W Flashcards
(332 cards)
0
Q
wade
A
(v)1. To walk through water or mud or anything that prevents the feet from moving freely, to walk across (a stream etc.) in this way. 2. To make one’s way slowly and with difficulty.
1
Q
wad
A
(n) 1. A lump or bundle of soft material used to keep things apart or in place, stop up a hole, etc. 2. A collection of documents or banknotes placed together. (v)(wadded, wadding) to line or stuff or protect with wadding (soft, fibrous material used for padding or packing or lining things).
2
Q
waffle (1)
A
1.(n) (informal) vague wordy talk or writing. (v)(informal) to talk or write waffle.
3
Q
waft
A
(v) to carry or travel lightly and easily through the air or over water. (n) a wafted odour.
4
Q
wag (1)
A
1.(v)(wagged, wagging) to shake or move briskly to and fro; (tongues are wagging), talk or gossip is going on. (n) a single wagging movement.
5
Q
wage
A
1.(v) to engage in, (wage war). 2. (n) wages (pl n): a regular payment to an employee in return for his work or services.
6
Q
wager
A
(n) a bet. (v) to bet.
7
Q
waif
A
(n) a homeless and helpless person, an unowned or abandoned child.
8
Q
waiting game
A
deliberate delay in taking action so as to act more effectively later.
9
Q
wait on
A
to hand food and drink to (a person or persons) at a meal; to fetch and carry for (a person) as an attendant; (formal) to pay a respectful visit to (a person).
10
Q
waive
A
(v) to refrain from using or insisting upon (one’s right or claim or privilege etc.), to forgo or dispense with. Waiver (n): the waiving of a legal right, a document recording this.
11
Q
wake (2,3)
A
- (n) (Irish) a watch by a corpse before burial, lamentations and merry-making in connection with this.
- (n)1. The track left on water’s surface by a ship etc. 2. Air-current left behind an aircraft etc. moving through air. In the wake of: behind; following.
12
Q
wakeful
A
(adj) 1. (of a person) unable to sleep. 2. (of a night etc.) with little sleep.
13
Q
walk away with
A
(informal) to win easily. Walk off with: (informal) to win easily, (walked off with the first prize); to steal.
14
Q
walk of life
A
social rank, profession or occupation.
15
Q
walk out
A
to go for walks with a person in courtship; to depart suddenly and angrily; to go on strike suddenly. Walk-out: (n) a sudden angry departure, especially as a protest or strike.
16
Q
walk out on
A
to desert, to leave in the lurch.
17
Q
walk-over
A
(n) an easy victory or achievement.
18
Q
walk tall
A
to feel justifiable pride.
19
Q
walkabout
A
(n)1. (Austral.) an Aboriginal’s wandering in the bush. 2. An informal stroll among a crowd by a visiting royal person etc.
20
Q
walker
A
(n)1. A person who walks. 2. A framework for a person (eg. a baby or a crippled person) who is unable to walk without support.
21
Q
drive/send a person up the wall
A
(informal) to make him crazy or furious.
22
Q
go to the wall
A
to suffer defeat or failure or ruin.
23
Q
wallflower
A
(n)1. A garden-plant blooming in spring, with clusters of fragrant flowers. 2. (informal) a woman sitting out dances for lack of partners.
24
wallop
(v)(walloped, walloping) (slang) to thrash, to hit hard, to beat. (n)(slang)1. A heavy resounding blow. 2. Beer or other drink. Walloping (adj) (slang) big, thumping, (a walloping lie). (n)(slang) a beating, a defeat.
25
wallow
(v) 1. To roll about in water or mud or sand etc. 2. To indulge oneself or take unrestrained pleasure in something, (wallowing in luxury). (n) the act of wallowing.
26
Wall Street
the American money-market. The name of a street in New York City, in or near which the chief American financial institutions are concentrated.
27
wan
(adj)(wanner, wannest) pallid, especially from illness or exhaustion; (a wan smile), a faint smile from a person who is ill or tired or unhappy. Wanly (adv), wanness (n).
28
wanderlust
(n) a strong desire to travel.
29
wane
(v)1. (of the moon) to show a gradually decreasing area of brightness after being full. 2. To decrease in vigour or strength or importance, (his influence was waning). On the wane: waning.
30
wangle
(v)(slang) to obtain or arrange by using trickery or improper influence or persuasion etc. (n)(slang) an act of wangling.
