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My Vocabulary Page

bunk beds   n(plural)   //   PICTURE

two beds fixed together with one on top of the other

1/ My sister and I sleep on bunk beds.

2/ There were four bunks in the train compartment.

3/ "The sleeper train consisted of compartments with four bunks
  packed like the plague ridden houses of 16th century London."

4/ "Bunk beds are normally supported by four poles or pillars, one at each
  corner of the bed. A ladder or a flight of stairs leads to the upper bed,
  which normally features a railing to prevent the sleeper from falling off."

5/ "My mother and I live in a cramped flat and sleep on bunk beds."

the upper bunk

6/ "What do you do if your kid doesn't want to sleep on the upper bunk?"

7/ "In this little nest, do you choose the upper bunk or the lower bunk?"

8/ "If the roommate had 10 minutes, he would run into the room and
  jump on the upper bunk where he slept."

the lower bunk

9/ "My older brother slept on the lower bunk like this."

10/ "I slept on the lower bunk, and every night, I would contemplate
  every move in the darkness."

be stored on the upper/lower bunk

11/ "My road bike is stored on the upper bunk and secured with the net."

12/ "The bedding is stored on the upper bunk which must also be folded out."

13/ "In special circumstances, it is inevitable that things will
  need to be stored on the lower bunk.

14/ "The folding lightweight stepladder which does the job but
  basically has to be stored on the lower bunk when not in use."

the upper/top bed, the lower/bottom bed

15/ "How do you get on the upper bed?"

16/ "I lay on the bottom bed of the bunks."

17/ "When tired, they'll lay on the top bed, which is covered in
  soft plush, so they can relax and observe their surroundings."

the bunk ladder

18/ "I climb down the bunk ladder and leave the small room
  me and my brothers share."

19/ "When you climb the bunk ladder, the mounting hook can prevent
  the ladder from slipping and sliding."

20/ "The room attendant suggested my 72 year old husband, who walks with
  a cane, could climb up the bunk ladder. I said that was out of the question."

triple-decker bunk beds, triple bunk beds

21/ "Where should I buy triple bunk beds in the UK?"

22/ "Triple bunk beds accommodate three sleepers."

23/ "Do triple decker bunk beds fit in rooms with an 8 foot ceiling?"

see also: a loft bed

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remind   v(t）   //

help somebody remember something,
  esp something important that they must do

remind somebody

1.1/ "You don't have to remind me all the time."

1.2/ I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name. Can you remind me?

1.3/ "You need to finish that essay." "Don't remind me."

1.4/ "You had an accident," he reminded her.

remind somebody to do something

1.5/ Remind him to call me.

1.6/ Remind me to phone Alan before I go out.

1.7/ Please remind me to post this letter.

1.8/ "Tom reminded me to pay my bills."

1.9/ "My mum always remind me to drink hot water."

1.10/ "My mum reminded me to eat vegetables first when having a hot pot dinner."

1.11/ "My mum always remind me to have proper meal and don't save money
  on meal when i just started working 30 years ago."

remind somebody of something

1.12/ I loved her and wanted to remind her of that.

1.13/ "She reminded me of her birthday before going to sleep."

1.14/ She looked at her watch to remind him of the time.

1.15/ "This picture reminded me of the past."

1.16/ "This GM ticket reminded me of the good old days."

1.17/ "Her story reminded me of the good old days."

1.18/ "He reminded me of the deadline for the project."

1.19/ Your advertisements should remind people of your great location.

1.20/ "It is important to remind people of history because it teaches
  them about previous happenings."

1.21/ "We will remind you of that very soon."

1.22/ "Today we will remind you of the innovations of this company."

1.23/ Reading the note suddenly reminded me of my appointment with Angela.

remind somebody about something

1.24/ I called to remind him about the party.

1.25/ Could you remind Paul about dinner on Saturday?

1.26/ "He reminded me about the coming deadlines."

1.27/ "Amy reminded me about our holiday plans."

1.28/ "Don't forget the camera." "Remind me about it nearer the time."

remind somebody that ...

1.29/ The bathroom mirror constantly reminds me that I am getting old.

1.30/ He likes to remind everyone that he is a US senator.

1.31/ I quickly reminded him that I had said 'maybe'.

1.32/ I simply remind them that the choice is theirs.

1.33/ Passengers are reminded that smoking is not allowed on this train.

1.34/ Members are reminded that the club's annual general meeting
  will take place on Thursday.

1.35/ I'm sure I don't need to remind you that we have lost our last ten games.

1.36/ I called Jane and reminded her the conference had been cancelled.

1.37/ She gently reminded him that the baby was getting cold
  and should be taken indoors.

1.38/ The paper reminded its readers that 4,500 soldiers were killed
  on the first day of the Normandy landings.

1.39/ The terrorist attack painfully reminded the Americans that
  they are vulnerable even at home.

1.40/ "We'd like to remind you that your next loan payment
  will be due in ten days."

remind yourself that ...

1.41/ I have to keep reminding myself that things could be much worse.

1.42/ "I have to constantly remind myself that I'm an adult."

1.43/ "I try to remind myself my future self will thank me."

1.44/ "Sometimes I remind myself that I almost skipped the party, that I almost
  went to a different college, that the whim of a minute could have changed
  everything and everyone. Our lives, so settled, so specific, are built
 on happenstance." (Anna Quindlen)

remind somebody/yourself + wh-clause

1.45/ "Your love reminds me who I am.

1.46/ "I decided to remind myself how to cook."

1.47/ Can someone remind me what I should do next?

1.48/ "I write a letter to remind myself who I am.

1.49/ "This song reminds me where I come from"

1.50/ "I played along and reminded her what I wanted done."

1.51/ "The fable reminds me where I come from and how hard I need to
  try if I want to live a different life."

1.52/ "An excellent movie on a plane helped remind me what was important in life."

see also: n(c) a reminder

(v) remind somebody of somebody/something:
  be similar to, and make somebody think of, something or somebody else

2.1/ He reminds me of my dad.

2.2/ That smell reminds me of France.

2.3/ "The fragrance reminds me of a perfect summer."

2.4/ You remind me of your father when you say that.

2.5/ Your hair and eyes remind me of your mother.

2.6/ You remind me of someone I used to know.

2.7/ I never wear grey because it reminds me of my old school uniform.

2.8/ I liked her immediately because she reminded me of Sally.

2.9/ Something about her manner reminds me of an old school teacher
  I used to have.

see also: resemble, look like somebody/something, take after somebody

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reminder   n(c)   //

a written or spoken message that reminds someone to do something

1.1/ I finally paid the bill after two reminders.

as a reminder, ...

1.2/ "As a reminder, I am a businessman, not a magician."

1.3/ "As a reminder, we do not try to influence which of
  our products customers choose."

1.4/ "As a reminder, I'm 37 with little kids and can't keep track of new artists."

1.5/ "Just as a reminder, our government currently keeps 5,000 empty
  hotel beds reserved and paid for, at all timesas a buffer in case we have
  a busy day for dinghy migrants.

the final reminder

1.6/ "You did not receive any prior notice before the final reminder."

1.7/ "I went away for a few days and didn't send you the final reminder."

write/send somebody a reminder

1.8/ I wrote him a reminder that the report was due in next week.

1.9/ We were sent a reminder about the next meeting.

1.10/ Send him a reminder, would you, that payment is due?

1.11/ "A month later, the bank sent a reminder to me."

1.12/ If he forgot to pay his rent, his landlady would send him a reminder.

1.13/ We will send email reminders to committee members.

1.14/ "For default interest to become due, the creditor generally must
  send a reminder to the debtor, even if the agreed payment term has expired."

1.15/ "Even though you want to send a payment reminder, you should
  always start your emails with politeness."

get/receive a reminder

1.16/ "Got my reminder in the mail today, did you?"

1.17/ Eventually they paid up, but only after receiving several reminders.

1.18/ "If you have received a reminder, we recommend that you
  proceed to payment as soon as possible."

a reminder of something

1.19/ "He or she will receive an email reminder of next payment due date."

1.20/ "You will receive a bill at the start of each month
  as a reminder of your next payment due."

1.21/ "We don't send statements, but when you make a payment your receipt
  will have a tear away reminder of your next payment and amount due."

1.22/ "It is important to send a reminder of upcoming payment due,
  as this can help to ensure that the customer makes the payment
  on time and avoids late fees."

n(c) a reminder of somebody/something: a person or thing that
  makes you remember a particular person, event, or situation

a reminder of somebody/something

2.1/ She kept the shells as a reminder of our days together.

2.2/ The sheer size of the cathedral is a constant reminder
  of the power of religion."

2.3/ "Hong Kong's pre-1997 history is a reminder of
  our nation's century of humiliation."

2.4/ "The words echo as a reminder of the queen's steadfast
  commitment to the people of the UK."

a reminder of the past

2.5/ "Every time I talk to an old friend or family member
  it's just a reminder of my past."

2.6/ "It's a reminder of my past self. I have faced difficult times
  but decided to move forward and keep my heart open."

2.7/ "Tradition is a reminder of the past. However, it is sometimes opposed to
  progress. As a result, there is a gap created between the past and the future."

2.8/ It is a reminder of the past, when young people would shed
  their coats in the first days of spring, and their elders would say,
  "winter isn't done with us yet."

a reminder of the colonial period

2.9/ "The Central market is a reminder of the colonial period."

2.10/ "The centuries-old Clock Tower, with its distinctive design in
  red brick and granite, is a reminder of Hong Kong's colonial era."

2.11/ "The inner decor of the building is a reminder of the colonial period
  and there is a courtyard with a large Moorish fountain in the centre."

2.12/ "Although neither of the original ice houses are still standing,
  you can walk to the top of Ice House Street on Lower Albert Road to see
  a rare architectural reminder of Hong Kong's early colonial past:
  a striking low-rise brick and stucco building that stands out amid
  a cityscape of glass and steel."

a timely reminder

2.13/ "A timely reminder of how long and hard U.S. stocks can fall."

2.14/ This is a timely reminder of the importance of the
  retail sector to our economy.

2.15/ "For teachers, and student teachers, this is a timely reminder of
  how hard the process of learning to read is, and offers a possible solution
  for their young charges and parents."

2.16/ "Franz Fühmann's story is a timely reminder of how hard it is
  to resist propaganda once it has gained momentum."

2.17/ "Public art cannot always be fun, and this piece is a timely reminder
  of how hard their life has become. I encourage everyone to make time to see
  this dramatic artwork and continue to support our Ukrainian friends."

a reminder of + wh-clause

2.18/ "My name is a reminder of who I am."

2.19/ "This T-shirt is a reminder of where I come from."

2.20/ "Quran is a reminder of what happened in the past,
  guidance for the present and warning of the future."

2.21/ Patricia's story is a reminder of how vulnerable women can be
  in what is still essentially a man's world.

2.22/ It was a cruel and tragic reminder of how dangerous mountaineering can be.

act/serve as a reminder of something

2.23/ The ruined church acts as a constant reminder of the war.

2.24/ The list serves as a useful reminder of the issues to consider.

2.25/ "India is a name imposed by the British and serves as
  a reminder of the colonial era."

2.26/ "This tree will serve as a reminder of the Queen's reign
  for generations to come."

2.27/ "It serves as a reminder of what happened in the past and where we are now."

2.28/ "Chalmette serves as a reminder of what happened in the past. It tells
  a story about these small groups of men who fought off an entire British army
  during the War of 1812 and won miraculously, with minimal casualties."

a reminder that ...

2.29/ The article concludes with a chilling reminder that the disease
  can strike anyone at any time.

2.30/ "It's a timely reminder to people that leaving their doors open
  is an invitation to thieves."

2.31/ "Jewelry is a reminder that every woman deserves to sparkle and shine,
  both on Women's Day and every day."

2.32/ "Each piece of jewelry is a reminder that even a small grain is
  authentic, valuable, and the foundation for a big idea."

see also: a monument, a memento

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embarrass   v(t)   //

cause somebody to feel nervous, worried, or uncomfortable

embarrass somebody

1.1/ "My father always embarrasses me."

1.2/ "This dress never embarrasses me."

1.3/ Her questions about my private life embarrassed me.

1.4/ Look, you've embarrassed him - he's gone bright red!

1.5/ He knew that letter would embarrass him and later he tried to get rid of it.

1.6/ Why did you make an announcement in front of everyone?
  Did you have to embarrass us like that?

embarrass somebody by doing something

1.7/ "I embarrassed myself by texting a girl."

1.8/ "I will never embarrass myself by using a dating site."

1.9/ I didn't want to embarrass him by kissing him in front of his friends.

1.10/ "Mom, please, don't embarrass my friend by asking her to change."

1.11/ " I embarrassed my family during a social event by stimming
  in front of the other people at the event."

1.12/ My mum always embarrasses me by arriving in some ridiculous outfit.

embarrass somebody with something

1.13/ You're embarrassing him with your compliments!

1.14/ "I embarrassed my parents with my poor grades."

1.15/ "I embarrassed my family with my low income."

1.16/ "I feel as if I've embarrassed my family with that comment."

embarrass somebody in front of somebody/something

1.17/ I didn't want to embarrass her in front of her friends.

1.18/ "My teacher embarrassed me in front of the class."

1.19/ "My mother embarrassed me in front of everybody."

1.20/ "I embarrassed myself in front of my school when I was giving a speech."

it embarrasses somebody to do something

1.21/ It embarrassed her to talk about her weight problem.

1.22/ To be honest, it embarrassed me to receive such an effusive welcome.

1.23/ "It embarrasses me to give a speech in front of strangers."

1.24/ " "It embarrassed her to hold such a low opinion of Leisha's ability,
  but it wasn't a reflection of contempt."

it embarrasses somebody when ...

1.25/ "It embarrassed me when my friends came over."

1.26/ "It embarrassed me when you mentioned my weight to Uncle Tim."

1.27/ "It embarrassed me when you started to slur your words
  in front of everyone."

1.28/ "It embarrassed her when she first heard me singing about her,
  but then she laughed so that was all right."

v(t) embarrass somebody: cause problems or difficulties for somebody

2.1/ The speech was deliberately designed to embarrass the prime minister.

2.2/ "Princess Diana embarrassed the royal family by sharing secrets."

2.3/ "Three times Queen Camilla embarrassed the royal family
  with her clumsy etiquette."

2.4/ The scandal has totally embarrassed cricket's governing body.

2.5/ "The scandal embarrassed Netanyahu on different levels."

2.6/ "The scandal embarrassed the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
  and sullied the image of Defence Minister George Fernandes
  leading to his resignation."

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embarrassing   adj   //

making you feel shy, uncomfortable or ashamed

1.1/ "I made an embarrassing mistake at work."

an embarrassing moment

1.2/ "Why should you be laughing at an embarrassing moment?"

1.3/ "You could cringe at an embarrassing moment that was out of
  your control, like someone spilling their drink on you."

1.4/ "At this embarrassing moment, I knew just what to do.
  I broke eye contact and quickly gave the woman a wide berth."

1.5/ My most embarrassing moment was trying to introduce a woman
  whose name I couldn't remember.

1.6/ "My most embarrassing moment was when I crashed my bicycle
  and ate some bricks."

an embarrassing situation

1.7/ "Have you ever been caught in an embarrassing situation?"

1.8/ "He never got caught in an embarrassing situation."

1.9/ Employees may be offended and the employer could be placed
  in an embarrassing situation.

an embarrassing question

1.10/ "Can I ask you an embarrassing question?"

1.11/ "Amity lifts her head unsure how to respond to an embarrassing
  question like that."

1.12/ "I can answer an embarrassing question in public without getting flustered."

an embarrassing experience

1.13/ "Describe an embarrassing experience in your life."

1.14/ "What was the most embarrassing experience in your life?"

1.15/ "What was the most embarrassing experience you had with a female teen?"

1.16/ "What was your most embarrassing underwear experience?"

an embarrassing memory

1.17/ "Why do we blurt things out when we recall
  an embarrassing memory while alone?"

1.18/ "How do you get an embarrassing memory out of
  your head and focus on today?"

1.19/ "They recalled an embarrassing memory from school times,
  when a classmate, asked by a technical teacher, couldn't properly
  draw a bike from memory."

(after verb) be embarrassing

1.20/ I found the whole evening intensely embarrassing.

1.21/ My mother's presence made the situation even more embarrassing.

1.22/ "What is more embarrassing than having your trousers' zipper undone?"

1.23/ "How do you tell your significant other that singing in public is embarrassing?"

be embarrassing for somebody

1.24/ "Dancing is embarrassing for me."

1.25/ "Singing in public is embarrassing for her."

1.26/ It was acutely embarrassing for us all.

1.27/ "For me singing in front of strangers is embarrassing."

be embarrassing doing something

1.28/ It was so embarrassing having to sing in public.

1.29/ "It is embarrassing having to turn around the opposite way
  in the middle of walking one way."

1.30/ "All girls can relate that it is embarrassing going to the
  nurse's office or begging friends for a pad or tampon."

it is embarrassing (for somebody) to do something

1.31/ His terrible acting is just embarrassing to watch.

1.32/ "It is embarrassing for me to have to ask you this."

1.33/ It was embarrassing for me to be caught telling a lie.

1.34/ "I'm a female. Is it embarrassing to be a virgin at 18?"

1.35/ It can be embarrassing for children to tell complete strangers
  about such incidents.

it is embarasssing when ...

1.36/ "It was very embarrassing when my pants fell down."

1.37/ "It's really quite embarrassing when your bra is
  noticeably mangled under your shirt."

1.38/ "It was incredibly embarrassing when my underwear literally always
  showed because it was made to sit higher than my jeans were."

1.39/ "It was embarrassing when my bra was showing through my shirt."

1.40/ "It was embarrassing when I stammered over a bunch of seemingly
  jumbled words when I was called to read aloud in front of the class."

it is embarasssing that ...

1.41/ "It is embarrassing that I don't know how to do this task."

it is embarasssing + wh-clause

1.42/ It was embarrassing how few people attended the party.

(adj) causing somebody to look stupid, dishonest

2.1/ This EU ruling puts Britain in a very embarrassing position.

2.2/ "Great Britain has put itself in an embarrassing position due to
  politicians who have failed in managing the country."

be embarrassing to somebody

2.3/ The report is likely to prove highly embarrassing to the government.

2.4/ "Embarrassing to our country": Trump suggests he'll fire top generals."

2.5/ "Trump is not only embarrassing to our country, but he is a danger
  to our national security and frankly a danger to world peace."

be embarrassing for somebody

2.6/ Such action by a NATO ally would be extremely embarrassing
  for the United States.

it is embarrassing that ...

2.7/ "It is pretty embarrassing that the UK is not regulating itself."

2.8/ "It is embarrassing that we pride ourselves as a football nation
  but we don't have one standard stadium-"

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embarrassed   adj   //

feeling ashamed or shy

be/feel/look embarrassed

1.1/ I've never felt so embarrassed in my life!

1.2/ "My boyfriend makes me feel embarrassed."

1.3/ He looked a little embarrassed.

1.4/ You have no idea how embarrassed I was.

1.5/ He was so embarrassed - his face went brick-red.

make somebody embarrassed

1.6/ "You make me so embarrassed."

1.7/ "This of course made her very embarrassed."

1.8/ "Elon Musk has made me embarrassed to drive my Tesla now."

be embarrassed by something

1.9/ She seemed almost embarrassed by her own outburst.

1.10/ She looked a bit embarrassed by all the praise.

1.11/ "You will be less embarrassed by your words and actions."

be embarrassed about something/doing something

1.12/ He's embarrassed about his weight.

1.13/ "I am really embarrassed about my grades."

1.14/ I was embarrassed about talking to my parents about it.

1.15/ She felt embarrassed about undressing in front of the doctor.

1.16/ "I was embarrassed about taking off my top."

1.17/ "I was embarrassed about taking off my underwear in front of my girl."

be embarrassed for somebody

1.18/ "I am embarrassed for you."

1.19/ "I was embarrassed for my mom and dad."

1.20/ "I was embarrassed for my husband and wanted to
  crawl and hide in another room."

1.21/ His colour had risen and Isobel felt embarrassed for him.

be embarrassed to do something

1.22/ She seemed faintly embarrassed to see us there.

1.23/ I was too embarrassed to admit that I was scared.

1.24/ I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I laughed.

1.25/ I was too embarrassed to admit that I'd forgotten.

1.26/ Some women are too embarrassed to consult their doctor about the problem.

1.27/ "She was a very shy woman and was embarrassed to undress
  in front of strangers."

be embarrassed for somebody to do something

1.28/ "I'd be so embarrassed for my son to act like that."

1.29/ "I was very embarrassed for my mom to receive this as a Mother's Day gift."

1.30/ "There have been times when I've been embarrassed for my wife
  to even look at me without a shirt on."

be embarrassed when ...

1.31/ "I was very embarrassed when I found this article."

1.32/ "I was embarrassed when she saw me buck naked."

1.33/ Sometimes I get a bit embarrassed when I have to explain to people.

1.34/ "I felt embarrassed when my friends made fun of my hair."

be embarrassed at something/doing something

1.35/ She was embarrassed at her own behaviour.

1.36/ He was obviously embarrassed at his lack of preparedness.

1.37/ He felt embarrassed at being the centre of attention.

(adj) financially embarrassed

2.1/ I'm afraid I'm financially embarrassed at the moment.

2.2/ "He is financially embarrassed by the penalty."

2.3/ He was often financially embarrassed but never suffered real hardship.

2.4/ "I am financially embarrassed right now. I need help to turn things around."

2.5/ The singer found himself financially embarrassed and unable to pay his bar bill.

2.6/ "When the war broke out New Zealand was financially embarrassed by
  the expensive schemes of social reform introduced by her Labor Government,
  and was heading for economic crisis."

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housing estate   n(c)   //   PICTURE

an area containing a large number of houses or apartments
  built close together at the same time

1/ "A security guard patrols the housing estate at night."

2/ "Our housing estate is built on a shopping mall,
  on top of which there is a rooftop garden.

3/ "We decided to build a luxurious housing estate here on Pemba
  so that you can have the opportunity to live on the paradise island."

4/ "The housing estate accommodates around 15,000 asylum seekers
  placed there as part of the Government's dispersal policy."

live in/on a housing estate

5/ They live in a housing estate.

6/ They live on a housing estate.

7/ "What is it like living in the housing estate between Weston and Newbridge?"

8/ "At the time, my family and I lived in a housing estate made up of 1004 flats."

a private housing estate

9/ "I live in a private housing estate of 38 houses in Scotland."

10/ "I pride myself on living in a private housing estate."

11/ "She lived in a private housing estate in Tung Chung and often
  made use of the club house shuttle bus of the housing estate to travel
  to the club house of the housing estate in Tsim Sha Tsui."

12/ "Many residents of Tai Hang Sai Estate have spent most of their lives
  in the city's only private low-rent estate."

13/ "The city's only privately-owned low-rental housing estate
  Tai Hang Sai Estate, which dates back to 1965, faces demolition."

a public housing estate

14/ "My grandma lived in a public housing estate."

15/ "There are public spaces on the public housing estates."

16/ "Choi Hung Estate, with a history of over 60 years,
  is one of the oldest public housing estates in Hong Kong."

17/ "Gathering places within shopping areas are encouraged. It is the best way
  to sustain active human interaction and community life in a public housing estate.

move to a housing estate

18/ "Michael and his family have moved to a housing estate in Newcastle."

19/ "When we moved to the housing estate in 1968, it had only one school."

20/ "My family moved to the newly built housing estate of
  Toa Payoh in the late 1960s."

a high-end housing estate

21/ "A Chinese woman walks past a high-end housing estate in Beijing."

22/ "Though the couple were lucky to have belonged to the upper middle-class
  in America, living in a high-end housing estate and driving top-of-the-range cars,
  they lacked happiness in their marriage."

an affordable housing estate

23/ "We buu a private house in an affordable housing estate."

24/ "Is there a downside to buy a house in an affordable housing estate?"

move (away) from a housing estate

25/ "I moved from a housing estate to the country to bring my kids up,
  and I really miss the banter and camaraderie of estate life."

26/ "After he moved away from the housing estate he didn't
  experience the same level of police harassment."

move out of a housing estate

27/ "Having worked as a barber in Tanglin Halt more than half his life,
  Mr Abdullah Latip, 75, now mainly serves regular customers, some of whom
  have moved out of the housing estate and return specially for his haircuts."

a flat(/an apartment) in a housing estate

28/ "Those wishing to buy a flat in Yuzhnoye Vidnoye
  have plenty of opportunities for that."

