T Flashcards
(540 cards)
0
Q
at table
A
while taking a meal at a table.
1
Q
keep a tab on/ keep tabs on
A
(informal) to keep under observation.
2
Q
on the table
A
offered for consideration or discussion.
3
Q
tableland
A
(n) a plateau of land.
4
Q
tabloid
A
(n) a newspaper (usually popular in style) with pages that are half the size of larger newspapers.
5
Q
taboo
A
(n) a ban or prohibition on something that is regarded by religion or custom as not to be done or touched or used etc. (adj) prohibited by a taboo, (taboo words). (v) to place under a taboo.
6
Q
tacit
A
(adj) implied or understood without being put into words. Tacitly (adv).
7
Q
taciturn
A
(adj) habitually saying very little. Taciturnity (n).
8
Q
tack (n3,4)(v3)
A
(n)3. The direction of a ship’s course as determined by the position of its sails, a temporary oblique course to take advantage of a wind; (port tack), with the wind on the port side. 4. A course of action or policy, (he is on the wrong tack). (v)3. To add as an extra thing.
9
Q
tackle (v1)
A
(v)1. to grapple with, to try to deal with or overcome (an awkward thing or an opponent or problem); (tackle a person about something), to initiate a discussion with him about an awkward matter.
10
Q
tact
A
(n) skill in avoiding giving offence or in winning goodwill by saying or doing the right thing. Tactful (adj): having or showing tact. Tactfully (adv), tactfulness (n). Tactless (adj): lacking in tact. Tactlessly (adv), tactlessness (n).
11
Q
tactics
A
(n) the art of placing or manoeuvring forces skilfully in a battle (distinguished from ‘strategy’). (pl n): manoeuvring, procedure adopted in order to achieve something.
12
Q
tactile
A
(adj) of or using the sense of touch, (tactile organs).
13
Q
taffeta
A
(n) a shiny silk-like dress fabric.
14
Q
tag (v)
A
(v)(tagged, tagging)1. To label with a tag. 2. To attach, to add as an extra thing. 3. (informal) to follow, to trail behind. Tag along: (informal) to go along with another or others.
15
Q
on a person’s tail
A
following him closely.
16
Q
tail (v)
A
(v)1. To remove the stalks of, (top and tail gooseberries). 2. (slang) to follow closely, to shadow.
17
Q
tail-back
A
(n) a long line of traffic extending back from an obstruction.
18
Q
tail away/ off
A
to become fewer or smaller or slighter; to fall behind in a straggling line; (of remarks etc.) to end inconclusively.
19
Q
taint
A
(n) a trace of some bad quality or decay or infection. (v) to affect with a taint; (tainted meat), slightly decayed.
20
Q
be taken by/ with
A
to find attractive.
21
Q
be taken ill
A
to become ill.
22
Q
take after
A
to resemble (a parent etc.).
23
Q
take against
A
to develop a dislike of.
24
take back
to withdraw (a statement).
25
take-home pay
the amount remaining after tax etc. has been deducted from wages.
26
take in
to accept into one's house etc.; to include; to make (a garment etc.) smaller; to understand; to deceive or cheat (a person); (informal) to visit (a place) en route.
27
take it into one's head
to decide suddenly.
28
take it out of
to exhaust the strength of.
29
take it out on
to work off one's frustration by attacking or maltreating (a person etc.).
30
take life
to kill.
31
take off
to take (clothing etc.) from the body; to mimic humorously; to leave the ground and become airborne; (take oneself off), to depart; (I take off my hat to him), applaud him as admirable. Take-off (n): a piece of humorous mimicry; the process of taking off in flying.
32
take on
to acquire; to undertake (work or responsibility); to engage (an employee); to agree to play against (a person in a game); (informal) to show great emotion, to make a fuss.
33
take out
to escort on an outing; to obtain or get (an insurance policy etc.) issued; (Amer. slang) to destroy, to kill; (take a person out of himself), make him forget his troubles.
34
take over
to take control of (a business etc.). take-over (n): assumption of control (especially of a business).
35
take sides
to support one side or another.
36
take stock
to make an inventory of the stock in a shop etc., to examine one's position and resources.
37
take to
to adopt as a habit or custom or course; to go to as a refuge; to develop a liking or ability for.
38
take up
to take as a hobby or business; to make a protégé of (a person); o occupy (time or space); to begin (residence etc.); to resume at the point where something was left; to interrupt or correct or question (a speaker); to investigate (a matter) further; to shorten (a garment); to accept (an offer etc.); (take a person up on his offer), accept it.
39
taker
(n) a person who takes something (especially a bet), (there were no takers).
40
taking
(adj) attractive, captivating. Takings (pl n): money taken in business, receipts.
41
talisman
(n)(pl talismans) an object supposed to bring good luck.
42
talk down
to silence (a person) by talking loudly or persistently; to bring (a pilot or aircraft) to a landing by radio instructions from the ground.
43
talk down to
to speak to in condescendingly simple language.
44
talk over
to discuss.
45
tall order
(informal) a difficult task.
46
tall story
(informal) one that is difficult to believe.
47
tallow
(n) animal fat used to make candles, soap, lubricants, etc.
48
tally
(n) the reckoning of a debt or score. (v)(tallied, tallying) to correspond, (see that the goods tally with what we ordered).
49
talon
(n) a claw, especially of a bird a prey.
50
tamper
(v) tamper with: to meddle or interfere with, to alter without authority; to influence illegally, to bribe, (tamper with a jury).
51
tandem
(n)1. A bicycle with seats and pedals for two or more people one behind another. 2. An arrangement of people or things one behind another. (adv): one behind another. In tandem: arranged in this way.
52
tang (n1)
(n)1. a strong taste or flavour or smell. Tangy (adj): (tangier, tangiest) having a strong taste or flavour or smell.
53
go off at a tangent
to diverge suddenly from a line of thought etc. or from the matter in hand.
54
tangible
(adj) 1. Able to be perceived by touch. 2. Clear and definite, real, (tangible advantages). Tangibly (adv), tangibility (n).
55
tangle
(v)1. To twist or become twisted into a confused mass. 2. To entangle. 3. To become involved in conflict with. (n) a tangled mass or condition.
56
tankard
(n) a large one-handled drinking vessel, usually of silver or pewter and often with a lid.
57
tantalise
(v) to tease or torment by the sight of something that is desired but kept out of reach or withhold. (in Greek mythology, Tantalus was condemned to stand in Hades surrounded by water and fruit that receded when he tried to reach them).
58
tantamount
(adj) equivalent, (the Queen's request was tantamount to a command).
59
taper off
to make or become less in amount etc. or cease gradually.
60
tapestry
(n) a piece of strong material with a pictorial or ornamental design woven into it or embroidered on it, used for hanging on walls or as an upholstery fabric.
61
be tarred with the same brush
to have the same faults as someone else.
62
tardy
(adj)(tardier, tardiest)1. Slow to act or move or happen. 2. Behind time. Tardily (adv), tardiness (n).
63
tariff
(n)1. A list of fixed charges, especially for rooms and meals etc. at a hotel. 2. Duty to be paid on imports or exports.
64
Tarmac
(n)1. (trade mark) material for surfacing roads etc., consisting of broken stone or slag mixed with tar. 2. An area surfaced with this, especially on an airfield. tarmac (v)(tarmacked, tarmacking) to surface with Tarmac.
65
tarnish
(v)1. To lose or cause (metal) to lose its lustre by exposure to air or damp. 2. To stain or blemish (a reputation etc.). (n) loss of lustre, a stain or blemish.
66
tarpaulin
(n)1. Canvas made waterproof, especially by being tarred. 2. A sheet of this used as a covering.
67
tarry (2)
(v)(tarried, tarrying) (old use) to delay in coming or going.