31
want (n)
(n)1. A desire for something, a requirement, (a man of few wants). 2. Lack or need of something, deficiency. 3. Lack of the necessaries of life, (living in great want).
32
wanted
(adj) (of a suspected criminal) being sought by the police for questioning or arrest.
33
wanting (adj)
(adj) lacking, deficient, not equal to requirements.
34
wanton
(adj) irresponsible, lacking proper restraint or motives.
35
on the war-path
seeking hostile confrontation or revenge.
36
war-game
(n) a game in which models representing troops etc. are moved about on maps; a military training exercise with mock battles.
37
war of nerves
an effort to wear down one's opponent by gradually destroying his morale.
38
warble
(v) to sing, especially with a gentle trilling note as certain birds do. (n) a warbling sound.
39
ward
(n)1. A room with beds for a particular group of patients in a hospital. 2. A division especially of a city or town, electing a councillor to represent it. 3. A person under the care of a guardian or the protection of a lawcourt. 4. One of the notches and projections in a key (or the corresponding parts in a lock) designed to prevent the lock from being opened by a key other than the right one. (v) ward off: to keep at a distance (a person or thing that threatens danger), to fend off.
40
warder
(n) an official in charge of prisoners in a prison. Wardress (n).
41
ware (1)
1. (n) manufactured goods (especially pottery) of the kind specified, (delftware). Wares (pl n): articles offered for sale, (traders displayed their wares).
42
warfare
(n) making war, fighting, a particular form of this, (guerilla warfare).
43
warhead
(n) the explosive head of a missile or torpedo or similar weapon.
44
warm to
to become cordial or well-disposed to (a person); to become more animated about (a task).
45
warp
(v)1. To cause (timber etc.) to become bent by uneven shrinkage or expansion, to become bent in this way. 2. To distort (a person's judgement or principles). 3. To arrange (threads) as a warp in a loop. (n)1. A warped condition. 2. Threads stretched lengthwise in a loom, to be crossed by the weft.
46
warrant
(n) 1. Written authorisation to do something, (the police have a warrant for his arrest). 2. A voucher entitling the holder to receive certain goods or services, (a travel warrant). 3. A justification or authorisation for an action etc., (he had no warrant for saying this). 4. A proof or guarantee.
(v) 1. To serve as a warrant for, to justify, (nothing can warrant such rudeness). 2. To prove or guarantee.
47
warranty
(n)1. A guarantee, especially one given to the buyer of an article and involving a promise to repair defects that become apparent in it within a specified period. 2. Authority or justification for doing something.
48
warren
(n)1. A piece of ground in which there are many burrows in which rabbits live and breed. 2. A building or district with many narrow winding passages.
49
wary
(adj)(warier, wariest) cautious, in the habit of looking out for possible danger or difficulty. Warily (adv), wariness (n).
50
wash dirty linen in public
to discuss one's family scandals or quarrels publicly.
51
wash one's hands of
to refuse to take responsibility for.
52
wash out
to wash (clothes etc.); to make (a game etc.) impossible by heavy rainfall; (informal) to cancel. Wash-out (n): (slang) a complete failure.
53
wash up
to wash (crockery etc.) after use; to cast up on the shore; (Amer.) to wash oneself; (be washed up), (slang) to have failed, to be ruined.
54
waspish
(adj) snappish, making sharp comments. Waspishly (adv).
55
waste breath/ words
to talk uselessly.
56
wastrel
(n) a good-for-nothing person.
57
on the watch
alert for something.
58
watch one's step
to be careful not to stumble or fall or do something wrong.
59
watchman
(n)(pl watchmen) a man employed to look after an empty building etc. at night.
60
water-biscuit
(n) an unsweetened biscuit made from flour and water.
61
water-butt
(n) a barrel used to catch rain-water.
62
water down
to dilute; to make less forceful or vivid.
63
water-line
(n) the line along which the surface of water touches a ship's side.
64
water-table
(n) the level below which the ground is saturated with water.
65
water-way
(n) a route for travel by water, a navigable channel.
66
waterfront
(n) the part of a town that borders on a river or lake or sea.
67
watering-place
(n)1. A pool where animals go to drink water. 2. A spa or seaside resort.
68
waterlogged
(adj)1. (of timber or a ship) saturated or filled with water so that it will barely float. 2. (of ground) so saturated with water that it is useless or unable to be worked.
69
Waterloo
(n) meet one's Waterloo: to lose a decisive contest. (From the name of the village in Belgium where Napoleon was defeated in 1815.
