My Vocabulary Page
nausea n(u) //
the feeling that you are going to vomit
1/ Signs of the illness include fever, nausea, and vomiting.
2/ The nausea had passed and I felt better.
3/ That part of the film left me with a feeling of nausea.
4/ "Nausea is common and usually goes away on its own."
5/ "I have a feeling of nausea after taking meals."
6/ "I feel like nausea at any time."
7/ "Chronic nausea lasts over a month. It may come and go, vary by day,
or be constant."
8/ "You may experience upper stomach pain that doesn't feel like nausea,
an upset stomach, or a stomach ache."
nausea and vomiting
9/ Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
10/ Some people have nausea and vomiting after surgery.
a wave of nausea
11/ A wave of nausea swept over her.
12/ I was overcome by waves of nausea.
see also: throw up, vomit, nauseate somebody /'nɔ.zi.eɪt/
nauseous adj //
feeling as if you might vomit
1.1/ She felt dizzy and nauseous.
1.2/ Roller coasters make me feel nauseous.
1.3/ He felt nauseous and dehydrated.
1.4/ "I felt nauseous after riding the roller coaster."
1.5/ "If you feel nauseous, food may be the last thing you want to think about."
see also: 'to feel sick' would mean to 'feel ill' or to 'feel like vomiting';
'to feel sick about something' means to feel upset about something
(adj) making you feel as if you might vomit
a nauseous smell
2.1/ "A smell that turns your stomach is a nauseous smell."
2.2/ "I am disgustd by the nauseous smell of rotting flesh."
2.3/ "Our damp basement has a nauseous smell."
a nauseous experience
2.4/ "Zelda in VR was the most nauseous experience of my life."
2.5/ "I have also built into the ride a bathroom and first aid just outside
the ride exit since this is a nauseous ride."
vomit v(i,t) //
bring food from the stomach back out through the mouth
1.1/ The smell made her want to vomit.
1.2/ "Since I had Covid, food makes me want to vomit."
1.3/ "Why do I always vomit after eating red meat?"
vomit all over somewhere
1.4/ "I vomit all over my clothes, sweating heavily, and my hands were shaking."
1.5/ He came home drunk and vomited all over the kitchen floor.
vomit up something
1.6/ He had vomited up his supper.
1.7/ She was vomiting up blood.
vomit something
1.8/ The injured man was vomiting blood.
1.9/ "Cats who eat too much or too fast can vomit food."
1.10/ "If you cough up blood or vomit blood, call 911 or visit an emergency room."
1.11/ "Lin Daiyu vomits blood and dies of heartache from lost love,
while Xue Baochai, wearing the red cloth of a bride, has a wedding ceremony
with Jia Baoyu."
see also: cough something up, choke on something, catch a fever, feel chilly
vomit n(u) //
the contents of your stomach that have come up through your mouth
2.1/ There was a pile of vomit on the floor.
2.2/ The smell of vomit made me want to be sick.
2.3/ You must ensure that an unconscious person does not choke
on their own vomit.
n(u) vomiting
3.1/ There are a range of symptoms, including headache and vomiting.
feel like vomiting
3.2/ "Why do I feel like vomiting but nothing comes out?"
3.3/ I feel like vomiting and nausea after a deep breathe anytime
before or after any meal."
indifferent adj //
not thinking about or interested in somebody/something
1.1/ He found it very hard teaching a class full of indifferent teenagers.
1.2/ "One way to engage indifferent employees is by offering
personalised development plans."
1.3/ Anna shrugged her shoulders trying to seem indifferent.
be indifferent to something
1.4/ She was utterly indifferent to his irritation.
1.5/ He appeared indifferent to her suffering.
1.6/ Why don't you vote - how can you be so indifferent to what is going on?
1.7/ "When will the world become indifferent to the war in Ukraine?"
1.8/ The government cannot afford to be indifferent to public opinion.
1.9/ "While young Americans may appear indifferent to voting,
many have been drawn to other forms of civic participation such as
petitions and demonstrations."
1.10/ "The work is indifferent to any particular need of the student."
be indifferent about something
1.11/ Most staff were indifferent about the plans.
1.12/ He was indifferent about which task he was given.
see also: be oblivious to something, have no interest in something
(adj) [mediocre] not good, but not very bad
2.1/ We didn't like the restaurant much - the food was indifferent
and the service rather slow.
2.2/ "Yet the results are indifferent and disappointing."
2.3/ "Although of itself the work is indifferent, it loses its indifference
because of the dictate of conscience."
see also: mediocre, second-rate
charge v(i,t) //
[bill] ask an amount of money for goods or a service
1.1/ The fees charged by some companies are excessive.
1.2/ "Each individual IDD call is charged on a per-minute basis and rounded up
to the nearest 10 HK cents." (IDD is short for international direct dialing)
charge $100 for something
1.3/ The restaurant charges €40 for the set menu.
1.4/ What did they charge for the repairs?
1.5/ They are charging a reasonable price for the album.
charge (somebody) for something
1.6/ We won't charge you for delivery.
1.7/ Do you think museums should charge for admission?
1.8/ "I went out for dinner last week and the restaurant charged
me for my meal twice."
1.9/ "You will only be charged for the IDD calls made and billed by us."
1.10/ "The employee told me that he would charge me for the repair, but
that he would give me a receipt that I could take to Google to get a refund."
charge somebody $100 (for something)
1.11/ He only charged me half price.
1.12/ She charged me €300 for the car.
1.13/ "My driver didn't pick me up but charged me for the fare."
charge something at a price
1.14/ Calls are charged at 36 pence per minute.
1.15/ "The service is charged at HK$18 per month."
1.16/ "The service is charged at €72 per hour with a minimum
of two hours required."
charge (somebody) to do something
1.17/ The bank doesn't charge to stop a payment.
1.18/ "How much does Apple charge to repair a phone that is under warranty?"
1.19/ "How much does Royal Mail charge to deliver leaflets?"
v(t) record the cost of something as an amount that somebody has to pay
charge something to something
2.1/ Fifty euros will be charged to your account.
2.2/ They charge the calls to their credit-card account.
2.3/ The cost is charged directly to the profit and loss account.
charge something against something
2.4/ Research and development expenditure is charged against profits
in the year it is incurred.
2.5/ "Expenses are charged against revenue on the company's monthly
income statement and can generally be categorized as operating
or non-operating expenses."
v(i,t) pass electricity through something so that it is stored there;
take in electricity so that it is stored and ready for use
3.1/ I need to charge my phone.
3.2/ Before use, the battery must be charged.
3.3/ "Charging past 100 percent will damage your battery."
charge a battery/ a phone/ a laptop
3.4/ "The battery is charged at 50% of its capacity."
3.5/ "Charging a laptop to 90% of its capacity is usually safe."
3.6/ "Is it bad to charge my phone to 100 percent?"
3.7/ "Is it safe to charge a phone battery overnight?"
be charging
3.8/ Let the batteries charge fully before using.
3.9/ Don't unplug my phone - it's charging.
charge something up
3.10/ The shaver can be charged up and used when travelling.
3.11/ "Any bars or restaurants in the city centre that will let me
charge my phone up while I'm there?"
be fully charged
3.12/ "How can I tell if the battery is fully charged?"
3.13/ " You'll never forget to unplug a fully charged laptop."
3.14/ "Can I charge my fully charged laptop while playing a game?"
v(t) [crime] accuse somebody formally of a crime so that
there can be a trial in court
4.1/ Several people were arrested but nobody was charged.
be charged with something
4.2/ He was charged with murder.
4.3/ "The property buyer was charged with fraud yesterday."
4.4/ "Kathryn Kaun, of Calgary, was charged with fraud over
$5,000 and disguise with intent."
be charged with doing something
4.5/ They were charged with organizing an illegal demonstration.
4.6/ "Mr. Lai was charged with sedition and collusion under article
twenty nine of the National Security Law."
see also: be accused of something, be arrested for something
v(t) give somebody a responsibility or task
be charged with something
5.1/ The committee has been charged with the development of
sport in the region.
5.2/ "The Académie Française is charged with the task
of protecting the integrity of the French language."
be charged with doing something
5.3/ The governing body is charged with managing the school within its budget.
5.4/ "The police will interview witnesses and investigate technical evidence."
charge n(c,u) //
the amount of money that somebody asks for goods and services
6.1/ "Can I also pay the charges on delivery?"
6.2/ "While electricity charges are covered by the rental for some
service apartments, some tenants are required to pay the charges
to the landlords."
a charge for something
6.3/ We have to make a small charge for refreshments.
6.4/ Admission charges for all the city's museums and galleries
have been increased.
6.5/ "Keep in mind that most service charges for catering do not
get distributed to the wait staff."
a charge on somebody
6.6/ "Ministers must ban the sale of the most polluting vehicles
such as SUVs immediately and bring in a charge on drivers for each mile
they travel if Britain is to meet its climate goals, experts have warned."
6.7/ "Restaurants across the United States have been implementing
additional charges on diners, going beyond the listed prices on their menus."
6.8/ "In the UK, shops are required to levy a charge on consumers
for single-use plastic bags."
6.9/ "An economic regulator is given the power to levy a charge on consumers,
the proceeds of which go towards financing the new infrastructure."
a charge to do something
6.10/ "Clinical waste producers have to pay a charge to cover part of
the waste disposal cost."
6.11/ "Service charges by the airline industry are to pay
for services such as entertainment, baggage handling, seat selection,
travel agent commissions, etc."
6.12/ "Charges to dispose of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres
will be removed."
free of charge
6.13/ Delivery is free of charge.
6.14/ Admission to the museum is free of charge.
6.15/ "Bring your sensitive items to shred free of charge on Wednesday."
6.16/ "The Mineral Museum in Beirut was open to visitors free of charge
on Wednesday, on the occasion of the International Museum Day."
see also: a surcharge
n(c,u) the amount of electricity that is put into a battery
or carried by a substance
7.1/ "In the case of sodium chloride dissolving, the sodium ion carries
a positive charge, and the chloride ion carries a negative charge."
7.2/ "A simple way to measure the charge of a battery is using a multimeter."
7.3/ "As the charge of a battery is used up, the charge will slowly decrease
and eventually reach zero. "
7.4/ "Today's electrometers measure charges with 10 fC resolution,
currents with 100 aA resolution, and resistances up to 200 TΩ."
n(u) the act of putting electricity into a battery; the electricity in a battery
on charge
8.1/ He put his phone on charge.
8.2/ "I woke up in the morning and I realised that my phone is still on charge.
It was connected to the electric plug for more than five hours."
run out of charge
8.3/ My laptop had run out of charge.
8.4/ "My Mac battery runs out of charge quickly."
battery charge
8.5/ "Can you charge your phone when it is at 50% charge?"
8.6/ "The battery charge stops at 55%-60% even with the AC adapter
plugged in and shows a plugged in, not charging message."
8.7/ "Battery should be recharged well before it reaches 20% charge."
8.8/ "Generally, a 30 percent battery can last anywhere from 1-3 hours."
8.9/ "Does anyone know if the battery, assume at 80-90 charge after the drive
to the airport, would be ok for a week without plugging in?"
8.10/ "Even when your battery is at 100 percent, there's still room
for some more charge."
n(c,u) an official claim made by the police that somebody has committed a crime
9.1/ Minor criminal charges such as misdemeanors, tickets, and infractions
have less harsh punishments.
a charge of something
9.2/ "You would not bring a charge of murder against him on a stranger's account."
9.3/ He will be sent back to England to face a charge of armed robbery.
9.4/ "Reprisals against an individual who in good faith files a charge
of sexual harassment are expressly prohibited and shall be treated as
a separate violation of University policy."
a charge against somebody
9.5/ They decided to drop the charges against the newspaper and
settle out of court.
9.6/ "The specific charges against Mr. Lai are 'collusion with foreign forces'
and a 'conspiracy to collude with foreign forces' under the national security law."
be accused of a charge, face a charge
9.7/ "I was wrongfully accused of a charge and Shawn fought hard for me
and the case got dismissed."
be indicted on a charge
9.8/ He was indicted on drug charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
9.9/ She was indicted on charges of corruption.
9.10/ "As of last month, 1,808 people had been charged with various offenses,
including 612 indicted on a charge of rioting."
commit a charge
9.11/ "The judge usually sentences the person accused of committing
the charges right after the hearing."
9.12/ "Charged with homicide, he was acquitted because of his honest
mistake of fact. Finding that the accused had no evil intent to commit
the charge, the Court explained."
deny a charge
9.13/ Both men deny the charges.
9.14/ "Jimmy Lai has denied all charges, arguing he was only defending freedoms
in Hong Kong, the city where he built a fortune."
admit (to) a charge, confess to a charge (see also: plead guilty)
9.15/ "Having admitted the charge, Gabbidon was fined €6,000."
9.16/ "If the accused does not admit to the charge, then there will be a trial."
9.17/ "He confessed to the charge of deliberately damaging public property
and promised to pay the fine and cost of repair."
be convicted of a charge
9.18/ "If your child pleads guilty or is convicted of the charge,
they will be sentenced by the youth court."
without charge, be acquitted of a charge
9.19/ After being questioned by the police, she was released without charge.
9.20/ "If you are found not guilty following a trial, this means you have been
acquitted of the charge(s) against you."
n(u) a position of having control over somebody/something;
responsibility for somebody/something
in charge of somebody/something
10.1/ They left the au pair in charge of the children for a week.
10.2/ "The manager is in charge of the project."
take(/have) charge of somebody/something
10.3/ She has charge of the day-to-day running of the business.
10.4/ He took charge of the farm after his father's death.
10.5/ "He will take charge of the kids so I get a moment to breathe."
in somebody's charge, in the charge of somebody
10.6/ I'm leaving the school in your charge.
10.7/ If I go back to work, I'll have to leave the younger kids
in the charge of my oldest daughter."
see also: supervise, manage, oversee, monitor
belong v(i) //
be in the right place or a suitable place
1.1/ Where do these spoons belong?
1.2/ Where do these plates belong?
1.3/ Dirty boots do not belong on the table, now do they?
1.4/ Are you sure these documents belong together?
belong in somewhere
1.5/ This table belongs in the sitting room.
1.6/ Your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the room.
1.7/ The painting belongs in a modern art museum.
1.8/ I think these cups belong in the other cupboard.
1.9/ A person like that does not belong in teaching.
1.10/ "I don't belong in this company."
1.11/ Several of the points you raise do not belong in this discussion.
1.12/ "I feel like I don't belong in this world."
belong with something
1.13/ These papers belong with the others.
1.14/ "Which word does not belong with the others?"
1.15/ "This book belongs with the others in the series."
(of a person) feel happy or comfortable in a situation
2.1/ Although she's new to the school, we'd like her to feel that she belongs.
2.2/ "I never feel that I belong anywhere, so I change city or country every year."
you belong here
2.3/ I don't feel as if I belong here.
2.4/ Tom, it’s great to see you on TV - you belong here.
see also: fit in, fit/suit something
belong to somebody: be owned by somebody
3.1/ This book belongs to Sarah.
