Vocabulary notes - Olympic 304 grade 11 2014

TEST 1
Olympic 30/4 grade 11 2014
putative / pjuːtətɪv/: believed to be the person or
content to do sth: willing to do sth
thing mentioned ~presumed
• I'm perfectly content just to lie in the sun.
• the putative father of this child
predispose: 1 to influence sb so that they are likely
throw away: to fail to make use of sth; to waste sth
to think or behave in a particular way
• to throw away an opportunity
• (~ sb to sth) He believes that some people are
• You must take the exam—you can't throw away all
predisposed to criminal behavior. that work!
• (~ sb to do sth) Her good mood predisposed her to enjoy the play.
undertake: 1 to make yourself responsible for sth
2 (~ sb to sth) to make it likely that you will suffer and start doing it from a particular illness
• to undertake a task/project
• Stress can predispose people to heart attacks.
• University professors both teach and undertake research.
schema (n): an outline of a plan or theory
2 (~ to do sth | ~ that…) to agree or promise that
an attempt to reduce complex economic theory to a you will do sth simple schema
• He undertook to finish the job by Friday.  schematic
diminutive /dɪ mɪnjətɪv/: very small
at source: at the place or the point that sth comes
• She was a diminutive figure beside her husband. from or begins
• Is your salary taxed at source (= by your
take (a) hold: to begin to have complete control over employer)? sb/sth; to become very strong
• It is better to deal with such problems at source.
• Panic took hold of him and he couldn't move.
• It is best to treat the disease early before it takes a
source sth (from…): to get sth from a particular hold. place
• We source all the meat sold in our stores from
insinuate: 1 ~imply British farms. • an insinuating smile
• All our vegetables are locally sourced.
2 (~ yourself into sth) to use clever, secret, and
often unpleasant methods to gradually become part
oscillate (between A and B): to keep changing from of sth
one extreme of feeling or behavior to another, and
• Over the years she insinuated herself into the great back again ~swing man's life.
• Her moods oscillated between depression and
3 (~ yourself/sth + adv./prep.) to slowly move elation.
yourself or a part of your body into a particular
• her wildly oscillating moods position or place
• She insinuated her right hand under his arm.
displace (v): 1 to take the place of sb/sth ~replace
• (be ~ed by sb/sth) Gradually factory workers have
retard (v): ~delay, slow, decelerate been displaced by machines.
The progression of the disease can be retarded by
2 to force people to move away from their home to early surgery. another place
(n): a stupid or mentally slow person
• (be ~ed by sth) Around 10 000 people have been displaced by the fighting.
trammel sb/sth: to limit sb’s freedom of movement
• (~ sb) If the dam is built it will displace 100 000 or activity ~restrict people.
• He felt himself trammelled by convention.
3 to move sth from its usual position
• (be ~ed by sth) Check for roof tiles that have been displaced by the wind.
be tied up in sth: (of money) to be invested so that
it is not easily available for use
bond (with sb): to develop or create a relationship
• Most of the capital is tied up in property. of trust with sb
• Mothers who are depressed sometimes fail to bond
book-smart (a): ~bookish with their children.
• He's book-smart but he's got no common sense.
• book-smart people with no social skills
sb’s word is their bond: sb’s promise can be relied on completely
book learning (n): knowledge from books or study rather than from experience
academic (n): a person who teaches and/or does
research at a university or college
knock around: 1 to travel and live in various places
a leading/distinguished/prominent academic
• He spent a few years knocking around Europe.
2 used to say that sth is in a place but you do not
reciprocity /ˌresɪˈprɑːsəti/: a situation in which two know exactly where
people, countries, etc. provide the same help or
• It must be knocking around here somewhere. advantages to each other
3 to hit sb/sth repeatedly; to treat sb/sth roughly
reciprocation (n): the fact of behaving or feeling
knock around/about with sb/together: to spend a
towards sb in the same way as they behave or feel lot of time with sb/together towards you
knockabout (n): ~ entertainment involves people
moisten (sth): to become or make sth slightly wet
acting in a deliberately silly way, for example falling
over or hitting other people, in order to make the
moisturize (sth): to put a special cream on your skin
audience laugh ~slapstick to make it less dry
knock back: 1 to prevent sb from achieving sth or
(like rats) deserting/leaving a sinking ship
making progress, especially by rejecting them or sth that they suggest or ask
in respect of sth: 1 about; relating to  knock-back (n)
• A writ was served on the firm in respect of their 2 to surprise or shock sb unpaid bill.
• Hearing the news really knocked me back. 2 in payment for sth 3 to cost sb a lot of money
money received in respect of overtime worked
• That house must have knocked them back a bit.
4 to drink sth quickly, especially an alcoholic drink
with respect | with all due respect: used when you
are going to disagree, usually quite strongly, with sb
knock sb down (from sth) (to sth): to persuade sb
• With all due respect, the figures simply do not to reduce the price of sth support you on this.
• I managed to knock him down to $400.
Should they strike the consultant off, she will never work again.
Should she be struck off, the consultant will never work again. TEST 2
Olympic 30/4 grade 11 2015
bedevil sb/sth: to cause a lot of problems for sb/sth
absinthe /ˈæbsɪnθ/: a very strong green alcoholic
over a long period of time ~beset drink that tastes of aniseed
• The expedition was bedevilled by bad weather. soothe /suːð/
• This injury bedevilled him throughout his career
loathe /ləʊð/ (~ sb/sth | ~ doing sth)
loath to do sth /ləʊθ/
poignant /ˈpɔɪnjənt/: having a strong effect on your
feelings, especially in a way that makes you feel sad
abstemious /əbˈstiːmiəs/: not allowing yourself to ~moving
have much food or alcohol, or to do things that are
• a poignant image/moment/memory, etc. fun
• Her face was a poignant reminder of the passing of time.
apotheosis /əˌpɑːθiˈəʊsɪs/ (n) 1 the highest or most  poignancy perfect development of sth
2 the best time in sb’s life or career
orchestrate sth /ˈɔːkɪstreɪt/: to organize a
complicated plan or event very carefully or secretly
abrogate /ˈæbrəɡeɪt/: 1 to officially end a law, an ~stage-manage agreement, etc. ~repeal
• a carefully orchestrated publicity campaign
2 to fail to carry out a responsibility or duty
• The entire sequence of events was stage-managed
We believe the board is abrogating its by the government. responsibilities.
against nature: not natural; not moral
apartheid /əˈpɑːtaɪt/ /əˈpɑːteɪt/
Murder is a crime against nature.
pharaoh /ˈfeərəʊ//ˈferəʊ/
(get, go, etc.) back to nature: (to return to) a simple
hauteur /əʊˈtɜː(r)//hɔːˈtɜːr/: an unfriendly way of
kind of life in the country, away from cities
behaving towards other people that suggests that you
• When you’re camping, you can get back to nature.
