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My Vocabulary Page

rubble   n(u)   //   PICTURE

the piles of broken stone and bricks that are left
  when a building falls down or is destroyed

1/ "I see a lot of rubble in Gaza."

2/ There were piles of rubble everywhere.

the rubble of something

3/ "I see Bisan saying hello from the rubble of Gaza."

4/ "Some 7,000 people are still missing under the rubble of the Gaza Strip."

5/ "Dozens of bodies have reportedly been found in the rubble of Gaza City
  in the midst of Israel's latest offensive there."

reduce something to rubble

6/ The bomb reduced the houses to rubble.

7/ "My school is reduced to rubble."

8/ "After 120 years, Arnold School is reduced to rubble."

9/ "One of the best schools in Gaza was reduced to rubble,
  and much of the Al Quds hospital in Gaza City was burned out."

bury somebody/something in rubble

10/ "Thousands of bodies lie buried in rubble in Gaza."

11/ "Dozens of people are believed to be buried in rubble after
  an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza."

12/ "Cars are buried in rubble in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks."

live in rubble

13/ "Life goes on even if we live in rubble."

14/ "One year later, Gaza’s people still live in rubble,
  and the world has broken its promises about rebuilding the enclave."

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ruin   v(t)   //

spoil or destroy something completely

ruin something

1.1/ The bad weather ruined our trip.

1.2/ She has ruined everything.

1.3/ It would be a shame to ruin such a beautiful place.

1.4/ Huge modern hotels have ruined this once unspoilt coastline.

be/get ruined (by something)

1.5/ The crops were ruined by the late frost.

1.6/ My new shoes got ruined in the mud.

1.7/ "Which movies got ruined by the characters?"

ruin somebody's chance

1.8/ "You ruined my chance of romance today."

1.9/ Her injury ruined her chances of winning the race.

1.10/ "Have i ruined my chance of a relationship with this girl?"

ruin your health

1.11/ "Stress has ruined my health."

1.12/ Years of drinking had ruined his health.

ruin your life

1.13/ "I won't let drugs ruin my life."

1.14/ "Sixteen years ago I would have told you that the car accident ruined my life."

1.15/ "My marriage ruined my life but Kriti didi has given me a new life."

1.16/ In one striking passage, she wrote: "Parents, both of you, thank you
  for teaching me that taking drugs ruins lives, breaks families apart
  and gives no one a quality of life worth living."

ruin a dream

1.17/ "The pandemic ruins my dream of working abroad."

1.18/ "My disability ruined my dream of replacing Messi."

ruin a plan

1.19/ "Nothing ruins your plan for a day at the beach like realizing
  you forgot your beach bag!"

1.20/ "Now that we know she's a girl, it kind of ruins my plan for Wally Wolowitz."

ruin a surprise

1.21/ "You ruin the surprise every year."

1.22/ "Did you ruin one? Or did someone ruin a surprise for you?"

1.23/ "I will let you discover the differences on your own
  since I don't want to ruin the surprise."

see also: spoil, damage, destroy

v(t) make somebody/something lose all their money, their position, etc.

ruin somebody

2.1/ If there's a scandal I'll be ruined!

2.2/ "Your love ruins me and hurts me."

2.3/ The long legal battle ruined him financially.

ruin something

2.4/ The country was ruined by the war.

2.5/ Cheap imported goods are ruining many businesses.

2.6/ They accused the government of ruining the economy.

ruin somebody's reputation

2.7/ "Social media websites can ruin reputation."

2.8/ "You ruined your reputation, and now people despise you or avoid you."

2.9/ "I can ruin my own reputation in five minutes. I don't need help."

2.10/ "How do I forgive the people who ruined my reputation in my hometown?"

ruin somebody's life

2.11/ "Does prison ruin your life?"

2.12/ That guy isn't going to ruin my life.

2.13/ "Prison sentences really ruins people's lives."

ruin somebody's future

2.14/ "I let my past ruin my future."

2.15/ "As orphans, we should not let the past ruin our future."

ruin   n(u)   //

the state or process of being destroyed or severely damaged

3.1/ The house had been left to go to ruin.

3.2/ The terrorist attack had left the city in a state of ruin

fall into ruin

3.3/ They let the palace fall into ruin.

3.4/ A large number of churches fell into ruin after the revolution.

3.5/ "Gokuraku-in Temple fell into ruin after the Meiji period."

the ruin of something

3.6/ The car accident meant the ruin of all her hopes.

3.7/ "I abandoned you for I feared the ruin of my dream and the victory of
  a nightmare, the reveal of a trick and the defeat of my fantasy."

3.8/ "I was finishing up my first decade as an adjunct instructor
  of English, and I was facing the ruin of my career."

n(c) the broken parts that are left of an ancient building or town

4.1/ We visited a Roman ruin.

4.2/ The old mill is now little more than a ruin.

4.3/ We visited the ruins of a Norman castle.

4.4/ We visited the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage.

4.5/ He was determined to build a new life out of the ruins of his career.

4.6/ It is perhaps the best preserved monastic ruin in the country.

n(plural) ruins: the broken parts that are left of a building or town
  that has been destroyed by bombs, fire, etc.

5.1/ Nine bodies lie among the smoking ruins.

the ruins of a building

5.2/ Two bodies were found among the charred ruins of the house.

5.3/ "Ten years on, the ruins of the school building still tell
  the unimaginable tragedy of the calamity."

lie in ruins

5.4/ The church now lies in ruins.

5.5/ The town lay in ruins after years of bombing.

5.6/ "Haiti's kids turn to street as schools lay in ruins."

5.7/ "She could not ignore the fact that nearly 90% of all schools
  in Gaza lay in ruins."

5.8/ "The city of Hiroshima lay in ruins after the US atomic
  bombing on August 6, 1945 - 66 years ago today."

5.9/ "Hiroshima lay in ruins after the atomic bomb was
  dropped on the city on 1945-08-06."

in ruins: destroyed or severely damaged

5.10/ The economy was in ruins after the war.

5.11/ Years of fighting have left the area in ruins.

5.12/ The scandal left his reputation in ruins.

5.13/ Their plans for a comeback now lie in ruins.

n(u) the loss of all your money, your business, or your reputation

lead to somebody's ruin

6.1/ The divorce ultimately led to his ruin.

6.2/ Being entangled in his world could lead to my ruin.

be somebody's ruin (= be the cause of somebody's ruin)

6.3/ Gambling was his ruin.

6.4/ Alcohol was my ruin.

6.5/ Drinking has been the ruin of her.

6.6/ "Love was the cause of my ruin."

6.7/ He said that the plan would be the ruin of European agriculture.

on the brink/verge/edge of ruin

6.8/ The war brought the country to the brink of ruin.

6.9/ Many companies are on the brink of ruin.

6.10/ "I hear his business is on the verge of ruin."

financial ruin

6.11/ The bank stepped in to save the company from financial ruin.

6.12/ Many workers are one health catastrophe away from financial ruin.

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displace   v(t)   //

force someone to leave their home

be displaced

1.1/ "Over 1.4 million Palestinians are displaced."

1.2/ "Thousands of families in Gaza were displaced."

1.3/ "In 1967, some 300,000 Palestinians were displaced following Israel's
  occupation of the Palestinian Territories."

1.4/ "Some 900 people are displaced after flash flood destroys houses."

be displaced by something

1.5/ Around 10 000 people have been displaced by the fighting.

1.6/ "Two million refugees were displaced by the Great Famine
  in Ireland in the 1840s."

1.7/ "The vast majority of refugees were displaced by ongoing violent
  conflicts that make timely repatriation impossible."

1.8/ "Many species are displaced by flood water as they move towards
  the river mouths in search of saltier water."

1.9/ "When animals are displaced by deforestation and global warming,
  that often puts them and the diseases they carry in proximity to humans."

1.10/ "More than one million people in the Gulf region were
  displaced by the storm."

displace somebody

1.11/ "If the dam is built it will displace 100 000 people.

1.12/ "The building of a new dam will displace thousands of people
  who live in this area."

1.13/ "Israeli air strikes have displaced Palestinians in Gaza
  numerous times and bombardment of areas deemed as safe has left
  civilians with limited options for refuge."

1.14/ "Drug traffickers in Honduras displace indigenous people
  and destroy forests."

displaced persons, displaced people

1.15/ "Israel kills dozens of displaced Palestinians in Gaza amid more evacuations."

1.16/ "From 1945 to 1952, more than 250,000 Jewish displaced persons (DPs)
  lived in camps and urban centers in Germany, Austria, and Italy."

1.17/ "After WWII, many Holocaust survivors, unable to return to their
  homes, lived in displaced persons camps in Germany, Austria, and Italy."

displaced people from somewhere

1.18/ "Displaced people from climate frontlines raise their voices at COP27."

1.19/ "We miraculously survived an Israeli bombing targeting convoys of
  displaced people from Gaza City towards the center of the strip."

internally displaced people

1.20/ "An internally displaced person (IDP) is someone who is forced
  to leave their home but who remains within their country's borders."

1.21/ "Nearly 47 million new internal displacements, or movements,
  were registered in the same year, highlighting the urgency to protect
  internally displaced people and prevent future displacements."

v(t) move something from its usual position

2.1/ The high ridge displaces ocean water.

2.2/ The blow displaced the woman's eardrum and left her partially deaf.

2.3/ Head stones had been knocked over and soil displaced.

2.4/ "In our design, the bridge is displaced by only one-third of the air gap."

2.5/ "Everything is displaced, shifted, switched and uprooted."

be displaced (by something)

2.6/ The water displaced by the landslides created a tidal wave.

2.7/ Check for roof tiles that have been displaced by the wind.

2.8/ "Tens of thousands of trees were displaced by the storm,
  and some buildings were damaged or destroyed"

v(t) take the place of somebody/something

3.1/ Immigrants displace US workers in the job market.

3.2/ "Invasive alien plants also outcompete and displace indigenous species."

be displaced by somebody/something

3.3/ Gradually factory workers have been displaced by machines.

3.4/ "A drunk driver in China rushes a bus full of passengers to
  the reservoir because his house is displaced by construction."

3.5/ Coal has been displaced by natural gas as a major source of energy.

3.6/ "We do not find any signs of native workers being displaced by immigrants."

see also: replace, substitute, outcompete

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drive out   v   //

drive somebody/something out (of something):
  force somebody/something to leave or stop doing something

drive somebody out (of somewhere)

1/ "Palestinians are driven out of their private farmlands."

2/ "Palestinians are driven out of their homes by occupational forces."

3/ "The Palestinians were driven out of their homeland and their properties,
  homes were taken away from them, and they were banished and displaced
  all over the world to face all kinds of suffering and woes."

4/ "Harvard aims to drive out older workers and replace them with
  young workers, paying them one-half or one-third of a senior worker's salary."

5/ "The university settled with two women who claimed their department
  attempted to drive out older workers."

6/ "Driven out of their habitats, many wildlife species are flourishing
  in America's urbanized areas, thriving on our handouts and causing nuisances."

7/ "Boars have been driven out of their habitats because trees
  have been cut down and they cannot find food there."

drive somebody/something out (of something)

8/ New fashions drive out old ones.

9/ "We will drive out floppy disks altogether."

10/ Critics say the company is trying to drive out competition
  and charge high royalties.

11/ The supermarkets are driving small shopkeepers out of business.

12/ "With the relentless march of the supermarkets, a lot of small
  retailers may be driven out of business.

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parachute   n(c)   //   PICTURE

(a parachute)

1.1/ "Two parachutes landed on the grass field."

1.2/ "There was a large tear in his parachute."

a parachute carries something

1.3/ "My parachute carries me down."

1.4/ "Parachutes carry airdrop supplies down from a USAF aircraft."

1.5/ "Parachutes carry humanitarian aid packages to the ground."

1.6/ "Parachutes carried them safely to the ground, where they were
  then sent to the hospital out of precaution."

1.7/ Parachutes carrying aid packages are dropped into the Gaza Strip."

be carried (down) by parachute

1.8/ "The match ball was carried down by parachute."

1.9/ "What is the heaviest object ever carried by parachute?"

drop something (down) by parachute

1.10/ Planes dropped supplies by parachute.

1.11/ "Planes dropped soldiers by parachute."

1.12/ Airborne troops were dropped by parachute behind enemy lines.

1.13/ "We should be dropping 100,000 individual aid packages by parachute today."

1.14/ "As there is no airport in the city, the aid packages would
  be dropped down by parachute.

open a parachute

1.15/ "What do you pull to open a parachute?"

1.16/ "I cannot open my parachute when jumping off a building."

1.17/ "I fail to open my parachute for sky diving."

a parachute fails to open

1.18/ "The parachute failed to open during the jump."

1.19/ "The parachute failed to open and crashed."

1.20/ For whatever reason his parachute failed to open.

1.21/ "The parachute failed to open and both plummeted 13,000 feet
  to their deaths."

a package plummets/plunges

1.22/ "One parachute failed to open, while multiple packages that
  were not attached to parachutes plummeted to the ground."

1.23/ "Aid packages plummet to the ground after parachutes fail to deploy."

a faulty parachute

1.24/ "What is the chance of receiving a faulty parachute?

1.25/ "He made her jump out of a Plane With a Faulty Parachute

do a parachute jump

1.26/ "He did a parachute jump at 10,000 feet."

1.27/ She's agreed to do a parachute jump for charity.

1.28/ "A paratrooper is a soldier who is is qualified to do parachute jumps."

a parachute harness

1.29/ "A child can skydive as long as he can wear a parachute harness."

1.30/ "During the training, the aircrew were required to wear a parachute
  harness and a 38-P life preserver unit to simulate real world scenarios."

see also: a paraglider, v(t) airdrop, n(c) an airdrop, an airlift

parachute   v(i)   //

jump from an aircraft using a parachute

2.1/ The pilot was able to parachute to safety.

2.2/ "He parachuted to the ground and sustained only minor injuries."

parachute into somewhere

2.3/ The plan is to parachute into the town.

2.4/ "Keith Self will parachute into France on Friday to
  commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion."

go parachuting

2.5/ She regularly goes parachuting.

2.6/ "Why do people enjoy parachuting or skydiving?"

2.7/ "Before we went parachuting, the company made us waive
  our rights to sue them if one of us got hurt."

adj(before noun) parachuting

2.8/ "The Queen's parachuting entrance was met with universal acclaim."

2.9/ "During D-day and the battle for Normandy, British airborne
  forces used parachuting dogs."

2.10/ "In the 1950s, the World Health Organization (WHO) financed and
  supported the first ever team of over 14,000 parachuting cats into Borneo."

see also: fall down from somewhere, float down from somewhere

v(t) drop somebody/something from an aircraft by parachute

3.1/ "Cats were parachuted from planes to combat the rat problem."

3.2/ Thousands of leaflets were parachuted behind enemy lines.

3.3/ "Teddy bears were parachuted from the top of a church tower
  to help raise cash."

be parachuted into somewhere

3.4/ Supplies were parachuted into the region.

3.5/ "Supplies were parachuted into the mountains."

3.6/ "Air drops of aid supplies parachuted into the Gaza Strip
  as Israel-Hamas war continues."

3.7/ "Humanitarian aid was parachuted into Gaza amid the ongoing
  conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas."

3.8/ "On Sunday, aid packages were parachuted into northern Gaza
  from Jordanian, American, French, Belgian and Egyptian planes."

3.9/ "Alfred and Henry Newton were brothers who were parachuted
  into France in 1942 to advise on sabotage operations."

3.10/ "The men who were parachuted into Normandy were landed
  at Gold, Juno, Sword, Omaha or Utah beaches on June 6,
  headed into danger and uncertainty."

3.11/ "These women were parachuted into France during WW2
  and transmitted valuable information from enemy territory
  whilst working for the SOE."

be parachuted on/onto somewhere

3.12/ "Most space capsule were parachuted on water after reentry."

3.13/ "Players are parachuted onto a virtual island for
  last-person-standing fights with realistic-looking weapons."

3.14/ "In the game, 100 players are parachuted onto a deserted
  island where they must scramble for resources and fight to the death."

3.15/ "French army soldiers of Special Forces were parachuted
  on the city of Tessalit to take control of the airport."

see also: drop something down

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cleanse   v(t)   //

make something completely clean

cleanse skin, cleanse a wound

1.1/ "You can also use a lotion to cleanse your face."

1.2/ "The cream cleanses and nourishes the skin."

1.3/ Cleanse the wound thoroughly before you bandage it.

1.4/ The wound was then cleansed and dressed.

1.5/ Thoroughly cleanse the wound and the area around it.

cleanse something/somewhere

1.6/ "Cleanse the equipment of all dirt, corrosives, and contaminants."

1.7/ "I cleansed the room with white sage to remove negative energy."

be cleansed with something

1.8/ "Your skin is cleansed with a cleanser that is
  customized to your skin type.

1.9/ "Cleanse skin with a gentle yet effective cleanser morning and night."

1.10/ "The tip around the urethral orifice is cleansed with the cream."

1.11/ "Cleanse the wound with soap and the cleanest water available."

1.12/ "The equipment is cleansed with sanitary wiping products and
  disinfectants, and all garments are disposed of after each use."

see also: clean, sterilize, sanitize, pasteurize

v(t) make somebody/something morally clean or pure

2.1/ "God, you cleanse the evil thoughts of my heart and soul."

2.2/ "Is Israel attempting to enthically cleanse palestinians from Gaza?"

be cleansed of sins

2.3/ She felt cleansed of her sins after confession.

2.4/ Roman Catholics go to confession to be cleansed of their sins.

2.5/ "It is a washing by which we are cleansed of sins, a gift of
  grace by which the punishments due our sins are remitted, an illumination
  by which we behold that holy light of salvation."

cleanse somebody/something of something

2.6/ "The mayor has promised to cleanse the city of drug dealers."

2.7/ "The Israeli government would have been quite satisfied with
  ethnically cleansing Israel of the Palestinians."

2.8/ "Under the might of authoritarian repression, the city has
  been cleansed of dissent and opposition."

see also: get rid of something, eradicate, eliminate, massacre

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victim   n(c)   //

a person who has been attacked, injured or killed
  as the result of a crime, a disease, an accident, etc.

1.1/ "Helpless victims were pumped with drugs."

1.2/ "The helpless victims were tied up with tape and dumped
  in the back of cars which were driven away."

families of (the) victims

1.3/ "The families of the victims said the verdict is a step
  forward to making change, but it is not over."

1.4/ "Families of victims urged the president to resist Saudi pressure."

1.5/ "Families of victims urged the Islamic Emirate to
  provide nationwide stability in the country."

a murder victim

1.6/ "Over half of all murder victims were aged 30 or younger."

1.7/ The murderer had lured his victim to a deserted house.

a flood victim, an earthquake victim

1.8/ "For Syria's earthquake victims, the suffering continues."