68
tart (1)
(adj)1. Sharp-tasting, acid. 2. Sharp in manner, biting, (a tart reply). Tartly (adv), tartness (n).
69
tart up
(v)(informal) to dress or decorate gaudily or with cheap smartness; to smarten up.
70
tartan
(n)1. The distinctive pattern of a Highland clan, with coloured stripes crossing at right angles. 2. A similar pattern. 3. Fabric woven in such a pattern.
71
take a person to task
to rebuke him.
72
task force
a group and resources specially organised for a particular task.
73
taskmaster
(n) a person considered with regard to the way in which he imposes tasks, (a hard taskmaster).
74
tassel
(n)1. A bunch of threads tied at one end and hanging loosely, used as an ornament. 2. The tassel-like head of certain plants (eg. maize). Tasselled (adj): ornamented with a tassel or tassels.
75
tasteful
(adj) showing good taste. Tastefully (adv), tastefulness (n). Tasteless (adj)1. Having no flavour. 2. Showing poor taste, (tasteless decorations).
76
taste (n3,v4)
(n)3. A small quantity of food or drink taken as a sample, a slight experience of something, (a taste of fame). (v)4. to experience, (taste the joys of freedom).
77
tatters
(pl n) rags, irregularly torn pieces. Tattered (adj): ragged, torn into tatters.
78
tattle/ tittle-tattle
(v) to chatter or gossip idly, to reveal information in this way. (n) idle chatter or gossip.
79
tatty
(adj)(tattier, tattiest)1. Ragged, shabby and untidy. 2. Tawdry, fussily ornate. Tattily (adv), tattiness (n).
80
taunt
(v) to jeer at, to try to provoke with scornful remarks or criticism. (n) a taunting remark.
81
taut
(adj) stretched firmly, not slack. Tautly (adv). Tauten (v): to make or become taut.
82
tautology
(n) saying the same thing twice over in different words, especially as a fault of style, eg. (they arrived one after the other in succession). Tautological (adj), tautologous (adj).
83
tavern
(n)(old use) an inn or public house.
84
tawdry
(adj)(tawdrier, tawdriest) showy or gaudy but without real value. Tawdrily (adv), tawdriness (n).
85
tawny
(adj) brownish-yellow, brownish-orange.
86
tax (n)
(n)1. A sum of money to be paid by people or business firms to a government, to be used for public purposes. 2. Something that makes a heavy demand, (a tax on one's strength). Taxation (n).
87
taxi (v)
(v)(taxied, taxiing)1. To go or convey in a taxi. 2. (of an aircraft) to move along ground or water under its own power, especially before or after flying.
88
taxonomy
(n) the scientific classification of living things. Taxonomical (adj), taxonomist (n).
89
taxpayer
(n) a person who pays tax (especially income tax).
90
teak
(n)1. The strong heavy wood of a tall evergreen Asian tree, used for making furniture and in shipbuilding. 2. The tree itself.
91
team spirit
willingness to act for the good of one's group rather than oneself.
92
team-work
(n) organised co-operation.
93
tear one's hair
to pull it in anger or despair.
94
in tears
shedding tears.
95
tear-gas
(n) a gas that causes severe irritation of the eyes.
96
tearaway
(n) an impetuous hooligan.
97
tearing (adj)
(adj) violent, overwhelming, (in a tearing hurry).
98
tease (v)
(v)1. To try to provoke in a playful or unkind way by jokes or questions or petty annoyances. 2. To pick (wool etc.) into separate strands. 3. To brush up the nap on (cloth). Teaser (n): (informal) a problem that is difficult to solve.
99
technical
(adj)1. Of the mechanical arts and applied sciences, (a technical education or college). 2. Of a particular subject or craft etc. or it's techniques, (the technical terms of chemistry); (technical skill). 3. (of a book etc.) requiring specialised knowledge, using technical terms. 4. In a strict legal sense, (technical assault). Technically (adv). Technicality (n).
100
technology
(n)1. The scientific study of mechanical arts and applied sciences (eg. engineering). 2. These subjects, their practical application in industry etc. Technological (adj), technologically (adv), technologist (n).
101
tedious
(adj) tiresome because of its length or slowness or dullness, boring. Tediously (adv), tediousness (n). Tedium (n): tediousness.
102
teem
1. (v)1. To be full of, (the river was teeming with fish). 2. To be present in large numbers, (fish teem in that river).
2. (v)(of water or rain etc.) to pour.
103
teeter
(v) to stand or move unsteadily.
104
teetotal
(adj) abstaining completely from alcoholic drinks. Teetotaller (n).
105
telepathy
(n) communication from one mind to another without the use of speech or writing or gestures etc.
106
televise
(v) to transmit by television.
107
tell off
(informal) to reprimand or scold; to count off or detach for duty, (six of us were told off to collect fuel).
108
tell tales
to report what is meant to be secret. Tell-tale (n)1. A person who tells tales. 2. A mechanical device that serves as an indicator. (adj): revealing or indicating something, (a tell-tale blush).
109
telling (adj)
(adj) having a noticeable effect, striking, (a telling argument).
110
temerity
(n) audacity, rashness.
111
temperament
(n) a person's nature as it controls the way he behaves and feels and thinks, (a nervous temperament). Temperamental (adj):1. Of or in a person's temperament. 2. Not having a calm temperament, having fits of excitable or moody behaviour. Temperamentally (adv).
112
temperance
(n)1. Self-restraint in one's behaviour or in eating and drinking. 2. Total abstinence from alcoholic drinks.
113
temperate
(adj)1. Self-restrained in one's behaviour, moderate. 2. (of climate) having a mild temperature without extremes of heat and cold. Temperately (adv).
114
tempest
(n) a violent storm. Tempestuous (adj): stormy, full of commotion.
115
template
(n)1. A pattern or gauge, usually of thin board or metal or of card, used as a guide for cutting metal or stone or wood etc. or pieces of fabric, or for shaping plaster or concrete etc. 2. A timber or metal plate used to distribute weight in a wall or under a beam.
116
temporal
(adj)1. Secular, of worldly affairs as opposed to spiritual. 2. Of or denoting time. 3. Of the temple(s) of the head, (the temporal artery).
117
tempting (adj)
(adj) attractive, inviting, (a tempting offer).
118
tenable
(adj)1. Able to be defended against attack or objection, (a tenable position/ theory). 2. (of an office) able to be held for a certain time or by a certain class of person etc. Tenability (n).
119
tenacious
(adj)1. Holding or clinging firmly to something (eg. rights or principles). 2. (of memory) retentive. 3. Sticking firmly together or to an object or surface. Tenaciously (adv), tenacity (n).
120
tenant
(n)1. A person who rents land or buildings from a landlord. 2. (in law) an occupant or owner of land or a building. Tenancy (n):1. The use of land or buildings as a tenant. 2. The period of this.
121
tender (1)(2)
1. (adj) 1. Not tough or hard, easy to chew, (tender meat). 2. Easily damaged, delicate, (tender plants); (of tender age), young and vulnerable. 3. Sensitive, painful when touched. 4. Easily moved to pity or sympathy, (a tender heart). 5. Loving, gentle. Tenderly (adv), tenderness (n).
2. (v)1. To offer formally, (tender one's resignation). 2. To make a tender (for goods or work). (n) a formal offer to supply goods or carry out work at a stated price; (put work out to tender), ask for such offers. Legal tender: currency that must, by law, be accepted in payment.
122
tenderfoot
(n) a newcomer who is unused to hardships, an inexperienced person.
123
tendril
(n)1. A thread-like part by which a climbing plant clings to a support. 2. A slender curl of hair etc.
124
tenet
(n) a firm belief or principle or doctrine of a person or group.
