RfC1A SB Wordlist

C1 Advanced Student’s Book – Unit 1 Wordlist
Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Definition Sample sentence

Challenge and achievement
achieve success verb phrase /əˈtʃiːv səkˈses/ to accomplish something that you planned to do or The author finally achieved success in his forties when he
attempted to do published his first novel.
be an overnight verb phrase /biː æn ˌəʊvə(r)ˈnaɪt to become successful in a very short time Her catering business was an overnight success.
success səkˈses/
costly failure phrase /ˈkɒs(t)li ˈfeɪljə(r)/ a lack of success in doing something that costs a lot of The drug turned out to have very serious side effects, so the
money or causes problems trial was a costly failure.
daunting challenge phrase /ˈdɔːntɪŋ tʃæləndʒ/ a task that makes you worried because you think that We are left with the daunting challenge of rebuilding after
it will be very difficult or dangerous to do the earthquake.
dismal failure phrase /ˈdɪzm(ə)l ˈfeɪljə(r)/ a very bad performance in a task What a dismal failure for the team, losing 8-0!
end in failure verb phrase /end ɪn ˈfeɪljə(r)/ to come to the end of a project or goal having Their first attempt to climb Everest ended in failure.
achieved no success
enjoy success verb phrase /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ səkˈses/ to have achieved something as a benefit or advantage Fruit & Co enjoys great success in the food and
beverage market.
face the formidable verb phrase /feɪs ðiː ˈfɔː(r)mɪdəb(ə)l to have a problem that is very impressive in size, Nathan is facing the formidable challenge of learning to
challenge of ˈtʃæləndʒ əv/ power or skill and therefore deserving respect and walk again.
often difficult to deal with
fair chance phrase /feə(r) tʃɑːns/ a reasonable possibility of success George has a fair chance of making the tennis finals, but
his opponent is very good too.
fulfil an ambition verb phrase /fʊlˈfɪl æn æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ to achieve something that you wanted to do, or to get She was able to fulfil an ambition of becoming an
something that you hoped for Olympic swimmer.
fully qualified phrase /ˈfʊli ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd/ able to do something because you have the Briony is fully qualified to carry out the inspections.
knowledge, skill or experience that is needed
great success phrase /ɡreɪt səkˈses/ the accomplishment of something to a very What a great success for Norway: 39 medals at
good degree the Olympics!
have a burning verb phrase /hæv eɪ ˈbɜː(r)nɪŋ to feel strongly that you want to achieve something I have a burning ambition to be world champion in
ambition to æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n tuː/ Formula One racing.
huge success phrase /hjuːdʒ səkˈses/ the accomplishment of something to a large or The concert turned out to be a huge success.
grand degree
improve motivation verb phrase /ɪmˈpruːv ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ to increase a feeling of enthusiasm or interest Zambi tries to improve her students’ motivation to learn
in something by preparing fun quizzes with prizes to be won.
increase student verb phrase /ɪnˈkriːs ˈstjuːd(ə)nt to improve students’ feeling of enthusiasm or interest These methods can help to increase student motivation
motivation ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ in something and interest.
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jump at the chance verb phrase /dʒʌmp æt ðiː tʃɑːns/ to take an opportunity that is offered to you in a very I jumped at the chance to attend the conference
enthusiastic way in Mauritius.
lack motivation verb phrase /læk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ to have no feeling of enthusiasm or interest Steven is a bright man, but he lacks the motivation to
in something advance in his career.
leave nothing verb phrase /liːv ˈnʌθɪŋ tuː tʃɑːns/ to make sure that nothing will go wrong with a plan They planned for every possibility and left nothing
to chance to chance.
lifelong ambition phrase /ˈlaɪfˌlɒŋ æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ something that you very much want to do that has It had been her lifelong ambition to coach a leading
continued throughout your life. netball team.
main ambition phrase /meɪn æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ the most important task that you want to achieve Sarah’s main ambition in life is to set up an animal
rescue shelter.
major challenge phrase /ˈmeɪdʒə(r) tʃæləndʒ/ an important, serious, large or great task that needs A major challenge in her life at the moment is learning to
a lot of skill, energy and determination to deal with cope with her depression.
or achieve
meet with verb phrase /miːt wɪθ kəmˈpliːt to lack any success in completing a task Matthew’s first attempt to pass his driver’s test met with
complete failure ˈfeɪljə(r)/ complete failure.
new challenge phrase /njuː tʃæləndʒ/ something you have never done before and will I was bored with my job and felt I needed a new challenge.
enjoy doing that will need a lot of skill, energy and
determination to achieve
poor motivation phrase /pɔː(r) ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ not having enough of the feeling of enthusiasm or Troy’s poor motivation to do well in the examinations
interest that makes you determined to do something could lose him his scholarship.
primary motivation phrase /ˈpraɪməri ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ the main or most important feeling of enthusiasm or My primary motivation is to work hard to be able to
interest that makes you determined to do something provide the best life for my children.
realise an ambition verb phrase /ˈrɪəlaɪz æn æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ to achieve something that you have planned or He finally realised a boyhood ambition of becoming
hoped for a dancer.
resounding success phrase /rɪˈzaʊndɪŋ səkˈses/ the accomplishment of something to an unmistakable The awards ceremony was a resounding success.
or tremendous degree
result in failure verb phrase /rɪˈzʌlt ɪn ˈfeɪljə(r)/ to come to the end of a project or goal having The rescue mission resulted in failure and no survivors
achieved no success were found.
rise to the verb phrase /raɪz tuː ðiː tʃæləndʒ/ to deal successfully with a problem or situation that is It’s not an easy task, but I’m sure John will rise to
challenge especially difficult the challenge.
second chance phrase /ˈsekənd tʃɑːns/ another opportunity to try a task again Because the electricity went out during her audition, I think
she deserves a second chance to perform.
secret ambition phrase /ˈsiːkrət æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ something that you very much want to do but that My secret ambition is to star on Broadway.
you don’t tell anyone about

