advanced ksiazka słówka

scrape through (skreɪp θruː)

to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation

pick a fight (pɪk eɪ faɪt)

to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone

master's degree (ˈmɑːst əz dɪˈɡriː)

a university degree such as an MA, M.Sc., or M.S., that you can get by studying for one or two years after your first degree

work placement (wɜːk ˈpleɪsmənt)

a job, usually as part of a course of study, which gives you experience of a particular type of work

shadow (ˈʃædəʊ)

to follow someone closely in order to watch what they are doing

set one's heart on (ˈset wʌnz ˌhɑːt ɒn)

to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do something

against the odds (əˈɡenst ðə ɒdz)

overcome difficulties which make a good result seem very unlikely

take someone on (teɪk ˈsʌmwʌn ɒn)

to start to employ someone

half-hearted (ˌhɑːf ˈhɑːtəd)

done without much effort and without much interest in the result

take something in your stride (teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn jə straɪd)

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you

competitive (kəmˈpetətɪv, kəmˈpetɪtɪv)

determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses

CV (ˌsiː ˈviː)

a short written document that lists your education and previous jobs, which you send to employers when you are looking for a job

foresee (fɔːˈsiː)

to think or know that something is going to happen in the future

networking (ˈnetwɜːkɪŋ)

the practice of meeting other people involved in the same kind of work, to share information, support each other etc

portfolio (pɔːtˈfəʊliəʊ)

a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc

vouch for (vaʊtʃ fə)

to say that you believe that someone will behave well and that you will be responsible for their behaviour, actions etc

close-knit (ˌkləʊs ˈnɪt)

a close-knit group of people is one in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support when they need it

take something personally (teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ ˈpɜːsənəli)

to get upset by the things other people say or do, because you think that their remarks or behaviour are directed at you in particular

make the best of something (meɪk ðə best əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ)

to accept a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can to make it better

take no for a answer (teɪk nəʊ fə eɪ ˈɑːnsə)

accept it when somebody refuses you

hand in your resignation (hænd ɪn jə ˌrezɪɡˈneɪʃən)

officially say that you want to resign

be taken aback by (bi ˈteɪkən əˈbæk baɪ)

to be very surprised or shocked by something

take no notice of (teɪk nəʊ ˈnəʊtəs əv)

not pay attention to someone or something

take pity on (teɪk ˈpɪti ɒn)

feel sorry for someone and treat them with sympathy

take advantage of (teɪk ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ əv)

to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded

high salary (haɪ ˈsæləri)

a lot of money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for

main priority (meɪn praɪˈɒrəti)

the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else

tight deadlines (taɪt ˈded laɪnz)

a date or time by which you have to do or complete something, which is not long away

heavy workload (ˈhevi ˈwɜːkləʊd)

a large amount of work that a person or organization has to do

have an impact (v ən ˈɪmpækt)

have an effect or influence an event, situation etc

stand someone in good stead (stænd ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn ɡʊd sted)

to be very useful to someone when needed

snap something up (snæp ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌp)

to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap

from all walks of life (frəm ɔːl wɔːks əv laɪf)

every position in society

part and parcel (pɑːt ənd ˈpɑːsəl)

to be a necessary feature of something

crop up (krɒp ʌp)

if a problem crops up, it happens or appears suddenly and in an unexpected way

deceptive (dɪˈseptɪv)

something that is deceptive seems to be one thing but is in fact very different

recruitment (ri ˈkruːt mənt)

to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc

playfulness (ˈpleɪf əlnəs)

very active, happy, and wanting to have fun

additional (əˈdɪʃənəl)

more than what was agreed or expected

productive (prəˈdʌktɪv)

producing or achieving a lot

competitor (kəmˈpetətə, kəmˈpetɪtə)

a person, team, company etc that is competing with another

doubtless (ˈdaʊtləs)

used when saying that something is almost certain to happen or be true

trendy (ˈtrendi)

influenced by the most fashionable styles and ideas

cutting edge (ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ)

the newest and most exciting stage in the development of something

fumble around for (ˈfʌmbəl əˈraʊnd fə)

to try to hold, move, or find something with your hands in an awkward way

favourable (ˈfeɪvərəbəl)

a favourable report, opinion, or reaction shows that you think that someone or something is good or that you agree with them

feasible (ˈfiːzəbəl, ˈfiːzɪbəl)

a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work

no-no (ˈnəʊ nəʊ)

something that you must not do because it is considered to be unacceptable behaviour

butterflies in the stomach (ˈbʌtəflaɪz ɪn ðə ˈstʌmək)

to feel very nervous before doing something

link (lɪŋk)

if two things are linked, they are related in some way

slouch (slaʊtʃ)

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

fidget (ˈfɪdʒət, ˈfɪdʒɪt)

to keep moving your hands or feet, especially because you are bored or nervous

long-winded (ˌlɒŋ ˈwɪndəd)

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring

moderate (ˈmɒdərət, ˈmɒdərɪt)

not very large or very small, very hot or very cold, very fast or very slow etc

mumble (ˈmʌmbəl)

to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you

pay off (peɪ ɒf)

to give someone all the money you owe them

ramble on (ˈræmbəl ɒn)

to talk or write for a long time in a way that other people find boring

slouch (slaʊtʃ)

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

long-winded (ˌlɒŋ ˈwɪndəd)