125
tenner
(n)(informal) £10, a ten-pound note.
126
tensile
(adj)1. Of tension; (tensile strength), resistance to breaking under tension. 2. Capable of being stretched.
127
tentative
(adj) hesitant, not definite, done as a trial, (a tentative suggestion). Tentatively (adv).
128
tenterhook
(n) each of the hooks that hold cloth stretched for drying during its manufacture. On tenterhooks: in a state of suspense or strain because of uncertainty.
129
tenuous
(adj)1. Very thin in form or consistency, (tenuous threads). 2. Having little substance or validity, very slight, (tenuous distinctions). Tenuously (adv), tenuousness (n), tenuity (n).
130
tenure
(n) the holding of office or of land or other permanent property or accommodation etc., the period or manner of this, (freehold tenure); (she was granted security of tenure for six months).
131
tepid
(adj) slightly warm, lukewarm. Tepidity (n).
132
come to terms
to reach an agreement; to reconcile oneself to a difficulty etc., (came to terms with his handicap).
133
terms of reference
the scope of an inquiry or other activity.
134
terminal (adj)
(adj)1. Of or forming or situated at the end or boundary of something. 2. Forming or undergoing the last stage of a fatal disease, (terminal cancer). 3. Of or done each term, (terminal examinations). Terminally (adv).
135
terrace (n)
(n)1. A raised level place, one of a series of these into which a hillside is shaped for cultivation. 2. A flight of wide shallow steps, eg. for spectators at a sports ground. 3. A paved area beside a house. 4. A row of houses joined to each other by party walls. Terrace-house (n): a house forming one of a terrace.
136
terracotta
(n)1. A kind of brownish-red unglazed pottery. 2. Its colour.
137
terrain
(n) a stretch of land, with regard to its natural features.
138
terrestrial
(adj)1. Of the earth. 2. Of or living on land.
139
terrible
(adj)1. Appalling, distressing. 2. Extreme, hard to bear, (the heat was terrible). Terribly (adv).
140
terrific
(adj)(informal)1. Of great size or intensity, (a terrific storm). 2. Excellent, (did a terrific job). Terrifically (adv).
141
territory
(n)1. Land under the control of a ruler or State or city etc. 2. (Territory), a country or area forming part of the USA or Australia or Canada but not ranking as a State or province. 3. An area for which a person has responsibility. 4. A sphere of action or thought. 5. An area claimed or dominated by one person or group or animal and defended against others. Territorial waters: the sea within a certain distance of a country's coast and subject to its control.
142
terror-stricken
(adj) stricken with terror.
143
terrorism
(n) use of violence and intimidation, especially for political purposes. Terrorist (n). Terrorise (v).
144
terse
(adj) concise, curt. Tersely (adv), terseness (n).
145
put to the test
to cause to undergo a test.
146
stand the test
to undergo it successfully.
147
testify
(v)(testified, testifying)1. To bear witness to (a fact etc.), to give evidence. 2. To be evidence of.
148
testimony
(n)1. A declaration or statement (especially one made under oath). 2. Evidence in support of something.
149
tetchy
(adj) peevish, irritable. Tetchily (adv), tetchiness (n).
150
tête-à-tête
(n) a private conversation, especially between two people. (adv & adj) together in private.
151
tether
(n) a rope or chain by which an animal is fastened while grazing. (v) to fasten (an animal) with a tether. At the end of one's tether: having reached the limit of one's endurance.
152
thanks to
on account of, as the result of.
153
thank (v)
(v) to express gratitude to; (he has only himself to thank), it is his own fault.
154
thankless
(adj) not likely to win thanks, (a thankless task).
155
thatch
(n)1. A roof or roof-covering made of straw or reeds or palm-leaves. 2. (informal) a thick growth of hair on the head. (v) to roof or cover with thatch, to make (a roof) of thatch. Thatcher (n).
156
thaw
(v)1. To pass into a liquid or unfrozen state after being frozen. 2. To become warm enough to melt ice etc. or to lose numbness. 3. To become less cool or less formal in manner. 4. To cause to thaw. (n) thawing, weather that thaws ice etc.
157
theatrical
(adj)1. Of or for the theatre. 2. (of behaviour) exaggerated and designed to make a showy effect. Theatrically (adv). Theatricals (pl n): theatrical performances; theatrical behaviour.
158
thence
(adv) from that place or source.
159
thenceforth/ thenceforward
(advs) from then on.
160
theology
(n) the study of religion, a system of religion. Theological (adj), theologically (adv).
161
theoretical
(adj) based on theory not on practice or experience. Theoretically (adv).
162
therapeutic
(adj) of the healing of disease, curative. Therapeutically (adv). Therapeutics (n): medical treatment of disease.
163
therapy
(n)1. Any treatment designed to relieve or cure an illness or disability. 2. Physiotherapy, psychotherapy. Therapist (n).
164
thereabouts
(adv)1. Somewhere near there. 2. Somewhere near that number or quantity or time etc.
165
thereafter
(adv) after that.
166
thereby
(adv) by that means; (thereby hangs a tale), there is something that could be told about that.
167
thereupon
(adv) in consequence of that, immediately after that.
168
thesis
(n) (pl theses)1. A statement or theory put forward and supported by arguments. 2. A lengthy written essay submitted by a candidate for a university degree.
169
thick-skinned
(adj) not very sensitive to criticism or snubs.
170
thick-witted
(adj) stupid.
171
through thick and thin
in spite of all the difficulties.
172
thicken
(v) to make or become thicker or of a stiffer constituency; (the plot thickens), becomes more complicated.
173
thicket
(n) a number of shrubs and small trees etc. growing close together.
174
thickset
(adj)1. With parts set or growing close together, (a thickset hedge). 2. Having a stocky or burly body.
175
thimble
(n) a small metal or plastic cap worn on the end of the finger to protect it and push the needle in sewing.
176
thin out
to make or become fewer or less crowded; (thin out seedlings), remove a few to improve the growth of the rest.
177
thin-skinned
(adj) over-sensitive to criticism or snubs.
178
thine
(adj & possessive pronoun) (old use) of or belonging to thee, the thing(s) belonging to thee.
179
do one's own thing
(informal) to follow one's own interests or urges.
180
have a thing about
(informal) to have an obsession or prejudice about.
181
the thing
what is conventionally proper or is fashionable; what is important or suitable, (that bowl is just the thing for roses).
182
thingumajig, thingummy, thingumabob
(ns)(informal) what-d'you-call-it, what's-his-name.
183
think better of it
to change one's mind after reconsideration.
184
think nothing of
to consider unremarkable.
185
think out
to analyse or produce by thought.
186
think over
to reach a decision about by thinking.
187
think-tank
(n) an organisation providing advice and ideas on national and commercial problems.
188
think twice
to consider very carefully before doing something.
189
think up
(informal) to invent or produce by thought.
190
third party
another person etc. besides the two principal ones involved.
191
third-rate
(adj) very inferior in quality.
192
Third World
the developing countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, considered as not politically aligned with Communist or Western nations.
193
thirst
(n)1. The feeling caused by a desire or need to drink. 2. A strong desire, (a thirst for adventure). (v) to feel a thirst.
194
this and that
various things
195
thither
(adv)(old use) to or towards that place.
196
thong
(n) a narrow strip of hide or leather used as a fastening or lash etc.
197
thorny
(adj)(thornier, thorniest)1. Having many thorns. 2. Like a thorn. 3. Troublesome, difficult to deal with, (a thorny problem).
198
thoroughbred
(adj)(especially of a horse) bred of pure or pedigree stock. (n) a thoroughbred animal.
199
thoroughfare
(n) a public way open at both ends. No thoroughfare: (as a notice) this road is private or is obstructed.