29/ "Tenants are scheduled to move into their flats in the housing
  estate from October 15 after it was inaugurated on Thursday last week."

30/ "Demand is high, and the prices of apartments in the housing estate
  have remained at a relatively high level."

a property (= a flat or a house) in a housing estate

31/ "The first of the properties in the housing estate in Les Mureaux,
  a town north west of Paris, will be demolished in September, with others
  being knocked down in 2026."

32/ "There are many properties in this housing estate with the same design
  - a wooden fence just behind a concrete block retaining wall."

33/ "My family has bought a property in KL with 50% ownership
  belonging to me and 50% belonging to my mother."

a resident in a housing estate

34/ "I am a resident living in a private housing estate."

35/ "The aim is to provide convenient transport to the residents
  in the housing estate."

36/ "The final few residents in the housing estate have been
  moving out of their homes."

an owner of the housing estate (see also: a landlord, a flat owner)

37/ "The latest owner of the housing estate is in a hurry to leave."

38/ "The Appellant is the Incorporated Owners of a housing estate,
  representing the owners of the housing estate."

a tenant of the housing estate

39/ "The result showed that 122 out of the 751 tenants
  in the housing estate were females."

40/ "Recent years have seen many of the tenants of the housing estate
  exercising their right to buy their property's."

in the neighbourhood(/vicinity) of a housing estate

41/ "There will also be retail and other community facilities
  in the vicinity of the housing estate to meet the needs of the residents
  and the community."

42/ " This is an extraordinary opportunity to stroll around the
  neighborhood of the housing estate or the apartment of your choice."

amenities near a housing estate

43/ "There are no entertainment amenities near the housing estate."

44/ "There are parks, shops and other local amenities close to
 the housing estate where I live."

within walking distance from a housing estate

45/ "Nice recreation facilities are available within walking
  distance from the housing estate."

be 5 minutes away from a housing estate

46/ "There is also a lot of green areas, not more than 10 minutes
  away from the housing estate."

be a 5-minute walk from a housing estate

47/ "The nearest bus stop is an 8-minute walk from the housing estate."

48/ "The Old Town is less than a 20-minute walk from the housing estate."

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kimono   n(c)   //   PICTURE

a long, loose piece of outer clothing with very wide sleeves,
  traditionally worn by the Japanese

1/ "The quintuplets wore kimonos to the festival."

2/ "How do I soft wash my kimono at home?"

3/ "I took off my kimono just to put on a different kimono."

4/ "The ladies at the salon helped me to put on my kimono,
  which actually took a really, really long time."

hang a kimono on something

5/ "If you want, you can hang a kimono on the wall instead of a painting."

6/ "Put it on a hanger. In order to smooth out wrinkles caused by folding,
  hang the kimono on a hanger one day before wearing."

parts of a kimono

7/ "The kosode is the main body or robes of the kimono,
  consisting of a long T-shaped robe with very wide sleeves."

8/ "The obi is the belt that is wrapped around the waist over the kosode."

9/ "Tabi are traditional Japanese split-toe socks."

10/ "Wooden getas are sandals elevated off the ground by two teeth."

11/ "A juban is worn under a kimono, with just the collar visible."

12/ "While the three main components of a kimono that are visible from
  the outside are the obi, the specific belt worn with kimono,
  tabi, the socks worn under kimono, and the kimono itself,
  the garments worn underneath it are equally as important."

a yukata (literally: a bathrobe)

13/ "The yukata is a casual version of the kimono."

14/ "Want to try on a beautiful yukata and snap a picture?"

15/ "A yukata girl was enjoying the cool of the evening while watching fireworks."

16/ "Fold your right-hand sleeve over your front first, followed by
  the left-hand sleeve. This will ensure you are wearing your yukata
  in the proper, right-front style. Tie your obi sash to keep your yukata
  in place. Men should wear their sash at the hip, and women at the waist."

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handkerchief   n(c)   //   PICTURE

(also: hanky) a square piece of cloth or paper used for cleaning
  the nose or drying the eyes when they are wet with tears

1/ She took out her handkerchief and blew her nose loudly.

2/ "Mosey put her handkerchief in her pocket and asserted her dignity."

a silk/lace/cotton handkerchief

3/ "My mom carries with her a lace handkerchief from her mother."

4/ "Every lady or gentleman should carry a silk handkerchief."

5/ "A silk handkerchief without a tie says you're not so buttoned up
  that you are willing to stand on ceremony and swelter on a hot day,
  but you're also not ready to let decorum go to hell completely."

6/ "For blow rather than show, a cotton handkerchief is a gent's pocket essential."

lend(/offer) a handkerchief to somebody

7/ "My cat came and offered me a handkerchief."

8/ "Kate took my hand and lent me her handkerchief."

9/ "I lent my handkerchief to a friend who had a runny nose."

wave a handkerchief at somebody/something

10/ "I waved my handkerchief at him."

11/ "Craning my neck out the window, I waved my handkerchief
  at every passing carriage."

12/ "I stood there with my opera glasses and waved my handkerchief at you all."

wash a handkerchief

13/ "No woman likes to wash a dirty handkerchief."

14/ "You can wash handkerchiefs in a washing machine with regular colored laundry."

15/ "Please use neutral detergents to wash the handkerchief by hand,
  and then leave it air dry."

fold a handkerchief (up)

16/ "Ever wondered how to fold a handkerchief to avoid germs?"

17/ "I folded up my handkerchief and tucked it in my pants."

18/ "I fold a handkerchief up lengthwise several times
  the same as we do when making a headband."

19/ "There are actually a number of different ways to fold a handkerchief
  to properly fit into the breast pocket of your suit jacket."

blow your nose on a handkerchief

20/ He blew his nose on a dirty handkerchief.

21/ "I blew my nose on a handkerchief and started walking."

sneeze in a handkerchief

22/ "I went back into my room and sneezed in a handkerchief."

23/ "Sometimes she sneezes in a handkerchief to cover her sneezes."

cry in a handkerchief

24/ "She would cry in a handkerchief out of joy and happiness."

wipe something with a handkerchief

25/ "She wiped her hands with a handkerchief."

26/ "She wiped her weeping eyes with a handkerchief."

27/ "She wiped her tearing eyes with a handkerchief."

28/ "I wipe my eyes with a handkerchief and turn away."

29/ "She wiped her eyes with a handkerchief before walking away."

30/ "As she returned to her seat, Shiomura wiped her eyes
  with a handkerchief, but the proceedings continued."

31/ "Before cleaning, it is important to wash your hands with water
  and neutral soap to avoid infecting the baby's eye. You should never wipe
  the eyes with your hand, cotton or a cloth or paper handkerchief.
  A sterile object must always be used."

clean/dry something with a handkerchief

32/ "I wanted to clean my nose with a handkerchief."

33/ "Biwako admitted defeat, then cleaned her eyes with a handkerchief."

34/ "When I was sleeping on benches in Aflao,Nobody cleaned
  my face with a handkerchief."

35/ "I quickly dried my eyes with a handkerchief as Momo went to get the door."

see also: a washcloth, a dishcloth, a towel, a napkin, a scarf

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parade   n(c)   //   PICTURE

a public celebration of a special day or event,
  usually with bands in the streets and decorated vehicles

1.1/ The parade is held every year.

1.2/ She twirled her baton high in the air as she led the parade.

1.3/ Tomorrow's parade will mark the 50th anniversary of the battle.

1.4/ Live music and a parade set an upbeat mood for the official opening.

1.5/ "Officers simulated an exercise in which a parade turned into
  a riot and so they used different tactics to tackle the situation."

1.6/ "The photo shows a parade on a crowded city street paved with bricks."

1.7/ "I want to wear my Halloween costume to my kid's school parade."

a vicrtory parade

1.8/ "He participated in the World Cup victory parade."

1.9/ "There were more trophies than cars in our victory parade."

1.10/ "Liverpool's victory parade will start at Allerton Maze before
  travelling on Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and
  Rocket flyover. The route will finish at Blundell Street."

a Disney parade

1.11/ "When you plan and prep for a Disney parade, you can expect
  an enchanting experience that’s sure to put a smile on your face
  - and maybe leave you with a new dance move, too!"

1.12/ "Part of the fun of Disney parades is waving and dancing along,
  and if you’re positioned near enough to the parade’s path, you may even
  get a high-five from a passing character!"

a parade of a group of people

1.13/ "From our outdoor soaking tub overlooking the dotted landscape
  of Laikipia, wine glasses in hand, we watched a parade of elephants
  slowly amble into the sunset."

1.14/ "Veterans and families are invited to participate in a parade
  of veterans on Monday, November 11, 2024."

at a parade

1.15/ Thousands of people were at the parade.

1.16/ "Family members came out to cheer on the grads at the June 4th parade."

1.17/ "We all decide to have something to eat as the candy we ate
  at the parade wasn't enough to suffice."

in a parade

1.18/ "I saw Mickey Mouse in the Disney parade."

1.19/ "This weekend I walked in the parade celebrating Youngwood's
  125th anniversary!"

1.20/ "That anything happened in the parade that was negative,
  or hurt anybody's feelings, we are sorry."

1.21/ "He's been marching in the parade since grammar school and
  he's been supporting the parade thoughout his entire life."

a parade begins, a parade ends

1.22/ "The HK Pride Parade began at 6pm with a procession
  around the Lan Kwai Fong area."

1.23/ "​​The parade will begin in the area of Winn Rd. and Highview St."

1.24/ "The parade will end at 6 pm at the Field House."

1.25/ "The parade ended at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove where
  the festival, with food, booths and live music, continued."

1.26/ "Keep your calendar marked for Saturday, March 16th, 2024.
  The festival starts at 10:00 AM and the parade will be from 11:00 AM
  until 1:00 PM."

hold a parade, organize a parade

1.27/ "From 1990 to 2019, HKASPDMC held the June Fourth Parade and
  Victoria Park Candlelight Rally for 30 consecutive years."

1.28/ "They would like to try to organize a parade from Oberland Park
  or the old fire station to the center cemetery, where the traditional
  flag raising will be held as it has in previous years."

see/watch a parade

1.29/ We watched the parade from our perch on the scaffolding.

1.30/ "Thanks to everyone that came out or watched the parade at home."

1.31/ "Did I openly weep when Mulan came and watched the parade
  at Magic Kingdom with Winnie?

1.32/ We used to go and see the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.

1.33/ From our hotel room window, we had a grandstand view of the parade.

join a parade, take part in a parade

1.34/ "People take part in a parade towards the Sheffield War Memorial."

1.35/ "We were thrilled to take part in the parade for another
  year at Belfast Pride."

1.36/ "I will take part in the parade for the first time. I really
  wanted that. When I was still in school, I liked to watch parades."

1.37/ "Today we joined the parade at Norwich Pride. Pride brings out
  the very best in people, creating one of the friendliest, buzziest days
  you can hope for. I had a blast with the Norfolk team, representing the Trust!"

walk a parade (route)

1.38/ "Check out the full list of events, sign-up here to walk
  the June 4th parade with us."

1.39/ "Herrick, husband James and their children dolled up their dog, Ada,
  for a canine parade held prior to the main event. Eldest son Conrad, 7,
  also walked the traditional parade route with Children’s Theater of Elgin."

line up (somebody/something) for a parade

1.40/ "Parade line up will be from 10:30 - 11:30am."

1.41/ "Where do I go to line up for the parade?"

1.42/ "People were lined up for the St Patrick's Day parade
  at least one hour before it."

1.43/ "People were lined up for the parade so we decided to stay and watch."

1.44/ "Adlington Carnival was a huge success with four wagons all lined
  up in the parade - very proud of our team!"

leave a parade

1.45/ "I left the parade with a full heart and a camera full of memories."

1.46/ "We left the parade early, and was in line for
  the Haunted Mansion by 11:55 pm."

1.47/ "I took no pictures this year. And we left the parade early
  and wandered around the park for a bit."

withdraw from a parade

1.48/ "Because our team withdrew from the parade previously and re-entered
  only eleven years ago, the group is assigned to the back end of the parade
  according to the organiser's rules. And that’s why we arranged a vibrant
  marching wind band as the grand finale of the parade."

disperse a parade

1.49/ "Police were less amused. They dispersed the parade at
  the Sanlitun shopping area."

1.50/ "Once the crowd has dispersed, the parade entrants will have
  access to Main St. Main Street will not be re-opened until parade has
  officially ended per discretion of the Spring Grove Police Department."

a parade for somebody/something

1.51/ "A couple of years ago we walked the parade for women's rights."

1.52/ "On the day that the Consul Generals of 19 countries and some of
  the district mayors of Istanbul organized a parade for the victims of
  the suicide attack in Istanbul, the world was shocked by three coordinated
  suicide attacks in Brussels, Belgium."

a parade in celebration of something

1.53/ "People participate in a parade in celebration of
  the Chinese New Year in Vancouver."

1.54/ "NYC will hold a parade in celebration of the New York Liberty's
  historic victory.

a parade in meomory of somebody/something

1.55/ "The photo captures a trade parade in memory of fire victims."

1.56/ "Hundreds of bikers have put on a parade in memory of a young
  Hampshire man who died in an accident."

see also: n(c,u) procession, a march, a protest, a rally

n(c,u) a military parade

2.1/ They held a parade to mark the soldiers' return.

2.2/ "North Korea's military parade shows unity with China and Russia."

2.3/ "Showcasing foreign delegations in North Korea's
  military parade is not common."

2.4/ "It is the first time delegations from China and Russia, led by
  high-level officials, have participated in North Korea's military parade."

2.5/ "Chinese President Xi Jinping watched the military parade marking
  the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army."

on parade

2.6/ The entire regiment was on parade.

2.7/ The book cover shows soldiers on parade.

2.8/ They stood as straight as soldiers on parade.

2.9/ Dress uniforms like these are worn when soldiers are on parade.

2.10/ They walked in step, looking straight ahead, almost like soldiers on parade.

2.11/ To celebrate the conclusion of their initial training program,
  the cadets were on parade.

[figurative] on parade

2.12/ "Our brand new models are on parade this weekend."

2.13/ The latest software will be on parade at the exhibition.

2.14/ "The array of items on parade in their various workshops attested
  to the expertise acquired over the years, both in brass and aluminium work."

2.15/ "He has the most incredible stock of wines, some on parade
  in the shop, some hidden behind a locked door."

(idiom) rain on somebody's parade:
  prevent somebody from enjoying an event; cause somebody's plans to fail

3.1/ "Was it an asshole move to rain on her parade?"

3.2/ "I hate to rain on your parade, but I think your A in
  chemistry was actually a clerical error."

3.3/ Mom really rained on our parade by chaperoning our school dance.

3.4/ "For all the times that you rained on my parade
  And all the clubs you get in using my name
  You think you broke my heart, oh girl, for goodness' sake
  You think I'm cryin' on my own, well, I ain't" (Love Yourself, Justin Bieber)

see also: spoil my day, ruin my day

parade   v(i,t)   //

(of a group) walk or march somewhere, usually as part of a public celebration

4.1/ The victorious team will parade through the city tomorrow morning.

4.2/ The Saint Patrick's Day marchers paraded up Fifth Avenue,
  past the cathedral.

4.3/ "We paraded up and down the halls because of rain and it was a lot of fun."

4.4/ The crowds applauded as the guards paraded past.

4.5/ "The queen paraded from her home in Buckingham Palace through
  the streets of London to the government buildings at Westminster in
  a horse-drawn carriage escorted by the Household Cavalry,
  who serve as her mounted bodyguards."

parade somebody/something

4.6/ The colonel paraded his men before the King.

4.7/ "The torch was paraded in the park, followed by the
  lighting of the cauldron in front of the city hall."

4.8/ "I had to parade my dogs through the lobby in the mornings
  while everyone was eating breakfast."

4.9/ In ancient Rome, captured generals were paraded through
  the streets in chains.

4.10/ "When she failed in her attempt, she paraded my daughter from
  room to room and made the children say shame, shame," the mother said.

v(i,t) show something in an obvious way in order to be admired

5.1/ People were parading up and down showing off their finest clothes.

parade somebody/something

5.2/ He is not one to parade his achievements.

5.3/ "Ukraine has paraded captured Russian soldiers before the media
  at news conferences in Kyiv, and these images have been spread via
  official accounts on social media and messaging apps."

parade (something) in front of somebody/something

5.4/ The prisoners were paraded in front of the crowd.

5.5/ "For two hours, scores of women paraded in front of
  me like a Golden Corral buffet."

5.6/ "Lovely, darling," I tell her with perfect honesty as each
  new dress is paraded in front of me."

parade around (something)

5.7/ The trophy was paraded around the stadium.

5.8/ The children paraded about(/around) in their new clothes.

5.9/ "Human Rights Watch urges Ukraine to stop parading
  around Russian prisoners."

5.10/ "I wore this costume several times around Halloween and everyone was
  always amazed at how real it looked, thanks to my Mom. Halloween was so special
  as I paraded around in my costume that finally made me feel like a real wizard."

see also: show off (something) (to somebody)

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excuse   v   //

(idiom) excuse me

1.1/ Excuse me, is this the way to the station?

1.2/ Excuse me, does this bus go to Oxford Street?

1.3/ Excuse me, could you let me through?

1.4/ Excuse me, can I just get past?

1.5/ "Excuse me, can i get past you?"

1.6/ "Excuse me, do you have any time now?"

1.7/ "Excuse me, I can't hear you."

1.8/ Guy sneezed loudly. "Excuse me," he said.

1.9/ "Excuse me, do you have some time to talk about our lord and savior?"

excuse me for a moment

1.10/ "Please excuse me for a while."

1.11/ "Excuse me for a moment," she said and left the room.

1.12/ Excuse me a moment, I'll be with you shortly.

(do) excuse me: say sorry for something you have done by accident

1.13/ Oh, excuse me. I didn't see you there.

1.14/ Did I take your seat? Do excuse me.

excuse me: said before disagreeing with somebody

1.15/ Excuse me, but aren't you forgetting something?

1.16/ Excuse me, but I don't think that's true.

v(t) forgive somebody for something that they have done,
  for example not being polite or making a small mistake

excuse something

2.1/ Please excuse the mess.

2.2/ "Please excuse my mistake."

2.3/ "I should excuse your manner since you are new here."

2.4/ "I will excuse your bad manners this once, if you help me get up,
  you impolite prune."

2.5/ Her boss cannot excuse even the smallest error,
  although he himself is far from perfect.

2.6/ She is almost too kind - always excusing their bad behaviour
  instead of dealing with it firmly.

excuse somebody

2.7/ You must excuse my father - he's not always that rude.

2.8/ "You must excuse me, I've grown quite weary."

excuse somebody for something

2.9/ She had been excused for her actions.

2.10/ We cannot excuse him for these crimes.

2.11/ "As always, excuse me for my poor English."

2.12/ "The headmaster is excused for any wrongdoing."

2.13/ "I do hope you can understand me and excuse me for my wrongdoings."

excuse somebody for doing something

2.14/ "Please excuse me for being late at work."

2.15/ Please excuse me for arriving late - the bus was delayed.

2.16/ You might be excused for thinking that Ben is in charge.

excuse somebody(/somebody's) doing something

2.17/ Excuse me interrupting you.

2.18/ Excuse my interrupting you.

2.19/ "Excuse my using your name." (A Study in Scarlet)

2.20/ If you'll excuse me pointing this out, I think you've made a mistake here.

2.21/ Please excuse my stomach rumbling - I haven't eaten all day.

see also: pardon

v(t) [justify] make your or somebody else's behaviour
  seem less offensive by finding reasons for it

excuse something

3.1/ Nothing can excuse such rudeness.

3.2/ No amount of financial recompense can excuse the way
  in which the company carried out its policy.

3.3/ "Worse, she used her faith to excuse her bad attitude and
  behavior towards Sheldon's closest friends.'

excuse (bad) manners

3.4/ "I don't excuse her bad manners at night."

3.5/ "You are simply trying to excuse your bad manners."

3.6/ "I'll excuse your manners on account of cultural differences."

excuse (bad) behaviour

3.7/ Nothing can excuse that sort of behaviour.

3.8/ "Quit trying to excuse your behaviour."

3.9/ "Your past doesn't excuse your behavior."

3.10/ "Why do we continue to excuse bad behavior?"

3.11/ "It's an explanation, but it doesn't excuse your behavior."

3.12/ "I know you're upset but that doesn't excuse your behaviour."

3.13/ "Are you trying to excuse your behaviour by making an excuse?"

3.14/ "You don't get to use my cancer to excuse your bad behaviour."

3.15/ "When you try to rationalize and excuse your behavior,
  you're just covering up."

3.16/ "Just because you have been through a lot doesn't mean
  that people should excuse your bad behaviour. You are also contributing
  to your own suffering."

excuse (an) addiction

3.17/ "People often excuse an addiction by calling it a habit."

3.18/ "I know at times you have attempted to justify and excuse your addiction."

3.19/ "That doesn't excuse drug addiction, but it helps explain it."

3.20/ "What a very broad and long walk to excuse a gambling addiction."

3.21/ "To enable or excuse alcohol addiction in someone we love
  is to tacitly participate in their sin."

excuse something as something

3.22/ He tried to excuse his behaviour as 'a bit of harmless fun'.

3.23/ "Are we nowadays too willing to excuse bad behaviour as the
  morally-neutral symptom of some newly-defined mental disorder?"

excuse somebody/yourself

3.24/ I could try to excuse myself, but why bother?

3.25/ "I live alone as well and always excuse myself when burping."

excuse somebody(/yourself) for something

3.26/ Should her previous good actions excuse her for the
  terrible things she is doing now?

3.27/ "Duncan's busy trying to excuse her(Donna) for what she did
  or try to understand what motivated her to murder because he
  was close to Donna at one point."

excuse somebody(/yourself) for doing something

3.28/ He excused himself for being late by explaining that
  his flight had been delayed.

3.29/ "It does not excuse the father for keeping the child
  a week or more past the time to return the child."

3.30/ "You might excuse an elderly person for forgetting
  some facts about government or history."

3.31/ I know you are tired, but I really can't excuse you
  for being so rude and selfish about this.

v(t) allow somebody not to do or attend something
  when they normally would have to

4.1/ You are excused - you may go.

4.2/ Now if you'll excuse me, I'm a very busy man.

4.3/ She excused herself and left the meeting early.

4.4/ Will you excuse me? I've got to make a phone call.

excuse somebody from something

4.5/ "Please excuse me from the meeting if I'm late."

4.6/ I'll try to get them to excuse me from the meeting.

4.7/ Please excuse me from the rest of the meeting - I've just
  received a phone call that requires my immediate attention.

4.8/ "I would excuse myself from the party without any drama by
  telling the host I wasn't feeling well or that something came up."

excuse somebody from doing something

4.9/ "I was never short of doctors' notes to excuse me from taking part
  in exercising and was always found sitting on the bench during sports days."

4.10/ "I would make up intolerances, allergies and dietary requirements that
  would excuse me from eating with friends, or at events that had food provided."

be excused from something/doing something

4.11 "She was excused from her duties for the day."

4.12/ "I was excused from school early for a doctor's appointment."

4.13/ "I was excused from military service because of hearing loss."

4.14/ She was excused from giving evidence because of her age.

4.15/ "I was excused from joining her in the dressing room
 when we shopped for her clothes."

be excused something

4.16/ He was excused military service because of poor health.

4.17/ "wWould you be so kind to allow Oswald to be excused the exam today?"

4.18/ "I was excused school the next day because we had been
  all night searching for him. I was exhausted."

see also: be exempted from something

excuse   n(c)   //

a reason, either true or invented, that you give
  to explain or defend your behaviour

5.1/ Late again! What's your excuse this time?

a good excuse

5.2/ I tried desperately to think of a good excuse.

5.3/ "What is a good excuse for being lazy?"

5.4/ He'd better have a good excuse for being late.

5.5/ "What is the coolest excuse for being late to class?"

5.6/ "What is a good excuse for being late for school?"

5.7/ "What is a good excuse for being late to school?"

a lame excuse

5.8/ It sounded a pretty lame excuse.

5.9/ "To blame politicians is a lame excuse."

5.10/ "The one time he did agree to take me for a meal he texted
  at the last minute with another lame excuse."

have an excuse

5.11/ What possible excuse could he have?

