Others Flashcards
Impact on / of
The anti-smoking campaign had had/made quite an impact on young people.
The new proposals were intended to soften the impact of the reformed tax system.
Output
the amount of something that a person, a machine or an organization produces
Manufacturing output has increased by 8 per cent.
The plant plans to increase output to 10 000 cars a year.
10 per cent of the country’s total output
a steady output of new ideas
changes in the level of output
her prodigious literary output
the fall in output due to outdated equipment
economic/industrial/manufacturing output
global/national/domestic output
annual/total/overall output
output per hour/employee/worker
Classic vs Classical
Classic
having a high quality or standard against which other things are judged:
Fielding’s classic novel “Tom Jones”
Another classic goal there from Corley!
Classical
traditional in style or form, or based on methods developed over a long period of time, and considered to be of lasting value:
Does she study classical ballet or modern ballet?
I tend to listen to pop music rather than classical.
Mainstay
the mainstay of something
the most important part of something, providing support for everything else:
Cattle farming is the mainstay of the country’s economy.
The white blouse will be the mainstay of your wardrobe this summer.
The local library has been a mainstay in this community for over 50 years.” In this sentence, “mainstay” is used to describe something that has been a consistent and reliable part of the community for a long time.
“In the early days of the internet, email was the mainstay of online communication.” Here, “mainstay” is used to describe something that was a fundamental and essential component of a larger system.
“Fishing has long been a mainstay of the coastal economy.” In this sentence, “mainstay” is used to describe an activity or industry that has been a core part of a region’s economy for a long time.
go round
If there is enough of something to go round, there is enough for everyone in a group of people:
Are there enough pencils to go round?
There weren’t enough chairs to go round.
Are there enough leaflets to go round?
There’s only one slice of cake left, so it will have to go round between the four of us.
The rumor about the new employee’s behavior started to go round the office.
We need to find a way to make the limited resources go round for all the projects we have.
The music festival tickets are limited, so we need to make sure they go round all our friends who want to go.
The company’s policy is that everyone gets a chance to speak during the meeting, so we need to make sure that the time goes round fairly.
ploy
something that is done or said in order to get an advantage, often dishonestly:
There are various ploys we can use if necessary.
[ + to infinitive ] He only said he had a meeting as a ploy to get her to leave.
The politician used a clever ploy to avoid answering the reporter’s question.
The salesperson’s ploy to offer a “limited time only” discount was just a way to pressure customers into making a quick decision.
The spy used a clever ploy to obtain classified information from the enemy.
The magician’s ploy of distracting the audience with one hand while performing a trick with the other is a classic technique.
The team’s ploy of faking an injury to waste time and disrupt the other team’s momentum was frowned upon by the referee.
defeat the object of
to prevent you from achieving the result you were hoping for:
The balance transfer deal to this card completely defeats the object because any money you save will be cancelled by the higher interest on new purchases.
If we don’t follow the instructions, we will defeat the object of this experiment.
Skipping meals to lose weight defeats the object of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If we don’t listen to the customer’s feedback, it will defeat the object of improving our product.
If we don’t finish the project on time, it will defeat the object of meeting the deadline.
Using a calculator to solve simple math problems defeats the object of learning and practicing mental arithmetic.
Whiff
a slight smell, carried on a current of air:
He leaned towards me and I caught/got a whiff of garlic.
During the first few months of pregnancy the slightest whiff of food cooking made my stomach turn.
There was a whiff of smoke in the air, and I quickly realized that the building was on fire.
He took a whiff of the perfume and immediately knew it was his wife’s favorite scent.
The restaurant had a whiff of garlic, which made my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious food to come.
I caught a whiff of something foul and quickly realized that my dog had gotten into the garbage again.
The singer’s performance had a whiff of nostalgia, taking the audience back to a time when music was simpler and more heartfelt
Last Resort
last resort
used for talking about something that you only think of doing or using if all other methods fail:
As a last resort, savers could always open an ISA with their current bank or building society.
Experts say warning labels are a last resort when a hazard can’t be designed out of a product.
differentiate
Embryonic stem cells are able to differentiate into any cell type.