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring

switch off (swɪtʃ ɒf)

to stop listening to someone

vary (ˈveəri)

if several things of the same type vary, they are all different from each other

restless (ˈrestləs)

unwilling to keep still or stay where you are, especially because you are nervous or bored

crash course (kræʃ kɔːs)

a course in which you learn a lot about a particular subject in a very short period of time

be reliant on (bi rɪˈlaɪənt ɒn)

dependent on someone or something

in the vicinity (ɪn ðə vəˈsɪnəti)

in the area around a particular place

liaise (liˈeɪz)

to exchange information with someone who works in another organization or department so that you can both be more effective

assimilate (əˈsɪməleɪt, əˈsɪmɪleɪt)

if people assimilate or are assimilated into a country or group, they become part of that group and are accepted by the people in that group

run-down (ˌrʌn ˈdaʊn)

a building or area that is run-down is in very bad condition

master (ˈmɑːstə)

to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it

stretch (stretʃ)

to make someone use all of their skill, abilities, or intelligence

affluent (ˈæfluənt)

having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc

allocate (ˈæləkeɪt)

to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made

initiative (ɪˈnɪʃətɪv)

the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do

grasp of (ɡrɑːsp əv)

your ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject

challenging (ˈtʃæləndʒɪŋ)

difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way

mutual respect (ˈmjuːtʃuəl rɪˈspekt)

respect that two or more people have for each other

get over (an idea) (ɡet ˈəʊvə (ən aɪˈdɪə))

to succeed in communicating ideas or information to other people

disadvantaged (ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd)

having social problems, such as a lack of money or education, which make it difficult for you to succeed

pilot project (ˈpaɪlət ˈprɒdʒekt)

a small project which is carried out as a test to see if an idea, product, etc will be successful

apprehensive (ˌæprɪˈhensɪv)

worried or nervous about something that you are going to do, or about the future

directionless (dəˈrekʃənləs, dɪˈrekʃənləs, daɪ-)

lacking a clear direction or aim

disillusioned (ˌdɪsəˈluːʒənd, ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒənd)

disappointed because you have lost your belief that someone is good, or that an idea is right

distracted (dɪˈstræktəd, dɪˈstræktɪd)

anxious and unable to think clearly

engaged (ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd)

paying attention and interested

inspired (ɪnˈspaɪəd)

having very exciting special qualities that are better than anyone or anything else

intimidated (ɪnˈtɪmədeɪtəd, ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtəd)

feeling worried and lacking confidence because of the situation you are in or the people you are with

motivated (ˈməʊtəveɪtəd)

very keen to do something or achieve something, especially because you find it interesting or exciting

muddled (ˈmʌdld)

confused

overwhelmed (ˌəʊv ə ˈwelmd)

if work or a problem overwhelms someone, it is too much or too difficult to deal with

passive (ˈpæsɪv)

someone who is passive tends to accept things that happen to them or things that people say to them, without taking any action

pressurised (ˈpreʃəraɪzd)

feeling worried, or making you feel worried, because of the number of things you have to do

relieved (rɪˈliːvd)

feeling happy because you are no longer worried about something

self-conscious (ˌself ˈkɒntʃ əs)

worried and embarrassed about what you look like or what other people think of you

well-supported (wel səˈpɔːɪd)

to have enough money, emotional support, etc for what you need

demoralising (dɪˈmɒrəlaɪzɪŋ)

reducing or destroying someone's courage or confidence

video clip (ˈvɪdiəʊ klɪp)

a short part of a film or television programme that is shown by itself, especially as an advertisement

communal (ˈkɒmjənəl)

shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together

virtuoso (ˌvɜːtʃuˈəʊsəʊ)

someone who is a very skilful performer, especially in music

not have a leg to stand on (nɒt v eɪ leɡ tə stænd ɒn)

to be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say

drop out (drɒp aʊt)

to no longer do an activity or belong to a group

hostile (ˈhɒstaɪl)

angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them

cram (kræm)

to prepare yourself for an examination by learning a lot of information quickly

figure out (ˈfɪɡə aʊt)

to think about a problem or situation until you find the answer or understand what has happened

desperate (ˈdespərət, ˈdespərɪt)

willing to do anything to change a very bad situation, and not caring about danger

turn someone round (tɜːn ˈsʌmwʌn raʊnd)

if a person turns around, he/she changes and starts to develop in a positive way

expel (ɪkˈspel)

to officially force someone to leave a school or organization

mutual (ˈmjuːtʃuəl)

mutual feelings such as respect, trust, or hatred are feelings that two or more people have for each other

nurture (ˈnɜːtʃə)

to help a plan, idea, feeling etc to develop

pull yourself together (pʊl jɔːˈself təˈɡeðə)

to force yourself to stop behaving in a nervous, frightened, or uncontrolled way

shame (ʃeɪm)

the feeling you have when you feel guilty and embarrassed because you, or someone who is close to you, have done something wrong

rage (reɪdʒ)

a strong feeling of uncontrollable anger

rough and ready (rʌf ənd ˈredi)

not perfect, but good enough for a particular purpose

scheme (skiːm)

an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training

shift (ʃɪft)

to move from one place or position to another, or make something do this

skive off (skaɪv ɒf)

to avoid work or school by staying away or leaving without permission

substantial (səbˈstænʃəl)

large in amount or number

trigger (ˈtrɪɡə)