5.12/ I've never known him to miss a meeting - I'm sure he'll have an excuse.

5.13/ I know I missed the deadline, but I have an excuse.

5.14/ "I always have an excuse for not working out."

5.15/ "Everybody's tired. Everybody has an excuse. Don't be everybody."

hear an excuse

5.16/ I don't want to hear any more excuses.

5.17/ "I don't want to hear your stupid excuse."

5.18/ "If they want to be deceptive, then you will hear excuses
  after excuses, uncertainty after uncertainty."

make up an excuse, cook up an excuse

5.19/ I was trying to make up a good excuse for being late.

5.20/ "She made up an excuse for being late to the meeting."

5.21/ I had to cook up an excuse about my car breaking down.

an excuse for something/doing something

5.22/ There's no excuse for such behaviour.

5.23/ "I make an excuse for slacking off."

5.24/ They noted that she had a valid excuse for the administrative error.

5.25/ He's run out of excuses for not cleaning his room.

5.26/ "Do you think hard-working professionals need to offer up
  an excuse for being late to work?"

5.27/ Don't let perfectionism become an excuse for never getting started.

no excuse for something/doing something

5.28/ He had no excuse for being so late.

5.29/ There's no excuse for that sort of behaviour.

5.30/ "There is no excuse for committing a crime."

an excuse about something

5.31/ She made some feeble excuse about the car having broken down.

5.32/ "He didn't do his homework so he makes up an excuse about
  his dog eating his homework."

an excuse to do something

5.33/ I seized on every excuse to avoid doing the work.

5.34/ "They may use depression as a crutch or an excuse to behave badly."

5.35/ "Should mental illness be an excuse to commit a crime?"

make excuses for somebody/something

5.36/ You don't have to make excuses for her.

5.37/ You're always making excuses for not helping me.

make your excuses

5.38/ Please make my excuses at the meeting on Friday.

5.39/ It's late. I'm afraid I'll have to make my excuses.

n(c) a good reason that you give for doing something
  that you want to do for other reasons

6.1/ Any excuse for a holiday!

6.2/ Eating ice cream for a sore throat isn't really a cure,
  but I like it, so any excuse!

an excuse for something

6.3/ It's just an excuse for a party.

6.4/ "We need an excuse for a special treat."

6.5/ "Diet is an excuse for lousy eating habits."

an excuse for doing something

6.6/ Any occasion is a good excuse for having a barbecue.

6.7/ She had to find a valid excuse for leaving the room.

6.8/ The children provided a convenient excuse for missing the party.

an excuse to do something

6.9/ It gave me an excuse to take the car.

6.10/ "Drawing is just an excuse to see you."

6.11/ "These sisters take advantage of any excuse to match."

6.12/ He tried unsuccessfully to find an excuse to leave.

6.13/ She was just looking for an excuse to call him.

6.14/ "He wants to know if you still like him and is making
  an excuse to see you again."

6.15/ Her mother's illness provided her with an excuse to stay at home.

be used as an excuse (to do something)

6.16/ The demonstration was used as an excuse to impose martial law.

6.17/ "I'm going to use my dog's birthday as an excuse to
  hold a party from now on."

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inherit   v(i,t)   //

receive money, property, etc from somebody when they die

1.1/ All her children will inherit equally.

inherit something

1.2/ Who will inherit the house when he dies?

1.3/ She will inherit her father's estate when she is 21.

1.4/ Would you quit your job if you inherited lots of money?

1.5/ "From the time I inherited billions of dollars."

1.6/ He inherited the family business, but he had
  little interest in it and soon sold it.

1.7/ The chief's son would inherit all his lands and rights.

1.8/ "King Charles inherited $500 million in assets after
  the Queen's death, but that's just a fraction of his wealth."

1.9/ "After Prince Philip died in 2021, Charles inherited
  the title of Duke of Edinburgh."

1.10/ "Who would have inherited the crown if Charles had refused it?"

1.11/ In 1651, Anne Douglas, née Hamilton, inherited the Dukedom of Hamilton
  which was passed to her son."

1.12/ "I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things
  will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Mark 16:15)

inherit something from somebody

1.13/ She inherited a fortune from her father.

1.14/ She inherited a fortune from her grandmother.

1.15/ She inherited some money from her mother.

1.16/ "Queen Mary inherited the title from her uncle James."

1.17/ "You inherited billions of dollars from a man you don't even know."

1.18/ "Charlemagne inherited the kingdom from his father, Pippin the Short,
  and became the sole ruler of the Frankish empire."

inherit nothing (from somebody)

1.19/ "My kids inherited nothing from their father because he left nothing."

1.20/ "I know you inherited nothing from your parents but never
  let your children start their independent lives from scratch."

stand to inherit (something): be likely to inherit (something)

1.21/ Does he know that she stands to inherit?

1.22/ He stood to inherit property worth over five million.

1.23/ "As the heir to the throne, William stands to inherit
  the enormous wealth of the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate
  that finances the King's successor's activities."

n(c,u) inheritance tax

1.24/ "How does Harry sidestep inheritance tax?"

1.25/ "In Nebraska in 2018, a parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or other
  lineal descendants (including adopted children) paid an inheritance tax
  of 1% on assets exceeding $40,000."

1.26/ "Current UK regulations only slap inheritance tax on a trust
  if it's set up within seven years of the benefactor’s death.
  Since the Queen Mother passed away in 2002, the trust falls safely
  outside that window. Had she died sooner, HMRC could have cashed in
  with up to £7.47 million."

see also: pass something (down) to somebody, a benefactor, a beneficiary

v(t) have qualities, physical features, etc that are similar
  to those of your parents, grandparents, etc

inherit something

2.1/ He has inherited his mother's patience.

2.2/ "This gentleman inherited his father's nose."

2.3/ How many of these traits are genetically inherited?

inherit somebody's something

2.4/ "I have inherited my father's bulk."

2.5/ "I inherited my father's height and physical appearance,"

2.6/ "Children often inherit their parents' body shape, including factors
  such as height and weight distribution."

inherit something from somebody

2.7/ Rosie inherited her red hair from her mother.

2.8/ "I inherited red hair from my grandmother."

2.9/ She inherited a passion for music from her grandfather.

adj(before noun) inherited

2.10/ Is this an inherited disease?

2.11/ "How is an inherited disease passed down from parents to their children?"

2.12/ "Hemophilia is an inherited disease, most commonly affecting males,
  that is characterized by a deficiency in blood clotting."

2.13/ "Eye colour in humans is an inherited trait." (see also: an acquired trait)

2.14/ "Inherited characteristics are those that are genetically determined."

2.15/ "In humans, eye color is an example of an inherited characteristic."

see also: take after somebody, resemble somebody/something, n(u) heredity

v(t) begin to have responsibility for a problem or situation that
  previously existed or belonged to another person

inherit something from somebody

3.1/ "India inherited a broken country from the British in 1947
  with a GDP a fraction of Britain's."

3.2/ "In 2006 when our government stopped, we inherited a broken country
  - devastated by war, people displaced, infrastructure broken,
  institutions dysfunctional - but we said that we were going to
  make Liberia rise again."

3.3/ The report showed that he inherited a $5.6 million revenue shortfall
  when he took over the department.

3.4/ When I took on the job of manager, I inherited certain financial problems.

inherit something from somebody

3.5/ "I inherited a mess from the Obama and Biden years."

3.6/ I inherited a number of problems from my predecessor.

3.7/ When he took office, he inherited a deficit budget
  from the previous administration.

---

discuss   v(t)   //

talk about something with somebody, esp in order to decide something

discuss something with somebody

1.1/ Have you discussed the problem with anyone?

1.2/ "Where can I discuss my work with people?"

1.3/ "I have decided to discuss with my advisor our mentorship dynamics."

1.4/ "Discuss your appraisal with an assessor."

1.5/ "We can discuss your appraisal with you to answer any
  questions or concerns you may have."

1.6/ "I want to discuss my next month's work schedule with my manager."

1.7/ I wouldn't accept the job without discussing it with my family first.

1.8/ The police want to discuss these recent racist attacks with local people.

1.9/ Pupils should be given time to discuss the book with their classmates.

discuss a matter (with somebody)

1.10/ "I don't want to discuss the matter here."

1.11/ "I have discussed the matter with your staff,
  and I wanted a precise undertaking from you."

1.12/ I'd like to discuss this matter with you later.

discuss an issue (with somebody)

1.13/ "We will discuss this issue later."

1.14/ If we can get around the table to discuss the issue, maybe
  we can sort it out without the necessity for further court action."

discuss an topic (with somebody)

1.15/ "I will discuss the topic with my supervisor from the university
  and will let you know tomorrow what we established."

1.16/ "In order to attempt to adequately discuss the topic with
  my team members, I have pulled together an extensive good listening
  skills list from many sources over time. "

1.17/ "If you have doubts about the subject, discuss the topic with
  your husband and adapt your habits to accommodate your children."

discuss a plan/proposal (with somebody)

1.18/ "I discuss my plan with my husband and communicate to him
  what I need in order to achieve each goal."

1.19/ "I look forward to discussing the proposal with you tomorrow."

discuss a question

1.20/ We'd never discussed the question of having children.

1.21/ "Each group will discuss a question about the myth
  and present their conclusions to the class."

discuss a problem

1.22/ I suggested going out for a drink to discuss the problem.

1.23/ An online forum can be used to post information,
  exchange ideas and discuss problems.

discuss the details (of something)

1.24/ We can discuss the details later.

1.25/ Let's get together soon to discuss the details of the trip.

discuss something

1.26/ The panel discussed all the shortlisted entries.

1.27/ "Can we have a meeting to discuss my work schedule?"

1.28/ "They met to discuss the possibility of working together."

1.29/ Government officials were seriously discussing the possibility of war.

1.30/ They held a three-hour meeting to discuss the situation.

1.31/ He met the chairman of Nuclear Electric to discuss
  the future of the nuclear generating industry.

discuss something in person

1.32/ "Include an offer to discuss the matter in person."

1.33/ "If they want to discuss the matter in person, what harm could that do?"

discuss something on the phone

1.34/ I'm not prepared to discuss this on the phone.

1.35/ "I always take the time to discuss the trip on the phone
  before taking a deposit."

discuss something in front of somebody

1.36/ Littman refused to discuss the case publicly.

1.37/ Some students don't feel comfortable discussing
  these issues in front of their peers.

1.38/ "In a hospital, doctors have always discussed my condition
  and treatment in front of me."

discuss something behind somebody's back

1.39/ "Do you find it funny to discuss my private life behind my back?"

1.40/ "My paranoia is telling me I'm am being pushed out,
  or am being discussed behind my back."

discuss doing something

1.41/ We briefly discussed buying a second car.

1.42/ "Did you discuss getting a new job in a different state
  with her before receiving the offer?"

discuss somebody doing something

1.43/ They discussed the whole family possibly travelling together.

1.44/ "Get in touch to discuss us visiting your school to run
  this session in your playground!"

1.45/ "Last night, we discussed him leaving the profession that he was called to do."

1.46/ She met with her coach to discuss her getting back into training.

discuss somebody's doing something

1.47/ "Neish and I discuss my turning 40."

1.48/ "I went to HR to discuss my quitting and how and when to go about it."

discuss + wh-clause

1.49/ We need to discuss when we should go.

1.50/ "We need to discuss what groceries get shared and what don't."

1.51/ "Instead of more data perhaps we should discuss why
  we keep ignoring the data we have."

1.52/ "Our task this year was to discuss where we are going from here."

1.53/ "We can discuss who I should talk to and you can help me to plan that."

1.54/ Ralph called a meeting to discuss how they should respond to the offer.

1.55/ "Upon their return to camp, I meet with the trip leaders of each trip
  to discuss how the trip went from a technical and a social emotional perspective."

1.56/ Your accountant will discuss with you how to complete these forms.

1.57/ "Your group has been asked to discuss whether Hongkongers
  could benefit from working in Shenzhen."

according to what is discussed

1.58/ "The rest will act according to what was discussed last time."

1.59/ "Add a weekly hour limit according to what is discussed with the client."

as discussed

1.60/ We will send you an invoice as discussed.

1.61/ "I went there as discussed, and I saw that there were at least
  four buses filled with other young boys like me, all being taken
  for the junior casting of the commercial," Butt explained.

see also: talk about something, v(i,t) debate

v(t) write or talk about something in detail,
  showing the different ideas and opinions about it

discuss something

2.1/ The author discusses the economic impact of these changes.

2.2/ The later chapters discuss the effects on the environment.

2.3/ We've debated and discussed terrorism, war and politics.

discuss a matter/a topic/an issue

2.4/ "The issues surrounding climate change were discussed
  in depth at the UN Conference."

2.5/ "The 3+3 meeting will discuss the issue of creating
  regional transport corridors."

2.6/ "The delegation hoped to discuss the issue with relevant
  non-governmental organizations immediately following the meeting."

2.7/ This topic will be discussed in Chapter 4.

2.8/ This topic will be discussed at greater length in the next chapter.

discuss a plan/proposal

2.9/ The proposals have been widely discussed in the media.

2.10/ "Answering further questions on the matter, Chan says
  the government will discuss the plan with relevant operators,
  and aim to roll out the scheme by summer."

discuss + wh-clause

2.11/ This booklet discusses how to invest money wisely.

2.12/ "Additionally, the presentation will discuss how to foster
  a data governance ecosystem, providing an overview of the current state of
  AI in China, including computing power, algorithms, data, and networks."

according to what is discussed

2.13/ "The same explanation, according to what was discussed before,
  before they sailed, aboard the Brazilian and Chilean training ships
  which left here for Yokohama on Saturday, applies in the case of
  the supposed airship over these contiguous waters Saturday evening."

2.14/ "According to Woodhead and according to what has been discussed
  in class lectures, Christian leaders decided upon the content of
  the Bible in the fourth century."

2.15/ "My presentation discusses what conservation photography is,
  and I provide tips on how to use your wildlife images
  for conservation purposes."

(in an essay question)

2.16/ The novel's main theme is 'You reap what you sow'. Discuss.

see also: explain, elaborate, illustrate, demonstrate

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stroll   v(i)   //

walk somewhere in a slow relaxed way

1.1/ "To get familiar with the property I stroll here and there."

stroll in a place

1.2/ An elderly couple strolled hand in hand in the park.

1.3/ "We strolled in the museum for nearly two hours."

1.4/ "When the three penguins strolled in the museum, they would
  stop and look at the collection, just like most human tourists."

stroll along (somewhere)

1.5/ We could stroll along the beach after dinner.

1.6/ People were strolling along the beach.

1.7/ We were strolling along, laughing and joking.

1.8/ "We strolled along the promenade together."

stroll through somewhere

1.9/ I strolled through the market stalls, stopping occasionally.

1.10/ "Before the assault, this guy strolled through the market
  asking shopkeepers about you."

stroll down (a street)

1.11/ They strolled down to the canal.

1.12/ "Tom strolled down the street."

1.13/ The two girls strolled arm-in-arm down John Street.

stroll up (a hill)

1.14/ "As we alighted, an officer I recognized from
  the command center strolled up to us."

1.15/ "He had broken out of Gray's churchyard and strolled up the hill."

1.16/ "For Hillary's birthday, we strolled up the mountain
  and skied most of the hill."

stroll around (somewhere)

1.17/ He got out of the car and strolled around to
  the passenger side to let out his friend.

1.18/ We drove to Penrhyn Castle, and strolled around the beautiful gardens there.

1.19/ "During the summer months, as I strolled around the city center,
  I took pictures of the private gardens."

stroll over (somewhere)

1.19/ He strolled over to where Sue was sitting.

1.20/ "As she strolled over the city streets her plan was already working."

[enter] stroll in (somewhere), stroll into somewhere

1.21/ She spun round as he strolled into view behind her.

1.22/ We can't have students strolling in whenever they feel like it.

1.23/ "Clinton and Chelsea strolled in the gallery at about 8:30 a.m.,
  while art fans waited on the frigid sidewalk - some got in line before dawn
  - to get free one-day passes to the wildly popular exhibit."

stroll out (of somewhere)

1.24/ "I strolled out in a dress today and froze to my teeth."

1.25/ "I stroll out to buy some books about contemporary Nepal."

1.26/ "We strolled out on to the tarmac and saw a rival company's machine take off."

1.27/ "I didn't recognize the risk when I first strolled out of Home Depot
  with several eight-foot cedar boards and posts over my shoulder."

stroll across (somewhere)

1.28/ He spotted her immediately and strolled across to talk to her.

1.29/ "I strolled across to the throng of travelers debating Bored of the Rings."

1.30/ "That afternoon I strolled across the river to Les Abattoirs."

1.31/ "They just stroll across the road with the air that the traffic
  will stop for them, complete main character syndrome."

1.32/ "Strolling across the bridge, as the sun poured its golden words
  into the sky, I realized every sunset is beautiful, but none compares
  to the ones I spent by your side."

see also: walk, wander, ramble, amble

stroll   n(c)   //

a slow relaxed walk

2.1/ How about a stroll in the park?

2.2/ The beach is a leisurely ten-minute stroll away.

2.3/ Walkers will love gentle strolls along well-signposted clifftop paths.

on a stroll

2.4/ We spotted the pair on a very romantic stroll in North London.

2.5/ "On my stroll to Carolina Panthers stadium, I was fortunate
  enough to cross paths with Dream Drill Team."

2.6/ "The vibrant autumn colors on our stroll to New Lanark
  were simply breathtaking."

a stroll from A to B

2.7/ "Our new home is just a stroll from the beach."

2.8/ "Join me, if you will, on a stroll to the church
  of St Mary, in Avington, Hampshire."

2.9/ "We went for a stroll from home to Shatin."

2.10/ "The day started with a stroll from school to the ferry terminal
  in the town via the prom."

2.11/ "After assembled, me and the little one went for a stroll
  from home to a nearby park with the trike."

a stroll along somewhere

2.12/ "Pack a picnic and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront."

2.13/ "We finished a complete stroll along the MacLehose Trail /'mæk.lə.həʊz/
  in thirty-five hours."

go for a stroll

2.14/ We went for a stroll in the park.

2.15/ "Ducklings go for a stroll to visit bagel store."

2.16/ After dinner, we went for a stroll along the beach.

2.17/ "I went for a short stroll downtown this afternoon."

2.18/ "Focus on your peripheral vision and go for a long stroll through the city."

2.19/ "Everyone is full. Time to go for a long stroll. Any suggestions?"

take a stroll

2.20/ They took a leisurely stroll along the river bank.

2.21/ "Took an amazing stroll to see Dr. King's home. This is truly a must-see."

2.22/ "It's always pleasant to take a stroll around Summerset on a sunny day."

have a stroll (= take a stroll)

2.23/ "A beautiful morning to have a stroll along the beach,
  enjoying the sun and atmosphere!"

2.24/ "We had a stroll together around the woods and
  chatted away as we took the photos;"

see also: a walk, a trip

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stroller     //   PICTURE

[also: pushchair] a small folding chair on wheels that
  a baby or small child sits in and is pushed around in

1.1/ "How do you store your stroller indoors?"

sit in a stroller

1.2/ "My baby sits in the stroller."

1.3/ "An orange cat sits in a stroller with its friend."

1.4/ "A little girl sits in a stroller and squinted her eyes
  in joy at a walk in the park."

1.5/ "A 22-year-old mother was fatally stabbed overnight in Brooklyn
  while her 9-month-old baby sat in a stroller nearby."

stay in a stroller

1.6/ "My daughter won't stay in her stroller."

1.7/ "She will stay calm in her stroller next to me."

1.8/ "She told Bild in a recent interview about her relationship
  with her daughter, remarking that the toddler stays in a stroller
  by her side at all times, even when she's on the court."

sleep in a stroller

1.9/ "While the parents ate, the baby slept in her stroller."

put a baby in a stroller

1.10/ "I put the panda in my shopper, put my kid in a stroller
  and went to the hospital."

1.11/ "Most people only put their dogs in strollers if they
  are not able to walk very far."

a stroller carries a baby

1.12/ "The Shell Stroller can carry two babies at a time."

1.13/ "Most prams and stroller can carry a baby or child weighing up to 9kg."

push a stroller

1.14/ "All the parent needs to do is push the stroller from behind."

1.15/ "Once you lock the brakes, push the stroller gently to
  make sure the brakes are properly locked."

1.16/ "The holiday hustle and bustle surrounded us, as I pushed
  my baby's stroller through the crowded stores, and tried to make sure
  none of the children wandered too far off."

fold a stroller

1.17/ "I have been struggling to fold my baby's stroller."

1.18/ "I am unable to figure out how to fold my baby's stroller."

1.19/ "I have to fold the stroller before getting on the bus."

1.20/ "You'll also probably want to be able to fit a folded stroller in the trunk."

a double stroller

1.21/ "A double stroller carries two kids at once."

1.22/ "Is it a good idea to buy a double stroller for your first baby,
  just in case you have another baby in a couple of years?"

1.23/ "A double stroller isn't convenient in Paris, not only in buses
  but also on sidewalks which are narrow in many streets and
  encumbered by other objects."

a safety harness

1.24/ "Secure your baby using the stroller's harness."

1.25/ "Always use the safety harness when your child is in the stroller."

1.26/ "Always wear the stroller's safety harness and adjust it
  snugly around your child."

1.27/ "A five-point harness is crucial as it secures the baby at the shoulders,
  hips, and between the legs, preventing them from slipping or standing."

1.28/ "My baby's stroller and car seat both have a 5-point harness.
  I buckle him in every single time, because I want him to be safe."

1.29/ "The stroller harness is made of high quality neoprene,
  very soft for sensitive skin and comfortable to wear."

strap/harness a baby in a stroller

1.30/ "I strapped my baby in the stroller."

1.31/ "I cannot rave enough about how good it feels to strap my baby
  in the stroller knowing that he is tucked in nice and cozy from the winter air!"

1.32/ "How do I properly harness my baby in the 180 reversible stroller?"

strap a baby in

1.33/ "I still strap my 4-year-old in if he's in the pushchair."

1.34/ "Do you strap your baby in while they're in the stroller?"

see also: a pram, a carrycot, a rocker

n(c) a person who is enjoying a slow relaxed walk

2.1/ The street was crowded with evening strollers.

2.2/ "Morning strollers were enjoying the early morning cool weather
  near Assi Ghat in Varanasi, India."

2.3/ "A few Sunday strollers pass by, pleased with themselves to have
  spent their afternoon out in a beautiful park, breathing fresh ocean air,
  walking in nature's realm, surrounded by the beauty of the mountain's
  uniquely tight and tangled blanket of marine chaparral."

2.4/ "Despite the wintry weather, the streets were full of holiday strollers
  - men, women, and children resplendent in their Easter finery."

see also: a walker, a dog walker, a passer-by, a pedestrian

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pancake   n(c)   //   PICTURE

a pancake is a thin, flat, circular piece of
  cooked batter made from milk, flour and egg

1/ "I take a bite out of a pancake."

2/ Do you want a sweet pancake or a savoury one?

3/ "Pancakes are an easy food for babies and can be
  a terrific, mess-free snack on the go."

4/ "On Shrove Tuesday, it is traditional to make pancakes to eat.
  Sometimes they can be eaten with sugar and lemon;
  other people like them with syrup or jam."

have pancakes for breakfast/lunch/dinner

5/ "Is it okay to have pancakes for dinner?"

6/ "I literally have pancakes for breakfast every day."

7/ "I eat pancakes for lunch up to three times a week."

8/ "I want a girl who sleeps in on Sundays and loves to have pancakes for lunch."

serve pancakes (with something)

9/ "If you didn't already know we serve pancakes ALL DAY!"

10/ "We always served pancakes with a side of whipped butter."

11/ "To keep cholesterol low, serve pancakes with margarine that
  has liquid corn oil listed as the first ingredient on the label."

gluten-free pancakes

12/ "I have gluten-free pancakes and bacon on my plate."

13/ "I have gluten-free pancakes topped with banana and syrup."

a pancake recipe

14/ "This homemade pancake recipe starts with all-purpose flour."

15/ "Pancakes make a perfect start to any weekend. We offer
  ingredient substitutes so that our pancake recipe can be enjoyed
  by all regardless of dietary needs."

16/ "This pancake recipe produces thick, fluffy, and all-around
  delicious pancakes with just a few ingredients that are probably
  already in your kitchen (and it's so much better than the boxed stuff)."

pancake ingredients

17/ "You'll need just three ingredients: plain flour, one egg, and milk."