think that you are better than they are
the call of nature: (humorous) the need to go to the
un’accented /ʌnˈæksentɪd/ toilet
unad’justed /ˌʌnəˈdʒʌstɪd/
un’arguable /ʌnˈɑːɡjuəbl/
a force of nature: a person with a very strong
un’bearable /ʌnˈbeərəbl/
personality who is full of energy, very determined
and difficult for others to resist
con’sortium /kənˈsɔːtiəm/
• Gerard is a force of nature, continually pursuing his
‘consummate /kənˈsʌmət//ˈkɑːnsəmət/: showing
target when everyone else is ready to give up. great skill; perfect
a consummate performer/actor/politician/liar
the forces of nature: the power of the wind, rain, ‘operatorship
etc., especially when it causes damage or harm
‘cowardice /ˈkaʊədɪs/
• They were fighting a losing battle against the forces of nature.
renaissance /rɪˈneɪsns//ˈrenəsɑːns/
(fight) a losing battle: (to try to do) sth that you will
remonstrate /ˈremənstreɪt//rɪˈmɑːnstreɪt/ (with sb)
probably never succeed in doing
(about sth) | + speech: to protest or complain about sth/sb
in the nature of sth: similar to sth; a type of sth; in
rendezvous /ˈrɒndɪvuː//ˈrɒndeɪvuː/: (~ with sb) an the style of sth
arrangement to meet sb at a particular time and place
• His speech was in the nature of an apology.
in the nature of things: to be usual and expected
run a way/ off with sb | run a way/ off (together): to
remainder (usually the remainder): people, things
leave home, your husband, wife, etc. in order to have
or time that remain ~rest
a relationship with another person
• I kept some of his books and gave away the remainder.
run a way with sth: 1 to win sth clearly or easily
*When the remainder refers to a plural noun, the
2 to believe sth that is not true verb is plural
• Most of our employees work in New York; the
run back over sth: to discuss or consider sth again remainder are in London. ~review
• I'll run back over the procedure once again.
remnant: [usually plural] a part of sth that is left
after the other parts have been used, removed,
run sth by/ past sb: to show sb sth or tell sb about an
destroyed, etc. ~remains
idea in order to see their reaction to it
• The woods are remnants of a huge forest which once covered the whole area. run down
• Many of the traditions are remnants of a time when
1 to lose power or stop working
most people worked on the land.
2 to gradually stop functioning or become smaller in size or number
hush up = paper over = cover up = whitewash run sb/sth ↔ down
muddle: 1 to put things in the wrong order or mix
1 (of a vehicle or its driver) to hit sb/sth and knock them up them/it to the ground
• (~ sth up) Their letters were all muddled up
2 to criticize sb/sth in an unkind way together in a drawer.
3 to find sb/sth after a search
2 (~ sb up) to confuse sb
• Slow down a little—you're muddling me.
run sb ↔ in: to arrest sb and take them to a police
3 (~ sb/sth up | ~ A (up) with B) to confuse one station
person or thing with another ~mix up
•They look so alike, I always get them muddled up.
run sth ↔ in: (in the past) to prepare the engine of a
new car for normal use by driving slowly and
muddle a long: to continue doing sth without any carefully clear plan or purpose
• (figurative) Whatever system you choose, it must be run in properly.
muddle through: to manage to do sth although you
are not organized and do not know how to do it run into sth
•We'll muddle through somehow.
1 to enter an area of bad weather while travelling
2 to experience difficulties, etc.
run a long: used in orders to tell sb, especially a
3 to reach a particular level or amount child, to go away
•Her income runs into six figures (= is more than £100 000, $100 000, etc.).
run a round with sb/run with sb: (usually
disapproving) to spend a lot of time with sb
run sth into sb/sth: to make a vehicle crash into
• She's always running around with older men. sb/sth
run at sb: [no passive] to run towards sb to attack or
run off: (of a liquid) to flow out of a container as if to attack them • He ran at me with a knife. run sth ↔ off 1 to copy sth on a machine
run a way with you: if a feeling runs away with you, 2 to cause a race to be run it gets out of your control
3 to make a liquid flow out of a container
• Her imagination tends to run away with her.
run off/a way (together) | run off/a way with sb: to
do yourself up | get done up: to make yourself more
leave home, your husband, wife, etc. in order to have
attractive by putting on make-up, attractive clothes,
a relationship with another person etc.
• Get done up in the costume of your favourite movie
run on: to continue without stopping; to continue
character and strut your stuff (= to proudly show
longer than is necessary or expected
your ability, especially at dancing or performing).
run on sth: [no passive] if your thoughts, a
do sth with sb/sth (used in negative sentences and
discussion, etc. run on a subject, you think or talk a questions with what) lot about that subject
•What have you been doing with yourselves (= how
have you been passing the time)?
run out on sb: to leave sb that you live with,
SEE ALSO can’t be doing with sb/sth, could do
especially when they need your help with sth
run over: ~overflow
do with out (sb/sth): to manage without sb/sth
• (do without doing sth) (ironic) I could have done
do sb/sth down: 1 to criticize sb/sth unfairly
without being (= I wish I had not been) woken up so
2 to take an unfair advantage over sb early.
• He sees himself as the little man being done down by the powerful.
call at…: (of a train, etc.) to stop at a place for a short time
do for sb/sth: to destroy or kill sb/sth, or to have a
• This train calls at Didcot and Reading.
very bad or harmful effect on them
• It was the cold that did for him in the end.
call on/upon sb: 1 to ask or demand that sb do sth
• I feel called upon (= feel that I ought) to warn you do sb/yourself in that… 1 to kill sb/yourself
2 to formally invite or ask sb to speak, etc.
2 [usually passive] to make sb very tired
• I now call upon the chairman to address the
• Come and sit down—you look done in. meeting.
do sth ↔ in: to injure a part of the body
call sb out: 1 to ask sb to come, especially to an
• He did his back in lifting heavy furniture. emergency
• to call out an engineer/a plumber/the troops
do sb out of sth: to unfairly prevent sb from having
2 to order or advise workers to stop work as a protest what they ought to have
3 (~ on/for sth) to criticize sb, especially publicly
• She was done out of her promotion.
call in: 1 to phone a place, especially the place
do sth ↔ out (in sth): [usually passive] to decorate where you work sth such as a room
• Several people have called in sick today.
• The rooms are done out in pale blue and white.
2 to ask for the services of sb
• to call in a doctor/the police
do sb over: to attack and beat sb severely
3 to order or ask for the return of sth
• He was done over by a gang of thugs.
• Cars with serious faults have been called in by the manufacturers. do sth ↔ over
1 to clean or decorate sth again
call sb’s bluff: to tell sb to do what they are 2 to do sth again
threatening to do, because you believe that they will
3 to enter a building by force and steal things
not be cruel or brave enough to do it
• He got home to find that his flat had been done
• She was tempted to call his bluff, hardly able to over.
believe he’d carry out his threat.
call sth into play: to make use of sth
• Chess is a game that calls into play all your powers
• Wearing a raincoat, even on a hot day, is one of her of concentration. idiosyncrasies.
call sth into question: to doubt sth or make others
heroine /ˈherəʊɪn/: nữ anh hùng doubt sth heroin /ˈherəʊɪn/:
• His honesty has never been called into question.
personage /ˈpɜːrsənɪdʒ/: an important or famous
call it quits: 1 to agree to end a contest, argument, person
etc. because both sides seem equal • a royal personage 2 to decide to stop doing sth
make (n): the name or type of a machine, piece of
call sb names: to use offensive words about sb
equipment, etc. that is made by a particular company • Stop calling me names!