to make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events

instinctive (ɪnˈstɪŋktɪv)

based on instinct and not involving thought

aggressive (əˈɡresɪv)

behaving in an angry threatening way, as if you want to fight or attack someone

hostile (ˈhɒstaɪl)

angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them

scornful (ˈskɔːnfəl)

feeling or showing scorn

distressed (dɪˈstrest)

very upset

indifferent (ɪnˈdɪfərənt)

not at all interested in someone or something

disaffected (ˌdɪsəˈfektəd, ˌdɪsəˈfektɪd)

not satisfied with your government, leader etc, and therefore no longer loyal to them or no longer believing they can help you

resistant (rɪˈzɪstənt)

not damaged or affected by something

see eye to eye (siː aɪ tə aɪ)

if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other

do as you are told (duː əz jə ə təʊld)

behave in the way someone has asked you to

get your own way (ɡet jə əʊn weɪ)

achieve the result you want

keep yourself to yourself (kiːp jɔːˈself tə jɔːˈself)

to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other people

rub people up the wrong way (rʌb ˈpiːpəl ʌp ðə rɒŋ weɪ)

to annoy someone by the things you say or do, usually without intending to

on a whim (ɒn eɪ wɪm)

a sudden feeling that you would like to do or have something, especially when there is no important or good reason

look up to (lʊk ʌp tə)

admire and respect

become close to someone (bɪˈkʌm kləʊz tə ˈsʌmwʌn)

develop a strong relationship with someone

come across as (kʌm əˈkrɒs əz)

appear to have a particular quality, when this may or may not be true

good fun (ɡʊd fʌn)

enjoyable to be with because they are happy and amusing

dry sense of humour (draɪ sens əv ˈhjuːmə)

someone with a dry sense of humour says funny and clever things while seeming to be serious

take after someone (teɪk ˈɑːftə ˈsʌmwʌn)

to look or behave like an older relative

have your heart set on (v jə hɑːt set ɒn)

to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do something

run in the family (rʌn ɪn ðə ˈfæməli)

if something such as a quality, disease, or skill runs in the family, many people in that family have it

high expectations (haɪ ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz)

a feeling or belief that something or someone should be a success

alternately (ɔːl ˈtɜːn ətli)

two things happening one after the other in a regular pattern

rough and ready (rʌf ənd ˈredi)

not perfect, but good enough for a particular purpose

on the brink of (ɒn ðə brɪŋk əv)

a situation when you are almost in a new situation

indulgence (ɪnˈdʌldʒəns)

the habit of allowing yourself to do or have whatever you want, or allowing someone else to do or have whatever they want

stability (stəˈbɪləti, stəˈbɪlɪti)

the condition of being steady and not changing

inwardly (ˈɪn wədli)

felt or experienced in your own mind but not expressed to other people

associate (əˈsəʊʃieɪt, əˈsəʊsi-)

to make a connection in your mind between one thing or person and another

consistent (kənˈsɪstənt)

always behaving in the same way or having the same attitudes, standards etc – usually used to show approval

misbehave (ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪv)

to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people

substantial (səbˈstænʃəl)

large in amount or number

chaotic (keɪˈɒtɪk)

a chaotic situation is one in which everything is happening in a confused way

spiral (ˈspaɪərəl)

a process, usually a harmful one, in which something gradually but continuously gets worse or better

bond (bɒnd)

something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea

underachieving (ˌʌndərəˈtʃiːvɪŋ)

not doing as well at school or at work as they could do if they worked harder

lump together (lʌmp təˈɡeðə)

to put two or more different people or things together and consider them as a single group, sometimes wrongly

group dynamic (ɡruːp daɪˈnæmɪk)

the way in which people in a group behave, react, and affect each other

misbehave (ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪv)

to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people

despise (dɪˈspaɪz)

to dislike and have a low opinion of someone or something

lurk (lɜːk)

to wait somewhere quietly and secretly, usually because you are going to do something wrong

aspect (ˈæspekt)

one part of a situation, idea, plan etc that has many parts

awkward (ˈɔːkwəd)

making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say

catch unawares (kætʃ ˌʌnəˈweəz)

if something catches you unawares, it happens when you are not expecting it and are not prepared

cotton on (ˈkɒtn ɒn)

to begin to understand something

turn down (tɜːn daʊn)

refuse

obsessive (əbˈsesɪv)

thinking or worrying about something all the time, so that you do not think about other things enough – used to show disapproval

implication (ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃən, ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən)

a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc

wear off (weə ɒf)

if pain or the effect of something wears off, it gradually stops

turn out (to be) (tɜːn aʊt (tə bi))

to happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially one that you did not expect

put one's foot down (pʊt wʌnz fʊt daʊn)

to say very firmly that someone must do something or must stop doing something

dawn on (dɔːn ɒn)

if a fact dawns on you, you realize it for the first time

simplistic (sɪmˈplɪstɪk)

treating difficult subjects in a way that is too simple

tendency (ˈtendənsi)

if someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become it

subtlety (ˈsʌtlti)

the quality that something has when it has been done in a clever or skilful way, with careful attention to small details

impact (ˈɪmpækt)

the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something

be glued to (bi ɡluːd tə)

to look at something with all your attention

split up with (splɪt ʌp wɪð)

if people split up, they end a marriage or relationship with each other

can't help oneself (kɑːnt help wʌnˈself)

used to say that someone is unable to change their behaviour or feelings, or to prevent themselves from doing something

take in one's stride (teɪk ɪn wʌnz straɪd)