3.2/ Who does this bag belong to?
3.3/ I suspect that book belongs to Patrick.
3.4/ You shouldn't take what doesn't belong to you.
3.5/ Put your name in your coat so we can see who it belongs to.
3.6/ The bike belongs to the man in the house opposite.
3.7/ These resources rightfully belong to all Brazilians.
belong to a group or an organization
3.8/ The islands belong to Spain.
3.9/ "All the rights shall belong to our company."
3.10/ Public land belongs to the government but is used by
the public or the community."
see also: be in somebody's possession
belong to something: be a member of a group or organization
4.1/ They belong to the same chess club.
4.2/ Have you ever belonged to a political party?
4.3/ Lions and tigers belong to the cat family.
4.4/ We have people belonging to different ethnic groups.
4.5/ "We have people belonging to different castes and communities."
4.6/ "We have people belonging to different walks of life."
4.7/ These gases belong to a class of molecules called alkanes.
n(u) a sense of belonging
5.1/ A sense of belonging is one of humanity's most basic needs.
5.2/ "Having a sense of belonging is so important, considering the groups
and labels we give ourselves and others."
5.3/ "Gratefully, we do have control in making changes in our lives to
break this cycle and bolster our sense of belonging."
5.4/ "There may be many students who lack a sense of belonging,
but despite these feelings, they attend school regularly."
a sense of belonging in a group
5.5/ "It makes everyone have a sense of belonging in the team."
5.6/ "To develop a sense of belonging in the team, listen to everyone's viewpoint."
5.7/ "Youths who lack a sense of belonging at school are likely to need
a different kind of intervention than those who are regularly absent."
5.8/ "We help children develop a sense of belonging at school."
a sense of belonging towards something
5.9/ "We learnt more about Chinese Medicine. Our knowledge of Chinese History
and our sense of belonging towards China increased as well."
5.10/ "This event aims to instil a sense of belonging towards the nation
in the participants through the amazing race."
belongings n(plural) //
the things that a person owns, esp those that can be carried
1/ "Please mind your belongings."
2/ "Please beware of your personal belongings."
3/ The burglars had gone through all his belongings.
personal belongings
4/ I put a few personal belongings in a bag and left the house for the last time.
5/ "Passengers are advised to safely secure all your personal
belongings whilst travelling."
6/ "My co-worker stole my personal belongings and I don't know what to do."
pack your belongings
7/ She packed her few belongings in a bag and left.
8/ Fleeing the flood waters, families here packed their belongings
and headed to higher land.
9/ "They didn't just clean the surfaces, but also took the time to
organize and tidy up my belongings."
have your belongings with you
10/ Do you really need to bring so many of your belongings with you on this trip?
11/ Please make sure you have all your belongings with you when leaving the plane.
12/ "I always bring all my belongings with me if I need to go to the bathroom."
13/ "I always bring my belongings to the bathroom."
watch your belongings, take care of your belongings
14/ "I never ask strangers to watch my belongings."
15/ "I asked my Harvard friend to watch my belongings while I charged my phone."
16/ "There isn't anyone to watch my belongings for me and I don't want
them to get stolen."
17/ "My driver will be in the car to take care of my belongings for me."
leave behind your belongings
18/ They usually leave one or two of their belongings behind when they leave.
19/ "I left behind my belongings, my family, my friends, a job and co-workers
that I loved, and all sense of safety and security."
20/ "I left behind my belongings and went to an emergency door."
leave your belongings unattended
21/ "Please do not leave your belongings unattended."
22/ "Is it safe to leave my belongings unattended on the beach?"
see also: n(plural) possessions
policy n(c,u) //
a plan of action agreed or chosen by a political party or a business
government policy, public policy
1.1/ The document does not represent government policy.
1.2/ "We can only agree to the present government’s policy on education."
1.3/ "At the time the deal was brokered, parties both in opposition to and
in favor of the Agreement believed that it had the potential to shape
public policy on gun control in unprecedented ways."
company policy, school policy
1.4/ No smoking is company policy.
1.5/ "All employees should sign a document stating that they have read,
understood, and will follow the company policy."
1.6/ "Here are four strategies that we've seen work out in getting people
to follow company policy."
1.7/ "Our school policy reassures our prime concern of equipping students with
sound knowledge, worthy personal qualities, dynamic social and technical skills
to achieve success in this rapidly advancing pluralistic society."
1.8/ "The school policy allows two days to make up missed work
for each day absent."
policy on something
1.9/ What is your party's policy on immigration?
1.10/ "Hong Kong schools need a policy on generative AI to benefit from it."
1.11/ The party's new policy on education has yet to be revealed.
1.12/ "It's absolutely essential for job applicants to inquire about a company's
policy on sick leave and vacation time before accepting an offer."
policy for somebody/something
1.13/ We have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs.
1.14/ The government adopts an open-door policy for migrant workers.
1.15/ "Adopt an open-door policy for after-class interaction to build up
trust and relation and to take care of students' problem."
policy of something/doing something
1.16/ We have tried to pursue a policy of neutrality.
1.17/ We have a policy of refusing to comment on such matters.
1.18/ The company's policy of expansion has created many new jobs.
1.19/ The school has an enlightened policy of teaching boys to cook.
1.20/ "In this regard, the Chief Executive Mr Donald TSANG announced in 2006
that Hong Kong would no longer adopt the policy of positive non-intervention
and it would adhere to the "Big market, small government" principle instead."
a policy towards somebody/something
1.21/ This marked the beginning of a more open policy towards
the rest of the world.
a change/shift in policy
1.22/ This would be a radical shift in policy.
1.23/ They have had a significant change in policy on paternity leave.
1.24/ The White House said there will be no change in policy.
have (a) policy
1.25/ As far as crime goes, they seem to have no coherent policy.
1.26/ We have a policy prohibiting sexual harassment.
1.27/ The magazine has a misguided editorial policy.
adopt a policy
1.28/ The company has adopted a firm policy on shoplifting.
1.29/ "The management of a supermarket wants to adopt a new policy of giving
a free gift to every customer who spends more than a certain amount
per visit at this supermarket."
implement a policy
1.30/ He implemented an aggressive monetary policy to stimulate the economy.
1.31/ "We are striving to implement a policy to fight the epidemic."
1.32/ "Implement a policy to get everyone on the same page with the rules."
1.33/ "I will implement a new policy to help curb the spread of COVID-19."
operate a policy
1.34/ The company operates a strict no-smoking policy.
1.35/ "In Germany, the government operates a policy called Kurzarbeit, whereby
it subsidizes firms who retain workers for shorter hours in times of recession."
make policy
1.36/ "The government makes policy and sets rules so that biotechnology
can be applied safely and in the best possible way."
1.37/ "It makes policy on education and ensures uniformity in the system
in compliance with the National Policy on Education."
1.38/ "If you want to make policy on education, then parent views are critical."
follow a policy, abide by a policy
1.39/ The government followed a policy of restraint in public spending.
1.40/ "All bureaus and departments must strictly abide by the policy and
guidelines to ensure the security of government data and information systems."
violate a policy
1.41/ "If you believe that the account didn't violate our policy,
you can file an appeal by requesting a review."
revoke/remove a policy
1.42/ "The first scenario simulates the possibility when the government
revokes the policy concerning the limitation of goods."
1.43/ "The former FijiFirst government removed the policy and introduced
Equal Rent Distribution in 2011.
reform a policy
1.44/ We see the need to reform our flawed agricultural policy."
resume a policy
1.45/ "We should resume the policy of confiscating land from Tory sympathisers."
1.46/ "The United States entered the war because of the Germans' decision
to resume the policy of unrestricted submarine warfare."
(a group of people) agree on a policy
1.47/ "Even if the parties agree on a new policy related to development and
school capacity, it could be a long time until the community sees any effects."
1.48/ "If we agree on the policy, then somebody just has to implement
the tools to make it feasible."
decide on a policy (also: agree on a policy)
1.49/ "Should companies urgently decide on a policy for employees taking
foreign holidays this summer?"
1.50/ "In other cases, the government or civil service may fail to
decide on a policy within a reasonable time frame, or fail to address
implementation problems such as lack of relevant resources."
1.51/ "Don't agree on a policy or a course of action without clarity about
who is responsible and their specific deadline."
agree to a policy, be resigned to a policy, accept a policy
1.52/ "Minneapolis school officials and teachers' union agree to a policy
to fire teachers based on their skin color."
1.53/ "Drivers were now resigned to the new policy coming in
despite their protests."
1.54/ "By visiting our sites, you agree to accept the policy that is
in effect at that time."
approve of a policy, agree with a policy
1.55/ "We do not approve of the Government's policy on euthanasia."
1.56/ "Partisans approve of the government policy of 'their team',
thus resulting in increased sentiment."
1.57/ "We are well aware of and agree with the public policy of the State of Illinois
favoring the conservation of judicial resources through arbitration or appraisal."
1.58/ "We couldn't agree with the new policy on garbage collection."
1.59/ "Do you agree with the new policy on exception sites for entry-level homes?"
advise somebody on policy
1.60/ "The council will advise the government on foreign policy."
1.61/ "Advise the government on fiscal policy matters."
1.62/ "We advise the Government on policy and legislative issues regarding
company law and related legislation."
1.63/ "The Centre advises the Government on policy on private investment,
both foreign and domestic and related matters."
policy address
1.64/ "During the meeting, the Chief Executive will present the Policy Address."
1.65/ "I am writing in response to the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project,
included in the recently presented policy address."
1.66/ "The Policy Address 2023 sets out a range of initiatives to
revive the economy, create opportunities and ensure long-term prosperity
and stability of Hong Kong."
1.67/ "The 2021 Policy Address delivered by Mrs Lam early last month is
the last Policy Address in her current term of office."
n(c) an insurance policy: a written statement of a contract of insurance
2.1/ The policy covers you for accidental loss or damage.
2.2/ Check the terms of the policy before you sign.
2.3/ You should check your policy to see if you're covered for flood damage.
2.4/ "How often should I update my insurance policy?"
2.5/ "How do I choose an insurance policy that best suits my needs?"
2.6/ "A standard home insurance policy doesn't cover damage from floods
or earthquakes, but separate insurance is available for these problems."
2.7/ "A life insurance policy guarantees the insurer pays a sum of money
to one or more named beneficiaries when the insured person dies in exchange
for premiums paid by the policyholder during their lifetime."
under the policy
2.8/ "An insurer’s duty to defend is triggered where there is a mere possibility
that, based on the pleaded facts, the claims are covered under the policy."
2.9/ "You’re not criminally responsible, but are you covered under
your insurance policy?"
n(c,u) a principle that you believe in that influences how you behave;
a way in which you usually behave
3.1/ Honesty is the best policy.
3.2/ Silence must be our policy!
policy of something or doing something
3.3/ "The university is now reckoned with because we maintain the policy of
due diligence to academic research and second to none teaching methodology."
3.4/ She is following her usual policy of ignoring all offers of help.
see also: the principle of something, on the principle that ...
heritage n(u) //
the history, traditions, buildings and objects that a country or society has had
for many years and that are considered an important part of its character
part of heritage
1.1/ The building is part of our national heritage.
1.2/ Folk songs are part of our common heritage.
1.3/ Part of our country's heritage has been destroyed.
trace the heritage of something
1.4/ It's a family-run business that traces its heritage back to 1884.
1.5/ "Trace the heritage of simple elegance with Louis and our other
select home furniture at flat 50% off!"
n(singular) have a heritage
1.6/ The country has a long and proud heritage.
1.7/ The city has an exceptionally rich heritage of historic buildings.
1.8/ "Hong Kong has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its unique blend
of Eastern and Western influences."
cultural heritage
1.9/ The organization is devoted to preserving our cultural heritage.
1.10/ These monuments are a vital part of the cultural heritage of South America.
1.11/ "Language is part of our cultural heritage, and people who use their
heritage language are more likely to have good family relationships
and a stronger cultural identity."
1.12/ "The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is committed to preserving and interpreting
the cultural heritage of Hong Kong as well as to collecting a wide range of
artifacts and works of art from the territory and neighbouring regions."
1.13/ "This includes education and awareness-raising on the need to
respect cultural heritage and cultural diversity."
a heritage site
1.14/ The city has been designated a world heritage site.
1.15/ "As the largest surviving heritage site in Hong Kong, Tai Kwun comprises
16 historic buildings built between 1862 and 1931."
a heritage tour
1.16/ "Take your pick from four different routes that will bring you
on a heritage tour around four distinct districts and neighborhoods
around Singapore."
1.17/ "A heritage tour is a type of tourism that focuses on exploring the history
and culture of a particular place."
1.18/ "Heritage tourism is traveling to understand the cultures and places
of the past - including those of your ancestors."
heritage conservation/preservation
1.19/ She is an architect specializing in heritage conservation.
1.20/ "Heritage preservation is a process of renovation, refurbishment, alteration
and modernization of a building with an aim to preserve and reuse the portions
which are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural values."
see also: history, tradition, custom
n(c,u) a person's racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural background
2.1/ Her heritage is Chinese and Vietnamese.
2.2/ I am an American of Persian heritage.
2.3/ They are proud of their Jewish and Palestinian heritages.
2.4/ Historical and government records can help you trace your heritage.
2.5/ She made a conscious attempt to explore her Jewish heritage.
family heritage
2.6/ "This is not the picture of a great family heritage of the king
who was chosen as regent to rule in the line of the coming Messiah."
2.7/ "After deciding to trace my family heritage Joanne has helped and
encouraged me to discover so much information."
2.8/ "This matter holds a special significance to me;
I trace my family heritage back to India."
see also: family tree, family background, ancestor, descendant
n(in compounds) used to describe a traditional product, brand,
type of animal or plant variety, especially one that is old-fashioned,
rare and of high quality
3.1/ She keeps heritage chickens and sells their eggs.
3.2/ The soup is made from heritage tomatoes, fennel, basil and a little garlic.
3.3/ Heritage carrots are not always orange in colour.
a heritage breed
3.4/ Cotswold sheep are considered a heritage breed in Canada.
3.5/ "Purebred dogs are purposely bred by breeders whose goal is to preserve,
and improve, a heritage breed of dog."
3.6/ "Draft horses are relatively rare, a heritage breed of horse used
for traditional farming practices in the 1800s."
a heritage brand
3.7/ They work with some of Britain's oldest heritage brands,
including Jaguar, Harrods and the BBC.
3.8/ "Kee Wah Bakery is a heritage brand in Hong Kong that is known
for their premium and quality pastries."
see also: prestige, prestigious
n(c) a heritage language
4.1/ "A heritage language is a minority language, either immigrant or
indigenous, learned by its speakers at home as children, and difficult to be
fully developed because of insufficient input from the social environment."
4.2/ "If the native language is abandoned and English becomes
the dominant language, the native language will become heritage language."
4.3/ "'English' is equivalent to Putonghua, so Chinese dialects and
minority languages are heritage languages in China."