18/ "Pancakes can be made with most flours: white or wholemeal, oat flour,
  rice flour or buckwheat. For a gluten free option, you can use gluten-free flour
  or even nut or rice flour."

19/ "Most pancakes contain egg, but not all. You can use
  egg substitutes for a vegan alternative."

pancake toppings

20/ "Whether you love savory pancake toppings, sweet pancake toppings,
  or a little of both, here's what you should put on your pancakes."

21/ "Lemon juice and sugar are traditional toppings, but try
  a sugar alternative, such as a low-calorie granulated sweetener instead,
  with a squeeze of fresh orange."

pancakes with syrup

22/ "Pancakes with maple syrup are the perfect breakfast treat
  for anyone with a sweet tooth."

23/ "Pancakes with syrup are sweet and among the most delicious
  options on McDonald's breakfast menu."

24/ "Folks with diabetes can enjoy pancakes with syrup and eggs,
  but it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes and choices."

put/smear butter on a pancake

25/ "A lot of people put butter on pancakes."

26/ "Why do restaurants put a square of butter on pancakes?"

27/ "Flaunting newly learned cooking skills on her Instagram story,
  Priyanka Chopra shared a glimpse with fans on how she smears butter
  like a perfect cook on pancakes."

smear a pancake with something

28/ "Smear pancakes with the paste and top with sliced banana."

29/ "If desired, you can smear pancakes with butter."

pour syrup on a pancake

30/ He poured the maple syrup on his stack of pancakes.

31/ "If you pour syrup on a pancake, it very easily spreads horizontally
  but needs a long time to sink into the pancake."

32/ "I don't pour syrup on pancakes. I don't like them to get soggy,
  so I pour it in a little bowl and dip."

nibble a pancake

33/ "He chuckled as she managed to slowly nibble and swallow the whole pancake."

34/ "If only I had enough energy to nibble a pancake and some Canadian bacon!"

35/ "On the terrace or in the pleasant dining room, you can nibble a pancake
  and sip a hot drink, as a daytime activity, or try the prawn braid
  with detox sauce, à la brune."

cut a pancake (into something)

36/ "What is the best way to cut pancakes for my baby?"

37/ "I prefer cutting one slice from a pancake at a time."

38/ "Cut a pancake into strips for baby. Serve with a dollop of yogurt
  or some extra berries."

39/ "Cut pancakes into strips about the size of two adult fingers pressed
  together, then hold a strip in the air and let baby grab it from you."

reheat/bake/microwave pancakes

40/ You can reheat frozen pancakes in the oven.

41/ "My recipe for Sheet Pan Pancakes will teach you how to
  bake pancakes in the oven for busy school mornings."

42/ "If you're in a hurry, you can microwave frozen pancakes for 20 seconds
  for one pancake or 60 seconds for five pancakes (or until hot). Be careful not
  to microwave longer than necessary so they don't become tough."

tray bake pancakes

43/ "Forget the frying pan: Aussies are now making their pancakes in a tray!"

44/ "Tray bake pancakes are super simple and you don’t need to be
  standing at the stove flipping every two minutes."

a piece of a pancake

45/ "You can eat a piece of a pancake after you cut it or tear off a piece."

46/ "I only had a piece of a pancake because they were a bit fattening for me."

47/ "I had to declare the apple sauce pancake as my winner.
  Forks with pieces of a pancake on them."

48/ "I am the moron who cut a pancake into pieces that were
  way too small to be tolerated."

49/ "Mary Kate Phillips performed CPR on her neighbor, Brooke Baumann,
  who had a piece of a pancake stuck in her airway one morning earlier
  this month, the report states."

a stack of pancakes

50/ "Suppose we are given a stack of five pancakes on Day 1."

51/ "They're a great breakfast or brunch recipe! A stack of
  five pancakes topped with butter and maple syrup."

52/ "Nothing too elaborate: eggs benedict, say, or even
  a simple but perfectly made stack of pancakes."

53/ "Use knife and fork to cut the stack of pancakes into 12 equal wedges,
  and then cut each wedge in two, creating triangular and oblong stacks."

54/ "The meal usually starts with a bowl of steaming pinhead porridge
  topped with poached pink rhubarb, and stretches through the day to
  a stack of pancakes and bacon before bed.

Pancake Day

55/ "Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day is the traditional day to eat
  pancakes in the UK, but they’re quick and easy to make anytime."

see also: n(u) syrup, n(u) butter, n(u) margarine,
  n(c,u) topping, n(c) a crepe /krep/

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expose   v(t)   //

show something that is usually hidden

expose something

1.1/ Miles of sand are exposed at low tide.

1.2/ He smiled suddenly, exposing a set of amazingly white teeth.

1.3/ She lifted her chin to expose a small scar on her neck.

1.4/ The plaster on the walls has been removed to expose
  the original bricks underneath.

1.5/ He was outclassed by an Aston Villa side that cruelly exposed his lack of pace.

1.6/ He damaged his leg so badly in the accident that the bone was exposed.

expose the truth

1.7/ My job as a journalist is to expose the truth.

1.8/ "From the beginning, Waller County officials have failed to
  expose the truth about what happened to Sandra."

expose underwear

1.9/ "I saw she expose her underwear when she left her seat."

1.10/ "I deliberately exposed my underwear to get Bill Clinton's attention."

1.11/ "She accidentally exposes underwear to the nation during the live show."

1.12/ "If the skirt on the dress was too long, it would get dirty;
  if it was too short, the skirt would expose her underwear when she ran."

1.13/ "It's when you expose your underwear to the public when
  you're bending over to pick something up."

expose a secret

1.14/ "Who exposed my secret of being a Daoist?"

1.15/ "I accidentally exposed her secret to the entire school."

1.16/ "We are determined to expose the secret of life from each cell in our body."

1.17/ "I will expose the top secret of affiliate marketing."

expose something to somebody

1.18/ He did not want to expose his fears and insecurity to anyone.

1.19/ "Women are not allowed to expose their faces to men other than their
  husband and minors belonging to their family."

expose something to sunlight

1.20/ "I barely even expose my face to sunlight when I go out."

1.21/ "When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol."

1.22/ "I can't expose my skin to sunlight because of medication."

1.23/ "I am very sensitive to the sun and I can't expose my skin to sunlight."

1.24/ "I really miss summer in the wintertime, but I don't want to
  expose my skin to UV light to feel bit less depressed."

[an offensive act] expose yourself

1.25/ "A pervert exposed himself on a train."

1.26/ "Yesterday, a man exposed himself to me in the subway."

1.27/ "A man exposed himself to me a week ago and I can't deal with
  all the emotions, questions, fear and anger."

1.28/ "A pervert exposed himself to schoolgirls on three occasions
  after he drove up next to them in his car while performing a sex act."

see also: reveal, disclose, unravel, unfold, divulge, make something known

v(t) tell the true facts about a person or a situation,
  and show them/it to be dishonest, illegal, etc

expose somebody/something

2.1/ The film exposes the utter horror of war.

2.2/ "Jiang Li exposed the crime her stepmom had committed."

2.3/ He threatened to expose the racism that existed within the police force.

2.4/ "Poppy weighs having Eva on her podcast to help expose the suspect."

expose a scandal

2.5/ "He had the courage to expose the scandal."

2.6/ "The Washington Post exposed the Watergate scandal to the public
  to fight for freedom of speech and the press."

expose a weakness

2.7/ "I do not want to expose my weakness in maths."

2.8/ The report clearly exposes the weakness of the government's economic policy.

2.9/ The report exposes the weaknesses of modern medical practice.

2.10/ "Signed up for this race to expose a weakness of mine, long distance running."

2.11/ "It really exposed my weakness of handling multiple enemies."

2.12/ "My mock trial experience exposed my weakness of inspiring a shared vision."

2.13/ "With experience, you will also learn how to not expose
  your weakness in the first place."

expose somebody/something as something

2.14/ She was exposed as a liar and a fraud.

2.15/ The DNA evidence exposed the suspect as the perpetrator of the crime.

2.16/ "Before and after he was exposed as a paedophile /'pi:.də.faɪl/,
  he loved to mingle with the world's elite."

v(t) put somebody/something in a place or situation where
  they are not protected from something harmful or unpleasant

expose somebody/something

3.1/ This tactic allowed the rebels to attack without the risk
  of exposing themselves.

3.2/ "This fact sheet provides information to help you understand
  monkeypox symptoms, how it spreads, and what to do to prevent spread
  once you are exposed."

3.3/ "Wear a mask indoors when around them for five days
  after you were exposed."

expose somebody/something to something

3.4/ Do not expose babies to strong sunlight.

3.5/ These drawings must not be exposed to the air.

3.6/ The roof collapsed, exposing the timbers to the elements.

3.7/ "Why You Should Expose Your Kids To Danger To Keep Them Safe"

3.8/ The general public is constantly exposed to radiation.

3.9/ "The clogging of the drainage systems in your home can expose
  the house flooring, fixtures, and walls to extensive water damage."

3.10/ "More than a third of the world's population is exposed to flooding,"

3.11/ "Over two million soldiers were exposed to the toxic chemical
  agent orange during the Vietnam War."

expose somebody(/something) to harm/danger

3.12/ "Living donors expose themselves to harm to benefit other."

3.13/ "The soldiers exposed themselves to unnecessary danger
  and were disciplined accordingly."

be exposed to disease/infection

3.14/ "Your occupation may also expose you to infection."

3.15/ "Some professions involve a strong presumption that the employee
  was exposed to an infection at work."

3.16/ "An individual was exposed to a contagious disease
  but did not become infected."

3.17/ "Healthcare workers are exposed to disease on a daily basis
  and require close contact with others."

3.18/ "This product may expose you to cancers, birth defects or other
  reproductive hazards known to the state of California Chemical substances."

3.19/ "All household members should also be vaccinated to reduce
  the chances of your child being exposed to influenza."

be exposed to COVID-19 (/ SARS/ AIDS)

3.20/ "What should I do if I have been exposed to COVID-19?"

3.21/ "Persons who have been exposed to SARS and who have SARS-like
  symptoms should not go to work, school, church, or other public areas."

3.22/ "Both factors fueled the public's fear of being exposed to AIDS."

3.23/ "If you think you were recently exposed to HIV, talk to your
  health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away."

be exposed to a risk

3.24/ "Patients are still exposed to a risk of severe hepatitis."

3.25/ "70% of the global workforce are exposed to health risks
  from climate change."

3.26/ "Expose yourself to risks where you expect to get a return
  high enough to compensate you for the risk taking."

3.27/ "It seems that over the past 20 years, countries and regions
  have been increasingly exposed to uncertain risks and shocks."

3.28/ You could be exposing yourself to unnecessary risks when driving alone.

v(t) expose somebody to something:
  let somebody find out about something by giving them experience
  of it or showing them what it is like

4.1/ "Dutch kids are exposed to English very early in life."

4.2/ We want to expose the kids to as much art and culture as possible.

4.3/ "It was quite fancy those days to be exposed to a foreign country,
  considering I came to the U.K. a couple of decades ago for my education."

4.4/ "While all investment is exposed to uncertainty, FDI is found
  to be more sensitive than domestic investment."

4.5/ "Today there are only a handful of countries and cultures
  that have not been exposed to tourism or felt its impacts."

be exposed to a culture

4.6/ "Culture shock is a transitional phase that many people
  experience when exposed to a new culture."

4.7/ "I was exposed to a brand new culture or rather a variety
  of cultures while living in England. The education system was more
  self-negotiated and not classical spoon feeding."

4.8/ "Living in a different country exposes you to new cultures, traditions,
  and languages, fostering a broader perspective of the world. This firsthand
  experience can enhance your understanding and appreciation of diversity."

be exposed to the world

4.9/ "How can I be more exposed to the world?"

4.10/ "Do you think kids should be more or less exposed to the world?"

4.11/ "You need to love what you are currently doing, you will be able
  to build experience and get exposed to the business world, and that in itself
  is an excellent opportunity in your career."

be exposed to the unknown

4.12/ "For me, freedom in this respect has to do with being exposed
  to the unknown, being ready to get into a process of becoming
  without knowing where it will take you."

4.13/ "She becomes exposed to the unknown world beyond her experience."

4.14/ "Think about how much your personal data is exposed to the unknown world."

4.15/ "You're exposed to an unknown world, an unknown team,
  and you don't know who you're going to work with."

be exposed to a scenario

4.16/ "In one of Stern's experiments, participants were exposed to
  a scenario that involved two students arguing in a classroom setting
  until one of the students drew a revolver."

4.17/ "The student/trainee is exposed to the scenario that is close to
  having a real patient and learn the limitations or difficulties
  when in a clinical setting."

be exposed to a situation

4.18/ "Bigg Boss was the first time I was exposed to a situation
  where I had to only speak in Hindi."

4.19/ "If you have been exposed to a situation which you have
  felt the need to protect yourself or defend what you feel is right,
  know that this is now coming to an end."

4.20/ "Through the use of various systematic techniques, a person is
  gradually exposed to the situation that causes them distress."

be exposed to a challenge

4.21/ "As I became a woman in my 40s I was exposed to a new challenge
  - reporting to a succession of significantly younger women."

4.22/ "“Like the immune system, children must be exposed to challenges
  and stressors (within limits and in age-appropriate ways), or they will
  fail to mature into strong and capable adults who can engage productively
  with people and ideas that challenge their beliefs and moral convictions."

see also: v(t) experience

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flip-flops   n(plural)   //   PICTURE

[shoes] (singular: a flip-flop)

1/ "My flip-flops are worn out now."

2/ "Generally, flip-flops are too casual for a job interview."

3/ "After work I put on flip flops, since my feet get sore
  from wearing heels all day."

4/ "I have an average width foot but I find that some flip flops are loose."

a pair of flip-flops

5/ "I used to buy a new pair of flip-flops every year.
  Now I buy a pair of these once a decade."

6/ "With a quick trip to Woolworth's, I could buy a new pair
  of flip-flops for less than $1.00."

flip-flops in a size

7/ "Please help me find a new pair of black Flojos flip-flops in size 7."

8/ "I was pretty happy to find a pair of flip-flops in size 44.5 EU or 11.5 US."

9/ "Peter, a size 14, made attempts to fit into the size 7 flip-flops."

the strap of a flip-flop

10/ "The strap of my flip-flop broke when I was out to
  get breakfast this morning."

11/ "After all, who hasn't had a summer mishap in which the strap
  of a flip-flop pops clean out of the shoe at an inopportune moment,
  bringing a halt to an otherwise fun summer evening?"

12/ "I almost sprinted towards the bar and just as I was about
  three feet away, the strap of my flip flop snapped off."

wear flip-flops (to somewhere)

13/ "It is perfectly fine to wear flip-flops at home all the time."

14/ "Is it considered rude to wear flip-flops in some cultures?"

15/ "Never, ever, ever wear flip-flops to an interview."

16/ "I wore flip-flops to school last week, and one of them broke."

17/ "If you want to wear flip-flops to work, refer to the employee guidelines."

take off flip-flops

18/ "In summer I often took off the flip-flops and walked barefoot."

19/ "She bent over, took off the flip-flops and fled, clutching them
  to her chest, disappearing behind piles of junk."

slam a flip-flop

20/ "I slam my flip-flop into a spider."

21/ "I used to slam my flip-flop into cockroaches."

22/ "Now that's rebellion," Hall sneered as he picked up the beach footwear
  and slammed a flip-flop down onstage.

flip-flops fit you (/your feet)

23/ "These flip-flops fit me very well."

24/ What can I do if the flip flops don't fit right

25/ "I usually wear 6.5 shoes, and these size 7 flip-flops fit my feet well."

dispose of flip-flops

26/ "How can I recycle or dispose of old flip-flops?"

27/ " If you must dispose of old flip-flops, do so responsibly by
  ensuring they end up in the appropriate waste disposal stream."

seea also: sandals, sliders, slippers, n(u) footwear

---

contact   n(u)   //

communication with somebody, esp by speaking or writing to them regularly

contact with somebody

1.1/ We've been unable to establish radio contact with the pilot.

1.2/ "We used it to initiate successful contact with pirates."

1.3/ "Maintaining good contact with your customers is key to
  building long-term relationships."

1.4/ The town is cut off from contact with the outside world.

1.5/ After the divorce, she severed all contact with her husband.

1.6/ She never comes into personal contact with senior managers.

contact between A and B

1.7/ There is very little contact between the two tribes.

1.8/ There isn't enough contact between teachers and parents.

have contact with somebody

1.9/ "I don't have much contact with my uncle."

1.10/ Many of us have no direct contact with elderly people.

1.11/ I haven’t had any contact with her for at least two years.

1.12/ "After the start of the pandemic, only 6 out of 22 refugees who used to
  have regular contact with the centre remained in touch and reached out
  for support, with all of these 6 women living outside of the refugee camps,
  thereby having a relatively better living situation than Syrians living in the camps."

make contact with somebody

1.13/ I finally made contact with her in Paris.

1.14/ We'd like to make contact with other schools in the area.

1.15/ "I'm increasing the number of times I make contact with my customers."

1.16/ "On 9/11 my anxious family couldn't make contact with me in NYC."

1.17/ "This gives the opportunity to make contact with customers
  and get a feel for their needs."

1.18/ "Frequently, banks fail to make successful contact with half
  of the accounts that are charged off."

keep contact with somebody

1.19/ "Work hard and keep contact with your family."

1.20/ "Why does my ex-boyfriend still keep contact with me after we broke up?"

1.21/ "How to keep regular contact with people you networked
  with and deepen relationship?"

1.22/ "Those are the very close circle of people who you keep regular
  contact with, but the rest I'm content to let go of, having had them
  in my life for a time that suited us both and not dragging it on
  until it becomes lackluster and commonplace."

1.23/ "I have a team of 13 people who are working for me. Basically
  my job is to keep contact with other companies, plan meetings and deliver
  long presentations on how we are gonna increase our income at the lowest
  cost with maximum profit."

lose contact with somebody

1.24/ She's lost contact with her son.

1.25/ I'd hate to lose contact with my college friends.

1.26/ "I decided to distant myself from everything. I deleted all
  social media and pretty much lost contact with all old friends."

1.27/ "I got into pen-paling last year but kinda lost contact with my pen pal."

1.28/ Air traffic control lost radio contact with the pilot of
  the plane ten minutes before the accident.

in contact (with somebody)

1.29/ We're no longer in regular contact.

1.30/ "Your significant other is still in contact with their ex."

1.31/ I'm still in contact with her - we write a couple of times a year.

1.32/ He's been in (regular) contact with his lawyer about the situation.

1.33/ The Foreign Office is currently in close contact with the Indian authorities.

1.34/ The organization put me in contact with other people in a similar position.

1.35/ "By 1971, he was drinking alone and was only in occasional
  contact with his former lover."

1.36/ "When you are in good contact with your customers, you catch
  what they think of your products."

keep in contact

1.37/ "Keep in contact with your boss and coworkers."

1.38/ Have you kept in contact with any of your friends from college?

1.39/ "Their boss wants them to keep in contact after work hours."

stay in contact

1.40/ We stay in contact by email.

1.41/ They stay in contact by phone all night.

1.42/ We've stayed in contact since we met on holiday.

1.43/ "Employees are expected to stay in contact after work hours
  on email and messaging platforms."

1.44/ "Communication is more important than you think: how to stay
  in good contact with your customers?"

get in contact

1.45/ Where can I get in contact with you while you are away?

1.46/ When I arrive in Delhi I'll get in contact with him.

1.47/ Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to
  get in contact with the police.

1.48/ "Brooks visited the scene and later got in contact with
  the police department."

out of contact

1.49/ "I will be out of contact for an extended period."

1.50/ Beyond a certain distance we are out of contact with our headquarters.

1.51/ "I have not been out of contact with my father pretty much in my entire life."

n(u) human contact

1.52/ He lived alone and had little human contact.

1.53/ She was deprived of all human contact for three weeks.

n(u) one-to-one contact

1.54/ Children with learning difficulties may need one-to-one contact.

n(u) eye contact

1.55/ "We avoid eye contact with each other."

1.56/ "Why do I avoid eye contact while talking to others,
  and do people find it disrespectful?"

1.57/ "How do I keep eye contact with her while talking to her?"

1.58/ "I even struggle to keep eye contact with my partner despite living with him."

a contact number, contact details, contact information

1.59/ I'll give you my contact details.

1.60/ The society's website provides contact information.

1.61/ Please ensure we have your contact number in case we need to reschedule.

1.62/ "Emergency contact numbers are prominently displayed all around the airport."

see also: be/get/keep in touch (with somebody)

n(u) the state of meeting somebody or having to deal with something

2.1/ Certain types of jobs do not need face-to-face contact.

contact with somebody

2.2/ She always avoided contact with the press.

2.3/ She doesn't give interviews and avoids contact with the media.

2.4/ I like my job because it involves day-to-day contact with clients.

in contact with somebody

2.5/ "Should AI be in direct contact with customers?"

2.6/ He'd prefer a job where he doesn't have to be in direct
  contact with the public.

2.7/ "The frontline workers are in direct contact with children."

come into contact with somebody

2.8/ In her job she often comes into contact with lawyers.

2.9/ Everyone who came into contact with Di felt better for knowing her.

2.10/ "During the Crusades, Europeans came into contact with banks,
  which were already established in the Middle East."

bring somebody into contact with something

2.11/ Pat'ss job brings her into contact with the problems
  people face when they retire.

2.12/ Children should be brought into contact with poetry at an early age.

see also: meet, encounter, deal with somebody/something

n(u) the state of touching something

contact between A and B

3.1/ There should be no contact between the separate samples.

3.2/ "Traditional tribal customs in some parts of Yemen prohibit
  contact between men and women before marriage."

physical contact, body contact

3.3/ The disease is transmitted through physical contact.

3.4/ He hates physical contact of any kind - he doesn't even
  like to shake your hand.

3.5/ "Spider phobia is essentially a fear of physical contact
  with disgusting stimuli."

3.6/ "Is the fear of physical contact with pupils such a nightmare
  for new teachers?"

3.7/ "When greeting, most Middle Easterners, especially Muslims,
  avoid body contact with the opposite sex, but men may embraceand
  kiss one another."

sexual contact

3.8/ "There are people I've had sexual contact with who I don't talk to usually."

3.9/ "Untreated depression can increase the likelihood of unsafe sexual contact."

3.10/ "It's better to avoid sexual contact if you or your partner
  have any sores, rashes or ulcers."

be spread/transmitted by contact

3.11/ The disease is spread by contact.

3.12/ "Diphtheria is spread by contact with patient or carrier. Less commonly,
  a person may get infected through contact with articles soiled with
  discharges from affected persons."

3.13/ "The disease mainly spreads by contact with an infected person's nose
  or throat discharges, saliva, fluid from vesicles or stool, or after
  touching contaminated objects.'

3.14/ "HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, exposure to blood and
  blood products, perinatally, and via breast milk. "

in contact (with something)

3.15/ For a brief moment their lips were in contact.

3.16/ "The bat is in contact with the ball for 4.70 ms."

3.17/ His fingers were briefly in contact with the ball.

3.18/ "She smiled prettily, humming softly as she feels my lips
  in contact with her soft skin."

3.19/ Have you been in contact with anyone with the disease?

come into contact with something

3.20/ This substance should not come into contact with food.

3.21/ Don't let that glue come into contact with your skin.

3.22/ "I slide my hand down into her gym shorts and a moan escapes
  her mouth when my hand comes into contact with her inner thighs."

3.23/ "Before I know what I'm doing, my hand comes into contact with her face."

on contact (= as soon as touching something)

3.24/ This pesticide kills insects on contact.

3.25/ "When passing the ball, try to move as much as possible except
  for when you are ready to pass the ball on contact."

on contact with something

3.26/ The light will go out on contact with water.

3.27/ This chemical is liable to explode on contact with water.

3.28/ "On contact with the ball, withdraw the foot slightly to
  take the momentum out of the ball."

at the contact

3.29/ "I smiled at the contact of our shoulders."

3.30/ "She was blushing at the contact of their hands."

3.31/ She blushed at the sudden contact of his hand against her arm.

3.32/ "Jasabelle sighed at the contact of my hand on her neck."

n(c) a person that you know, esp somebody who
  can be helpful to you in your work

4.1/ He used his contacts to get his son a publishing job.

have a contact

4.2/ I don't have any local contacts.