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you:

go over old ground (ɡəʊ ˈəʊvə əʊld ɡraʊnd)

talk about the same things

liable (ˈlaɪəbəl)

likely to do or say something or to behave in a particular way, especially because of a fault or natural tendency

sneak (sniːk)

to quickly and secretly steal something unimportant or of little value

flatter (ˈflætə)

to praise someone in order to please them or get something from them, even though you do not mean it

astounded (əˈstaʊndəd, əˈstaʊndɪd)

very surprised or shocked

accountable (əˈkaʊntəbəl)

responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain or be criticized for them

be woven into (bi ˈwəʊvən ˈɪntə)

past participle of weave; to put many different ideas, subjects, stories etc together and connect them smoothly

a fair bit of (eɪ feə bɪt əv)

a reasonable amount

constructive (kənˈstrʌktɪv)

useful and helpful, or likely to produce good results

impose limitations (ɪmˈpəʊz ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz)

force to accept rules

peer (pɪə)

your peers are the people who are the same age as you, or who have the same type of job, social class etc

so much the better (səʊ mʌtʃ ðə ˈbetə)

used to say that something would be even better or bring even more advantages

radical (ˈrædɪkəl)

a radical change or difference is very big and important

rave notice (reɪv ˈnəʊtəs)

strong praise for a new play, book etc

reluctant (rɪˈlʌktənt)

slow and unwilling

intend (ɪnˈtend)

to have something in your mind as a plan or purpose

rigorous (ˈrɪɡərəs)

careful, thorough, and exact

soft option (sɒft ˈɒpʃən)

easy choice

fire with (faɪə wɪð)

made to feel interested in something and excited about it

come to terms with (kɒm tə tɜːmz wɪð)

to accept an unpleasant or sad situation and no longer feel upset or angry about it

demanding (dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ)

needing a lot of ability, effort, or skill

transferable (træntsˈfɜːrəbəl)

the quality of being able to move from one place, school, job etc to another

brief (briːf)

official instructions that explain what someone’s job is, what their duties are etc

chunk (tʃʌŋk)

a large thick piece of something that does not have an even shape

marble (ˈmɑːbəl)

a type of hard rock that becomes smooth when it is polished, and is used for making buildings, statues etc

protagonist (prəʊˈtæɡənəst, prəʊˈtæɡənɪst)

the most important character in a play, film, or story

squeaky (ˈskwiːki)

making very high noises that are not loud

subliminal (sʌbˈlɪmənəl, sʌbˈlɪmɪnəl)

affecting your mind in a way that you are not conscious of

surface (ˈsɜːfəs, ˈsɜːfɪs)

the top layer of an area of water or land

swagger (ˈswæɡə)

to walk proudly, swinging your shoulders in a way that shows you are very confident - used to show disapproval

clumsy (ˈklʌmzi)

moving or doing things in a careless way, especially so that you drop things, knock into things etc

slap (slæp)

to hit someone with the flat part of your hand

flap (flæp)

if a bird flaps its wings, it moves them up and down in order to fly

swishing (ˈswɪʃ ɪŋ)

to move or make something move quickly through the air with a quiet sound

tarmac (ˈtɑːmæk)

a mixture of tar and very small stones, used for making the surface of roads

tiptoe (ˈtɪptəʊ)

to walk quietly and carefully on your toes, so that nobody hears you

chunk (tʃʌŋk)

a large thick piece of something that does not have an even shape

continuity (ˌkɒntəˈnjuːəti, ˌkɒntɪˈnjuːəti)

the state of continuing for a period of time, without problems, interruptions, or changes

tinny (ˈtɪni)

a tinny sound is high, weak, and unpleasant, and sounds like it is coming out of something made of metal

culminate (ˈkʌlməneɪt, ˈkʌlmɪneɪt)

if a process culminates in or with a particular event, it ends with that event

gravel (ˈɡrævəl)

small stones, used to make a surface for paths, roads etc

enhance (ɪnˈhɑːns)

to improve something

flap (flæp)

if a bird flaps its wings, it moves them up and down in order to fly

prevalent (ˈprevələnt)

common at a particular time, in a particular place, or among a particular group of people

rectify (ˈrektəfaɪ, ˈrektɪfaɪ)

to correct something that is wrong

insert (ɪnˈsɜːt)

to put something inside or into something else

resemble (rɪˈzembəl)

to look like or be similar to someone or something

guarantee (ˌɡærənˈtiː)

to promise to do something or to promise that something will happen

convey (kənˈveɪ)

to communicate or express something, with or without using words

cover up (ˈkʌvə ʌp)

an attempt to prevent the public from discovering the truth about something

move on (muːv ɒn)

to change, progress, improve, or become more modern as time passes

root around in (ruːt əˈraʊnd ɪn)

to search for something by moving things around

set up (set ʌp)

establish

pick out (pɪk aʊt)

choose one from many

pull up (pʊl ʌp)

to stop the vehicle that you are driving

scrape (skreɪp)

to remove something from a surface using the edge of a knife, a stick etc

rustle (ˈrʌsəl)

if leaves, papers, clothes etc rustle, or if you rustle them, they make a noise as they rub against each other

crunch (krʌntʃ)

