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Collocation/Idioms Flashcards

(50 cards)

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1
Q

I’m an _____ admirer of your work

A

ardent
/ˈɑːd(ə)nt/

One who is a devoted follower or supporter of someone or something

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2
Q

This new process is a _____ advance in technology

A

significant

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3
Q

He knows the interviewer already and that will give him an _____ advantage over me

A

unfair

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4
Q

I wouldn’t upset him. He can be a _____ adversary

A

dangerous

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5
Q

He gave me some _____ advice and I took it

A

blunt

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6
Q

We know very little about this. We need to bring in an _____ adviser to help us

A

outside

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7
Q

I don’t like this at all. It’s a really _____ affair.

A

ugly

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8
Q

It’s not a very challenging job. I only have to deal with _____ affairs

A

everyday

commonplace or usual; ordinary

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9
Q

They don’t always agree but I think there is a bond of _____ affection between them.

A

deep

a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something

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10
Q

It seems no time at all since I started work and here I am at _____ age

A

retirement

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11
Q

That type of behaviour was possible in a _____ age but we are more tightly regulated these days

A

bygone

Bygone means happening or existing a very long time ago

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12
Q

I don’t trust him. I think he has a _____ agenda

A

hidden

a secret reason for doing something

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13
Q

We cannot tolerate this sort of _____ aggression from a competitor in one of our key markets

A

naked

that is not hidden and is shocking

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14
Q

We have a _____ agreement with them and we must respect it

A

binding

an agreement enforceable by law

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15
Q

I think they must be providing them with some kind of _____ aid. But I don’t know what.

A

covert
/ˈkʌvət,ˈkəʊvəːt/

Covert activities or situations are secret or hidden

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16
Q

I agree with the _____ aims of what you are trying to do but not with some of the details.

A

broad

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17
Q

I’m sure he’s got the job. He’s walking around with a _____ air

A

triumphant
/trʌɪˈʌmf(ə)nt/

Joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

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18
Q

You need to open the windows and get rid of the _____ air in here

A

stale

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19
Q

The problems in Tokyo have caused _____ alarm on Wall Street

A

considerable

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20
Q

He definitely wasn’t there. He has a _____ alibi.

A

cast-iron

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21
Q

abject apology

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A

indicating humiliation

I come back to my abject apology of not having a prepared answer

22
Q

point-blank

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A

direct and without explanation

he refuses point-blank to be photographed

23
Q

take issue with

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A

disagree with

I take issue with parents who push their children too hard

24
Q

excite speculation

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A

encourage people to discuss something especially when they don’t know the facts

The cut in US interest rates excited speculation of a similar cut in the UK

25
air one's grievances
complain publicly Jane was afraid to complain at work but freely aired her grievances at home
26
tipping point
the point at which a series of small changes or incidents becomes significant enough to cause a larger, more important change The earth has already passed the tipping point in terms of global warming
27
stand a good chance
to have a very good opportunity to success I think she stands a good chance of winning the election
28
under new management
to be controlled by a different person or people than before The restaurant is now under new management
29
play on words
a humorous way of using a word or phrase so that more than one meaning is suggested A clever play on words can always make me laugh.
30
no matter how
used for saying that something is not important or will not have an effect No matter how much you protect your children, they will still make mistakes
31
under no circumstance
never, whatever the situation is or might be Under no circumstances are you to go out
32
feel like something
to have a desire to do or have something. The atmosphere was so bad, I just felt like leaving the room immediately
33
take aback
to be shocked or surprised I was just taken aback when he told me my work was poor
34
reap the benefit
to get something good as a result of your own actions. She studied every evening and reaped the benefit at exam time
35
feel at ease
freedom from labour, pain, or physical annoyance; tranquil rest I felt at ease after the doctor’s report
36
under the impression
Thinking, assuming, or believing something. I was under the impression that Tom was coming to visit today
37
so as not to
in order not to do something We went along silently on tiptoe so as not to disturb anyone
38
Gauge
To make judgement about something, usually feelings It’s difficult to gauge how they’ll react
39
Flatly
Showing little interest or emotion The witness responded flatly to the judge’s questions
40
Disclosure
The act of making something known Any public disclosure of this information would be very damaging to the company
41
Incompetence
Lack of ability to do something successfully Management have demonstrated almost unbelievable incompetence in their handling of the dispute
42
At the flick of a switch
Quickly and easily, especially by using a computer He can shut off all the power in the building at the flick of a switch
43
For the time being
At this time The union voted not to strike for the time being
44
In a bit of a jam
To be in troublesome situation I'm in a bit of a jam—I accidentally made plans with two different men tonight!
45
To give somebody a boot
To fire, sack or eject someone I’m sorry for your children but I have to give you the boot
46
Business acumen
Keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a business situation
47
Hammer something home
to make certain that something is understood by expressing it clearly and forcefully The boss hopes to hammer the firm’s poor financial position home to the staff
48
Rat race
A way of life in which people are in competitive struggle for wealth She is quitting the rat race to spend time with her family.
49
Treadmill
any type of repeated work that is boring and makes you feel tired and seems to have no positive effect and no end There were days when having kids seemed like an endless treadmill of feeding, washing, and nappy-changing
50
Half-hearted
Without enthusiasm or energy A half-hearted attempt

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