4.3/ He has a contact at the White House.

4.4/ She has several contacts in New York.

4.5/ Do you have any contacts in journalism?

4.6/ He has a lot of good contacts in the music industry.

4.7/ I don't really know how she got the job, but I think
  her mother has contacts.

make a contact

4.8/ I've made some useful contacts in journalism.

4.9/ I made a lot of useful business contacts at the conference.

4.10/ "We are very happy with how it went, we made a lot of business contacts,
  and we will be present in Dusseldorf in January to open up the German market."

build up contacts

4.11/ It takes time to build up contacts.

4.12/ We're building up our contacts in the business.

lose a contact

4.13/ "Without him, Lech lost an important contact in St. Petersburg."

4.14/ "The quickest way to turn someone off or lose a business contact
  is to spend too much time talking about others."

a contact in somewhere

4.15/ He gave me the name of one of his contacts in a design firm,
  who offered me a job.

4.16/ "I try to tell my contacts in the government that they could take
  an example from Singapore, where the government deals very pragmatically
  with the virus and society has learned to live with it."

n(c) a contact stored on the phone

4.17/ How do you add a new contact?

4.18/ "Many users use SIM cards only to store contacts on the phone."

4.19/ "Until today, I was unable to add a new contact on the phone."

4.20/ "Currently, it is not possible for iPhone users to
  store contacts on a SIM card."

n(u) contacts on a phone

4.21/ Click the icon to go to contacts.

4.22/ "It still doesn’t show up on my contacts."

4.23/ "With a spy phone app you can check contacts on the phone so
  you can see who your kids have been conversing with."

4.24/ "It's important to keep your contacts up to date."

4.25/ "I have thousands of email addresses that have not been put into contacts."

n(plural) contacts: occasions on which you meet or communicate
  with somebody; a relationship with somebody

5.1/ Even the US, which has no embassy there, is beginning to forge contacts.

contacts with somebody

5.2/ The company has maintained trade contacts with India.

5.3/ We have good contacts with the local community.

5.4/ "We always enjoyed contacts with Don, his friendship, his perpetual
  smile, and his family through the years."

5.5/ "One benefit of the networks is that they build contacts with
  many corners of the country."

contact   v(t)   //

communicate with somebody, for example by phone, letter or email

contact somebody

6.1/ I've been trying to contact you all day.

6.2/ Witnesses to the accident are asked to contact the police.

6.3/ Anyone interested is requested to contact a member of the committee.

6.4/ Unless the money is paid, we will be contacting our legal department.

6.5/ Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

6.6/ "If a guy hasn't contacted me for three days, does it mean
  he's not interested anymore?"

6.7/ I tried to contact him at his office, but he wasn't in.

if contacted (by somebody)

6.8/ "As a sibling in law, what to expect if contacted?"

6.9/ "Are UK business clients bothered if contacted by a person
  that doesn't speak British English?"

contact somebody for something

6.10/ For further information, contact your local careers office.

6.11/ For more information about the job, please contact the personnel manager.

6.12/ "Many recruiters have contacted me for job offers."

6.13/ "Once you receive your e-mail, I will contact you for more details. "

[UK] contact somebody on something

6.14/ "I can be contacted on +44 20 83126608."

6.15/ He can be contacted by phone on the number given below.

6.16/ "For further information please contact our department
  on tel: 200 41687; fax 200 52589; e-mail: finculture@gibtelecom.net
  or visit the website www.gibraltar.gov.gi/culture."

{US] contact somebody at something

6.17/ "He can be contacted at 617-303-6800."

6.18/ "The St. Alban Roe parish weekend at the White House
  is April 13-16, 2023. Join us for a weekend of spiritual reflection
  on the banks of the Mississippi River. To register, contact
  the White House office at 800.643.1003, or call or text
  Dennis Smith at 636.438.8274."

contact somebody on social media

6.19/ "You can contact me on WhatsApp."

6.20/ Send me an email, or contact me on Facebook.

6.21/ "You can contact me on Messenger! Let's chat darlings XOXO."

6.22/ Why do random people contact me on Instagram saying
  "Hi friend" when I have never communicated with them before?

contact somebody by phone/letter/email/fax

6.23/ You can contact us by email or fax.

6.24/ Anyone with tickets will be contacted by phone, letter or email
  and offered a full refund.

v(t) touch something

7.1/ He admitted raising his voice, but denied at any time
  physically contacting the officer.

7.2/ If any hot surface is contacted, the potential for injury exists.

7.3/ If the solution accidentally contacts the skin, rinse the
  affected area thoroughly with water.

7.4/ "Always douse with lots of water, any area which has contacted
  acid or a caustic material."

7.5/ "The hose leaked a hydraulic fluid that was ignited when it
  contacted a hot surface."

---

spare   v(t)   //

make something such as time or money available to somebody
  or for something, esp when it requires an effort for you to do this

spare somebody/something

1.1/ "Can you spare some change?"

1.2/ Can you spare a dollar?

1.3/ I'd love to come, but I can't spare the time.

1.4/ "Could you spare a few minutes of your time?"

1.5/ I'd love to have a break, but I can't spare the time just now.

spare somebody/something to do something

1.6/ Can you spare a second to give me a hand?

1.7/ Could you spare one of your staff to help us out?

1.8/ "The boss did not want to spare an extra man to watch the ladder he was on."

1.9/ "At last we were lucky enough to spare the time to dine here."

spare somebody/something for somebody

1.10/ "Could you spare some change for me?"

1.11/ We can only spare one room for you.

1.12/ Can you spare some money for our campaign for a new village hall?

1.13/ He was late, but he spared a glance for the pretty girl at the desk.

1.14/ "Can you spare some time for me to go through this in greater detail?"

spare a thought for somebody/something (= think about somebody/something)

1.15/ You should spare a thought for the person who cleans up after you.

1.16/ Spare a thought for me tomorrow, when you're lying on a beach,
  because I'll still be here in the office!

spare somebody somebody/something

1.17/ "Can someone spare me some coins?"

1.18/ "Can you spare me some coins?"

1.19/ "Can you spare me some coins so I can buy food?"

1.20/ "Can someone please spare me some coins to buy food?"

1.21/ She hardly spared him a second glance.

1.22/ "Brother can you spare me food and give me a drink of wine?
  I've been travelling on this road for such a long long time." (The Risen Lord)

1.23/ "Spare yourself the effort to find the right lounge to chill!"

have something to spare (= have more than you need)

1.24/ Have you any money to spare?

1.25/ I've got absolutely no money to spare this month.

1.26/ We should get there with half an hour to spare.

1.27/ I caught the plane with only two minutes to spare.

1.28/ We arrived at the airport with five minutes to spare.

1.29/ If you have any woolyarn to spare when you've finished the sweater,
  can you make me some gloves?

1.30/ "With 23 minutes to spare the team has finished their design challenge!"

1.31/ There's no time to spare if we want to get the article written by tomorrow.

1.32/ We have no time to spare if we want to get the article written by tomorrow.

see also: give, offer, donate, give something away, n(c) a giveaway

v(t) save somebody from having to go through an unpleasant experience

spare somebody something

2.1/ He wanted to spare his mother any anxiety.

2.2/ "Spare me all the trouble of the words."

2.3/ Luckily, I was spared the embarrassment of having to sing in front of everyone.

spare you the details (= don't tell you the details)

2.4/ Please spare me the gruesome details.

2.5/ It was a nasty accident - but I'll spare you the gruesome details.

spare yourself something

2.6/ "Doing so, I spare myself trouble."

2.7/ You could have spared yourself an unnecessary trip by phoning in advance.

2.8/ "I'd very much like to spare myself the time to manually
  copy and paste thousands of cells into Anki."

spare somebody/yourself from something

2.9/ "I am spared from hours of manual typing."

2.10/ She was spared from the ordeal of appearing in court.

2.11/ "Once I decided I would not take the job, I was spared from
  any further interactions with this man."

2.12/ "Today I am glad that I was spared from the war as far as possible."

(idiom) spare somebody’s blushes

2.13/ "A last minute goal spared their blushes."

2.14/ "I tried sparing her blushes when she asked me to prom by
  saying I had no intention of going with anyone."

see also: save me the trouble, save me from something/doing something

v(t) allow somebody/something to escape harm, damage or death,
  especially when others do not escape it

spare somebody/something

3.1/ They asked him to spare the women and children.

3.2/ They killed the men but spared the children.

3.3/ She begged them to spare her life.

3.4/ During the bombing only one house was spared.

3.5/ The storm largely spared Houston and surrounding districts.

spare somebody/something from something

3.6/ The children were spared from the virus.

3.7/ "Four hostages were spared and their captor was killed,
  ending an hour-long standoff at a Texas synagogue."

3.8/ "We may not be spared from the trial, but we will be spared through the trial."

3.9/ "With Dioxippus' foot on his neck, Coragus was spared and released,
  and Dioxippus was declared the winner of the duel, much to the chagrin
  of the Macedonians."

spare somebody/something something

3.9/ "For almost 11 months, central Beirut was spared Israeli bombardment."

3.10/ "Hong Kong was spared a direct hit, but the storm still brought
  heavy rains and powerful winds."

see also: pardon, excuse, release

v(t) spare no effort/expense (to do something):
  use a lot of effort/expense to do something

4.1/ He spared no effort to make her happy again.

4.2/ We will spare no effort to find out who did this.

4.3/ "In order to meet their parents' expectations and bring hope
  to the whole family, they will spare no effort to study hard."

spare no expense(/effort) in something/doing something

4.4/ They spared no expense in building the house.

4.5/ No expense was spared in furnishing the new office.

4.6/ "They have various ways of dressing their heads, and spare
  no expense in earrings, necklaces, or anything that may contribute
  to set them off to advantage."

spare   adj   //

not being used, or more than what is usually needed

5.1/ Do you have a spare pen?

5.2/ I'm afraid I haven't got any spare cash.

5.3/ I keep my spare change in a jar.

5.4/ "Does anyone have a spare kid? Help. I seem to have lost my child
  and don't really want to go out looking for him."

5.5/ "I have got a spare ticket for tonight's concert."

a spare room

5.6/ We've got a spare bedroom, if you'd like to stay.

5.7/ We have a spare room if you want to stay overnight with us.

5.8/ We were able to bunk down in a spare room for the night.

a spare key

5.9/ The landlord isn't allowing me to have a spare key to my apartment.

5.10/ Make a spare key to your car and put it in the secret spot in your wallet.

5.11/ "A few days ago, my mom asked for a spare key to my apartment."

5.12/ We should be in when you arrive, but if the worst comes to the worst,
  the neighbours have a spare key and will let you into the house.

a spare tyre

5.13/ I keep a spare tyre in the back of the car.

5.14/ "Nine out of ten cars sold in the UK no longer have a spare tyre."

5.15/ "Our car doesn't have a spare tyre - and I feel deflated."

5.16/ "He stopped the car and immediately got a spare tyre out of the trunk."

spare clothes

5.17/ Take some spare clothes in case you get wet.

5.18/ "I cannot drive and so was unable to donate my spare clothes without
  doing multiple trips with carrier bags, and when I would get to the charity
  shop they had received their limit of donations."

a spare moment, a spare minute

5.19/ I haven't had a spare moment this morning.

5.20/ Could I have a word with you when you have a spare moment?

5.21/ Do it in a spare moment at the weekend or whenever - it really doesn't matter.

5.22/ "I never thought of not drawing in every spare minute."

5.23/ "Then you might have a spare minute to work out what's really important?"

n(u) spare time

5.24/ He's studying music in his spare time.

5.25/ What do you like to do in your spare time?

5.26/ "I have no spare time left."

5.27/ "I feel like I have no spare time in a day."

5.28/ "Before you know it, you've lost your motivation, have no spare time
  left in your schedule, and are stuck with a half-completed project."

be going spare

5.29/ Are there any tickets going spare?

5.30/ "Do you want this cake?" "Yes, if it's going spare."

see also: extra, in my leisure time

spare   n(c)   //

an extra thing that you keep in case you need to replace the one you usually use

6.1/ I've lost my key and I haven't got a spare.

6.2/ "Just get your jack and a spare out of the trunk and I'll have us
  back on the road in no time."

n(plural) spares, spare parts

6.3/ It can be difficult to get spares for some older makes of car.

6.4/ "I was looking at Amazon and seeing if I could buy some spares
  and do a servicing myself."

6.5/ "I wanted to buy spare parts for my car online because I live
  in a tier-3 location and no reliable stores are there nearby."

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liking   n(singular,u)   //

the feeling that you like somebody/something; the pleasure in something

1.1/ They have little liking for each other.

a liking for something

1.2/ She has a liking for fine wines.

1.3/ He had a liking for fast cars.

1.4/ I'm developing quite a liking for jazz.

1.5/ We share a liking for Italian cooking.

take a liking to somebody/something (= begin to like somebody/something)

1.6/ I took an instant liking to her.

1.7/ He took a liking to his new neighbor./

1.8/ She had taken a liking to him on their first meeting.

1.9/ "I had taken a liking to my teacher when first we me."

1.10/ She took an immediate liking to sailing when she tried it for the first time.

1.11/ "Over time I took a liking to biking; it took me to some far off spots
  and the best fishing holes."

too ... for my liking

1.12/ The dessert was too sweet for my liking.

1.13/ The town was too crowded for my liking.

1.14/ The weather was too hot for their liking.

(idiom) be to your liking: be appealing or enjoyable to you

2.1/ Is the room to your liking, sir?

2.2/ I hope everything was to your liking, sir.

2.3/ The coffee was just to his liking.

2.4/ The agreement we have is to my liking.

2.5/ The food wasn't really to my liking.

2.6/ She reads poetry, but fiction is much more to her liking.

2.7/ "The girl is to my liking. I think you would like her too."

2.8/ "She is positive, caring and responsible, and her cooking is to my liking."

see also: be satisfied with something

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detect   v(t)   //

discover or notice something, esp something that is not easy to see or hear

detect something

1/ I thought I could detect a slight West Country accent.

2/ The tests are designed to detect the disease early.

3/ Some cancers can now be cured if they are detected early.

4/ X-ray procedures can detect a tumor when it is still small.

5/ Many serious illnesses can be nipped in the bud if they
  are detected early enough.

6/ The alarm should go off automatically as soon as smoke is detected.

7/ Radar equipment is used to detect enemy aircraft.

8/ "Metal detectors can detect both ferrous and non-ferrous
  metal types, although they detect ferrous metals more easily
  due to their magnetic properties."

9/ In the future, cars equipped with on-board computers will be
  able to detect and avoid traffic jams automatically.

10/ I could detect subtle variances in fragrance as we strolled through the garden.

11/ "The police used a breathalyser, an instrument that detects alcohol
  in breath and converts this into an estimated blood alcohol concentration."

be detected by somebody/something

12/ Some sounds cannot be detected by the human ear.

13/ "What metals cannot be detected by a metal detector?"

14/ "A target is any metal object that can be detected by a metal detector."

detect a substance

15/ Some substances can be detected fairly easily.

16/ The test failed to detect any illegal substances.

17/ "These squirrels have a rather keen sense of smell, and when the
  animals detect an illegal substance, they are trained to start scratching
  at it is to alert their handler."

detect a difference

18/ Only 8 per cent of regular cola consumers detected a difference.

19/ "Detect the difference between two images presented side by side."

detect a sign

20/ Financial experts have detected signs that the economy
  is beginning to improve.

21/ "Nautica Confindustria has detected signs of recovery in
  turnover of the shipyards."

detect a sign of life

22/ "Have we detected a sign of life on an exoplanet?"

23/ "Chilean rescue workers said on Thursday they had detected a sign
  of life from under the rubble of a collapsed building in a Beirut district,
  raising hopes that there might be a survivor even a month after the massive
  blast that rocked the city's port, officials and local media said."

detect changes (in something)

24/ The sensor detects changes in light level and temperature.

25/ "In humans, the ability to detect changes in the environment depends
  upon the presence of sensory receptors."

26/ "Observations are projected onto this relationship to detect climate change."

detect amounts(/levels) of something

27/ High levels of lead were detected in the atmosphere.

28/ "NASA rover detects high amounts of methane on Mars,
  which could indicate signs of life."

29/ This is an instrument that can detect very small amounts of radiation.

30/ "It detects small amounts of electric charge moving from
  the touchscreen to a finger or hand."

31/ "The optical sensor detects small amounts of oil and can be
  configured to automatically shut off pumps or valves, activate alarms
  and provide remote alert notification."

detect the presence of something

32/ The test can detect the presence of calcium in the arteries.

33/ "The device that detects the presence of a current
  in a circuit is a galvanometer."

34/ "This fourth generation test can detect the presence of
  HIV sooner than antibody tests alone."

detect crime

35/ "Learn more about how we can help you solve and detect crime
&nbsol which affects your business: Get in touch."

see also: a detector, a sensor, n(c) a dectective

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kickstart   v(t)   //

start a motorcycle by pushing down a lever with your foot

1.1/ "Are you eager to kickstart your motorcycle into action?"

1.2/ "Can I kickstart a motorcycle without a spark plug?"

1.3/ "I kickstart my motorbike and drive towards the apartment."

1.4/ "There was a time when I kickstarted my motorcycle at sunrise
  and only stopped for refuels and sundown."

1.5/ "This is what my body says to me after a weekend of kickstarting
  my motorcycle, wrenching and racing!"

see also: start a car, drive a car, push/press the pedal, a kickstarter

v(t) do something to help a process or project start
  more quickly or begin making progress again

kickstart a project

2.1/ "Thanks to everyone who kickstarted the project."

2.2/ "Tech mogul Elon Musk kickstarted a near-identical project
  called Starlink that is already partly functional."

2.3/ "The genius behind nuclear fission was one of the most influential, yet
  underrated thinkers of the twentieth century. Leo Szilard was the first person
  to work out the concept of a nuclear chain reaction, patented it, did many of
  the early experiments which showed that uranium would be a viable material,
  worked out designs for the first nuclear reactor (together with Enrico Fermi),
  and kickstarted the Manhattan Project."

kickstart a company

2.4/ "Nearly half a century ago, Steve Jobs kickstarted Apple in his garage
  alongside Steve Wozniak."

2.5/ "Allen kickstarted Microsoft, revolutionizing personal computing by
  adapting BASIC for the Altair."

kickstart a revolution

2.6/ "Steve Jobs kickstarted a tech revolution."

2.7/ "Bill Gates kickstarted the home computer revolution 50 years ago."

2.8/ "Sam Altman & Elon Musk kickstarted an AI revolution with OpenAI."

kickstart an era

2.9/ "In 2002, Elon Musk kickstarted a new era for the city when
  he founded SpaceX from a modest office there."

2.10/ "Your arrival in Boston kickstarted an era to remember."

kickstart a journey

2.11/ " This simple program kickstarted Microsoft's journey."

2.12/ "Seven years ago, we kickstarted our ambitious journey with Attentive.ai."

2.13/ As we kickstarted our journey, our greatest motivator was:
  "why can't two girls go ahead with caravaning?"

kickstart the economy

2.14/ The government's attempt to kick-start the economy has failed.

2.15/ "The Cooks-NZ bubble has kickstarted the economic recovery,
  but to get a leg up Government says interest rates need to drop to
  spur investment and help cash-strapped households."

kickstart something

2.16/ "Kickstarted the construction of our upcoming manufacturing plant at Kadapa."

2.17/ "Steve Jobs kickstarted the iPod nano wristband craze with a seemingly
  unrelated off comment made at a music-related presser last year after putting
  up a slide with screenshots of six different iPod nano homescreens,
  one of them being the beautifully rendered analog clock."

2.18/ "Tesla CEO Elon Musk kickstarted a series of layoffs on April 15 when
  he told staff he planned to cut more than 10% of the company's workforce."

see also: jump-start

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sunshine   n(u)   //   PICTURE

the light and heat that come from the sun

1.1/ It was a cool day with hazy sunshine.

1.2/ She followed us out into the sunshine.

1.3/ "Enjoy the warm spring sunshine and let the joy come to your heart."

1.4/ "That was the year we had two weeks of glorious sunshine without
  a cloud in the sky. People in the UK talk about it to this day."

in the sunshine

1.5/ "Flowers grow in the sunshine."

1.6/ The towels dried quickly in the sunshine.

1.7/ The children were out playing in the sunshine.

1.8/ Butterflies fluttered about in the sunshine.

1.9/ The house, with its fresh coat of paint, looked lovely in the sunshine.

1.10/ In the village square, people were milling about in the sunshine.

in sunshine

1.11/ "The race was run in bright sunshine."

1.12/ "The town was bathed in spring sunshine."

1.13/ "Cover me in sunshine, shower me with good times."

a ray of sunshine

1.14/ A ray of sunshine shone through a gap in the clouds.

1.15/ Through the window came the last few oblique rays of evening sunshine.

1.16/ "The last rays of sunshine of the day bathe the beautiful
  forest in soft golden tones."

sunshine streams/floods/comes in

1.17/ The sunshine came streaming in at the window.

1.18/ She squinted as the brilliant sunshine flooded in through the windows.

1.19/ "I love when the sunshine comes in this space in the mornings."

You Are My Sunshine (Christina Perri)

1.20/ "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
  You make me happy when skies are gray
  You'll never know, dear, how much I love you
  Please don't take my sunshine away

  The other night, dear, as I laid sleeping
  I dreamed I held you in my arms
  When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
  So I hung my head and cried."

n(u) happiness or pleasure

bring sunshine into somebody/something

2.1/ "He brought sunshine into my life."

2.2/ She brought sunshine into our dull lives.

2.3/ Their grandchildren have brought sunshine into their lives.

2.4/ "Charla you brought sunshine into our family with that
  beautiful smile you always had!"

be a ray of sunshine

2.5/ My nephew is a little ray of sunshine.

2.6/ "She is a ray of sunshine in my life."

2.7/ "In these austere times, that is a ray of sunshine for the game."

2.8/ "There may just be a ray of sunshine on the horizon."

2.9/ "Well, he's hardly a ray of sunshine, but we get your drift."

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open up   v   //

make something open that is shut, locked, etc

1.1/ "Open up!" Sam shouted, banging on the door.

1.2/ Open up or we'll break the door down!

1.3/ "Open up!" He hammered on the door.

open up something

1.4/ "I have opened up the door."

1.5/ The caretaker opens up the school every morning at seven.

1.6/ "When the janitor opened up the building Friday morning,
  it was 15 degrees in my schoolroom. "

1.7/ "I opened up my locker, grabbed the towels, put one back
  around me and proceeded to undress while keeping it on."

open up a book

1.8/ "Open up the book and take a look."

1.9/ She laid the book flat and opened it up.

open up a box

1.10/ "I opened up the box of light bulbs and found this."

1.11/ "I open up the box, and I'm staring down at these three huge scallops."

open up a safe/chest

1.12/ "I have just opened up the safe in Max's office."

1.13/ "He paddled back to the shore, opened up the treasure chest
  and found what the map had promised - gold, and precious diamonds
  and jewels that would make him secure for the rest of his life."

see also: unlock

(v) become or make something possible, available or able to be reached

2.1/ Another vacancy has opened up on the Board.

2.2/ Exciting possibilities were opening up for her in the new job.

2.3/ "Guests are always changing their plans so reservations can open up!"

open up something

2.4/ The railway opened up the east of the country.

2.5/ The country has enjoyed steady growth since it began opening up its economy.

2.6/ Robinson, the first black player, opened up a wealth of opportunity for others.

2.7/ The government has announced plans to open up access to higher education.

2.8/ "I just opened up the theme park reservation calendar and
  as of this moment, there is availability for both Park Hopper
  and One Park Per Day tickets on April 14th!"

2.10/ "When Egypt and France opened up the Suez Canal on November 16, 1869,
  the distance between Asia and Europe was reduced by half in an instant."

open up the market

2.11/ The new catalogue will open up the market for our products.

2.12/ These measures are designed to open up the market to greater competition.

2.13/ "This shift opens up the market to many new providers,
  from small businesses to academics to new kinds of hotels."

open up possibilities/opportunities

2.14/ The internet has opened up new opportunities for
  cost-effective brand building.

2.15/ "This opens up new possibilities for the whole education system."

2.16/ "This year's election, he said, opens up new possibilities for his cause."

(v) begin business for the day

3.1/ "The store opens up at 9 AM."

3.2/ "The shop opens up at 8 tomorrow."