These five vesicles differentiate into the final structure of the brain.
It’s important to differentiate between fact and opinion when conducting research.
The company had to differentiate its products from those of its competitors to stand out in the market.
The doctor had to differentiate between two similar diseases to make an accurate diagnosis.
She could easily differentiate the twins by their distinct personalities.
The teacher had to differentiate her lessons to accommodate students with different learning styles.
The artist used bold colors to differentiate the foreground from the background in the painting.
Lair
a place where a wild animal lives, often underground and hidden, or a place where a person hides:
a fox’s lair
the thieves’ lair
quarry
a person or animal being hunted or looked for:
The dogs pursued their quarry into an empty warehouse.
a large artificial hole in the ground where stone, sand, etc. is dug for use as building material:
a granite/limestone/marble/slate quarry
shoplifting
the illegal act of taking goods from a shop without paying for them:
He was charged with shoplifting.
Deterrent
something that deters people from doing something:
a nuclear deterrent
Tougher prison sentences may act/serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
In the form of
Help in the form of money will be very welcome.
Some received substantial occupational assistance in the form of low-interest loans.
17 They received a benefit in the form of a tax reduction.
prompting
the act of trying to make someone say something:
[ + to infinitive ] Kids of that age really shouldn’t need prompting to say thank you for things.
Amazingly - without any prompting - my husband actually said how nice I looked in my new dress!
The loud noise outside was prompting the dogs to bark incessantly.”
“Her success in the competition was prompting others to join and participate in it.”
“The teacher’s encouraging words were prompting the students to work harder.”
“The worsening weather conditions were prompting residents to evacuate their homes.”
“His constant procrastination was prompting his boss to give him warnings.”
“The growing demand for eco-friendly products was prompting companies to adopt sustainable practices.”
“The tragic incident was prompting people to donate to the relief fund.”
“The coach’s motivational speech was prompting the team to give their best performance.”
“The rise in crime rates was prompting the government to increase police patrols.”
“The customer’s complaints were prompting the company to improve their customer service.”
gimmick
something that is not serious or of real value that is used to attract people’s attention or interest temporarily, especially to make them buy something:
a publicity gimmick
They give away free gifts with children’s meals as a sales/marketing gimmick.
The advertisement relied on a gimmick to get people’s attention, but the product itself was mediocre.
The magician’s performance was full of gimmicks, but the audience was still amazed by the illusions.
The politician’s campaign was criticized for relying too heavily on gimmicks instead of presenting concrete policy proposals.
The restaurant offered a free dessert as a gimmick to attract customers, but the food quality was subpar.
plight
an unpleasant condition, especially a serious, sad, or difficult one:
the plight of the poor/homeless
Few of us can be unmoved by the plight of the refugees.
The plight of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes is a major humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention.
The government has announced plans to address the plight of farmers who have been struggling with drought and low crop yields.
The plight of endangered species such as elephants and tigers is a pressing environmental issue that demands urgent action.
The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the plight of underprivileged children through education and social services.
consent
permission or agreement:
They can’t publish your name without your consent.
Patients must be informed of the risks of the surgery and give their informed consent.
You can only come on the trip if you have your parents’ written consent.
realm
an area of interest or activity:
Her interests are in the realm of practical politics.
Entering the realm of Nirvana is only possible for those who have become pure.
He made outstanding contributions in the realm of foreign affairs.
A field or domain of activity: “Her expertise is in the realm of computer programming.”
A kingdom or domain ruled by a monarch: “The knights defended the realm against invaders.”
A sphere or area of knowledge or thought: “Quantum mechanics lies in the realm of theoretical physics.”
An abstract or imaginary place or state: “The novel is set in a fantastical realm of dragons and magic.”
A specific area or level of society or experience: “Art and culture are part of the realm of human experience.”
get your act together
get your act together
(informal) to organize yourself and your activities in a more effective way in order to achieve something
He needs to get his act together if he’s going to pass.
gaucherie
behaviour that shows you are shy or uncomfortable when dealing with people and often saying or doing the wrong thing
Linda’s naive gaucherie
such gaucheries as blushing
She apologized for her gaucherie in knocking over the vase.