• (~ of sth) We need to know the make, model and year of your car.
call the shots/tune: to be the person who controls a • a Swiss make of watch situation
There are so many different makes to choose from.
call time (on sth): to say or decide that it is time for
hitherto /ˌhɪðərˈtuː/: until now; until the particular sth to finish time you are talking about
• Her life hitherto had been devoid of adventure.
call/bring sb/sth to order: to order sb to obey the
formal rules of a meeting; to start a formal meeting
fad: sth that people are interested in for only a short period of time ~craze
he who pays the piper calls the tune: (saying) the • the latest/current fad
person who provides the money for sth can also • a fad for physical fitness control how it is spent
• Rap music proved to be more than just a passing fad.
(be/get called) on the carpet: called to see sb in
authority because you have done sth wrong
short-staffed = understaffed = undermanned
• I got called on the carpet for being late.
longhand (n): ordinary writing, not typed or written
the pot calling the kettle black: (saying) used to say in shorthand
that you should not criticize sb for a fault that you have yourself distrust of sb/sth mount: ~arrange
cut off your nose to spite your face: to do sth when
• to mount a defence/an operation/an assault/an
you are angry that is meant to harm sb else but that
offensive/ a campaign/a (fresh) challenge/an also harms you attack/an exhibition
blow up in sb’s face: if a plan, etc. ~, it goes badly
femme fatale /ˌfem fəˈtæl/: a woman who is very
wrong in a way that causes you damage or makes
attractive in a mysterious way, usually leading men you feel embarrassed
into danger or causing their destruction
• The press portrayed her as some sort of femme
disappear/vanish off the face of the earth fatale.
do sth till you are blue in the face
facetious /fəˈsiːʃəs/ = flippant a facetious comment/remark
sb’s face fits/doesn’t fit: If ~, their appearance or
personality is not suitable for a job or other activity.
idiosyncrasy /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/ (plural idiosyncrasies)
• If your face fits, you'll get the job. = eccentricity
sb’s face is like thunder | sb has a face like
set your face against sb/sth: to be determined to thunder oppose sb/sth
fall flat on your face: to fail completely, usually in
shut/slam the door in sb’s face: 1 to shut a door an embarrassing way
hard when sb is trying to come in
2 to refuse to talk to sb or meet them, in a rude way
feed your face: to eat a lot of food or too much food
a slap in the face: an insult, esp. when it comes as a
have the face to do sth: dám làm gì xấu mà không surprise: thấy xấu hổ
to sb’s face >< behind sb’s back
have/be left with egg on/all over your face: to be made to look stupid
what’s his/her face: used to refer to a person whose name you cannot remember
in sb’s face: annoying sb by criticizing them or
• Are you still working for what's her face?
telling them what to do all the time
• Why are you always in my face?
wipe sb/sth off the face of the earth | wipe sth off the map
in the face of sth: 1 despite problems, difficulties, etc.
sb’s face falls: mặt xịu xuống 2 as a result of sth
• He was unable to deny the charges in the face of
When faced with a fierce opponent, even the most new evidence.
skilled swordsmen must be careful.
 In the face of competition from a fierce
laugh in sb’s face: to show in a very obvious way
opponent, even the most skilled swordsmen has
that you have no respect for sb to be careful.
laugh on the other side of your face: to be forced to
change from feeling pleased or satisfied to feeling disappointed or annoyed
• He’ll be laughing on the other side of his face when he reads my letter.
(pull, wear, etc.) a long face: (to have) an unhappy or disappointed expression
not just a pretty face: (humorous) used to
emphasize that you have particular skills or qualities
on the face of it: vẻ bề ngoài
• On the face of it, it seems like a great deal.
(as) plain as a pikestaff | (as) plain as day | (as)
plain as the nose on your face
pull/make faces/a face (at sb)
put your face on: to put on make-up
save (sb’s) face >< lose face TEST 3
Olympic 30/4 grade 11 2016 • a tall imposing woman
external /ɪkˈstɜːnl/
expurgate /ˈekspəɡeɪt/
not take kindly to sth/sb: to not like sth/sb
extenuating (a) /ɪkˈstenjueɪtɪŋ/: causing a wrong act
to be judged less seriously by giving reasons for it
dampen: to make sth such as a feeling or a reaction
• There were extenuating circumstances and the less strong
defendant did not receive a prison sentence.
to dampen one’s spirits/enthusiasm
expunge /ɪkˈspʌndʒ/: (~ sth from sth) to remove or
get rid of sth, such as a name, piece of information or
douse sth (with sth): to put out a light/fire
a memory, from a book or list, or from your mind
• He doused the flames with a fire extinguisher.
querulous /ˈkwerələs/: complaining; showing that
in stitches: laughing a lot
you are annoyed ~peevish
• The play had us in stitches.
ˈmanatee /ˈmænətiː/
harp on (about) sth = rabbit on (about) sb/sth =
ˈapogee /ˈæpədʒiː/ ramble on about sb/sth
ˈbumblebee /ˈbʌmblbiː/
haˈrambee /həˈræmbeɪ/
belabour the point: to explain sth more than necessary
ˈdowntrodden /ˈdaʊntrɒdn/
• I don’t want to belabour the point, but it’s vital you
downˈhearted /ˌdaʊnˈhɑːrtɪd/: feeling depressed or
understand how important this is. sad
upˈheaval /ʌpˈhiːvl/: a big change that causes a lot
leaf through sth: đọc lướt of worry and problems
upˈholster /ʌpˈhəʊlstə(r)/
hotbed of sth: a place where a lot of a particular
activity, especially sth bad or violent, is happening
ˈpedant /ˈpednt/: a person who is too concerned with
small details or rules especially when learning or bigotry (n) teaching bigoted (a) abˈscond /əbˈskɒnd/
ˈlupine (a) /ˈluːpaɪn/: like a wolf; connected with a
wear on: (of time) to pass, especially in a way that wolf or wolves seems slow
ˈcognate /ˈkɒɡneɪt/
antagonize sb: to do sth to make sb angry with you deˈmonstrative
• Not wishing to antagonize her further, he said no exˈtravagant more. chandeˈlier leˈgitimate
(as) sick as a parrot: very disappointed
imposing (a): impressive to look at; making a strong
acrimonious: (of an argument, etc.) angry and full impression
of strong bitter feelings and words ~bitter
• a grand and imposing building
• His parents went through an acrimonious divorce.
adoring (a): showing much love her adoring grandmother
aghast (a) /əˈɡæst/: ~horrified Erica looked at him aghast.
• (~at sth) He stood aghast at the sight of so much blood.
bespoke (a) 1 = custom-made/tailor-made
2 making products specially, according to the needs of an individual customer
The president is the statement I admire most of all.
 There is no other statesman I admire more than the president.
He was about to give away my secret but I caught his attention just in time.