3.3/ We open up at 7am daily.

3.4/ I'd just opened up when this guy came in.

open up a shop

3.5/ I open up the store for the day at around 8.30.

3.6/ "I'm about to open up my shop at noon."

3.7/ "Opened up my shop at 5.30am after the suppliers had delivered overnight."

3.8/ "This summer we will open up the farm and back grass area one evening
  per week (Wednesday like the old days) in addition to Saturday mornings."

see also: close up (a shop)

(v) start a new business

4.1/ There's a new Thai restaurant opening up in town.

4.2/ "If Bojangles opened up in Paris, would you eat there?"

4.3/ Several branches of the bank have recently opened up across China.

open up a business

4.4/ We've just opened up a branch in Madrid.

4.5/ "I opened up my shop at the end of July 2021."

4.6/ Many people have opened up shops on the online auction site
  to sell their things.

4.7/ "Are you an accountant in America, and have clients who
  want to open up a business in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia?"

see also: open a new business, close down (a business), shut down (a business)

(v) develop or start to happen or exist; develop or start something

5.1/ A division has opened up between the two ministers over the issue.

5.2/ "The discussion has opened up and there is less stigma these days."

open up something

5.3/ Scott opened up a 3-point lead in the first game.

5.4/ "I believed OIC and other recognized organizations (Muslim and
  non-Muslim organizations over the world) can play a very big roles
  to open up a peace talk with the Israel Regime."

5.5/ "DOE can open up negotiations between the employer and
  the candidate, allowing both parties to discuss compensation more
  openly based on the candidate's professional experience."

(v) show something that was hidden or not previously known

6.1/ The debate could open up sharp differences between the countries.

6.2/ "The Secret opened up a whole new invisible realm to me
  that I never knew existed."

6.3/ "These results open up a new perspective for the design and implementation."

open up a mystery

6.4/ "Even the small, ordinary scenes - apprenticing under Joseph,
  celebrating a wedding, chatting beside a water well - open up
  the mystery of salvation."

6.5/ "If it were not for someone in your life who cared enough
  to open up the mystery and reveal it to you, where would you be?
  Would you be here today? Would you count yourself a believer, a Christian?"

(v) make something larger or less enclosed

7.1/ The wound opened up and started bleeding.

7.2/ "The river opens up into a lake."

7.3/ "Before the water turns the turbines at the power station,
  the river opens up at Mlibizi to form the superlative Lake Kariba."

open up something

7.4/ The operation will open up the blocked passages around his heart.

7.5/ We're going to open up the kitchen by knocking down that wall.

7.6/ "I'm using a small blade to open up the canal."

7.7/ "Open up the trench not just literally but metaphorically."

7.8/ "When we found evidence of a structure or a scatter of artifacts that
  might indicate a feature, we would open up the trench to reveal it."

(v) open up (to somebody): start to talk more about yourself and your feelings

8.1/ It helps to discuss your problems but I find it hard to open up.

8.2/ He only opened up to her very slowly.

8.3/ I felt I couldn't open up to anybody.

8.4/ I've never opened up to anyone like I do to you.

8.5/ "It is a very challenging task for parents to handle the emotional
  disturbances of their beloved teenaged children because teenagers
  don't open up to their parents."

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helpful   adj   //

able to improve a particular situation

1.1/ Sorry I can't be more helpful.

1.2/ I'm sorry, I was only trying to be helpful.

1.3/ Any increase in production would be helpful.

1.4/ Students said it was helpful if the teacher corrected their pronunciation.

n(u) helpful advice, helpful information

1.5/ "Thanks for your helpful advice."

1.6/ "Thank you for your helpful information."

a helpful hint/tip/suggestion/comment

1.7/ "Let me give you a helpful tip."

1.8/ "A helpful tip is to look for the silver lining in every situation."

1.9/ "Before offering criticism, here's a helpful hint."/

1.10/ He made several helpful suggestions.

1.11/ "I am always open to any such helpful suggestion."

1.12/ "I do not think that was a very helpful suggestion on their part."

1.13/ "A helpful suggestion is that he could shorten the text by excising
  his own remarks, which would help head teachers in his constituency."

1.14/ She made some very helpful suggestions but her boss rejected them all.

1.15/ "Do you mind if I make a helpful comment on your health?"

1.16/ "Would someone leave a helpful comment on this migrated
  question that was rejected?"

be helpful to do something

1.17/ You may find it helpful to read this before making any decisions.

1.18/ It would be helpful to have more detailed information.

1.19/ "What is the most effective way to return a lost cell phone?
  Is it helpful to call out and ask for the owner if you find one on the street?"

1.20/ "It's always so helpful to visit programs and services to get
  a better understanding of what they're doing."

1.21/ "When you don't have time to research or book a trip through
  online methods, it can be helpful to call customer service."

be helpful for somebody/something

1.22/ This approach may be helpful for people with very severe symptoms.

1.23/ "The plant has been shown to increase appetite, which is helpful
  for AIDS patients who can't eat or hold down food."

1.24/ "These drugs are not helpful for quick relief of spasm symptoms."

be helpful for somebody to do something

1.25/ It would be helpful for me to see the damage for myself.

1.26/ "It is helpful for you to do stretching exercises every day
  to maintain your flexibility."

1.27/ "It is helpful for students to know the teacher's grading criteria."

1.28/ "It is helpful for you to work towards understanding your own
  family experiences, and toward being more objective in your understandings
  and actions in relation to other families."

be helpful in doing something

1.29/ Role-play is helpful in developing communication skills.

1.30/ "Social media is helpful in my studies and makes it easy to learn."

1.31/ "A calculator is helpful in working problems and doing calculations further."

be helpful to somebody/something

1.32/ "Your advice was really helpful to me."

1.33/ "How can I be more helpful to others and to the world?"

1.34/ This final section will be particularly helpful to students.

1.35/ The booklet should be very helpful to parents of children with dyslexia.

1.36/ "There are several ways to determine if a service is helpful to you."

1.37/ "One of the most important qualities to possess as a lawyer is resilience,
  so try to find the positive side of the rejections by telling yourself that
  you're developing attributes which will be helpful to your future career. "

find something helpful

1.38/ You should find this guidebook helpful.

1.39/ "I found it helpful to print out my Quizlets and put them around
  my house to make it easier to memorise them."

1.40/ "I want to share this vocabulary playlist. I found it helpful
  when teaching my kids descriptive words."

see also: useful, effective

(adj) (of a person) willing to help somebody

2.1/ She's such a pleasant, helpful child!

2.2/ She's one of the most helpful people I know.

2.3/ "We pride ourselves on our friendly, helpful drivers and it
  sounds like we fell well short of these standards in your case."

be helpful

2.4/ I called the police but they weren't very helpful.

2.5/ You get the odd person who's rude to you but they're generally quite helpful.

2.6/ "When we arrived in Dunedin, the driver was not helpful in directing
  us to our hotel, despite us having a map and only wanting the driver to
  show us where he was dropping us off. "

see also: be willing/eager to help, (adj) unhelpful

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helpless   adj   //

unable to do anything to help yourself or anyone else

a helpless person

1.1/ "I adopted a helpless kitten three years ago."

1.2/ Children are the most helpless victims of war.

1.3/ "We support helpless elderly people every month in Bangladesh."

1.4/ "It's something dreadful, as I told you at the time, to cast
  a helpless baby adrift in such a way."

1.5/ "Jesus not only came to earth as one of us, but he arrived as a helpless baby."

a helpless family

1.6/ "My helpless family demanded all my attention."

1.7/ "Rural communities in Sabah are constantly challenged with never-ending
  issues that worsen the way of life for countless helpless families."

1.8/ "Food supplies have been distributed to over 400 impoverished,
  Dalit and helpless families in Bajura on Monday."

a helpless gesture/look

1.9/ Paul threw up his hands in a helpless gesture of surrender.

1.10/ "He gave me a helpless look, but slipped away from the crowd all the same."

1.11/ "I saw him give me a helpless look in the mirror and
  I crawled off the bed and over to Troy."

be/feel helpless

1.12/ He was left helpless and alone.

1.13/ "I am helpless. I don't know what to do in such situation."

1.14/ "Everything is shattered in my life now. I am helpless.
  I am dying daily. Please help me."

1.15/ "Am I victimizing myself because I am helpless in front of
  my parents and not much is wrong with them?"

1.16/ John felt completely helpless.

1.17/ I felt helpless in the face of all these rules and regulations.

1.18/ "Having a panic attack can make you feel terrified and helpless."

1.19/ You feel so helpless because there's nothing you can do
  to make the child better.

(helpless)

1.20/ He lay helpless on the floor.

1.21/ Kirk stood helpless before this giant of a man.

be helpless against somebody/something

1.22/ "Are we so helpless against the tide?"

1.23/ It's natural to feel helpless against such abuse.

1.24/ She was helpless against the strength of the wind.

1.25/ "That said, you're not entirely helpless against inflation."

be helpless to do something

1.26/ "Why do we feel helpless to fight climate change?"

1.27/ The worst part is being helpless to change anything.

1.28/ The government is helpless to act against these crooks.

1.29/ "I am helpless to improve it because politics is something
  which can be played anywhere."

1.30/ "I am helpless to become a stone because I know that if I fall apart,
  there will be no one to take care of me."

see also: hopeless

(adj) unable to control a strong feeling

2.1/ He was rendered helpless by panic.

2.2/ "Where most people would be consumed by helpless panic, Betty stayed calm."

2.3/ "Most tantrums are caused by helpless rage."

be helpless with something

2.4/ I was helpless with anger.

2.5/ The audience was helpless with laughter.

2.6/ The crowd was helpless with laughter.

see also: be consumed by a feeling

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tissue   n(c,u)   //   PICTURE

a piece of soft paper, used especially as a handkerchief

n(u) tissue

1.1/ "I used up the tissue that came with the holder."

1.2/ "How do I keep tissue by my bed and not make it look inappropriate?"

hand/give somebody a tissue

1.3/ She handed me a tissue just before I sneezed.

1.4/ "A stranger just handed me a tissue while I was crying on the bus."

1.5/ "He handed her a tissue, but she didn't know what a tissue was,
  so she put it in her mouth and tried to eat it."

1.6/ "Be with them and give them a tissue and a hug."

grab/take a tissue

1.7/ "You grab a tissue to clean up."

1.8/ "Grab a tissue to wipe your eyes." (Let You Down)

1.9/ "I guess I have to grab a tissue to wipe my tears."

1.10/ She grabbed a wad of tissues from the box and soaked up the spilt juice.

1.11/ "I put the box back in its place and took some tissues
  to wipe off the tears and my dripping nose."

need/use (a) tissue

1.12/ "Do you need a tissuer?"

1.13/ "Do you need tissue to wipe your tears?"

1.14/ "Do you need tissue to wipe all that egg from your face?"

1.15/ "You will need some tissues to make it through our upcoming shows."

1.16/ "If I use a tissue to blow my nose, can I put it in recycling?"

wipe your nose on a tissue

1.17/ He wiped his nose on a tissue.

1.18/ "I sniff and wipe my nose on a tissue I grabbed from the box."

1.19/ "I turned my face quickly, to wipe my nose on a tissue
  I'd brought with me from the bathroom."

wipe something on a tissue

1.20/ "I wipe my face on a tissue I had in my pocket."

1.21/ "Turning your head from Brahms you hold up a hand, then wipe
  your mouth on a tissue."

with a tissue

1.22/ "He wiped his nose with a tissue."

1.23/ "I always wipe my hands with a tissue if I'm eating and have to use my phone."

cry/sneeze/cough on a tissue

1.24/ "Jerry cried on a tissue."

1.25/ "Not on my shoulder, bitch, cry on a tissue."

1.26/ "Cough or sneeze on a tissue."

1.27/ "I sneezed on a tissue and put it in a hive."

a piece of tissue

1.28/ He used a piece of tissue to clean his sunglasses.

1.29/ "Later in the lab, the researchers put the samples in a piece
  of tissue paper within a closed funnel filled with some water."

a box of tissue(s)

1.30/ "I keep a box of tissue by my bedside."

1.31/ I always keep a box of tissues in the car.

1.32/ "A tissue box typically contains a stack of interfolded tissues."

a packet/pack of tissue(s)

1.33/ "Why do businesses hand out tissue packets?"

1.34/ "I carried a packet of tissue in my purse just in case
  there was no toilet paper."

1.35/ "She pulled a packet of tissues from her bag and tried to take one out."

1.36/ "It is a pocket-sized pack of tissues."

1.37/ "The pack comes with ten packs of tissues, so you'll always have
  enough on hand for whatever life throws your way."

n(plural) pocket tissues

1.38/ "Pocket tissues are small, disposable paper handkerchiefs that
  can be carried in pockets, purses or bags."

1.39/ "Pocket tissues are a compact and portable option for personal hygiene,
  typically crafted from high-quality materials to ensure softness and durability."

1.40/ "Japanese people tend to carry pocket tissues in their purses,
  just like they do with handkerchiefs as a form of etiquette."

1.41/ "Packs of pocket tissues are often given out free in Japan
  as a cheap, effective method of advertising. It sure beats getting
  pesky flyers which are soon thrown away!"

a pocket tissue holder

1.42/ "As tissues come in handy in a culture that values cleanliness,
  a lot of pedestrians actually take the tissues being handed to them.
  Some people keep it in the pocket tissue holder for hygienic purposes."

n(u) tissue-pack marketing

1.43/ "It is a cheap and effective way to get your message across.
  Tissue-pack marketing has been a most common (and also an inexpensive) tool
  in advertising. Compared to flyers, people are more likely to accept
  a pack of pocket tissues."

n(c,u) facial tissue

1.44/ "I haven't personally bought facial tissue since Covid started."

1.45/ "Buying facial tissue in bulk saves you money and time."

1.46/ "You can use these soft facial tissues to wipe your mouth after eating."

1.47/ "If your skin is generally oily, during the day you can
  gently wipe off excess sweat and oils with a facial tissue that
  can perfectly remove unwanted shine."

see also: n(c) a napkin, n(c) a handkerchief, n(u) toilet paper

n(u) (biology)

human tissue, animal tissue, plant tissue

2.1/ Dyes were extracted by boiling the plant tissue.

2.2/ Nitric acid will dissolve most animal tissue.

2.3/ "Human tissue is a collection of cells, usually non-vascularized,
  that have the same structures and functions."

soft tissue

2.4/ Soft tissue, such as flesh, allows X-rays through.

2.5/ She treats skin and soft tissue injuries in casualty.

brain tissue, lung tissue, bone tissue, muscle tissue

2.6/ "Pig bladders help humans regrow hurt muscle tissue."

2.7/ "If you lift that muscle everday and dont rest you will hurt muscle tissue."

2.8/ "Recently, novel strategies have been developed to repair brain tissue damage."

2.9/ "There are two types of bone tissue: compact and spongy."

scar tissue

2.10/ "Whilst scarring is a natural part of our body’s healing process
  and naturally soften and fade over time, many opt for laser scar tissue
  removal treatments to remove scar tissue to give their skin a softer,
  smoother look. Scars can be created by any kind of trauma to the skin,
  be that acne or stretch marks."

(other examples)

2.11/ The nerves are protected by thin sheaths of fatty tissue.

2.12/ Virus particles were eventually isolated from the tissue.

2.13/ Vitamin C helps maintain healthy connective tissue.

2.14/ The drugs stimulate the damaged tissue into repairing itself.

see also: cells, an organ

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optimistic   adj   //

hoping or believing that good things will happen in the future

be optimisitc about something

1/ I am optimistic about my future.

2/ "I am optimistic about the exam results."

3/ He's very optimistic about his chances.

4/ She is optimistic about her chances of winning a gold medal.

5/ "Auditors are more optimistic about the economy this year."

6/ She's not very optimistic about the outcome of the talks.

7/ "If you can't be optimistic about the long term,
  you will never grow your wealth."

8/ "Be optimistic about your career success - but work hard
  and smart to create the career success you want and deserve."

be optimisitc about the future

9/ "How can I be optimistic about the future of Hong Kong?"

10/ "I am much more optimistic about the future of Armenia
  than I was in 2018 or 2019."

11/ "I can't be more optimistic about Syria's future - change is inevitable."

be optimisitc that ...

12/ They are cautiously optimistic that the reforms will take place.

13/ He remained strongly optimistic that an agreement could be reached.

14/ "I am optimistic that this will be our most successful year yet."

15/ "I am optimistic that peace can be achieved in the region."

be optimisitc to do something

16/ "I am optimistic to finish the year on a high note."

17/ It's a bit optimistic to expect a politician to tell
  you the unvarnished truth.

18/ "I am too positive to be doubtful; I am too optimistic to
  be fearful; I am too determined to be defeated."

an optimisitc view

19/ We are now taking a more optimistic view.

20/ "You can take an optimistic view on this quote."

21/ The treasurer has been taking a more optimistic view of
  economic recovery in his recent public pronouncements.

22/ "Humanistic theorists do indeed take an optimistic view of
  human nature and emphasize the potential for personal growth."

23/ "We try to take an optimistic view about companies facing disruption."

24/ "Recent writers on child development, such as Daniel et al. (1999)
  and Aldgate et al. (2006), take an optimistic view about children's ability
  to overcome adversity, provided conditions that encourage children
  to flourish are present."

on an optimisitc note

25/ She ended her speech on an optimistic note.

26/ The meeting ended on an optimistic note.

27/ On an optimistic note, the survey found children around
  the world are very resilient.

be overly optimisitc

28/ Earlier sales forecasts were overly optimistic.

29/ These estimates were wildly optimistic.

30/ I think you're being a little over-optimistic.

antonym: (adj) pessimistic

see also: positive, hopeful

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means   n(c)   //

(plural: means) a method or way of doing something

(a) means of something

1.1/ Fishing is their only means of livelihood.

1.2/ The state is in control of the means of production.

1.3/ Gold has been the preferred means of exchange for centuries.

1.4/ Oil lamps were the sole means of illumination.

1.5/ Painting had become his primary means of self-expression.

1.6/ We must look for an alternative means of escape.

a means of communication

1.7/ Email is a highly effective means of communication.

1.8/ Television is an effective means of communication.

1.9/ "In most organizations, meetings are a common means of communication
  - and one that often receives mixed reviews."

1.10/ "The telegraph was a means of communication that enabled news
  and messages to be transmitted over long distances in a short time
  by the use of codes."

a means of transportation

1.11/ We need to find some other means of transportation.

1.12/ "The subway is a means of urban transportation that circulates on rails."

1.13/ "A bus is a means of public transportation used by people either
  because of environmental correctness or lack of money."

(a) means of doing something

1.14/ "Marriage is a means of becoming rich."

1.15/ The study aims to provide a means of testing the theory.

1.16/ Another means of preventing further flooding would
  be to deepen the river bed.

1.17/ Exams are not the only means of assessing a student's ability.

1.18/ "Digital signature or fingerprint is a means of signing a document
  with a piece of data that cannot be forged."

(be/have) any means of something/doing something

1.19/ Is there any means of contacting him?

1.20/ Have you any means of identification?

1.21/ "You have to cut any means of gambling out."

(be/have) no means of something/doing something

1.22/ There is no means of tracing the debt at all.

1.23/ The family had no means of support

1.24/ We have no means of knowing how they will react.

1.25/ We needed to get to London but we had no means of transport.

as a means of something/doing something

1.26/ Interest rates are used as a means of controlling borrowing.

1.27/ "E-signatures are becoming more and more common as a means
  of signing a document."

1.28/ "He wanted to be a writer as a means of getting success that
  would lead to sex, but he failed because that route would take too long
  to achieve, had risks, and would be difficult for him to do while
  depressed daily due to his lack of sex."

a means to do something

1.29/ They are using peaceful means to achieve their aims.

1.30/ Music is the best means we have to reach a wide audience.

1.31/ My English teacher provided me with the means to enjoy reading poetry.

a means to something

1.32/ Equality is an end in itself, not just a means to a goal.

1.33/ "Is academic excellence the only means to success in life?"

1.34/ "As its third strategy, China has taken the lead in globalisation,
  using development as a means to global peace."

every means, whatever means

1.35/ We will use whatever means are necessary.

1.36/ We need to use every means at our disposal.

1.37/ We will use every possible means to achieve our objective.

by means of something/doing something (see also: with the help of something)

1.38/ She tried to explain by means of sign language.

1.39/ The load was lifted by means of a crane.

1.40/ "By means of writing poems I can express my feelings."

1.41/ "Arguments which may occur upon the present contract will be
  resolved by means of negotiations between the parties of the contract."

by ... means

1.42/ This weed can be controlled by various means.

1.43/ "We must get out of the present dilemma by some means or other."

1.44/ "Putting it another way, by some means we have to justify
  the existence of the human genome."

1.45/ War is famously the continuation of policy by other means.

1.46/ They cannot achieve their goal through legal means.

1.47/ Infringement of copyright includes distribution by electronic means.

1.48/ The nations tried to solve their differences by peaceful means.

by all means

1.49/ "Do you mind if I have a look?" "By all means."

1.50/ "We wanted to make it a success by all means."

1.51/ " 2024 is the new target date to complete the mission
  by all means necessary.

1.52/ "Great satisfaction is expressed by the Norsewood people over
  the decision of the North 70-Mile Bush H. and I. Society to have their
  next show at Norsesewood, and they express the determination to make
  it a success by all means in thair power."

by no means(/not by any means) : not at all

1.53/ She is by no means an inexperienced teacher.

1.54/ It is by no means certain that we'll finish the project by June.

1.55/ We haven't won yet, not by any means.

1.56/ This isn't the last we'll hear of it by any means.

1.57/ This issue has not been resolved yet by any manner of means.

see also: a method/way of doing something

n(plural) the money that a person has

a man/woman of means (= a rich man/woman)

2.1/ You can tell from the clothes she wears that she's a woman of means.

2.2/ "That your employer is a man of means, you have amply demonstrated."

2.3/ "YouTuber Chrissie recently posted a video with practical ways
  to meet men of means."

(the) means to do something

2.4/ He doesn't have the means to hire a lawyer.

2.5/ She must have independent means to live in such style.

2.6/ He has the means to buy half the houses in the street if he wanted to.

2.7/ "He finds himself in debt to his master with no means to pay off the debt."

2.8/ "Consider a world in which people can live freely because Jesus
  offers us the means to live freely."

2.9/ They simply don’t have the means to send their children to private schools.

live within your means

2.10/ Try to live within your means.

2.11/ Are the monthly repayments within your means?

2.12/ He promised that he wouldn't use his credit card too much
  - he wanted to live within his means.

live beyond your means

2.13/ Private school fees are beyond the means of most people.

2.14/ Over 40% of Americans admitted they were living beyond their means.

2.15/ "I try not to live beyond my means, but it's not always easy."

2.16/ "Why do people live beyond the means of the planet and
  need vast amounts of wealth, land and resources?"

according to somebody's means

2.17/ People should pay according to their means.

2.18/ "Do I give generously, according to my means?"

see also: n(u) wealth, live in affluence, live a decent life

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feedback   n(u)   //

advice, criticism or information about how good or useful
  something or somebody's work is

1.1/ "How to use feedback to your advantage."

feedback on something

1.2/ "I felt like writing my feedback on the movie."

1.3/ I'd appreciate some feedback on my work.

1.4/ "We appreciate your feedback on our customer service."

1.5/ "How do I submit my feedback on the PAssion Card?"

1.6/ "While I did see people being skeptical of the show before it aired
  and after it was released, most of the feedback on the show is positive."

1.7/ There was a lot of positive feedback on your article about parenting.

feedback about something

1.8/ I've heard loads of good feedback about this site.

1.9/ "When you receive negative feedback about your work performance,
  it's important to take a proactive and constructive approach by
  creating an action plan."

have feedback from somebody

1.10/ Have you had any feedback from customers about the new soap?

1.11/ "I have some feedback from our solution architects here
  and I want to compare it with your experience."

1.12/ "Unfortunately, I have no feedback from customer service."

get/receive feedback (from somebody)

1.13/ "Are you struggling to get positive feedback from your customers?"

1.14/ "Got positive feedback from HR but somehow I'm expecting a rejection."

1.15/ "The writer gets no immediate feedback and simply has to
  imagine the reader's reaction."

1.16/ We're hoping to get feedback on how well the program is working.

1.17/ "Receiving feedback on the book is like a blessing for the author."

1.18/ We are always grateful to receive feedback from our listeners.

