Concepts

Question 1

The sales conference will be _ _ soon.

(of a regular event) happening at its usual time

Answer 1

The sales conference will be coming around soon.

Question 2

We’d better start _ those sales reports _.

making someone do something more quickly, making something happen more quickly

Answer 2

We’d better start hurrying those sales reports along.

Question 3

I can’t believe that the conference is _ _ again already.

will be happening soon

Answer 3

I can’t believe that the conference is coming up again already.

Question 4

This last year seems to have_ _.

passed very quickly

Answer 4

This last year seems to have slipped away

Question 5

I know! There’s an awful lot to do _ _ to the conference, especially as it’s going to be held in our branch this year.

(preparing in the period before an event begins)

Answer 5

I know! There’s an awful lot to do leading up to the conference, especially as it’s going to be held in our branch this year.

Question 6

Oh well, at least it _ things _ and makes life a bit more interesting, I suppose.

(makes a period of time more interesting by being different from what you are doing for the rest of the time)

Answer 6

Oh well, at least it breaks things up and makes life a bit more interesting, I suppose.

Question 7

It hasn’t been that bad a year, surely. There was all the excitement over the new marketing campaign.

Oh, that completely _ me _. It didn’t really affect me in my department.

(went unnoticed)

Answer 7

It hasn’t been that bad a year, surely. There was all the excitement over the new marketing campaign.

Oh, that completely passed me by. It didn’t really affect me in my department.

Question 8

OK, Paul. Time’s _ _ a bit now. I need to head home. Let’s talk about what we need to do tomorrow.

((mainly British and Australian informal) it’s getting late)

Answer 8

OK, Paul. Time’s getting on a bit now. I need to head home. Let’s talk about what we need to do tomorrow.

Question 9

Right, I’m not going to _ this _.

make something continue for longer than necessary

Answer 9

Right, I’m not going to spin this out.

Question 10

You only have two weeks now till the exams start and you’re going to have to _ _ _ _ if you want to pass.

(make an effort to improve, an idiom using a phrasal
verb (see Unit 8 for more))

Answer 10

You only have two weeks now till the exams start and you’re going to have to pull your socks up if you want to pass.

Question 11

We’re going to _ _ the next fortnight just for revision.

use time for one purpose and no other purpose

Answer 11

We’re going to set aside the next fortnight just for revision.

Question 12

In other words, we’re going to _ _ some time by cancelling all non-exam lessons like sport.

(make time or money available for a particular use by not using it another way)

Answer 12

In other words, we’re going to free up some time by cancelling all non-exam lessons like sport.

Question 13

All school sports matches will be_ _ until the exams are finished.

(delayed and arranged for a later date)

Answer 13

All school sports matches will be held over until the exams are finished.

Question 14

We felt that would be better than trying to _ revision _ around sport commitments.

(do it between other activities)

Answer 14

We felt that would be better than trying to fit revision in around sport commitments.

Question 15

The sports staff agree that _ _(1) these matches won’t cause any major problems, but we mustn’t _ schedules _(2) by more than two weeks or we won’t be able to fit in all the matches before the end of term.

(1) - causing something to happen later than it should
happen
(2) - make something happen more slowly, or make
something happen later than it should

Answer 15

The sports staff agree that putting back these matches won’t cause any major problems, but we mustn’t set schedules back by more than two weeks or we won’t be able to fit in all the matches before the end of term.

Question 16

So now, put everything else out of your minds and concentrate on your revision. No more _ time _ get down to some serious work.

(wasting time by using it for unimportant things)

Answer 16

So now, put everything else out of your minds and concentrate on your revision. No more frittering time away get down to some serious work.

Question 17

There was a lot of excitement _ _ to the final match.

preparing in the period before an event begins

Answer 17

There was a lot of excitement leading up to the final match.

Question 18

My birthday seems to be _ _ more quickly every year.

(of a regular event) happening at its usual time

Answer 18

My birthday seems to be coming around more quickly every year.

Question 19

The annual meeting will be coming up some time next month.

will be happening soon

Answer 19

The annual meeting will be coming up some time next month.

Question 20

I’d better go as it’s _ _ now.

(mainly British and Australian informal) it’s getting late

Answer 20

I’d better go as it’s getting on now.