to make a sound like something being crushed

slam (slæm)

if a door, gate etc slams, or if someone slams it, it shuts with a loud noise

scrape through (skreɪp θruː)

to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation

rustle up (ˈrʌsəl ʌp)

to make a meal quickly

when it comes to the crunch (wen ɪt kʌmz tə ðə krʌntʃ)

when you reach an important time, especially one when a difficult decision has to be made

get into a flap (ɡet ˈɪntə eɪ flæp)

become very excited or worried about something

ram opinions down one's throat (ræm əˈpɪnjənz daʊn wʌnz θrəʊt)

to try to make someone accept an idea or opinion by repeating it many times, especially when they are not interested

rooted to the spot (ˈruːt ɪd tə ðə spɒt)

so shocked, surprised, or frightened that you cannot move

limitless (ˈlɪmətləs, ˈlɪmɪtləs)

without a limit or end

in terms of (ɪn tɜːmz əv)

f you explain or describe something in terms of a particular fact or event, you are explaining or describing it only in relation to that fact or event

come up with (kʌm ʌp wɪð)

to think of an idea, answer etc

dominate (ˈdɒməneɪt, ˈdɒmɪneɪt)

to control someone or something or to have more importance than other people or things

curl up (kɜːl ʌp)

to move so that you are lying or sitting with your arms and legs bent close to your body

put off from (pʊt ɒf frəm)

to make you dislike something or not want to do something

innovative (ˈɪnəvətɪv)

an innovative idea or way of doing something is new, different, and better than those that existed before

intimidating (ɪˈtɪmədeɪtɪŋ, ɪˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪŋ)

making you feel worried and not confident

fussy (ˈfʌsi)

fussy clothes, objects, buildings etc are very detailed and decorated - used to show disapproval

get a buzz (ɡet eɪ bʌz)

have a strong feeling of excitement, pleasure, or success, or a similar feeling from drinking alcohol or taking drug

get off to a good start (ɡet ɒf tə eɪ ɡʊd stɑːt)

begin well

in common (ɪn ˈkɒmən)

have the same interests, attitudes etc as someone else

initially (ɪˈnɪʃəli)

at the beginning

in the same boat (ɪn ðə seɪm bəʊt)

to be in the same unpleasant situation as someone else

curl up (kɜːl ʌp)

to move so that you are lying or sitting with your arms and legs bent close to your body

issue (ˈɪʃuː, ˈɪsjuː)

a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about, especially a social or political matter that affects the interests of a lot of people

underestimate (ˌʌndərˈestəmeɪt, ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt)

to think or guess that something is smaller, cheaper, easier etc than it really is

introverted (ˈɪntrəvɜːtəd, ˈɪntrəvɜːtɪd)

someone who is introverted is quiet and shy and does not enjoy being with other people

crucial factor (ˈkruːʃəl ˈfæktə)

the extremely important part that everything else depends on

cultivate (ˈkʌltəveɪt, ˈkʌltɪveɪt)

to make an effort to develop a friendly relationship with someone, especially someone who can help you

accommodating (əˈkɒmədeɪtɪŋ)

helpful and willing to do what someone else wants

eccentric (ɪkˈsentrɪk)

behaving in a way that is unusual and different from most people

caption (ˈkæpʃən)

words printed above or below a picture in a book or newspaper or on a television screen to explain what the picture is showing

drive to distraction (draɪv tə dɪˈstrækʃən)

to continue annoying or upsetting someone very much

clutter (ˈklʌtə)

a large number of things that are scattered somewhere in an untidy way

cuddle up (ˈkʌdl ʌp)

to lie or sit very close to someone or something

exasperate (ɪɡˈzɑːspəreɪt)

to make someone very annoyed by continuing to do something that upsets them

hoard (hɔːd)

to collect and save large amounts of food, money etc, especially when it is not necessary to do so

inventory (ˈɪnvəntri)

a list of all the things in a place

weird (wɪəd)

very strange and unusual, and difficult to understand or explain

giggle (ˈɡɪɡəl)

to laugh quickly, quietly, and in a high voice, because something is funny or because you are nervous or embarrassed

be done for (bi dʌn fə)

to be in serious trouble or likely to fail

awkward (ˈɔːkwəd)

making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say

loft (lɒft)

a room or space under the roof of a building, usually used for storing things in

merchandise (ˈmɜːtʃəndaɪz, -daɪs)

goods that are being sold

string of passions (strɪŋ əv ˈpæʃənz)

a very strong liking for one thing after another

cost a fortune (kɒst eɪ ˈfɔːtʃən)

cost a very large amount of money

bizarre (bəˈzɑː, bɪˈzɑː)

very unusual or strange

craze (kreɪz)

a fashion, game, type of music etc that becomes very popular for a short time

fulfilling (fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ)

making you feel happy and satisfied because you are doing interesting, useful, or important things

uplifting (ʌpˈlɪftɪŋ)

making you feel happier and more hopeful

have someone in fits (v ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn fɪts)

make someone laugh in a way that they cannot control

inspire (ɪnˈspaɪə)

to encourage someone by making them feel confident and eager to do something

moving (ˈmuːvɪŋ)

making you feel strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy

see someone live (siː ˈsʌmwʌn lɪv)

see a performance in which the entertainer performs for people who are watching, rather than a film, record etc

be blown away by (bi bləʊn əˈweɪ baɪ)