200
thoughtful
(adj)1. Thinking deeply, often absorbed in thought. 2. (of a book or writer or remark etc.) showing signs of careful thought. 3. Showing thought for the needs of others, considerate. Thoughtfully (adv), thoughtfulness (n). Thoughtless (adj)1. Not alert to possible effects or consequences. 2. Inconsiderate. Thoughtlessly (adv), thoughtlessness (n).
201
thrash
(v)1. To beat with a stick or whip. 2. To defeat thoroughly in a contest. 3. To thresh. 4. To hit with repeated blows like a flail, to make violent movements. Thrash out: to discuss thoroughly.
202
thread one's way
to make one's way through a crowd or streets etc.
203
threadbare
(adj)1. (of cloth) with the nap worn off and threads visible. 2. Wearing threadbare or shabby clothes.
204
thresh
(v)1. To beat out or separate (grain) from husks of corn. 2. To make violent movements, (threshing about).
205
threshold
(n)1. A piece of wood or stone forming the bottom of a doorway. 2. Th entrance of a house etc. 3. The point of entry or beginning of something, (on the threshold of a new era). 4. The lowest limit at which a stimulus becomes perceptible. 5. The highest limit at which pain etc. is bearable.
206
thrifty
(adj)(thriftier, thriftiest) practising thrift, economical. Thriftily (adv), thriftiness (n).
207
thrive
(v)(throve, thrived, thriving)1. To grow or develop well and vigorously. 2. To prosper, to be successful, (a thriving industry).
208
throb
(v)(throbbed, throbbing)1. (of the heart or pulse etc.) to beat with more than usual force or rapidity. 2. To vibrate or sound with a persistent rhythm; (a throbbing wound), one giving pain in a steady rhythm. (n) throbbing.
209
throes
(pl n) severe pangs of pain. In the throes of: (informal) struggling with the task of, (in the throes of spring-cleaning).
210
throng
(n) a crowded mass of people. (v) 1. To come or go or press in a throng. 2. To fill (a place) with a throng.
211
throttle
(n) a valve controlling the flow of fuel or steam etc. to an engine, the lever or pedal operating this. (v) to strangle. Throttle back/ down: to obstruct the flow of fuel or steam and reduce the speed of (an engine).
212
through and through
through again and again; thoroughly, completely.
213
throughput
(n) the amount of material processed.
214
throw-back
(n) an animal etc. showing characteristics of an ancestor that is earlier than its parents.
215
throw in
to include (a thing) with what one is selling, without additional charge; to put in (a remark) casually or as an addition.
216
throw in the towel/ throw up the sponge
to admit defeat or failure and abandon a contest or effort. (from the practice of admitting defeat in a boxing-match by throwing into the air the sponge used between rounds.)
217
throw off
to manage to get rid of or become free from, (throw off a cold/ throw off one's pursuers); to compose easily as if without effort, (threw off a few lines of verse).
218
throw oneself into
to engage vigorously in.
219
throw out
to put out suddenly or forcibly; to expel (a troublemaker etc.); to build as a projecting part or thing; to throw away; to reject; to confuse or distract (a person).
220
throw together
to bring (people) casually into association.
221
throw up
to raise quickly or suddenly; to bring to notice, (his researches threw up some interesting facts); to resign from, (throw up one's job); to vomit.
222
thrush (1)
any of several songbirds, especially one with a brownish back and speckled breast.
223
thrust
(v)(thrust, thrusting)1. To push forcibly. 2. To make a forward stroke with a sword etc. 3. To put forcibly into a position or condition, to force the acceptance of, (some have greatness thrust upon them). (n)1. A thrusting movement or force. 2. A hostile remark aimed at a person. Thruster (n).
224
thug
(n) a vicious or brutal ruffian. Thuggery (n).
225
thumb a lift
to obtain a lift by signalling with one's thumb, to hitch-hike.
226
thumb-nail sketch
a brief description of something.
227
thumb one's nose
to cock a snook.
228
thumbs up
a gesture of satisfaction. Thumbs down: a gesture of rejection.
229
under a person's thumb
completely under his influence.
230
be all thumbs
to be very clumsy at handling things.
231
steal a person's thunder
to forestall him by using his ideas or words etc. before he can do so himself. (from the remark of a dramatist when the stage thunder intended for his play was taken and used for another.)
232
thump
(v) to beat or strike or knock heavily (especially with the fist), to thud. (n) a heavy blow, a dull sound made by this.
233
thunderbolt
(n)1. An imaginary destructive missile thought of as sent to earth with a lightning-flash. 2. A very startling and formidable event or statement.
234
thwack
(v) to strike with a heavy blow. (n) a heavy blow, the sound of this.
235
thwart
(v) to prevent (a person) from doing what he intends, to prevent (a plan etc.) from being accomplished. (n) an oarsman's bench across a boat.
236
tiara
(n)1. A woman's ornamental crescent-shaped head-dress, worn on ceremonial occasions. 2. The pope's diadem, pointed at the top and surrounded by three crowns.
237
tick off
to mark with a tick; (slang) to reprimand.
238
tick over
(of an engine) to idle; (of activities) to continue in a routine way.
239
what makes a person tick
what makes him behave as he does.
240
tickle
(v)1. To touch or stroke lightly so as to cause a slight tingling sensation, usually with involuntary movement and laughter. 2. To feel this sensation, (my foot tickles). 3. To amuse, to please (a person's vanity or sense of humour etc.). (n) the act or sensation of tickling. Ticklish (adj)1. Sensitive to tickling. 2. (of a problem) requiring careful handling.
241
tide a person over
to help him through a difficult period by providing what he needs.
242
tidings
(pl n) news.
243
tie-breaker
(n) a means of deciding the winner when competitors have tied.
244
tie in
to link or (of information or facts) to agree or be connected with something else.
245
tie up
to fasten with a cord etc.; to invest or reserve (capital etc.) so that it is not readily available for use; to make restrictive conditions about (a bequest etc.); to occupy (a person) so that he has no time for other things. Tie-up (n): a connection, a link.
246
tier
(n) any of a series of rows or ranks or units of a structure placed one above the other. Tiered (adj): arranged in tiers.
247
tiff
(n) a petty quarrel.
248
tiffin
(n) the midday meal in India etc.
249
in a tight corner/ spot
in a difficult situation.
250
tight-fisted
(adj) stingy.
251
tight-lipped
(adj) keeping the lips firmly together, compressed to restrain one's emotion or comments; grim-looking.
252
tighten one's belt
to content oneself with less food etc. when supplies are scarce.
253
till (1)(3)
1. (v) to prepare and use (land) for growing crops.
| 3. (n)1. A cash-register. 2. A receptacle for money behind the counter in a shop or bank etc.
254
at full tilt
at full speed, with full force.
255
timber
(n)1. Wood prepared for use in building or carpentry. 2. Trees suitable for this. 3. A piece of wood or a wooden beam used in constructing a house or ship. Timber-line (n): the level of land above which no trees grow.
256
timbre
(n) the characteristic quality of the sound produced by a particular voice or instrument.
257
Timbuctoo
(n) a very remote place. (from Timbuktu in West Africa.)
258
in no time
in an instant, very rapidly.
259
time-consuming
(adj) occupying much time.
260
time-honoured
(adj) honoured because of long tradition or custom.
261
the time of one's life
a period of exceptional enjoyment.
262
times (pl n)
(pl n) contemporary circumstances and customs, (times are bad); (a sign of the times).
263
timeless
(adj)1. Not to be thought of as having duration. 2. Not affected by the passage of time.
264
timely
(adj) occurring at just the right time, (a timely warning). Timeliness (n).
265
timorous
(adj) timid. Timorously (adv), timorousness (n).