1.9/ "The flood victims were looking on with wide open eyes
  for some help to meet their needs."

an accident victim

1.10/ "Over two million injured car accident victims were seen
  at emergency rooms in 2020 alone."

1.11/ "They were arrested on charges of endangering traffic
  and abandoning an accident victim."

a cancer victim, an AIDS victim

1.12/ The new drug might help save the lives of cancer victims.

1.13/ "Catherine expresses her feelings of being an AIDS victim
  to one of her best friends Marilyn through a letter."

(the) victims of something

1.14/ The children are the innocent victims of the fighting.

1.15/ Schools are the latest victims of cuts in public spending.

1.16/ We appear to have been the victims of a cruel practical joke.

1.17/ Several countries have pledged millions of dollars
  to help the victims of the tsunami.

1.18/ The site offers help and advice for anyone who has
  been the victim of a scam.

1.19/ The team will try to identify potential victims of domestic violence.

be/become a victim of its own success

1.20/ The small company became a victim of its own success when
  it could not supply all its orders on time.

1.21/ The school has become a victim of its own success, as parents
  with children who have special needs now actively seek it out.

send your condolences to victims

1.22/ "I send my condolences to the victims of this incident."

1.23/ "Send my condolences to victims and their families of
  the Osaka earthquake today."

1.24/ "May I use this medium to send my condolences to victims
  of the Abuja-Kaduna train terrorist attack in Nigeria."

blame the victim

1.25/ "When we blame the victim, we can avoid feeling guilt."

1.26/ "Indian government officials and political leaders blamed
  the victim for various things, mostly based on conjecture."

1.27/ "Some people blame the rape victims for what they
  were wearing or their actions."

play the victim (card)

1.28/ "She played the victim and accused us of bullying."

1.29/ "Israel plays the victim and has to face its criminal record."

1.30/ "Youssef went on to comment how Israel played the victim card
  and tried to control the narrative."

see also: a sufferer, a hostage

(idiom) fall victim to something

2.1/ Many plants have fallen victim to the sudden frost.

2.2/ Sea turtles in this region often fall victim to the effects of pollution.

2.3/ "They fell victim to airstrikes, errant rocket strikes,
  explosions, and collapsing buildings."

2.4/ "This year, tragedy struck as most of his relatives
  fell victim to Israel's bombing."

2.5/ "An entire Palestinian family living in northern Gaza fell victim
  to Israel's indiscriminate bombing campaign targeting the blockaded strip."

2.6/ " On Friday, a teenage Palestinian boy died due to malnutrition.
  He fell victim to Israel's starvation policy in the Gaza Strip."

2.7/ A total of 28 Hongkongers fell victim to human trafficking to
  South East Asian countries and sought help from the SAR government."

fall victim to terrorists

2.8/ "A woman who was born in Czechoslovakia and imprisoned
  in Terezín also fell victim to terrorists."

2.9/ "Less people fell victim to terrorists in countries like
  Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Nigeria."

2.10/ "I had to go through the same pain as my daughter after
  she fell victim to kidnappers a year earlier."

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distribute   v(t)   //

give things to a large number of people;
  share something between a number of people

distribute something

1.1/ The newspaper is distributed free.

1.2/ "We design and distribute pamphlets."

1.3/ The leaflets have been widely distributed.

distribute something to somebody/something

1.4/ The books will be distributed free to local schools.

1.5/ Copies of the book were distributed free to each school in the district.

1.6/ Several people were arrested for distributing racist
  leaflets to the spectators.

1.7/ The organization distributed food to the earthquake victims.

1.8/ "Staff then distribute fliers to pedestrians and drivers with
  safety tips about the most common causes of crashes in those corridors."

1.9/ "Israel refuses to allow flour to be distributed to Gazan people."

1.10/ "The Peace Winds team distributed aid packages to
  those who live in Nisporeni and Criuleni."

1.11/ "On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah this year, the Anwar al-Jawadayn Institute
  in Baghdad distributed aid packages to orphaned and needy families
  in the city as part of its charitable activities."

1.12/ "Help activists have distributed aid packages of food,
  hygiene and school supplies to Roma and Egyptians (RE)."

be distributed via/through something

1.13/ Viruses are often distributed via email.

1.14/ "We breed and pack fish food and distribute our
  products via wholesalers across Europe."

1.15/ "We distribute our products through reseller partners who
  provide invaluable insights and experience thus helping us gain
  a better understanding of local markets around the globe."

distribute something among somebody/something

1.16/ The money was distributed among schools in the area.

1.17/ We distributed the money equally among the team members.

1.18/ "8,913 masks and 150 hand sanitizers were distributed
  among refugees in June."

distribute something between somebody/something

1.19/ The proceeds will be distributed between local charities.

1.20/ "We gathered data using a uniform questionnaire distributed
  between students and teachers."

see also: disseminate, dispense, give something away to somebody

v(t) send goods to shops and businesses so that they can be sold

distribute products

2.1/ Who distributes our products in the UK?

2.2/ Plastika distributes our products in the UK.

2.3/ Their trademark jeans enjoyed immediate success and
  were soon distributed worldwide.

2.4/ Hood distributes dairy products throughout the United States.

distribute products to somebody

2.5/ "Croatian wines are distributed to local stores and restaurants in US."

2.6/ "We distribute our products to retailers nationwide in Malaysia,
  and selectively to Singapore and Korea."

2.7/ "The loaves of rye bread distributed to local stores by
  a certain bakery have an average length of 30 centimeters
  and a standard deviation of 2 centimeters."

v(t) spread something, or different parts of something, over an area

3.1/ The plant is globally distributed.

3.2/ "Body fat is distributed predominantly in the abdomen,
  buttocks, chest and face."

3.3/ "While the body fat is distributed mainly around hip and extremities
  in women, it is distributed around abdomen and trunk in men."

be evenly distributed

3.4/ Make sure your weight is evenly distributed.

3.5/ Wealth is not evenly distributed between age groups.

3.6/ "The weight of the load must be evenly distributed across the forklift."

be skewly distributed

3.7/ "Wealth is relatively skewly distributed and a large literature
  tries to measure the concen- tration of wealth."

be distributed on something

3.8/ "The load is evenly distributed on the pallet."

3.9/ This weight is evenly distributed on four wheels.

be distributed over something

3.10/ "The loading in the lift will normally be evenly distributed
  over the floor of the car."

3.11/ "The player's 200 pounds are evenly distributed over his six-foot frame."

3.12/ "The humps are reservoirs of fatty tissue: concentrating body fat
  in their humps minimizes the insulating effect fat would have if distributed
  over the rest of their bodies, helping camels survive in hot climates."

be distributed through/throughout somewhere

3.13/ Cases of the disease are widely distributed through Europe.

3.14/ There are over 35, 000 species of orchid distributed throughout the world.

3.15/ "By implementing a combination of bearings, gears, and counterweights,
  the load is evenly distributed throughout the structure, minimizing vibrations,
  reducing wear, and ensuring safe rotational movement."

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misfortune   n(c,u)   //

bad luck, or an unlucky event

1/ He has known great misfortune in his life.

2/ He suffered a good deal of misfortune over the years.

the misfortune of something/doing something

3/ "You face the misfortune of suddenly becoming unemployed."

4/ "You have a bustling social calendar, and we're here to ensure
  none of your events face the misfortune of your absence."

5/ "The plain truth is that the misfortune of Gaza is simply heart-breaking."

have the misfortune to do something

6/ We had the misfortune to run into a violent storm.

7/ That was the worst film I've ever had the misfortune to see.

8/ "They have the misfortune to be involved."

9/ The French soldiers had the misfortune to be caught in the crossfire.

10/ Last year, he had the misfortune to be involved in a car crash.

have the misfortune of doing something

11/ He was the most arrogant man I'd ever had the misfortune of meeting.

suffer misfortune

12/ "Bill Elliott, last year's winner, also suffered misfortune."

13/ She suffered a good deal of misfortune over the years.

14/ "You are not the only person to have suffered misfortune in your life."

be dogged by misfortune

15/ The project seemed dogged by misfortune.

16/ "The young entrepreneur was dogged by misfortune, but eventually
  managed to launch a successful business."

bring misfortune to somebody/something

17/ "I got broke and my business collapsed after marrying her.
  She brought misfortune to me."

18/ "The grasshopper plague that was swirling over Colorado
  last week brought misfortune to farmers."

19/ "The Depression brought misfortune to many families, but even
  by 1930's standards, the Aldens are particularly crushed."

n(c) a misfortune

20/ She bore her misfortunes bravely.

21/ It's unfair to take advantage of other people's misfortunes.

22/ It seems the banks always profit from farmers' misfortunes.

23/ Everything they owned was lost in the fire, which was a great misfortune.

24/ "Merchants continue to unwittingly endure misfortunes in sales
  since they fail to take certain factors into consideration."

25/ "Imagine if this loss was only the beginning of a series of misfortunes?"

a misfortune for somebody/something

26/ At that time, being thin was considered a terrible misfortune for women.

27/ "Poverty, first of all was never a misfortune for me;
  it was radiant with sunlight." (Albert Camus)

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hinge on/upon something   v   //

depend on something, or need something in order to be successful

1/ "Palestinian lives hinge on ceasefire agreement."

2/ Everything hinges on the outcome of these talks.

3/ The film's plot hinges on a case of mistaken identity.

4/ The case hinges on the evidence of a single eyewitness.

5/ The prosecution's case hinged on the evidence of a witness
  who died before the trial.

6/ "Our success hinges on our ability to make the right decision."

7/ "The success of the project hinges on securing sufficient funding."

8/ "World peace hinges on solving long pending issues."

9/ "Peace in the Middle East hinges on resolving the ongoing crisis in Gaza,
  where reconstruction efforts are faltering and the blockade continues."

10/ "Peace in the Middle East hinges on Israel halting its military
  operations in Gaza, and the two-state solution is the only feasible
way to solve the Palestine-Israel conflict"

hinge on wh-clause

11/ "Your case hinges on what happened next."

12/ His success hinges on how well he does at the interview.

13/ "The United States holds all the cards, and world economic
  recovery hinges on how America plays them."

14/ "In many cases, the result hinges on what authorization
  and access means in the new paradigm of work."

see also: rely on something, depend on something, be based on something

---

reply   v(i)   //

say or write something as an answer to somebody/something

1.1/ He was quick to reply.

1.2/ She didn't even bother to reply.

1.3/ "Where are you going?" I asked. "Home," he replied.

1.4/ "I won't let you down," he replied confidently.

1.5/ "There is no obligation to reply on a day off."

reply to something

1.6/ I try to reply to letters the day I receive them.

1.7/ He hasn't replied to any of my text messages.

1.8/ She usually replies immediately to comments on her posts.

1.9/ "How will you reply to a love letter when you recieve it?"

1.10/ "I replied to your request on May 1, 2022 via email."

reply to somebody

1.11/ "How quickly should I reply to my pen pal?"

1.12/ "We were unable to reply to you on time."

1.13/ "Should I reply to my boss after hours?"

1.14/ "Do I have to reply to my boss at 10pm?"

1.15/ "The local supplier always replied to me slowly."

1.16/ "I have replied to you by now regarding this."

1.17/ "They replied to me slowly, and each time they came up
  with a little bit of a new rule."

1.18/ "Once we confirm the information needed, we reply to our customers."

1.19/ "It's reasonable to reply to students within three working days."

1.20/ "If Lydia didn't reply to her in two days, she would go to find her."

1.21/ "She replied to journalists and posted links to their stories."

1.22/ "He chose to reply to reporters in quite an ambiguous manner
  that is open to varying interpretations."

reply to somebody by email/phone/letter/fax

1.23/ "The IRS will reply to you by fax within a week."

1.24/ "They can reply to you by letter and mail it to you."

1.25/ "We will reply to you by mail within one business day."

1.26/ "You can request they reply to you by phone instead of email."

1.27/ "We will deal with your problem at the fastest speed
  and reply to you by email."

1.28/ "The officer will reply to you by letter, e-mail, or a phone call."

reply to somebody with something

1.29/ He replied to her question with a scowl.

1.30/ "We will reply to you with a yes or no."

1.31/ "She replies to me with more lovely comments."

1.32/ "He replied to journalists with great intelligence."

reply with something

1.33/ She simply replied with a smile.

1.34/ "I replied with a frigid smile."

1.35/ "I replied with anger in my tone."

reply that ...

1.36/ The senator replied that he was not in a position to comment.

1.37/ "The officer replied that they would return the next day."

1.38/ "The officer replied that they would take an immediate
  action for assistance."

1.39/ "Israel replied that it entered Rafah to bring down a military
  stronghold for Hamas and told the court 'any state would do the same'."

see also: write back, call somebody back, text somebody,
  respond to somebody/something

v(i) do something as a reaction to something that somebody has said or done

reply to something

2.1/ She replied to the threats by going to the police.

2.2/ "Following her departure, the 40-year-old replied to the hostility
  directed at her by certain followers when she revealed her political beliefs."

2.3/ "Already on 16.7.1461, Duke Ludwig replied to the war declaration
  and the accusations voiced by the Kaiser."

2.4/ "Japan replied to the protest by stating that the ROK's protest
  was not acceptable for Japan in light of the Japanese Government's
  stance on the Takeshima issue."

reply to something by something/doing something

2.5/ "The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF replied to the crisis
  by supplying some food aid to poor people."

reply with something

2.6/ Italy took an early lead but Brazil replied with two goals
  in the last five minutes.

2.7/ France took an early lead before Spain replied with
  three goals in 14 minutes.

2.8/ "Hezbollah said it fired several rockets at an Israeli
  position in Manara village and that Israel replied with gunfire."

reply to something with something

2.9/ "The terrorists replied to the government's statement
  with more violence."

2.10/ "Chytilová replied to the crisis with her most bizarre film,
  Fruit of Paradise (1970)."

2.11/ "The Sachems later replied to the protest with the defense that
  their lease to Howard obliged them to act as they did."

see also: respond to somebody/something, react to something,
  react by doing something

reply   n(c,u)   //

an act of replying to something/somebody in speech, writing or by some action

3.1/ His reply dashed our hopes.

3.2/ We had more than 100 replies.

3.3/ I'm afraid the reply was definitely in the negative.

3.4/ "There are twenty-something replies with twenty-something
  different opinions."

somebody's reply

3.5/ "My reply is in the positive."

3.6/ I was a little disconcerted by his reply.

3.7/ He was shocked at the sheer venom of her reply.

get/receive a reply (from somebody)

3.8/ "I have received a reply from everyone now."

3.9/ "I'm glad to receive your reply!"

3.10/ "I got a reply from the governor this morning."

3.11/ "Once you've sent your letter, the anticipation builds
  as you wait for a reply from Santa Claus."

3.12/ "He sent a letter to the publisher and soon received an approving reply."

make/give no reply

3.13/ I asked why, but he gave no reply.

3.14/ I asked her what her name was but she made no reply.

3.15/ "The professor made no reply to my new proposal."

without reply

3.16/ Morocco scored four goals without reply to win the game.

3.17/ "There are letters without reply, diaries full of silences,
  records lacy with gaps."

a reply to somebody/something

3.18/ "I haven't received a reply to my request."

3.19/ His reply to my question was somewhat ambiguous.

3.20/ I got some interesting replies to my post about online banking.

3.21/ There were very few replies to our advertisement.

in reply to something

3.22/ I am writing in reply to your letter of 16 March.

3.23/ In reply to their questions, she just shrugged.

3.24/ "The US President George Bush planned a military action
  in reply to the terrorist attacks which destroyed the Twin Towers
  of the World Trade Center in New York and part of the Pentagon
  on September 11 2001, causing more than 6,000 deaths."

see also, a response to something, in response to something,

---

handout   n(c)   //

a document given to students or reporters that contains
  information about a particular subject

1.1/ More information can be found in the handout.

1.2/ "This isn't the first time Trump has asked for handouts."

1.3/ Keep the information in your media handout factual and to the point.

1.4/ I've listed some useful reading material on the handout.

1.5/ The party's press handout was largely ignored by journalists.

1.6/ Her handout included a list of the books she referred to.

1.7/ The publicity handout states that you can book a holiday online in ten minutes.

a handout on something

1.8/ We were given a handout on job hunting.

1.9/ "This document is a handout on trigonometry and analytic geometry."

1.10/ "Students read a handout on the history of the Holocaust."

a(/the) handout of something

1.11/ "The handouts of today's lecture has already been passed out."

1.12/ "Prepare a handout of the lecture's main points."

1.13/ "You may download the handout of the lecture from the resource area."

1.14/ "Please download the handout of the press conference here."

give a handout to somebody

1.15/ "Should I give a handout to anyone who asks?"

deliver/distribute handouts to somebody

1.16/ "Distribute handouts to students and have them do the exercises."

1.17/ "When we deliver handouts to you electronically, you don't
  have to pay us for printing or postage."

provide handouts for somebody

1.18/ "You should provide handouts for parents, teachers and students."

1.19/ "Presenters are often conflicted about whether to provide
  handouts for audience members."

1/ "Linda wants to provide handouts for people who did not
  attend her presentation."

1.20/ "We provide handouts for patients on medications for glomerulonephritis."

get/receive handouts from somebody

1.21/ "Find a partner and come get a handout from the teacher."

1.22/ "Please pick a handout if you or anyone you know may be
  interested in participation."

1.23/ "At check-in, students will receive a handout about the expo and a bag
  for all the graduate school swag they will receive from representatives."

see also: notes (on/about something), lecture notes

n(c) something such as food, clothing, or money that is
  given free to someone who is in need of it

2.1/ I don't want to be dependent on handouts.

2.2/ "Even a smaller amount would be good because a handout from
  the government will make people happier."

2.3/ "I'm not interested in government handouts - all I want is a job."

a handout for somebody

2.4/ "The amount the UK spends on handouts for the disabled has ballooned
  from £2 billion in 1948 to £37 million now, in today's prices."

2.5/ "The $250 monthly cash handouts for the elderly,
  known as fruit money, are inadequate."

get/receive a handout (from somebody)

2.6/ All those eligible will receive a cash handout.

2.7/ "Why work when you can get a handout from the state?"

2.8/ "So please be kind and patient with staff that wants to work and
  earn an income and not sit home and get a handout from the government."

give handouts to somebody

2.9/ "The government wants to give handouts to the poor."

2.10/ "Her mother does not give financial handouts to her children."

2.11/ "When political leaders fail to create real jobs in a real
  economy, they give handouts to the poor."

distribute handouts to somebody

2.12/ "The UN stopped distributing cash handouts to Gaza's poorest last week."