Question 21

It’s getting late – can you start _ people _?

making someone do something more quickly, making something happen more quickly

Answer 21

It’s getting late – can you start hurrying people along?

Question 22

My staff often _ things _ much longer than they need to so that they don’t get asked to do any more work.

(make something continue for longer than necessary)

Answer 22

My staff often spin things out much longer than they need to so that they don’t get asked to do any more work.

Question 23

As a result they sometimes _ the schedules _(1) by days or even weeks, and then I have to _ them _(2) so that the work gets done on time.

(1) - make something happen more slowly, or make
something happen later than it should
(2) - making someone do something more quickly, making something happen more quickly

Answer 23

As a result they sometimes set the schedules back by days or even weeks, and then I have to hurry them along so that the work gets done on time.

Question 24

And not only do I have to keep an eye on the staff , I also have to find time to _ _ (1) consultations with management and the unions, and inevitably meetings have to be _ _(2) because of some unexpected emergency, or important tasks have to be _ _(3) till the more immediate problems can be sorted out.

(1) - do it between other activities
(2) - causing something to happen later than it should happen
(3) - delayed and arranged for a later date

Answer 24

And not only do I have to keep an eye on the staff , I also have to find time to fit in consultations with management and the unions, and inevitably meetings have to be put back because of some unexpected emergency, or important tasks have to be held over till the more immediate problems can be sorted out.

Question 25

I try to _ _ at least one hour every day for planning, but it’s not easy. (use time for one purpose and no other purpose)

Answer 25

I try to set aside at least one hour every day for planning, but it’s not easy.

Question 26

I like to take a proper lunch break and get out of the office. I find that _ _ the day down nicely. (makes a period of time more interesting by being different from what you are doing for the rest of the time)

Answer 26

I like to take a proper lunch break and get out of the office. I find that breaks up the day down nicely.

Question 27

You’d get far more done if you didn’t _ _ so much time. | wasting time by using it for unimportant things

Answer 27

You’d get far more done if you didn’t fritter away so much time.

Question 28

The children tried to _ their game _ so they didn’t have to go to bed. (make something continue for longer than necessary)

Answer 28

The children tried to spin their game out so they didn’t have to go to bed.

Question 29

Cameron might lose his job if he doesn’t _ _ _ _. | make an effort to improve, an idiom using a phrasal verb

Answer 29

Cameron might lose his job if he doesn’t pull his socks up.

Question 30

We must discuss what we need to do _ _ to the opening of the new branch. (preparing in the period before an event begins)

Answer 30

We must discuss what we need to do leading up to the opening of the new branch.

Question 31

Let’s try to _ some time _ next month to discuss progress on the project. (use time for one purpose and no other purpose)

Answer 31

Let’s try to set some time apart next month to discuss progress on the project.

Question 32

We’ve had to _ the meeting _ to this Tuesday as Austin will be away next week. (move a meeting or event to an earlier date or time.)

Answer 32

We’ve had to bring the meeting forward to this Tuesday as Austin will be away next week.

Question 33

Francesca always _ _ any discussion. | unnecessarily prolong something

Answer 33

Francesca always drags out any discussion

Question 34

I think we should _ our meetings _ a bit more. | position two or more items at an equal distance from one another

Answer 34

I think we should space our meetings out a bit more.

Question 35

I thought I had ages to prepare for my exams, but they have _ _ _ me in no time at all. (position two or more items at an equal distance from one another.)

Answer 35

I thought I had ages to prepare for my exams, but they have crept up on me in no time at all.

Question 36

I think we should try to _ _ the printing paper. | to make (a supply) last as long as possible

Answer 36

I think we should try to eke out the printing paper.

Question 37

Recent events in Herean City _ _ a failure of central government to control spending by local and regional authorities. (make it seem likely that something is true)

Answer 37

Recent events in Herean City point to a failure of central government to control spending by local and regional authorities.

Question 38

This failure can be _ _ _ a long-standing reluctance to tackle local corruption, which has resulted in a situation where certain powerful local politicians feel free to act outside the law. (thought to be caused by (used for problems and bad experiences))

Answer 38

This failure can be put down to2 a long-standing reluctance to tackle local corruption, which has resulted in a situation where certain powerful local politicians feel free to act outside the law.