70
watermark
(n)1. A mark showing how high a river or tide rises or how low it falls. 2. A manufacturer's design in some kinds of paper, visible when the paper is held against light.
71
watershed
(n)1. A line of high land where streams on one side flow into one river or sea and streams on the other side flow into another. 2. A turning-point in the course of events. 3. A catchment area.
72
watertight
(adj)1. Made or fastened so that water cannot get in or out. 2. (of an excuse or alibi) impossible to set aside or disprove, (of an agreement) leaving no possibility of escape from its provisions.
73
watery grave
death by drowning.
74
wave aside
to dismiss (an objection etc.) as unimportant or irrelevant.
75
wave down
to signal (a vehicle or its driver) to stop, by waving one's hand.
76
wavelet
(n) a small wave.
77
waver
(v)1. To be or become unsteady, to begin to give way, (his courage wavered). 2. (of light) to flicker. 3. To show hesitation or uncertainty, (he wavered between two opinions). Waverer (n).
78
wax (2)
2. (v)1. (of the moon) to show a bright area that is becoming gradually larger until it becomes full. 2. To increase in vigour or strength or importance, (kingdoms waxed and waned). 3. (old use) to become, (they waxed fat).
79
waxwork
(n) an object modelled in wax, especially a model of a person with the face etc. made in wax, clothed to look life-like and to be exhibited.
80
by way of
as a substitute for or a form of, (smiled by way of greeting).
81
in no way
not at all.
82
look the other way
deliberately ignore a person or thing.
83
way-out
(adj) exaggeratedly unusual in style, exotic.
84
wayfarer
(n) a traveller, especially on foot.
85
waylay
(v) (waylaid, waylaying) to lie in wait for, especially so as to talk to or rob.
86
wayside
(n) the side of a road or path, land bordering this.
87
wayward
(adj) childishly self-willed, not obedient or easily controlled. Waywardness (n).
88
weak-kneed
(adj) giving way weakly, especially when intimidated.
89
weak-minded
(adj) lacking determination.
90
weakling
(n) a feeble person or animal.
91
weakness
(n)1. The state of being weak. 2. A weak point, a defect or fault. 3. Inability to resist something, a particular fondness, (a weakness for coffee creams).
92
weal
(n) a ridge raised on the flesh by a stroke of a rod or whip.
93
wean
(v)1. To accustom (a baby) to take food other than milk. 2. To cause (a person) to give up a habit or interest etc. gradually.
94
weaponry
(n) weapons collectively.
95
wear (v)
(v) (wore, worn, wearing) 1. To have on the body, eg. as clothing or ornaments or make-up; (he wears his hair long), keeps it that way. 2. To have (a certain look) on one's face, (wearing a frown). 3. To injure the surface of or become injured by rubbing or stress or use, to make (a hole etc.) in this way. 4. To exhaust or overcome by persistence, (wore down the opposition). 5. To endure continued use, (this fabric wears well). 6. (of time) to pass gradually, (the night wore on).
96
wear off
to remove or be removed by wear; to become gradually less intense.
97
wear one's heart on one's sleeve
to show one's affections quite openly.
98
wear out
to use or be used until no longer usable.
99
wear the trousers
(of a wife) to dominate her husband.
100
weary
(adj) (wearied, weariest) 1. Very tired, especially from exertion or endurance. 2. Tired of something, (weary of war). 3. Tiring, tedious. (v) (wearied, wearying) to make or become weary. Wearily (adv), weariness (n).
101
under the weather
feeling unwell or depressed.
102
weather-beaten
(adj) bronzed or damaged or worn by exposure to weather.
103
weatherman
(n) (pl weathermen) a meteorologist, especially one who broadcasts a weather forecast.
104
weave (v3,4)
(v) (wove, woven, weaving) 3. To put together into a connected whole, to compose (a story etc.) 4. To move from side to side in an intricate course, (weaving his way through the crowd).
105
web
(n)1. The network of fine strands made by a spider etc. 2. A network, (a web of deceit). 3. Skin filling the spaces between the toes of birds such as ducks and animals such as frogs. Webbed (adj).
106
webbing
(n) strong bands of woven fabric used in upholstery, belts, etc.
107
wedge
(n) 1. A piece of wood or metal etc. thick at one end and tapered to a thin edge at the other, thrust between things to force them apart or prevent free movement etc. 2. A wedge-shaped thing, (a wedge of cake).