4.4/ In a community setting, a heritage language acts as the means
of communication, particularly for the older generation."
a marginal language
4.5/ "Then as immigrants flooded, Hakka dialect became a marginal language."
allege v(t) //
[claim] state something as a fact but without giving proof
allege that ...
1/ The prosecution alleges that she was driving carelessly.
2/ The police alleged that the man killed a resident.
3/ "Police allege that a 43-year-old man, who they say appeared to
be drunk, put his hand on an officer's neck and didn't stop despite warnings."
4/ School districts are alleging the state has not continued to
finance schools adequately.
It is alleged that ...
5/ It was alleged that Johnson had struck Mr Rahim on the head.
6/ "It is alleged that the suspect from Olivenhoutbosch, Centurion, was selling
permits to business owners who are not part of the essential services."
7/ It is alleged that he used his influential position to steal
thousands of pounds of company profits.
be alleged to be/have something
8/ He is alleged to have mistreated the prisoners.
9/ She is alleged to have been at the centre of an international drug ring.
10/ "Jimmy Lai was alleged to have donated many times to Yuza Maw Htoon,
an opposition figure in Myanmar."
allege something
11/ The woman alleged rape, but Reeves insisted it was consensual.
12/ This procedure should be followed in cases where dishonesty has been alleged.
13/ "Police allege robbery and anti-Semitic graffiti staged by café owners."
14/ "Police alleged corruption between business contractors and employees
at the state government department.
see also: claim, implicate, accuse, indict, arrest, prosecute
alleged adj(before noun) //
stated as a fact but without any proof
1.1/ "The crash of an alleged UFO in Roswell made headlines in 1947."
1.2/ "Hong Kong police have arrested 30 more people in connection with
an alleged fraud scandal surrounding crypto exchange platform JPEX."
the alleged crime/ incident/ attack/ offence
1.3/ "The alleged crime happened in one of these minister's offices."
1.4/ Two of those men were not even present when the alleged incident took place.
1.5/ "She said the alleged attack lasted about 14 minutes before other
health-care workers were able to intervene."
1.6/ "He was the first person to whom the victim has reported the alleged
sexual offence before he or she reported it to the police."
1.7/ "The Supreme Court on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the alleged
sexual assault of minor girls at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur."
1.8/ "The writer has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of minors."
1.9/ She went to the police two days after the alleged incident following
a reported examination by a doctor."
1.10/ "The Supreme Court's new test focuses on the location of the transaction
in question, rather than where the alleged fraud occurred."
the alleged victim
1.11/ They produced a case file from at least 14 men and women
who knew the alleged victim.
1.12/ "Neither the partner nor the alleged victim has been named because
a nondisclosure agreement was put in place preventing identification
of either party."
1.13/ "The alleged victim stayed at the station about seven to 10 times,
and sexual intercourse happened multiple times when she stayed at the station."
1.14/ "The top court expressed concern that alleged victims of sexual assault
at Bihar shelter home were subjected to media interviews again and again
and it asked media not to interview the victims as they cannot be compelled
to relive trauma again and again."
the alleged attacker/ killer/ offender
1.15/ "Alleged attackers claimed to be triad members before escaping the scene."
1.16/ "Chinese hackers are the alleged attackers in Japan's NISC."
1.17/ "The alleged killer was arrested hours after Egyptian authorities found
the body of a foreigner in a garbage bag."
1.18/ "Often, youth pastors assume that they can resolve such matters
by counselling with the victim or the alleged offender, without contacting
civil authorities."
see also: suspect, defendant, the accused
(adv) allegedly /ə'le.dʒɪd.li/
2.1/ She was arrested for allegedly stealing a car.
2.2/ That's where he allegedly killed his wife.
2.3/ They were arrested for allegedly stealing classified information.
2.4/ I am allegedly learning French, but it’s going slowly.
2.5/ The executive was fired for allegedly lying to investors.
2.6/ It’s a collection of recipes which allegedly can be prepared in 30 minutes.
2.7/ Two oil companies allegedly spent $6 million trying to free two surviving
grey whales trapped in the Arctic ice.
2.8/ The drug can allegedly induce profound hallucinations, sound alterations,
but also other effects such as the sense of connection/belonging with other
realities, sense of peace and well-being, emotional stimulation and meeting
with entities, which are also common features of the so-called
near-death experience."
see also: seemingly, reportedly
the other day phrase //
a few days ago
1.1/ I saw her in town the other day.
1.2/ We met up for breakfast the other day.
1.3/ I phoned your office the other day.
1.4/ I was out walking with my brother the other day when I spotted her.
1.5/ Didn't I see you in the post office the other day?
1.6/ Jim called in the other day on his way to his mother's.
1.7/ We had lunch the other day at our favorite restaurant.
the other morning/ afternoon/ evening/ night:
on a in the recent past
2.1/ The other morning, I saw a deer on our lawn.
2.2/ "The other afternoon, just before finals week, students,
tired and apprehensive, trickled into the center."
2.3/ "The other night we saw a fox in the garden."
2.4/ "The other evening, a group of colleagues dusted off their lycra
to test their cycling skills."
accuse v(t) //
say that somebody has done something wrong or is guilty of something
accuse somebody of something
1/ The government was accused of incompetence.
2/ They openly accused her of dishonesty.
3/ "I am accused of the murder of my wife, a crime I did not commit."
4/ "If you've been accused of armed robbery or a related crime, you need
an attorney who will fight vigorously on your behalf."
5/ "After being accused of theft at work you could be facing two types of
consequences: termination and/or criminal prosecution."
6/ "Have you been accused of tax evasion? Contact our fraud and
financial crime solicitors for free legal advice."
7/ A man accused of murder has been remanded in custody for
a month by magistrates.
8/ "As previously noted, many defendants accused of arson are
charged with additional crimes."
accuse somebody of doing something
9/ She accused him of lying.
10/ I am not accusing you of taking the money.
11/ You can't accuse me of being selfish.
12/ She practically accused me of starting the fire!
13/ I am not accusing you of engaging in boyish fancy.
14/ "Have you ever been accused of stealing at Walmart?"
15/ His critics accused his work of lacking in realism.
16/ No one could ever accuse this government of not caring about the poor.
accuse me or excuse me
17/ "My competing thoughts will either accuse or excuse me."
18/ "Whether its representative values or norms accuse me or excuse me,
I am always viewed as an object; I am fixed."
19/ "Neither had I indeed any evil thoughts in my heart in singing
any of those songs, which my conscience can bear me witness, and it is
that which must either accuse me or excuse me."
all the time phrase //
(also: the whole time) continuously or very often
1/ I was hungry all the time.
2/ He worries about her the whole time.
3/ Oh, this happens all the time, don't worry.
4/ He complains that he's tired all the time.
5/ I wish you'd stop criticizing me all the time.
6/ I keep practising and I’m improving all the time.
7/ Her dog digs in the yard all the time. She's just gotten used to it.
8/ We currently have 350 members and it's growing all the time.
see also: at all times, all the while, all the way, all the more,
all the same, all of a sudden
timely adj //
happening at exactly the right time
1.1/ This has been a timely reminder to us all.
1.2/ A nasty incident was prevented by the timely arrival of the police.
1.3/ I was grateful for your timely intervention.
1.4/ The timely intervention of a teacher meant a fight was avoided.
1.5/ The change in the exchange rate provided a timely boost
to the company's falling profits.
1.6/ "Make sure your offer is timely. If you don’t act fast, others will
submit their offers first, and the seller may choose one before you’ve had
a chance to add yours to the mix."
your timely help
1.7/ Your timely help is much appreciated.
1.8/ Thank you once again for your timely assistance.
1.9/ Your help is always timely and very appreciated!
in a timely manner (see also: on time)
1.10/ "We finish the work in a timely manner."
1.11/ All claims must be dealt with in a professional and timely manner.
see also: on time, in time, at the right time, duly
(idiom) there is a time (and a place) for everything
2.1/ "There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) /ɪ''kli:.zi'æsti:z/
untimely adj(before noun) //
happening too soon or sooner than is normal or expected
1.1/ A cough at the doorway brought an untimely end to their embrace.
untimely deat at the age of XX
1.2/ She met a tragic and untimely death at 25.
1.3/ A love of fast cars led to his untimely death at the age of 34.
1.4/ It was this passion for fast cars that led to his untimely death
at the age of 43.
your untimely absence (= untimely death)
1.5/ "Don't let your untimely absence compromise your ability
to protect the people you cherish most!"
1.6/ "How would you ensure your loved ones' financial stability
in case of your untimely absence?"
see also: premature /'pre.mə.tʃ;ər/
(adj) happening at a time or in a situation that is not suitable
2.1/ His interruption was untimely.
2.2/ "Did I crack an untimely joke?"
2.3/ "Excuse me if my arrival is untimely."
2.4/ "Ma Ying-jeou's visit is untimely, since Beijing keeps ramping up
military pressure on Taiwan."
ill-timed /''ɪl'taɪmd/ : done or happening at the wrong time
2.5/ Her speech was naive and ill-timed.
2.6/ "I feel even now that my visit is ill-timed and I scarcely know how to
apologize for calling at such an untimely hour."
see also: well-timed, at a wrong time, the timing of something
circumstance n(plural) //
circumstances: the conditions and facts that are connected with
and affect a situation, an event or an action
under/in the circumstances
1.1/ She did the job very well in the circumstances.
1.2/ In the circumstances, you'd better call the police.
1.3/ She had every right to be angry under the circumstances.
1.4/ "Under the circumstances, a mild downturn in overall economic activity
was projected for the near term."
1.5/ Under the circumstances, it seemed better not to tell him about the accident.
under the circumstances where/that ...
1.6/ "Under the current circumstances where the Housing Authority has large
surpluses, the facilities and management of existing estates should be improved."
1.7/ "I want to say this is a very embarrassing situation for myself,
especially under the circumstances that we've been going through."
under/in no circumstance(s)
1.8/ Under no circumstances should you approach the man.
1.9/ Under no circumstances should you leave the door unlocked.
1.10/ Under no circumstances should you lend Paul any money.
under/in any circumstance(s)
1.11/ We will not quit under any circumstances.
1.12/ I know I can trust her in any circumstance.
1.13/ We oppose capital punishment in any circumstances.
under/in certain circumstances (= in some special cases)
1.14/ The contract can be extended under certain circumstances.
1.15/ The company reserves the right to cancel this agreement
in certain circumstances.
under ... circumstances
1.16/ I wish I'd met him under different circumstances.
1.17/ Under normal circumstances, your white blood cells are able
to fight infections.
1.18/ "Under regular circumstances the population of 2-year old children
has an average weight of 26 lbs."
in ... circumstances
1.19/ She died in suspicious circumstances.
1.20/ The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.
1.21/ In exceptional circumstances, detainees could be denied access to a lawyer.
1.22/ In similar circumstances, what would you have done?
1.23/ "The above succession management efforts aside, requesting retired
colleagues to stay on a little bit longer in suitable circumstances is
conducive to our efforts in dealing with the work in hand and to the transfer
of expertise and experience."
circumstances surrounding something
1.24/ Police said there were no suspicious circumstances
surrounding the boy's death.
1.25/ "Collecting accurate and comprehensive information helps investigators
understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify
contributing factors."
the circumstances of something
1.26/ Police are investigating the circumstances of the death of a baby boy.
1.27/ The court will take into account all the circumstances of the case.
1.28/ She never discovered the true circumstances of her birth.
investigate the circumstances of something
1.29/ "The Ecuadorian Police investigate the circumstances of the murder
of two people whose bodies appeared at dawn hanging from a bridge."
circumstances conspire against somebody/something
1.30/ I felt that circumstances were conspiring against me.
1.31/ "When circumstances conspire against me, I'm still rightly
expected to do my best."
(other examples)
1.32/ Britain is fortunately not facing the same set of circumstances.
1.33/ The meeting has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.
1.34/ Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to reschedule the concert.
see also: conditions, situation, environment, surroundings
n(plural) the conditions of a person’s life, esp the money they have
2.1/ Grants are awarded according to your personal circumstances.
2.2/ Grants are available depending on your circumstances.
2.3/ The amount paid will vary according to circumstances.
2.4/ The particular circumstances of each individual claimant must be considered.
in ... circumstances
2.5/ These boys and girls often grew up in dire circumstances.
2.6/ He was a writer living in straitened circumstances.
2.7/ Although he now lives in very comfortable circumstances, he never
forgets his humble origins.
n(u)situations and events that affect and influence your life
and that are not in your control
a victim of circumstance
3.1/ "I became a victim of circumstance when my first marriage crashed."
3.2/ "He had done nothing wrong other than try to help his company,
but became a victim of circumstance and was released."
force of circumstance
3.3/ He had to leave the country through force of circumstance
3.4/ We were obliged to go by force of circumstance.
3.5/ Through force of circumstance, she never went to university,
and spent her life regretting it.
by circumstance (see also: by chance, by luck)
3.6/ We were simply thrown together by circumstance on the long journey.
3.7/ "Approximately 20 years later, they met again by circumstance."
passion n(c,u) //
a very strong feeling of love, hate, anger, enthusiasm, etc
1.1/ That passion drove me to get to the top.
1.2/ Her writing is full of passion and energy.
1.3/ I admire the passion and commitment shown by the players.
1.4/ Passions were running high in the aftermath of the accident.
1.5/ As a teenager, I was consumed by passion for the boy next door.
with passion
1.6/ She argued her case with considerable passion.
1.7/ "Teach with Passion, Manage with Compassion!"
1.8/ "Teachers should teach students with passion because this changes
the way students look at school and learning."
1.9/ The team has been playing with renewed passion this season.
show passion in something
1.10/ "Take pride and show passion in my job."
1.11/ "I am a quick learner and if given the chance will grow
and show passion in my job."
1.12/ "Successful candidates typically know how to show passion in a job interview."
show passion in doing something
1.13/ "Be proactive and show passion in achieving results that sets you apart
as the best."
arouse passion (in/among somebody)
1.14/ This issue always arouses passion.
1.15/ Football arouses a good deal of passion among its fans.
1.16/ "The aroma of almonds supposedly aroused passion in women,
according to ancient poets and writers."
awake passion
1.17/ The chance meeting awoke the old passion between them.
1.18/ "Only true passion can awake passion in others."
a moment of passion
1.19/ There were moments of high passion in the game.
1.20/ "In the heat of a moment of passion we all say stupid things,
whether we mean them or not."
n(c) a very strong feeling of liking something;
a hobby, an activity, etc that you like very much
2.1/ Music is his true passion.
2.2/ Politics and philosophy were his lifelong passions.
2.3/ At school, his early interest in music developed into an abiding passion.
have a passion
2.4/ She has two passions in life - her cats and opera.
2.5/ Anton has a consuming passion for science fiction.
a passion for something/doing something
2.6/ He developed a real passion for acting.
2.7/ She left her job to pursue her lifelong passion for painting.
2.8/ She had very little time to indulge her passion for painting.
2.9/ He was a quiet man with a passion for writing poetry.
share a passion, a shared passion
2.10/ They shared a passion for Italian food.