to feel very surprised and excited by something

pack a lot into (pæk eɪ lɒt ˈɪntə)

o do a lot in a limited period of time, or fit a lot of information, ideas etc into a limited space

on stage (ɒn steɪdʒ)

performing on the raised area in a theatre which actors or singers stand on

put on a show (pʊt ɒn eɪ ʃəʊ)

to arrange for a concert, play etc to take place, or to perform in it

front row (frʌnt rəʊ)

the first line of seats in a theatre or cinema

take part in (teɪk pɑːt ɪn)

to be involved in an activity, sport, event etc with other people

take off (teɪk ɒf)

to suddenly start being successful

soak up (səʊk ʌp)

o enjoy a place by watching it or becoming involved in it

belt out (belt aʊt)

to sing a song or play an instrument loudly

take out of yourself (teɪk aʊt əv jɔːˈself)

to make someone forget their problems and feel more confident

chill out (tʃɪl aʊt)

to relax completely instead of feeling angry, tired, or nervous

bear a resemblance to (beə eɪ rɪˈzembləns tə)

look like

loosen up (ˈluːsən ʌp)

to stop worrying and become more relaxed, or to make someone do this

take great strides towards (teɪk ɡreɪt straɪdz təˈwɔːdz)

make an improvement in a situation or in the development of something

initiate (ɪˈnɪʃieɪt)

to arrange for something important to start, such as an official process or a new plan

invaluable (ɪnˈvæljuəbəl, -jəbəl)

extremely useful

preliminary (prɪˈlɪmənəri, prɪˈlɪmɪnəri)

happening before something that is more important, often in order to prepare for it

emanate from (ˈeməneɪt frəm)

to come from or out of something

communal (ˈkɒmjənəl, ˈkɒmjʊnəl, kəˈmjuːnl)

shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together

nuisance (ˈnjuːsəns)

a person, thing, or situation that annoys you or causes problems

setting (ˈsetɪŋ)

the place where something is or where something happens, and the general environment

distinctive (dɪˈstɪŋktɪv)

having a special quality, character, or appearance that is different and easy to recognize

allot (əˈlɒt)

to use a particular amount of time for something, or give a particular share of money, space etc to someone or something

relegate (ˈreləɡeɪt, ˈrelɪɡeɪt)

to give someone or something a less important position than before

ritual (ˈrɪtʃuəl)

something that you do regularly and in the same way each time

slump (slʌmp)

to fall or lean against something because you are not strong enough to stand

wander off (ˈwɒndə ɒf)

to walk away from where you are supposed to stay

variation (ˌveəriˈeɪʃən)

a difference between similar things, or a change from the usual amount or form of something

stifle (ˈstaɪfəl)

to stop a feeling from being expressed

twist (twɪst)

an unexpected feature or change in a situation or series of events

hectic (ˈhektɪk)

very busy or full of activity

confront (kənˈfrʌnt)

if a problem, difficulty etc confronts you, it appears and needs to be dealt with

conversely (kənˈvɜːsli, ˈkɒnvɜːsli)

used when one situation is the opposite of another

slumber (ˈslʌmbə)

to sleep

nod off (nɒd ɒf)

to begin to sleep, usually when you do not intend to and are sitting somewhere

twist (twɪst)

an unexpected feature or change in a situation or series of events

sidelines (ˈsaɪdlaɪnz)

not taking part in an activity even though you want to or should do

wakefulness (ˈweɪk fəlnəs)

not sleeping or unable to sleep

recline (rɪˈklaɪn)

to lie or lean back in a relaxed way

springy (ˈsprɪŋi)

something that is springy is soft and comes back to its normal shape after being pressed or walked on

bedding (ˈbedɪŋ)

sheets, covers etc that you put on a bed

equate (ɪˈkweɪt)

to consider that two things are similar or connected

rouse (raʊz)

to wake someone who is sleeping deeply

rebellion (rɪˈbeljən)

when someone opposes or fights against people in authority or ideas which they do not agree with

disordered (dɪsˈɔːdəd)

if someone is mentally disordered, their mind is not working in a normal and healthy way

crucial (ˈkruːʃəl)

something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it

preferable (ˈprefərəbəl)

better or more suitable

sensory (ˈsensəri)

relating to or using your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch

overload (ˈəʊvələʊd)

to put too many things or people on or into something

doze (dəʊz)

to sleep lightly for a short time

kip (kɪp)

to sleep somewhere, especially somewhere that is not your home

nap (næp)

to sleep for a short time during the day

snooze (snuːz)

to sleep lightly for a short time

crash out (kræʃ aʊt)

to go to bed, or go to sleep very quickly, because you are very tired

heated discussion (ˈhiːtəd dɪˈskʌʃən)

an argument etc that is full of angry and excited feelings

drift off (drɪft ɒf)

to gradually fall asleep

drop off (drɒp ɒf)

to begin to sleep

nod off (nɒd ɒf)

to begin to sleep, usually when you do not intend to and are sitting somewhere

make the case for (meɪk ðə keɪs fə)

give a set of reasons why something should happen or be done

hang on to (hæŋ ɒn tə)

to keep something

as and when (əz ənd wen)

from time to time

by and large (baɪ ənd lɑːdʒ)

used when making a general statement

off and on (ɒf ənd ɒn)

for short periods but not regularly, over a long period of time

part and parcel (pɑːt ənd ˈpɑːsəl)