His gaucherie was evident in the way he stumbled over his words during the presentation.
The politician’s gaucherie during the debate cost him many votes.
Her gaucherie at the dinner party made everyone feel uncomfortable.
Despite her gaucherie on the dance floor, she still managed to have a good time.
run-through
a practice for a performance of a play, show, etc.
SYNONYM rehearsal
Can we have just one more run-through?
Before the performance, the theater company did a quick run-through of the play to make sure everything was in place.
The coach did a run-through of the team’s strategy before the big game.
The editor did a run-through of the article to check for any errors or inconsistencies.
The singer did a run-through of the song to practice her vocals before the concert.
The director asked the actors to do a run-through of the scene to get a better sense of the pacing.
The contractor did a run-through of the renovation plans with the homeowner to ensure they were on the same page.
The teacher did a run-through of the lesson to make sure she had all the necessary materials and was fully prepared.
Lap
the top part of your legs that forms a flat surface when you are sitting down
on somebody’s lap
There’s only one seat so you’ll have to sit on my lap.
in somebody’s lap
She sat with her hands in her lap.
aggregate
As a noun:
Aggregate (noun) refers to a whole formed by combining several different elements or components.
Examples:
The aggregate of the survey results revealed a clear preference for the new product.
The team’s aggregate score determined their overall ranking in the tournament.
The company’s annual report provided an aggregate of its financial performance over the past year.
As a verb:
Aggregate (verb) means to gather, collect, or combine various elements or components into a whole.
Examples:
The students were asked to aggregate the data from their individual research projects to create a comprehensive report.
The company decided to aggregate customer feedback from various sources to identify common trends and areas for improvement.
We need to aggregate the sales figures from different regions to get a complete picture of the company’s performance.
hindsight (Ainsight)
he ability to understand an event or situation only after it has happened:
With (the benefit/wisdom of) hindsight, I should have taken the job.
In hindsight, it would have been better to wait
with hindsight
With hindsight it is easy to say they should not have released him.
in hindsight
What looks obvious in hindsight was not at all obvious at the time.
It’s easy to criticize with the benefit of hindsight.
Straitjacket
a strong piece of special clothing that ties the arms to the body and is used for limiting the movements of dangerous prisoners and mentally ill patients whose behaviour is violent:
Brody was locked in a padded cell and forced to wear a straitjacket.
If not
used to say what the situation will be if something does not happen:
I hope to see you there but, if not, I’ll call you.
If they have any mangoes, get a couple and if not, I’ll pick some up tomorrow.
Obviously it would be great if Sam could drive us there, but if not, we can just get the train.
bread and butter
your bread and butter
a job or activity that provides you with the money you need to live:
Gardening is my bread and butter right now.
hindrance
something that makes it more difficult for you to do something or for something to develop:
I’ve never considered my disability a hindrance, but other people have.
The lack of funding for the project was a major hindrance to its success.
The traffic jam was a hindrance to getting to the airport on time.
His poor eyesight proved to be a hindrance to his ability to drive at night.
The strict regulations were a hindrance to the company’s ability to innovate.
The language barrier proved to be a hindrance in the negotiations with the foreign business partners.
Decorator
a person whose job is to paint the inside or outside of buildings and to do other related work:
a firm of painters and decorators
handyman
a man who is skilled at repairing and making things inside or outside the house and who does this in his own home or as a job
whirlwind
a tall, spinning column of air that moves across the surface of the land or sea
After winning the championship, the team was caught up in a whirlwind of celebrations and interviews.
She had a whirlwind romance with the man she met on vacation.
The company CEO’s visit was a whirlwind of meetings and presentations.
The storm caused a whirlwind of debris and leaves to spiral through the air.
The musician’s rise to fame was a whirlwind of concerts, interviews, and appearances.