1.19/ "Tell me about a time you received negative feedback from
  your manager and how you dealt with it."

collect feedback

1.20/ "Your goals are your starting point, but the next step depends
  on where you expect to collect your feedback."

1.21/ "Once you've collected customer feedback through various channels,
  the next crucial step is to analyze and categorize the data to
  extract actionable insights."

give/offer feedback (to somebody)

1.22/ The teacher will give you feedback on the test.

1.23/ "The client has given us some feedback on the design."

1.24/ They will be given feedback on their performance.

1.25/ "Why is it important to give positive feedback to students?"

1.26/ "The supervisor gave feedback to her employees on their performance."

1.27/ "I am writing this letter to give my feedback on the course."

1.28/ "Could anyone offer me some feedback on this list please?"

1.29/ The facilitator offers verbal feedback to each student.

1.30/ "In this article, we explore how and when to offer positive
  feedback to employees."

provide feedback (for/to somebody)

1.31/ "Please provide us with your feedback."

1.32/ "I wanted to provide some feedback for you on our recent trip."

1.33/ "Please provide feedback to us about our service to you, concerns you
  have about regulations, the ease of using our website, whether our staff is
  professional and any other topic."

be thankful/grateful for feedback

1.34/ "We're grateful for your feedback."

1.35/ "We're so thankful for your feedback!"

1.36/ "We are always thankful for any feedback we receive here."

1.37/ "I would really be thankful to you for any feedback."

listen to feedback, ignore feedback

1.38/ "Not all of us listen to useful feedback, even when it's
  presented clearly and without ranker."

1.39/ "Should you address or ignore negative feedback?"

1.40/ "This is important to remember as we usually tend to ignore
  negative feedback and only focus on the positive ones."

positive/negative feedback

1.41/ The parents do not seem to approve of the changes
  - the feedback so far has been rather negative.

1.42/ "Positive feedback can be a powerful morale booster as
  it isn't just acknowledgement for a job well done, but it also
  cultivates a sense of appreciation and happiness."

user feedback, customer feedback

1.43/ "At Paper.id, we value user feedback!"

1.44/ "We value user feedback as a key source of learning and improvement."

1.45/ "If you read customer feedback and listen to call center calls,
  you will really get grounded."

student feedback

1.46/ "Student feedback is the data collected from students about
  their experience in their educational institutes."

1.47/ "The aim of the surveys is to collect student feedback on
  a wide range of T&L issues, including quality of academic supervision
  and campus life."

a feedback form/survey/questionnaire

1.48/ "I asked 52 Friends to complete a feedback survey about me as a person."

1.49/ "Your customers are more likely to complete a feedback form
  if it is quick and easy to do."

1.50/ "The effectiveness of a feedback questionnaire depends on
  its ability to cater to different customer needs and touch points
  across the customer journey."

valuable feedback

1.51/ "What is the most valuable feedback you have ever received?"

1.52/ Feedback is very valuable as it helps us know whether
  we are giving out TV audience what they like.

a piece of feedback, a slip of feedback

1.53/ "After the presentation, he received a slip of feedback from the audience."

1.54/ "Choose a piece of feedback that had a significant impact
  on your professional growth."

see also: n(c,u) comment, n(u) advice, n(c,u) response

n(u) the unpleasant noise produced by electrical equipment
  such as an amplifier when some of the power returns to the system

2.1/ "When I go to play back what was just recorded,
  I get feedback from the mic."

2.2/ "Anyway, I get a tremendous amount of feedback
  from the mic when using the monitor option."

2.3/ Jimi Hendrix loved to fling his guitar around to get weird
  and wonderful sounds from the feedback.

2.4/ "Feedback is caused when a microphone picks up the sound from
  a speaker and that sound is fed back through the speakers in a loop."

2.5/ "Due to the fact that the microphone and loudspeaker are
  situated in the same room, there is a significant risk of feedback
  from the loudspeakers to the microphone, which sometimes can be
  heard as a characteristic howling of tones with problematic frequencies
  for the specific enclosure."

---

encourage   v(t)   // or //

give somebody the courage or confidence to do something

encourage somebody

1.1/ She especially encouraged young scientists.

1.2/ She encouraged many young writers and artists.

1.3/ We were greatly encouraged by the support we received.

1.4/ We were greatly encouraged by the positive response of the public.

1.5/ I want to thank everyone who has encouraged and supported me.

encourage somebody to do something

1.6/ We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school.

1.7/ His tutor encouraged him to read widely in philosophy.

1.8/ Our parents always encouraged us to ask questions.

1.9/ "What can I do to encourage students to ask questions in class?"

1.10/ Cooder was encouraged to begin playing the guitar by his father.

1.11/ The new teaching methods encourage children to think for themselves.

1.12/ We encourage the victims to talk freely about their experiences.

1.13/ "The kids must be encouraged to speak in English in the school premises
  so that they can develop confidence and proficiency in it."

1.14/ Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders
  to modify their behaviour.

1.15/ "We encourage new entrepreneurs to talk to 100 customers
  before launching a product."

1.16/ "In terms of marketing, I encourage new entrepreneurs to
  find a channel that works and stick with it."

encourage somebody in something

1.17/ My parents have always encouraged me in my choice of career.

1.18/ They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.

1.19/ Fleur encouraged Dana in her ambition to become a model.

1.20/ "The Duke is known to have encouraged Hitler in Germany's desired
  territorial expansion into Central and Eastern Europe."

antonym: discourage

see also: inspire, guide, give advice to somebody, raise somebody's morale

v(t) persuade somebody to do something

encourage somebody to do something

2.1/ "Is this sign trying to encourage me to buy something?"

2.2/ I strongly encourage everyone to go and see this important film.

2.3/ Banks actively encouraged people to borrow money.

2.4/ The new measures are designed to encourage more people to cycle.

2.5/ The aim of the campaign is to encourage youngsters to become
  involved in grassroots sport.

2.6/ "The best way to encourage customers to write reviews is to just ask.

2.7/ Music and lighting are used to encourage shoppers to buy more.

2.8/ A 10p rise in cigarette prices is not enough to encourage smokers to stop.

2.9/ "Bulk discounts encourage customers to buy in bulk, increasing your
  average order value and clearing out inventory."

2.10/ "Encourage small businesses to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable
  practices that contribute to their long-term viability and align
  with environmental goals."

encourage something/doing something

2.11/ Speaking your mind is highly encouraged at these sessions.

2.12/ "Encourage buying in bulk for commonly used items like coffee,
  tea and snacks to reduce packaging waste."

2.13/ Cantor didn't mind if they worked late; in fact, he actively encouraged it.

v(t) make something more likely to happen or develop

encourage something

3.1/ The city needs to encourage job creation.

3.2/ Do toy guns encourage aggression?

3.3/ These questions are designed to encourage debate.

3.4/ Programmes like this just encourage stereotyping.

3.5/ We're looking at ways to encourage recycling.

3.6/ Violent TV programmes encourage anti-social behaviour.

3.7/ We want a company culture that welcomes ideas and encourages innovation.

3.8/ There is a clear case for spending public money on encouraging
  participation in sport.

3.9/ The treaty is aimed at encouraging cooperation between Member States.

encourage growth/development/investment

3.10/ "What is China doing to encourage foreign investment in 2023?"

3.11/ "Indonesian government encourages investment in the health sector."

3.12/ The government must actively encourage investment in these areas.

3.13/ The council is encouraging the development of the property
  for both employment and recreation.

3.14/ "The government can use tax measures to encourage economic growth
  by providing tax relief to incentivise certain sectors or activities."

3.15/ "Time off, hobbies and change will encourage personal growth."

3.16/ "Cultivate meaningful relationships that encourage personal growth."

3.17/ "We will encourage personal growth as we strive to reach
  our professional potential."

encourage the use of something

3.18/ "We strongly encourage the use of recycling bags."

3.19/ The government should encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

3.20/ "Motoring journalist Quentin Willson calls for cheaper and
  simpler prices to encourage the use of electric cars."

encourage something in somebody/something

3.21/ "We found that inflation can encourage crime in Pakistan."

3.22/ They claim that some computer games encourage violent
  behaviour in young children.

3.23/ "Danielle Price, Elementary Counselor brought a brochure to explain
  what she does as a school counselor to encourage mental health in students."

3.24/ "How do large motor skill activities encourage physical health in children?"

3.25/ "What are your experiences on how to encourage teamwork in a company
  and in general in organizations?"

3.26/ "Dental leaders encourage job mobility in their practices to empower
  their employees, increasing retention efforts by ensuring their teams grow
  their capabilities and constantly do valuable tasks."

encourage somebody/something to do something

3.27/ "It encourages the stock market to develop in an orderly
  and healthy manner."

3.28/ "The attraction of foreign participants encourages the stock market
  to enhance its institutional quality and regulatory reforms."

3.29/ "What are the different ways to motivate or encourage the society
  to obey the traffic rules which is ultimately helping themselves?"

3.30/ "The course continues to build on the basic fundamentals of English,
  and our project modules encourage students to grow their skills in
  authentic English situations."

---

courage   n(u)   // or //

the ability to do something dangerous, or to face pain
  or opposition, without showing fear

show/display courage

1/ He showed great courage and determination.

2/ "I propose that we, that includes you, demonstrate courage
  every day in many ways."

3/ "Instead of displaying courage, they cheerfully sidestep
  the big economic and business issues."

4/ "Why do some individuals display courage at work while many
  of their co-workers - when faced with the same situation - do not?"

show/display courage in something

5/ "They displayed much courage in encountering the dangers of the sea."

6/ "We are honest and fair, show courage in standing up for our beliefs,
  and have a strong sense of responsibility for our community."

show/display courage in the face of something

7/ She displayed remarkable courage in the face of danger.

8/ "He displayed much courage in the face of illness, and will be
  greatly missed and forever remembered by his adoring family
  and many dear friends."

9/ "Who is the strongest person you know that showed courage
  in the face of adversity?"

have the courage to do something

10/ They had the courage to stand up and fight for what they believed in.

11/ People should have the courage to stand up for their beliefs.

12/ "The key is to have the courage to face up to the problems."

13/ "To have the courage to be disliked, we need to be able to
  look at others as equals, not above or below us."

14/ "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
&nbso; They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
  Everything else is secondary." (Steve Jobs)

give somebody the courage to do something

15/ "Who gives you the courage to try new things?"

16/ "God gave me the courage to be who I am, no matter where life took me."

17/ Many said that the women's stories gave them the courage to pursue their goals.

pluck up the courage to do something

18/ I haven't yet plucked up the courage to ask her.

19/ It took me months to pluck up the courage to ask for a promotion.

muster the courage to do something

20/ She managed to muster the courage to ask him to the cinema.

the courage to do something

21/ "I lack the courage to start ambitious projects."

22/ He couldn't find the courage to tell his daughters what had happened.

23/ He could not summon the courage to ask her on a date.

24/ It took me several months to get up the courage to ask her to lunch.

25/ "How do I gain the courage to speak up for myself
  when someone is yelling at me?"

26/ "I need the courage to stand for what I believe and
  show others they can believe in me too."

27/ "We need grace to stay committed to celebrating diversity and differences,
  while at the same time the courage to stand out against injustice."

take courage (to do something)

28/ It takes courage to sing in public.

29/ "Often, it takes courage to change what needs to be changed."

30/ "It's easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone."

take your courage in both hands

31/ Taking her courage in both hands, she opened the door and walked in.

courage in something/doing something

32/ His courage in battle won him a promotion.

33/ I admire your courage in saying what you think.

34/ "Once again, we appreciate your courage in sharing your experience with us."

with courage

35/ They fought with courage, but were no match for the enemy.

36/ "Fight for what is right and speak up with courage and conviction."

37/ "For 400 years Black Americans have suffered from systemic racism and
  it is time we stood up for them with courage, repentance and extreme humility."

(have/lack) the courage of your convictions

38/ You need to have the courage of your convictions.

39/ Although many of his policies were unpopular, he had the courage
  of his convictions to see them through.

see also: n(u) bravery, have the guts to do something

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approve   v(i)   //

have a positive opinion of somebody or something

1.1/ "I don't approve but I understand."

1.2/ "I don't approve, but I can't stop him."

1.3/ I don't personally approve but I'm willing to live with it.

1.4/ I told my mother I wanted to leave school but she didn't approve.

1.5/ He didn't say anything, but I could tell from the look
  on his face that he didn't approve.

approve of somebody

1.6/ She doesn't approve of my friends.

1.7/ I wish my mother approved of my friends.

1.8/ "My mother approves of my girlfriend."

1.9/ "My girlfriend's parents don't approve of me because of my color."

1.10/ "What should I do if my mother-in-law doesn't approve of me?"

1.11/ "My mother-in-law never approved of me because I didn't
  give her a grandchild."

approve of something

1.12/ Do you approve of my idea?

1.13/ He doesn't approve of smoking.

1.14/ I very much approve of these new tests.

1.15/ I wholeheartedly approve of his actions.

1.16/ She didn't quite approve of the way he was running things.

1.17/ "Is it bigoted that I don't approve of tattoos?"

1.18/ "I don't approve of tattoos and would not ever get one."

1.19/ "I knew my parents would not approve of pregnancy before marriage."

1.20/ "I hope that Douglas would have approved of my work."

1.21/ "I don't approve of that kind of language," she said, pursing her lips.

1.22/ "My parents do not approve of my marriage with my partner
  and have put doubts in me."

approve of doing something

1.23/ "We do not approve of working overtime. 40h/week or less is the norm."

1.24/ "When the concept of death is explained within the framework
  of a story, only 32.1% of respondents approved of donating their organs."

1.25/ "Did you know that 85% of Americans approve of donating organs,
  yet, every year over 40,000 people die waiting for an organ donation?"

approve of + wh-clause

1.26/ I thoroughly approve of what the government is doing.

1.27/ You may not approve of what he did, but he's still your brother.

1.28/ "I can't approve of how your father raised you."

1.29/ "Through 2022, an average of 82% of Democrats approved of how
  Biden had handled his job as president, while just 7% of Republicans did."

approve of somebody doing something

1.30/ She doesn't approve of me leaving school this year.

1.31/ "My boss doesn't approve of my being late for work."

1.32/ "Only one of my professors approved of me applying for
  the MSW program after my BA Psych."

approve of somebody's doing something

1.33/ She doesn't approve of my leaving school this year.

1.34/ Do you approve of my going on this boat?

1.35/ "I was confronted by two leading lesbian-feminists who told
  me that they did not approve of my visiting concentration camps in Europe,
  since it would take my attention away from my anti-racist work."

antonym: disapprove

see also: be fond of somebody/something

v(t) accept, allow, or officially agree to something

approve something

2.1/ The court approved the sale of the property.

2.2/ The auditors approved the company's accounts.

2.3/ They approved the creation of a human resources development centre.

2.4/ The committee has approved the compensation package.

2.5/ He agreed to the interview, but asked to be allowed to
  approve the final article.

2.6/ His appointment has not been formally approved yet.

2.7/ The minutes of the last meeting were approved unanimously .

2.8/ The suggestion was approved, with 25 votes in favour, and 7 against.

approve a plan/request/proposal

2.9/ The committee unanimously approved the plan.

2.10/ We had to wait months for the council to approve our plans
  to extend the house.

2.11/ "The principal approved the request for a school field trip."

2.12/ We hope that the proposals will soon be approved by the committee.

2.13/ When the time came to approve the proposal, there were
  one or two voices of dissent.

approve a bill

2.14/ "Congress finally approved the 13th Amendment on January 31, 1865."

2.15/ "If the bill is read the second time, the House is deemed
  to have approved the bill in principle."

2.16/ The Legislature narrowly approved an amendment to
  the Massachusetts Constitution.

be approved by somebody/something

2.17/ The course is approved by the Department for Education.

2.18/ "To ensure any food product is approved by FSSAI, one can
  check the label where FSSAI license number of the manufacturer
  and marketer is mentioned."

2.19/ "Our BS/BR Series custom refrigerators are approved by ANSI/NSF #7
  for open food storage."

2.20/ "Portable electric appliances should be approved by Auxiliary Services
  prior to use."

be approved for something

2.21/ This medicine is not approved for use in children.

2.22/ " If this review establishes that a drug's health benefits
  outweigh its known risks, the drug is approved for sale."

be approved for somebody

2.23/ "The toy is approved for children 3 months and up."

2.24/ "A warning on the box states that the beads should not be swallowed,
  but the toy is approved for children who are four years and older."

be approved as something

2.25/ The chemical has never been federally approved as a pesticide.

2.26/ "The drug is approved as a 300 mg dose administered every 4 weeks,
  with the option to increase to every 2 weeks if the patient is unresponsive."

2.27/ "Yarns are certified Oeko-tex, meaning the production process is
  approved as environmentally and socially responsible."

see also: certify, be awarded/issue a certificate

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atmosphere   n(singular)   //   PICTURE

the atmosphere: the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth

in the atmosphere

1.1/ "The clouds float in the atmosphere because of their low density."

1.2/ "How is ozone formed in the outer atmosphere?"

1.3/ "A SpaceX rocket blows a hole in the atmosphere."

1.4/ "In the outer atmosphere, there is still pressure, though it
  decreases with altitude."

1.5/ The northern lights are caused by charged particles in the upper atmosphere.

into the atmosphere

1.6/ "What makes birds able to fly into the atmosphere?"

1.7/ Dangerous gases have escaped into the atmosphere.

1.8/ "When small meteors crash into the atmosphere, the force of
  entry heats the objects to scorching temperatures."

out of the atmosphere, outside the atmosphere

1.9/ "Why is space colorful from spots on Earth but outside
  the atmosphere it just looks black?"

1.10/ "I nearly jumped out of the atmosphere at the jump scare
  in the scary movie you were watching in his room."

enter the atmosphere

1.11/ "The spaceship entered the atmosphere and began to break up."

1.12/ "The gargantuan spaceship entered the atmosphere at hypersonic
  speeds for the first time in history."

1.13/ "Do meteors burn on entering the atmosphere because of
  friction or because of air compression?"

1.14/ "Meteors enter Earth's atmosphere at very high speeds without
  any protective technology, causing rapid compression and heating of air
  in front of them, which burns them up."

leave the atmosphere, escape from the atmosphere

1.15/ "Yuri Gagarin, a Russian Soviet pilot, was the first human
  to leave the Earth's atmosphere."

1.16/ "As the last spaceship left the atmosphere, the earth was
  once again left to the animals and the dinosaur-like creatures."

1.17/ " As a consequence, most of the H and He escaped from
  the atmosphere a long time ago."

layers of the atmosphere

1.18/ "In which layer of the atmosphere do planes fly?"

1.19/ "Planes and jets typically fly in the stratosphere, which is
  the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere."

1.20/ "Satellites orbit in either Earth's thermosphere or its exosphere."

1.21/ "Satellites orbit the earth in the exosphere, which is
  the outermost layer of the atmosphere."

1.22/ "Birds fly in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere."

1.23/ "Clouds can form anywhere in the troposphere, and although
  condensed liquid, they are light enough to float in the air and move
  from place to place by the wind."

1.24/ "The layer of atmosphere from the earth's surface to around
  19,500 - 32,700 feet is the troposphere."

1.25/ "The ozone layer of the atmosphere protects life on earth by
  filtering out some of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun."

1.26/ "Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are used in refrigerators, air conditioners,
  and aerosol sprays. They damage the ozone layer of the atmosphere."

1.27/ "The discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985 led to a major
  community effort that established, within a few years, that this phenomenon
  was caused by the human release of various chlorine and bromine compounds."

the components(/constituents) of the atmosphere

1.28/ "The main components of the atmosphere are nitrogen gas,
  oxygen gas, and argon."

1.29/ "What are the main constituents of the earth's atmosphere in our time?"

1.30/ "The three major constituents of Earth's atmosphere are
  nitrogen, oxygen and argon."

1.31/ "The main chemically active constituents of the atmosphere
  are nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide."

1.32/ "Earth's atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen,
  and one percent other gases."

1.33/ "In the Earth's desert regions (30°N/S), when dry winds are blowing,
  the water vapor contribution to the composition of the atmosphere
  will be near zero."

release/emit something into the atmosphere

1.34/ Wind power doesn't release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

1.35/ Volcanoes and hot springs can emit methane into the atmosphere.

1.36/ These factories are releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere.

1.37/ "We emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through our activities
  at home, at work, when travelling and when buying goods or services."

(the atmosphere)

1.38/ Last night's storm had cleared the atmosphere.

1.39/ Pesticides can kill wildlife and pollute the atmosphere.

(of other planets)

1.40/ The outermost part of the sun's atmosphere is called the corona.

1.41/ "Mars has an atmosphere. It is made up of carbon dioxide."

1.42/ "Mars has an atmosphere of about 6 millibars of mostly CO₂."

1.43/ "Mars has an atmosphere consisting mostly of carbon dioxide and nitrogen."

1.44/ "We know of no other planets with a breathable atmosphere."

1.45/ We continue the search for planets with a breathable atmosphere.

1.46/ The probe will plunge into the planet's stormy atmosphere.

see also: in the air, travel/launch into space

n(singular) the air in a room or in a small space; the air around a place

2.1/ "There was a stuffy atmosphere in the room."

2.2/ A few plants in an office will improve the atmosphere.

2.3/ These plants love warm, humid atmospheres.

the atmosphere in a room/space

2.4/ The atmosphere in the room was so stuffy I could hardly breathe.

2.5/ "Already adding one plant changes the atmosphere in the office space."

2.6/ "Astronauts need oxygen to survive. The atmosphere in the spaceship is
  kept pretty much as it is on Earth."

2.7/ "The atmosphere in a greenhouse is an oasis for our mental,
  physical and spiritual health."

in a/an ... atmosphere

2.8/ "It was bad for our lungs to work in a stuffy atmosphere."

2.9/ "These ferns will grow best in a humid atmosphere."

2.10/ "Plants were placed in the office to provide an opportunity
  to work in a comfortable atmosphere."

2.11/ "The mark of a clean sweep, ushers in a refreshing atmosphere."

2.12/ "A cleaned living space ushers in a refreshing atmosphere to
  live in, and, certainly, makes it a welcoming place for ourselves
  and any guests that arrive."

n(singular,u) the feeling that an event or place gives you

3.1/ Before the parade, the atmosphere was electric.

3.2/ It's a warm and friendly atmosphere.

3.3/ The atmosphere was charged with excitement.

3.4/ His funny remarks lightened the atmosphere.

have a/an ... atmoshpere

3.5/ The hotel had a lovely relaxed atmosphere.

3.6/ The restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere.

3.7/ "The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere and offers a great
  view of Tokyo Skytree."

3.8/ "All seats are private rooms, and the restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere."

3.9/ "A haunted house can have a dark and scary atmosphere."

create a/an ... atmoshpere

3.10/ This type of lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere.

3.11/ Use music and lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.

3.12/ "The spacious interior of the restaurant creates a comfortable atmosphere,
  with glass-enclosed private rooms also available."

a/an ... atmoshpere (in somewhere)

3.13/ There's a very relaxed atmosphere in our office.

3.14/ "There is a tense atmosphere here."

3.15/ "There is a tense atmosphere in the House over the rape incident."

3.16/ The hotel offers a friendly atmosphere and personal service.

the atmoshpere in somewhere

3.17/ "Observe and understand the atmosphere in the room."

3.18/ "Try to hear emotional undertones and try to perceive
  the atmosphere in the room."

3.19/ "The atmosphere in the room freezes immediately."

3.20/ She could sense the hostile atmosphere in the room.

3.21/ "Is the classroom environment learner-friendly and/or
  how is the atmosphere in the classroom?"

3.22/ "People are happier and work better when the atmosphere
  in the office space is calm."

3.23/ The whole atmosphere in the stadium changed dramatically.

in a/an ... atmoshpere

3.24/ "Young men and women dance in a party atmosphere."

3.25/ "The question had been discussed in a tense atmosphere."

3.26/ "As they learn in a joyful atmosphere, children are inspired
  and encouraged, achieving a balanced development in virtues, intelligence,
  physique, group interaction and aesthetics."

an atmoshpere of something

3.27/ City officials have created an atmosphere of fear.

3.28/ There was an atmosphere of mutual trust between them.

3.29/ The children grew up in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity.

3.30/ There has been an atmosphere of gloom in the factory since it was
  announced that it would be closing.