to be a necessary feature of something

through thick and thin (θruː θɪk ənd θɪn)

in spite of any difficulties or problems

touch and go (tʌtʃ ənd ɡəʊ)

uncertain

intake (ˈɪnteɪk)

the amount of food, drink etc that you take into your body

onset (ˈɒnset)

the beginning of something, especially something bad

back-up (bæk ʌp)

people or things that can be used to provide support and help if they are needed

setback (ˈsetbæk)

a problem that delays or prevents progress, or makes things worse than they were

grin and bear it (ɡrɪn ənd beə ɪt)

to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation without complaining, usually because you realize there is nothing you can do to make it better

baffle (ˈbæfəl)

if something baffles you, you cannot understand or explain it at all

show off (ʃəʊ ɒf)

to try to make people admire your abilities, achievements, or possessions – used to show disapproval

make a fuss (meɪk eɪ fʌs)

to complain or become angry about something, especially when this is not necessary

play something down (pleɪ ˈsʌmθɪŋ daʊn)

to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is

get on one's nerves (ɡet ɒn wʌnz nɜːvz)

if someone gets on your nerves, they annoy you, especially by doing something all the time

come out and say (kʌm aʊt ənd seɪ)

be honest and explain clearly

know where you are (nəʊ weə jə ə)

know what the person is feeling

toe the line (təʊ ðə laɪn)

to do what other people in a job or organization say you should do, whether you agree with them or not

conventional (kənˈvenʃənəl)

a conventional method, product, practice etc has been used for a long time and is considered the usual type

vitality (vaɪˈtæləti, vaɪˈtælɪti)

great energy and eagerness to do things

immaculate (ɪˈmækjələt, ɪˈmækjʊlət)

very clean and tidy

melting pot (ˈmeltɪŋ pɒt)

a place where people from different races, countries, or social classes come to live together

social norm (ˈsəʊʃəl nɔːm)

the usual or normal situation, way of doing something in a society

apologetic (əˌpɒləˈdʒetɪk)

showing or saying that you are sorry that something has happened, especially because you feel guilty or embarrassed about it

be put out (bi pʊt aʊt)

annoyed and upset

outfits (ˈaʊtfɪts)

a set of clothes worn together, especially for a special occasion

straightforward (ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd)

simple and easy to understand

tattoo (təˈtuː, tæˈtuː)

a picture or writing that is permanently marked on your skin using a needle and ink

activist (ˈæktəvəst, ˈæktɪvəst)

someone who works hard doing practical things to achieve social or political change

infrastructure (ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə)

the basic systems and structures that a country or organization needs in order to work properly, for example roads, railways, banks etc

mobility (məʊˈbɪləti, məʊˈbɪlɪti)

the ability to move easily

come up with (kʌm ʌp wɪð)

think of

cycle rack (ˈsaɪkəl ræk)

a frame where you can store a bicycle

be dotted around (bi ˈdɒt ɪd əˈraʊnd)

if an area is dotted with things, there are a lot of them there but they are spread far apart

jump on the bandwagon (dʒʌmp ɒn ðə ˈbændˌwæɡən)

to start doing or saying something that a lot of people are already doing or saying - used to show disapproval

guerrilla (ɡəˈrɪlə)

a member of a small unofficial military group that fights in small groups

slogan (ˈsləʊɡən)

a short phrase that is easy to remember and is used in advertisements, or by politicians, organizations etc

chuck (tʃʌk)

to throw something in a careless or relaxed way

enforce (ɪnˈfɔːs)

to make people obey a rule or law

creep around (kriːp əˈraʊnd)

to move in a quiet, careful way, especially to avoid attracting attention

cash in on (kæʃ ɪn ɒn)

to make a profit from a situation in a way that other people think is wrong or unfair

stuff (stʌf)

used when talking about different activities, subjects, or ideas, when you do not say exactly what these are:

aggressive (əˈɡresɪv)

behaving in an angry threatening way, as if you want to fight or attack someone

homelessness (ˈhəʊm ləsnəs)

without a home

be bothered with (bi ˈbɒðəd wɪð)

if you are not bothered with something, it is not important to you

empower (ɪmˈpaʊə)

to give someone more control over their own life or situation

distribute (dɪˈstrɪbjuːt)

to share things among a group of people, especially in a planned way

graffiti (ɡræˈfiːti, ɡrə)

rude, humorous, or political writing and pictures on the walls of buildings, trains etc

petition (pəˈtɪʃən, pɪˈtɪʃən)

a written request signed by a lot of people, asking someone in authority to do something or change something

make someone back down (meɪk ˈsʌmwʌn bæk daʊn)

make someone admit that they are wrong or that they have lost an argument

have your say on (v jə seɪ ɒn)

have an opportunity to speak and give your opinion

traffic congestion (ˈtræfɪk -ˈdʒestʃən)

very heavy traffic and traffic jams

well-briefed (wel briːft)

given all the information you need

credible candidate (ˈkredəbəl ˈkændədət)

a candidate that deserves to be trusted/believed

utmost importance (ˈʌtməʊst ɪmˈpɔːtəns)

the greatest possible importance

debatable (dɪˈbeɪtəbəl)

things that are debatable are not certain because people have different opinions about them