2.13/ "It is the government's duty to distribute handouts to poor
  people at hard time."

see also: a subsidy, financial aid, an allowance, a pension

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discount   n(c,u)   //

an amount of money that is taken off the usual cost of something

give/offer somebody a discount

1.1/ "Can you offer a discount to me?"

1.2/ They usually give you a discount if you buy multiple copies.

1.3/ "The seller is willing to do a collective shipping,
  and he would give me a discount of 5%."

1.4/ They only give you a discount if you buy more than a certain amount.

get/receive a discount

1.5/ "Can I get a discount off my trip price?"

1.6/ Students receive a 10 percent discount.

1.7/ "Talk to the shop assistant and try to get a discount on an item."

1.8/ "Customers can receive discounts by using a digital coupon code at checkout."

qualify for a discount, be eligible for a discount

1.9/ Do you qualify for a student discount?

1.10/ Students and pensioners are entitled to a discount.

1.11/ "GESSEL clients are eligible for a discount on the registration fee."

a student discount, a senior discount, a disability discount

1.12/ A lot of venues and galleries offer student discounts.

1.13/ He gets a senior citizen discount at the theater.

1.14/ "The following companies provide a senior discount for travel services."

1.15/ "Smaller performances offer elderly discounts for seniors 65 and older."

1.16/ "Where can I buy a ticket with a disability discount?"

a discount applies to somebody

1.17/ The discount applies only to children under ten.

a discount on something

1.18/ They offer a ten percent discount on travel for students.

1.19/ They're offering a 10% discount on all sofas this month.

1.20/ It was the offer of a large discount on the TV that was the real clincher.

1.21/ There is a 25% discount on all electrical goods until the end of the week.

1.22/ "Get a discount on a purchase over $50. Fill out the form and
  we'll be in touch with you shortly."

a discount for somebody

1.23/ There is a special discount for employees.

1.24/ "Do you offer any discounts for families? Yes, we offer a rolling
  20% sibling discount for your second child's subscription."

a discount off a price

1.25/ "Store Z is offering a discount off the price of the shoes."

1.26/ "Buy an item and receive a discount off the original price."

1.27/ "Grab one from the link in the comments today to receive a discount
  off its original price plus free shipping."

1.28/ "You're asking the owner or host for a discount off a price they did not set."

a discount off an order

1.29/ "Stand a chance to win a great deal or even a discount off your order."

1.30/ "All I can find online today is a code for a discount off the first order."

1.31/ How would you like a 20 per cent discount off your grocery bill?

at a discount

1.32/ "We sell ice cream cones at a 10% discount."

1.33/ People who work in the trade can buy their books at a discount.

1.34/ "During the sale season, commodities are sold at discounts."

1.35/ "Defective or nearly defective electronic products are sold at discounts."

at a discount to something

1.36/ "All these securities are sold at a discount to their par value."

1.37/ "It's a chance to buy new shares at a discount to the current trading price."

a 10 percent discount, a discount of 10 percent

1.38/ Spend over £50 and receive a 15 per cent discount.

1.39/ "Today's 46% discount, however, knocks $110 off its listed price to
  mark the lowest price we have tracked for it on Amazon."

1.40/ "A shopkeeper allows a discount of 10% on the printed price of his goods."

1.41/ "During a sale, a shop offered discount of 10% on the
  marked prices of all the items."

1.42/ "A shopkeeper sells an item at a discount of 25% off its selling price
  and makes a profit of $15.5 If the item costs $600."

be 10% off (a price)

1.43/ "Everything is 10 percent off today!"

1.44/ "Juices, vinegars, preserves and merchandise are all 10 percent off."

1.45/ "When you subscribe, you save 10 percent off your purchase."

1.46/ "A book was on sale for 40 percent off its original price."

discount rate

1.47/ We offer special discount rates for families.

1.48/ "Find the best New York City hotel deals with discount rates
  that meet your budget."

a discount voucher/coupon/card

1.49/ "How do I use a discount voucher?"

1.50/ "Benefits include a discount card and bonus scheme."

1.51/ "If you cancel any item(s) in your order with a discount voucher
  applied, you will be refunded only the final paid price after
  the applied discount - which is apportioned among the items in your order
  according to their respective value."

a discount store/retailer, a discount airline

1.52/ "You may be able to find items at a discount store as well."

1.53/ "You will almost always have to pay extra for food and drink
  on a discount airline."

discount   v(t)   //

reduce the usual price for something

2.1/ The airline has discounted domestic fares.

2.2/ Our entire inventory is discounted below retail prices.

2.3/ The newspaper will discount its cover price this week.

be discounted by 10%

2.4/ Most of our stock has been discounted by up to 40 per cent.

2.5/ "If the original price of a shirt is $40 and it is discounted by 20%,
  what is the final price?"

2.6/ The initial charges will be 5.25%, discounted by 2% to 3.25%
  until 31 January.

a discounted item, a discounted price

2.7/ Students can get discounted tickets.

2.8/ "Are you prepared to snatch up those discounted flight tickets?"

2.9/ "The downside of buying discounted food is the short expiry date."

2.10/ "The dress was sold at a discounted price of $176."

2.11/ "This weekend's special will be our Parma Pizza sold at a discounted price!"

2.12/ Aer Lingus is offering heavily discounted prices on flights
  to the US this month.

v(t) think or say that something is not important or not true

discount something

3.1/ We cannot discount the possibility of further strikes.

3.2/ "Their intentions are good, but sometimes people see them as annoying
  and their efforts are discounted or even ignored."

3.3/ "Your hard work is discounted, and the rewards you get are
  subject to the company's policies."

3.4/ "It can lead people to feel offended and believe that
  their hard work is discounted."

3.5/ "Those who discounted American history because it was so brief
  forgot that we were a nation a century before we became an empire."

discount something as something

3.6/ "They discounted me as empty-headed."

3.7/ The news reports were being discounted as propaganda.

3.8/ "They simply discounted me as someone too stupid to
  tighten the tank properly."

(adj) discounted

3.9/ "Israel's archives are being hurriedly sealed up precisely
  to prevent any danger that records might confirm long-sidelined
  and discounted Palestinian history."

3.10/ "You probably signed up for one of the discounted history classes."

see also: dismiss, ignore, deny

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embody   v(t)   //

express or represent an idea or a quality

embody something

1.1/ "Her paintings embody her love of nature."

1.2/ She embodied good sportsmanship on the playing field.

1.3/ Arthur Ashe embodied the ideals of good sportsmanship.

1.4/ The new constitution embodied the right to free speech.

1.5/ We want to build a national team that embodies competitive spirit and skill.

1.6/ "She embodies elegance and grace, a true epitome of cultural splendor."

1.7/ "Clothed with strength and dignity, she embodies beauty and wisdom."

1.8/ "His work embodied the indomitable spirit of the Belarusian people."

1.9/ "His painting embodies a certain nostalgia and longing for an imagined past."

1.10/ "The new law embodies the notion of putting people first, as it
  fully considers workers' interests."

1.11/ "Beyond its hardware advancements, the iPhone 16 embodies Apple's
  commitment to delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience."

1.12/ "Leonardo da Vinci embodied Renaissance ideals through his
  multidisciplinary pursuits, innovative thinking, and humanistic
  approach to art and science."

be embodied in something

1.13/ These ideals were embodied in the constitution.

1.14/ "Private property rights are embodied in the US constitution."

1.15/ "His legacy endures through the modernizing legal and
  administrative reforms he enacted in France and Western Europe,
  embodied in the Napoleonic Code."

embody a(/the) vision of something/somebody

1.16/ "Aditi and Pranav embodied a vision of musical symphony."

1.17/ "I embodied the vision of the designer or the brand."

1.18/ "Leader Abrams embodied a vision for a multi-racial democracy
  where every voice is heard."

1.19/ "Your willingness to embody the vision of your organization has
  a direct impact on your credibility as a leader."

1.20/ "The iPhone 16 embodies this vision, its performance tailored to
  meet the demands of those who dare to lead."

see also: represent, encapsulate, the epitome of something, feature

v(t) include or contain something

embody something

2.1/ This model embodies many new features.

2.2/ "The new car model embodies the latest technology."

2.3/ "The 2024 model embodies the latest technology and trends in the world
  of clothing for boys, giving you a modern and elegant look."

2.4/ "A smartphone embodies the technology of communication, allowing users
  to make calls, send messages, and access the internet."

embody a group of people

2.5/ "Political parties consist of organizations that embody groups
  of people who share similar interests."

2.6/ "I feel that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz embody a group of people
  that will help make this country better."

embody something in one man/person

2.7/ Kennett embodied in one man an unusual range of science, music and religion.

2.8/ "Leonardo da Vinci embodied in one man an unusual range of
  science, music, arts and religion."

2.9/ "She embodies human lostness and alienation in her person
  and situation due to sin."

2.10/ "Frances Browne embodies all of these elements in one person and
  is therefore an incredibly important touchstone in the quest for
  a pluralist and multi-cultural Ireland."

see also: include, contain, encompass, incorporate,

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handy   adj   //

[useful] easy to use or to do

1.1/ It's quite a handy little tool.

find something handy, find it handy to do something

1.2/ We found it handy to have a cellular phone.

1.3/ First-time visitors to France will find this guide particularly handy.

be handy for something/doing something

1.4/ The wire brush is very handy for cleaning up old iron and steel.

1.5/ "The integrated LED light is handy for working at night."

1.6/ "Our blueberry ground coffee is handy for enhancing breakfast time
  since it goes so well with crepes, pancakes, and other sweet morning delights!"

a handy tip/hint/tool (for somebody/something)

1.7/ "Here is a handy tip for anyone who makes print and cut stickers!"

1.8/ "We give you a handy tip when it comes to storing your seeds."

1.9/ "The Ryobi Power Scrubber is a handy tool for cleaning jobs."

1.10/ "A back scratcher is a handy tool designed to relieve itching and
  provide relief to hard-to-reach areas on the back. "

be handy for somebody

1.11/ The arrangement was handy for both of us.

1.12/ "It is handy for the elderly who can't always get to the shops
  easily, and we hope it will be especially useful in the winter
  with the bad weather."

1.13/ "These aids are particularly handy for the elderly, or for those
  with any kind of disability as they make those everyday activities easier
  and so add to the enjoyment of life and increased self-esteem."

1.14/ "Easy to use, no need for separate water pipes, handy for
  the disabled and elderly to wash hair in a seated position."

it is handy doing something

1.15/ It's very handy having a light above your desk.

1.16/ "Admittedly it is handy putting the beaters in the dishwasher."

1.17/ "It is handy taking a shortcut into the main street, and it is
  only five minutes to the beach."

come in handy

1.18/ The extra money came in very handy.

1.19/ "The money will come in handy when I want to travel."

1.20/ "The money my aunt gave me will come in handy to pay for my music lessons."

1.21/ Don't throw that away - it might come in handy.

1.22/ Take your swimming trunks with you - they might come in handy.

1.23/ Take your penknife - you never know when it might come in handy.

1.24/ Don't throw those bottles away - they'll come in handy
  for the picnic next Sunday.

adj(not before noun) located near to somebody/something;
  located or stored in a convenient place

keep something handy

2.1/ Always keep a first-aid kit handy.

2.2/ "Always keep the first aid box handy.

2.3/ "Keep your résumé handy for every opportunity that knocks on your doorstep."

get something handy

2.4/ Have you got a pen handy?

2.5/ "It takes a bit of math to find your target heart rate zones,
  so get your calculator handy."

be handy for (=near) something

2.6/ Our house is very handy for the station.

2.7/ It's a nice house and it's handy for the train station.

2.8/ "The property is handy for amenities at Belper, Milford and Duffield."

2.9/ "It is handy for the beach and the harbour area."

see also: at hand

adj(after verb) able to use something skilfully

be handy with something

3.1/ Lucy is quite handy with a drill!

3.2/ "Eduardo is handy with power tools."

3.3/ "Donald Trump is handy with his signature."

3.4/ Jonathan's good at putting up wallpaper, but he's not
  so handy with a paintbrush.

3.5/ "It is now important to be handy with a calculator."

be handy about/around the house

3.6/ Susannah's very handy about the house.

3.7/ "I am handy about the house as I can cook and clean and
  am generally quite an optimistic individual."

see also: a handyman

---

preference   n(c,u)   //

the fact that you like something or somebody
  more than another thing or person

1.1/ White wine or red - what's your preference?

1.2/ Her preference is for comfortable rather than stylish clothes.

1.3/ My preference is to stay home and get takeout and watch a movie together.

1.4/ She was happy to arrange her schedule to suit their preferences.

1.5/ Tastes and preferences vary from individual to individual.

have a preference (for somebody/something)

1.6/ Do you have a colour preference?

1.7/ Do you have a preference for red or white wine?

1.8/ We have white and brown bread - do you have a preference?

1.9/ "I have a preference for petite girls."

1.10/ "I have a preference for chicken wings."

1.11/ I have a preference for blond men over dark.

1.12/ "Voters have a preference for female candidates."

1.13/ I have a preference for sweet food over spicy.

1.14/ "Most women have an innate preference for men who are taller than them."

1.15/ "The coach doesn't particularly have a preference for tall players."

1.16/ "Ever since the accident however, she's always had more of
  a preference for cars than men or women."

1.17/ "Many couples have the cultural preference for boy babies, so they
  would not stop inducing abortions until they have boys."

1.18/ "It seems natural that teachers have a preference for top students."

show/express a preference (for somebody/something)

1.19/ Females showed a preference for long-tailed males.

1.20/ Many people expressed a strong preference for the original plan.

1.21/ Parents may be able to express a preference as to the school
  their child will attend.

a preference to do something

1.22/ Many elderly people expressed a strong preference to live
  in their own homes.

1.23/ "Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, workers stated a preference to
  work at home at least some of the time."

a preference for A than/over B

1.24/ "Families are more likely to express a preference for girls than boys."

1.25/ "Researchers have found that a preference for boys over girls leads to
  girls receiving less nutrition, particularly in rural China."

1.26/ "Some countries also exhibited a preference for daughters over sons."

1.27/ These investors had a preference for securities rather than bank deposits.

n(u) personal preference

1.28/ Buying a car is a matter of personal preference.

1.29/ Choosing furniture is largely a matter of personal preference.

1.30/ "This setting is only out of my personal preference."

1.31/ "It is my personal preference to invite people home or not."

1.32/ The amount of sugar you add will depend on personal preference.

n(u) (in) order of preference

1.33/ "These six wines are listed in order of preference."

1.34/ Let's make a list of possible speakers, in order of preference.

1.35/ "You have three options mentioned in order of preference."

in preference to somebody/something: rather than somebody/something

1.36/ Use clear English in preference to technical language.

1.37/ She was chosen in preference to her sister.

1.38/ They bought French planes in preference to British ones.

1.39/ He studied chemistry in preference to physics at university.

n(c,u) food preference

1.40/ "Children's food preferences and dietary habits are influenced
  mainly by environmental and social factors."

1.41/ "Our students are interested in what they eat and where their
  food comes from, not because of food preference but for the impact
  that food has on the world."

n(c,u) sexual preference

1.42/ I wouldn't like to guess her sexual preference.

1.43/ The company denied any discrimination on grounds of sexual preference.

see also: prefer

n(c,u) an advantage that is given to a person or a group of people

2.1/ "We are ready to offer preferences to our partners."

2.2/ Special preferences were offered initially to encourage investment.

receive preferences from somebody/something

2.3/ "Hinch is poised to receive preferences from Labor voters."

2.4/ "Candidates can make secret deals to receive preferences from one another."

give (a) preference to somebody/something

2.5/ Preference will be given to graduates of this university.

2.6/ The city gives preference to job applicants who live there.

2.7/ "We give preference to startup founders and scientists."

2.8/ "We give preference to start-ups creating innovative solutions in sectors."

2.9/ We give preference to those who have worked with us for a long time.

2.10/ This small-business program gives preference to minority-
  and women-owned companies.

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pour   v(i,t)   //

(pour liquid)

pour something

1.1/ I spilled the juice while I was pouring it.

1.2/ Although I poured it carefully, I still managed to spill some.

1.3/ The crew mixed and poured the concrete.

pour something in/into a container

1.4/ "I pour juice in a glass."

1.5/ "We poured apple cider in wine glasses."

1.6/ "I grab the boiled kettle and pour water in my mug."

1.7/ "Pour decaffeinated coffee into a coffee mug."

1.8/ "Do you want me to pour the milk into your tea?"

1.9/ "The milk overflowed when I poured it into the jug."

1.10/ "One option is to simply pour soy milk into your coffee."

1.11/ Let's see if I can pour the juice into the glass without spilling it.

1.12/ After four minutes, pour the pasta into a colander to drain.

1.13/ "How do you pour soup into a bowl from a pot?"

1.14/ "The chef pours soup into a noodle bowl using a ladle."

1.15/ Pour the honey into the bowl and mix it thoroughly with
  the other ingredients.

1.16/ "I pour coffee into my mug and then add some milk, maybe some sugar."

pour something down something

1.17/ She poured boiling water down the sink.

1.18/ "You wouldn't pour tea down the throat of an unconcious person."

1.19/ "Should I pour water down a frozen pipe?"

1.20/ " You pour water down a tube into the reservoir."

1.21/ "Never pour drain cleaner down your drains to remove clogs."

pour something from something

1.22/ "I pour almond milk from the carton."

1.23/ "You gently pour wine from the bottle into the decanter."

1.24/ "Pour water from the jug into one bowl and then into the other."

1.25/ "I pour hot water from the kettle and watch the steam rise."

1.26/ "Slowly pour tea from the teapot into a serving cup."

1.27/ "I watched Tiffany pour coffee from the flask into the coffee cups."

1.28/ "He poured hot coffee from the carafe into the cup on the tray."

pour something out (of something)

1.29/ I was in the kitchen, pouring out drinks.

1.30/ "I pour lemonade out of the tap of the dispenser."

1.31/ "The leaders of this country couldn't pour water out of a boot."

pour something away

1.32/ Pour away as much fat as possible from the roasting pan.

1.33/ "If you have to pour water away, never do it in a dry area."

pour somebody something

1.34/ "The CEO pours me a glass of water."

1.35/ "I've poured you a cup of tea."

1.36/ Would you like me to pour you some more wine?

1.37/ I poured myself some water from the carafe on the table.

1.38/ Jack was pouring himself another glass of whisky.

1.39/ "She pours me coke in a reusable mug before she goes to work."

pour something for somebody

1.40/ I have poured a cup of tea for you.

v(i) pour

1.41/ Shall I pour?

1.42/ Would you like to pour while I open some bags of nuts?

1.43/ "She pours when I say it again. Hardly had she settled in her armchair
  at the window overlooking the garden when she hears a knock on the door."

v(i,t) (cause to) flow quickly and in large amounts

pour into something

2.1/ The crowd poured into the streets.