(v) 1. To force apart or fix firmly by using a wedge. 2. To thrust or pack tightly between other things or people or in a limited space, to be immovable because of this.
108
wedlock
(n) the married state; (born out of wedlock), illegitimate.
109
wee
(adj) 1. (Scottish) little, (wee Georgie). 2. (informal) tiny, (it's a wee bit too long).
110
weed out
to remove as inferior or undesirable.
111
weedy
(adj)1. Full of weeds. 2. Thin and weak-looking.
112
weeny
(adj) (informal) tiny.
113
weepy
(adj) (informal) inclined to weep, tearful.
114
weevil
(n) a kind of small beetle that feeds on grain, nuts, tree-bark, etc.
115
weigh anchor
to raise the anchor and start a voyage.
116
weigh down
to bring or keep down by its weight; to depress or make troubled, (weighed down with cares).
117
weigh one's words
to select carefully those that convey exactly what one means.
118
weigh up
(informal) to assess, to form an estimate of.
119
throw one's weight about
(informal) to use one's influence aggressively.
120
weight (v)
(v) 1. To attach a weight to, to hold down with a weight or weights. 2. To burden with a load. 3. To bias or arrange the balance of, (the test was weighted in favour of candidates with scientific knowledge).
121
weighty
(adj) (weightier, weightiest) 1. Having great weight, heavy. 2. Burdensome. 3. Showing or deserving earnest thought. 4. Important, influential. Weightily (adv).
122
weld
(v)1. To unite or fuse (pieces of metal) by hammering or pressure, usually after softening by heat. 2. To make by welding. 3. To be able to be welded. 4. To unite into a whole. (n) a joint made by welding. Welder (n).
123
Welfare State
A country seeking to ensure the welfare of all its citizens by means of social services operated by the State.
124
well (v)
(v) to rise or spring, (tears welled up in her eyes).
125
be well away
to have started and made considerable progress.
126
let well alone
to leave things as they are and not meddle unnecessarily.
127
well-advised
(adj) showing good sense.
128
well-being
(n) good health, happiness, and prosperity.
129
well-bred
(adj) showing good breeding, well-mannered; (of a horse etc.) of good breed or stock.
130
well-connected
(adj) related to good families.
131
well-disposed
(adj) having kindly or favourable feelings (towards a person or plan etc.)
132
well-heeled
(adj)(informal) wealthy.
133
well-intentioned
(adj) having or showing good intentions.
134
well-judged
(adj)(of an action) showing good judgement or tact or aim.
135
well-meaning, well-meant
(adjs) acting or done with good intentions but not having a good effect.
136
well off
in a satisfactory or good situation; fairly rich. Well-to-do: (adj) fairly rich.
137
well-read
(adj) having read much literature.
138
well-spoken
(adj) speaking in a polite and correct way.
139
well-tried
(adj) often tested with good result.
140
well-wisher
(n) a person who wishes another well.
141
well-worn
(adj) much worn by use; (of a phrase) much used, hackneyed.
142
wellnigh
(adv) almost.
143
wellington
(n) a boot of rubber or similar waterproof material, usually reaching almost to the knee.
144
welt (n3)
(n)3. a weal, the mark of a heavy blow.
145
welterweight
(n) a boxing weight (67 kg) between lightweight and middleweight.
146
wench
(n)(old use) a girl or young woman.
147
wend
(v) wend one's way: to go.
148
wet blanket
a gloomy person who prevents others from enjoying themselves.
149
a whale of a
(informal) an exceedingly great or good, (had a whale of a time).
150
whaling
(n) hunting whales.
151
wharf
(n)(pl wharfs) a landing stage where ships may moor for loading and unloading.
152
what have you / what not
other similar things.
153
what's what
what things are useful or important etc., (she knows what's what).
154
what with
on account of (various causes), (what with overwork and undernourishment he fell ill).
155
wheedle
(v) to coax, to persuade or obtain by coaxing.
156
at the wheel
driving a vehicle or directing a ship's course; in control of affairs.
157
wheeling and dealing
(Amer.) scheming so as to exert influence.
158
wheeze
(v) to breathe with an audible hoarse whistling sound. (n) the sound of wheezing. Wheezy (adj).
159
whelp
(n) a young dog, a pup. (v) to give birth to (a whelp or whelps).
160
whence
(adv & conj) from where, from what place or source, from which.