(idea) take off ((aɪˈdɪə) teɪk ɒf)

to suddenly start being successful

far afield (fɑː əˈfiːld)

far away, especially from home

catch on (kætʃ ɒn)

to become popular and fashionable

onlooker (ˈɒnˌlʊkə)

someone who watches something happening without being involved in it

recipient (rɪˈsɪpiənt)

someone who receives something

derivative (dɪˈrɪvətɪv)

something that has developed or been produced from something else

source (sɔːs)

a thing, place, activity etc that you get something from

equate (ɪˈkweɪt)

to consider that two things are similar or connected

equivalent (ɪˈkwɪvələnt)

something that has the same value, purpose, job etc as something else

hog (hɒɡ)

to keep, use, or have all of something that should be shared

impact (ˈɪmpækt)

the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something

alleviate (əˈliːvieɪt)

to make something less painful or difficult to deal with

dual (ˈdjuːəl)

having two of something or two parts

offspring (ˈɒfˌsprɪŋ)

someone’s child or children – often used humorously

spirited (ˈspɪrətəd, ˈspɪrɪtəd)

having energy and determination – used to show approval

surplus to requirements (ˈsɜːpləs tə rɪˈkwaɪəmənts)

an amount of something that is more than what is needed

dispose (dɪˈspəʊz)

to get rid of something, especially something that is difficult to get rid of

landfill (ˈlændfɪl)

the practice of burying waste under the ground, or the waste buried in this way

instil (ɪnˈstɪl)

to teach someone to think, behave, or feel in a particular way over a period of time

dispute (dɪˈspjuːt)

to say that something such as a fact or idea is not correct or true

opportunistic (ˌɒpətjuːˈnɪstɪk)

someone who uses every opportunity to gain power, money, or unfair advantages – used to show disapproval

predator (ˈpredətə)

an animal that kills and eats other animals

detrimental (ˌdetrəˈmentl, ˌdetrɪˈmentl)

causing harm or damage

mammal (ˈmæməl)

a type of animal that drinks milk from its mother’s body when it is young. Humans, dogs, and whales are mammals.

contemplate (ˈkɒntəmpleɪt)

to think about something that you might do in the future

neuter (ˈnjuːtə)

to remove part of the sex organs of an animal so that it cannot produce babies

dusk (dʌsk)

the time before it gets dark when the sky is becoming less bright

advocate (ˈædvəkeɪt)

to publicly support a particular way of doing something

finite (ˈfaɪnaɪt)

having an end or a limit

feline (ˈfiːlaɪn)

relating to cats or other members of the cat family, such as lions

premium (ˈpriːmiəm)

of very high quality

sinner (ˈsɪnə)

someone who has sinned by not obeying God’s laws

excess (ˈekses)

additional and not needed because there is already enough of something

spark off (spɑːk ɒf)

to be the cause of something, especially trouble or violence

thin on the ground (θɪn ɒn ðə ɡraʊnd)

if a particular type of person or thing is thin on the ground, there are very few available

emit (ɪˈmɪt)

to send out gas, heat, light, sound etc

give rise to (ɡɪv raɪz tə)

to be the reason why something happens, especially something bad or unpleasant

wipe out (waɪp aʊt)

to destroy, remove, or get rid of something completely

spray (spreɪ)

to force liquid out of a container so that it comes out in a stream of very small drops and covers an area

build-up (bɪld ʌp)

an increase over a period of time

ozone layer (ˈəʊzəʊn ˈleɪə)

a layer of gases in the sky that prevents harmful radiation from the sun from reaching the Earth

famine (ˈfæmən, ˈfæmɪn)

a situation in which a large number of people have little or no food for a long time and many people die

genetically- modified (dʒəˈnetɪkli ˌmɒdɪfaɪd)

genetically-modified foods and plants have had their GENETIC (=the materials that control the development of particular qualities) structure changed so that they are not affected by certain diseases or harmful insects

imminent (ˈɪmənənt, ˈɪmɪnənt)

an event that is imminent, especially an unpleasant one, will happen very soon

oblivious (əˈblɪviəs)

not knowing about or not noticing something that is happening around you

implication (ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃən, ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən)

a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc

pollinate (ˈpɒləneɪt, ˈpɒlɪneɪt)

to give a flower or plant pollen so that it can produce seeds

crucial (ˈkruːʃəl)

something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it

inevitable (ɪˈnevətəbəl, ɪˈnevɪtəbəl)

certain to happen and impossible to avoid

knock-on effect (ˌnɒk ˈɒn ɪˈfekt)

o start a process in which everything that happens causes something else to happen

availability (əˌveɪləˈbɪləti, əˌveɪləˈbɪlɪti)

something that is available is able to be used or can easily be bought or found

be right up there with (bi raɪt ʌp ðeə wɪð)

is amongst the best/most important

scenario (səˈnɑːriəʊ, sɪˈnɑːriəʊ)

a situation that could possibly happen

deteriorate (dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt)

to become worse

corresponding (ˌkɒrəˈspɒndɪŋ, ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndɪŋ)

caused by or connected with something you have already mentioned

repetitive (rɪˈpetətɪv, rɪˈpetɪtɪv)

done many times in the same way, and boring

diversity (daɪˈvɜːsəti, daɪˈvɜːsɪti, də-)

the fact of including many different types of people or things

be prone to (bi prəʊn tə)

likely to do something or suffer from something, especially something bad or harmful

immune system (ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm)

the system by which your body protects itself against disease