to grill the politician about the controversial funding scandal."

to cook food directly over or under high heat, typically on a metal tray

"Grill the chicken for dinner."

"We plan to grill hamburgers and hot dogs in the backyard for the family barbecue this weekend."

displaying friendliness, kindness, or enthusiasm

"He is warm."

"Her warm smile and welcoming personality made everyone feel instantly comfortable in her presence."

having a temperature that is high but not hot, especially in a way that is pleasant

"The water is warm."

"The warm sunshine felt good on her face after being inside the cold air conditioned office all morning long."

a sudden and forceful assault or attack, often involving a large group or intense action

"A storm is coming."

"The sudden storm of criticism overwhelmed the politician after the controversial speech."

a strong and noisy event in the sky with heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and strong winds

"A big storm came."

"The powerful storm raged through the night, bringing torrential rain and deafening thunder that shook the entire house."

to supply or provide too much of something

"Don't flood me with work."

"The company's aggressive marketing strategy threatened to flood the market with similar products."

to become covered or filled by water

"Rivers flood."

"The torrential rain caused the river to flood, submerging nearby farmlands and villages."

capable of thinking and learning in a good and quick way

"She is a bright student."

"The bright young scientist quickly grasped the complex theories and contributed innovative ideas to the research project."

emitting or reflecting a significant amount of light

"The light is bright."

"The sun's bright rays illuminated the entire landscape, creating a dazzling and vibrant scene."

to suddenly stop moving or become immobilized due to fear, shock, or surprise

"The child froze in fear."

"She froze mid-sentence, unable to continue after hearing the shocking news."

to cause something to become solid or turn into ice by reducing its temperature

"The water will freeze."

"The extreme cold can freeze the pipes if they are not properly insulated."

to make a sudden and quick movement

"Fly through the air."

"Birds fly south for the winter to escape the cold temperatures and find more abundant food sources."

to travel or cross something in an aircraft

"We will fly there."

"She decided to fly over the Grand Canyon to experience its breathtaking beauty from above."

to become overwhelmed by intense psychological pressure

"He might crack under pressure."

"The constant criticism and immense responsibility caused the normally stoic leader to finally crack."

a narrow opening or split, often caused by damage or pressure

"The crack in the wall gets wider every year."

"The crack in the windshield spread quickly when the temperature changed suddenly."

to have extra time available with nothing specific to do

"We had time to kill before the flight."

"We arrived at the airport early so we had time to kill before our flight started boarding."

to spend as much as time one needs on doing something without hurrying

"Take your time, there is no rush."

"You do not need to rush so please take your time and finish the painting carefully without any mistakes."

to certainly happen at some point in the future

"It is only a matter of time."

"With so many mistakes in the company, it was just a matter of time before the business finally collapsed."

used to imply that there is no better time to act or do something than the present moment

"Do not wait — there is no time like the present!"

"If you want to start learning a new skill, there is no time like the present."

to refrain from involving someone or spending time with them

"I have no time for games."

"As a busy doctor, she has no time for people who constantly complain about trivial things instead of taking action to solve their problems."

to set aside a period for a specific activity or purpose despite a busy schedule or other commitments

"You need to make time for exercise."

"Even though she is very busy she always makes time to have dinner with her family every evening."

to make things difficult for a person on purpose

"They gave him a hard time."

"The teacher gave the students a hard time when they failed to submit their assignments on time."

with enough time to spare before a deadline or scheduled event

"We arrived in plenty of time for the show."

"We left home early and arrived at the cinema in plenty of time before the movie started."

to move quickly and suddenly, often with a light or nimble motion

"Scoot over and make some room."

"You need to scoot over a little so that your little brother can sit down next to you."

to clean a surface by rubbing it very hard using a brush, etc.

"He scrubs the dirty pots hard."

"You will need to scrub the burnt pot with a steel wool pad to remove the black residue."

a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of substances contained in waste materials

"The hospital uses an incinerator to burn medical waste safely."

"An incinerator is a high-temperature furnace designed to combust waste materials into ash"

a set of rules and regulations enacted and enforced by the national government of a country, applicable across all states or regions within its jurisdiction

"Federal law prohibits this type of discrimination."