161
whereabouts
(adv) in or near what place. (n or pl n) a person's or thing's approximate location, (his whereabouts is or are uncertain).
162
whereby
(adv) by which.
163
wherein
(adv) in what, in which.
164
whereupon
(adv) after which, and then.
165
wherewithal
(n)(informal) the things (especially money) needed for a purpose.
166
whet
(v)(whetted, whetting) 1. To sharpen by rubbing against a stone etc. 2. To stimulate, (whet one's appetite or interest).
167
whey
(n) watery liquid left when milk forms curds, eg. in cheese-making.
168
whiff
(n) a puff of air or smoke or odour.
169
while away
to pass (time) in a leisurely or interesting manner.
170
whim
(n) a sudden fancy, a sudden unreasoning desire or impulse. Whimsy (n): a whim.
171
whimper
(v) to whine softly, to make feeble frightened or complaining sounds. (n) a whimpering sound.
172
whimsical
(adj)1. Impulsive and playful. 2. Fanciful, quaint. Whimsically (adv), whimsicality (n).
173
whine
(v)1. To make a long high complaining cry like that of a child or dog. 2. To make a long high shrill sound resembling this. 3. To complain in a petty or feeble way, to utter complainingly. (n) a whining cry or sound or complaint. Whiner (n), whiny (adj).
174
whinge
(v)(whinged, whinging) (dialect or Austral.) to whine, to grumble persistently. (n) a whine or grumble.
175
whinny
(n) a gentle or joyful neigh. (v) (whinnied, whinnying) to utter a whinny.
176
whip up
to incite, to stir up, (whip up support).
177
whipper-snapper
(n) a young and insignificant person who behaves in a presumptuous way.
178
whippy
(adj) flexible, springy.
179
whirl
(v)1. To swing or spin round and round, to cause to have this motion. 2. To travel swiftly in a curved course. 3. To convey or go rapidly in a vehicle, (the car whirled them away). (n)1. A whirling movement. 2. A confused state, (her thoughts were in a whirl). 3. A bustling activity, (the social whirl).
180
whirligig
(n)1. A spinning or whirling toy. 2. A merry-go-round.
181
whirr
(v) to make a continuous buzzing or vibrating sound like that of a wheel etc. turning rapidly. (n) this sound.
182
whistle-stop
(n)(Amer.) a brief stop (during a tour made by a politician etc.) eg. for purposes of electioneering.
183
whit
(n) the least possible amount, (not a whit better).
184
white-collar worker
a worker who is not engaged in manual labour (eg. an office worker).
185
white elephant
a useless possession.
186
white lie
a harmless lie (eg. one told for the sake of politeness).
187
White House
The official residence (in Washington) of the President of the USA.
188
White Paper
a report issued by the government to give information on a subject.
189
Whitehall
(n) the British Government. (From the name of a London street where there are many Government offices.)
190
whitewash
(n)1. A liquid containing quicklime or powdered chalk used for painting walls, ceilings, etc. 2. A means of glossing over mistake or faults so as to clear someone's reputation. (v)1. To paint with whitewash. 2. To gloss over the faults or failures of.
191
whither
(adv)(old use) to what place.
192
whittle
(v)1. To trim or shape (wood) by cutting thin slices from the surface. 2. To reduce by removing various amounts, (whittle down the cost by cutting out all but the essential items).
193
whiz-kid
(n)(informal) an exceptionally brilliant or successful young person.
194
whoa
(int.) a command to a horse etc. to stop or stand still.
195
whodunit
(n)(informal) a detective or mystery story or play etc. (Humorous representation do the incorrect phrase 'who done it?')
196
wholesale
(n) the selling of goods in large quantities to be retailed by others. (adj & adv)1. In the wholesale trade. 2. On a large scale, (wholesale destruction). (v) to sell in the wholesale trade. Wholesaler (n).
197
wholesome
(adj) good for physical or mental health or moral condition, showing a healthy condition. Wholesomeness (n).
198
wholly
(adv) entirely, with nothing excepted or removed.
199
whoop
(v) to utter a loud cry of excitement. (n) this cry.
200
whoopee
(int.) an exclamation of exuberant joy.
201
whopper
(slang) (n) something very large. Whopping (adj)(slang): very large.
202
whore
(n) a prostitute, a sexually immoral woman.
203
wick
(n) a length of thread in the centre of a candle or oil-lamp or cigarette-light etc. by which the flame is kept supplied with melted grease or oil.