266
tincture
(n)1. A solution consisting of a medicinal substance dissolved in alcohol, (tincture of quinine). 2. A slight tinge or trace of some element or quality. (v) to tinge.
267
tinder
(n) any dry substance that catches fire easily. Tinder-box (n): a metal box formerly used in kindling a fire, containing dry material that caught fire from a spark produced by flint and steel.
268
tinge
(v)1. To colour slightly, (tinged with pink). 2. To give a slight trace of some element or quality to, (their admiration was tinged with envy). (n) a slight colouring or trace.
269
tinker
(n)1. A travelling mender of pots and pans. 2. A spell of tinkering, (have a tinker at it). (v) to work at something casually, trying to repair or improve it.
270
tinsel
(n) a glittering metallic substance used in strips or threads to give an inexpensive sparkling effect. Tinselled (adj).
271
on the tip of one's tongue
just about to be spoken or remembered.
272
tip off
to give an advance warning or hint or inside information to (a person). Tip-off (n): advance or inside information etc.
273
tip the balance/ scale
to be just enough to cause one scale-pan to go lower than the other; to be the deciding factor for or against something.
274
tipple
(v) to drink (wine or spirits etc.), to be in the habit of drinking. (n) (informal) alcoholic or other drink.
275
tipsy
(adj) slightly drunk, showing or caused by slight intoxication, (a tipsy lurch). Tipsily (adv), tipsiness (n).
276
tirade
(n) a long angry or violent piece of criticism or denunciation.
277
tireless
(adj) not tiring easily, having inexhaustible energy. Tirelessly (adv).
278
tiresome
(adj) annoying.
279
tit
1. (n) any of several small birds, often with a dark top to the head.
2. (n) tit for tat: an equivalent given in retaliation for an injury etc.
280
Titan
(n) a person of great size or strength or importance. (the Titans were a race of giants in Greek mythology.)
281
titbit
(n) a choice bit of something, eg. of food or gossip or information.
282
tithe
(n) one tenth of the annual produce of agriculture etc., formerly paid as tax to support clergy and church. Tithe-barn (n): a barn built to store tithes.
283
titillate
(v) to excite or stimulate pleasantly. Titillation (n).
284
title-role
(n) the part in a play etc. from which the title is taken, eg. the part of Hamlet in the play of that name.
285
titled
(adj) having a title of nobility, (titled ladies).
286
titter
(n) a high-pitched giggle. (v) to give a titter.
287
titular
(adj)1. Of or belonging to a title. 2. Having the title of ruler etc. but without real authority, (the titular head of the State).
288
tizzy
(n)(slang) a state of nervous agitation or confusion, (in a tizzy).
289
T-junction
(n) a junction where one road or pipe etc. meets another but does not cross it, forming the shape of a T.
290
toing and froing
going to and fro.
291
toady
(n) a person who flatters and behaves obsequiously to another in the hope of gain or advantage for himself. (v) (toadied, toadying) to behave as a toady.
292
toast-master
(n) a person who announces the toasts at a public dinner etc.
293
toddy
(n) a sweetened drink of spirits and hot water.
294
to-do
(n) a fuss or commotion.
295
be on one's toes
to be alert or eager.
296
toe-hold
(n) a slight foothold.
297
toe the line
to conform (especially under compulsion) to the requirements of one's group or party.
298
toff
(n)(slang) a distinguished or well-dressed person.
299
toffee-nosed
(adj)(slang) snobbish, pretentious.
300
tog
(v)(togged, togging)(slang) tog up/ out: to dress. Togs (pl n): (slang) clothes.
301
toil
(v)1. To work long or laboriously. 2. To move laboriously, (we toiled up the hill). (n) hard or laborious work. Toiler (n). Toil-worn (adj): worn by toil, showing marks of this.
302
token
(n)1. A sign or symbol or evidence of something, (a token of our esteem). 2. A keepsake or memorial of friendship etc. 3. A voucher or coupon that can be exchanged for goods, (book token). 4. A device like a coin bought for use with machines etc. or for making certain payments. (adj) serving as a token or pledge but often on a small scale, (token resistance). By the same token: similarly, moreover.
303
toll
1. (n)1. A tax or duty paid for use of a public road or harbour etc. or for service rendered. 2. The loss or damage caused by a disaster or incurred in achieving something; (the death toll in the earthquake), the number of deaths it caused. Take its toll: to be accompanied by loss or injury etc. Toll-gate (n), toll-bridge (n): a gate or bridge at which a toll is charged. Toll-house (n): a house occupied by the collector of tolls on a road etc.
2. (v)1 to ring (a bell) with slow strokes, especially for a death or funeral. 2. (of a bell) to sound in this way, to indicate by tolling. (n) the stroke of a tolling bell.
304
any Tom, Dick or Harry
(n)(usually contemptuous) any ordinary person, one taken at random.
305
tom
(n) a male animal, a tom-cat. Tom-cat (n): a male cat.
306
tome
(n) a book or volume, especially a large heavy one.
307
tomfool
(adj) extremely foolish. (n) an extremely foolish person. Tomfoolery (n).
308
ton (n4)
(n)4. (informal) a large amount, (tons of money).
309
tone down
to make or become softer in tone of sound or colour; to make (a statement) less strong or harsh.
310
tone up
to make or become brighter or more vigorous or intense.
311
toneless
(adj) without positive tone, not expressive. Tonelessly (adv).
312
tongue (n3-6)
(n)3. The ability to speak or manner of speaking, (a persuasive tongue); (have lost one's tongue), be too bashful or surprised to speak. 4. A language, (his native tongue is German). 5. A projecting strip or flap. 6. A tapering jet of flame.
313
tongue-tied
(adj) silent because of shyness or embarrassment; unable to speak normally because the ligament connecting the tongue to e base of the mouth is abnormally short.
314
with one's tongue in one's cheek
speaking with sly sarcasm.
315
tongued
(adj)1. Having a tongue. 2. Having a specified manner of speaking, (sharp-tongued).
316
tonic
(n)1. A medicine with an invigorating effect, taken after illness or weakness. 2. Anything that restores people's energy or good spirits. 3. A keynote in music. 4. Tonic water. (adj) having the effect of a tonic, toning up the muscles etc. Tonic water: mineral water, especially if slightly flavoured with quinine.
317
fight tooth and nail
to fight very fiercely.
318
put teeth into
to make (a law or regulation) able to be applied effectively.
319
on top
above; in a superior position; in addition.
320
on top of
in addition to; having mastered (a thing) thoroughly; (be on top of the world), very happy.
321
top-heavy
(adj) over-weighted at the top and therefore in danger of falling over.
322
top-notch
(adj) (informal) first-rate.
323
top out
to complete a building by adding the highest stone.
324
topiary
(n) the art of clipping shrubs etc. into ornamental shapes. (adj) of or involving this art.
325
topical
(adj) having reference to current events. Topically (adv), topicality (n).
326
topography
(n) the features of a place or district, the position of its rivers, mountains, roads, buildings, etc. Topographical (adj).
327
topple
(v)1. To fall headlong or as if top-heavy, to totter and fall. 2. To cause to do this. 3. To overthrow, to cause to fall from authority, (the crisis toppled the government).
328
topsy-turvy
(adv & adj)1. in or into a state of great disorder. 2. Upside down.
329
tor
(n) a hill or rocky peak, especially in Devon and Cornwall.
330
torment
1. (n)1. Severe physical or mental suffering. 2. Something causing this.
2. (v)1. To subject to torment. 2. To tease or try to provoke by annoyances etc. Tormentor (n).
331
torpedo
(n)(torpedoes) a cigar-shaped explosive underwater missile, launched against a ship from a submarine or surface ship or aircraft. (v)1. To destroy or attack with a torpedo. 2. To ruin or wreck (a policy or conference etc.) suddenly.