Shed
a small building, usually made of wood, used for storing things:
a tool/storage shed
UK a garden/bicycle shed
Makeover
the process of changing the way something looks or works in order to make it better or more attractive:
News that the company is attempting an image makeover has been welcomed.
get/have/undergo a makeover
Equity release plans have had a makeover and are now proving popular with pensioners keen to unlock cash from their homes.
give sth a makeover
In an attempt to boost sluggish profits, the store was given a makeover.
Litter
small pieces of rubbish that have been left lying on the ground in public places:
About two percent of fast-food packaging ends up as litter.
Please do not litter on the street, use the garbage bin provided.”
The park was covered in litter after the concert ended.”
Littering is not only harmful to the environment but also a punishable offense.”
The ocean is full of litter, causing harm to marine life.”
Take pride in
take pride in something/someone
to feel very pleased about something or someone you are closely connected with:
If you don’t take professional pride in your work, you’re probably in the wrong job.
The new coach is determined to create a team that takes pride in its performance.
She took pride in her ability to inspire loyalty.
The school takes pride in the pastoral care it offers.
They took pride in their children without boasting about their success.
Advent
the fact of an event happening, an invention being made, or a person arriving:
Life was transformed by the advent of the steam engine.
The advent of the internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information.”
The advent of the industrial revolution brought about significant changes in manufacturing and production.”
The advent of the digital age has transformed the way we live and work.”
The advent of social media has changed the way we connect and share our experiences with others.”
Foible
a strange habit or characteristic that is seen as not important and not harming anyone:
We all have our little foibles.
We have to tolerate each other’s little foibles.
He often writes about the workings of government and the foibles of politicians.
I soon got used to his little foibles.
Jargon
special words and phrases that are used by particular groups of people, especially in their work:
military/legal/computer jargon
Try to avoid using too much technical jargon.
cupboard
a piece of furniture or a space for storing things, with a door or doors and usually with shelves:
a kitchen cupboard
We keep the hoover and mop in a cupboard under the stairs.
Is there plenty of cupboard space (= are there many cupboards) in your new house?
airing cupboard
a heated cupboard where clothes, sheets, etc. that have been washed and are almost dry are put so that they can become completely dry
drawing room
a comfortable room in a large house used for relaxing or for entertaining guests
n modern times, the term “drawing room” is less commonly used, and the function of the room has evolved to serve a variety of purposes, such as a living room or a family room.
parable
a short, simple story that teaches or explains an idea, especially a moral or religious idea
Parlour
a business that provides a stated type of personal service or sells a stated product:
a beauty parlour
an ice-cream/pizza parlour
(especially in the past) a room in a private house used for relaxing, especially one that was kept tidy for entertaining guests:
the front parlour
an Edwardian parlour
Layman
a person who does not have expert knowledge of a particular subject
a book written for professionals and laymen alike
to explain something in layman’s terms (= in simple language)
For example, a layman might have a basic understanding of the law, but is not a trained lawyer. Similarly, a layman might have a general understanding of medicine, but is not a trained medical professional.
The term “layman” is often used in contrast to an expert
The scientist explained the complex concept in simple terms that even a layman could understand.
The legal jargon used in court can be confusing for a layman.
The doctor tried to explain the medical diagnosis to the patient in layman’s terms.
The software developer wrote the user manual in layman’s language to help non-technical users understand how to use the product.
The journalist was skilled at translating complicated economic concepts into layman’s terms for his readers.
The carpenter explained the building process to the homeowner in layman’s terms, so they could understand the work that needed to be done.
beg the question
to make somebody want to ask a question that has not yet been answered
All of which begs the question as to who will fund the project.
to talk about something as if it were definitely true, even though it might not be
These assumptions beg the question that children learn languages more easily than adults.
Arguing that we should ban guns because they are dangerous begs the question of whether there are other ways to reduce gun violence.”
Saying that the restaurant has the best food because it is the most expensive begs the question of whether the quality of the food is actually the best.”
it (just) so happens that…
by chance
It just so happened they’d been invited too.
The expression “it so happens that” is typically used to introduce an unexpected or coincidental circumstance that is relevant to the conversation or situation. It can be used to explain a surprising or fortunate event, or to acknowledge an unusual or unexpected fact.
For example:
“It so happens that I have a spare ticket to the concert tonight, would you like to join me?”