Question 39

This then _ _ a general atmosphere in which all politicians are mistrusted. (to play a significant part in making something happen)

Answer 39

This then contributes to a general atmosphere in which all politicians are mistrusted.

Question 40

Arthur Power’s explanation for the growth of crime in our cities just does not _ _. ((slightly informal) constitute a reasonable or likely explanation for something)

Answer 40

Arthur Power’s explanation for the growth of crime in our cities just does not add up.

Question 41

He _ recent rises in crime _ a decline in leisure facilities for young people and the economic recession. (to think of (something) as being a quality of (someone or something))

Answer 41

He attributes recent rises in crime to a decline in leisure facilities for young people and the economic recession.

Question 42

But the problem in fact _ _ a longer-term neglect of the cities, and dealing with the problem depends on accepting this fact first and foremost. (is caused by)

Answer 42

But the problem in fact stems from a longer-term neglect of the cities, and dealing with the problem depends on accepting this fact first and foremost.

Question 43

We have been talking about rising crime rates for decades and after the last general election the government set up an inquiry into inner-city crime, but as yet nothing seems to have _ _ _ this enquiry. ((of a fact) emerge; become known.)

Answer 43

We have been talking about rising crime rates for decades and after the last general election the government set up an inquiry into inner-city crime, but as yet nothing seems to have come out of this enquiry.

Question 44

No one should be surprised that the recent education reforms have _ _ the government. (had a bad effect on the person who did it with the result that they did not achieve what they were trying to achieve)

Answer 44

No one should be surprised that the recent education reforms have rebounded on the government.

Question 45

The reforms were _ _(1) a deep-seated elitism, which _ _(2) the fact that inequality has grown rather than diminished, as your report showed (13 November). (1) - based on, or caused by (2) - explains the reason for

Answer 45

The reforms were rooted in a deep-seated elitism, which accounts for the fact that inequality has grown rather than diminished, as your report showed (13 November).

Question 46

As always, the effects have _ most _(1) poorer families, where the new system has _ _(2) parents being unable to afford a good education for their children. (1) - had a noticeable effect on (2) - to begin a process that causes something to happen

Answer 46

As always, the effects have impacted most on poorer families, where the new system has led to parents being unable to afford a good education for their children.

Question 47

It all _ _ to more misery in our schools and fewer opportunities for our young people, especially in the inner cities. (results in)

Answer 47

It all adds up to more misery in our schools and fewer opportunities for our young people, especially in the inner cities.

Question 48

Aidan’s new job will undoubtedly _ _ his family. | had a noticeable effect on

Answer 48

Aidan’s new job will undoubtedly impact on his family..

Question 49

Isabelle’s behaviour may well _ _ her if she is not careful. (had a bad effect on the person who did it with the result that they did not achieve what they were trying to achieve)

Answer 49

Isabelle’s behaviour may well rebound on her if she is not careful.

Question 50

Freddie’s interest in botany _ _ a childhood spent in the rainforest. (is caused by)

Answer 50

Freddie’s interest in botany stems from a childhood spent in the rainforest.

Question 51

Her attitude to foreigners is _ _ ignorance. | based on, or caused by

Answer 51

Her attitude to foreigners is rooted in ignorance.

Question 52

It is impossible to _ _ one clear cause of the crisis. | make it seem likely that something is true

Answer 52

It is impossible to point to one clear cause of the crisis.

Question 53

The new education reform should _ _ significant social change. (The new education reform should result in significant social change.)

Answer 53

The new education reform should result in significant social change.

Question 54

Professor Bukowsky _ the crisis _ the changes in the country’s leadership. (to believe that something is the result of a particular situation, event, or person’s actions)

Answer 54

Professor Bukowsky attributes the crisis to the changes in the country’s leadership.

Question 55

The situation in the country may _ _ a civil war. | to begin a process that causes something to happen

Answer 55

The situation in the country may lead to a civil war.

Question 56

Theodore _ the problems _(1) to the government, but I _ them _(2) the general world economic situation. (1) - thought to be caused by (used for problems and bad experiences) (2) - to believe that something is the result of a particular situation, event, or person’s actions

Answer 56

Theodore puts the problems down to the government, but I attribute them to the general world economic situation.