2.11/ Elliot and Nina discovered a shared passion for poetry.
appeal v(i) //
make a deeply felt request, esp for something that is needed immediately
1.1/ I am appealing on behalf of the famine victims.
appeal for something
1.2/ Church and community leaders have appealed for calm.
1.3/ They're appealing for clothes and blankets to send to the devastated region.
1.4/ "The refugees appealed for these permits to be made transferable
within the family."
1.5/ "While reviewing my answer script, I discovered that one of my answers
was marked wrongly and approached my teacher to appeal for an additional mark."
appeal to somebody
1.6/ Appeal directly to the public, answer their questions.
1.7/ Farmers have appealed to the government for help.
appeal to somebody for something
1.8/ The government appealed to the British people for help.
1.9/ "I appeal to you for help in resolving this issue."
1.10/ "The church has left a team of its personnel on the ground to run
our very small and run-down dispensary and we appeal for assistance to help
beef up our medical and relief activities."
1.11/ Police appealed to the public for information about the crime.
appeal to somebody to do something
1.12/ Organizers appealed to the crowd not to panic.
1.13/ The police have appealed to anyone with information to
come forward and talk to them.
1.14/ "I appeal to all people of goodwill to seize the earliest opportunity
to help save as many lives as possible."
1.15/ "Downing Street has appealed to teachers to step back from strike action
and not disrupt the summer exam season for hundreds of thousands of pupils."
appeal for somebody to do something
1.16/ Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
see also: urge, request, seek your help/advice/assistance
v(t) attract or interest somebody
2.1/ The prospect of a long wait in the rain did not appeal.
2.2/ The prospect of teaching such bright children appealed enormously.
appeal to somebody
2.3/ His movies appeal to a broad audience.
2.4/ The ad is designed to appeal to female voters.
2.5/ The design has to appeal to all ages and social groups.
2.6/ The programme appeals to young children.
2.7/ The idea of working abroad really appeals to me.
2.8/ "The symmetry of a flatlay always appeals to me."
2.9/ Computer games used to appeal primarily to boys.
2.10/ These characters will appeal directly to children's imaginations.
see also: appealing, attract somebody to something, interest somebody,
capture my attention/imagination, be captivated by somebody/something
v(i) make a formal request to a court or to somebody in authority
for a judgment or a decision to be changed
3.1/ She is not happy with the decision and plans to appeal.
3.2/ He said he would appeal after being found guilty on four counts of murder.
appeal against something
3.3/ Both men intend to appeal against their convictions.
3.4/ The company is appealing against the ruling.
3.5/ "If a person has not achieved the pass mark in IGCSE Physics,
they can appeal against the exam results or retake the exam."
3.6/ "I come to my teach to appeal against my exam results."
3.7/ She appealed unsuccessfully against her conviction for murder.
appeal to somebody/something
3.8/ Permission to appeal to the House of Lords was refused.
3.9/ He has decided to appeal to the European Court.
3.10/ Appealing to the referee does not often result in a decision being changed.
3.11/ "We go to court and if we lose, we appeal to the Supreme Court."
appeal to somebody/something against something
3.12/ He is seeking leave to appeal to the High Court against the decision.
3.13/ "Can I appeal to the court against an arbitration?"
v(i) appeal to somebody's better nature(/sense of justice)
4.1/ They needed to appeal to his sense of justice.
4.2/ You could always try appealing to his better nature.
4.3/ "I wouldn't bother trying to appeal to his better nature
- the boss doesn't look on requests for charity lightly."
4.4/ "They appeal to my sense of justice and karma. I feel bad for
the immigrants drowned in the Mediterranean because they don't
deserve to die trying to get to a safer better life."
see also: remind me of something, make me ponder on something
appeal n(c,u) //
a request to the public for money, information, or help
5.1/ The appeal raised over three million pounds.
5.2/ She gazed at him in mute appeal.
5.3/ There was a look of silent appeal on his face.
an appeal for something
5.4/ We launch a TV appeal for donations to the charity.
5.5/ The police have issued a new appeal for information.
5.6/ The child's mother made an emotional appeal on TV for his return.
5.7/ Detectives renewed their appeal for help from the public.
an appeal for somebdody
5.8/ The appeal for people to donate blood was very successful.
5.9/ "The Charter does not mandate an appeal for refugees arriving
across the U.S. border."
an appeal to somebody
5.10/ He made an emotional appeal to voters.
5.11/ All the organizations involved have sent urgent appeals to the government,
asking for extra funding.
an appeal to somebody for something
5.12/ They made a direct appeal to the government for funding.
5.13/ Police are making a fresh appeal to the public for any information
that may help them.
5.14/ The girl's family have made a public appeal for help to
try and catch her killer.
an appeal (to somebody) to do something
5.15/ They're launching an appeal to raise money for famine victims.
5.16/ The police have issued an appeal to the public to stay away
from the area over the weekend.
make an appeal
5.17/ "Horrified, King made a public appeal on TV calling for peace
and promising we will have our day in court."
5.18/ "A village has made a public appeal to the new Government not to legalise
gay marriage despite the Prime Minister flatly rejecting that the Government
had even discussed the issue just one week ago."
n(u) a quality that makes somebody/something attractive or interesting
6.1/ Her charming children's stories have timeless appeal.
6.2/ His considerable appeal lies in his quiet, gentle manner.
have (a) wide appeal
6.3/ The programme has a very wide appeal.
6.4/ Spielberg's movies have a wide appeal.
6.5/ Why do you think your music has such wide appeal around the world?
6.6/ "The range of lace-like products had a wide appeal and spawned
a host of inspired products from other manufacturers."
appeal for somebody
6.7/ His views hold no appeal for me.
6.8/ The prospect of living in a city holds little appeal for me.
6.9/ The film has great appeal for young audiences.
the appeal of something/doing something
6.10/ We are trying to broaden the appeal of classical music.
6.11/ He was beginning to understand the appeal of living in the countryside.
lose your appeal
6.12/ The Beatles have never really lost their appeal.
6.13/ "By the late 1980s, Arcade games started to lose their appeal."
6.14/ "Not only that, but such behavior can make you lose your appeal,
because research shows that an on-demand conversation can make
you look weak."
6.15/ This used to be a marvellous hotel, but it has lost its appeal in recent years.
lack appeal
6.16/ Unfortunately the movie lacks commercial appeal.
6.17/ "Thus it should be understood that many excellent articles will
go unmentioned, not because they lack substance or appeal, but simply
because the necessarily rapid and severely limited glance of the observer
failed to include them."
sex appeal (see also: sexually attractive, revealing)
6.18/ She’s definitely got sex appeal.
6.19/ The actor has a lot of sex appeal.
6.20/ "I can't see a lack of sex appeal from the photos."
n(c,u) a formal request to a court or to somebody in authority
for a judgement or a decision to be changed
7.1/ "Criminal and civil appeals are normally a legal right for
lower court litigants who did not prevail or win their case."
7.2/ You have the right of appeal to the Constitutional Court.
an appeal to a court
7.3/ There is a possibility of a further appeal to a higher court.
an appeal against something
7.4/ They have launched appeals against their convictions.
7.5/ "His lawyer announced that he would file an appeal against the verdict."
7.6/ "I made an appeal against the court's decision."
7.7/ "On August 15 2014, he made an appeal against the sentence."
7.8/ He's bringing an appeal against the size of the fine.
an appeal for something
7.9/ "An individual can also file an appeal for sentence reduction."
7.10/ The referee did not see the incident and turned down
the loud appeal for a penalty.
make/file/lodge an appeal
7.11/ She has lodged an appeal against the severity of the fine.
on appeal
7.12/ The case was upheld on appeal.
7.13/ The sentence was reduced to three years on appeal.
7.14/ The verdict was later overturned on appeal.
7.15/ "He was released on appeal after being sentenced to jail."
after (an) appeal
7.16/ "Cheung Tze-keung was acquitted and released after appeal in June 1995
when the judge ruled there was no case against Cheung as the evidence was
filled with too many inconsistencies and the security guard who initially
identified him recanted his testimony."
7.17/ After an appeal, the runner was eventually called out for failing
to touch third base."
hear an appeal
7.18/ The court will hear the appeal on 10 June.
7.19/ "Normally three judges will hear an appeal against a final decision
and two judges will hear an interlocutory appeal."
allow/approve/accept an appeal
7.20/ "I dismiss Rajendran's appeal against his conviction on Charge 1
and allow his appeal against sentence."
7.21/ "In some instances, courts approve the appeal and the case may return
to court for a second trial."
7.22/ "As such I would be grateful if you would accept my appeal
against termination of employment"
[law] uphold an appeal:
the appeal has been successful and the lower court ruling is set aside
7.23/ "His appeal was upheld, and a judge overturned the conviction."
7.24/ His appeal was upheld and he was released immediately.
7.25/ "I therefore respectfully request that my appeal is upheld
and the charge is dismissed. "
reject/dismiss an appeal
7.26/ The court dismissed his appeal against the verdict.
7.27/ The appeal was rejected by the High Court.
7.28/ Bailiffs were called after a court rejected an appeal.
drop an appeal
7.29/ They have agreed to drop the appeal.
win/lose your appeal
7.30/ He won his appeal and the sentence was halved.
7.31/ Unless she wins her appeal she will be imprisoned.
7.32/ "I lost my appeal for my unemployment benefits."
7.33/ "I lost my appeal for terminating parental rights."
an appeal succeeds/fails
7.34/ "Can I ask for an award of costs if my appeal succeeds?"
7.35/ "Your appeal fails and you are denied readmission to UCT."
an appeals court (/an appeal court)
7.36/ "Once the case is accepted and the grounds for the appeal are
considered, the appeals court can rule either in support of
the lower court's decision or in support of the appeal."
the Court of Appeal, the Court of Final Appeal
7.35/ "No appeal can be admitted unless leave to appeal has been granted
either by the Court of Appeal or the Court of Final Appeal."
7.36/ "There is no automatic right of appeal to the Supreme Court."
7.37/ "The Court of Final Appeal hears appeals of civil matter
at discretion where, in the opinion of the Court of Appeal or
the question involved in the appeal is one which, because of its great
the Court of Final Appeal, general or public importance, or otherwise,
ought to be submitted to the Court of Final Appeal for decision.
7.38/ "Hong Kong appeal court quashes murder conviction of university professor
found guilty of strangling wife and orders retrial."
7.39/ "A murder conviction has been quashed for the second time due to
an entirely avoidable procedural error which Court of Appeal judges determined
made the conviction unsafe."
downturn n(singular) //
a fall in the amount of business that is done;
a time when the economy becomes weaker
an economic downturn (see also: recession)
1/ Thousands of workers have lost their jobs in the economic downturn.
a downturn in something
2/ There is evidence of a downturn in the housing market.
3/ The 1990s witnessed a sharp downturn in the party's fortunes.
suffer/see/experience a downturn
4/ The company saw a downturn in sales over the last six months.
5/ "It can give you peace of mind if you experience a downturn
in the stock market or other market conditions."
6/ The company saw a downturn in sales over the last six months.
7/ "Whilst we suffer a downturn in sports, cinema and concerts;
we have an upsurge in people watching the news, streaming films
and participating in online gaming."
take a downturn
8/ "Should I play the long game, or cash out, when stock markets
take a downturn?"
on the downturn
9/ "Employee engagement is on the downturn."
10/ "Then, and only then, can you identify ways to capitalize
on the downturn in the longer term, partly by exploiting the mistakes
of less savvy rivals."
11/ "When the economy is on the downturn, organizational priorities shift
to value and efficiency, and suddenly, businesses have to scramble to refocus
their attention on creating business processes that deliver their product or
service efficiently and cost-effectively while making difficult personnel,
product, policy, process, and service decisions."
upturn n(singular) //
a situation in which something improves or increases
over a period of time
an economic upturn (see also: an economic boom)
1/ There are fears that higher borrowing rates will threaten
the economic upturn.
an upturn in something
2/ There are still no signs of an upturn in global economic growth.
3/ Forecasters expect to see an upturn in consumer spending
by the end of the year.
experience/undergo/see an upturn
4/ We experience a sharp upturn in the number of tourists visiting the capital
5/ "We recruiters tend to feel the impact immediately but the good news is
we experience an upturn as soon as the economy does pick up."
6/ "This saw the club undergo an upturn - from losing money to breaking even
in 2014 and making a profit in 2015."
7/ "If we do see an upturn rather than a downturn from here, then we would
also expect more cyclical emerging markets like Korea and Taiwan to benefit
given their exposure to the growth-sensitive semiconductor cycle."
take an upturn
8/ Their fortunes have taken an upturn.
9/ "Whitehorse took an upturn in its H1 2022 performance."
(remark: 'H1' means the first half of a calendar year)
on the upturn
10/ The restaurant trade is on the upturn.
11/ "Sales are on the upturn this year."
see also: reach a turning point, a turning point in something
action n(c) //
something that you do
1.1/ There can be no excuse for these actions.
1.2/ The four soldiers received medals for their brave actions.
take an action
1.3/ We shall take whatever actions are necessary.
1.4/ "You have to take an action, to do something to move forward."
perform an action
1.5/ Only the priest can perform these actions.
1.6/ "There are times when you want to perform an action
in response to an event."
1.7/ "When individuals exhibit obedience, they perform an action
in response to the direct orders given by an authority figure."
start/initiate an action
1.8/ "It shows what we really want when we start an action, and whether
the outcome of this action corresponds to what we set out to do."
1.9/ "If it would work, then the commanders could initiate the action."
stop an action
1.10/ "A trap is meant to stop your action and to prevent movement."
explain/justify an action
1.11/ I asked him to explain his actions.
1.12/ They sought to justify their actions.
the consequences of an action
1.13/ She has to accept the consequences of her actions.
1.14/ "Dealing with the consequences of your actions means that
first you accept responsibility."
take responsibility for an action
1.15/ Each of us must take responsibility for our own actions.
1.16/ "He made me feel I should take responsibility for my action by
speaking the truth regardless of the consequences."
action speaks louder than words
1.17/ "As the saying goes, action speaks louder than words.
So strive to teach your team by example, not by words."
1.18/ "It is always said, action speaks louder than words,
so believe what you see and forget what you heard."
1.19/ "Action speaks louder than words is an old-age proverb
with a deep hidden meaning. Truly, a person’s action will tell you
everything you need to know."
see also: reaction
n(u) the process of doing something in order to
make something happen or to deal with a situation
2.1/ Her quick action saved the child's life.
2.2/ Quick action in calling the fire department saved many lives.
2.3/ The time has come for action if these beautiful animals are to survive.
action to do something
2.4/ Action to prevent the spread of the disease is high
on the government's agenda.
2.5/ "This is why the World Sustainability Organization supports
concrete actionto save endangered species around the globe."
2.6/ The leaders have agreed on joint action to combat terrorism.
take action
2.7/ "We have to take action to stop them."
2.8/ Firefighters took action immediately to stop the blaze spreading.