2.2/ "Water pours into the glass slowly and at a constant rate."

2.3/ "Floodwaters pour into train station in Germany."

2.4/ "With a single-level drop of 200 meters, the river pours into
  the bottom of Ruyuan Grand Canyon."

2.5/ Refugees have been pouring into neighbouring countries
  to escape the civil war.

pour in

2.6/ Letters of complaint continue to pour in.

2.7/ "Floodwaters are pouring in. People in the left dike area of
  ​​the Red River in Hung Yen are struggling to escape the flood."

pour down something

2.8/ Tears poured down his cheeks.

2.9/ The sweat was pouring down her face by the end of the race.

2.10/ "As sweat poured down my body I couldn't help but wonder how
  people made it through 45 minutes of this heat."

pour from something

2.11/ Blood was pouring from the wound.

2.12/ I felt a sharp pain and looked down to see blood pouring from my leg.

2.13/ "I have to stand over the sink to floss as the saliva pours from my mouth."

pour out of something

2.14/ Thick black smoke was pouring out of the roof.

2.15/ Commuters came pouring out of the station.

pour off somebody/something

2.16/ The sweat was pouring off her.

2.17/ "The sweat pours off my face and chest areas."

see also: flow, flock to somewhere

v(i,t) (rain pours down)

3.1/ It's pouring outside.

3.2/ It's pouring down rain outside.

3.3/ It looks as though it's about to pour.

3.4/ It looks as though it's about to pour with rain.

rain pours (down)

3.5/ The rain pours down all and every day, and the wind
  never seems to drop or vary.

3.6/ "Do i have to take cacti inside if the rain pours down
  suddenly or just leave it be?"

3.7/ "On Islamabad Road, rain pours heavily, creating a glistening
  sheen on the asphalt."

3.8/ "As the rain pours outside and raindrops cover the windows, she sings
  the first verse while changing her smart clothes for more casual ones."

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show off   v   //

try to impress others by talking about your abilities, possessions, etc

1.1/ He's just showing off because that girl he likes is here.

1.2/ My parents were in town and I wanted to show off.

1.3/ She only bought that sports car to show off and prove she could afford one.

show off to somebody

1.4/ He's always showing off to his classmates.

1.5/ "Why does my wife regularly show off to my friends?"

1.6/ "I imagine Sarada to be a type of a child who loves to
  show off to her parents."

1.7/ "You still showed off to me about drinking red wine with the resort ahjusshi."

(v) show something/somebody off:
  show people somebody/something that you are proud of

2.1/ "I will show my kid off all the time."

2.2/ "If you have a talent, show it off to me."

2.3/ We were keen to show off our new car.

2.4/ She brought her baby pictures so she could show them off.

2.5/ "A young woman shows off the tattoo on her hand."

show off + wh-clause

2.6/ He likes to show off how well he speaks French.

2.7/ "Chinese people don't intentionally want to show off how rich they are."

2.8/ "I love when friends come to visit me here, and I can show off where I live."

show something/somebody off to somebody

2.9/ "My mom tries to show me off to my aunts."

2.10/ "My best friend came to show off his new car to me."

2.11/ "My father loved to show me off to relatives and friends
  visiting the family."

see also: flex, flex your muscles

(v) [clothing] make somebody look attractive, by showing their best features

3.1/ She wears a dress that shows off her figure.

3.2/ "She wears a dress that shows off nice cleavage."

3.3/ She likes to wear short skirts to show off her legs.

3.4/ "Sharon Stone showed off her physique while wearing
  a bikini in a swimming pool."

3.5/ "The idol shows off her legs by wearing high boots at a promotional event."

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moment   n(c)   //

a very short period of time

wait a moment

1.1/ Can you wait a moment?

1.2/ Could you wait a moment, please?

1.3/ One moment, please.

just a moment, just a minute, just a second

1.4/ "Just a moment."

1.5/ Just a minute - I'm almost done.

1.6/ Just a moment; let me put these away first.

get a moment, have a moment

1.7/ Have you got a moment?

1.8/ "Have you got a moment to talk about Linux?"

1.9/ "Do you have a moment?"

1.10/ "Can we have a moment together?"

1.11/ "Mrs. Kirkman, do you have a moment for Kendra Daynes?"

1.12/ "Excuse me sir, do you have a moment to talk about
  our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?"

take a moment (see also: take your time)

1.13/ This won't take a moment.

1.14/ "Please take a moment to finish the survey."

1.15/ "Please take a moment to complete the questionnaire(s)
  of interest to you."

spare a moment

1.16/ Can you spare a few moments to answer some questions?

in (just) a moment (see also: shortly)

1.17/ I'll be back in a moment.

1.18/ I will be ready in just a moment.

1.19/ "I will come back in a moment."

for a moment (see also: for a while)

1.20/ "Let's stay here for a moment."

1.21/ He thought for a moment before replying.

1.22/ Could you mind my bag for a moment while I go to the toilet?

1.23/ For one brief moment I thought, 'I can handle this.'

a few moments later/ago

1.24/ "A few moments ago we heard words about salvation."

1.25/ "Moments later, I heard a terrible crash.

1.26/ A car drew up outside and a few moments later the doorbell rang.

after a moment, a moment later (see also: afterwards)

1.27/ A moment later we heard a splash.

1.28/ "I don’t understand," said Louise after a moment.

not a moment too soon (= almost too late)

1.29/ We arrived not a moment too soon.

1.30/ Help arrived - and not a moment too soon.

n(c) a particular time or occasion

2.1/ It was one of the most exciting moments in his life.

2.2/ She let the news slip by mistake, in an unguarded moment.

the moment when ...

2.3/ I remember the moment when I first saw him after the operation.

2.4/ "At the moment when he had said it he knew what a mistake he had made."

at the moment (= now)

2.5/ We're busy at the moment.

2.6/ Sorry, she's not here at the moment.

2.7/ At the present moment, we do not have a choice.

2.8/ "I can't see you because I am quite busy at the moment."

2.9/ Is Michelle all right? She doesn't seem quite herself at the moment.

at this moment in time (= now)

2.10/ I can give no information at this precise moment in time.

2.11/ At this moment in time, I don't know what my decision will be.

2.12/ At this moment in time it would be inappropriate to
  comment on the situation.

at that moment (see also: just then)

2.13/ At that very moment, the phone rang.

2.14/ "Honestly, at that moment, I felt offended, as if I were a dumb child
  who couldn't possibly answer elementary school math questions correctly."

(at) any moment

2.15/ He might wake up at any moment.

2.16/ I'm expecting her to come at any moment.

2.17/ Hurry up! He'll be back any moment now.

2.18/ You need to be aware of what you are doing at any given moment.

2.19/ Quinn always seems to be in the right place at the crucial moment.

for the moment (= now but it is subject to change with time)
  see also: for now, for the time being

2.20/ "We do not know what dark matter is for the moment."

2.21/ Let's keep doing what we agreed for the moment.

the best moment

2.22/ "Plan your diving trips at the best moment."

2.23/ When would be the best moment to tell the family?

2.24/ "It will go down as one of the best moments in my life."

2.25/ "The best moments in my life were those when I just went
  for it without planning."

the perfect moment

2.26/ "This meeting is the perfect moment to look for answers."

2.27/ "Don't wait for the perfect moment to arrive;
  make every moment perfect yourself!"

the worst moment

2.28/ "You pick the worst moment to bluff."

2.29/ "Just then, my dad decided to pick the worst moment to finally
  give me my birthday gift."

(until) the last moment

2.30/ Don't leave it to the last moment.

2.31/ Don't leave it till the last moment/

2.32/ "I love you until the last moment of my life."

2.33/ "We don't give up our victory until the last moment of the match."

a right moment, a bad moment

2.34/ Have I caught you at a bad moment?

2.35/ I'm waiting for the right moment to tell him the bad news.

2.36/ "If you are waiting for a right moment to take action,
  make this moment."

a moment of something

2.37/ "I try to have a moment of joy every day."

2.38/ "There was a moment of laughter in the living room."

2.39/ "In 1976, the state of Virginia allowed schools to have a moment of
  silence at the start of the school day."

in a moment of something

2.40/ I agreed in a moment of weakness.

2.41/ "Join me in a moment of silence for Laura and her dear memory."

2.42/ "Let me be clear that the rebuilding of relationships can take time
  and isn't quickly resolved in a moment of tears and apologies."

from that moment on, ...

2.43/ From that moment on, she never felt really well again.

2.44/ From that moment on we were the best of friends.

the moment (that) ... (= as soon as)

2.45/ The moment that I get the money I'll send the ticket.

2.46/ "I promise you can have the magazine the moment I finish reading it."

n(c) a moment is also a special time or opportunity

3.1/ I treasure the moments we spent together.

3.2/ That was one of the happiest moments of my life.

3.3/ This referendum is a defining moment for our nation.

a big moment

3.4/ "Your wedding is a big moment with lots of memories being
  created, shared and captured."

3.5/ "A wedding is a big moment, where a couple celebrates love
  in a grand way before God, family and friends."

somebody's moment

3.6/ "It was my moment to shine!"

3.7/ "His wife Denise was there to share his big moment."

3.8/ You know that when that curtain goes up, it’s going to be your big moment.

3.9/ This was her moment and she knew she had to take it.

choose/pick your moment

3.10/ He picked his moment carefully to tell them the news.

3.11/ I suggest picking your moment before you ask the boss for a raise.

3.12/ Wow, she broke up with him on his birthday? She really knows
  how to pick her moment.

3.13/ "I have to carefully pick and choose my moment to interact."

3.14/ If you want a private conversation with her you'll have to
  choose your moment.

have a moment

3.15/ The film has many memorable moments.

3.16/ "I had a moment with a guy in the street that left me
  wondering for months afterwards."

3.17/ "When you were little, have you ever had a moment with
  a girl at a party or something?"

capture a moment

3.18/ "How does art capture a moment in history?"

3.19/ I managed to capture the moment on film.

3.20/ "Want to capture that romantic moment?"

3.21/ "The terrible moment was captured on three newsreel cameras."

3.22/ "The work sometimes takes months to complete before video cameras
  capture the moment of detonation."

(idiom) be having a moment (= fashionable)

3.23/ Right now, oversized sweaters are having a moment.

3.24/ "Metallic bikinis are having a moment."

3.25/ "Pyjama pants are having a moment."

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cater   v(i,t)   //

provide food and drinks for a social event

1.1/ Which firm will be catering at the wedding reception?

cater for somebody/something

1.2/ Most of our work now involves catering for weddings.

1.3/ "Contact us to cater for your family gathering or corporate events."

1.4/ "Let High Tide cater for your Family this Thanksgiving!"

1.5/ "Dave and his team catered for our wedding last weekend, and we
  couldn't have wished for better."

1.6/ There is plenty of work to be had catering for weddings and parties.

cater for ten (people)

1.7/ "Most recipes cater for four or six."

1.8/ I'm catering for twelve on Sunday - the whole family is coming.

1.9/ "The Cederburg meal caters for four people."

1.10/ "For a couple of nights who would cater for ten people?"

cater something

1.11/ Who catered your party?

1.12/ Who will be catering the wedding?

1.13/ Delegates can have meals catered by the hotel while
  the conference is underway.

a catering service, catering services

1.14/ "Experience our catering services now!"

1.15/ "You may discover the best catering service and simple
  online ordering procedures here."

1.16/ "There's also a catering service for those who can't be bothered to cook."

1.17/ "We offer catering services for corporates, wedding and any events."

the catering industry

1.18/ "I work in the catering industry."

1.19/ "Workers in the catering industry have to use various kinds
  of chemicals and fuel in their work."

1.20/ "Without kitchen technology, nothing will be possible
  in the catering industry in 2024."

(v) cater for somebody/something:
  provide the things that a particular person or situation needs or wants

cater for somebody

2.1/ It is a resort that clearly caters for the well-off.

2.2/ The club caters for children between the ages of four and twelve.

2.3/ The college caters for deaf and visually-impaired students.

2.4/ She runs a specialist company that caters for people with food allergies.

2.5/ "We can even cater for cats on medication including diabetic cats
  as we are fully trained in administering tablets and injections."

cater for something

2.6/ The class caters for all ability ranges.

2.7/ Schools often fail to cater for the needs of gifted children.

2.8/ This section of the bookstore caters for minority interests.

see also: be made for somebody/something, be suitable for somebody/something,
  be designed for somebody/something, care for somebody

(v) cater to somebody/something: satisfy a need or to provide
  what is wanted or needed by a particular person or group

3.1/ They only publish novels which cater to the mass market.

3.2/ "Bank's ATM policy caters to the rich only."

3.3/ Internet shopping caters to every conceivable need.

3.4/ Our magazines cater to professionals such as lawyers and physicians.

3.5/ While they have previously catered mainly to Japanese tourists,
  luxury stores in Paris now employ Mandarin-speaking assistants.

3.6/ "Tony was able to cater to my kid's desire to visit the animal cafe."

(satisfy a need or desire that is unusual or unacceptable)

3.7/ Why should you cater to his every whim?

3.8/ This legislation simply caters to racism.

3.9/ "Do you cater to your child's food preferences?"

3.10/ "In this world where the rich are getting richer and the poor
  are getting poorer, everyone is trying to cater to the rich."

3.11/ "I cater to my kids, but I'm reaching the end of my patience."

see also: pander to somebody/something, please

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stretcher   n(c)   //   PICTURE

a long piece of strong cloth with a pole on each side, used for
  carrying somebody who is sick or injured and who cannot walk

1.1/ "A stretcher can go upstairs, and there are stretchers
  specially designed to go upstairs."

1.2/ "A stretcher has no wheels and no undercarriage like a gurney does."

on a stretcher

1.3/ He was carried off on a stretcher.

1.4/ "Pakistani rescuers carry a body on a stretcher at a hospital."

1.5/ "The Frenchwoman was carried away on a stretcher by two nurses."

1.6/ "He left the field on a stretcher and Merih Demiral replaced him in the game."

1.7/ "Nathan Ake was reduced to tears as he left the field on a stretcher
  in the first half of the Netherlands' Nations League clash with Germany."

1.8/ "You will be asked to lie on a stretcher."

1.9/ "I lay on a stretcher and I could feel myself leaving my own body."

1.10/ "First, have your patient lay on a stretcher on their stomach."

carry a stretcher

1.11/ "Medics carry a stretcher with the patient."

1.12/ "The rest of the team carried a stretcher to them and
  he was wheeled out to Edale Cross."

lift a stretcher (up)

1.13/ "To lift a stretcher, squat down to it and keep it close to your body."

1.14/ "The current lifters the crews have can lift a stretcher up off the ground."

1.15/ "After a while the English ambulance came up and they put me
  onto a stretcher and lifted the stretcher up to the ambulance level
  and shoved me in."

1.16/ "When we lifted the stretcher up, one of his red boots hit me in the head."

1.17/ "To safely lift a stretcher into an ambulance using a power grip, ensure
  full hand contact with the handles, maintain a straight back, bend your knees,
  and lift with your legs to avoid strain or injury."

unload a stretcher

1.18/ "We unload a stretcher from an ambulance."

1.19/ "She shouldn't be loading or unloading the stretcher by herself."

see also: a gurney

n(c) a wooden frame over which cloth is spread and
  pulled tight ready for painting

2.1/ Staple the canvas to the stretchers, prime it with ochre,
  then you're ready to paint.

n(c) a stretcher bar

2.2/ "A stretcher bar is used to construct a wooden stretcher
  used by artists to mount their canvases."

2.3/ "A stretcher bar is a type of wooden or metal bar used to
  stretch and support canvases for painting."

2.4/ "Stretcher bars are long, thin pieces of wood or metal
  that artists use to construct a framework called a stretcher."

see also: a canvas

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cradle   n(c)   //   PICTURE

a small bed for a baby, especially one that moves from side to side

sleep in a cradle

1.1/ "A newborn baby sleeps in a cradle."

1.2/ "Two newborn twins sleep in a cradle made for one."

1.3/ "The King, a bloated and whiskered infant, sleeps in a cradle."

1.4/ "The baby girl sleeps in a cradle with gray bedding and makes
  a sucking movement with her mouth."

sit by(/beside) a cradle

1.5/ "Grandma sits beside the cradle."

1.6/ "A maidservant sits beside the cradle."

1.7/ "The young mother sits beside the cradle and sings softly
  as she sews, knits or spins."

1.8/ "In this remarkable cantata, a queen sits by the cradle of her son
  and listens to the voices of heaven, wisdom, nature, love and homeland."

at a cradle

1.9/ "My mom sings at the cradle."

1.10/ "A young woman reads a story to the baby at a cradle."

1.11/ "The song of all songs is the song a mother sings at the cradle to her child."

rock a cradle

1.12/ The nurse rocked the cradle.

1.13/ She rocked the baby to sleep in its cradle.

1.14/ "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world."

1.15/ "The mother then places the baby inside the cradle and
  rocks the cradle gently."

see also: a crib(/a cot), a carrycot, a pram, a stroller(/a pushchair)

(idiom) the cradle of something: the place where something started

2.1/ Fossil records indicate that Africa was the cradle of early human evolution.

2.2/ "India is the cradle of Buddhism despite its practice fading
  in the 13th century."

2.3/ "The Netherlands is the cradle of capitalism - the home of the world's
  first stock market and the dominant global financial center in the
  17th and 18th centuries."

the cradle of civilization

2.4/ "Shaanxi is the cradle of Chinese civilization, where the compass,
  paper, printing, and gunpowder were invented."

2.5/ "Ancient Greece is commonly seen as the cradle of Western civilization."

2.6/ "Greece is sometimes called the cradle of Western civilization

the cradle of innovation, the cradle of invention

2.7/ "Being curious is the cradle of invention."

2.8/ "This is the cradle of our innovation. The place where ideas are born
  and tested and broken and rebuilt and built upon and tested again and
  hardened and leaky holes are fixed."

2.9/ "Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular will remain the cradle of
  the inventions and the gate to sophisticated development in the
  construction industry in the new millennium."

see also: an incubator, the birthplace of something,
  (v) originate in somewhere

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impact   n(u,singular)   //

the force or action of one object hitting another

1.1/ Impact occurred seconds after the pilot radioed for help.

the impact of something

1.2/ The impact of the blow knocked Jack off balance.

1.3/ The impact of the crash destroyed the car.

1.4/ The impact of the crash reduced the car to a third of its original length.

1.5/ "People in a Las Vegas car accident can be seriously injured
  by the impact of the crash."

(the) impact on somebody/something

1.6/ "The impact of the crash on me can't be over-estimated."

1.7/ "My momentum carried me into the side of pool and the impact on my head
  broke my C5 and six vertebrae and damaged my spinal cord."