 Had I not caught his eye just in time, he would have blurted out my secret.
Having three children to look after every day had taken its toll on Elke.
 Elke was worn down by the daily grind of taking care of three children.
be, feel, look, taste, etc. like nothing on earth: to
be, feel, look, taste, etc. very bad
charge, cost, pay, etc. the earth: to charge, etc. a lot of money
come back/down to earth (with a bang/ bump) |
bring sb (back) down to earth (with a bang/bump)
go to the ends of the earth: to do everything
possible, even if it is difficult, in order to get or achieve sth
promise (sb) the earth/ moon/ world
run sb/sth to earth/ground: to find sb/sth after looking hard for a long time TEST 4
Olympic 30/4 grade 11 2017
distorted (a): (of facts or ideas) bị bóp méo, xuyên  foot-dragging (n) tạc
kick your heels: to have nothing to do while you are
feign sth | feign to do sth: to pretend that you have a waiting for sb/sth
particular feeling or that you are ill, tired, etc.
• We were kicking our heels, waiting for some
• ‘Who cares?’ said Alex, feigning indifference. customers.
• ‘A present for me?’ she asked with feigned surprise.
kick up your heels: to be relaxed and enjoy yourself
counsel (n): a lawyer or group of lawyers
take to your heels: to run away from sb/sth representing sb in court
• defence/prosecuting counsel
tread on sb’s heels: to follow sb closely
bestow sth (on/upon sb) to give sth to sb, especially
under the heel of sb: completely controlled by sb
to show how much they are respected
• It was a title bestowed upon him by the king.
at a snail’s pace: very slowly  snail-pacer (n)
wait sth out: to wait until an unpleasant event has finished
incorporate /ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/ 1 to include sth so that it forms a part of sth
versed in sth: ~expert, practised
• (~ sth in/into/within sth) We have incorporated all
• He was well versed in employment law.
the latest safety features into the design.
2 [often passive] (business) to create a legally
nose around (for sth): ~poke around recognized company
• (be ~d) The company was incorporated in 2008.
at/on sb’s heels: following closely behind sb
• He fled from the stadium with the police at his
entrust A (to B) He entrusted the task to his
heels. ~hard/hot on sb’s/sth’s heels nephew.
entrust B with A He entrusted his nephew with the
cool your heels: to have to wait for sb/sth task.
dig your heels/toes in: to refuse to do sth or to
scourge (of sb/sth): a person or thing that causes change your mind about sth
trouble, difficulty or mental pain
• They dug in their heels and would not lower the
• the scourge of war/disease/poverty price.
in parallel (with sth/sb): with and at the same time drag your feet/heels as sth/sb else
• Ann wanted to pursue her own career in parallel
• Those clothes do nothing for your street cred. with her husband’s.
Initially, I think you develop the plot very
rickety (a) /ˈrɪkəti/: not strong or well made; likely convincingly. to break
 Initially, I think the plot unfolds convincingly. • a rickety chair
Once we had made sure there was no reason to be
the lure of sth: the attractive qualities of sth afraid, we went ahead. (FEAR)
 Having satisfied ourselves that there was
unmediated (a): ~direct
nothing to fear, we went ahead.
• spelling errors in unmediated blogs (= that have not been edited or correcte)
We all wished to be treated as equals
• pure unmediated experiences all but: almost
deadpan (a) /ˈdedpæn/: looking or seeming serious
• The party was all but over when we arrived. when you are telling a joke
• It was all but impossible to read his writing.
• a deadpan humour/expression/voice
take up with sb: to begin to be friendly with sb,
inflame (v): 1 to cause very strong feelings,
especially sb with a bad reputation
especially anger or excitement, in a person or in a group of people
hit back (at sb/sth): to reply to attacks or criticism be inflamed with sth ~retaliate
2 to make a situation worse or more difficult to deal
• In a TV interview she hit back at her critics. with
push forward: 1 to continue moving or travelling
eerie (a) /ˈɪ(ə)ri/: strange, mysterious and frightening
somewhere, especially when it is a long distance or ~uncanny difficult
• He had an eerie feeling that he was not alone.
2 to make other people think about and notice you or sb else
sublime (a) /səˈblaɪm/: 1 of very high quality or
• She had to push herself forward to get a promotion. great beauty
3 to continue with a plan in a determined way • sublime beauty
2 (of a person’s behaviour or attitudes) very great
loot sth (from sb/sth): to steal sth (from sb/sth)
• the sublime confidence of youth
• He battled on, in the sublime conviction that he was
step into the breach: to do sb’s job or work when in the right.
they are suddenly or unexpectedly unable to do it
the entirety of sth: the whole of sth
ailing (a): 1 ill and not improving
in its/their entirety: as a whole, rather than in parts
2 (of a business, government, etc.) having problems
• The poem is too long to quote in its entirety. and getting weaker
pioneering (a) /ˌpaɪəˈnɪrɪŋ/: tiên phong
huddle into a pen: lại gần nhau, túm tụm lai
• pioneering work on infant mortality
• the pioneering days of radio
impeach sb (for sth): 1 (of a court or other official
body, especially in the US) to charge an important
neighborly (a): friendly and helpful ~kind
public figure with a serious crime
2 to raise doubts about sth ~question
oncoming (a): ~approaching • to impeach sb’s motives
street cred (n): a quality that makes sb acceptable to
put sb out to grass: to force sb to stop doing their
young people, especially those who live in cities and
job, especially because they are old
have experienced the problems of real life
a feather in your cap: an action that you can be
He indicated very clearly that he would do anything proud of
to obtain the contract. (LENGTHS)
 He gave every indication of going to any
anticlimactic: if an event or experience is ~, it
lengths to obtain the contract.
causes disappointment because it was less exciting
than was expected, or happened immediately after a
I didn't dare to tell the truth because my father was
much more exciting event or experience there. (GUTS)
 Had it not been for my father’s presence
watchword: (a word or phrase that represents) the
would have had the guts to tell the truth.
main ideas or principles directing the way that
someone behaves or the way that sth is done
She was surprised when he suddenly asked her to
• And remember, let caution be your watchword. marry him. (TOOK)
 His sudden marriage proposal took her by
catchword: a word or phrase that is used to express surprise.
a particular idea, typically in order to get people's attention
After the expedition, I realized that she was not an
• In education, ‘quality’ is the catchword. effective researcher. (SHAKES)
 It dawned on me after the expedition that she
buzzword: a word or phrase, especially one
was no great shakes as a researcher.
connected with a particular subject, that has become
fashionable and popular and is used a lot in
be no great shakes: to be not very good, efficient, newspapers, etc. suitable, etc.
byword: a person or thing that is very closely
The accused may imagine a plan of killing the
connected with a particular quality witness. (AWAY)
• Their products are a byword for good value.
 The accused may conceive of doing away with the witness.
big word: a long, difficult word, or a word that
expresses a serious or important idea
implement: a tool or an instrument, often one that is
quite simple and that is used outdoors well-directed • agricultural implements
• I found the last scene extremely moving and well- directed.
unimpeded: with nothing blocking or stopping sb/sth
• an unimpeded view of the bay
unalienable (a): that cannot be taken away from you
Frankly speaking, I do not think that nature and
nurture are equally significant. (SUBSCRIBE).