"Federal law prohibited the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of twenty one."

to give someone something that one has enough of

"Can you spare a few dollars please?"

"The kind soldier spared the prisoner's life because he could not bring himself to kill an unarmed man."

a state of being unable to make a decision due to doubt or uncertainty

"His indecision slows down the entire project."

"His indecision frustrated his colleagues because he could never commit to a plan."

to do or say something to make someone stop worrying or less afraid

"The doctor reassured the anxious patient."

"The doctor reassured the anxious patient that the procedure was completely safe and would not cause pain."

to make it clear that one is interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone

"He was too shy to make the first move."

"She was too shy to make the first move so he had to approach her and say hello."

lack of interest or concern towards something or someone

"Her indifference to his suffering is shocking."

"Her indifference to his suffering hurt him more than any insult could have done."

the positive and negative elements, arguments, outcomes, etc. of something

"Let's list the pros and cons of moving."

"Before making a decision you should carefully consider the pros and cons of each option."

to behave in a way that is too forceful or enthusiastic

"He came on too strong during the date."

"The salesman came on too strong at the meeting and scared the customers away with his aggressive attitude."

to think that something is probably true, especially something bad, without having proof

"I suspect he is lying."

"The detective began to suspect that the witness was withholding crucial information about the incident."

the harmonious or balanced relationship among the parts of something in size, amount, or degree

"The proportion looks right."

"The architect achieved a perfect proportion between the building's height and its width."

to think that something is true without having proof or evidence

"Assume he is wrong."

"Do not assume that everyone shares your opinions because people come from different backgrounds and have various perspectives."

to no longer be involved in a task or obligation

"Please back off from this."

"The manager decided to back off from the difficult project after realizing its complexity."

(of alarms) to start making a lot of noise as a warning or signal

"The alarm will go off."

"Make sure to set your alarm so it will go off precisely at 6 AM."

the amount of money required for buying something

"The price is too high."

"The price of organic vegetables has increased significantly due to the recent drought in the farming region."

an amount we pay to buy, do, or make something

"The cost is too high."

"The rising cost of raw materials is significantly impacting the overall production cost of manufactured goods."

to set an amount that is needed as payment for a product or a service

"The store prices items competitively."

"The store decided to price the new product competitively to attract customers away from its main rival."

having great value or importance

"The art is priceless."

"The museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts that are considered priceless due to their historical significance."

a label on an item that shows how much it costs

"Look at the price tag first."

"The price tag on the jacket was too high, so I decided not to buy it."

expensive in way that is not reasonable

"The meal is overpriced."

"The overpriced coffee cost six dollars for a small cup and the customer complained that it was not worth the money."

under any circumstance

"I want peace at any price."

"He wanted to win the competition at any price even if it meant breaking some important rules."

the amount of money required to maintain basic needs and expenses in a particular place or location

"The cost of living is very high in this city."

"The cost of living in London is very high especially for housing and public transport."

to be very expensive or require a lot of money to purchase

"This bag costs a fortune!"

"The new smartphone costs a fortune, so I decided to wait until the price drops a little."

producing good results without costing too much

"The solution is cost-effective."

"Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a cost-effective way to reduce household utility bills over time."

to require a particular amount of money

"This meal costs about ten dollars."

"The new smartphone costs nearly one thousand dollars which is more than many people can comfortably afford to spend."

to an extent or degree that is moderate or satisfactory

"The hotel prices are reasonably cheap."

"The hotel prices are reasonably cheap during the off season so it is a good time to travel there."

a sale price that is half of the usual price for an item

"The store sells all items at half-price."

"The store offered half price discounts on all winter coats at the end of the season."

focused on earning, managing, or prioritizing financial matters

"He is very money-minded."

"The money minded investor refused to donate to charity because he wanted to maximize his profits instead."

without worry, pressure, or tension

"I want a stress-free job."

"The stress free vacation was exactly what she needed after working twelve hour days for six months."

deserving of attention due to importance, excellence, or notable qualities

"Her achievement is noteworthy."