“It so happens that I have a friend who works in that industry, I could ask them for advice.”
It so happens that I’m free next week, so I could help you with your project.”
In each of these examples, the speaker is sharing a piece of information that is relevant to the conversation, but is also unexpected or coincidental. The phrase “it so happens that” is used to draw attention to this aspect of the situation.
at the core of something
Concern for the environment is at the core of our policies.
at any rate
(informal)
used to say that a particular fact is true despite what has happened in the past or what may happen in the future
Well, that’s one good piece of news at any rate.
I may be away on business next week but at any rate I’ll be back by Friday.
used to show that you are being more accurate about something that you have just said
He said he’ll be coming tomorrow. At any rate, I think that’s what he said.
used to show that what you have just said is not as important as what you are going to say
There were maybe 60 or 70 people there. At any rate, the room was packed.
look upon
generally means to direct one’s gaze towards them or to observe them. The phrase can be used in a literal sense, as in physically looking at someone who is in your presence, or in a more figurative sense,
you might “look upon” someone with admiration or respect,
Conversely, you might “look upon” someone with disdain or disapproval
She looked upon the old photograph with fond memories of her childhood.
In some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to look upon someone with your shoes on.
He looked upon the city skyline in awe as he stood on the rooftop.
The artist looked upon his finished painting with a sense of satisfaction.
We should look upon nature with respect and appreciate its beauty.
Many people look upon success as the ultimate goal in life, but happiness is more important.
The villagers looked upon the stranger with suspicion, wondering why he had come to their town.
the fact remains
used to indicate that despite any arguments or discussion to the contrary, a particular point or assertion is still true and cannot be refuted or ignored.
Well, the fact remains that there are numerous historical records that document the event.”
The fact remains that we still don’t know who stole the money.
Despite the controversy, the fact remains that the company’s profits are up.
The fact remains that climate change is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
Many people disagree with his views, but the fact remains that he has a large following.
The fact remains that we need to find a solution to this problem as soon as possible.
He may have apologized, but the fact remains that he still caused a lot of harm.
Despite all the evidence to the contrary, the fact remains that some people still deny the existence of climate change.
the crux (of something)
(crox)
the most important or difficult part of a problem or an issue
SYNONYM nub
Now we come to the crux of the matter.
The crux of the problem is that we don’t have enough money to fund the project.
The crux of the matter is whether we can convince the board to approve our proposal.
The crux of the issue is that there is a fundamental disagreement about what the data means.
The crux of the story is the unexpected plot twist at the end.
self-assurance.
confidence in yourself and your abilities
SYNONYM self-confidence, confidence (2)
He radiated an air of calm self-assurance.
During the interview, the candidate exuded a sense of self-assurance and confidence, which impressed the hiring manager.
The speaker delivered her presentation with self-assurance, making a compelling case for her proposal.
John’s self-assurance in his abilities helped him overcome his fear of public speaking and deliver a successful speech at the conference.
Despite facing criticism from her colleagues, Sarah maintained her self-assurance and continued to believe in her ideas.
The athlete’s self-assurance was evident on the field as she executed her game plan with precision and confidence.
threshold
the level at which something starts to happen or have an effect
He has a low boredom threshold (= he gets bored easily).
I have a high pain threshold (= I can suffer a lot of pain before I start to react).
My earnings are just above the tax threshold (= more than the amount at which you start paying tax).
self indulgence
the act of allowing yourself to have or do anything that you enjoy:
Rarely have I seen two people work together so effortlessly and with so little self-indulgence.
Why should they be made to feel guilty for a little self-indulgence?
His self-indulgence in eating junk food led to a decline in his health.
She viewed his expensive purchase as an act of self-indulgence.
The author’s memoir was criticized for its self-indulgence and lack of editing.
His self-indulgence in spending money on luxury items left him with significant debt.
Some people view taking a long vacation as an act of self-indulgence.
Her self-indulgence in sleeping in every day resulted in her being late for work.
The company’s self-indulgence in lavish office parties was criticized by its employees.
weariness
great tiredness:
She knew she should keep running, but intense fatigue and weariness overtook her.