 To put it bluntly, I do not subscribe to the
opinion that nature and nurture are of equal significance.
He hid the truth about the matter because he didn't
want to lose his high position. (CARPET)
 For fear that he (should) lose his high position,
he swept the matter under the carpet. TEST 5 2014-1 page 68
baseball /ˈbeɪsbɔːl/
stagnant (a): 1 ~ water or air is not moving and therefore smells unpleasant crèche /kreʃ/
• Few fish survive in the stagnant waters of the lake. couchette /kuːˈʃet/
2 not developing, growing or changing ~static
brochure /ˈbrəʊʃə(r)/
• a stagnant economy/population/market chimney /ˈtʃɪmni/
provision (n): a condition or an arrangement in a
sough /saʊ//sʌf/: (especially of the wind) to make a legal document soft whistling sound
• The same provisions apply to foreign-owned lounge /laʊndʒ/ companies. cougar /ˈkuːɡə(r)/
• (under the provisions of sth) Under the provisions bough /baʊ/
of the lease, the tenant is responsible for repairs. pyramid /ˈpɪrəmɪd/
provisions [plural] supplies of food and drink, especially for a long journey
commentary /ˈkɒməntri/
• We went into town to stock up on provisions.
optimism /ˈɒptɪmɪzəm/
innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/
reclusive /rɪˈkluːsɪv/: living alone and avoiding other
people ~sociable, gregarious marquee /mɑːˈkiː/ • a reclusive millionaire project /ˈprɒdʒekt/
amour (n) /əˈmʊə(r)/: a love affair, especially a secret
dominion (over sb/sth) /dəˈmɪnjən/: authority to rule; one control
• He enjoyed talking about his past amours.
• Man has dominion over the natural world.
 amorous /ˈæmərəs/: showing sexual desire and
• Soon the whole country was under his sole love towards sb dominion.
antagonism (to/toward(s) sb/sth) | antagonism
gust (n) /ɡʌst/ 1 a sudden strong increase in the
(between A and B): feelings of opposition and hate
amount and speed of wind that is blowing ~hostility
• A gust of wind blew his hat off.  antagonize (v)
• The wind was blowing in gusts.
2 a sudden strong expression of emotion
be/get (all) riled up: to be or get very annoyed • a gust of laughter
bashful /ˈbæʃfl/: shy and easily embarrassed
pass sth on (to sb): to give sth to sb else, especially
• He was too bashful to talk about sex.
after receiving it or using it yourself
• I passed your message on to my mother.
be/get (all) steamed up (about/over sth): to
be/become very angry or excited about sth
put yourself/sth over/across (to sb) = get across (to
• You’re getting all steamed up about nothing! sb)
• How do we put these ideas over to the public?
be frightened/nervous/scared of your own shadow:
to be very easily frightened; to be very nervous
get through: to use up a large amount of sth
• We got through a fortune while we were in New
be a shadow/ghost of your former self: to not have York!
the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have
• When his career ended, he became a shadow of his
make a beeline for sth/sb: to go straight towards former self. sth/sb as quickly as you can
• As soon as she arrived at the party, she made a
in/under the shadow of: 1 very close to beeline for the food.
• The new market is in the shadow of the City Hall.
2 when you say that sb is ~ another person, you mean as the crow flies: in a straight line
that they do not receive as much attention as that
• The villages are no more than a mile apart as the person crow flies.
• A younger son often lives in the shadow of his elder brother.
entomb /ɪnˈtuːm/: chôn 2 to put a dead body in a tomb
be scared/bored witless: to be extremely frightened
• (be entombed in sth) pharaohs entombed in the or bored pyramids of Egypt
bleary /ˈblɪri/: (of eyes) not able to see clearly,
one-liner (n): a short joke or funny remark
especially because you are tired
• He came out with some good one-liners.
• She had bleary red eyes from lack of sleep.
culinary /ˈkʌlɪneri/: connected with cooking or food
blindside: 1 to attack sb from the direction where culinary skills they cannot see you coming
• Savour the culinary delights of Mexico.
2 to give sb an unpleasant surprise
• (be blindsided by sth) Just when it seemed life was bill of fare: a list of the food that can be ordered in a
going well, she was blindsided by a devastating restaurant ~menu illness.
blowout (n): a large meal at which people eat too
blow/knock sb’s socks off: to surprise or impress sb much very much • a four-course blowout
oration (n) /ɔːˈreɪʃn/: a formal speech made on a
boil over :1 (of liquid) to boil and flow over the side
public occasion, especially as part of a ceremony of a pan, etc. • a funeral oration 2 to become very angry
3 (of a situation, an emotion, etc.) to change into sth
more dangerous or violent ~explode
• Racial tension finally boiled over in the inner city
2 the part of an army, etc. that is at the front when riots.
moving forward to attack the enemy >< rearguard
• sb's frustration/anger boils over
• The army was advancing steadily and the vanguard was already at the border.
over the top (OTT): done with too much acting, emotion or effort
straitened (a) /ˈstreɪtnd/: without enough money or as • Her make-up was a bit OTT. much money as there was before
• The family of eight was living in straitened
sabotage (v) /ˈsæbətɑːʒ/ 1 to damage or destroy sth circumstances.
deliberately to prevent an enemy from using it or to protest about sth.
heart-wrenching (a): causing very sad feelings
2 to prevent sth from being successful or being ~heart-rending
achieved, especially deliberately
• The rise in interest rates sabotaged any chance of the soulful /ˈsəʊlfl/: expressing deep feelings, especially firm's recovery. feelings of love or being sad • soulful eyes
prowess /ˈpraʊəs/: great skill at doing sth • a soulful song academic/sporting prowess
halting (a): (especially of speech or movement)
privy to sth: allowed to know about sth secret
stopping and starting often, especially because you
• She was not privy to any information contained in
are not certain or are not very confident ~hesitant the letters.
• We carried on a halting conversation.
• a toddler’s first few halting steps
inflamed: 1 (of a part of the body) red, painful and
• Europe’s halting progress towards greater unity
hot because of infection or injury
• an inflamed and swollen finger
imposing (a): impressive to look at; making a strong
2 (of people, feelings, etc.) very angry or excited impression • an inflamed crowd
• a grand and imposing building
• a man inflamed with jealousy • a tall imposing woman
disquiet (about/over sth): feelings of worry and
cavernous (a) /ˈkævənəs/: (of a room or space) very
unhappiness about sth ~unease
large and often empty and/or dark; like a cave
There is considerable public disquiet about the safety
the vast, cavernous space of the empty concert hall of the new trains.
drove (n) a large number of people or animals, often
clad (a) /klæd/ 1 (in sth) (often used after an adverb moving or doing sth as a group
or in compounds) wearing a particular type of • droves of tourists clothing ~dressed
• People were leaving the countryside in droves to
• She was clad in blue velvet. look for work in the cities. • warmly/scantily clad • leather-clad motorcyclists
famed (for sth): very well known ~renowned
2 –clad (in compounds) covered in a particular thing
• Next stop is Las Vegas, famed for its casinos. • snow-clad hills a famed poet and musician
vanguard (n) /ˈvænɡɑːrd/ (usually the vanguard)
An early solution is apparently not beyond the bound [singular] of responsibility.