1.8/ "Possibly the best-known meteorite impact on Earth is the one
  that left the largely buried Chicxulub impact structure on the
  Yucatán peninsula in Mexico."

reduce/soften an impact

1.9/ Airbags are designed to soften the impact for crash victims.

1.10/ "Don't try to soften an impact with your hands out in front."

1.11/ "This action reduces the impact of the ball on the catcher's hand."

1.12/ "The seat belt secures you in your seat and the airbag softens the impact."

absorb an impact

1.13/ "For a material to absorb an impact, it must move or deform."

1.14/ A well-designed sports shoe should absorb the impact on your feet.

1.15/ A well-designed sports shoe should absorb the impact
  on the 28 bones in each foot.

1.16/ "The halo deflects or absorbs the impact of objects striking
  the driver's head area at high speed."

1.17/ "During a collision, the bumper absorbs impact energy by collapsing
  and deforming, which helps to reduce the damage to the rest of the vehicle."

1.18/ "Specifically, the physical structures of mussel and oyster beds
  absorb the impact of waves along the coastline, lessening erosion
  and preventing flooding."

be made by an impact

1.19/ "A giant crater made by a meteorite impact millions of years ago
  has been discovered in Egypt's western desert."

on impact

1.20/ The bomb explodes on impact.

1.21/ The bullet explodes on impact.

1.22/ "The alarm sounds on impact."

1.23/ "Now the alarm goes off on impact."

1.24/ "Lightsabers aren't making sounds on impact and won't leave
  burn marks anymore."

n(u) head-on impact

1.25/ "Turning the steering wheel to avoid head-on impact, if possible."

1.26/ "To establish fault for an accident with head-on impact,
  several pieces of evidence will come into play."

n(u) side impact

1.27/ The car is fitted with side impact bars.

1.28/ "The deck may be damaged by side impact.

1.29/ "The train was damaged by side impact collision."

see also: a crash, a hit, an accident, n(c,u) collision

n(singular,u) the powerful effect that something has on somebody/something

have/make an impact (on somebody/something)

2.1/ "How do I make an impact on the world?"

2.2/ Her speech made a profound impact on everyone.

2.3/ The strategy can make a positive impact on the environment.

2.4/ "Our mission is to free our cities with clean rides for everyone,
  and we are dedicated to making an impact in the transportation industry."

2.5/ "We strive to make an impact on the life cycle, while finding solutions
  that balance climate, health and future value for all stakeholders."

2.6/ He has had a lasting impact on the lives of many of his students.

2.7/ The tax on fuel will not have a serious impact on the better-off.

2.8/ "Sports tourism has a positive and significant impact on
  the country's economy."

2.9/ "The learning environment has a strong impact on students'
  learning experiences and outcomes."

2.10/ "Due to its emphasis on justice and fairness, the Code of Hammurabi
  has had a long-lasting impact on history and the modern world."

the impact of something

2.11/ The environmental impact of this project will be enormous.

2.12/ The report assesses the impact of the disease on mortality
  and population growth.

2.13/ Architecturally, these churches reflected the impact of the Renaissance.

2.14/ Businesses are beginning to feel the full impact of the recession.

2.15/ The book discusses the impact of Christian thinking on western society.

2.16/ "Has the British government made an official assessment of the
  economic impact of leaving the European Union, following Brexit?"

the impact from something

2.17/ It is too early to notice any impact from the recent changes to the rules.

the impact (of something) on somebody/something

2.18/ The project's impact on the environment should be minimal.

2.19/ "The Sun's impact on Earth extends far beyond its light and warmth."

2.20/ "This map shows the extent of human impact on the Earth's surface."

2.21/ This decision will have a disastrous impact on foreign policy.

for maximum(/the best) impact

2.22/ We'll show you how to dress for maximum impact at the all-important audition.

2.23/ "Match them with your top or dress for the best impact and wear
  them over boots or leggings."

reduce/soften an impact

2.24/ "Can we soften the environmental impact of the Olympics?"

2.25/ The new proposals were intended to soften the impact of
  the reformed tax system.

2.26/ "Green concrete reduces the biological impact on the environmen."

2.27/ "Take this simple step to reduce a negative impact on the environment."

strengthen an impact, extend an impact

2.28/ "How do you strengthen the impact of your leadership?"

2.29/ "BriefCam 2024 R2 extends the impact of crowd counting with BriefCam."

2.30/ "New partnership extends the impact of the MARVI water
  management program in India."

experience/suffer an impact

2.31/ "Africa suffers the impact of a warming world."

2.32/ "Magazines suffer the impact of free media and blame the teenagers."

2.33/ "Who is most likely to experience the impact of a landslide?"

see also: influence, effect

impact   v(i,t)   //

have an effect on somebody/something

impact on(/upon) somebody/something

3.1/ "She has impacted on thousands of lives around the world."

3.2/ These restrictions will impact on all farmers in Ireland.

3.3/ "The famine impacted on the lives of people all over the island."

3.4/ The cuts will inevitably impact on service delivery.

3.5/ "How has the Titanic impacted on modern day life?"

3.6/ Her father's death impacted greatly on her childhood years.

3.7/ A big decline in exports will impact on the country’s economy.

3.8/ Engineers say the new engine could impact on the way
  future cars are designed.

3.9/ Falling export rates have impacted on the country's economy
  quite considerably.

impact somebody/something

3.10/ "The Titanic impacted the rest of her life."

3.11/ "The sinking of the titanic impacted the entire world, and even
  110 years later today, it still impacts the entire world."

3.12/ The company's performance was impacted by the high value of the pound.

3.13/ Local businesses were heavily impacted by the new zoning regulations.

3.14/ "Irregular bedtime negatively impacts children's development,
  behavior and health."

3.15/ "How did body shaming teasing and jokes from elementary classmates
  impact you later in teen and adult years?"

see also: affect, influence, damage, enhance

v(i,t) impact (on) something: hit something with great force

4.1/ "The storm impacted on ferry crossings between Pembrokeshire and Ireland."

4.2/ "The tsunami impacted the northwestern coastline of Sumatra,
  especially in the Aceh province."

4.3/ "Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations if a tornado
  impacts my home city before departure?"

4.4/ "Around 19:00 on 20 March 2005, a tornado impacted on a 27.1 square
  kilometre area of the Gaibandha district of northern Bangladesh."

4.5/ "The typhoon impacted many countries, including Palau, Vietnam and
  China, causing high winds, coastal storm surges, heavy rains and flooding."

see also: wreak havoc,

---

present   n(singular)   //

(the present) the time now

1.1/ "What has the past done for the present?"

at present (see also: at the moment, these days)

1.2/ I am sorry he's out at present.

1.3/ "I am good at present. Thank you."

1.4/ "Unfortunately, I am not available at present."

1.5/ "At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door."

in the present

1.6/ The play is set (= on show) in the present.

1.7/ "This anticipation leads to an increase in demand for
  iPhones in the present."

live in the present (see also: live in the past)

1.8/ "Do we live in the past or present?"

1.9/ You've got to forget the past and start living in the present.

1.10/ "We don't live in the present is because we never shut up."

(from the past) to the present

1.11/ The book covers the period from the early 1990s to the present.

1.12/ "From the past to the present, people have thought that they need
  another person by their side."

1.13/ "From her early research into rural clothing worn in Hong Kong,
  she has become a respected authority on Chinese dress from the
  Qing dynasty to the present day."

for the moment/present

1.14/ That's all for the present.

1.15/ "Planning is not done for the present."

1.16/ "For the present at least, they appeared to be safe."

see also: now, nowadays, currently, recently, these days

n(c) a gift

2.1/ "Your present is a teddy bear!"

2.2/ I want to give you a little present.

a birthday present

2.3/ "Let's open my birthday present."

2.4/ What can I get him for a birthday present?

2.5/ "My mom gave me a birthday present today."

2.6/ "If I win, you owe me a birthday present."

2.7/ "My birthday present this year is a pair of elevated garden beds."

a Christmas present

2.8/ "I never get any Christmas present and I'm the only child."

2.9/ "Everyone got a Christmas present except me."

2.10/ "Everyone got a Christmas present but you."

2.11/ "Everyone got a Christmas present but you were left out."

2.12/ "A girl received a Christmas present in a box."

2.13/ "Buy a Christmas present of top quality and enjoyment."

2.14/ "My students very kindly got me a Christmas present, which is very
  quickly becoming one of my favorite Christmas presents of all time."

a wedding present

2.15/ "How much is the norm to spend on a wedding present for the couple?"

2.16/ "We didn't give them a wedding present, which is no doubt a total
  social faux pas, but we just couldn't afford it."

2.17/ "How much money should I give as a wedding present in Australia?"

2.18/ "A wedding present of a car passing by on a boat on the Rhine was
  clearly a challenging moment to organize."

a present for somebody

2.19/ We have a present for you.

2.20/ I still need to buy a present for my boyfriend.

2.21/ "I need to buy a present for my wife for my third wedding anniversary."

2.22/ "This time I buy a present for my wife, a 14k gold bracelet."

2.23/ "This is a present for my daughter in law so I really hope she likes it."

2.24/ "I got these as a present for a cat-loving friend and she loved them."

a present from somebody

2.25/ "A child is waiting for a Christmas present from Santa Claus."

2.26/ "A little girl is opening a Christmas present from Santa Claus."

as a present

2.27/ They gave me theatre tickets as a present.

2.28/ He gave her the painting as a present.

2.29/ "My mother bought me a house as a present before marriage on my name."

a present of something

2.30/ "Suppose his father were to make him a present of a car."

2.31/ "He received a present of a cat from the Pope."

see also: a gift, an offering

present   adj   //

adj(before noun) happening or existing now

3.1/ I don't have her present address.

3.2/ The present study has two main aims.

3.3/ You can’t use it in its present condition.

3.4/ Please state your present occupation and salary.

3.5/ Here is a list of all club members, past and present.

3.6/ A few brief comments are sufficient for present purposes.

3.7/ "Are you happy with your present age?"

(n) the present day

3.8/ Oh, what a lesson to the world it is, even at the present day!

3.9/ "At the present day the street has taken on a new dimension."

3.10/ "This is why the exhibition ends with a look at the present day."

3.11/ The practice has continued from medieval times to the present day.

3.12/ The English language of the present day is different
  from the English of the past.

(adj) present-day /''pre.zənt 'deɪ/

3.13/ The setting is present-day London.

3.14/ "Even by present-day standards these were large aircraft."

3.15/ "In the present day China the great leader wants to be
  the beloved leader as well."

(idiom) at the present time

3.16/ We do not have any more information at the present time.

3.17/ No further changes are planned at the present time.

3.18/ "He looks upon any negotiated peace at the present time as undesirable."

(n) the present age

3.19/ "Society is changing rapidly during the present age."

3.20/ In the present age a rebellion is, of all things, the most unthinkable.

3.21/ "With the emphasis on lifelong learning in the present age,
  we all have to contribute to our personal growth."

3.22/ "In the present age we spend more time with gadgets and less time
  with people, and sometimes we also ignore our family."

see also: in modern times, nowadays, right now, in this day and age

adj(not before noun) (of a person) being in a particular place

4.1/ The whole family was present.

4.2/ There were no children present.

4.3/ I wasn't present when the doctor examined him.

4.4/ The mistake was obvious to all those present.

4.5/ Mind your language - there are ladies present!

4.6/ Simply to be physically present was all that was required.

4.7/ There ought to be an adult present at all times, when there
  are young children in the pool.

be present (at something)

4.8/ There were 200 people present at the meeting.

4.9/ "Many people were present at the ceremony."

4.10/ Most fathers wish to be present at the birth of their child.

4.11/ Is it necessary for all of us to be present at the meeting this afternoon?

be present when ...

4.12/ "I was present when the victim was murdered."

4.13/ "I won't be present when the decision is made but you go ahead."

4.14/ "I was present when you coined the phrase rocket surgery."

adj(not before noun) (of a thing) existing in a particular place or thing

5.1/ The threat of force was always present.

5.2/ "Danger is always present for sloths."

5.3/ "I live on an island that summer is always present and fabulous all year around."

be present in something

5.4/ Levels of pollution present in the atmosphere are increasing.

5.5/ Analysis showed that traces of arsenic were present in the body.

5.6/ "Cyanide is present in smoke from fire, cigarettes,
  and some industrial settings."

5.7/ "Almost all the free oxygen present in the atmosphere is
  the result of photosynthesis."

---

present   v(t)   //

show or offer something for other people to look at or consider

present something

1.1/ "Jaka and I present our project in class."

1.2/ Are you presenting a paper at the conference?

1.3/ She presented some data on the 2024 presidential election.

1.4/ The paper presents no evidence of a link.

1.5/ We have tried to present both sides of the debate.

present something in a slide show (/in a video)

1.6/ "You should present your work in a slide show."

1.7/ "Please be sure to present your work in PowerPoint with a voice-over."

1.8/ "Present the project in a slide show and share it with your family."

1.9/ "If you prefer to present your work in a video, you can
  send us one with three to five minutes in mp4 or avi format."

be presented

1.10/ The papers are only briefly presented here.

1.11/ The results presented here confirm our prediction.

present something to somebody

1.12/ He presented the information to his colleagues.

1.13/ He presented the report to his colleagues at the meeting.

1.14/ The classroom presented a cheerful busy atmosphere to the visitors.

1.15/ "Present what you did to the committee and move on."

present something for something

1.16/ Eight options were presented for consideration.

1.17/ "This particular series of charts is presented for your interest."

v(t) give something to somebody, esp formally at a ceremony

present a prize (/a gift /an award)

2.1/ The local MP will start the race and present the prizes.

2.2/ "I'm honored to present an award in the upcoming event."

2.3/ "The Pontis Foundation presented an award for sustainable development."

present something for something

2.4/ "The Bulgarian Prime Minister presented an award for a VUM project."

2.5/ "Santa Claus presented a gift for child near fir tree on Christmas Eve."

be presented something for something

2.6/ "I was presented an award for excellence in employee experience."

2.7/ "George Morris is presented an award for his outstanding contribution to
  Otago cricket by Otago Cricket Association president Warren Shirley."

present somebody with something

2.8/ The winners were presented with medals.

2.9/ On his retirement, colleagues presented him with a set of golf clubs.

2.10/ Last year she was presented with an award for lifetime achievement.

present something to somebody

2.11/ "What should I say when I present a gift to others?"

2.12/ "The sword was presented by the family to the museum."

2.13/ "PVOIL representatives present gifts to volunteers who are
  on duty at the Covid-19 checkpoint."

v(t) show or describe somebody/something in a particular way

present something

3.1/ It is essential that we present a united front.

3.2/ This book fails to present her story in a coherent manner.

3.3/ The company has decided it must present a more modern image.

3.4/ "How do you present a professional image online?"

3.5/ "We present a professional image in line with salon policy."

3.6/ "Present a professional image in appearance, actions and words."

3.7/ "You can use virtual headshots to present a professional image
  in virtual meetings and video conferencing, even when you're working
  from your home office."

3.8/ Make sure you present your complaint in a way that
  sounds constructive, not critical.

3.9/ This book fails to present her story in a coherent manner.

present yourself

3.10/ You need to present yourself better.

3.11/ "How do I present myself in a better way socially?"

3.12/ "I have to present myself in a very specific way
  or else I feel uncomfortable."

3.13/ "I asked for advice on how to present myself in a way that
  would get me on the radar of others who might feel the same."

3.14/ "I always maintain a positive attitude and strive to
  present myself in a professional manner."

present yourself: arrive somewhere and introduce yourself

3.15/ I presented myself to the supervisor, eager to begin work.

3.16/ She presented herself at the abbey to begin her life as a nun.

3.17/ He presented himself at the doctor's at 9.30 a.m. as arranged.

present somebody/somethingas something

3.18/ The press presents this as a kind of victory.

3.19/ Presented the war as a simple struggle between good and evil.

present yourself as something

3.20/ He presented himself as someone who knows his rights.

3.21/ "As part of my job, I have to present myself as an expert in
  certain areas of Mechanical Engineering."

3.22/ "Don't try to do anything silly to grab others' attention;
  remember you are here to lock gazes with attractive women and
  not to present yourself as a clown."

3.23/ "This version presents Cinderella as a much more independent
  and resourceful woman who ultimately rescues the prince and decides
  to break down the social barriers between them."

3.24/ "The film presented Mulan as a young woman breaking
  societal norms, fighting for what she believes in, and redefining
  the notion of what it means to be a hero."

3.25/ "Through vivid characterization, Cervantes presented Don Quixote
  as an idealistic person inspired by lofty goals, with many languages
  borrowing his name to describe such people."

present somebody/something/yourself as (+ adjective)

3.26/ The article presents these proposals as misguided.

3.27/ "The story is clearly trying to present him as evil."

3.28/ "Contrary to popular belief, not all narcissists present
  themselves as invincible or superior."

v(t) cause something to happen or be experienced

present something

4.1/ Freezing temperatures can present problems.

4.2/ The course presents an excellent learning opportunity.

4.3/ Use of these chemicals may present a fire risk.

4.4/ Each year has presented slightly different challenges.

4.5/ "A lack of security staff could present a challenge
  for a store with an upmarket jewellery department as well as
  thousands of other expensive items."

4.6/ Irradiation presents environmental dangers.

4.7/ "The United Nations chief says nuclear weapons present
  a danger to global peace and security."

4.8/ None of these parasites presents a threat to human health.

present somebody with something

4.9/ Your request shouldn't present us with any problems.

4.10/ I was presented with the opportunity to play abroad.

4.11/ "Life continued to present me with a new challenge at every turn."

4.12/ "The lockdown has presented us with many problems and challenges."

4.13/ "Obviously the whole area of new technologies is one that
  has presented us with many problems as well as boundless opportunities."

4.14/ "The cycle of life presents me with the opportunity to live my destiny."

v(t) present itself suddenly happen or become available

5.1/ One major problem did present itself, though.

5.2/ As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she would get another job.

5.3/ "Sometimes a chance presents itself when you least expect it."

present itself to somebody

5.4/ "An exciting opportunity has presented itself to me."

5.5/ Thankfully, a solution presented itself to him surprisingly soon.

5.6/ " Suddenly the chance presented itself to me again and I had to take it."

see also: arise, pop up

v(t) present a TV/radio programme

6.1/ She used to present a gardening programme on TV.

6.2/ "He presents a talk show on the radio."

6.3/ "The weatherwoman presents weather forecast on TV."

6.4/ "I think it really gets to the model of NPR and
  how NPR presents news on the radio."

6.5/ "Not everyone who talks or presents a program on
  the radio is a broadcast journalist."

6.6/ "A local doctor presents an ad on TV that if four out of
  five people would wear masks, this virus could be eradicated."

see also: host

v(t) present something: produce a show/play/broadcast for public

7.1/ Compass Theatre Company presents a new production of King Lear.