30 hours or more of intense physical training might induce some stress or weariness.
To one’s cost
If you know something to your cost, you know it because of an unpleasant experience that you have had.
Kathryn knows to her cost the effect of having served a jail sentence.
There are very few people he can talk to in total confidence, as he has discovered to his cost.
consensus
a generally accepted opinion or decision among a group of people:
The general consensus in the office is that he can’t do his job.
Could we reach a consensus on this matter? Let’s take a vote.
flip side
the opposite, less good, or less popular side of something:
We’re now starting to see the flip side of the government’s economic policy.
a bumpy/rough/easy, etc. ride
a bumpy/rough/easy, etc. ride informal
used to describe a situation that is dangerous, difficult, easy, etc.:
Stocks could be in for a bumpy ride as Wall
Starting a new business can be a bumpy ride, with many challenges and obstacles along the way.
The stock market has been a bumpy ride lately, with prices fluctuating wildly.
The political campaign was a bumpy ride for the candidate, who faced a lot of opposition and negative publicity.
Layperson
A layperson is a term used to refer to someone who is not an expert in a particular field or profession, and who lacks specialized knowledge or training in that area. A layperson is typically an ordinary person who does not have professional or technical expertise in a specific field, and who may not have the same level of knowledge or understanding as someone who has received specialized training or education.
The workshop is designed for laypeople who want to learn basic carpentry skills.
The book explains complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to laypeople.
The lecture was aimed at a lay audience and did not assume any prior knowledge of the topic.
The museum offers guided tours for laypeople who are interested in learning more about art history.
The website provides health information for laypeople who want to learn how to manage chronic conditions.
embezzlement
the crime of secretly taking money that is in your care or that belongs to an organization or business you work for:
They were arrested for embezzlement of company funds.
He’s accused of tax evasion, embezzlement, and fraud.
contempt
a strong feeling of disliking and having no respect for someone or something:
At school she had complete contempt for all her teachers.
You should treat those remarks with the contempt that they deserve.
She’s beneath contempt (= I have no respect for her)!
He looked at her with contempt after she made the rude comment.
The defendant showed contempt towards the judge during the trial by rolling his eyes.
She felt contempt towards her boss for not treating her fairly.
The politician’s speech was full of contempt towards his opponents.
The teacher had contempt for the student who was always disrupting the class.
The lawyer accused the witness of showing contempt for the court by refusing to answer the question.
gamekeeper
a person whose job is to take care of wild animals and birds that are kept especially for hunting
coat
the hair, wool, or fur covering an animal:
a thick/glossy/matted coat
endeavor
an attempt to do something:
The verb “endeavor” means to make an effort or attempt to achieve a goal or purpose. It implies a sincere and persistent effort towards achieving something, often despite challenges or obstacles. As a noun, “endeavor” refers to a specific effort or attempt made towards a particular goal or purpose.
In spite of our best endeavors, it has proven impossible to contact her.
Crossing the North Pole on foot was an amazing feat of human endeavor.
artistic endeavor
Despite the challenges, she continued to endeavor to achieve her goals.
The team’s endeavor to build a better product resulted in a successful launch.
Our company’s endeavor to reduce its carbon footprint has led to the implementation of several sustainable practices.
As a teacher, my endeavor is to help my students reach their full potential.
The organization’s endeavor to promote equality and social justice has led to positive change in many communities
cacophony
an unpleasant mixture of loud sounds:
What a cacophony!
As we entered the farmyard we were met with a cacophony of animal sounds.
stilt
one of a set of long pieces of wood or metal used to support a building so that it is above the ground or above water:
The houses are built on stilts to protect them from the annual floods.
venom
a poisonous liquid that some snakes, insects, etc. produce and can put into another animal’s body by biting or stinging
Crunch time
The expression “crunch time” refers to a period of intense pressure, usually associated with a deadline that is fast approaching. It is a time when a project or task must be completed, and there is little time left to do it.
“It’s crunch time for our team as the project is due in two days, and we still have a lot of work to do.”