"The noteworthy achievement of the young scientist earned her an award and recognition from the international research community."

able to be trusted or relied on

"She is a trustworthy friend."

"The trustworthy mechanic never recommended unnecessary repairs and his customers appreciated his honesty."

able to be safely cleaned with water or other cleaning agents without being damaged

"The fabric is machine washable."

"The fabric is machine washable so you can clean it at home without going to the dry cleaner."

unable to be predicted because of changing many times

"Weather is unpredictable."

"The stock market's unpredictable fluctuations made it difficult for investors to plan their financial futures."

having a slight or partial red color

"Her hair is reddish."

"The reddish sky at sunset warned the sailors that a storm was approaching from the west."

mindful of one's health and actively trying to promote it

"She is health-conscious."

"Being health-conscious, he always chooses fresh ingredients and avoids processed foods whenever possible."

a textile that is coated or laminated with a substance that prevents water from penetrating through it

"The jacket is waterproof."

"This high-performance jacket is constructed from a durable waterproof material designed for harsh conditions."

an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a specific period, often measured by gross domestic product

"Economic growth leads to more jobs."

"Economic growth slowed significantly during the recession causing unemployment to rise."

a country that is seeking industrial development and is moving away from an economic system that is based mainly on agriculture

"The developing country invests in infrastructure."

"The developing country received aid from international organizations to build schools and hospitals."

a type of energy derived from natural sources that can be replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water

"The country invests in renewable energy sources."

"Renewable energy sources like wind and solar did not produce greenhouse gas emissions."

a type of energy generated by splitting atoms to release their stored energy

"Nuclear power is very strong."

"Nuclear power generation uses a controlled fission reaction to produce steam"

a change toward a smaller, lower, or reduced state

"There has been a decline in sales this month."

"The country experienced economic decline after the global financial crisis hit hard last year badly."

a hard time in a country's economy characterized by a reduction in employment, production, and trade

"The country slipped into a recession after two quarters of negative growth."

"Many people lost their jobs during the recession last year."

made in large quantities using standardized processes, typically in factories

"The toys are mass-produced."

"Unlike artisanal crafts, these mass-produced souvenirs are readily available and affordable for most tourists."

food or financial help sent to support a person or country

"Foreign aid arrived."

"Aid was sent after the storm."

the supply, demand, and pricing of residential properties available for sale or rent in a specific area

"The housing market is booming."

"The housing market cooled down after interest rates rose and made mortgages more expensive."

a country with dominant global influence and significant political, military, or economic strength

"The United States is a military superpower."

"The United States emerged as a superpower after World War Two with military and economic dominance."

unfair treatment or prejudice against individuals based on their gender, often resulting in unequal opportunities or rights

"The law prohibits gender discrimination in the workplace."

"Gender discrimination in the workplace was illegal but still occurred in some industries."

relating to the production, distribution, and management of wealth and resources within a society or country

"The policy is economic."

"The economic downturn significantly impacted businesses, leading to widespread layoffs and reduced consumer spending."

‌to or in a foreign country, particularly one that is across the sea

"He moved overseas for work."

"He moved overseas for work and now lives in Singapore where he manages the regional office for his company."

the best performance or result, or the highest or lowest level that has ever been reached, especially in sport

"This is a new record."

"The athlete shattered the previous record with an astonishing display of speed and endurance."

located at a considerable distance from a central point

"The village is far-flung."

"The explorers ventured into far-flung territories, seeking undiscovered species of plants and animals."

to force one's employee to retire or leave work and give them a payment

"The company pensioned off older workers."

"The company decided to pension off several older employees to make room for younger workers."

to surround a place, typically with armed forces, in order to force those inside to give up or surrender

"The enemy besieged the castle for months."

"The enemy forces surrounded the castle and began to besiege it hoping that the people inside would eventually run out of food and surrender."

to move goods or people illegally and secretly into or out of a country

"He tried to smuggle drugs across the border."

"The criminal tried to smuggle illegal drugs across the border by hiding them inside a secret compartment in his car."

considered highly valuable or esteemed

"This is my prized possession."