332
torpid
(adj) sluggish and inactive. Torpidly (adv), torpidity (n). Torpor (n): a torpid condition.
333
torrent
(n)1. A rushing stream of water or lava. 2. A downpour of rain. 3. A violent flow, (a torrent of words). Torrential (adj): like a torrent.
334
torrid
(adj)(of climate or land) very hot and dry. Torrid zone: the tropics.
335
torsion
(n)1. Twisting, especially of one end of a thing while the other is held fixed. 2. The state of being spirally twisted. Torsional (adj).
336
tort
(n) (in law) any private or civil wrong (other than breach of contract) for which the wronged person may claim damages.
337
torte
(n) a kind of rich round layer cake.
338
tortuous
(adj)1. Full of twists and turns. 2. (of policy etc.) devious, not straightforward. Tortuously (adv), tortuosity (n).
339
toss off
to drink off rapidly; to finish or compose rapidly or without much thought or effort.
340
toss up
to toss a coin; to prepare (food) hastily. Toss-up (n): the tossing of a coin; an even chance.
341
tot up
(informal) to add up, (tot this up); (it tots up to £20). Totting-up (n): the adding of separate items, especially of convictions for driving offences to cause disqualification.
342
totalitarian
(adj) of a form of government in which no rival parties or loyalties are permitted, usually demanding total submission of the individual to the requirements of the State.
343
totter
(v)1. To walk unsteadily. 2. To rock or shake as if about to collapse. (n) an unsteady or shaky walk or movement. Tottery (adj).
344
in touch with
in communication with; having interest in or information about.
345
out of touch
no longer in touch with a person or subject etc.
346
touch-and-go
(adj) uncertain as regards result.
347
touch bottom
to reach the worst point of misfortune etc.
348
touch off
to cause to explode; to cause to start, (his arrest touched off a riot).
349
touch on
to deal with or mention (a subject) briefly.
350
touch up
to improve (a thing) by making small alterations or additions.
351
touch wood
to touch something made of wood, in superstitious or humorous hope that this will avert ill luck.
352
touching
(adj) rousing kindly feelings or sympathy or pity. (prep) concerning. Touchingly (adv).
353
touchstone
(n) a standard or criterion by which something is judged. (alloys of gold and silver were formerly tested by being rubbed against a fine-grained stone such as black jasper.
354
touchy
(adj)(touchier, touchiest) easily offended. Touchiness (n).
355
tough
(adj)1. Difficult to break or cut or chew. 2. Able to endure hardship, not easily hurt or damaged or injured. 3. Unyielding, stubborn, resolute; (get tough with a person), to adopt a firm attitude in dealing with him. 4. Difficult, (a tough job). (n) a rough and violent person, (young toughs). Toughly (adv), toughness (n). Tough-minded (adj): realistic and not sentimental. Toughen (v).
356
toupee
(n) a wig, an artificial patch of hair worn to cover a bald spot.
357
tourniquet
(n) a device or a strip of material drawn tightly round a limb to stop the flow of blood from an artery by compressing it.
358
tousle
(v) to make (hair etc.) untidy by ruffling it.
359
tout
(v)1. To try busily to obtain orders for one's goods or services, (touting for custom). 2. To pester people to buy, (touting information). (n) a person who touts things, a tipster touting information about racehorses etc.
360
in tow
being towed; (informal) following behind, under one's charge, (he arrived with his family in tow).
361
tower block
a very tall block of flats or offices
362
tower of strength
a person who gives strong and reliable support
363
towering
(adj)1. Very tall, lofty. 2.(of rage etc.) extreme, intense.
364
go to town
(informal) to do something lavishly or with great enthusiasm.
365
town planning
preparation of plans for the regulated growth and improvement of towns.
366
townscape
(n)1. A picture of a town. 2. The general appearance of a town.
367
townspeople
(n) the people of a town. (also 'townsfolk')
368
toy with
(v) to handle or finger idly; to deal with or consider without seriousness.
369
in one's tracks
(slang) where one stands, instantly.
370
keep/ lose track of
to keep (/ fail to keep) oneself informed about.
371
tracker dog
a police dog tracking by scent.
372
tract
1. (n)1. A large stretch of land. 2. A system of connected parts in an animal body along which something passes, (the digestive tract).
2. (n) a pamphlet containing a short essay, especially in a religious subject.
373
tractable
(adj) easy to manage or deal with, docile. Tractability (n).
374
traction
(n)1. Pulling or drawing a load along a surface. 2. A continuous pull on a limb etc. in medical treatment.
375
trade (n)
(n)1. Exchange of goods for money or other goods. 2. Business of a particular kind, (the tourist trade). 3. Business carried on to earn one's living or for profit (distinguished from a profession), a skilled craft. 4. The people engaged in a particular trade, (we sell cars to the trade, not to private buyers). 5. A trade wind.
376
trade in
to give (a used article) as partial payment for another article. Trade-in: (n) an article given in this way.
377
trade mark
a manufacturer's or trader's registered emblem or name etc. used to identify his goods.
378
trade off
to give (a thing) in return for something else, especially in making a compromise. Trade-off: (n) something given in this way.
379
trade on
to make great use of for one's own advantage, (trading on his brother's reputation).
380
trade secret
a technique used in the trade but kept from being generally known.
381
trade union
an organised association of employees engaged in a particular type of work, formed to protect and promote their common interests.
382
traffic warden
an official who assists police in controlling the movement and parking of road vehicles.
383
tragicomedy
(n) a play with both tragic and comic elements.
384
trail
(v) 1. To drag or be dragged along behind, especially on the ground. 2. To hang or float loosely, (of a plant) to grow lengthily downwards or along the ground. 3. To move wearily, to lag or straggle. 4. To be losing in a game or other contest. 5. To diminish or become fainter, (he voice trailed away). 6. To follow the trail of, to track.
(n) 1. something that trails or hangs trailing. 2. A line of people or things following behind something. 3. A mark left where something has passed, a trace, (vandals left a trail of wreckage); (a snail's slimy trail). 4. A track or scent followed in hunting. 5. A beaten path, especially through a wild region.
385
in train
in preparation, (put matters in train for the election).
386
in training
undergoing training for a sport; physically fit as a result of this.
387
traipse
(v)(informal) to trudge.
388
trait
(n) a characteristic.
389
traitor
(n) a person who behaves disloyally, one who betrays his country. Traitress (n), traitorous (adj).
390
trajectory
(n) the path of a bullet or rocket etc. or of a body moving under certain forces.
391
trammel
(n) a kind of drag-net for catching fish. (v)(trammelled, trammelling) to hamper. Trammels (pl. n.): things that hamper one's activities.
392
tramp
(v) 1. To walk with heavy steps. 2. to travel on foot across (an area), (tramping the hills). 3. To trample, (tramp it down).
(n) 1. The sound of heavy footsteps. 2. A long walk, (went for a tramp). 3. A person who goes from place to place as a vagrant. 4. A cargo boat that does not travel on a regular route.
393
trample
(v) to tread repeatedly with heavy or crushing steps, to crush or harm in this way.
394
trance
(n)1. A sleep-like state, eg. that induced by hypnosis. 2. A dreamy state in which a person is absorbed with his thoughts.
395
transact
(v) to perform or carry out (business). Transactor (n).
396
transatlantic
(adj)1. On or from the other side of the Atlantic. 2. Crossing the Atlantic, (a transatlantic flight).
397
transcend
(v)1. To go or be beyond the range of (human experience or belief or powers of description etc.). 2. to surpass. Transcendent (adj), transcendental (adj).
398
transfigure
(v) to make a great change in the appearance of, especially to something nobler or more beautiful, (her face was transfigured by happiness).