3.31/ They try to create an atmosphere of calm and security for their children.

a/an ... atmoshpere between A and B

3.32/ Since their argument there had been a strained atmosphere between them.

3.33/ "There is a tense atmosphere between China and the United States due to
  a possible visit of an American official to Taiwan."

3.34/ "It is the creation of a friendly atmosphere between these two countries
  that is far more important than the actual drawing of the frontier."

the atmoshpere between A and B

3.35/ "The atmosphere between the couple at the beginning of the poem
  is warm and loving"

3.36/ "Definitely the atmosphere is a lot better between me and Daniel
  than it was with Checo. Hopefully we are going to be solid on that topic
  and able to push the team forward."

3.37/ "It was not a nice atmosphere. We had respect but the atmosphere
  between us was not so good. On track we came close too many times,
  that was clear."

n(u) atmoshpere

3.38/ The old house is full of atmosphere.

3.39/ You want a restaurant that serves good food but has a little atmosphere too.

3.40/ He put on some soft music and turned the lights down in order
  to give the room a little more atmosphere.

see also: vibe/vibes, the mood of somebody/something

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beret   n(c)   // or //   PICTURE

a round flat cap made out of soft cloth

1/ "I prefer a beret to a garrison cap."

2/ "I do prefer a beret to either navy or air caps."

wear(/put on) a beret

3/ "I will always wear a black beret in my heart."

4/ "She always wore a black beret on her head."

5/ "It still cracks me up that she loves wearing a beret."

6/ "I put on my beret and. remember my European origins."

7/ "Dr. Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989) 手塚治虫 was a Japanese graphic novel author
  or manga artist, and very well known for wearing his Basque beret."

8/ "A member of the British Royal Military Police was wearing a red beret
  near the Berlin Wall in 1984."

take off a beret

9/ "He took off my beret and put it on himself to hug me better."

10/ "This white guy came and took off my beret, slapped me on the shoulder
  and then security came and appeared to be protecting the white students
  who were whispering from the other side."

wave a beret

11/ "I waved my beret at him in farewell."

12/ "I was waving my beret to welcome the patrol and its large
  French flag drawn thanks to colourized smoke.

13/ "It's not unusual to see a soldier's hand waving a beret from a hearse."

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relay   n(c)   //   PICTURE

(also: a relay race) a race between teams in which each member
  of the team runs or swims one section of the race

run in a relay

1.1/ She ran in the 4 × 400 relay.

1.2/ "Ella and three friends run in a relay race that is 14 miles long."

the 4 × 100m relay, the 4x400m relay

1.3/ "PNG won the women's 4x400m relay on Thursday 30th November."

1.4/ "Team USA won the 4x100m relay at the 2023 World Championships."

1.5/ "Team USA won the women's 4x400m relay gold with a big margin
  at the Tokyo Olympic Games here on Saturday."

1.6/ "Team South Africa won the silver medal in the men's 4x100m
  relay at the Paris Olympics."

1.7/ "Canada delivered a stunning upset to win the men's 4x100m gold
  at Olympic Games Paris 2024, sending the baton across the line in a time
  of 37.50 seconds."

a swimming relay

1.8/ "In a swimming relay, each swimmer swims an equal part of the total distance."

1.9/ "She helped me feel what it was like to participate in a swimming relay."

1.10/ "Below are the best techniques to use in a swimming relay to
  ensure a smooth, quick, and powerful transition."

the 4x100m medley relay, the 4x100m freestyle relay

1.11/ "Alexa Leary has won the 4x100m medley relay in the final leg for Australia."

1.12/ "The USA's women's team win gold in the 4x100m medley relay final,
  beating Australia by two-seconds."

1.13/ "Team USA’s women finished swimming’s final race of the Olympic Games
  Paris 2024 in style, setting a world record and taking the Olympic title
  in the 4x100m medley relay on Sunday, 4 August.

1.14/ "Jack Alexy '21 helps USA win gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay."

1.15/ "Former Buckeye swimmer Hunter Armstrong scored his second Olympic
  gold medal after an impressive swim in the 4x100m freestyle relay final."

a torch relay

1.16/ "The flame was lit in Olympia and transported to Berlin via a torch relay."

1.17/ "A torch relay will lead to the opening ceremony in London on Wednesday."

1.18/ "The Olympic torch relay is the ceremonial relaying of the Olympic
  flame from Olympia, Greece, to the site of an Olympic Games."

1.19/ "The Olympic Torch Relay is a tradition that goes back to the roots
  of the games. The first torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay will be
  lit on the sixteenth of April 2024 during a ceremony in Olympia, Greece,
  where the ancient Olympics were once held."

a relay team

1.20/ "I have always been near-sighted, but I could run,
  so I was on the relay team."

1.21/ "Should Lindsey and King remain on the USA relay team for the final?"

1.22/ "Brendon Rodney and Aaron Brown have won two Olympic medals together
  on the 4x100m relay team, but their friendship pre-dates the track."

1.23/ "My coach suggested I go try out on the track team and I became the
  fastest girl on the team, and that's how I got on the school relay team."

n(c) a baton

1.24/ "The first runner passed the relay baton to the second runner."

1.25/ "I'm so happy to pass the baton to my teammate John Johnson."

1.26/ "Yelling Kushida handed over the baton to Ayanokoji."

1.27/ "When I was a boy at Sedbergh in the late 1940s, in the inter-house
  relay races on sports day, it was a rule that the runner receiving
  the baton must cup his left hand and hold it firmly against his body
  above his left hip."

see also: n(u) track and field, sports day, a three-legged race,

n(c) a group of people who continue an activity that others
  from the same team or organization have been doing previously

relays of some people/things

2.1/ The wagons were pulled by relays of horses.

2.2/ "Relays of volunteers labored to haul them up."

2.3/ Relays of workers kept the machines going through the night.

2.4/ "Strenuous efforts were made through the night and on into
  the morning by the Rescue Brigades and later by relays of helpers."

in relays

2.5/ Rescuers worked in relays to save the trapped miners.

2.6/ After the landslide, volunteers worked in relays to rescue
  people buried under the rubble.

2.7/ "His riders rode in relays along caravan trade routes,
  each covering some 150 miles."

2.8/ "They were held up in France for the lack of the required paperwork
  and the drove in relays, non-stop to Sicily."

relay   v(i,t)   // or //

receive and send on information, news, etc to somebody

relay something to somebody

3.1/ I relayed the news to the others.

3.2/ Instructions were relayed to him by phone.

3.3/ I was told the news first and then I relayed it to the others.

relay to somebody

3.4/ I'll relay to the customer and let you know what they say.

3.5/ "WINS also provides small footprint, remote surface stations to gather
  wellhead data and wirelessly relay to customers in real time, wherever needed."

v(t) broadcast television or radio signals

4.1/ TV pictures of the war were relayed around the world by satellite.

4.2/ "UBC-TV said they had got the rights to relay the World Cup."

relay something to somebody

4.3/ The game was relayed by satellite to audiences all over the world.

4.4/ "Bein Sports, which has the rights to broadcast leagues in the Arab world,
  was in trouble in Saudi Arabia because various Internet pirate broadcasters
  relayed the Premier League to Saudi Arabia."

see also: broadcast, be on (the) air, v(i,t) be aired

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uphold   v(t)   //

support something that you think is right and make sure
  that it continues to exist

uphold the law

1.1/ We have a duty to uphold the law.

1.2/ We are determined to uphold the law.

1.3/ They have a responsibility to uphold the law.

1.4/ As a police officer you are expected to uphold the law whether
  you agree with it or not.

uphold the freedom of something

1.5/ The freedom of the press must be upheld.

1.6/ "May we all appreciate and uphold the freedom of the press,
  recognizing its critical role in our democracy and our lives."

1.7/ How does a democracy promote and uphold the freedom of speech?

1.8/ "Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective
  recognition of the right to collective bargaining."

1.9/ "Businesses have a moral and ethical duty to uphold the freedom
  of expression as guaranteed under Article 33 of the Constitution."

1.10/ "As people of faith, we believe it is possible to both protect LGBTQ+
  people from unjust discrimination and uphold the freedom of religion."

uphold the freedom to do something

1.11/ "Uphold the freedom to vote for the best candidate,
  not just the lesser of two evils."

1.12/ "Thus, as a matter of principle, the U.N. should take particular
  issue with hate speech laws and should uphold the freedom to speak and
  live according to one’s religion or beliefs.

1.13/ "In the 40 years since reform and opening up, China's civil law
  system has continued to uphold the freedom of marriage, monogamy,
  and gender equality, maintaining that the irreplaceable value of the
  family constitutes one of the basic units of society."

uphold a right

1.14/ "If governments don't uphold human rights, what can we do?"

1.15/ "How do we uphold our rights in times of crisis?"

1.16/ The regime has been criticized for failing to uphold human rights.

1.17/ "These men and women have the power to uphold basic rights
  or to roll them back."

1.18/ A committed socialist, he upheld the rights of the voiceless
  and the underprivileged.

1.19/ "The first pillar relates to states' obligations to uphold
  human rights. It includes the duty to regulate businesses to ensure
  they do not violate rights through their operations."

1.20/ "I urge all governments to uphold women's right to self-determination
  about their sexual and reproductive health, and to ensure women's effective
  access to health care facilities, goods, services and information."

uphold the right to do something

1.21/ "We uphold the right to freely contract with others
  outside of interference or coercion."

1.22/ "How does grandma uphold her right to reside in a a tree?​"

1.23/ "Nevertheless, he continued to serve, protect and love this nation,
  fighting to uphold our right to vote."

1.24/ "We uphold our rights to sense, think, feel, move, interact
  and communicate in our native ways."

uphold high standards

1.25/ "We pride ourselves and uphold high standards in everything we do."

1.26/ "We uphold high standards in quality, ensuring that only the best
  is received by our clients."

1.27/ "We uphold the highest standards in transparent, accountable, fair and
  ethical business conduct, keeping in mind the interest of all our stakeholders."

1.28/ We will endeavour to uphold the high educational standards which
  have become associated with this institution.

uphold a principle

1.29/ "Uphold the principle of one country, two systems and
  safeguard national security."

1.30/ The government has promised to uphold the principles of democracy.

1.31/ "Legitimate are those states that uphold universal principles of
  justice, not the political principles of a particular regime form,
  while the recourse to war is likewise justified by the constitutive tenets
  of the jus ad bellum and the kus in bello."

uphold something

1.32/ "As a profession that strives to uphold justice, the legal sector
  needs to be at the forefront of the fight for equality in the workplace."

1.33/ "The people will upheld the constitution against all the people
  who want to abolish the constitution."

1.34/ "For the reasons summarised above, the Listing Review Committee
  decided to uphold the decision to return the Company's listing application."

1.35/ "Let's join hands together to uphold the rule of law."

1.36/ "You see, most leaders come into their positions promising to obey
  the rules, to uphold the rules, to enforce the rules."

1.37/ "Officers of Hong Kong Island Region all worked with
  one heart and one mind to uphold law and order."

see also: support and maintain, undermine a law/principle/decision/right/etc

v(t) (of a court of law) agree that a previous decision
  was correct or that a request is reasonable

uphold a court's decision

2.1/ Judge Davis upheld the county court's decision.

2.2/ The court is said to be upholding its decision.

uphold conviction

2.3/ The conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

2.4/ "Filing asks to uphold conviction of Trump."

2.5/ "Italy's top appeal court has upheld her conviction for attempted fraud."

2.6/ "The Court upheld the conviction of a man for qualified trafficking
  in persons under Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act
  of 2003, finding that the videos and recordings of the chat logs of
  his conversations with an undercover agent can be admitted as evidence."

uphold conviction on appeal

2.7/ "On 12 August 2010 the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
  upheld the conviction on appeal."

2.8/ "He's convicted, and the state courts uphold the conviction on appeal."

2.9/ "Chelak upheld the conviction on appeal to the Court of
  Common Pleas of Pike County."

2.10/ "If this court upheld the conviction in the appeal of
  Matter of Anthony M. (supra) assuredly, it should do so in
  the matter before us now."

uphold innocence

2.11/ "In the US, we claim to uphold innocence until guilt is
  proven beyond a reasonable doubt."

2.12/ "The Qasr Al-Nil Appeals Court upheld the innocence of the
  17 witnesses to Shaimaa Al-Sabbagh's death over violating the Protest Law."

uphold a sentence

2.13/ Three judges unanimously upheld the sentence.

2.14/ "The Tianjin Municipal High People's Court rejected his appeal and
  upheld his sentence of eight years' imprisonment for subverting state power."

uphold something

2.15/ The Supreme Court upheld California’s term limit measure.

2.16/ "The Supreme Court upheld the judgement of the Administrative
  regional court, which satisfies the application filed by the claiman
  and abolishes the decision."

see also: reverse/overturn the decision of a lower court

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award   v(t)   //

give money or a prize following an official decision

award somebody a prize

1.1/ "School students were awarded prizes for innovation."

1.2/ He was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize with Alex Mueller.

1.3/ "My coach was very supportive and even awarded me a prize of $1,000."

award somebody first prize(/second prize/a consolation prize)

1.4/ Carlos was awarded first prize in the essay competition.

1.5/ Her poodle was awarded first prize in the dog show.

1.6/ "Bilkent students were awarded second prize in a short film competition."

1.7/ "I got to meet lots of artists I have only seen on Zoom, and as a bonus
  I was awarded third prize for my painting Tiny Universe."

1.8/ "She was awarded a consolation prize of a luxury weekend getaway,
  which she thoroughly enjoyed."

1.9/ "After losing badly at board game night this past week, I was awarded
  a consolation prize of a dozen eggs laid by my friend's four backyard hens
  - Rhonda, Shirley, Rosie and Sandy."

award somebody a medal

1.10/ He was awarded a medal for bravery.

1.11/ His parents saw him awarded the winner's medal.

1.12/ "I was awarded a gold medal for this research."

1.13/ She was awarded a medal for showing supreme courage.

1.14/ "In 1922 the workshop was awarded a gold medal for its services."

1.15/ "I was awarded a gold medal by the university for work in
  a competition on the theory of numbers."

1.16/ "Lashinda Demus of the United States is awarded the gold medal
  in the women's 400m hurdles."

1.17/ He was posthumously awarded a silver medal of civic honour
  - apparently unqualified for the gold."

1.18/ "Our wrestler has been awarded a bronze medal in Kazakhstan."

award somebody a degree

1.19/ "Shahrekord University awarded me a bachelor's degree in
  Molecular and Cellular Biology-Genetics."

1.20/ "The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) awarded me an associate
&nbs; degree directly related to my Air Force specialty as a medic."

1.21/ "AUT University awarded me a master's degree in accounting."

1.22/ "Amirkabir University awarded me a master's degree and
  Mazandaran University awarded me a doctorate in applied mathematics."

1.23/ "Chloe was awarded a PhD at the University of Birmingham earlier this month."

1.24/ "I was awarded a PhD in Practice Led Research from the
  School of Art and Design at the Australian National University."

1.25/ "I was awarded a PhD in Fisheries Economics and Management
  by the University of Portsmouth."

1.26/ "Hong Kong actor Tony Leung was awarded an honorary doctorate degree
  in humanities by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
  over the weekend."

award somebody a fellowship/scholarship

1.27/ "If I am awarded an admissions scholarship, when will I
  receive the scholarship money?"

1.28/ "She was awarded a scholarship to train for her pilot's licence."

1.29/ "John has been awarded a fellowship to continue his research
  into stem cell technology."

award somebody a grant

1.30/ The university has awarded her a $500 travel grant.

1.31/ "When you have been awarded a research grant, the first thing
  to do is to write a project description."

1.32/ "A student who is awarded a student grant must register,
  attend and present the paper at the conference."

1.33/ "Although lacking a highschool diploma, he was awarded a veteran's
  grant to study at University College, Cardiff, receiving a B.S. in 1950,
  and at the Welsh National School of Medicine, where he received
  his M.D. in. 1953"

1.34/ "HKMU and two partner institutions were awarded a government grant
  of approximately HK$8 million to develop first cross-institutional VR game
  to enhance healthcare students' interprofessional communication skills."

award somebody an honour

1.35/ "I was awarded an honour by the state."

1.36/ "I was awarded the honour of a fellowship."

1.37/ "I was awarded an honour to represent Zimbabwe at the
  African Girls' Summit that was hosted in Kenya."

award somebody a title

1.38/ "His grandfather was awarded the title of Prince by the then King of Egypt."

1.39/ "Sir Alex Ferguson was awarded the title of Greatest Manager of the League
  with a record of titles in his tenure."

1.40/ "When I was awarded a title for my achievements in education,
  my documents were submitted to the Ministry of Education four times
  before they gave their approval."

award somebody damages

1.41/ He was awarded damages of £50,000.

1.42/ "The judge awarded me damages of $3,910 unpaid rent."

1.43/ "The court awarded the claimant damages of £60,000 for intentional
  infliction of injury and misuse of private information."

award somebody something

1.44/ He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

1.45/ "He was awarded the Iron Cross, 2nd Class, in 1914."

1.46/ The court awarded her an unspecified amount of money.

1.47/ She mentally awarded herself top marks for staying cool under pressure.

1.48/ "I was awarded a certificate for good attendance at my previous job."

1.49/ "I was awarded a badge for collecting scented erasers (a 1980s hobby
  if ever there was one) and I was, made to do Brown Owl's housework,
  under the guise of gaining another badge."

1.50/ Their company was awarded a contract worth $40 million
  by the federal government.

award something

1.51/ The jury awarded libel damages of £100,000.

1.52/ The prize is awarded annually for the best new building.

1.53/ "The Iron Cross 2nd Class was awarded for courage and bravery in the field."

1.54/ Knowing why and how corporations award contracts is vitally important.

1.55/ "The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded Nobel Prizes since 1901."

1.56/ "Medals are awarded in competitions to recognize and
  honor the achievement of participants."

award something in favour of(/against) somebody

1.57/ The referee awarded a penalty against them.

1.58/ "Bologna were furious for not being awarded a penalty kick
  against Juventus on Sunday."

1.59/ "The referee awarded a penalty kick in favor of Barcelona
  directly in the first leg."

award something to somebody

1.60/ The judges awarded equal points to both finalists.

1.61/ Promotions were automatically awarded to senior officials.

1.62/ "The international jury awarded first prize to the Italian architectural team."

1.63/ "In many competitions, medals are awarded to the top performers,
  and the gold medal is typically reserved for the winner."

be awarded (something) for a reason

1.64/ "I was awarded a prize for winning a tug of war competition
  back in my college days."

1.65/ "Last year, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for the
  study of electrons and the nature of light."

award   n(c)   //

a prize or an amount of money that is given to somebody
  following an official decision

2.1/ He was nominated for the best actor award.

2.2/ "It is an award to recognize true artistic spirit."

2.3/ She was recently honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

2.4/ "The union is unhappy with this year's pay award."

an award of something

2.5/ "Jeffrey gives the example of an award of a trip to Hawaii."

2.6/ "I had seen him a year before, when he came here to accept an award
  of a trip around the world for his film contributions to world unity."

2.7/ Four finalists shared the top cash award of $160,000.

2.8/ "The Abakanowicz Arts and Culture Charitable Foundation has approved
  an award of $1,000,000 to complete the renovation of the Museum's
  research collection facility."

2.9/ "Of the five finalists, only one will win an award of one million
  dollars for use in the production of the submitted film."

an award of excellence

2.10/ "Choose your project to nominate for an Award of Excellence."

2.11/ "I received an Award of Excellence for my Women in Sports series
  and could not be more proud."

2.12/ "An award of excellence recognizes truly exceptional accomplishments
  within the association community."

an award from somebody/an organization

2.13/ "You are really my award from God."

2.14/ "I am greatly honoured and humbled to receive an award
  from the Queen in the New Years Honour’s List."

2.15/ "Last night I got an award from the SF Press Club."

2.16/ Students on diploma courses could apply for a discretionary
  award from their local authority.

2.17/ "Congratulations to Paul Dummett, who has received an award from
  the Premier League to commemorate his 100 top flight appearances
  for Newcastle United."

2.18/ "Over a decade the Office grew to house the Life-Cycle Lab and the
  Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab initiative - supporting campus projects
  that demonstrate smart approaches to solve sustainability challenges - as well
  as an award from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charitable Trust to support
  sustainability practices across all eight universities within
  the HK Sustainable Campus Consortium."

present an award (to somebody)

2.19/ The mayor will present the awards.

2.20/ "They presented an award to him for his work in finding a cure for cancer."

2.21/ "The Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, presented the award to
  Gold winners of different sectors on April 8, 2011. "

2.22/ "BG Chen presented the award to winning teams at the closing ceremony."

2.23/ "The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu,
  and the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Edward Tse, presented
  the awards to the winning teams."

give an award to somebody

2.24/ "I gave an award To every EuroLeague team."

2.25/ "The teacher gave an award to the student who performed
  the best in the class."

2.26/ "Voters went with the familiar and gave awards to veterans like
  Ann Hui, Sylvia Chang and Teresa Mo."

make an award

2.27/ The jury made an award of £380,000 in damages.

2.28/ The judge has the power to make damages awards.

win an award

2.29/ The film won an award for its photography.

2.30/ They won the award for the most promising new band of the year.

2.31/ Marion Jones won the Jesse Owens award as the outstanding
  athlete of the year.

accept/receive an award

2.32/ He received numerous awards for excellence in teaching.

2.33/ She was in London to accept an award for her latest novel.

2.34/ She felt a great sense of pride as she watched him accept the award.

an award to somebody

2.35/ They have authorized awards of £900 to each of the victims.

2.36/ "It is an award to an individual man for his own work, made by
  an academy which reaches its decisions without consulting anyone else."

an award for something/doing something

2.37/ "He won an award for his lifelong work in 2022."

2.38/ Who did the award for Best Actress go to?

2.39/ "You deserve an award for putting up with me."

2.40/ "I deserve an award for my kindness."

2.41/ "This kid won an award for kindness and friendship today because
  she's the sweetest kiddo you'd ever want to know."

2.42/ "I have received my award for being wicked and having bad character."

n(u) the official decision to give something to somebody

3.1/ The court must specify the different elements in its award of compensation.

3.2/ Satisfactory completion of the course will lead to the award
  of the Diploma of Social Work.

3.3/ "Wherever the award of a prize depends on the opinion of examiners,
  they must take into consideration the recommendation of the head of any school
  concerned following consultation with relevant academic staff members."

3.4/ "The revenue from the fund is to be used for the promotion of
  knowledge and understanding of international humanitarian law and for
  the award of a prize of 2000 Swiss francs every other year to reward
  a particularly deserving work in that field."

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long for   v   //

long for somebody/something: want somebody/something very much

long for something

1/ I'm longing for news of him.

2/ "Do you often long for excitement?"

3/ He hated the city and longed for the mountains.

4/ "Remember how much you long for a long holiday when you were employed."

5/ "She longed for a promotion and worked for 3 years to get it."

6/ "We longed for victory. The head coach spoke about the fact that
  if we win against Dacia, we for sure will become champions."

7/ "If you're longing for success in the real estate industry,
  don't hold yourself back."

long for somebody

8/ Lucy had always longed for a brother.

9/ "At 30, I find myself longing for a boyfriend."

10/ "Deep down, we all long for a soulmate."

11/ "Do you long for a soulmate to share your life with,
  but don't know where to start?"

12/ "Start-ups long for an angel investor or a sudden burst of
  attention that launches an initial public offering."

13/ "The longing for a wife who resembles one's mother often stems from
  a romanticized image of a woman who treated her husband like a king and
  condoned his every action."

long for somebody to do something

14/ "I longed for her to say yes."

15/ He longed for Pat to phone.

16/ "I longed for my parents to buy me a BMX."

17/ "I longed for my girlfriend to come back."

18/ "I start to cry harder as I longed for my girlfriend to be here with me."

long to do something

19/ I'm longing to see you again.

20/ She longed to see him again.

21/ They were the words I had secretly longed to hear.

22/ She had always longed to go abroad.

23/ "I've been longing to quit my job."

24/ "At this time when you are longing to travel abroad, remembering the moments
  you have enjoyed in your past travels can keep up your vigor of traveling."

long after somebody/something (remark: 'longeth' means 'longs')

25/ "We must constantly long after God like the thirsty deer pants for water."

26/ "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.
  You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship Thee."

see also: yearn, desire, n(singular,u) a longing for something

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