1 the leaders of a movement in society, for example in  It might be responsible apparently to find an politics, art, industry, etc. early solution.
• The party claimed to be the vanguard of the world revolutionary movement.
The large amount of cash in his pocket is totally
• (in the ~ of sth) The company is proud to be in the
unconnected with the matter in hand. (BEARING)
vanguard of scientific progress.
 The large amount of cash in his pocket has no
bearing on the matter in hand.
Their insular attitudes date back to medieval times. (ROOTS)
 Their insular attitudes have their roots in medieval times. TEST 5 2014-2 page 79
apprehension /ˌæprɪˈhenʃn/
in a particular way or to suffer from a particular disease
derivation /ˌderɪˈveɪʃn/
a genetic predisposition to liver disease
• There was an inherited predisposition to alcoholism.
champagne /ʃæmˈpeɪn/
champion /ˈtʃæmpiən/
penchant (n) /ˈpentʃənt/
parachute /ˈpærəʃuːt/
penchant for sth: a special liking for sth ~fondness
moustache /ˈmʌstæʃ/ /məˈstɑːʃ/
• She has a penchant for champagne.
recollect /ˌrekəˈlekt/
a/an/the soft/easy option: (often disapproving) a reclaim /rɪˈkleɪm/
choice that is thought to be easier because it involves less effort, difficulty, etc.
mechanical /məˈkænɪkl/
• He decided to take the easy option and give them
mechanism /ˈmekənɪzəm/ what they wanted. ceramic /səˈræmɪk/
a buyer’s market: a situation in which there is a lot ‘agriculture
of a particular item for sale, so that prices are low and ‘architecture people buying have a choice manu‘facture
adjudge (v) /əˈdʒʌdʒ/: to make a decision about ex‘traordinary
sb/sth based on the facts that are available te‘lephonist
• be adjudged + adj/noun
• sth is ~d to be, have, etc. sth ca‘nary /kəˈneəri/ ‘sanitary
anathema (n) /əˈnæθəmə/: a thing or an idea that you
hate because it is the opposite of what you believe
predilection (for sth): if you have a ~, you like it
• Racial prejudice is (an) anathema to me.
very much ~liking, preference
antipathy (between A and B) | antipathy
predisposition (to/towards sth) | predisposition (to
(to/toward(s) sb/sth): a strong feeling of dislike
do sth): a condition that makes sb/sth likely to behave ~hostility • personal/mutual antipathy
• a growing antipathy towards the idea
 antipathetic (to sb/sth)
enamoured (a): 1 liking sth a lot
(~ of sth) He was less than enamoured of the music.
avenue (n): a choice or way of making progress
(~ with sth) I'm not exactly enamoured with the idea towards sth
of spending a whole day with them.
• We will explore every avenue until we find an
2 (~ of/with sb) in love with sb answer.
• He saw suicide as the only avenue left open to him.
it’s as broad as it’s long: it makes no real difference
which of two possible choices you make
beggars can’t be choosers
not to be sneezed/sniffed at: good enough to be
be sweet on sb: to like sb very much in a romantic
accepted or considered seriously way
• In those days, $20 was not a sum to be sneezed at.
between the devil and the deep blue sea: in a head/herd of cattle
difficult situation where there are two equally
unpleasant or unacceptable choices
reconcile sth (with sth): to find an acceptable way of
dealing with two or more ideas, needs, etc. that seem
be your own master/mistress: to be free to make to be opposed to each other
your own decisions rather than being told what to do
• an attempt to reconcile the need for industrial by sb else
development with concern for the environment
by default: 1 a game or competition can be won by
delude (v): to make sb believe sth that is not true
default if there are no other people, teams, etc. taking ~deceive part • ~ sb
2 if sth happens ~, it happens because you have not
• ~ sb/yourself into doing sth
made any other decision or choices that would make
things happen in a different way
springboard (for/to sth): sth that helps you start an
• I became a teacher by default rather than by design.
activity, especially by giving you ideas
in default of sth: because of a lack of sth
turning point (in sth): the time when an important
• They accepted what he had said in default of any
change takes place, usually with the result that a evidence to disprove it. situation improves
• The promotion marked a turning point in her career. call (n): a decision • It's your call!
landmark (in sth): an event, a discovery, an • a good/bad call
invention, etc. that marks an important stage in sth • That's a tough call. ~milestone
• a landmark decision/ruling in the courts
come down on one side of the fence or the other: to
choose between two possible choices
bleat: 1 to make the sound that sheep and goats make
2 (~on about sth | bleat that… | + speech) to speak in a
err on the side of sth: to show too much of a good weak or complaining voice
quality in order to avoid showing too little
• ‘But I've only just got here,’ he bleated feebly.
• I thought it was better to err on the side of caution
(= to be too careful rather than take a risk).
bray: 1 when a donkey brays, it makes a loud unpleasant sound
deliberate (v): to consider sth very carefully, usually
2 (of a person) to talk or laugh in a loud unpleasant before making a decision voice
• ~ (on) whether, what, etc… • He brayed with laughter. • ~ over sth • a braying voice
neigh /neɪ/: when a horse neighs it makes a long high at/on the double: quickly; hurrying sound
subtropical/semi-tropical: in or connected with
overspill: people who move out of a city because it is regions that are near tropical parts of the world
too crowded to an area where there is more space • subtropical vegetation
• New towns were designed to house London's • a subtropical climate overspill.
cunning (n): the ability to achieve sth by tricking or
overrun: 1 (especially of sth bad or not wanted) to
cheating other people in a clever way ~craftiness
fill or spread over an area quickly, especially in large
• It took energy and cunning just to survive. numbers
• She used low cunning (= dishonest behaviour) to get
• The house was completely overrun with mice. what she wanted.
• The tiny village was overrun by tourists.
2 to take more time or money than was intended
charred (a): burnt and black
• Her lectures never overrun.
• The meat was slightly charred.
• You've overrun your time by 10 minutes.