2.9/ Unless appropriate action is taken, our sales will decline.
2.10/ We want a leader who will take action to fix our problems.
2.11/ Financial advisers urged the city to take action to deal with the fiscal crisis.
2.12/ The pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision.
go into action
2.13/ Divers were close at hand, ready to go into action if the stunt went wrong.
swing into action
2.14/ The emergency services swung into action as soon as the news
of the explosion reached them.
2.15/ "The policeman swung into action, but, strangely, he dislodged those,
including me, who were already standing in the row for hours and
enabled the intruders to take our places."
2.16/ he ambulance crew swung into action to resuscitate the patient.
call for action, demand action
2.17/ The situation calls for drastic action.
2.18/ They demanded action to stop temperatures rising.
2.19/ "The so-called climate pilgrims included Catholics, Buddhists,
Muslims, Hindus and Protestants, representing the world's major religions
and their call for action to save the Earth from the devastating
effects of climate change."
galvanize/push somebody into action
2.20/ We have to galvanize people into action.
2.21/ "It wasn't deep enough to push me into action."
2.22/ "Then the fourth thing that finally pushed me into action was my coach."
call off action, suspend/delay action
2.23/ They called off their action at 7.40 am after the meeting was arranged.
2.24/ Unions said the action could be suspended early on Friday
if talks between the two sides resumed.
2.25/ "I want to delay my action on the task because it seems like
it will take too long."
[05] course of action
2.26/ What is the best course of action in the circumstances?
plan of action
2.27/ So what's the plan of action?
2.28/ She began to explain her plan of action to the group.
ready for action
2.29/ The army are said to be ready for action.
disciplinary action
2.30/ The men face disciplinary action.
(idiom) in action (see also: in place)
2.31/ I have yet to see all the players in action.
2.32/ I have not yet seen the machines in action.
2.33/ Just press the button to see your favourite character in action.
2.34/ "This time the senior members of the cast are in action."
2.35/ "The show is at its best when all 30-plus members of
the cast are in action."
(idiom) put something into action (see also: put something into practice)
2.36/ We need to put these ideas into action.
2.37/ The new plan for traffic control is being put into action
on an experimental basis.
(idiom) out of action: not able to work or be used because of injury or damage
2.38/ The photocopier is out of action today.
2.39/ Jon will be out of action for weeks with a broken leg.
2.40/ He is out of action following an ankle injury.
n(c) a physical movement
3.1/ I'll say the words and you can mime the actions.
3.2/ It only needs a small wrist action to start the process.
3.3/ "I quicken my leg action to what is known as the six-beat kick."
a reflex action
3.4/ I'm sorry I punched him - it was a reflex action.
3.5/ "In a reflex action, the signals do not route to the brain - instead,
it is directed into the synapse in the spinal cord, hence the reaction
is almost instantaneous."
n(c,u) a legal process that is decided in a law court
take legal action
4.1/ I considered taking legal action.
4.2/ it is necessary to take legal action for debt collection.
4.3/ "If you decide to proceed to take legal action, the first step
in the process is usually filing a statement of claim."
4.4/ "When a debtor receives a letter of demand from you, it means you are
in the process to take legal action if the payment does not receive on time."
bring an action
4.5/ A libel action is being brought against the magazine
that published the article.
action against somebody/something
4.6/ He is considering taking legal action against the hospital.
4.7/ "If the sale caused a loss to the business, Paul could take
legal action against Agnes to recover the damages."
4.8/ They took out a libel action against the newspaper's owners.
(a) legal action
4.9/ "Jason threatened Peter not to carry on the legal action."
4.10/ "We strongly encourage you to contact legal counsel for information
on how to proceed with legal action."
4.11/ "What happens if a mentally incapacitated person or an infant/minor
wants to start a legal action?"
4.12/ "The next step will be to initiate a legal action for debt collection."
4.13/ "Mr Oei and his firm filed a notice of discontinuance to terminate
the legal action against the company with no order as to costs."
n(u) things that are happening, esp exciting or important things
5.1/ I like films with plenty of action.
5.2/ "It was all about the action in Hong Kong!"
where the action is
5.3/ New York is where the action is.
5.4/ A journalist has to be where the action is.
5.5/ If you want to know where all the action is around here, just ask Jo.
5.6/ "In a traditional TV show or movie, your hero is always where the action is."
n(u) (the main events in a story or play)
5.7/ The action takes place in France.
5.8/ In her last novel, the action moves between Greece and southern Spain.
5.9/ "The Triwizard Tournament serves as the backdrop for most of the action
in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."
5.10/ "Why does so much of the action in Harry Potter happen in bathrooms?"
see also: activity
n(u) a style of film in which a lot of exciting and often violent things happen
6.1/ His filmmaking style blends action, horror, and comedy.
6.2/ The action genre is often assumed to appeal more to men.
6.3/ "As any movie buff will tell you, much of the action in Hong Kong
visual culture revolves around martial arts and crime."
6.4/ "Anime is a medium that thrives off of action, and there are plenty of
anime movies that have done the best job of selling that idea to audiences."
an action movie
6.5/ "Ip Man (2008) is one of the best Hong Kong action movies ever."
6.6/ He loves action movies - all car chases and jumping out of planes
6.7/ People often don't think of Saving Private Ryan as an action film.
6.8/ "Jujutsu Kaisen has been one of the best action anime to come out
in recent years, and its prequel film, 2021's Jujutsu Kaisen 0,
was an appropriately exciting release."
6.9/ "It was the perfect conclusion to such an iconic anime, and it's allowed
the film to easily stand out as one of the best action anime movies of all time."
n(u) [effect] action of something on something:
the effect that something such as a chemical has on something
7.1/ Vitamin D can be made in the body by the action of sunlight on the skin.
7.2/ They recorded the action of the drug on the nervous system.
7.3/ The project will study the action of various drugs on the human body.
7.4/ The distinctive landscape has been formed by the action of
running water on the limestone.
7.5/ Accumulations of sand can be formed by the action of waves
on coastal beaches.
the action of something
7.6/ The action of the rushing water cleans the gully.
7.7/ His many years of research made him an expert on the action of snake venom.
see also: effect, influence
n(c,u) labour action, strike action
8.1/ Workers voted in favour of strike action.
8.2/ They called off their action at 7.40 am after the meeting was arranged.
8.3/ Unions said the action could be suspended early on Friday if
talks between the two sides resumed.
8.4/ The government began taking a hard line against labour actions.
action against somebody/something
8.5/ "While distance remains between Ford and the union, Fain said he was
holding off expanded strike actions against the company."
n(u) [war] fighting in a battle or war
9.1/ The possibility of taking military action has not been ruled out.
see action
9.2/ I never saw action during the war.
9.3/ He saw action in the trenches.
in action, during action
9.4/ Her younger son was killed in action.
9.5/ He was killed during enemy action.
missing in action
9.6/ He was reported missing in action.
9.7/ "We were first told missing in action. No body was received."
mistake n(c) //
an action or an opinion that is not correct, or that produces
a result that you did not want
1.1/ "There is a small mistake in your comment."
make a mistake
1.2/ It is easy to make a mistake.
1.3/ Don't worry, we all make mistakes.
1.4/ You are making a big mistake.
1.5/ "I often make a mistake in the exam."
1.6/ I'm not blaming you - we all make mistakes.
1.7/ Don't make the same mistake as I did.
1.8/ "I made a mistake in my life which I feel extremely bad of."
make no mistake (about something)
1.9/ Make no mistake about it, this is one crisis that won't just go away.
a common mistake
1.10/ "Putting an apostrophe in the wrong place is a common mistake."
1.11/ "This will help you avoid a common mistake in pronunciation
of foreign words in Russian."
learn from a mistake
1.12/ You must try to learn from your mistakes.
1.13/ "Why do some people never learn from their mistakes?"
1.14/ "You just need to be willing to show a bit of humility and accept that
you need to learn from your previous mistakes."
repeat a mistake
1.15/ He is determined not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors.
1.16/ "I don't know why I always repeat this mistake every time
I stand by your side."
avoid a mistake
1.17/ We can help you avoid costly mistakes.
1.18/ "There is a simple way to avoid making mistakes in chess."
1.19/ "Avoid the mistake of presenting your arguments in a disorganised manner."
correct a mistake, eliminate a mistake
1.20/ If students correct their own mistakes, learning improves.
1.21/ It isn't possible to eliminate all mistakes.
point out a mistake
1.22/ The teacher kindly pointed out the mistake.
full of mistakes
1.23/ This letter is full of spelling mistakes.
1.24/ Her essay is full of spelling mistakes.
1.25/ "His lectures are very confusing and full of calculation mistakes."
a mistake to do something
1.26/ It would be a mistake to ignore his opinion.
1.27/ It was a mistake for us to come here tonight.
1.28/ It was a big mistake on my part to have trusted her.
1.29/ It is a great mistake to assume that your children will agree with you.
a mistake in something
1.30/ I've discovered a few mistakes in your calculations.
1.31/ The waiter made a mistake in adding up the bill.
the mistake of somebody/something
1.32/ Leaving school so young was the biggest mistake of my life.
1.33/ "He was the mistake of my life, but mistakes are lessons, not losses."
the mistake of doing something
1.34/ I made the mistake of giving him my address.
1.35/ "But do not make the mistake of calling her an Insta poet."
(idiom) by mistake: by accident
1.36/ I have paid this bill twice by mistake.
1.37/ I took your bag instead of mine by mistake.
mistake v(t) //
not understand or judge somebody/something correctly
mistake somebody/something
2.1/ I admit that I mistook his intentions.
2.2/ You can't mistake him. He has long red hair.
2.3/ They mistook the purpose of the ambassador's visit.
2.4/ You can't mistake their house - it has a bright yellow front door.
2.5/ He had certainly changed, but nobody could mistake his voice.
2.6/ I mistook your signature and thought the letter was from someone else.
there is no mistaking
2.7/ There was no mistaking the bitterness in her voice.
2.8/ There was no mistaking the admiration in his eyes.
mistake somebody/something as somebody/something
2.9/ I mistook her offer as a threat.
2.10/ "I mistook your exam score as how well you were performing."
2.11/ "Never mistake her kindness as her weakness."
2.12/ "If you're new to growing, like me, you could mistake it as a good sign."
(phrasal verb) mistake somebody/something for somebody/something:
confuse somebody/something with a different person/thing
3.1/ I think you must be mistaking me for someone else.
3.2/ I often mistake her for her mother on the phone.
3.3/ I always mistake Kelly for her sister. They just look so much alike!
3.4/ "He was mistaken for her husband as he was sitting by her side."
3.5/ "This is the perfect environment to mistake a rope for a snake."
3.6/ "I don't want anyone to mistake you for my girlfriend."
see also: confuse A with B, mix A up with B
remark: 'mistake A for B' is used when A (or B) is a person or an object.
To mistake A for B means to confuse A with B, or to mix A up with B.
If A (or B) is an intangible thing, we use 'mistake A as B',
which means to 'misinterpret(/misread) A as B'.
n(u) (idiom) in mistake for something
4.1/ Children may eat pills in mistake for sweets.
4.2/ She took someone else's book in mistake for her own.
4.3/ "I tapped my credit card on the reader in mistake for my transit pass."
4.4/ "Unless you packed the dog yourself in mistake for your baby."
mistaken adj //
wrong in your opinion or judgement
1.1/ Unless I'm very much mistaken, that's the head teacher.
1.2/ I thought I saw someone I knew, but I must have been mistaken.
1.3/ You are very much mistaken if you think that people will
agree to these changes.
1.4/ If you think you can keep drinking so much without damaging your health,
then you're mistaken."
be mistaken about somebody/something
1.5/ You are completely mistaken about Jane.
1.6/ "I was mistaken about the time."
1.7/ Unfortunately I was mistaken about how much it would cost.
1.8/ My cab driver thought I must be mistaken about the new restaurant.
(adj)based on a wrong opinion or bad judgement
a mistaken belief, a mistaken view
2.1/ "I fear that this is a mistaken view."
2.2/ "There is a mistaken view that human spirituality is entirely
separate from politics in the foundational or grand sense of this world."
2.3/ He has the mistaken idea that scientists are infallible.
2.4/ They hold a number of mistaken beliefs about their new neighbours.
2.5/ "A nation is a group of people united by a mistaken view about
the past and a hatred of their neighbours."
in the mistaken belief that ...
2.6/ I told her my secret in the mistaken belief that I could trust her.
2.7/ The negotiations continued in the mistaken belief that
a peaceful agreement could be reached."
patrol v(i,t) //
go around an area or a building at regular times to check that
it is safe and that there is no trouble
1.1/ Guards can be seen patrolling everywhere.
1.2/ "While patrolling on foot, the guards can identify and report
any security issues."
patrol somewhere
1.3/ Troops patrolled the border day and night.
1.4/ Armed guards patrolled the grounds.
1.5/ Security guards patrol the building at night.
1.6/ A security guard with a dog patrols the building site at night.
1.7/ There is an area patrolled by special police units.
1.8/ "We will have policemen patrol the area from time to time."
1.9/ These regiments were stationed in the city and patrolled
the streets at night.
1.10/ "Police officer in Lagos patrolled the street on Friday and Saturday
in a view to restore order in the state."
1.11/ The whole town is patrolled by police because of the possibility of riots.
1.12/ There should be more police patrolling the area on foot.
patrol around somewhere
1.13/ Police officers patrol around the park with gear.
1.14/ "Nepal Army personnel have been patrolling around the market area."
1.15/ "Our team was made up of 10 soldiers, and we regularly patrolled around
the mountain to monitor the enemy's movement."
patrol in somewhere
1.16/ "For three days, the woman patrolled in the park wearing the gorilla suit."
1.17/ "Officers then arrived and patrolled in the area."
patrol over somewhere
1.18/ "Russia says its bombers patrolled over the Sea of Japan."
1.19/ "We patrolled over the South China Sea and faced treacherous environments."
patrol along somewhere
1.20/ Coastguards found a deserted boat while patrolling along the coast.
1.21/ "He patrolled along the river again, and heard a sudden deafening sound
in the distance, and the mudslide arrived instantly."
1.22/ "We are patrolling along the lake shore to detect and discourage people
from using mosquito nets and other destructive fishing practices."
patrol on somewhere
1.23/ "Having these jet skis allows the three officers in the county zone
to patrol on the lake and on the shore."
patrol n(c,u) //
the act of checking that there is no trouble or danger
in a building or area
2.1/ Security guards make regular patrols at night.
2.2/ The Italians flew regular patrols over the desert.
2.3/ They maintain a continuous patrol of the oceans with three submarines.
2.4/ "A patrol in the mountain regions is not an easy job."
2.5/ The security forces increased their patrols in the area.
have a patrol, take up a patrol
2.6/ "You have a patrol on the river, and one of your crew members is
really passionate about fishing."
2.7/ "They stop here for chicken and shawarma whenever they have
a patrol in the city."