399
transfix
(v)1. To pierce with or impale on something sharp-pointed. 2. to make (a person) motionless with fear or astonishment etc.
400
transgress
(v)1. To break (a rule or law etc.), to go beyond (a limitation). 2. (old use) to sin. Transgression (n), transgressor (n).
401
transient
(adj) passing away quickly, not lasting or permanent. (n) a temporary visitor or worker etc. Transience (n).
402
transit
(n)1. The process of going or conveying or being conveyed across or over or through, (the goods were delayed in transit). 2. the apparent passage of a heavenly body across the disc of the sun or a planet or across the meridian of a place.
(v)(transited, transiting) to make a transit across.
Transition (n), transitional (adj), transitory (adj).
403
transmogrify
(v)(transmogrified, transmogrifying) (humorous) to transform, especially in a magical or surprising way. Transmogrification (n).
404
transpire
(v)1. (of information etc.) to leak out, to become known, (no details of the contract were allowed to transpire). 2.(incorrect use) to happen, (we'll see what transpires). 3. (of plants) to give off watery vapour from the surface of leaves etc. Transpiration (n).
405
transverse
(adj) lying or acting in a crosswise direction. Transversely (adv).
406
trappings
(pl n) ornamental accessories or accompaniments, (he had all the trappings of high office but very little power).
407
trash
(n)1. Worthless stuff, rubbish. 2. Worthless people. Trashy (adj).
408
traumatic
(adj)1. Of or causing trauma (a wound or injury; emotional shock producing a lasting effect upon a person). 2. (informal, of an experience) very unpleasant.
409
travail
(n)(old use) painful or laborious effort.
410
traverse (v)
(v) to travel or lie or extend across. Traversal (n).
411
travesty
(n) an absurd or inferior imitation, (his trial was a travesty of justice). (v)(travestied, travestying) to make or be a travesty of.
412
trawl
(n) a large wide-mouthed fishing-net dragged along the bottom of the sea etc. by a boat. (v)1. To fish with a trawl or seine. 2. To catch by trawling. Trawler (n): a boat used in trawling.
413
treacherous
(adj)1. Behaving with or showing treachery (betrayal of a person or cause, an act of disloyalty). 2. Not to be relied on, deceptive, not giving a firm support, (the roads were icy and treacherous). Treacherously (adv), treacherousness (n).
414
tread on air
to walk buoyantly because of happiness.
415
tread on a person's corns / toes
(informal) to offend or vex him.
416
treadmill
(n)1. A wide mill-wheel turned by the weight of people treading on steps fixed round its edge, formerly worked by prisoners as a punishment. 2. Tiring monotonous routine work.
417
treason
(n) treachery towards one's country or its ruler (eg. by plotting the sovereign's death or engaging in war against him).
418
treasure trove
gold or silver coins or plate or bullion found hidden and of unknown ownership; something very useful or desirable that a person finds.
419
treatise
(n) a written work dealing systematically with one subject.
420
treaty
(n)1. A formal agreement between two or more countries. 2. A formal agreement between people, especially for the purchase of property at a price agreed between buyer and seller (not by auction).
421
trek
(n) a long arduous journey. (v)(trekked, trekking) to make a trek.
422
trellis
(n) a light framework of crossing wooden or metal bars, used to support climbing plants.
423
tremendous
(adj)1. Immense. 2. (informal) excellent, (gave a tremendous performance). Tremendously (adv).
424
tremor
(n)1. A slight shaking or trembling movement, a vibration; (an earth tremor), a slight earthquake. 2. A thrill of fear or other emotion. Tremulous (adj): 1. Trembling from nervousness or weakness. 2. Easily made to quiver. Tremulously (adv).
425
trench coat
a belts coat or raincoat with pockets and flaps like those of a military uniform coat.
426
trenchant
(adj)(of comments or policies etc.) penetrating, strong and effective, (trenchant criticisms or reforms).
427
trend
(n) the general direction that something take, a continuing tendency, (the trend of prices is upwards). Trendy (adj)(trendier, trendiest)(informal) up to date, following the latest trends of fashion. Trendily (adv), trendiness (n).
428
trepidation
(n) a state of fear and anxiety, nervous agitation.
429
triad
(n)1. A group or set of three. 2. A Chinese secret organisation.
430
on trial
undergoing a trial; on approval.
431
tribe
(n)1. A racial group (especially in a primitive or nomadic culture) living as a community under one or more chiefs. 2. A set or class of people, a flock, (he despises the whole tribe of politicians). Tribesman (n).
432
tribulation
(n) great affliction, a cause of this.
433
tribunal
(n) a board of officials appointed to make a judgement or act as arbitrators on a particular problem or on problems of a certain kind.
434
tribute
(n)1. Something said or done or given as a mark of respect or admiration etc. 2. An indication of the effectiveness of, (his recovery is a tribute to the doctors' skill). 3. Payment that one country or ruler was formerly obliged to pay to a more powerful one. Pay tribute to: to express respect or admiration for.
435
trice
(n) in a trice: in an instant.
436
do the trick
(informal) to achieve what is required.
437
trickle
(v)1. To flow or cause to flow in a thin stream. 2. To come or go slowly or gradually, (people trickled into the hall). (n) a trickling flow, a small amount coming or going slowly, (a trickle of information).
438
trickster
(n) a person who tricks or cheats people.
439
tricky
(adj)(trickier, trickiest)1. Crafty, deceitful. 2. Requiring skilful handling, (a tricky task). Trickiness (n).
440
trifle
(n)1. Something of only slight value or importance. 2. A very small amount, especially of money, (it cost a mere trifle). 3. A sweet dish make of sponge-cake soaked in wine or jelly etc. and topped with custard and cream. (v): to behave or talk frivolously. Trifler (n). Trifle with: to toy with; to treat casually or without due seriousness.
441
trifling
(adj) trivial.
442
trigger-happy
(adj) apt to shoot on slight provocation.
443
trigger off
to set in action, to be the immediate cause of.
444
trimmings
(pl n) pieces cut off when something is trimmed; the usual accompaniments of something, extras.
445
trinket
(n) a small fancy article or piece of jewellery.
446
trip up
to stumble or cause to stumble; to make a slip or blunder, to cause (a person) to do this so as to detect him in an error or inconsistency.
447
tripper
(n) a person who goes on a pleasure trip. Trippery (adj).
448
trite
(adj)(of a phrase or opinion) commonplace, hackneyed.
449
triumvirate
(n) a ruling group of three persons.
450
trivial
(adj) of only small value or importance. Trivially (adv), triviality (n).
451
trochee
(n) a metrical foot with one long or stressed syllable followed by one short or unstressed syllable. Trochaic (adj).
452
trompe-l'oeil
(n) a painting etc. designed to make the spectator think that the objects represented are real.
453
tropic
(n) a line of latitude 23deg27' north of the equator (tropic of Cancer) or the same latitude south of it (tropic of Capricorn); the tropics: the region between these, with a hot climate. (adj)1. Of the tropics. 2. Of or showing tropism (the turning movement of an organism in response to an external stimulus), (a tropic response). Tropical (adj).
454
trot out
(informal) to produce, to bring out for inspection or approval etc., (trotted out the same old excuse).
455
take trouble
to use much care and effort in doing something; (take the trouble to do something), exert oneself to do it.
456
trouble-maker
(n) a person who habitually stirs up trouble.
457
trouble-shooter
(n) a person employed to trace and correct faults in machinery etc. or to act as a mediator in disputes.
458
trouble-spot
(n) a place where trouble frequently occurs.
459
trounce
(v)1. To thrash. 2. To defeat heavily.
460
trousseau
(n) a bride's collection of clothing etc. to begin married life.