Question 57

To a large extent, how a person _ _ the problems in their lives seems to depend largely on their own parents’ attitudes to difficult situations. (explains the reason for)

Answer 57

To a large extent, how a person accounts for the problems in their lives seems to depend largely on their own parents’ attitudes to difficult situations.

Question 58

I believe the new legislation will _ _(1) a general improvement in the standard of living, but Ben thinks it will _ _(2) increased poverty for most people. (1) - to be one of the things that help to make something happen (2) - to cause something, or to produce something

Answer 58

I believe the new legislation will contribute to a general improvement in the standard of living, but Ben thinks it will result in increased poverty for most people.

Question 59

The desire for reform has _ _ _(1) a general desire to improve the situation, but I suspect the proposed changes may _ _(2) the government. (1) - (of a fact) emerge; become known (2) - had a bad effect on the person who did it with the result that they did not achieve what they were trying to achieve

Answer 59

The desire for reform has come out of a general desire to improve the situation, but I suspect the proposed changes may rebound on the government.

Question 60

The proposals are _ _(1) an appropriate awareness of the problems that exist, but I do not feel that what is proposed _ _ (2) to a coherent programme of action. (1) - based on, or caused by (2) - results in

Answer 60

The proposals are rooted in an appropriate awareness of the problems that exist, but I do not feel that what is proposed adds up to a coherent programme of action.

Question 61

The school’s rituals and traditions are _ _ its long history. (based on, or caused by)

Answer 61

The school’s rituals and traditions are rooted in its long history.

Question 62

My mother _ the problem _ to a decline in moral values. | thought to be caused by (used for problems and bad experiences)

Answer 62

My mother puts the problem down to a decline in moral values.

Question 63

How do you think the changes will _ _ your business? | had a noticeable effect on

Answer 63

How do you think the changes will impact on your business?

Question 64

The economic recession inevitably _ _ increased unemployment. (to cause something, or to produce something)

Answer 64

The economic recession inevitably resulted in increased unemployment.

Question 65

How would you _ _ the recent increase in violent crime? | explains the reason for

Answer 65

How would you account for the recent increase in violent crime?

Question 66

Joel’s criticism of Erica may _ _ him now that she’s his boss! (had a bad effect on the person who did it with the result that they did not achieve what they were trying to achieve)

Answer 66

Joel’s criticism of Erica may rebound on him now that she’s his boss!

Question 67

I do not feel that the writer’s analysis of the problem _ _. | slightly informal) constitute a reasonable or likely explanation for something

Answer 67

I do not feel that the writer’s analysis of the problem adds up.

Question 68

Some unforeseen problems have _ _ _ the change in legislation. (to be the result of something)

Answer 68

Some unforeseen problems have come out of the change in legislation.

Question 69

I’d _ global warming largely _ to increased air and road travel. (thought to be caused by (used for problems and bad experiences))

Answer 69

I’d put global warming largely down to increased air and road travel.

Question 70

I think a dramatic change in social values has _ _ the current increase in violent crime in most societies. (to begin a process that causes something to happen)

Answer 70

I think a dramatic change in social values has led to the current increase in violent crime in most societies.

Question 71

I’d _ _ it by saying that teenage girls tend to be more inclined to work harder at school than teenage boys – though of course there are plenty of exceptions. (explains the reason for)

Answer 71

I’d account for it by saying that teenage girls tend to be more inclined to work harder at school than teenage boys – though of course there are plenty of exceptions.

Question 72

I’d _ the success of social media sites _ the fact that they are convenient, fast and efficient. (to believe that something is the result of a particular situation, event, or person’s actions)

Answer 72

I’d attribute the success of social media sites to the fact that they are convenient, fast and efficient.

Question 73

I’d _ _ the prevalence of materialistic attitudes as one main cause of social problems today. (make it seem likely that something is true)

Answer 73

I’d point to the prevalence of materialistic attitudes as one main cause of social problems today.

Question 74

My own interest in English _ _ the fact that I had very good English teachers when I was at school. (is caused by)

Answer 74

My own interest in English stems from the fact that I had very good English teachers when I was at school.

