Chapter 52 - Cause and Effect

Question 1

Spark sth (off)

Answer 1

Cause sth to start or develop suddenly

Tge rad rage thing was all sparked by a trivial incident.

Question 2

Egg sb on

Answer 2

INF encourage sb to do sth, especially sth they should not do

Phil egged me on to have a word with him.

Question 3

Retaliate

Answer 3

Do sth harmful to sb because they harmed you first

I kicked his car and dented it. He retaliated and kicked mine.

Question 4

Provoke sb (into sth)

Answer 4

Say or do sth that you know will annoy sb so that they react angrily

I kicked his car and dented it. He retaliated and kicked mine, and Phil, who is easily provoked, joined in.

Question 5

Boil down to sth

Answer 5

INF (of a situation) have sth as a main or basic part

I think it all boils down to the fact that I haven’t been well lately.

Question 6

Arouse sth

Answer 6

Make sb have a particular feeling or attitude

What aroused the police’s suspicions?

Question 7

Repercussions

Answer 7

Unintended and usually unwelcome results of an action or event = consequences

The flood had a knock-on effect on tourism. Yes it was bound to have repercussions.

Question 8

Spin-off

Answer 8

A new product that is based on another that already exists

We’re considering various spin-offs. That should generate more income.