7.2/ The launch is to be formally presented to trade partners in early summer.

7.3/ "Wes Anderson presented his latest film at Fondazione Prada."

7.4/ The string orchestra of the Music School of Lemgo will
  present a concert in the Guildhall.

7.5/ "Danish filmmaker Thomas Daneskov presented his latest film
  Wild Men at Motovun Film Festival 2022."

present a product

7.6/ "A beautiful woman presents an advertisement product."

7.7/ They are going to present the new model at the trade fair.

7.8/ "In a few days the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro will be
  presented, the Apple event is scheduled for this week."

7.9/ "On September 9, Apple presented the new iPhone and Apple Watch
  models and announced its latest devices."

see also: release something, announce something

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mock   v(t)   //

laugh at somebody, often by copying them in a funny but unkind way

mock something

1.1/ He's always mocking my French accent.

1.2/ She made fun of him by mocking his limp.

1.3/ "My boss mocked my height because my he is 6 ft 3 and I'm 5 ft 5."

1.4/ "My father mocked my outfit but my mother really liked it."

mock somebody

1.5/ The other children mocked her, laughing behind their hands.

1.6/ They were mocking him because he kept falling off his bike.

1.7/ "When I returned, mortified, my classmates mocked me relentlessly."

mock somebody/something for something

1.8/ "My classmates mocked me for my awful grades."

1.9/ "My classmates mock me for my disability, and it seems like there's
  no escape from their cruel words and actions."

1.10/ "My employer mocks me for my disability and then ends
  my probation the next day."

v(i) mock

1.11/ You can mock, but at least I'm willing to have a try!

1.12/ "You can mock, but we are all in this together."

see also: make fun of somebody, laugh at somebody, jeer at somebody

v(t) show no respect for something

2.1/ The new exam mocked the needs of the majority of children.

2.2/ The wind mocked their attempts to reach the shore by pushing
  the boat further and further out to sea.

2.3/ "The system directly mocks our effort to stay healthy."

2.4/ "The wall, being formidable as ever, mocked our efforts
  to navigate the less-travelled road."

see also: deny, deride

mock   adj(before noun)   //

not real but appearing or pretending to be exactly like something

a mock interview

3.1/ "In a mock interview, there's room for error and improvement."

3.2/ "I attended a mock interview at NKU to help prepare me
  for future interviews."

3.3/ "Here are the main reasons why you need to take part in a mock interview."

3.4/ "I participated in a mock interview, with one panelist and live on zoom."

a mock examination, n(c) a mock

3.5/ The mocks are in November.

3.6/ What did you get in the mock?

3.7/ "In the mock exam she got an A."

3.8/ "Has anyone took the mock exams yet?"

3.9/ "I wish you all the best in the coming mock exams."

3.10/ "In the mock exam the timer went backwards, which was different
  from the AR video I watched on time management."

3.11/ You will have your mocks during the first two weeks of March.

3.12/ "A total of 81 S6 students enrolled in the mock exam."

3.13/ "Review the syllabus and content areas covered in the mock exams."

3.14/ "You must have passed the mock exam before you can book the exam."

3.15/ "A mock examination helps you see which areas you still need to work on."

3.16/ "I was doing okay when I took the mock exams available
  on the official ISTQB website."

3.17/ "To everyone who took the mock exams, keep it up and remember,
  practice makes perfect!"

a mock election, n(u) mock polling

3.18/ "How do I conduct a mock election in my school?"

3.19/ "We ran a mock election at College yesterday."

3.20/ "If you are going to conduct a mock election,
  this guide is everything you need."

3.21/ "Can a student participate in the mock election if they are homeschooled?"

3.22/ "If there were to be a mock election in a school, posters of
  all different political parties would be reasonable and acceptable."

3.22/ "I saw people gladly hold a mock ballot expressing support
  for reparations, and rejecting Rahm Emanuel."

3.24/ "Mock polling is a mandatory exercise conducted before the start
  of polling to ensure the EVMs are working."

see also: a rehearsal

---

attitude   n(c,u)   //

a feeling or opinion about something or someone,
  or a way of behaving that is caused by this

1.1/ Newspapers reflect social attitudes.

1.2/ Youth is simply an attitude of mind.

have an attitude (that ...)

1.3/ She seems to have the right attitude for the job.

1.4/ "You have to have an attitude that nothing's gonna stop you.

1.5/ Middle age can be the prime of life if you have the right attitude.

1.6/ "She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from:
  just to always stay positive and to never give up."

adopt an attitude

1.7/ If they can adopt that kind of attitude then the future
  looks very promising.

1.8/ "Until you adopt an attitude that accounts for reality and the way
  the world works, not only will you not be able to succeed the way
  you want to, but you'll suffer even more."

take the attitude that ...

1.9/ She takes the attitude that children should be allowed
  to learn at their own pace.

1.10/ "I take the attitude that all the boats will rise thanks to
  the plan the secretary has put forward."

1.11/ "You'd like more people to recognise what you do is special.
  But I take the attitude that the best thing I can do for my sport
  is to be the best at it."

change an attitude

1.12/ "Real love make me change my attitude."

1.13/ "He can make me change my attitude on TikTok."

1.14/ It's often very difficult to change people's attitudes.

1.15/ If you want to pass your exams you'd better change your attitude!

shape somebody's attitude

1.16/ "Your attitude towards me shapes my attitude towards you."

1.17/ "It is my honor to have you as my leader and mentor,
  to shape my attitude towards career and life."

1.18/ "How does understanding God's grace help shape my attitude
  towards myself and others?

an attitude towards somebody/something

1.19/ She has a positive attitude towards work.

1.20/ "Teenagers may have a bad attitude towards the elderly."

1.21/ These societies have to change their attitudes towards women.

1.22/ "You must have a good attitude towards beautiful women."

1.23/ "You need to check your attitude towards single moms."

1.24/ "Recently, there has been some policy changes signalling a positive
  shift in public attitude towards single parents."

1.25/ "We are taking an open attitude towards the new policy."

1.26/ "During this period, people's attitude towards the arrangement
  of the state monopoly has remained positive and relatively stable."

1.27/ "He is a Sith who worships power, but rather shows a detached attitude
  towards power and power to the extent that he looks more like a Jedi."

an attitude to somebody/something

1.28/ He has a very bad attitude to work.

1.29/ "My attitude to life in general comes from my mother."

1.30/ "For Sophie, from Plymouth, her attitude to marriage has
  completely changed and she says she would not be with someone now
  for the sake of legal papers."

1.31/ The teachers seem to have a very relaxed attitude to discipline.

an attitude about something

1.32/ "That really helped shape my attitude about hard work."

1.33/ "It has helped shape my attitude about how companies should work."

1.34/ " My father found a high school that offered music classes and
  this completely changed my attitude about education."

an attitude on a matter/issue

1.35/ "My attitude on the matter is, better safe than sorry."

1.36/ "That certainly sums up my attitude on the matter!"

1.37/ "My attitude on the matter is that it's a free country."

1.38/ "My attitude on the issue changed some years ago when
  I met a young prostitute who started on the game when she was
  in her very early teens."

the attitude of somebody, somebody's attitude

1.39/ "While I don't agree with your attitude, I agree with your argument."

1.40/ The general attitude of the public is sympathetic.

1.41/ The political attitudes of young people are rarely taken seriously.

1.42/ "We try to understand the attitude of veterans to benefits in
  the healthcare system and their medical care."

1.43/ "We assess the attitude of patients with thyroid disease
  towards radiation and radioactivity before and after radioiodine therapy
  by means of a cultural-anthropological approach."

a change in attitude

1.44/ There has been a marked change in attitude towards marriage.

1.45/ He seems to have undergone a change in attitude recently,
  and has become much more cooperative.

1.46/ "A gradual increase in the use of preprint servers probably
  caused my change in attitude."

1.47/ "Both his staying by her side and his change in attitude towards her
  show how de Guiche is no longer the greedy, selfish character he once was."

see also: an opinion, a stance, a side

n(u) (personal qualities)

2.1/ Don't give me any attitude!

2.2/ "Never give your parents attitude!"

2.3/ If you drop the attitude I think we could get along fine.

2.4/ She advised him to continue to do his best but with less attitude.

2.5/ He gave a large dose of attitude to his teacher.

show/give attitude to somebody

2.6/ "Your generation actually dares to show attitude to teachers."

2.7/ "When she was accompanist for the girls glee club,
  she was cut because she gave attitude to the teacher."

2.8/ "It's really never a good idea to give your parents attitude
  because respecting your parents is step one in having good character."

2.9/ "Just because you are a customer,doesnt mean you can
  be rude and give attitude to the staff."

with attitude

2.10/ This is a band with attitude.

2.11/ "A girl with attitude is sexy and hot."

2.12/ "Rush is a band with attitude, although I do enjoy their music."

2.13/ "Be a girl with a mind, a woman with attitude and a lady with class."

see also: disrespect, throw a tantrum at somebody,
  n(u) a man/woman of character

---

push forward   v   //

push something forward: continue doing something
  or making progress in something, with effort or enthusiasm

1.1/ Their research has pushed forward the frontiers of knowledge.

1.2/ "How can unearthed documents push forward the study
  of early Chinese philosophy?"

1.3/ "I might have to push forward my plan to watch Suzuka."

1.4/ "Why didn't God clue me in earlier that no matter what I did
  to push forward my plan, it was not going to work?"

1.5/ "Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party
  has made comprehensive plans on the united front work and pushed
  forward the work to achieve historic progress."

push forward the legislation of a law

1.6/ "The government pushed forward the legislation of the national security law."

1.7/ "Before assuming the role on July 1, 2022, Lee said in May
  he would prioritise tackling housing issues and push forward
  the legislation of Article 23 – the city’s homegrown security law
  - during his tenure as chief executive."

1.8/ "Since taking over in 2017, Lam has continually maintained
  she would ony push forward the legislation when the timing is right."

push forward with something

1.9/ "Although I didn't feel like I belonged, I pushed forward with my dreams."

1.10/ The government is pushing forward with its electoral reforms.

1.11/ An additional grant has enabled the team to push forward with research plans.

see also: make progress in something, be determined to do something

(v) push yourself forward:
  try to make other people notice and pay attention to you

2.1/ She always seemed to be pushing herself forward
  and not giving anyone else a chance.

2.2/ "I'll continue to push myself forward and share amazing things with you guys."

push yourself forward to success

2.2/ "Do you know it's you who can do a lot of hard work to
  push yourself forward to success in the future?"

2.3/ "I welcome challenges and continue to push myself forward to success."

push yourself forward to do something

2.4/ "Every day I push myself forward to become better."

2.5/ She had to push herself forward to get a promotion.

2.6/ "I decided to join the programme as a mentee to increase my
  confidence and push myself forward to see if I could get a promotion."

see also: seek attention, make a noise, stand out, stick out

---

pinafore   n(c)   //   PICTURE

(also: a jumper, a pinafore dress) a loose dress without sleeves,
  usually worn over a blouse or sweater

a school pinafore

1/ What are the benefits of wearing a school pinafore?

2/ "It was not unknown for me to be seen in my school pinafore
  and gingham dresses."

a pinafore apron

3/ "I wear a pinafore apron all the time."

4/ "The hostess wore a pinafore apron to greet her guests at the door."

wear a pinafore, put on a pinafore

5/ I wore my pinafore dress and tied a doek."

6/ "She wore a clean pinafore to school."

7/ "The woman who served the food wore a dirty pinafore
  which was covered in food."

8/ "If you want to wear a pinafore, just do it and have fun."

9/ "I wore my pinafore dress with a long sleeve turtleneck and
  decided to play up the schoolgirl charm with a ribbon in my hair."

10/ "Before the first time you put on a pinafore,
  you should check if it fits your breast well."

11/ "She put on a pinafore before gardening to avoid getting dirt on her clothes."

wear a pinafore on top of something

12/ "You always had to wear a pinafore on top of your clothes."

13/ "They need to wear the pinafore on top of PE uniform."

wear a pinafore over something

14/ "She wears a pinafore over a blouse."

15/ "This American boy appears to wear a pinafore over
  a short-sleeved dress or smock. "

16/ "For work I usually wear a pinafore dress over a solid
  flannel button down shirt and tights."

wear a pinafore under something

17/ "Last week I wore my pinafore under a jacket to the swanky
  Left Bank restaurant in Larkspur."

18/ "She wore a man's cloth cap and a pinafore under her coat."

dress (somebody) in a pinafore

19/ "She dresses in a pinafore dress and a white shirt."

20/ "She dresses in a pinafore, a crop top, whatever."

21/ "I dress her in a pinafore and give her the responsibility of keeping it clean."

22/ "I have dressed her in a pinafore dress and funky tights
  for other parties but she's usually the only girl. "

take off a pinafore

23/ "She took off her pinafore and hung it on a hook."

24/ "I hang the broom up, take off my pinafore and comb my hair."

25/ "She took off her pinafore and dressed herself very nicely."

whip off a pinafore

26/ "She whipped off Michael's pinafore and put him
  into the one with blue braiding." (Peter Pan)

get a pinafore dirty

27/ "From childhood, Maggie is not what is expected of a girl
  her age: she is tomboyish, always getting her pinafore dirty by
  romping about outdoors, she can't tolerate the procedure of having
  her hair curled and her mother cannot keep her in bonnets."

wash a pinafore, clean a pinafore

28/ "When you wash her pinafore and her notebook is
  inside the pocket, she is raging."

29/ "I left him there to go and wash a pinafore for him, with my sister."

see also: an apron, a maid apron, a bib, overalls

---

progress   n(u)   //

the process of improving or developing, or of getting
  nearer to achieving or completing something

make progress

1.1/ I think we're making progress.

1.2/ The doctor said that she was making good progress.

1.3/ "I finally made progress with this painting."

1.4/ How much progress have the builders made on the extension?

1.5/ The yacht's crew said that they were making relatively slow progress.

1.6/ "The project made progress in the implementation of the activities."

1.7/ "In a week of breakthroughs, the project makes progress in
  promoting global exchange on sustainable public procurement and eco-labeling."

1.8/ "As the plan makes progress, there will be more
  opportunities for public feedback."

1.9/ "As we make technological progress, we get ever better tools;
  ever better tools allow us to make ever better technological progress."

see progress

1.10/ We hope to see some real progress by March.

1.11/ "I can't see any progress as long as I see colleagues suffer."

1.12/ "The problem is that I can't see any progress, so I don't
  have a clue how long it will take or anything like that."

monitor progress, oversee progress

1.13/ We will continue to monitor progress over the next few months.

1.14/ "The Firm's ESG committee monitors our progress and makes
  recommendations to the management team and the Board."

1.15/ "Assign a knowledgable project manager to oversee progress
  and help the champions work their magic within the organization."

have no progress

1.16/ "My entertainment career has no progress."

1.17/ "We have no progress in the field of time travel."

1.18/ "I have no progress with my mathematical pursuit."

the progress of something

1.19/ You can follow the progress of the project on our website.

1.20/ "In a new video, the company shows the progress of
  the construction work at its new mill."

1.21/ "The report did not disclose the progress of the investigation."

progress in something/doing something

1.22/ He's making good progress in maths.

1.23/ James is making steady progress in his recovery.

1.24/ We have made significant progress in the fight against HIV/​AIDS.

1.25/ "As we see progress in our mission that all children born with
  clubfoot will be able to access timely, high quality and effective care,
  we're driven to do more."

1.26/ The two sides have made very slow progress in resolving the dispute.

1.27/ "This score measures your progress in completing recommended
  improvement actions within controls."

1.28/ "Colombia is making progress in arranging a bidding round
  for geothermal energy licenses."

progress with something

1.29/ I'm not making much progress with my Spanish.

1.30/ "I want to make progress with my writing projects."

1.31/ "I feel like my progress with piano will drag me down."

1.32/ "The rate of progress with piano is very difficult to determine,
  and you can always find someone who can learn faster or slower
  than the next pianist."

1.33/ "You need two key ingredients to make great progress with
  your music: a big vision and clear goals."

1.34/ "The only way to make progress with your English speaking
  skills is to practice."

progress on a matter(/an issue)

1.35/ There's been no sign of progress on this issue.

1.36/ "We are determined to make progress on the matter."

1.37/ "We must achieve progress on this issue."

progress towards a target/goal/mission

1.38/ The company is making progress towards this target.

1.39/ "I am making good progress towards my weight loss target."

1.40/ The recent free elections mark the next step in the country's
  progress towards democracy.

1.41/ "You can measure progress towards your goals by tracking milestones,
  using key performance indicators (KPIs), and regularly reviewing your progress."

1.42/ "The year 2023 was big progress towards our mission at Desquared,
  to build the world's most loved digital products."

1.43/ "Moving forward, these cohorts will make progress towards
  the assessment points that are weaker within the organization."

check on somebody's progress

1.44/ "My mom checks on my progress from time to time."

1.45/ "All along the way he checked on my progress with resolving
  the issues and kept me informed about the progress with my case."

1.46/ "He told me what to do and checked on my progress from time to time."

1.47/ "Ms. Jones spent three days in the hospital receiving IV antibiotics,
  and the hospitalist team checked on her progress every day."

report (to somebody) on progress

1.48/ I have to report to my boss on progress every Friday.

1.49/ I want you to report to me on progress every Friday.

1.50/ "You have to report on progress to ensure that progress is made."

1.51/ "We reported on progress to the G20 Finance Ministers and
  Central Bank Governors at their meetings in St Andrews, Washington DC,
  and most recently in Busan."

see also: improvement, advancement, a breakthrough

(idiom) in progress: happening at this time

2.1/ Work on the new offices is now in progress.

2.2/ Please be quiet - examination in progress.

2.3/ "The renovation project has been in progress for two months."

be still in progress

2.4/ "The construction work is still in progress."

2.5/ "The investigation is still in progress."

2.6/ "The Russian missile attack against Ukraine has still been in progress."

n(c,u) (a) work in progress

2.7/ My essay is still a work in progress.

2.8/ The figures are a work in progress.

2.9/ The choir is clearly a work in progress.

2.10/ The northern powerhouse is still a work in progress.

2.11/ The book itself is still a work in progress.

2.12/ "That process of integration is clearly a work in progress."

2.13/ "The turnround is still best seen as a work in progress."

2.14/ Public events where students present their work in progress
  are an important part of the programme.

2.15/ "The expansion and definition of a brand is always,
  to a certain extent, work in progress."

remain(/be still) a work in progress

2.16/ "Martin Luther King, Jr's dream remains a work in progress."

2.17/ "Enhancing country-level coherence remains a work in progress."

2.18/ "Animal welfare is still a work in progress in Hong Kong."