Question 75

I think that mobile phones have _ _ more communication between people – it’s so much easier to keep in touch with friends and family. ( to cause something, or to produce something)

Answer 75

I think that mobile phones have resulted in more communication between people – it’s so much easier to keep in touch with friends and family.

Question 76

For me the main thing that _ _ the difficulty of phrasal verbs is the fact that one verb – like, say, make out – can have so many different meanings. (to be one of the things that help to make something happen)

Answer 76

For me the main thing that contributes to the difficulty of phrasal verbs is the fact that one verb – like, say, make out – can have so many different meanings.

Question 77

to bring (a memory, feeling, image, etc.) into the mind

Answer 77

to summon up

Question 78

to bring something such as a feeling or memory to your mind

Answer 78

to conjure up

Question 79

make someone remember something

Answer 79

to call up

Question 80

makes one remember events in the past, usually ones that make you feel sad

Answer 80

to stir up

Question 81

to remember something, especially so that you can tell or ask someone later

Answer 81

to store up

Question 82

to return to memory

Answer 82

to come back

Question 83

to suddenly remember memories or feelings very clearly

Answer 83

to flood back

Question 84

to focus one's mind on or vividly remember a past time or incident

Answer 84

to flashback

Question 85

to stop worrying about or being upset by (something that happened in the past)

Answer 85

to put something behind somebody

Question 86

block something out / block out something

Answer 86

to block something out / block out something

Question 87

When I look at these old photographs I’ve just found in our grandmother’s desk, memories come _ _. (one suddenly remembers very clearly a lot of things about an experience or period in the past)

Answer 87

When I look at these old photographs I’ve just found in our grandmother’s desk, memories come flooding back.

Question 88

This one here, of Granny’s mother just before she died, _ _ sad memories of how she suffered. (makes one remember events in the past, usually ones that make you feel sad)

Answer 88

This one here, of Granny’s mother just before she died, stirs up sad memories of how she suffered.

Question 89

But we can’t let bad memories _ _ _(1) us; we should _ bad experiences _(2) us. (1) - make us unhappy because we think about them too much (2) - not think about them any more so that they do not aff ect our life

Answer 89

But we can’t let bad memories eat away at us; we should put bad experiences behind us.

Question 90

We _ _ so many memories over the years, good ones and bad ones. (to remember something, especially so that you can tell or ask someone later)

Answer 90

We store up so many memories over the years, good ones and bad ones.

Question 91

I _ this photo that you found _ our early childhood. | to connect someone or something in your mind with someone or something else

Answer 91

I associate this photo that you found with our early childhood.

Question 92

Looking at the picture, it _ _ to me how we used to feed the animals on our grandparents’ farm. (to return to memory)

Answer 92

Looking at the picture, it came back to me how we used | to feed the animals on our grandparents’ farm.

Question 93

It _ _ lots of happy memories, and some sad ones, too, like when my favourite old pony died. (makes you remember something or think about something)

Answer 93

It summons up lots of happy memories, and some sad ones, too, like when my favorite old pony died.

Question 94

We tend to _ _(1) sad memories, but sometimes you might get a _(2) to an unpleasant experience. (1) - stop yourself from thinking about something unpleasant because it upsets you (2) - an occasion when you suddenly remember something vividly that happened to you in the past

Answer 94

We tend to block out sad memories, but sometimes you might get a flashback to an unpleasant experience.

Question 95

The happy ones (memories) can _ _ you forever. I still remember the picnic we had on the farm for my sixth birthday. (1) - you remember them

Answer 95

The happy ones (memories) can stick with you forever. I still remember the picnic we had on the farm for my sixth birthday.

Question 96

For me this photo you sent me that Granny took _ _ a series of crazy events. (makes a picture, image, memory, etc. appear in my mind)

Answer 96

For me this photo you sent me that Granny took conjures up a series of crazy events.

Question 97

It’s amazing how one picture can _ _ an event in such detail. (make one remember or think about a particular memory or idea)

Answer 97

It’s amazing how one picture can call up an event in such detail.

Question 98

When I look at it (a photo), my thoughts always _ _ immediately to that moment. (get a sudden vivid memory of something)

Answer 98

When I look at it (a photo), my thoughts always flash back immediately to that moment.