204
wicker
(n) thin canes or osiers woven together as material for making furniture or baskets etc. Wickerwork (n).
205
wide-eyed
(adj) with eyes opened widely in amazement or innocent surprise.
206
wide open
(of a place) exposed to attack; (of a contest) with no contestant who can be predicted as a certain winner.
207
widespread
(adj) found or distribute over a wide area.
208
widower
(n) a man whose wife has did and who has not married again.
209
wield
(v)1. To hold and use (a weapon or tool etc.) with the hands. 2. To have and use (power).
210
wigwam
(n) a hut or tent made by fastening skins or mats over a framework of poles, as formerly used by American Indians.
211
run wild
to grow or live without being checked or disciplined or restrained.
212
wild-goose chase
a useless search, a hopeless quest.
213
Wild West
the western States of the USA during the period when they were lawless frontier districts.
214
wildcat
(adj)1. Reckless or impracticable especially in business and finance, (wildcat schemes). 2. (of strikes) unofficial and irresponsible.
215
spread like wildfire
(of rumours etc.) to spread very fast.
216
wile
(n) a piece of trickery intended to deceive or attract someone.
217
wilful
(adj)1. Done with deliberate intention and not as an accident, (wilful murder). 2. Self-willed, obstinate, (a wilful child). Wilfully (adv), wilfulness (n).
218
at will
whenever one pleases, (he comes and goes at will).
219
willies
(pl n) the willies: (slang) nervous discomfort.
220
will-o'-the-wisp
(n) a hope or aim that lures a person on but can never be fulfilled.
221
willowy
(adj)1. Full of willow trees. 2. Slender and supple.
222
willy-nilly
(adv) whether one desire it or not.
223
wily
(adj)(wilier, wiliest) full of wiles, crafty, cunning. Wiliness (n).
224
wince
(v) to make a slight involuntary movement from pain or distress or embarrassment etc. (n) a wincing movement.
225
winch
(n) a machine for hoisting or pulling things by means of a cable which winds round a revolving drum or wheel. (v) to hoist or pull with a winch.
226
get wind of
to hear a hint or rumour of.
227
in the wind
happening or about to happen.
228
like the wind
very swiftly.
229
take the wind out of a person's sails
to take away his advantage suddenly, to frustrate him by anticipating his arguments etc.
230
wind-cheater
(n) a sports jacket of thin but wind-proof material fitting closely at the waist and cuffs.
231
wind-sock
(n) a tube-shaped piece of canvas open at both ends, flown at an airfield to show the direction of the wind.
232
wind-swept
(adj) exposed to strong winds.
233
windfall
(n)1. An apple or pear etc. blown off a tree by the wind. 2. A piece of unexpected good fortune, especially a sum of money acquired.
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window-box
(n) a trough fixed outside a window, for growing plants and flowers.
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window-dressing
(n) the displaying of goods attractively in a shop window; presentation of facts so as to create a favourable impression.
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window on the world
a means of observing and learning about people of other countries.
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under one's wing
under one's protection.
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wink (n)
1. A act of winking. 2. A brief period of sleep, (didn't sleep a wink).
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winnings
(pl n) money won in betting or at cards etc.
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winnow
(v)1. To expose (grain) to a current of air by tossing or fanning it so that the loose dry outer part is blown away, to separate (chaff) in this way. 2. To sift or separate from worthless or inferior elements, (winnow out the truth from the falsehoods).
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winsome
(adj) having an engagingly attractive appearance or manner.
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wintry
(adj)1. Of or like winter, cold, (wintry weather). 2. (of a smile etc.) chilly, lacking warmth or vivacity.
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wipe out
to cancel; to destroy completely, (the whole army was wiped out).
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get one's wires crossed
to become confused and misunderstand.
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wire-tapping
(n) the tapping of telephone wires.
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wiry
(adj)(wirier, wiriest) 1. Like wire. 2. (of a person) lean but strong. Wiriness (n).
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be none the wiser
to know no more than before; to be unaware of what has happened.
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wisecrack
(n)(informal) a witty or clever remark. (v)(informal) to make a wisecrack.
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wishful
(adj) desiring. Wishful thinking: a belief that is founded on what one wishes to be true rather than on fact.
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wishy-washy
(adj) weak or feeble in colour, character, etc., lacking strong or positive qualities.
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wisp
(n)1. A small separate bunch or bundle of something, (wisps of hair). 2. A small streak of smoke or cloud etc. 3. A small thin person. Wispy (adj).
