19 - Relationships Flashcards
take an instant/immediate dislike to sb
dislike sb as soon as you meet them
e.g.
When I married her, she already had two children from her first marriage, and they took an instant dislike to me.
As soon as I met him, I took an immediate dislike to him.
blame sb (for sth)
think or say that sb is responsible for sth bad
e.g.
He blames me for all his problems.
get sb’s respect
I tried hard to get their respect, but they always treated me like dirt.
put a strain on sb/sth
create pressure and anxiety for sb/sth
e.g.
The long working hours put a severe strain on employees.
stick up for somebody
to defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them
You’re supposed to be sticking up for me!
stick up for yourself
She’s always known how to stick up for herself.
1) if a situation settles down, it becomes calmer and you are less busy or less worried
It’s been really hectic here. When things settle down, I’ll give you a call.
2) settle (somebody) down: to become quiet and calm, or to make someone quiet and calm
Shh! Settle down, please! Now turn to page 57.
When Kyle was a baby, we used to take him for rides in the car to settle him down.
3) to start living a quiet and calm life in one place, especially when you get married
They’d like to see their daughter settle down, get married, and have kids.
4) to start giving all of your attention to a job or activity
to
I sorted out my mail, then settled down to some serious work.
look up
1) if a situation is looking up, it is improving SYN improve, get better
Now the summer’s here things are looking up!
2) look somebody ↔ up: to visit someone you know, especially when you are in the place where they live for a different reason
Don’t forget to look me up when you come to Atlanta.
nasty
unkind, unpleasant, mean
e.g.
Don’t be so nasty to your mum (Don’t treat her unkindly)
initially
in the beginning
reluctant
slow and unwilling OPP willing
She gave a reluctant smile.
reluctant to do something
Maddox was reluctant to talk about it.
bond
a connection between people based on shared feelings or experiences
e.g.
the emotional bond between mother and child
bond with
the United States’ special bond with Britain
bond of
lifelong bonds of friendship
Initially we were just acquaintances, but gradually we have created a closer bond.
caring
kind and showing that you care about people
e.g.
a warm and caring man
a caring attitude
The school aims to provide a caring environment.
sensitive (to sth)
able to understand other people’s feelings and problems OPP insensitive
a sensitive and intelligent young man
sensitive to
It’s made me much more sensitive to the needs of the disabled.
accept
admit you did sth wrong
e.g.
I accept responsibility for the mistakes.
Two years on
Two years on, things are lookin up.