2.8/ "Scott watched Rex and Swallow take up a patrol around the herd,
so he did the same thing."
a patrol car, a patrol boat
2.9/ "The detector system can be mounted on a patrol boat to help
locate a probable range of blasts."
2.10/ "An escaping bandit dashes into a warehouse and the police in
a patrol car who are coming after him pull up outside."
n(u) on patrol
2.11/ "The police are on patrol in the city centre."
2.12/ Three reconnaissance aircraft are permanently on patrol.
2.13/ "What was it like the first time you drove a police car on patrol?"
2.14/ "Our horses always think it's a treat to listen to all the
great music when they are on patrol!"
2.15/ "What do security guards look out for while they are on patrol?"
2.16/ "Sometimes, first aid may be on patrol around the park."
2.17/ "The police are on patrol, so you can be caught red-handed
at any time, making you a public menace."
on a patrol
2.18/ "Commander Bee was on a routine patrol around the mountain."
2.19/ "On a recent patrol in the Mountain View area, members of the Jamaica
Defence Force stopped to assist a female motorist who had a flat tyre."
2.20/ "We went out on a patrol and we had to map houses."
n(c) a group of soldiers, vehicles, etc that patrol an area
3.1/ Our forward patrol has(/have) spotted the enemy.
3.2/ Every police car and foot patrol in the area is on full alert.
3.3/ The highway patrol has sealed off the area.
3.4/ They sent out four-man patrols to scout the area.
3.5/ "A journalist from Beijing ventures to this far country to spend
some time living with the mountain patrol."
3.6/ "Suoang Geleg, along with the 40 other mountain patrols in this
uninhabited area, has gone through the rigors of living in the wilderness,
fighting against the poachers and preventing illegal mining to save
the wildlife and the environment."
hopeless adj //
without hope
1.1/ "You are in a hopeless situation."
1.2/ He felt that his life was a hopeless mess.
1.3/ He wanted to warn her how hopeless her case was.
1.4/ Winning the title is out of the question now - it's a hopeless cause.
1.5/ We tried to save the building, but it was a hopeless task.
1.6/ Most of the students are making good progress, but Michael is a hopeless case.
be/seem/look hopeless
1.7/ The situation seemed completely hopeless.
1.8/ They searched for survivors but it was hopeless.
1.9/ "The future looks hopeless, and all you can see is defeat."
feel hopeless about something
1.10/ She was depressed and felt totally hopeless about the future.
1.11/ "I feel hopeless about the future of this city."
1.12/ "Nearly 1 in 4 people in the city feel hopeless about the future."
1.13/ "I feel completely hopeless about taking medication."
It is hopeless doing something
1.14/ It is hopeless trying to convince her.
1.15/ "It is hopeless trying to go forward when you are looking backward."
1.16/ "Please don't think it is hopeless finding someone."
It is hopeless to do something
1.17/ There were some things it was hopeless to discuss with him.
1.18/ "Quite frankly it is hopeless to buy a house here."
see also: feel despair about something, in despair, despair of somebody/something
guarantee v(i,t) //
promise to do something; promise something will happen
guarantee something
1.1/ Basic human rights, including freedom of speech, are now guaranteed.
1.2/ "We can't guarantee your personal safety at this stage."
1.3/ "EU trade guarantees free access of Gambian goods."
1.4/ They told aid workers to leave, saying they could not guarantee their safety.
1.5/ I personally guarantee total and immediate support in all measures undertaken.
1.6/ "It is this type of small-scale animal breeding that helps many families
to guarantee the money to pay expenses such as education."
1.7/ The electricity company guarantees connection within 24 hours.
1.8/ Journalists may enter the danger zone but unfortunately we cannot
guarantee their safety.
1.9/ The electricity company guarantees connection within 24 hours.
guarantee somebody something
1.10/ The ticket will guarantee you free entry.
1.11/ "Popularity would guarantee me a lot of friends and money."
1.12/ European Airlines guarantees its customers top-quality service.
guarantee (somebody) that ...
1.13/ We cannot guarantee that our flights will never be delayed.
1.14/ "Would you pay someone $600 if they guaranteed that they could make
you fluent in English in 6 weeks? "
1.15/ "The salesman guaranteed me that this computer will be fast."
1.16/ The management guaranteed that outsourcing wouldn't mean job losses.
guarantee to do something
1.17/ We guarantee to deliver your goods within a week.
1.18/ "Which investments guarantee to return at least what you put in?"
be guaranteed free of(/from) something
1.19/ The label on this bread says it is guaranteed free of preservatives.
1.20/ "Since 2015, the Casino brand has been offering frozen foods
guaranteed free of pesticide residues."
v(t) make something certain to happen
guarantee something
2.1/ Tonight's victory guarantees the team's place in the final.
2.2/ "I know that my hard work guarantees my success."
2.3/ "Your recommendation letter guarantees my success in getting this job."
guarantee somebody something
2.4/ These days getting a degree doesn't guarantee you a job.
2.5/ A degree does not automatically guarantee you a job.
2.6/ These days getting a degree doesn't guarantee you a job.
2.7/ The process of training and qualification does not automatically
guarantee you a job.
2.8/ "Does college guarantee you success in life and business?"
2.9/ "My utter disregard for the practice test guarantees my failure."
2.10/ "I only make moves that will guarantee me a place in Heaven
or increase my bank account balance."
guarantee that ...
2.11/ The €50 deposit guarantees that people return the boats
after their hour has finished.
2.12/ "These results guarantee that the stochastic process is
a consistent and realistic description of the molecular system."
v(t) be certain that something will happen
3.1/ The outcome is by no means guaranteed.
3.2/ "A COVID-19 vaccine is by no means guaranteed."
guarantee that ...
3.3/ can absolutely guarantee that you will enjoy the show.
3.4/ "I would guarantee that you failed at doing at least one thing."
3.5/ You can guarantee that the children will start being naughty
as soon as they have to go to bed.
be guaranteed to do something (see also: be sufficient to do something)
3.6/ If we try to keep it a secret, she's guaranteed to find out.
3.7/ That kind of behaviour is guaranteed to make him angry.
3.8/ The film is virtually guaranteed to do well at the box office.
3.9/ Just looking at a picture of the sea is guaranteed to make me feel sick.
3.10/ "The gemstone is guaranteed to remain just as beautiful
as the day you bought it."
v(t) give a written promise to replace or repair a product free if it goes wrong
4.1/ All our electrical goods are fully guaranteed.
be guaranteed for a period of time
4.2/ The fridge is guaranteed for three years.
4.3/ "My computer is guaranteed for two years."
4.4/ We guarantee all our work for six months.
be guaranteed against something
4.5/ This iron is guaranteed for a year against faulty workmanship.
4.6/ "My sapphire is guaranteed against scratching for two years."
4.7/ "Your jewellery is guaranteed against manufacturing defects but not
normal wear and tear."
see also: warrant, warranty
v(i,t) guarantee a bank loan
5.1/ "Can directors of a public company guarantee a bank loan to a CEO or Officer?"
5.2/ If you guarantee the loan, you will lose the business if you default on payments.
5.3/ "We advise the public to be cautious about guaranteeing a loan for people."
5.4/ "I have guaranteed the following loans which are being
recovered from the loanee."
5.5/ "If it would later transpire that I have guaranteed a defaulted loan,
then I undertake to repay in full my portion of the defaulted loan."
guarantee a loan for somebody
5.6/ "Has anyone guaranteed a debt for you?"
5.7/ "If you guarantee a loan for a family member or friend, you're known
as the guarantor." /''ge.rən'tɔr/
5.8/ "I had forgotten that I had guaranteed a loan for her."
guarantee n(c) //
a formal promise that you will do something or that something will happen
6.1/ They are demanding certain guarantees before they sign the treaty.
6.2/ "He gives me a lifetime guarantee and he has even repaired
another ring free of charge."
a guarantee of something
6.3/ "They offer me a guarantee of a full cash refund
should the holiday be cancelled."
6.4/ "The contract offers you a guarantee of performance by another person
and if they don't perform you can take them to court."
6.5/ "The Constitution gives a guarantee of certain areas or zones of privacy,
and that this is a right of privacy and is broad enough to encompass
a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy."
a guarantee that ...
6.6/ He gave me a guarantee that it would never happen again.
6.7/ I cannot give a guarantee that there will be no redundancies.
6.8/ "Customers get a life-long guarantee that the company will repair, replace,
or refund any Sequre products that have been damaged due to a break-in."
n(c) something that makes something else certain to happen
a guarantee of something
7.1/ "Trusting in God is a guarantee of security."
7.2/ I’m afraid there’s no guarantee of success.
7.3/ Career success is no guarantee of happiness.
7.4/ "The presence of God is a guarantee of uncountable good things."
7.5/ "Knowledge is certainly not a guarantee of good behavior,
but ignorance is a virtual guarantee of bad behavior."
a guarantee of doing something
7.6/ Arriving early is no guarantee of getting a place.
7.7/ "If a person purchases 22,957,480 tickets in LOTTO at $1 per ticket,
which means all possible combinations, isn't this a guarantee of
winning the lottery?"
n(c) [warranty] a written promise given by a company that something
you buy will be replaced or repaired without payment if it goes wrong
within a particular period
a one-year guarantee
8.1/ They offer a two-year guarantee on all their electrical goods.
offer/give a guarantee
8.2/ The garage gives a year's guarantee for all repair work.
8.3/ "Many business owners may wonder whether it's worth it to offer
a money-back guarantee."
come with a guarantee, carry a guarantee
8.4/ The television comes with a year's guarantee.
8.5/ Our computers come with a one-year guarantee.
8.6/ "All of our products carry a guarantee for material quality and workmanship."
a guarantee against something
8.7/ We provide a 5-year guarantee against rust.
8.8/ The window frames carry a 20-year guarantee against rot or decay.
8.9/ "The TITANIUM water condenser unit offers a life-long guarantee
against corrosion."
n(u) under guarantee
8.10/ Is your TV under guarantee?
8.11/ The watch is still under guarantee.
8.12/ The car is still under guarantee, so you should be able to get it
repaired free of charge.
see also: warrant, warranty
n(c) money or something valuable that you give or promise to a bank,
for example, to make sure that you will do what you have promised
9.1/ We had to offer our house as a guarantee when getting the loan.
9.2/ The bank is holding the airline's assets as guarantees.
a guarantee for a loan
9.3/ "The loan's value is tied to the market value of the car,
and the car becomes the guarantee for the loan."
9.4/ "It is a guarantee for the loan of my nephew in the amount of
Two Hundred Thousand (Php 200,000.00) Pesos"
use something as a guarantee
9.5/ "Many banks do not allow you to use a house as a guarantee to buy another."
9.6/ "I asked him to use a car as a guarantee and lent him 25 million yuan."
a guarantee is collected
9.7/ "A 100% bank guarantee is collected from the jewellers
against the leased quantity."
9.8/ "To further mitigate risks, security deposits in the form of cash
or banker's guarantees are collected from prospective tenants prior to
the commencement of leases, where applicable."
see also: collateral
n(c) a promise that you will pay back money that someone else
has used or borrowed, if they do not pay it themselves
10.1/ A close relative, usually a parent, can provide a guarantee for the loan.
10.2/ "What can I do if I cannot get a guarantee for my loan?"
the guarantor of a loan
10.3/ The federal government is the ultimate guarantor of these loans.
10.4/ "My parents are the guarantors of the loan I take out."
keep on v //
keep on (something):
continue to do something, or do something again and again
1/ The rain kept on all night.
1/ Keep on until you get to the church.
keep on doing something
1/ She kept on asking me questions the whole time.
1/ If you keep on trying, you'll be able to stretch further.
1/ If you keep on being rude, you will have to leave the classroom.
1/ If they keep on eating that much, they will become obese.
keep on with something
1/ I want to keep on with part-time work for as long as possible.
1/ "Gonna keep on with the work tho it sometimes hurts."
1/ "I am highly motivated to keep on with my study and research in the future."
keep on keeping on
1/ It's too early for you to get discouraged - just keep on keeping on.
1/ I am convinced that it is a worthwhile project and encourage you
to keep on keeping on.
1/ "In the face of life's many challenges, the ability to keep on keeping on
can make a significant difference."
keep on: continue to talk in an annoying way about something
2/ He does keep on so!
2/ Don't keep on, I'll sort it out in a minute.
keep on at somebody
2/ He kept on at me about the money, even though I told him I hadn't got it.
2/ I'll do it - just don't keep on at me about it!
2/ The doctor always keeps on at me to improve my diet.
2/ My mum keeps on at me to settle down but I tell her there's plenty time.
keep somebody on: continue to employ somebody
3/ We're sorry, but we can only keep you on for another month.
3/ "My company can't keep me on because I can't work."
3/ "Perhaps deep down you know that your performance is not as it once was,
but your company keeps you on out of respect."
keep something on: continue to rent a house, flat, etc
4/ We're planning to keep the house on over the summer.
4/ "She will keep the apartment on through the summer."
4/ "Are you going to keep the flat on if your company sends you abroad?"
4/ "You can keep the room on if you have a late flight."
4/ "You could keep the room on to 3pm for £10 per hour."
see also: put/keep somthing on hold
pamper v(t) //
take care of somebody very well and make them feel as comfortable as possible
1/ Our children are pampered by their grandparents.
pamper somebody with something
2/ She pampers her dog with the finest steak and salmon.
3/ "I pampered my cat with high quality cat food."
pamper yourself with something
4/ Why not pamper yourself after a hard day with a hot bath
scented with oils?
5/ Pamper yourself with our new range of beauty treatments.
(adj) pampered
6/ We left the spa feeling pampered and relaxed.
7/ He was a pampered rich kid who was driven to school in a limousine.
8/ "You deserve to be spoiled and pampered once a while with a beverage
that will relax and calm your nerves when you want to satisfy a craving."
see also: spoil
chant v(i,t) //
repeat or sing a word or phrase continuously
1.1/ "Chant day and night without fear or shame."
1.2/ A group of protesters, chanting and carrying placards, waited outside.
1.3/ "Whether chanting in Anfield’s stands, exploring the historic streets,
or enjoying the local cuisine, Liverpool promises a journey filled with passion,
excitement, and unforgettable memories."
chant something
1.4/ The crowd were chanting the team's name.
1.5/ The crowd chanted their hero's name.
1.6/ Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans in the square.
1.7/ "Eagles fans love to chant the team song during games."
1.8/ "Supporters in Yaounde chant the national anthem as they await
the kick off of the Cameroon vs Switzerland encounter."
1.9/ "For that I call upon boys to chant our school song."
chanting
1.10/ We sat for hours listening to the chanting.
see also: cheer for somebody
v(i,t) sing a religious prayer or song to a simple tune
2.1/ We could hear the monks chanting.
2.2/ "To invoke peace, we chant prayers."
2.3/ "I will sing and chant a hymn with all my soul."
2.4/ In a nearby temple, our guide chanted a prayer and lit a stick of incense.
2.5/ "The Gospel is carried in procession to the midst of the people to be chanted."