• her hideously charred and blackened features  overrun (n)
hideous (a) /ˈhɪdiəs/: very ugly or unpleasant
overstock (sth): to buy or make more of sth than you ~revolting need or can sell
pre-packed/re-packaged: (of goods, especially food)
throw good money after bad: to spend more money put into packages before being sent to shops to be
on sth, when you have wasted a lot on it already sold
for starters = first and foremost concentrate
• There are a number of problems—for starters, where  super-concentrated (a) is the money coming from
anti-lock: ~ brakes stop the wheels of a vehicle
potted (a): 1 planted in a pot
locking if you have to stop suddenly, and so make the • potted plants vehicle easier to control
2 (of a book, or a story) in a short simple form
• an anti-lock braking system or ABS
• a potted history of England
3 potted meat or fish has been cooked and preserved
counter-argument: an argument against another in a small container argument, idea, or suggestion
dip a toe in/into sth | dip a toe in/into the water: to
self-contained (a) 1 not needing or depending on
start doing sth very carefully to see if it will be other people successful or not
2 able to operate or exist without outside help or
• We decided to dip a toe in the computer games influence ~independent market. • a self-contained community
3 (of a flat/an apartment) having its own kitchen,
arch- (in nouns): main; most important or most bathroom and entrance extreme
• self-contained accommodation • archbishop • arch-enemy
People are using microwave ovens more and more • arch-rival frequently. (TREND)
 There is a trend toward more frequent use of
come into your/its own: to have the opportunity to microwave ovens.
show how good or useful you are or sth is
• When the traffic's this bad, a bicycle really comes
The rumors of his being fired are not true. into its own. (CONTRARY)
 Despite (the) rumors to the contrary, he has not Nobody knows what to expect when they get there. been fired. (DARK)
to the contrary: showing or proving the opposite
 Everybody is in the dark about what they will
Show me some evidence to the contrary (= proving find when they get there. that sth is not true).
• I will expect to see you on Sunday unless I hear
I couldn’t understand the last question at all. (HEAD)
anything to the contrary (= that you are not coming).
 I couldn’t get my head around the last question.
get/wrap your mind/head around sth: to succeed in
quite the contrary: used to emphasize that the
understanding sth difficult or strange
opposite of what has been said is true
• I don't find him funny at all. Quite the contrary.
We must always bear in mind that many scientific
breakthroughs are due to luck. (SIGHT)
Graham likes bananas, but when he eats them he
 We must keep sight of the fact that luck plays a
always feels bad afterward. (AGREE)
large part in many scientific breakthroughs.
 Bananas don’t agree with Graham but he likes them.
I really admire the changes you have made to your
not agree with sb: (of food) to make you feel ill diet. (FULL)
 I am full of admiration for the changes you have made to your diet. TEST 5 2014-3 page 87
take evasive action: to act in order to avoid danger or
anxiety /æŋˈzaɪəti/ an unpleasant situation luxury /ˈlʌkʃəri/
• The pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a mid-
complexion /kəmˈplekʃn/ air collision. racquet /ˈrækɪt/
Anne’ work was as good as, if not better than, ours.
quota /ˈkwəʊtə/: 1 (~ on sth) a limited number or
amount of people or things that is officially allowed
His arrogance makes him hated whenever he goes.
• to introduce a strict import quota on grain
2 an amount of sth that sb expects or needs to have or so much the better/worse: used to say that sth is achieve even better/worse
• I'm going home now—I've done my quota of work
• We don't actually need it on Tuesday, but if it for the day.
arrives by then, so much the better.
• to get your full quota of sleep
wear away: to become, or make sth become,
adventure /ədˈventʃə(r)/
gradually thinner or smoother through continuous use addict /ˈædɪkt/ or rubbing advent /ˈædvent/
adjective /ˈædʒɪktɪv/
wear down: to become, or make sth become,
gradually smaller or smoother through continuous use
argu‘mentative /ˌɑːɡjuˈmentətɪv/ or rubbing con‘tributory
• Notice how the tread on this tyre has worn down. ‘volunteer
wear sb/sth down: làm ai nản
evasive (a): not willing to give clear answers to a
wear off: to gradually disappear or stop question ~cagey
• The effects of the drug will soon wear off.
• evasive answers/comments/replies
wear on: (of time) to pass, especially in a way that seems slow
lead from the front: to take an active part in what wear out: sờn, cũ
you are telling or persuading others to do
wear yourself/sb out: to make yourself/sb feel very tired
lead/live the life of Riley: to live a happy and
comfortable life with no problems or responsibilities
clue sb in (on sth): to give sb the most recent
• The two crooks had been living the life of Riley. information about sth
• He's just clued me in on the latest developments.
lead sb up/down the garden path: to make sb believe sth that is not true
call-out: an occasion when sb is called to do repairs, rescue sb, etc.
one thing leads to another: used to suggest that the • a call-out charge
way one event or action leads to others is so obvious • ambulance call-outs
that it does not need to be stated
• He offered me a ride home one night, and, well, one
take it/sth out on sb: to behave in an unpleasant way thing led to another and now we're married!
towards sb because you feel angry, disappointed, etc., although it is not their fault
you can lead/take a horse to water, but you can’t
• OK, so you had a bad day. Don't take it out on me.
make it drink: (saying) you can give sb the
She tended to take her frustrations out on her family.
opportunity to do sth, but you cannot force them to do it if they do not want to
lead sb on: to make sb believe sth that is not true,
especially that you love them or find them attractive
kick out (at sb/sth): to react violently to sb/sth that makes you angry or upset
lead off (from) sth: to start at a place and go away
kick sb out (of sth): to make sb leave or go away from it (from somewhere)
• narrow streets leading off from the main square
lead sth off :to start sth
have sth to offer: to have sth available that sb wants
• Who would like to lead off the debate?
• Oxford has a lot to offer visitors in the way of entertainment.
lead with sth: 1 (of a newspaper) to have sth as the
• a young man with a great deal to offer (= who is main item of news
intelligent, has many skills, etc.)
2 (in boxing) to use a particular hand to begin an attack
offer your hand: to hold out your hand for sb to
• to lead with your right/left shake
the blind leading the blind: a situation in which
under offer: if a house or other building is under
people with almost no experience or knowledge give
offer, sb has agreed to buy it at a particular price
advice to others who also have no experience or
• The property is currently under offer to a client. knowledge
indeterminate (a) /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːmɪnət/: that cannot be
lead sb by the nose: to make sb do everything you identified easily or exactly want; to control sb completely
• She was a tall woman of indeterminate age.
lead the charge: to be the first to make the effort to frigid (a): 1 very cold do sth new frigid air
• Denmark, Norway and Sweden are united in leading • They travelled over frigid lands.
the charge to a cash-free economy.
2 not showing any friendly or kind feelings ~frosty • a frigid voice
lead sb a (merry) dance: to cause sb a lot of trouble or worry
waking (n): the condition of not being asleep
the dreamlike state between waking and sleeping
(a): used to describe time when you are not
take a firm line/stand (on/against sth): to make asleep
your beliefs known and to try to make others follow
She spends all her waking hours caring for her them mother.
• We need to take a firm line on data privacy.
He thought of her every waking moment.
• They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.
admonish (v) /ədˈmɑːnɪʃ/: (~ sb for sth/for doing
banal (a) /bəˈnɑːl//ˈbeɪnl/: very ordinary and
sth) | + speech) to tell sb strongly and clearly that you containing nothing that is interesting or important
do not approve of sth that they have done ~reprove
• a banal conversation about the weather
She was admonished for chewing gum in class.
• He knew how banal the question was as soon as he
2 (~ sb to do sth) to strongly advise sb to do sth had asked it.
A warning voice admonished him not to let this
• She murmured some banal phrases of happen. encouragement.
subliminal (a) /ˌsʌbˈlɪmɪnl/: affecting your mind even impracticable (a) /ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl/: impossible or very though you are not aware of it
difficult to do; not practical in a particular situation
• There are strict laws against subliminal advertising. ≠impractical
• Rumors of a subliminal message in the song have
• It would be impracticable for each member to be never been proved. consulted on every occasion.