“It’s crunch time for the team as they are down by one point with only two minutes left in the game.”
Epitome (Epítomi)
the epitome of something
the typical or highest example of a stated quality, as shown by a particular person or thing:
Even now in her sixties, she is the epitome of French elegance.
She was the epitome of grace and elegance, with perfect poise and impeccable manners.
The towering skyscraper was the epitome of modern architecture, with its sleek lines and innovative design.
His behavior was the epitome of professionalism, always courteous and respectful to his colleagues.
The fashion designer’s latest collection was the epitome of haute couture, with stunning gowns and intricate detailing.
Bound
The term “bound” in the context of a person can mean a few different things depending on the context. Here are some possible meanings:
To be “bound for” a destination means to be heading towards it or on the way to it. For example, “We’re bound for Paris on the next train.”
To be “bound by” a rule or restriction means to be obliged to follow it or to be limited by it. For example, “As a member of the organization, I am bound by the code of ethics.”
To be “bound to” a person or place means to be closely connected to them or to have a strong sense of loyalty or duty towards them. For example, “I am bound to my family and will always put their needs first.”
To “bound someone” can also mean to place them under an obligation or to legally commit them to do something. For example, “The court bound the defendant to pay restitution to the victim.”
Spree
a short period of doing a particular, usually enjoyable, activity much more than is usual:
I went on a drinking/shopping/spending spree on Saturday.
20 people were shot dead in the city, making it the worst killing spree since the riots.
Jenny went on a shopping spree and came back with bags full of clothes, shoes, and accessories.
After finishing his exams, Jack went on a drinking spree with his friends and ended up with a terrible hangover the next day.
Sarah decided to go on a sightseeing spree and visited all the major tourist attractions in Paris in just two days.
Mike went on a spending spree and bought himself a new laptop, a TV, and a gaming console, even though he couldn’t afford it.
Lisa and her friends went on a food spree and tried all the famous restaurants and street food stalls in the city.
To be in for a treat
The phrase “in for a treat” is typically used to convey the idea that someone is about to experience something enjoyable, pleasant, or exciting. It is often used to express anticipation or excitement about an upcoming event or experience.
For example, if a friend tells you that they have a surprise for you, and you respond by saying, “Oh, I’m in for a treat!” you are indicating that you are excited and looking forward to what your friend has in store for you.
Similarly, if someone tells you that they are taking you to their favorite restaurant for dinner, and you respond by saying, “Wow, I’m in for a real treat!” you are expressing enthusiasm and anticipation for the meal you are about to enjoy.
can be said
When something “can be said” as something, it means that the thing in question can be described or expressed in a particular way. This phrase is often used to convey that the description or expression is not definitive or absolute, but rather a possible or reasonable interpretation or characterization.
For example, if someone says “The painting can be said to be an abstract expressionist work,” they are suggesting that one way of describing the painting is as an abstract expressionist work, but that there may be other valid ways of describing it as well.
If little else
The expression “if little else” is used to convey that something has very few positive qualities or advantages, but it has at least one positive quality or advantage that can be recognized. This phrase is often used to acknowledge the limited or unimpressive nature of something, while still giving credit where credit is due.
For example:
“The movie was long and slow, but if little else, the acting was excellent.”
In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that the movie had some flaws, but at least the acting was good.
“The restaurant’s menu was limited and overpriced, but if little else, the service was friendly and attentive.”
In this example, the speaker is pointing out that the restaurant had some shortcomings, but at least the service was good.
“The trip was exhausting and crowded, but if little else, we saw some amazing scenery.”
barring
except if a particular thing happens:
We should arrive at ten o’clock, barring any (= if there are no) unexpected delays.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the project should be completed on time.
The event is open to everyone, barring those who have not registered in advance.
The restaurant serves all types of food, barring any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Barring a miracle, the team is unlikely to win the championship this year.
The park is open to visitors all year round, barring severe weather conditions.
Put a strain
a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage:
The hurricane put such a strain on the bridge that it collapsed.
As you get older, excess weight puts a lot of strain on the heart.
Their constant arguments were putting a strain on their marriage.
The recent decline in the dollar has put a bigger strain on the economic system.
