English I Flashcards
(46 cards)
Impetuous
Acting or done quickly without thought or care
Pipe dream
Unattainable hope
Obviate
To avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
Usage: Only things that have not yet occurred can be obviated. For example, one can obviate a possible future difficulty, but not one that already exists
Wrench out
To pull out
Economy was wrenched out of its traditional framework
Lukewarm
(Of a person, attitude) unenthusiastic
Britain is lukewarm about the proposal
Buffet
(Especially of wind or waves) strike repeatedly and violently
Rough seas buffeted the coast
(Of difficulties) afflict (someone) over a long period of time
They were buffeted by a major recession
Swing 180* from
To completely change, go the opposite way
Comfortably surpass
A spectacular autumn harvest comfortably surpassed those of the previous two years.
Fateful
Vitally affecting subsequent events; being of great consequence
The Communist leaders made two fateful decisions.
Crackpot
Foolish; harebrained: a crackpot notion, a crackpot science
Rift
A break in friendly relations: a rift between siblings
Perquisite
Something regarded or claimed as an exclusive right by virtue of one’s social position or rank
Despite appearances to the contrary
Phrase
Electorate
A body of qualified voters
Ethos
The disposition, character, or fundamental values peculiar to a specific person, people, culture, or movement
A political ethos of a group is a function of its ethnicity and income
Proceeds
The total amount or profit derived from a sale or other transaction
Efficacious
Producing or capable of producing a desired effect
To the hilt
To the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully
They were willing to employ resources to the hilt.
Subvert
To overthrow or destroy (a government or an established order or authority)
Subversive of the central control in the countryside
Nebulous
Lacking definite form or limits; vague
Nebulous question
Nebulous assurance of future assistance
Perverse
Contrary to what is right or good
Willfully opposing or resisting what is right, expected, or reasonable
Perversion
Distortion or corruption of the original course, meaning, or state of sth
Above/beyond reproach
So good as to preclude any possibility of criticism
Capitalize on sth
To turn something to one’s advantage; benefit