2.19/ "Paris's green revolution is still a work in progress."

see also: be taking place, ongoing, underway(/under way),
  be happening, be occurring

---

apple cider   n(c,u)   //   PICTURE

an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples

1.1/ "Apple cider is simply fresh pressed apples."

1.2/ "I love drinking apple cider in the fall."

1.3/ "Fresh apple cider is unfiltered apple juice made from crushed whole apples."

1.4/ "Look, the best apple cider is fresh pressed at an apple orchard."

1.5/ "Nothing says Fall like a cup of warm apple cider on a chilly morning!"

1.6/ "There's something about a cup of warm apple cider on a chilly
  fall or winter night that makes this time of year magical."

1.7/ "You should be ready for your ID to be checked if you go to
  a restaurant and order an apple cider in the UK."

1.8/ "Apple cider cannot be made in an unlicensed home kitchen
  and sold under the Michigan Cottage Food Law."

a seasonal beverage

1.9/ "Apple cider is fresh, unfiltered, and often unpasteurized.
  It's also considered a seasonal drink and can be hard to find
  outside of the autumn months."

1.10/ "Apple cider is a seasonal beverage that starts showing up in
  grocery stores, farmers' markets, and orchards in the early fall.
  It's normally seen between Thanksgiving and the New Year and
  local orchards will often keep making it throughout the winter,
  as long as they have apples available to press into cider."

make apple cider at home

1.11/ "While you can usually find apple cider at the grocery store,
  did you know that you can also make apple cider at home?"

1.12/ "Here's what you'll need to make the best homemade apple cider
  of your life: apple, water, sugar and spices."

1.13/ "You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below - but here's a brief
  overview of what you can expect when you make this flavorful apple cider:
  (1) Combine all the ingredients in a stockpot.
  (2) Boil for one hour, then simmer for two hours.
  (3) Strain the mixture at least twice."

pasteurize apple cider

1.14/ "It's important to pasteurize homemade apple cider to
  eliminate any potential harmful bacteria."

1.15/ "Experts recommend only consuming pasteurized apple cider,
  keeping it refrigerated, and checking for pasteurization labels."

1.16/ "The only way to reduce the potential for foodborne bacteria
  is to pasteurize the cider. Heat the cider to at least 160 to 185 degrees
  Fahrenheit. Skim off the foam. Pour the hot cider into the clean,
  sanitized glass or plastic containers. Cider can be stored for up to
  seven days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 12 months."

store apple cider

1.17/ "Mature cider should be stored in full airtight containers."

1.18/ "Store the leftover apple cider in a tightly covered pitcher
  or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you'd like to
  keep it longer, you can either can the cider or freeze it."

1.19/ "Pressed apple cider is bottled in gallons or half gallons,
  and sold through the farm store as well as through four wholesale accounts."

freeze apple cider

1.20/ "How long can You freeze apple cider?"

1.21/ "Always keep apple cider in the fridge."

1.22/ "It's best to use frozen apple cider within one year for the best flavor."

1.23/ "Freeze apple cider in ice cube trays for at least 6 hours or overnight."

1.24/ "Pour the cooled apple cider into freezer-safe containers in
  serving-size portions. Make sure to leave a little space at the top,
  as the liquid will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to one year."

1.25/ "Fresh cider stays in its sweet full-bodied condition for 10-21 days
  if stored at or below 38 degrees - which means, if refrigerated."

serve apple cider

1.26/ "We serve apple cider punch for parties."

1.27/ "The restaurant serves apple cider donuts."

1.28/ "We serve apple cider along with a variety of beverages."

1.29/ "Keep in mind that you don't have to serve apple cider drinks hot."

enjoy apple cider

1.30/ "To enjoy your cider, pour it into a mug and stir with a cinnamon stick."

1.31/ "Another way to enjoy cider is by simmering it in spices,
  dried fruit peel or brown sugar to make spiced or mulled cider,
  depending on the recipe."

spice up apple cider

1.32/ "Spice up your apple cider at home."

1.33/ "The easiest way to spice up your apple cider is to add
  a mix of whole and fresh spices while the apples simmer and break down."

how apple cider tastes

1.34/ "Apple Cider tastes good hot or cold."

1.35/ "Apple Cider tastes good in any season, not just in fall."

1.36/ "This cozy apple cider recipe tastes incredible -
  and it'll make your house smell like fall while it's cooking!"

1.37/ "My hard apple cider tastes like white wine, not apples."

1.38/ "The cider I made tastes sour and smells sour, but not at all like alcohol."

1.39/ "This refrigerated apple cider tastes like a fresh-from-the-orchard
  apple cider dupe. It’s cloudy and has that fresh-pressed, skin contact flavor."

1.40/ "Sadly, most store-bought apple cider is pretty darn lackluster."

how apple cider smells

1.41/ "Apple cider smells of apple, cinnamon and vanilla."

1.42/ "Regular old apple cider smells like strong apple juice."

1.43/ "Bring the scent of apple cider into your home with
  a simmering pot of autumnal treats."

1.44/ "I love the scent of apple cider. The crisp sweet scent that
  hangs in the air makes me lift my nose and close my eyes."

apple cider expires

1.45/ "How long does an unopened apple cider last?"

1.46/ "Somersby Apple Cider expires on 21 June 2019."

1.47/ "The cider will expire in 10 days in the refrigerator."

1.48/ "If apple cider has expired, it is best to dispose of it."

1.49/ "The shelf life for unpasteurized apple cider is about
  two or three days and must be refrigerated at all times."

1.50/ "According to Angry Orchard, one of the most popular cider brands,
  their cider has a shelf life for up to 12 months."

1.51/ "Check the expiry date on the bottle before you buy apple cider."

apple cider spoils

1.52/ "Apple cider spoils after six to thirty days."

1.53/ "It is important to know when apple cider has spoiled
  and is no longer safe to consume."

1.54/ "This lack of acid is the reason why sweet apple cider spoils
  more readily than sour apple cider ."

see also: apple juice, apple pie, apple jam

apple cider vinegar (ACV)

2.1/ "Apple cider vinegar is a fermented product made from apple cider."

2.2/ "Apple cider and apple cider vinegar are related but distinct products."

2.3/ "Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay digestion."

2.4/ "Apple cider vinegar dampens appetite and regulates blood sugar."

2.5/ "By itself, apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic and
  could harm your teeth and throat if taken alone."

2.6/ "The scent of apple cider vinegar makes me want to vomit."

2.7/ "I can't stand the smell of apple cider vinegar,
  so what should I use on my hair instead?"

2.8/ "When stored properly, apple cider vinegar never really expires,
  though it may undergo some changes in taste and appearance over time."

---

interpret   v(t)   //

explain the meaning of something

interpret a poem/passage

1.1/ The students were asked to interpret the poem.

1.2/ How do you interpret this passage of the poem?

1.3/ "You have the freedom to interpret the passage in a way that is
  most favorable to you, even if it's wrong."

interpret a result

1.4/ "One can then interpret the result by reading backwards."

1.5/ "The way you interpret a result is something I can't speak to."

1.6/ "How do you know you're checking the right thing and
  how do you interpret the result?"

1.7/ These results must be interpreted cautiously.

1.8/ "Here, I interpret the results based on what we already know."

1.9/ "Interpret the results based on statistical significance."

1.10/ "One of the most important steps in variance analysis is to present and
  interpret the results in a way that is clear and concise for the audience."

interpret data/information/figures

1.11/ The data can be interpreted in many different ways.

1.12/ It's difficult to interpret these statistics without knowing
  how they were obtained.

1.13/ These figures cannot be easily interpreted.

1.14/ "We can interpret the figures in a way you can understand and
  take appropriate actions in good time."

1.15/ "How would you interpret the information found on the following food label?"

interpret a piece of art

1.16/ "How do you interpret a piece of art?"

1.17/ "It is difficult to interpret his artwork based on
  one style however, because it moves away from traditional pop art
  and takes a turn towards abstraction."

1.18/ "I will attempt to interpret his painting of the Return of the Prodigal Son
  from both an aesthetic and a philosophical point of view."

interpret a problem/crisis

1.19/ "You must interpret the problem in light of your own
  knowledge and experience."

1.20/ "How the American press and television reported and interpreted
  the crisis of Tet, 1968 in Vietnam and Washington."

interpret something

1.21/ "How do I interpret General Relativity theory?"

1.22/ We all seek to interpret what we hear and what we read.

1.23/ "Then you interpret the score based on a scale which
  shows how at risk of illness that you are."

1.24/ The figure of the Ancient Mariner has been variously interpreted.

1.25/ "It is important that you interpret the question accurately and clearly."

1.26/ The research focused on how parents interpret the
  behaviour of their toddlers.

interpret the meaning of something

1.27/ "Only an artist can interpret the meaning of life."

1.28/ "He also interprets the meaning of dreams and claims he can
  teach you to do it as well."

interpret something in a way

1.29/ "This allows us to eventually interpret the theory in a way
  that yields some information about the theory itself."

1.30/ "They interpreted the data in a way supporting their political belief."

1.31/ "Student interpreted the data in a way that is consistent
  with the original hypothesis."

1.32/ Recent happenings on the money markets can be interpreted in various ways.

be interpreted to mean something

1.33/ The title could be interpreted to mean 'human intelligence'.

1.34/ "This is interpreted to mean that there is an EMF."

1.35/ "This line from the poem is interpreted to mean that a person
  should hold onto hope especially when life is hard, which is shown
  when the Gale starts to blow."

see also: explain, illustrate, describe, account for something

remark: 'to interpret something' here means to explain something which
  consists of a meaning but is hard to understand, like data or a theory.

v(t) decide that something has a particular meaning
  and to understand it in this way

2.1/ Different people might interpret events differently.

2.2/ "Feel free to interpret my words in any way you like."

interpret something based on something

2.3/ "You will interpret my words based on your own worldview."

2.4/ "Men, how can you interpret a woman's feelings based on
  her texts and behavior? Any pointers?"

2.5/ "I know there are some who will interpret her words based on
  what they believe she meant or what they want her to mean."

interpret somebody/something as something

2.6/ "She interpreted me as a fake person, but I'm not."

2.7/ "I dunno why but for inexplicable reasons I interpret her as
  my archnemesis and as a result have a deeply rooted loathing for her."

2.8/ Her message was interpreted as a warning to the general.

2.9/ He interpreted her comments as an implicit criticism of the government.

2.10/ The whole play can be interpreted as a lament for lost youth.

2.11/ I didn't know whether to interpret her silence as acceptance or refusal.

2.12/ His resignation has been widely interpreted as an admission of his guilt.

2.13/ "We interpret poverty as a feature that is there to stay,
  with a vocation for permanence."

interpret something as a sign of something

2.14/ "We often interpret a cat's purring as a sign of happiness,
  but this is true only if their cat body language is relaxed."

2.15/ A jury should not interpret the silence of a defendant as a sign of guilt.

2.16/ "Any change of policy will be interpreted as a sign of weakness."

2.17/ "To display willingness to negotiate early in the case is often
  considered too risky as it may be interpreted as a sign of weakness."

2.18/ "Running away could also be interpreted as a sign of weakness or fear,
  potentially damaging Anagri's reputation and undermining their authority."

interpret somebody/something as + adj

2.19/ "My response is interpreted as rude."

2.20/ "I interpret her as more peppy and bubbly."

2.21/ "I personally interpret her as autistic because I'm autistic
  and I see a lot of my own habits or traits in her."

2.22/ "No matter what I do, she always interprets me as aggressive
  and blames me for not loving her."

2.23/ "It may be part of a larger trend where any form of innocence
  or optimism is interpreted as foolish."

interpret somebody's action/intention

2.24/ "Can anyone out there interpret her reaction?"

2.25/ "This can be confusing and cause others to be defensive
  if they interpret your intention incorrectly."

2.26/ "When 4-year-old boys were provoked by the strong boy
  unintentionally, they interpreted his intention as malice,
  and their settling strategies were avoidance."

2.27/ "Some Chinese media has interpreted his intention as a desire to
  disband the administrative organ of the General Administration of Sport."

see also: understand, figure out, make out

remark: 'to interpret something' here means to understand something
  that may or may not inherit a meaning. We give a meaning to it but
  this meaning could differ from its intended meaning, if any.

---

struggle   v(i)   //

try very hard to do something when it is difficult
  or when there are a lot of problems

1.1/ I was unemployed and struggling financially.

1.2/ "I have been struggling for my entire life."

1.3/ The housing market continues to struggle.

1.4/ The team struggled badly last season.

struggle to do something

1.5/ "I struggle to get good grades in math."

1.6/ "I struggle to get good grades but my mother doesn't seem to care."

1.7/ "I struggle to find my keys in the morning."

1.8/ "I struggle to find my keys every morning."

1.9/ "I struggle to wake up every morning."

1.10/ "I struggle to find my keys most days."

1.11/ They struggled just to pay their bills.

1.12/ We're already struggling to keep up with demand.

1.13/ Local workers were still struggling to find employment.

1.14/ He struggled desperately to get to the shore.

1.15/ He struggled hard to keep the boat upright.

1.16/ For years, she struggled to make ends meet.

1.17/ She struggled for 10 years to achieve success as an actress.

1.18/ They had struggled valiantly to keep the railway operating.

1.19/ "Families struggled to feed their kids and themselves during the pandemic."

1.20/ "Do you wake up tired and struggle to get on with your day?"

1.21/ I've been struggling to understand this article all afternoon.

1.22/ The dog had been struggling to get free of the wire noose.

1.23/ "Why do some students get consistently high grades while
  others struggle to get good grades?"

struggle to live/survive

1.24/ "Gazan people struggle to live every day."

1.25/ "The hardest part of watching you grow up is watching
  you struggle to live your life."

1.26/ Most social enterprises struggle to survive.

1.27/ "The main character struggles to survive in the city until finding a new path."

1.28/ "For days, I struggled to survive on the island.
  I built a shelter, hunted for food, and tried to signal for help.
  But no ships passed by, and my hope began to wane."

struggle to cope with something (/deal with something)

1.29/ "I struggle to cope with my anxiety."

1.30/ The firm is struggling to cope with the demand for its products.

1.31/ "Many cities, such as New York, San Francisco, London,
  Paris, and Madrid, have struggled to cope with the problem of homelessness
  and the lack of affordable housing."

1.32/ "If you struggle to deal with change in your life, then you are not unusual."

1.33/ "We can learn how to deal with relationship problems through
  healthy communication, mutual respect, and compromise."

struggle to get on(/along) with somebody

1.34/ "Chevario struggled to get on with her stepmother."

1.35/ "I already struggle to get along with my parents."

1.36/ "Why do I struggle to get along with my child?"

1.37/ "To be honest, I don't really have an answer to your question,
  because I struggle to get along with my mom too."

keep struggling (to do something)

1.38/ "I keep struggling to read physical books."

1.39/ ""You keep struggling to pay your debts on time."

1.40/ "I keep struggling to find a term to describe this place
  where refugees have been put."

struggle for something

1.41/ Shona struggled for breath.

1.42/ "I have been struggling for success."

1.43/ "Every day of my life I struggle for success."

1.44/ "I struggle for survival. I struggle to understand what I encounter."

1.45/ Fish struggle for survival when the water level drops in the lake.

1.46/ "Most Indian women continue to struggle for a place in the society
  where they are heard, acknowledged and respected."

1.47/ "Having endured lots of hardship and struggled for a peaceful world,
  Gandhi was known as the primary leader of India’s independence movement
  as well as the architect of a form of non-violent civil disobedience that
  have influenced the world."

1.48/ "Girls and women have had to struggle for safety and freedom
  to pursue work and education."

1.49/ "I conclude by saying that each of us must keep faith in the future.
  Let us not despair. Let us realize that as we struggle for justice and freedom,
  we have cosmic companionship." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

struggle in something

1.50/ He was really struggling in geometry.

1.51/ "I am struggling in learning English."

1.52/ " I am struggling in my study of Portuguese."

1.53/ "I feel that I am struggling in English class."

1.54/ "I struggled in my study and was unable to ask for help."

1.55/ "If you are struggling in your study right now, relax,
  you are doing it right."

struggle at school, struggle at work

1.56/ "My kid is struggling at school."

1.57/ "Young people who struggle at school are not bad students."

1.58/ "Most people really struggle when it comes to school, especially
  young people with mental health problems or learning difficulties."

1.59/ "Working full time where I have to use my brain a lot,
  I couldn't afford to keep struggling at work."

see also: strive, endeavour, fight, attempt, aspire

v(i) fight against somebody/something in order to
  prevent a bad situation or result

2.1/ Chloe continued to struggle, but her eyes began to close.

struggle with/against somebody/something

2.2/ We should all struggle against injustice.

2.3/ He struggled against cancer for two years.

2.4/ "Girls not only have to struggle against social norms and prejudices,
  and risk their safety in their pursuit of education, but also have to
  spend more money to do so."

2.5/ Lisa struggled with her conscience before talking to the police.

2.6/ I am struggling with the same issues that other people are.

2.7/ I have been struggling with injury for a couple of years.

2.8/ "Found the content easy but seemed to struggle with the exam."

2.9/ "You see him really struggling with the exam, and you know that
  he cannot afford to fail this class."

struggle with(/against) somebody/something to do something

2.10/ "I struggle with my parents to get money for school."

2.11/ "They struggle against their parents to get married."

2.12/ For years she struggled with the establishment to get her theories accepted.

see also: fight against something, go against somebody/something

v(i) struggle + adv/prep: move somewhere or do something with difficulty

3.1/ I struggled up the hill with the heavy bags.

3.2/ "I struggle down the hill until I stand next to his window."

3.3/ He struggled along the rough road holding his son.

3.4/ Paul struggled out of his wheelchair.

3.5/ By this time he'd managed to struggle out of bed.

3.6/ "I struggle out of my bed and a new day begins."

3.7/ She had to struggle into the tight dress.

3.8/ "Don't be paranoid," she said dismissively as she struggled into her dress.

3.9/ "She struggled into her dress and tucked the broken strap into her bra."

v(i) fight somebody or try to get away from them

4.1/ I struggled and screamed for help.

4.2/ How did she manage to struggle free?

4.3/ "I saw a guy struggle to death in isolation centre."

struggle with somebody

4.4/ He struggled with his attacker who then ran away.

4.5/ "I've seen my dogs struggle with each other."

4.6/ James was hit in the mouth as he struggled with the raiders.

4.7/ "I might as well have struggled with a bear or reasoned with a lunatic."

struggle   n(c)   //

a hard effort or fight to do or get something

5.1/ Marx wrote about the class struggle.

5.2/ "If death is chaos then life is a never-ending struggle."

5.3/ "No one is happy all the time. Life is a never ending struggle."

5.4/ She will not give up her children without a struggle.

5.5/ She played a very important role during the freedom struggle.