Migration into the cities is putting a strain on already stretched resources.
something that makes you feel nervous and worried:
She’s a lot better than she was but she’s still not ready to face the stresses and strains of a job.
He’s been under a lot of strain recently.
Wear on sb sleeves
To wear something on your sleeve means to openly display or express your emotions, beliefs, or intentions without trying to hide them. The phrase originates from the practice of knights wearing the colors of their lady on their sleeves to show their devotion.
When someone wears their heart on their sleeve, they are not afraid to show their feelings or be vulnerable. For example, if someone wears their passion for a particular cause on their sleeve, it means they openly express their support and dedication to that cause. In contrast, someone who keeps their feelings to themselves and doesn’t express them openly is said to keep them close to their chest.
Have a bearing on sth
to have an influence on something or a relationship to something:
What you decide now could have a considerable bearing on your future.
It was clear that this testimony could have a bearing on the case we were investigating.
The success of each team has a bearing on its finances.
Studies show that height doesn’t appear to have a bearing on a child’s popularity.
The fall in annual profit may have had a bearing on her resignation.
endurance
he ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a long time:
Running a marathon is a test of human endurance.
The pain was bad beyond endurance.
Side hustle
apieceofworkor ajobthat you getpaidfor doing inadditionto doingyourmainjob:
Here are someideasfor asidehustle.
Theseriesisdesignedtoinspirehard-workingcorporateemployeestostartasidehustleif they areinterestedineventuallystartingabusiness.
She works a 9-to-5 job, but she also has a side hustle selling handmade jewelry online.
Many people have a side hustle to earn extra income to pay off debt or save for a specific goal.
The gig economy has made it easier for people to find side hustles that fit their skills and schedule.
He enjoys photography and has turned it into a side hustle, taking pictures for weddings and events.
Some people turn their passion for cooking into a side hustle by starting a catering business or selling their baked goods.
Yet it was not always thus
The expression “Yet it was not always thus” typically implies that something has changed from its previous state. The word “yet” indicates a contrast with the current situation, and “it was not always thus” means that in the past, things were different. This expression is often used to highlight a transformation, a shift, or a development that has taken place over time, and to suggest that the current state is not necessarily the natural or inevitable one.
“The city is now a bustling metropolis with towering skyscrapers and bustling crowds, yet it was not always thus. Just a century ago, it was a small, sleepy town surrounded by farmland.”
“Today, we take the internet for granted, but yet it was not always thus. In the early days of computing, people had to physically connect machines together to share data, and the idea of a global network of interconnected computers was still science fiction.”
“The relationship between the two countries is now friendly and cooperative, yet it was not always thus. For many years, there was deep animosity and mistrust between them, fueled by historical conflicts and political differences.”
indicator
something that shows what a situation is like:
Commodity prices can be a useful indicator of inflation, he claimed.
an economic indicator
artisan
someone who does skilled work with their hands
acquisition
the process of getting something:
The acquisition of huge amounts of data has helped our research enormously.
Their main methods of food acquisition were hunting and fishing.
refinement
the process of making a substance pure:
The refinement of raw opium yields other drugs, such as morphine.
a small change that improves something:
These refinements have increased the machine’s accuracy by 25 percent.
Clearly, the hypothesis does need some refinement, in the light of these surprising results.
In keeping with
doing something you promised or had scheduled:
We all get together for dinner once a month, in keeping with (= following) family tradition.
For example, if someone says “let’s decorate the room in keeping with the theme of the party,” it means they want the room to be decorated in a way that fits with the overall theme or style of the party.
Similarly, if a company has a certain set of values, they may say that their actions are “in keeping with” those values to indicate that their actions align with the company’s beliefs and principles.
Mention
a short remark or written statement:
The story didn’t even get a mention in the newspaper.
When I ordered the catalogue, there was no mention of any payment.
inconvenience
a state or an example of problems or trouble, often causing a delay or loss of comfort:
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the late arrival of the train.
We had the inconvenience of being unable to use the kitchen for several weeks.
Having to wait for ten minutes was a minor inconvenience.