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wistful
(adj) full of sad or vague longing. Wistfully (adv), wistfulness (n).
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at one's wits' end
at the end of one's mental resources, not knowing what to do.
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wit(1)
(n)1. The ability to combine words or ideas etc. ingeniously so as to produce a kind of clever humour that appeals to the intellect. 2. A witty person. 3. Intelligence, understanding, (use your wits).
Witted: (adj) having wits of a certain kind, (quick-witted).
Witticism: (n) a witty remark.
Witty: (adj)(wittier, wittiest) full of wit. Wittily (adv), wittiness (n).
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scared out of one's wits
crazy with fear.
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witch-hunt
(n) a search to find and destroy or persecute people thought to be witches, or others suspected of holding unorthodox or unpopular views.
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be with child
(old use) to be pregnant.
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I'm not with you
(informal) I cannot follow your meaning.
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with it
(informal) up-to-the-minute, capable of understanding and appreciating current fashions and ideas.
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withdrawn
(adj)(of a person) unresponsive, unsociable.
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wither
(v)1. To make or become shrivelled, to lose or cause to lose freshness and vitality. 2. To subdue or overwhelm by scorn, (withered him with a glance).
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withhold
(v)(withheld, withholding)1. To refuse to give or grant or allow, (withhold permission). 2. To hold back, to restrain, (we could not withhold our laughter).
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withstand
(v)(withstood, withstanding) to endure successfully.
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witless
(adj) foolish, unintelligent.
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wittingly
(adv) knowing what one does, intentionally.
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wizard
(n)1. A male witch, a magician. 2. A person with amazing abilities, (a financial wizard). (adj)(slang) wonderful, excellent. Wizardry (n).
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wizened
(adj) full of wrinkles, shrivelled with age, (a wizened face).
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woe
(n)1. Sorrow, distress. 2. Trouble causing this, misfortune.
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woebegone
(adj) looking unhappy.
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wolf in sheep's clothing
a person who appears friendly or harmless but is really an enemy.
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wolf-whistle
(n) a whistle uttered by a man in admiration of a woman's appearance.
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Women's Lib
a movement urging the liberation of women from domestic duties and from a subordinate role in society and business etc.
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women's rights
the right of women to have a position of legal and social equality with men.
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wonky
(adj)(slang) shaky, unsteady.
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wonted
(adj) customary, (he listened with his wonted courtesy).
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woo
(v)(wooed, wooing)1. (old use) to court (a woman). 2. To try to achieve or obtain, (woo fame or success). 3. To seek the favour of, to try to coax or persuade, (wooing customers into the shop).
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can't see the wood for the trees
cannot get a clear view of the whole because of too many details.
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out of the wood
clear of danger or difficulty.
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woodcraft
(n) knowledge of woodland conditions, especially that used in hunting.
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wooden
(adj)1. Made of wood. 2. Stiff and unnatural in manner, showing no expression or animation. Woodenly (adv).
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pull the wool over someone's eyes
to deceive him.
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woolly
(adj)(woollier, woolliest)1. Covered with wool or wool-like hair. 2. Like wool, woollen, (a woolly hat). 3. Not thinking clearly, not clearly expressed or thought out, vague. (n)(informal) a knitted woollen garment, a jumper or cardigan etc. Woolliness (n).
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by word of mouth
in spoken (not written) words.
284
have a word
to converse briefly.
285
a man of his word
one who keeps his promises.
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take someone at his word
to act on the assumption that he means what he says.
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word of honour
a promise made upon one's honour.
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at work
working; at one's place of employment; operating, having an effect, (there are secret influences at work).
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work-force
(n) the total number of workers engaged or available.
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work on
to use one's influence on (a person).
291
work out
to find or solve by calculation; to be calculate, (it works out at £5 each); to plan the details etc. of, (work out a plan); to have a specified result, (it worked out very well).
292
work up
to bring gradually to a more developed state; to excite progressively; to advance to a climax.
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workable
(adj) able to be worked or used or acted upon successfully.
294
workaday
(adj) ordinary, everyday.
295
working class
the class of people who are employed for wages, especially in manual or industrial work. Working-class (adj): of the working class.
296
working knowledge
knowledge adequate for dealing with something.
297
working order
a condition in which a machine etc. works satisfactorily.
298
man/woman of the world
a person who is experienced in the ways of human society.
299
not for the world(s)
not for anything no matter how great.
300
think the world of
to have the highest possible opinion of.