2.6/ "It is traditional to chant the verse of the Kesa (Takkesa Ge) before
placing on the Rakusu or full Kesa, at least for the first time each day."
2.7/ "The cantor can chant the verse(s) but this may be confusing to
the congregation, since they are used to singing everything the cantor does."
chant n(c) //
words or phrases that a group of people shout or sing again and again
3.1/ "We sing the club chant You'll never walk alone together."
3.2/ "Manchester United fans sing the chant for Zlatan Ibrahimovic!"
3.3/ She led the delegates in the chant, 'No more taxes.'
3.4/ "Repeat the chant until students can remember to replace
key words with motions.
3.5/ The fans started to sing the familiar football chant,
'Here we go, here we go, here we go!'
3.6/ "The Frenchmen enjoyed the entire scene prodigiously, laughed a great deal,
drank our healths in our own bottles, and finished by a general request that
the Don would indulge them with an encore of the chant which had so tickled
their ears during their advance in the wood."
enchant v(t) //
[delight] enchant somebody: attract somebody strongly and
make them feel very interested or excited
1.1/ The happy family scene had enchanted him.
1.2/ The play continued to enchant all who watched it.
1.3/ The audience was clearly enchanted by her performance.
be enchanted
1.4/ "I was enchanted to meet you."
1.5/ "Children will be enchanted to listen to the Paris stories and legends
that accompany the itineraries."
(adj) enchanting
1.6/ "Japan, it is enchanting to meet you!"
1.7/ "It is enchanting to know of a man willing to kidnap Jesus
and pimp his faith if you ask for it."
1.8/ "It is enchanting to watch the young child as words start
to come alive in their imagination."
see also: delight, attract, interest, charm, please,
catch my eyes, capture my attention
v(t) enchant somebody/something:
place somebody/something under a magic spell
2.1/ "She was enchanted by the witch's lips."
2.2/ "My heart is beating like this for the first time. Your body enchants me."
2.3/ "Your beauty enchants me and sends me into a trance.
My heart skips a beat whenever you give me a glance!"
2.4/ "Your confidence enchants me more than the aura of a charming prince."
2.5/ "If your young wizard or witch is enchanted by Harry Potter,
then they’ll love our collection of spellbinding activity booklets designed
especially for children aged between 3 and 11 years old."
see also: bewitch, hypnotize, stun, curse
hair n(u) //
hair on somebody's head
1.1/ She has long dark hair.
1.2/ He is losing his hair.
straight/curly/wavy hair
1.3/ "She has long straight black hair."
1.4/ "She has curly hair and wears a hairbow."
1.5/ "Some people are born with wavy hair as their natural hair type."
1.6/ "I've been blessed with a head full of wavy hair since birth."
colours of hair
1.7/ "Old people have grey hair."
1.8/ Her blond hair fell over her eyes.
1.9/ She had shoulder-length black hair.
1.10/ "Great Britain has a high percentage of people with red hair."
1.11/ "Elisabeth wears her white hair in a Dutch bun while in court."
bangs, fringe, parting
1.12/ She blew her bangs out of her face.
1.13/ "I really like the length and bangs of her hair!"
1.14/ "She narrowed her eyes and pushed back the bangs of her hair
with the palm of her hand."
1.15/ "I wouldn't pay too much attention to the parting of my hair
when applying the hair dye."
1.16/ "For the new year, I decided to change the parting of my hair to
give my new look a newer look, so this is how I wear my hair now."
wear your hair
1.17/ "How do you wear your hair?"
1.18/ She often wears her hair loose.
1.19/ I would like to wear my hair in a bob.
1.20/ "If you want to wear spiked hair to school, be sure to check
the dress code first."
wear your hair up
1.21/ I wore my hair up with a headpiece and felt the style was very me.
1.22/ "I usually wear my hair up in a bun during the day."
1.23/ "If you have to wear your hair up at school, two side buns
at the top would look cute."
cut your hair, have your hair cut
1.24/ I would like to cut my hair short.
1.25/ "As my freshman year progressed, I cut my hair in a crew cut,
bought some new clothes, and was helped by a residence-hall mate."
1.26/ I'm having my hair cut this afternoon.
trim your hair
1.27/ "I usually trim my hair at home."
1.28/ "You will find out how to trim your hair at home with a pair of scissors."
do your hair
1.29/ I'll be down in a minute. I'm doing my hair.
tie up our hair
1.30/ "I usually tie up my hair when I work out at the gym."
brush your hair, comb your hair
1.31/ "I comb my hair every morning."
1.32/ "When should I brush my hair with a paddle brush to avoid frizz?"
shave your hair
1.33/ "After cutting or shaving your hair, you can also use hair clippers
to trim your beard."
part your hair
1.34/ "Can I part my hair in the middle?"
1.35/ "I prefer to part my hair on the left side, as it complements
my face shape and highlights my cheekbones."
1.36/ "I part my hair to the left. I think the direction people part
their hair has a lot to do with their dominant hand."
wash your hair
1.37/ "Should I wash my hair with hot or cold water?"
1.38/ "I have to wash my hair with shampoo everyday. My hair gets really
greasy within like 18 hours of washing."
dye your hair
1.39/ "I wanted to dye my hair in red."
1.40/ "I dye my hair in golden blonde."
1.41/ "I usually never dye my hair in a salon because it's so expensive."
push back your hair, whip your hair
1.42/ "I whip my hair back and forth."
1.43/ "Why is my scalp visible when I push my hair back?"
your hair sticks up, your hair lies flat
1.44/ "Mama loves the way her little boy's hair sticks up in the morning."
1.45/ "I hate it when my hair lies flat on my head after not shampooing
for a long time."
your hair is adorned with something
1.46/ The bride's hair was adorned with white flowers.
tangled hair
1.47/ "My hairstylist brushed my tangled hair out very roughly from the root.
It was so painful I was crying and my scalp was on fire."
1.48/ "Our hair gets tangled up in the elastic and we spend forever
trying to untangle it."
see also: salon, hairdresser, hair stylist, hair clippers, a hair trimmer
see also: (hair accessories) a headband/hairband, a hairpin, a hair clip,
a barrette, a hair tie(/a hair elastic), a scrunchie, a bobby pin
n(u) hair growing on the body of a person or an animal
2.1/ "Pubic hair grows back in a super-sonic speed."
2.2/ "Breasts get enlarged, hips broaden and pubic hair grows around the privates."
2.3/ "Why do some guys have no facial hair but thick body hair?"
2.4/ "Many men do have body hair on legs, arms, chest and belly."
2.5/ "There are really only two types of facial hair: beards and mustaches."
2.6/ "How can matted hair on cats be prevented?"
2.7/ "I needed to get a hair trimmer to clean up some body hair in
sensitive areas and I am very pleased with this Ferrisa trimmer."
cat hair
2.8/ "Because individuals are not allergic to cat hair, there is no validity
to the assumption that shorthaired breeds cause less allergy symptoms
than longhaired breeds!"
remark: hair on an animal is also called 'fur'
n(c) a piece of hair from a person or an animal
3.1/ The rug was covered with cat hairs.
3.2/ There is a hair in my soup.
3.3/ She pushed a stray hair behind her ear.
3.4/ "Turn to this handheld vacuum to remove cat hairs from the carpet
and upholstery you didn’t know were trapped.
hairstyle n(c) //
the style in which somebody’s hair is cut or arranged
1.1/ I noticed that she had a new hairstyle.
1.2/ I’m thinking of having a change of hairstyle.
1.3/ Do you like my new hairstyle?
1.4/ I think her new short hairstyle looks simply great.
1.5/ "The trendiest hairstyles of 2024 including the 'mum bob' that
can take 10 years off your face."
different kinds of hairstyles
n(c) a bob
2.1/ I've had(/worn) my hair in a bob for ages.
2.2/ "Anyone can wear a bob and the geometric appearance of it can be used
to flatter and bring balance to any face shape."
n(c) a ponytail
2.3/ "I always wear my hair in a ponytail."
2.4/ "Put a scrunchie on hair to make a ponytail."
2.5/ "You might develop migraines if you wear your hair in a ponytail every day."
2.6/ "I have fine hair, but my hair sticks up when I wear it in a ponytail."
2.7/ "Wear a high ponytail, top bun, low bun, half-up half-down,
put a scrunchie around it!"
2.8/ "Shelton noted that the worst thing you can do when you wear a ponytail
every day is sleep in it, as this can cause even more tangles. The best way
to avoid those pesky knots if you want to continue to wear a ponytail every day
is to brush your hair regularly and use conditioners and deep conditioners."
2.9/ "I wear my hair in a half ponytail probably 75% of the time."
n(c) a pigtail
2.10/ She wore her hair in pigtails.
2.11/ "If you plait the hair together, the plaited bunch is called a pigtail."
2.12/ "When I was younger, I used to wear my hair in a pigtail,
and it was my trademark."
2.13/ "My mom pulled my pigtail and asked if i had a hickey."
2.14/ "When she heard the train coming she would turn and wave her hand
and smile, and I thought I should like to wear my hair in a pigtail instead of
loose upon my shoulders."
n(c) a braid, a plait, a crown braid
2.15/ She wore her hair in plaits.
2.16/ Her hair was tied back in a long thick plait.
2.17/ She fixed her hair into a thick plait.
2.18/ "Wear a crown braid with a twist to keep all the eyes on you."
2.19/ "How old is too old for women to wear their hair in two French braids?"
n(c) a bun
2.20/ She wore her hair in a bun.
2.21/ She pulled her hair back into a messy bun.
2.22/ I see a woman with her hair in a loose bun.
n(plural) bunches
2.23/ She wore her hair in bunches.
2.24/ "The little girl is with her hair in bunches."
n(c) an up-do /'ʌp.du:/
2.25/ "If I could wear my hair in an updo every day, I might."
2.26/ "If you never wear your hair up in everyday life,
don’t feel pressured to wear an updo on the day of the wedding."
n(plural) dreadlocks, cornrows
2.27/ "I started to wear my hair in dreadlocks sixteen years ago."
2.28/ The woman wears her hair in cornrows.
2.29/ "Notable warriors and kings in 19th century Ethiopia were
depicted wearing cornrows."
n(c) a crew cut
2.30/ "The producers asked me not to wear my hair in a crew cut."
2.31/ "I wear my hair in a crew cut, and work out at a gym."
2.32/ "I used to have my hair cut in a crew cut style, and the girls would
always say, 'Uncle Al let us rub your your head' and they would laugh like crazy."
(adj) half-up half-down
2.33/ "Once I start to wear my hair half up half down, I'll never go back."
2.34/ "I always wear my hair half-up half-down,
so bobby pins are like my best friends!"
(adj) bald, go bald
2.35/ "At twenty he was already going bald."
2.36/ Gerald had a long grey beard and a shiny bald dome.
2.37/ "Some people believe that if they have a bald head,
there is no need to take care of it."
2.38/ "He's overweight and bald, and yet somehow, he's incredibly attractive."
savvy adj //
having practical knowledge and understanding of something;
having common sense
1.1/ "Being politically savvy is valued more than being competent."
a savvy shopper, a savvy consumer
1.2/ "The Christmas countdown is on, and savvy shoppers are
planning ahead to score big savings on gifts."
1.3/ "A savvy consumer knows exactly what they are buying and
who they are buying from."
1.4/ "Savvy consumers will know these are just fluff, and skip to the next channel."
1.5/ "But savvy consumers can help themselves by switching to cheaper tariffs."
tech-savvy
1.6/ "Kids these days are quite tech savvy."
1.7/ "Local schools get tech-savvy in classrooms."
1.8/ "Being technologically savvy is valued in today's society."
1.9/ The state needs more tech-savvy workers for its hi-tech industries.
be savvy to do something
1.10/ Most of his clients were financially savvy enough to know
a good deal when they saw one.
1.11/ "While most of us are savvy to make our own financial decisions,
it is always helpful to seek a second opinion from your trusted financial advisor."
be/become savvy to something
1.12/ I am savvy to what my baby wants.
1.13/ "As consumers become savvy to how brands operate, they have kept
a tighter hold on their trust and loyalty."
be savvy in something
1.14/ "I am savvy in social media marketing."
1.15/ "I am savvy in the kitchen but have limited experience with baking bread."
1.16/ "I am savvy in information security, especially in the realm
of processes and culture."
1.17/ "If you’re working alongside other people who are just as savvy
in the industry as you are, it shows that you're open to the bigger picture."
be savvy about something
1.18/ "Talent today is savvy about technology, but also about
the process of hiring talent."
1.19/ "I am savvy about everything from networking to job hunting
to negotiation to business etiquette."
1.20/ "Today, I am savvy about many things but my creators couldn’t prepare me
for the bizarre cat memes I’d encounter in the depths of the internet!"
1.21/ "It's critical that parents become savvy about the latest technology
out there, learn new ways to guide their children’s internet use,
and help them foster a powerful but smart, life-long relationship
with technology and the internet."
1.22/ "Zoe is a doctoral student in history who is incredibly savvy about
teaching with technology, and it was a lot of fun to interview her!"
savvy n(u) //
practical knowledge or understanding of something
2.1/ Skill isn't enough - you need savvy too.
2.2/ "Thanks for sharing your savvy and experience."
2.3/ "Technological savvy is valued but not the only skill set that
can be developed to excel in these roles."
2.4/ "Political savvy as a leader is all about leveraging emotional intelligence
so that you can handle sensitive and emotional situations at work."
2.5/ "The message conveyed is to use your savvy in the business world
to build money."
a lot of idiom //
a large number or amount of things, people, etc
'a lot of' is followed by a countable noun
1.1/ A lot of people feel that way.
1.2/ Not a lot of people know that.
1.3/ A lot of dogs like to play.
1.4/ "A lot of animals are active at nighttime."
1.5/ "There are a lot of fruits on the table."
1.6/ "There were a lot of books published this decade."
1.7/ "There are a lot of apples in the supermarket."
1.8/ "There are a lot of fish in the ocean."
1.9/ "There are a lot of meat and vegetable skewers on the counter."
1.10/ "A lot of fish and seafood are rich in vitamin A."
'a lot of' is followed by an uncountable noun
1.11/ "A lot of fun comes with some drawbacks."
1.12/ "I had to buy a lot of juice because we're having a party."
1.13/ "There was a lot of space."
1.14/ "There is a lot of food on a small table."
1.15/ "A lot of seafood is low in fat compared to meat or poultry,
so it is the healthier option in my case."
1.16/ There was a lot of food and drink at the party.
1.17/ "There is a lot of food and drinks. There's also a big cake and
everybody is dressed up." ('food and drinks' means exactly 'food and drink')
'lots of something' follows the same rule
1.18/ Lots of water is being wasted.
1.19/ "There is lots of food on the table."
1.20/ "There are lots of apples on the table."
1.21/ "Lots of cats are coming to shelters needing vaccinations and fixing."
1.22/ "Lots of blessings are promised to those who help the poor."
1.23/ "If you refuse to share with others what God has entrusted to you,
lots of blessings are passing you by."
Quantifiers in English
some, plenty of something
2.1/ "Drinking plenty of water is essential for a healthy body."