461
truce
(n) an agreement to cease hostilities temporarily.
462
have no truck with
to have no dealings with.
463
truculent
(adj) defiant and aggressive. Truculently (adv), truculence (n).
464
trudge
(v) to walk laboriously. (n) a trudging walk.
465
true-blue
(adj) completely true to one's principles, firmly loyal.
466
truism
(n)1. A statement that is obviously true, especially one that is hackneyed, eg. (nothing lasts for ever). 2. a statement that merely repeats an idea already implied in one of its words, eg. (there is no need to be unnecessarily careful).
467
trump-card
(n) a card of the trump suit; a valuable resource, a means of gaining what one wants.
468
trump up
to invent (an excuse or accusation etc.) fraudulently.
469
turn up trumps
(informal) to turn out successfully; to behave with great kindness or generosity.
470
truncate
(v) to shorten by cutting off the top or end. Truncation (n).
471
truncheon
(n) a short thick stick carried as a weapo, especially by police.
472
trundle
(v) to roll along, to move along heavily on a wheel or wheels.
473
trunk-road
(n) an important main road.
474
truss (v)
(v)1. To tie securely. 2. To support (a roof or bridge etc.) with trusses.
475
on trust
accepted without investigation; on credit, (they bought goods on trust).
476
trusty
(adj)(old use) trustworthy, (his trusty sword).
477
try (v4,5)
(v)4. To be a strain on, (small print tries the eyes). 5. To examine and decide (a case or issue) in a lawcourt, to hold a trial of (a person), (he was tried for murder).
478
try one's hand
to attempt something for the first time.
479
try one's luck
to attempt something to see if one can be successful.
480
try out
to test by use.
481
trying
(adj) putting a strain on one's temper or patience, annoying.
482
tsunami
(n)(pl tsunamis) 1. A large sea-wave caused by an earthquake in the bed of the sea or by the eruption of a volcano. 2. An exceptionally large tidal wave.
483
tubby
(adj)(tubbier, tubbiest) short and fat. Tubbiness (n).
484
tubing
(n) tubes, a length of tube.
485
tuck in/ into
(slang) to eat food heartily.
486
tuck-shop
(n) a shop selling tuck ((slang) food, especially sweets and cakes and pastry etc. that children enjoy) to schoolchildren.
487
tuft
(n) a bunch of threads or grass or feathers or hair etc. held or growing together at the base. (v) to make depressions in (a mattress or cushion) by stitching tightly through it at a number of points, so as to hold the stuffing in place.
488
tumbledown
(adj) falling or fallen into ruin, dilapidated.
489
tumour
(n) an abnormal mass of new tissue growing on or in the body.
490
tumult
(n)1. An uproar. 2. A state of confusion and agitation, (her mind was in a tumult). Tumultuous (adj): making a tumult, (tumultuous applause).
491
tundra
(n) the vast level treeless Arctic regions where the subsoil is frozen.
492
tunic
(n)1. A close-fitting jacket worn as part of a uniform. 2. A loose garment reaching to the hips or knees.
493
tuppence/ twopence
(n) the sum of two pence; (don't care twopence), care hardly at all.
494
tuppenny/ twopenny
(adj) costing or worth twopence. Twopenny-halfpenny (adj): insignificant, almost worthless.
495
turbid
(adj)1. (of liquids) muddy, not clear. 2. Confused, disordered, (a turbid imagination). Turbidly (adv), turbidity (n).
496
turbulent
(adj)1. In a state of commotion or unrest, (of air or water) moving violently and unevenly. 2. Unruly. Turbulently (adv), turbulence (n).
497
turmoil
(n) a state of great disturbance or confusion.
498
at every turn
in every place; continually.
499
in turn
in succession.
500
not turn a hair
to show no agitation.
501
out of turn
before or after one's turn; (speak out of turn), to speak in an indiscreet or presumptuous way.
502
turn in
to hand in; to deliver as a score etc.; (informal) to go to bed; (informal) to abandon as a plan or work.
503
turn off
to enter a side-road; to stop the flow or operation of by turning a tap or switch; (informal) to cause to lose interest.
504
turn on
to start the flow or operation of by turning a tap or switch; (informal) to excite (a person); to depend on.
505
turn one's back to
to abandon.
506
turn out
to expel; to turn off (an electric light etc.); to equip or dress, (well turned out); to produce by work; to empty and search or clean, (turn out the attic); (informal) to come out; to call (a military guard) from the guard-room; to prove to be, to be eventually, (see how things turn out).
507
turn over
to hand over; to transfer; to consider carefully, (turn in over in your mind).
508
turn tail
to run away.
509
turn the corner
to pass a critical point safely, eg. in an illness.
510
turn the tables
to reverse a situation and put oneself in a superior position.
511
turn turtle
to capsize.
512
turn up
to discover or reveal; to be found; to make one's appearance; to happen or present itself; to increase the volume or flow of (sound or gas or heat etc.) by turning a knob or tap; (informal) to sicken, to cause to vomit.
513
turning-point
(n) a point at which a decisive change takes place.
514
turnover
(n)1. Turning over. 2. A small pasty in which a piece of pastry is folded over so as to enclose filling. 3. The amount of money turned over in a business. 4. The rate at which goods are sold. 5. The rate at which workers leave and are replaced, (a rapid turnover of staff).
515
turnpike
(n)(old use & Amer.) a toll-gate, a road with toll-gates.
516
turpitude
(n) wickedness.
517
turps
(n)(informal) turpentine.
518
turquoise
(n)1. A sky-blue precious stone. 2. Sky-blue or greenish-blue colour. (adj): of this colour.
519
turret
(n)1. A small tower-like projection on a building or defensive wall. 2. A low usually revolving structure protecting a gun and gunners in a ship or aircraft or fort or tank. 3. A rotating holder for various dies and cutting-tools in a lathe or drill etc. Turreted (adj).
520
tussle
(n) a struggle, a conflict. (v) to take part in a tussle.
521
tutelage
(n)1. Guardianship. 2. Instruction.
522
twaddle
(n) nonsense.
523
twain
(adj & n)(old use) two.
524
tweed
(n) a twilled usually woollen material, often woven of mixed colours. Tweedy (adj).
525
tweezers
(pl n) small pincers for picking up or pulling very small things.
526
twerp
(n)(slang) a stupid or insignificant person.
527
twiddle
(v) to twirl or handle aimlessly, to twist (a thing) quickly to and fro. (n)1. A slight twirl. 2. A twirled mark or sign. Twiddly (adj). Twiddle one's thumbs: to twist them round each other idly for lack of occupation.
528
twine
(n) strong thread or string made of two or more strands twisted together. (v) to twist, to wind or coil.
529
twinge
(n) a slight or brief pang.
530
twit (2)
(n)(slang) a foolish or insignificant person.
531
twitch
(v)1. To pull with a light jerk. 2. To quiver or contract spasmodically. (n) a twitching movement.
532
twitter
(v)1. To make a series of light chirping sounds. 2. To talk rapidly in a anxious or nervous way. (n) twittering.
533
be in two minds
to be undecided.
534
twosome
(n) two people together, a couple or pair.
535
tycoon
(n) a wealthy and influential businessman or industrialist, a magnate.
536
type-cast
(v)(type-cast, type-casting) to cast (an actor) in the kind of part which he has the reputation of playing successfully or which seems to fit his personality.
537
typical
(adj)1. Having the distinctive qualities of a particular type of person or thing, serving as a representative specimen, (a typical Scotsman). 2. Characteristic, (he answered with typical curtness). Typically (adv).
538
typify
(v)(typified, typifying) to be a representative specimen of.
539
tyrant
(n) a ruler or other person who uses his power in a harsh or oppressive way, one who insists on absolute obedience.