• The effects on the observer can be subliminal.
• This idea was considered completely impracticable.
sensationalize: to make a story seem more exciting or guarantor (n) /ˌɡærənˈtɔːr/: a person who agrees to shocking than it really is
be responsible for sb or for making sure that sth happens or is done
inane (a) /ɪˈneɪn/: stupid or silly; with no meaning
• The United Nations will act as guarantor of the an inane remark peace settlement.
• The last question was especially inane.
in this/that regard: relating to what has just been
scapegoat: (v) đổ lỗi mentioned
• The community chose to ignore its own failings and • I have nothing further to say in this regard. to scapegoat her instead.
(n): người bị đổ lỗi ~fall guy
in this/that connection: for reasons connected with
• He realized he’d been set up as the fall guy. sth recently mentioned
• People always need convenient scapegoats to blame for society's problems.
To appreciate the beauty of the lake you really need to be in a boat.
dump on sb: to criticize sb severely or treat them
 Only in a boat can you really appreciate how badly beautiful the lake is.
howl (n): a loud noise showing that you are angry, in
The plan is unlikely to find favor with managers,
pain, etc. or you find sth funny
unless the cost is greatly reduced.
• to let out a howl of anguish
 Without a great reduction in (the) cost,
• The suggestion was greeted with howls of laughter.
managers will probably reject the plan.
• The decision was met with howls of protest from the unions.
Final year students needn’t attend the lectures. (OPTION)
…my foot!: a strong way of saying that you disagree
 Final year students have the option of attending
completely with what has just been said the lectures.
• ‘Ian can't come because he's tired.’ ‘Tired my foot! Lazy more like!’
I really regret to have lost the opportunity to get the promotion. (BOAT)
 I really regret to missed the boat to get the
 That young man is bilingual in English and promotion. French.
arbitration (n) /ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃn/: the official process of
settling an argument or a disagreement by sb who is not involved
• Both sides in the dispute have agreed to go to arbitration.
• Trade unions want the question referred to arbitration.  arbitrate (v)
 arbitrary (a) /ˈɑːbɪtrəri//ˈɑːbɪtri/: 1 (of an action,
a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on
a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair
• He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions.
2 using power without limits and without considering other people
• the arbitrary powers of officials
It’s becoming extremely expensive to maintain the museum. (UPKEEP)
 The upkeep of the museum is becoming extremely high.
That young man can speak English as well as French. (BILINGUAL) TEST 6 2014-4 page 98
I'd got myself all psyched up for the interview and then
posterior /pɒˈstɪəriə(r)/: located behind something or it was called off at the last minute.
at the back of something ~anterior
psyched (a) [not before noun] excited, especially
about something that is going to happen
psychiatrist (n) /saɪˈkaɪətrɪst/
psychiatric (a) /ˌsaɪkiˈætrɪk/
officialese (n) /əˌfɪʃəˈliːz/: language used in official
psychic (a) /ˈsaɪkɪk/: 1 connected with strange powers documents that is thought by many people to be too
of the mind and not able to be explained by natural
complicated and difficult to understand laws ~paranormal psychic
apparatus (n) /ˌæpəˈrætəs/ (plural apparatuses)
energy/forces/phenomena/powers/healing/research
1 [uncountable] the tools or other pieces of equipment
2 (of a person) có năng lực siêu nhiên
that are needed for a particular activity or task
a piece of laboratory apparatus
psych somebody out (of something): to make an
Science departments say they are lacking basic
opponent feel less confident by saying or doing things apparatus.
that make you seem better, stronger, etc. than them
2 [countable, usually singular] the structure of a
system or an organization, particularly that of a
psych somebody/yourself up (for something): to
political party or a government
prepare somebody/yourself mentally for something
the power of the state apparatus difficult or unpleasant
urge somebody on: to encourage somebody to do
The drugs were affecting her and she couldn't think
something or support them so that they do it better straight.
She could hear him urging her on as she ran past.
to think (that…): used to show that you are surprised
ice down: to put ice on a part of your body that you or shocked by something
have hurt in order to stop it from swelling
To think that my mother wrote all those books and I
Mom helped me to ice down my ankle when I twisted never knew! it.
flood back: (kí ức) ùa về
mouse over something: (computing) to use the mouse
to move over something on a computer screen
shine through (something): (of a quality) to be easy
Mouse over the link in the original message. to see or notice
Her old professional skills shone through.
think for yourself: to form your own opinions and
William looked up at her, hope shining through his
make decisions without depending on others tears.
I/I’d like to think: used to say that you hope or
bolt (n): cái then chốt cửa believe that something is true
I like to think I'm broad-minded.
make a bolt for something | make a bolt for it: to
run away very fast, in order to escape
I thought as much: that is what I expected or
The pony suddenly made a bolt for freedom. suspected
‘He said he'd forgotten.’ ‘I thought as much.’
the nuts and bolts (of something): the basic practical
details of a subject or an activity
see/think fit (to do something): to consider it right or The documentary focuses on the real nuts and bolts of
acceptable to do something; to decide or choose to do the film-making process. something
The newspaper did not see fit to publish my letter (= squeak (n) /skwiːk/: a short, high call or sound, that is and I criticize it for that). not usually very loud the squeak of a mouse
think (the) better of somebody: to have a higher
Shirley gave a little squeak of surprise. opinion of somebody
She has behaved appallingly—I must say I thought
elementary (a) /ˌelɪˈmentri/: cơ bản better of her.
elemental (a) /ˌelɪˈmentl/ 1 wild and powerful; like the
think better of it/of doing something: 1 từ bỏ làm gì forces of nature
sau khi suy nghĩ kĩ ~reconsider
the elemental fury of the storm
Rosie was about to protest but thought better of it. 2 basic and important an elemental truth
think nothing of it: used as a polite response when
somebody has said sorry to you or thanked you
ripe (for something): ready or suitable for something to happen
think on your feet: to be able to think and react to
This land is ripe for development.
things very quickly and effectively without any
Reforms were promised when the time was ripe. preparation
a/the ripe old age (of…): an age that is considered to
think out of the box: to think about something, or be very old
how to do something, in a way that is new, different or He lived to the ripe old age of 91. shows imagination
amble (v): + adv./prep. to walk at a slow relaxed speed
think straight: (used especially in negative sentences) ~stroll
to think in a clear or logical way We ambled down to the beach.
forgo: to decide not to have or do something that you would like to have or do
your bearings [plural]: knowledge of your position
relative to everything that is around or near you
to get/find/take/lose your bearings
fetch: to be sold for a particular price ~sell for
The painting is expected to fetch $10 000 at auction.
We are having problems because we did not take out medical insurance. (COST)
 We are counting the cost because medical insurance wasn’t taken out.
Why do I always get the boring jobs? (DONKEY)
 I’m fed up with doing the donkey work.
Shouldn’t she be going home now?
 Isn’t it (high/about) time she was going home now?