301
world power
a country with influence in international politics.
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world war
a war involving many important countries; (First World War), that of 1914-18; (Second World War), 1939-45.
303
world-weary
(adj) bored with human affairs.
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worldly
(adj)1. Of or belonging to life on earth, not spiritual. 2. Devoid to the pursuit of pleasure or material gains or advantages. Worldliness (n). Worldly wisdom: wisdom and shrewdness in dealing with worldly affairs. Worldly-wise: (adj) having worldly wisdom.
305
the worse for wear
damaged by use; injured or exhausted.
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for all one is worth
(informal) with all one's energy, making every effort.
307
worth (one's) while
worth the time or effort needed, (the scheme is not worth while). Worthwhile: (adj) worth while, (a worthwhile undertaking).
308
wraith
(n) a ghost, a spectral apparition of a living person supposed to be a sign that he will die soon.
309
wrangle
(v) to have a noisy angry argument or quarrel. (n) an argument or quarrel of this kind.
310
under wraps
in concealment or secrecy.
311
wrapped up in
with one's attention deeply occupied by; deeply involved in, (the country's prosperity is wrapped up in its mineral trade).
312
wrasse
(n) a brightly-coloured sea-fish with thick lips and strong teeth.
313
wrath
(n) anger, indignation. Wrathful: (adj) full of anger or indignation. Wrathfully (adv).
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wreak
(v) to inflict, to cause, (to wreak vengeance on a person); (fog wreaked havoc with the running of trains).
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wreathe
(n)(pl. wreaths)1. Flowers or leaves etc. fastened into a ring and used as a decoration or placed on a grave etc. as a mark of respect. 2. A curving line of mist or smoke.
316
wreathe
(v)1. To encircle or decorate with or as if with a wreath. 2. To twist into a wreath; (their faces were wreathed in smiles), wrinkled with smiling. 3. To wind, (the smoke wreathed itself round the branch. 4. To move in a curving line, (smoke wreathed upwards).
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wreckage
(n)1. The remains of something wrecked. 2. Wrecking.
318
wrench
(v) to twist or pull violently round, to damage or pull by twisting, (wrenched it off). (n)1. A violent twist or twisting pull. 2. Pain caused by parting, (leaving home was a great wrench). 3. An adjustable tool like a spanner for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, etc.
319
wrest
(v)1. To wrench away, (wrested his sword from him). 2. To obtain by effort or with difficulty, (wrested a confession from him). 3. To twist or distort.
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wrestle
(v)1. To fight (especially as a sport) by grappling with a person and trying to throw him to the ground. 2. To fight with (a person) in this way, (the police wrestled him to the ground). 3. To struggle to deal with or overcome, (wrestled with the problem). (n) a wrestling-match, a hard struggle.
321
wretch
(n)1. A very unfortunate or miserable person. 2. A despicable person. 3. (in playful use) a rascal.
322
wretched
(adj)1. Miserable, unhappy. 2. Of poor quality, unsatisfactory. 3. Causing discomfort or nuisance, confounded, (this wretched car won't start). Wretchedly (adv), wretchedness (n).
323
wriggle
(v) to move with short twisting movement; (wriggle out of a difficulty), escape from it cunningly. (n) a wriggling movement.
324
wring (v4)
(v) 4. To extract or obtain with effort or difficulty, (wrung a promise from him).
325
writ (1)
1. (n) a formal written command issued by a lawcourt or ruling authority directing a person to act or refrain from acting in a certain way. Holy Writ: the Bible.
326
write off
to cancel; to recognise as lost. Write-off: (n) something written off as lost, a vehicle too badly damaged to be worth repairing.
327
writhe
(v)1. To twist one's body about, as in pain. 2. To wriggle, (writhing snakes). 3. To suffer because of great shame or embarrassment.
328
the writing on the wall
an event signifying that something is doomed. (after the Biblical story of the writing that appeared on the wall of Belshazzar's palace, foretelling his doom.)
329
wrong (v)
(v)1. To do wrong to, to treat unjustly, (a wronged wife). 2. To attribute bad motives to (a person) mistakenly.
330
wrought
(old use) worked. (adj)(of metals) beaten out or shaped by hammering.
331
wry
(adj)(wryer, wryest)1. Twisted or bent out of shape. 2. Twisted into an expression or disgust or disappointment or mockery, (a wry face). 3. (of humour) dry and mocking. Wryly (adv), wryness (n).