5.6/ "Addiction is a long-lasting struggle that needs continuous
  help and dedication, not a quick fix."

a struggle for something

5.7/ "I know I am not alone in my struggle for a better life."

5.8/ Three teams are locked in a struggle for this year's title.

5.9/ There was a struggle for control of the company.

5.10/ The people of this country will continue in their struggle for independence.

5.11/ "In this article, we discuss the emergence of Indian nationalism
  and India's struggle for independence."

a struggle against(/with) something

5.12/ They took up the struggle against racism.

5.13/ She spoke of her struggles with shyness.

5.14/ Central banks everywhere are still fighting the struggle against inflation.

5.15/ The struggle against drugs took up much of the police's time and manpower.

5.16/ "I've written a number of songs about my struggle against cancer."

5.17/ "The second half of my book is about my long struggle with cancer,
  and everything that I went through to get to where I am now."

a struggle (with somebody) to do something

5.18/ He is engaged in a bitter struggle with his rival to get control of the company.

5.19/ "Running a business is a constant struggle with competitors to
  grow the market share of the company."

a struggle between A and B

5.20/ "It has created a power struggle between the players and ownership."

5.21/ This novel is a classic example of the struggle between good and evil.

5.22/ "There was a power struggle between the administration
  and the parents at the school."

5.23/ "The wagon train must ford a dangerous river, leading to
  a moral struggle between Ezekiel and Benny over the soul of the group."

n(c) something that is extremely difficult to achieve

6.1/ We completed the project, but it was a struggle.

be a struggle to do something

6.2/ It was a real struggle to be ready on time.

6.3/ It has been a struggle to make the business profitable.

6.4/ It was a bit of a struggle for me to get there so early.

a struggle to do something

6.5/ We had a real struggle to get everything into the suitcase.

6.6/ She never gave up the struggle to have her son freed from prison.

6.7/ "This project idea came from my struggle to wake up in the morning."

an uphill struggle

6.8/ It will be an uphill struggle to maintain exports at the current level.

6.9/ They face an uphill struggle to get to the finals of the competition.

6.10/ It's going to be an uphill struggle to get your ideas accepted.

n(c) a physical fight

7.1/ There were no signs of a struggle at the murder scene.

7.2/ There were the sounds of a desperate struggle.

7.3/ Both men were arrested after their struggle in the street.

7.4/ After a short struggle, I managed to get the knife away from him.

in a struggle

7.5/ One of the guards was hurt in the struggle.

7.6/ "Two police officers got hurt in a struggle with a suspect after
  a car chase and foot pursuit Monday night."

a struggle with/against somebody

7.7/ He was involved in a struggle with the police.

7.8/ The group supported the armed struggle against the dictator.

7.9/ "A shop patron was shot and killed and another injured during a struggle
  with armed robbers posing as customers in Trelawny on Friday night.

see also: a fight, a street fight

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limp   v(i)   //   PICTURE

walk slowly or with difficulty because one leg is injured

1.1/ He limped away from his car.

1.2/ "I ran 400 meters and limped back home."

1.3/ "Why do so many older people limp?"

1.4/ She had twisted her ankle and was limping.

1.5/ By the time we got back home she was limping badly.

1.6/ "She is a scavenger who limps on her way to gather
  scraps around the streets and vacant lots."

1.7/ "Not all old people limp and are bent over.
  If they use a cane, it is for a reason."

limp off somewhere

1.8/ Matt limped painfully off the field.

1.9/ The injured player limped off the field.

1.10/ Three minutes into the game, Jackson limped off the pitch
  with a serious ankle injury.

limp out of somewhere

1.11/ "At this time, my grandpa limped out."

1.12/ "Tom got up and limped out of the room."

limp to somewhere

1.13/ "Grandpa limped to the door, and it creaked open softly."

1.14/ "Thorin limped to the car, sliding into the passengers seat."

limp on the street

1.15/ "I found this kitten limping on the street after
  he was attacked by bigger cats."

1.16/ "When I take my dog on a walk, she does fine in the grass
  but limps on the street."

limp on/along the road

1.17/ "An injured male lion is limping on the road."

1.18/ "Sarah limped along the road like a cripple."

1.19/ "I found this little cutie limping along the road outside
  of Dr Donald Massey school on 162 ave."

limp with a cane

1.20/ "She limped with her cane into the garage."

1.21/ "Caden limps with his cane and a backpack toward the men's room door."

1.22/ "Grandpa limped with his cane, down the steps of the porch."

limp on a leg

1.23/ "Grandma limps on her leg."

1.24/ "I limped on my leg as Heather held my side."

1.25/ "I usually wear wide as I limp on my right leg."

limp from an injury

1.26/ He was still limping slightly from his knee injury.

1.27/ "From then on, Jacob limped from the injury to his hip."

1.28/ "At sunrise, Jacob limped from the injury to his thigh."

1.29/ "She was weak, skeletal, and limped from the injury to her back leg."

see also: walk with a limp, be bent over, walk with a hunched back

v(i) move or develop slowly and with difficulty

2.1/ The plane limped back to the airport.

2.2/ The ship limped back to port.

limp along

2.3/ The rest of the conversation limps along.

2.4/ "The car limped along on its flat tire."

2.5/ Thankfully the car limped along back home without issue.

2.6/ "The car limped along to the nearest garage."

2.7/ "Customer loyalty is at risk as the economy limps along."

2.8/ The government was limping along in its usual way.

2.9/ After limping along for almost two years, the economy is
  starting to show signs of recovery.

limp along somewhere

2.10/ "The car limped along the road to the services."

2.11/ "We limped along the highway, found a tire shop and
  the repairs were started."

2.12/ "Still optimistic, we left the petrol station and limped along
  the motorway, desperately trying to save fuel."

limp   n(singular)   //

a way of walking slowly and with difficulty because of
  having an injured or painful leg or foot

walk with a limp

3.1/ He walks with a limp.

3.2/ "I have walked with a limp for the past 20 years."

3.3/ "We understand that aged people walk with a limp."

3.4/ "I'm 21 and I walk with a severe limp on my right leg."

3.5/ "An estimated 10 percent or more of people that age
  walk with a noticeable limp."

3.6/ "She was elderly, walking with a limp, and her face drooped
  on one side as if she had had a stroke."

has a limp (on a leg)

3.7/ She has a slight limp.

3.8/ "I have a limp on my left leg and it's affecting
  my walking for the past five years."

3.9/ "She has a limp on her leg due to an abscess caused by a scratch."

3.10/ "My grandma had a limp from her polio experience as a child."

3.11/ "Grandpa had a limp from having his right hip pinned when I was just a baby."

leave somebody with a limp

3.12/ The accident had left him with a slight limp.

3.13/ "When I was three, an accident left me with a limp."

3.14/ "I contracted the virus when I was eight months old.
  The disease left me with a limp."

limp   adj   //

having no strength or energy

4.1/ His arm hung limp at his side.

feel limp

4.2/ She felt limp and exhausted.

4.3/ "I felt limp and betrayed, like the skin shed by a terrible animal."

go limp (see also: go numb, fumble)

4.4/ His hand went limp and the knife clattered to the ground.

4.5/ "Sometimes when holding a pen my hand goes limp."

a limp handshake

4.6/ "Asians usually exchange a limp handshake."

4.7/ "I have a limp handshake. I don't like to shake hands with people."

4.8/ "To me a limp handshake means that they don't care enough to
  put even minimal effort into greeting me."

4.9/ "Having a confident handshake signals a positive demeanour while
  a limp handshake signals low confidence and low self-esteem."

4.10/ "If you're an American male giving me a limp handshake,
  I literally think less of you. Be a man. Squeeze my hand."

(adj) not stiff or strong

5.1/ Her hair looked limp and lifeless.

5.2/ "My hair becomes limp and heavy every time I use conditioner."

5.3/ The hat had become limp and shapeless.

5.4/ The lettuce in this salad is completely limp.

5.5/ "When the noodles become limp and steam is rising through the gaps
  of the noodles, then it is ready for mixing, but it can be mixed anytime."

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hunch   v(i,t)   //   PICTURE

bend the top part of your body forward and raise your shoulders and back

1.1/ He hunched up his shoulders.

hunch over something

1.2/ He hunched over the map.

1.3/ He hunched over the map to read the small print.

1.4/ She leaned forward, hunching over the desk.

1.5/ "Avoid having to hunch over the desk to read from binders and books."

1.6/ "Try not to slouch down in the chair or hunch over the desk while writing."

1.7/ "Some children hunch over the desk when writing on a flat surface,
  which can sometimes lead to the development of an incorrect posture
  and poor motor control."

1.8/ "Why would I want to hunch over the bathroom sink for hours
  and apply make-up?"

1.9/ "The important thing to remember is to position yourself so
  you don't crouch or hunch over the computer keyboard."

1.10/ "Pantalone, being an old man, hunches over the money purse on his belt
  protecting it from thieves or a daughter who might need money for a snack."

1.11/ "It's important if you sit at a desk that you don't hunch over the computer."

hunch over

1.12/ "Why do old people hunch over and how can I prevent it?"

1.13/ "He hunched over, the pain already almost too much to bear."

1.14/ "Grandpa hunches over as he walks with his walker."

1.15/ "An old lady hunches over to turn on a lamp in a darkened room."

hunch forward (to do something)

1.16/ She hunched forward to see the picture.

1.17/ "I hunched forward to not fall backwards."

1.18/ "I hunched forward to peer through the windshield."

1.19/ "I hunched forward to hide my notebook inside my shirt."

1.20/ "I hunched forward and rested my hands on my knees,
  breathing short and sharp."

1.21/ "Alice's eyes were nervous and she hunched forward and dropped her voice."

hunch your back, hunch your shoulders

1.22/ Stand up straight and don't hunch your back.

1.23/ He hunched his shoulders as he headed out into the storm.

1.24/ "I am on the computer a lot and have been hunching my back."

1.25/ "It is absolutely good advice when your mother told you not to
  slouch in your chair and hunch your back when you walk."

your back hunches, your shoulders hunch

1.26/ Your shoulders will hunch forward and your body will ache.

1.27/ "The further your shoulders hunch, the more strain there is on the mid-back."

1.28/ "My back hunches, my knees ache, and my eyesight goes dim."

1.29/ "I slouch without realising it, my back hunches over, my head arches
  down and forwards towards the screen automatically and this can't be good."

see also: slouch, walk bent over, n(u) kyphosis, sit/stand straight

(adj) hunched

2.1/ "All we see is a sorry stump and a hunched old man
  staring forlornly into the distance."

walk/sit hunched (over)

2.2/ She sat hunched on the bed all day.

2.3/ He sat hunched over his breakfast.

2.4/ "I walk hunched over and always look down, making as
  little eye contact as possible."

2.5/ "Willy Wonka should walk hunched over with a cane,
  appear to fall, then tuck into a somersault."

2.6/ "I walk hunched every morning and can't lift heavy with my arm."

2.7/ "Soon, a man hunched with age came to the door with his walker."

2.8/ "Following lazy postures can also make you weak and make you
  hunched with age and make the back muscles tensed. "

be hunched over

2.9/ "She is hunched over and uses a walker."

2.10/ The bed is at hip height to minimize time spent bent or hunched over.

2.11/ "You've probably seen older people who always seem hunched over,
  with a rounded back and shoulders that pull forward."

2.12/ "I feel like an old lady hunched over in a scarf and overcoat."

have a hunched back

2.13/ "Grandpa has a hunched back like a camel."

2.14/ "Less than two out of 10 South Korean elderly people have a hunched back."

with a hunched back

2.15/ "They are depressed and walking with a hunched back."

2.16/ "There's no need to live with a hunched back and rounded shoulders.

2.17/ "This exercise helps the elderly with a hunched back and rounded shoulders."

2.18/ "We Shoudn't sit with a hunched back because it will harm our back,
  and within a few months time you might have to go for treatment to a doctor."

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struggle along/on   v   //

continue despite problems

1/ The business struggled along for some time.

2/ Life is hard but we all have to struggle on.

3/ She struggled on despite the pain.

struggle along/on with something

4/ "Yesterday at home, I struggled on with work,
  forgetting to take good care of myself."

5/ "When she struggled on with her suitcase, I wasn't expecting this."

6/ "This time I struggled on with the pregnancy. I didn't abort
  the child but neither did I feel I really wanted it."

7/ "She struggled on with her business and illness for a number
  of years before it became too much."

see also: persevere, keep on (something)

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make amends   n(plural)   //

do something good to show that you are sorry about something you have done

1/ "He's now very hurt. Is there anything I can do to make amends?"

make amends to somebody

2/ "When I was new in sobriety I quickly and hastily
  made amends to my girlfriend."

3/ "At 9PM I pulled in my driveway and made amends to my cat."

make amends by doing something

4/ She tried to make amends by inviting him out to dinner.

5/ "His father made amends by giving the young woman a painting
  and a Cézanne drawing."

6/ "He overlooked her birthday but subsequently made amends
  by giving her a present."

make amends for something/doing something

7/ I wanted to make amends for the worry I've caused you.

8/ "She made amends for the trouble she had caused."

9/ " The vendor made amends for any inconvenience caused."

10/ "How can I make amends to a friend for not taking them seriously?"

11/ "You've made amends for the mistake and can give them space to cool down."

12/ The team is desperate to make amends for two successive defeats.

13/ She tried to make amends for what she had said to her mother
  by buying her some flowers.

14/ "Johann Berg Gudmundsson made amends for a mistake by scoring
  the equaliser in Burnley's 1-1 draw against Brighton, as both sides
  inched further away from the relegation zone."

to make amends ...

15/ "To make amends he decides to move his family from chaotic Manhattan
  to the idyllic small town of Everwood, Colorado."

16/ "To make amends he showed them how to lie out flat on
  a strong wind that was going their way." (Peter Pan)

see also: compensate for something, apologize fo something,
  be sorry about something

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come for somebody/something   v   //

travel to a place in order to collect or receive somebody/something

come for somebody

1/ "I ask them to come for me at the gate."

2/ "I was a lost girl and police officers came for me."

3/ Brad was at home when the police came for him.

4/ Your father will come for you at four o'clock.

5/ "Ten delinquent teens came for me at the school gate."

6/ I looked on in astonishment when the police came for my neighbour.

7/ "About 15 Scottish teenagers came for me when I was outside my flat."

come for something

8/ "I come for treasure only."

9/ "They came for my homework."

10/ When can I come for my money?

11/ I've come for your census form.

12/ She comes for a blood transfusion every month.

13/ "After two years the Mongols came for treasure in Northern China."

14/ "Can I pay cash to the person who came for my package?"

come for an explanation

15/ "I came for an explanation and laughed at your comment."

16/ "What could I say to them when they came for an explanation?"

17/ "I came for an explanation of what they meant, you know in
  layman's terms, not to be smacked to death with mathematical jargon."

18/ "I came for an explanation of why Rust won't save us."

19/ "You came for an explanation of how the stock market works again."

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come after somebody   v   //

(no passive) look for somebody in order to hurt them,
  punish them, or get something from them

1/ "I robbed a store and the police came after me."

2/ She was terrified that Trevor would come after her.

3/ I tried to walk away, but she came after me and pushed me over.

4/ He came after her, and instead of running into a store or bar,
  she turned and insulted him.

5/ The guards said they would come after us if we did not leave immediately.

6/ He thought we'd been picking his apples and came after us with a stick.

7/ We don't want the government coming after us for unpaid taxes.

8/ The government has promised to come after businesses that flout the law.

see also: chase, go after somebody

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precede   v(t)   //

happen before something or come before somebody/something in order

precede somebody

1.1/ She preceded me in the job.

1.2/ "Trump preceded Joe Biden as president."

1.3/ John Adams preceded Thomas Jefferson as president.

1.4/ "Obama preceded Trump as President of the United States."

1.5/ Kofi Annan preceded Ban Ki-moon as the Secretary-General of the UN.

1.6/ "These are living symbols that the grace of God and the work
  of God preceded me in the church I serve."

1.7/ "Both the US and the UK preceded France in terms of addressing
  the social and environmental duties of company directors."

1.8/ "Many great leaders precede us, and the mentorship these leaders
  provided can help us move our businesses forward if we study and
  implement some of their learnings and accomplishments."

precede something

1.9/ Pay attention to the medical cautions that precede each tape.

1.10/ "We shouldn't forget that that defeat immediately preceded
  Arsenal's 3-0 destruction of Manchester United."

1.11/ "Even though most countries in central and eastern Europe will see
  positive GDP growth this year, a return to the high growth rates that
  preceded the crisis is unlikely."

be preceded by somebody/something

1.12/ The fire was preceded by a loud explosion.

1.13/ His resignation was preceded by weeks of speculation.

1.14/ The first chapter was preceded by a brief biography of the author.

1.15/ Lunch will be preceded by a short speech from the chairman.

1.16/ "Queen Elizabeth II was preceded by her father King George VI.
  She will be followed by her eldest son Charles, Prince of Wales."

1.17/ "In Chinese historiography, the Qing dynasty was preceded by
  the Ming dynasty and succeeded by the Republic of China."

precede something with something

1.18/ She preceded her speech with a note of thanks to the committee.

1.19/ "Andy preceded my presentation with his section."

1.20/ It would be helpful if you were to precede the report
  with an introduction.

see also: come/go before somebody/something, lead

adj(before noun) preceding /prɪ'si:.dɪŋ/

2.1/ "I prefer the preceding version."

2.2/ "I've used the preceding version of this hoodie
  a ton over the last year."

2.3/ "The preceding letter was referred to Karen Hadley,
  Infection Control Coordinator, for a reply."

2.4/ "Sorry that it is vague in my preceding message,
  the equipment is Cat 4506."

2.5/ "The preceding question referred to how the company will
  respond to the changing market conditions.""

2.6/ In conclusion, I hope the preceding arguments have
  convinced you of the need for action.

2.7/ "Unlike the preceding method, which is limited to a specific
  class of channels, our method is applicable to all channels."

2.8/ The paintings are a development of ideas she explored
  in the preceding decade.

2.9/ In the preceding century, China had opened its doors to Portuguese
  merchants and Jesuit missionaries: Father Matteo Ricci had preached
  the good word there from 1582 onwards. see also: former, previous, later, following, coming, latter

v(t) precede somebody: go in front of somebody

3.1/ She preceded him out of the room.

3.2/ "The maid preceded him into the house."

3.3/ The guard preceded them down the corridor.

3.4/ "Now my reputation precedes me, but it took sweat and tears."

3.5/ "The order of the procession had been varied so that
  the Queen preceded the colonial troops."

3.6/ "His bodyguards preceded him into the meeting room, two by two,
  until the six of them took up positions at the corners and edges
  of the walls, which was a stupid waste of money."

see also: be in front of somebody, be behind somebody

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