Question 99

I was sitting in a train looking out of the window, when my mind suddenly _ _ to that amazing trip we made to India. (get a sudden vivid memory of something)

Answer 99

I was sitting in a train looking out of the window, when my mind suddenly flashed back to that amazing trip we made to India.

Question 100

Close your eyes and try to _ _ a picture of a place where you feel at peace. (makes a picture, image, memory, etc. appear in my mind)

Answer 100

Close your eyes and try to conjure up a picture of a place where you feel at peace.

Question 101

Ivan has an excellent memory – he can _ _ precise details of things that happened when he was a small child. (make one remember or think about a particular memory or idea)

Answer 101

Ivan has an excellent memory – he can call up precise details of things that happened when he was a small child.

Question 102

Please don’t talk about that day – I want to _ it all _ me. | not think about them any more so that they do not affect our life

Answer 102

Please don’t talk about that day – I want to put it all behind me.

Question 103

Pablo should try not to let his regrets for what he has done _ _ _ him. (make us unhappy because we think about them too much)

Answer 103

Pablo should try not to let his regrets for what he has done eat away at him.

Question 104

I’ve just found this old dress at the back of my wardrobe. It _ me _ that party at Anna’s. Do you remember? It must be at least 20 years ago! (to be similar to, and make someone think of, something or someone else)

Answer 104

I’ve just found this old dress at the back of my wardrobe. It reminds me of that party at Anna’s. Do you remember? It must be at least 20 years ago!

Question 105

Goodness me! That certainly does _ _(1) some memories. I hadn’t thought of it for years, but it’s all _ _(2) now! Do you remember all those roses she had everywhere? (1) - makes one remember events in the past, usually ones that make you feel sad (2) - one suddenly remembers very clearly a lot of things about an experience or period in the past

Answer 105

Goodness me! That certainly does stirs up some memories. I hadn’t thought of it for years, but it’s all flooding back now! Do you remember all those roses she had everywhere?

Question 106

That’s right. I always _ the smell of roses _ Anna. | connect (someone or something) with something else in one's mind

Answer 106

That’s right. I always associate the smell of roses with Anna.

Question 107

We spent all evening dancing together. We had such a lovely evening. Actually, I don’t know if we did. It’s all _ _ to me now. (be remembered again)

Answer 107

We spent all evening dancing together. We had such a lovely evening. Actually, I don’t know if we did. It’s all coming back to me now.

Question 108

Oh yes! That was awful. I’d just completely _ the memory _. | stop yourself from thinking about something unpleasant because it upsets you

Answer 108

Oh yes! That was awful. I’d just completely block the memory out.

Question 109

Well, I’m glad you did. If you hadn’t _ it _ you, then we wouldn’t be friends with him now. (not think about them any more so that they do not affect our life)

Answer 109

Well, I’m glad you did. If you hadn’t put it behind you, then we wouldn’t be friends with him now.

Question 110

That’s right. Anyway, it’s the good memories that you want to _ _ (1) you. Those are the ones to _ _(2) for the future. (1) - you remember them (2) - to remember something, especially so that you can tell or ask someone later

Answer 110

That’s right. Anyway, it’s the good memories that you want to stick with you. Those are the ones to store up for the future.

Question 111

Well, we’ve got plenty of those (memories) we can _ _ when we need them. (make one remember or think about a particular memory or idea)

Answer 111

Well, we’ve got plenty of those (memories) we can call up when we need them.

Question 112

I _ my childhood _ the colour green because I spent so much time playing in the garden at home. (connect (someone or something) with something else in one's mind.)

Answer 112

I associate my childhood with the colour green because I spent so much time playing in the garden at home.

Question 113

The pop music of the 1970s always _ _ memories of my youth. | makes a picture, image, memory, etc. appear in my mind

Answer 113

The pop music of the 1970s always conjures up memories of my youth.

Question 114

I would like to _ _ the memory of school dinners, particularly of the awful macaroni cheese we were forced to eat. (stop yourself from thinking about something unpleasant because it upsets you)

Answer 114

I would like to block out the memory of school dinners, particularly of the awful macaroni cheese we were forced to eat.

Question 115

I think that music makes memories _ _ to me more powerfully, although smells can also be very potent. ( to start to be remembered again)

Answer 115

I think that music makes memories come back to me more powerfully, although smells can also be very potent