"His prized possession was a baseball signed by his favorite player which he kept in a glass case."

a flat piece of metal, typically of the size and shape of a large coin, given to the winner of a competition or to someone who has done an act of bravery in war, etc.

"He won a medal."

"Winning an Olympic medal requires not only talent but also years of disciplined training sacrifice and unwavering mental strength under intense pressure."

to gradually decline, weaken, or diminish over time, often like the receding tide

"Hope ebbed away quickly."

"As the sun began to set, the last vestiges of daylight started to ebb away."

in a very careful and precise manner, paying close attention to details and accuracy

"He followed ethics scrupulously."

"The accountant scrupulously checked every number on the financial statement and she found several errors that others had missed."

(of an idea, object, etc.) unique and working very well which has resulted from creativity and clever thinking

"It's ingenious."

"Her ingenious solution to the complex problem impressed everyone with its elegant simplicity."

to find people to join the armed forces

"They recruit soldiers now."

"The army will recruit new soldiers for the upcoming campaign."

a detailed record or narrative description of events that have occurred

"Give me an account."

"The detective requested a detailed account of the events that transpired on the night of the incident."

to completely destroy or to knock down a building or another structure

"Workers demolish the unsafe old building."

"The city council decided to demolish the old abandoned factory to make room for a new public park."

an intense fear of being in small, enclosed environments

"The small elevator triggers his claustrophobia."

"His claustrophobia prevented him from riding the elevator so he took the stairs."

the state of being exposed to the possibility of emotional distress

"She showed her true vulnerability."

"Vulnerability is the state of being open to physical or emotional harm"

clothing used by astronauts while traveling in space

"He wore a spacesuit today."

"Before stepping outside the spacecraft, the astronaut carefully put on his spacesuit to protect himself from the vacuum of space."

the activity or sport in which individuals jump from a flying aircraft and do special moves while falling before opening their parachute at a specified distance to land on the ground

"Skydiving is terrifying."

"She tried skydiving for the first time and loved the rush."

relating to or affecting the mind or the mental state

"The problem is psychological."

"The psychological effects of the trauma lasted for years and the patient attended therapy sessions to help her cope with the memories."

the state of being physically weak, usually because of old age

"The frailty of the elderly woman requires care."

"The frailty of the elderly woman meant she needed assistance with daily tasks like shopping."

luxurious and expensive, often suggesting comfort and high quality

"The sofa is plush."

"The limousine offered a plush interior, complete with leather seats and ambient lighting."

causing severe damage or limitation, often making it difficult to function normally

"The injury was crippling."

"The crippling effects of the disease made it impossible for her to work."

a distinct nasal quality in speech, often associated with certain regional accents or dialects

"His accent had a twang."

"She spoke with a noticeable twang, a characteristic of her rural upbringing."

to fall to the ground rapidly

"The rock will plummet."

"The unfortunate climber lost his grip and began to plummet down the sheer cliff face."

to change something in a significant or fundamental way

"The internet revolutionized global communication."

"The invention of the smartphone revolutionized the way people communicate and access information all around the entire world."

with visual representation, often using charts, diagrams, or other visual elements to convey information

"The data was graphically presented."

"The data was graphically presented in a bar chart and the audience could easily see the trends in sales over the past five years."

related to the science of language, including its structure, usage, and evolution

"She has linguistic skills."

"The child's linguistic abilities developed quickly because her parents read to her every single night."

high level of skill, knowledge, or proficiency in a particular field or subject matter

"Her expertise was great."

"A center of expertise is a dedicated team within an organization that provides deep"

done according to a planned and orderly system

"She takes a systematic approach."

"The systematic approach helped us solve the problem step by step."

done in a careful, systematic, and organized manner

"A methodical approach."

"She is a methodical worker who follows a checklist and never forgets any important steps."

made by humans rather than occurring naturally in nature

"The flower is artificial."

"The artificial flower looked so real that I tried to smell it before realizing it was made of plastic."

the mental connection or link between ideas, memories, or images

"It's a good association."

"The strong association between the brand and quality made it a household name."

to expand to every part of a thing

"Water permeates the soil."

"The strong smell of freshly brewed coffee permeated the entire house and made everyone feel warm and cozy in the morning."