2.2/ "There is plenty of time left for Brad to regain his confidence."
2.3/ "There are plenty of choices when picking a road race distance."
2.4/ "Some sheep are Christ's and some are not."
2.5/ "Some dishes taste much better the next day."
2.6/ "Some clothing is permanent press, having been treated with a coating that
suppresses wrinkles and creates a smooth appearance without ironing."
2.7/ "If some cleaning is needed only use dry clean."
(before plural nouns) many, few, a few
2.8/ All she wanted was a few moments on her own.
2.9/ A few of his films were seen abroad.
2.10/ "A few of us speak more than two languages."
2.11/ We stayed a few days in Florence and visited the museums.
2.12/ "There are few people whom I really love,
and still fewer of whom I think well."
2.13/ "There are too few female politicians in our country."
2.14/ "There are few reasons why I absolutely love Serenity Mini Dress
- it's a simple throw and go."
2.15/ "While there are many visitors outside, it is very quiet inside."
2.16/ "How many questions are there?"
(before uncountable nouns) much, little, a little
2.17/ "There is so much make-up on your face that I can't even see the real you."
2.18/ "There is much food in the refrigerator."
2.19/ She saves a little money every month.
2.20/ They had little money to spend.
2.21/ "We have too little money to buy this expensive house."
(before plural nouns) a number of, a couple of
2.22/ "I've been going out for a couple of times with this girl."
2.23/ "A couple of people objected to the proposal,
but the vast majority approved of it."
2.24/ "After a couple of days of much needed rest and relaxation,
we're ready to get back on that stage and start the second leg
of the winter tour."
2.25/ "Quite a number of people are left-handed."
2.26/ "You may need a number of tries before the heater starts."
2.27/ "There are a number of students in a classroom out of which
14 students went to swimming class, 9 students went to music class
and 3 students went to the library."
remark: As quantifiers, 'a few' or 'a little' means 'some'.
We use 'few' to mean 'not so many' and 'little' to mean 'not so much'
as may be expected or wished for.
crown braid n(c) //
(a crown braid) crown braided hair is a hairstyle where hair
is braided around the head like you are wearing a crown
1/ "Crown braid hairstyles are perfect for every occasion,
and they amplify your look in a great way."
2/ "I would love to wear a crown braid but I've not yet worked out
how to get the braid to stay in place. It always seems to fall down."
3/ "I did my hair in a crown braid last week and friends asked how I did it."
4/ "Discover the gorgeous new way to wear your hair in a crown braid."
a half crown braid, a half-up (half-down) crown braid
5/ "Asuna was wearing a half crown braid and a mini ponytail."
6/ "You’ll need two small clear hair elastics and bobby pins to
do the half crown braid in your hair."
7/ "A half crown braid starts just above one ear and then
travels across your forehead."
8/ "Today I've got a half-up Dutch crown braid."
9/ "This pretty half-up, half-down crown braid is exactly
what you need to help you flaunt your new pastel pink hue."
10/ "A half-up crown braid is an easy hairstyle to wear. It can be worn
on any occasion, formal or casual. To create this look, you’ll need
a comb and some hair elastics."
11/ "She was wearing a white lace halter neck beaded ball gown.
Her hair was in a half up half down crown braid with a medieval
forehead tiara accessory adorning it."
see also: a milkmaid braid
extent n(u) //
the area, length, or size of something
the extent of something
1.1/ "One solution is to map the extent of the lake water during
a specified period, generally the wet season, in successive years."
1.2/ "This image shows part of the southern extent of the mountain range."
the full extent of something
1.3/ He unwound the rope to its full extent.
1.4/ You can't see the full extent of the beach from here.
1.5/ Approaching the airport, you could see the full extent of the island.
1.6/ "Since maps have disappeared, nobody knows the full extent
of the island or what lies beyond."
1.7/ "From the top of the Empire State Building, you can see
the full extent of Manhattan."
in extent
1.8/ The River Nile is over 6,500 kilometres in extent.
1.9/ The island is 300 square kilometres in extent.
1.10/ "Seasonal snow covers up to around 47 Mio km2 in extent and
has a mass of around 3000 Gt."
n(u) the degree or limit of something; how great or severe something is
the extent of something
2.1/ We didn’t know the extent of his injuries.
2.2/ Rosie's teacher was impressed by the extent of her knowledge.
2.3/ I was amazed at the extent of his knowledge.
2.4/ "The extent of the project's budget has yet to be determined."
2.5/ "The extent of the CEO’s power within the company is vast."
2.6/ She was exaggerating the true extent of the problem.
2.7/ They have launched an investigation to determine the extent
of police misconduct in this case.
the full extent of something
2.8/ It is difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.
2.9/ "The full extent of the President’s power is set out in the very first
sentence of Article II: 'The executive power shall be vested in a President of
the United States of America.'"
the extent to which ... (= how much ...)
2.10/ She had not realized the extent to which the children had been affected.
2.11/ The book discusses the extent to which family life has changed
over the past 50 years.
2.12/ "Many folk still underestimate the extent to which overseas companies
and funds now aim to reward investors with regular income payments
as well as capital growth."
2.13/ "Although you have seen the extent to which I chase suppliers and traders,
I must ask you not to leave all the chasing to me."
to some extent
2.14/ To some extent, she was responsible for the accident.
2.15/ To some extent what she argues is true.
2.16/ "Everyone can, in one way or another, each in their sphere and according
to their strength, contribute to some extent to this good work."
to what extent
2.17/ To what extent is this true of all schools?
to the full extent
2.18/ "Build something great. Fulfill my potential to the full extent."
2.19/ "It makes me feel I'm not utilizing my potential to the full extent
if I can not create what I enjoy looking at."
2.20/ "I am just like you - looking for a place to belong, hoping to succeed
in life and to realize my potential to the full extent."
to the same extent
2.21/ "This is all the more true because not everyone is affected
to the same extent."
2.22/ The rich will not benefit from the proposed changes to the tax system
to the same extent as the lower paid.
n(c) to a greater/lesser extent(/degree), to a certain extent
2.23/ The pollution of the forest has seriously affected plant life and,
to a lesser extent, wildlife.
2.24/ "Cerambycid diversity is influenced to a greater extent by
geographical region than by forest type."
2.25/ To a certain extent, we are all responsible for this tragic situation.
2.26/ It makes sense to a certain extent to write down everything.
n(c) to such an extent (that ...)
2.27/ The car was damaged to such an extent that it couldn't be repaired.
to the extent that ...
2.28/ Sales have fallen badly this year, to the extent that we will have to
close some of our shops.
2.29/ "Work hard to the extent that nobody can do and then enjoy
the fruit of success like you."
to the extent of something/doing something
2.30/ "On a capital of $1,000 they gamble to the extent of $10,000."
2.31/ Some people hold their beliefs very strongly, even to the extent
of being prepared to go to prison for them.
2.32/ "Punters are most likely to gamble to the extent of serving
drinks and even meals at the tables."
drop by/in v //
drop by (somewhere): pay an informal visit to a person or a place
1/ Drop by and pick up that book sometime.
2/ He dropped by the woman’s house to ask for money.
3/ "Drop by our shop today and get great deals for you and your home."
4/ "Thank you to those who spare your precious time to drop by our shop."
5/ "Why don't you drop by my office sometime?"
6/ "If you want to see what it looks like you should drop by over the weekend."
7/ "Students are invited to drop by the staff room between 8:30 am
and 8:50 am each morning."
drop in (on somebody)
8/ I dropped in on George on my way home from school.
9/ I thought I'd drop in on you while I was passing.
10 /"Be sure to drop in on me when you can spare a moment."
drop into somewhere
11/ Sorry we're late - we dropped into the pub on the way.
12/ "Have you ever wanted to drop into a gas station for a quick fill
and pick up a few essentials for the week end drive, but realised
you were stuck in a long queue?"
come over v //
come to a place, move from one place to another, or move towards somebody
1.1/ Come over here!
1.2/ "Could you come over right now?"
1.3/ "She throws that duvet and comes over my lap."
1.4/ "It's like setting up a doorbell so you know when your friend has come over."
come over for something
1.5/ Is your family coming over from Greece for the wedding?
1.6/ Ron came over for dinner the other night.
come over from A to B
1.7/ Why don't you come over to England in the summer?
1.8/ Her grandparents came over from Ireland during the famine.
1.9/ "Our Indian sailor friends plan to come over to Hong Kong
for the following regattas in 2017."
v(no passive) affect somebody
2.1/ A fit of dizziness came over her.
what comes(/has come) over somebody
2.2/ I can't think what came over me.
2.3/ He gave you a present! What's come over him?
2.4/ I’m sorry! That was a stupid thing to say
- I don’t know what came over me.
come over (all) dizzy/faint/peculiar
2.5/ I stood up too quickly and came over all dizzy.
2.6/ "I couldn't go with her. Hospitals make me come over faint."
(v) seem to be a particular type of person
3.1/ He came over well in the interview.
come over as + adj
3.2/ I think she comes over as very nervous.
3.3/ He doesn't come over as particularly trustworthy.
3.4/ I watched the interview and felt he came over as quite arrogant.
tour n(c) // or //
a visit to a place or area, esp one during which
you look around the place or area and learn about it
a tour of/around somewhere
1.1/ We went on a guided tour of the cathedral.
1.2/ We offer guided tours of the city.
1.3/ "We are planning a three-day tour of Hong Kong."
1.4/ They made a whistle-stop tour of the five major towns.
1.5/ "Get the ultimate Lisbon experience with a walking tour around
the city's historic neighbourhoods and local favorite spots."
on a tour
1.6/ We met a group of Italians on a tour in Peru.
1.7/ We met on a coach tour in Italy.
1.8/ "Some people do not consider wearing hats on their tours
but realize their use while travelling if they find someone else
wearing them during the journey."
1.9/ "Today, I had a pleasant afternoon with bright Ethiopian students
from Ethiopian high schools who are on a visiting tour of the USA
for Model United Nations."
go on a tour
1.10/ We're going on a tour of Bavaria.
1.11/ "We went on a tour of Hong Kong today. First, we took the cable car
up to Victoria Peak, which overlooks the whole city."
1.12/ "Three French language students were finally able to go on a study tour
and visit the city of Nice in France after the lifting of travel restrictions."
take a tour
1.13/ We take a coach tour of northern France.
1.14/ "Take a tour of The Museum of History in Granite."
1.15/ "Take a one week tour of Norway to see what makes this place so special."
1.16/ "Have you ever taken a food tour around Paris or any European city?"
1.17/ "If you've got a passion for snapping pictures of street art,
take a tour around Hong Kong to discover some of its best gems."
1.18/ "In the afternoon we take a cycling tour around the countryside
to visit Bich Dong Pagoda and hike up Mua Cave to see the stunning
views over Ninh Binh."
take somebody on a tour
1.19/ A bus took us on a sightseeing tour of the city.
1.20/ Steve took us on a grand tour of the house and garden.
1.21/ "Got us from and to the airport and took us on a tour
of the city for the day."
give somebody a tour
1.22/ As soon as we arrived, we were given a tour of the plant.
1.23/ Our host gave us a quick tour of the house.
embark on a tour, start a tour
1.24/ They embarked on a tour around the country.
1.25/ "After that we hopped on the bikes he gave us and started our tour
around the city, visiting the most important sights"
return from a tour
1.26/ They've just come back from a tour of California's wine country.
guide a tour
1.27/ "If I were guiding a tour on a coach, I'd interpret
the world outside the window."
1.28/ "You are given a chance to guide a tour in Europe that played
an important role in the development of Christianity."
a tour guide
1.29/ Kim worked as a tour guide in Cambridge last summer.
1.30/ "The tour guide brought us to the beach we didn't want."
1.31/ "Explore Hong Kong the way you want to with your own private tour guide!"
1.32/ "The tour guide was fined for misconduct."
1.33/ "Travel agencies are also worried that the misconduct of tour guides
could bring them legal liabilities."
1.34/ "A mainland tourist who grabbed a female tour guide by the neck
has been fined HK$3000 and ordered to pay HK$1000 in compensation."
a tour operator, a travel agency
1.35/ "Ms Yeo quit her banking job and PhD studies in Singapore to set up
a tour agency in Hong Kong, guiding tourists and locals alike by foot."
1.36/ "Be cautious when you receive a tour program at an incredibly
low price from a tour operator."
1.37/ "The travel agency offers multiple tours to different destinations
and at varying lengths."
see also: tourist, sightseeing, a tourist attration, a tourist site
n(c) an official series of visits made to different places
by a sports team, an orchestra or an important person
2.1/ We are going back to Prague as part of a small tour.
a tour of somewhere
2.2/ The band is currently on a nine-day tour of France.
2.3/ The Queen is making a two-week tour of Australia.
2.4/ "While all the four aspirants are doing all they can to ascend
the mayor seat, 25 corporators were taken on a two-day tour of Hong Kong
where they reportedly discussed strategies for campaigning for their sponsor."
2.5/ "Queen Elizabeth II met children during an official tour of America."
on a leg(= a part) of a tour
2.6/ The prince will visit Boston on the last leg of his American tour.
2.7/ She is performing in Birmingham tonight, on the third leg
of her nationwide tour.
go on a tour
2.8/ The group will shortly go on a ten-city European tour.
on tour
2.9/ The band is on tour in France.
2.10/ The band is currently on tour in Australia.
2.11/ The England cricket team is on tour in Pakistan.
2.12/ "It was great that Liverpool was on tour here in the U.S. last summer,
so it was a good test run to be able to work with them directly in Boston."
2.13/ "Three tiger cubs born while the circus was on tour were taken
from their mother to be raised by a circus worker."
n(c) a tour of duty (in somewhere): a period of time that somebody,
esp a soldier or an official, spends working in a foreign country
3.1/ "The ambassador was on a tour in Vorarlberg."
3.2/ The soldiers have just completed a six-month tour in the Philippines.
3.3/ He served tours all over the world during his 35-year career.
3.4/ "Prince Harry is expected to arrive back in the UK on Wednesday afternoon,
having been on a tour of duty in Afghanistan."
n(c) a series of competitions organized for professional players
4.1/ He's been on the European tour for several years.
4.2/ The stand-off between the competing tours needs to be resolved.
4.3/ "Where are famous tennis tours held in England?"
a golf tour (= a tournament involving multiple golf courses)
4.4/ "Professional golf tours are the means by which otherwise unconnected
professional golf tournaments are organized into a regular schedule."
4.5/ "Fowler, noted for his orange clothing, has been one of the most
prominent golfers on the PGA Tour in his career, and his win last year
at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit was his sixth tour victory."
Tour de France /tuR də fRãs/
4.6/ "Wout Van Aert will participate in Tour de France 2024."
4.7/ "You can watch the Tour de France live on Peacock."
4.8/ "This prestigious avenue has been the final destination of the
Tour de France since 1975. The riders do a series of circuits back and forth
along the Champs-Elysées as a finale before the awards ceremony.
see also: a tournament