slight chance phrase /slaɪt tʃɑːns/ a small chance of achieving something When I enter a competition, I know I only have a slight
chance of winning.
stand a chance verb phrase /stænd eɪ tʃɑːns/ to be likely to achieve something I think South Africa stands a chance of winning
against France.
strong motivation phrase /strɒŋ ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ the powerful feeling of enthusiasm or interest that Her strong motivation is what will help her become the
makes you determined to do something head of a company someday.
take up a challenge verb phrase /teɪk ʌp eɪ ˈtʃæləndʒ/ to accept an offer or a challenge (an offer to fight or One of our greatest track athletes has taken up a new
compete) that someone has made to you challenge: knitting!
total failure phrase /ˈtəʊt(ə)l ˈfeɪljə(r)/ someone or something that has not achieved success The New Year’s Eve party was a total failure.

Changes
adapt verb ** /əˈdæpt/ to change your ideas or behaviour so that you can Most students have little difficulty adapting to college life.
deal with a new situation
adjust verb ** /əˈdʒʌst/ to move something slightly so that it is in the right She stopped to adjust the strap on her sandal.
place or is more comfortable
adjust to verb phrase /əˈdʒʌst tuː/ to get used to a new situation by changing your ideas It took her two years to adjust to life in England.
or the way you do things
alter verb ** /ˈɔːltə(r)/ to make small changes to a piece of clothing so that it Theresa had picked up some weight, so the seamstress had
fits better to alter her wedding dress.
change a tyre verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ eɪ ˈtaɪə(r)/ to replace a tyre with a new or different tyre I have a puncture. Can you help me change a tyre?
change gear verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ ɡɪə(r)/ to start to work or develop in a different way or at a With business concluded, the convention changes gear
different speed and becomes a huge party.
change places verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ pleɪsɪz/ to take someone’s position while they take yours I’d love to change places with someone famous, just for a day.
change sides verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ saɪdz/ to stop supporting one person or group in an During the debate, Christoph changed sides and began
argument and start supporting the other to support the other candidate because her policies made
more sense.
change the subject verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ ði: ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/ to deliberately start talking about something else to Susan was getting upset that the group was talking about
avoid an argument or embarrassing situation her brother, so I quickly changed the subject.
change your doctor verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ jɔː(r) ˈdɒktə(r)/ to choose to see a different doctor to the one you If you are not happy with your doctor’s diagnosis, you
have been seeing should change your doctor.
change your name verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ jɔː(r) neɪm/ to change the word by which you are known to Hugh changed his name to Antonio because he thought it
something else suited him more.
change your tune verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ jɔː(r) tjuːn/ to start saying something different about a subject or He soon changed his tune when he saw how angry I was.
situation, or to start behaving in a different way
change your ways verb phrase /tʃeɪndʒ jɔː(r) weɪz/ to start to behave much better If you want to become a student at this school, you must
change your ways.
considerable phrase /kənˈsɪd(ə)rəb(ə)l a difference that is large in size, amount or degree There was a considerable change in the number of his
change tʃeɪndʒ/ Instagram followers after he won the singing competition.
convert (currency) verb phrase /kənˈvɜː(r)t ˈɪntuː/ to change money from the system used in one I will need to convert my pounds into rupees for my trip
into (currency) country to the system used in another to India.
convert verb phrase /kənˈvɜː(r)t ˈɪntuː/ to change from one system, use or method to They converted the old school into luxury flats.
(something) into another, or to make something do this
(something)

dramatic change phrase /drəˈmætɪk tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that happens suddenly and is surprising There was a dramatic change in his attitude towards life
or easy to notice after only three therapy sessions.
economic change phrase /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk tʃeɪndʒ/ a situation related to money in which something The apprenticeship programme promotes economic
becomes different change in our local communities.
far-reaching phrase /ˌfɑː(r) ˈriːtʃɪŋ tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that affects a lot of people or things in an The newly elected government will implement
change important way far-reaching change for the country.
modify verb ** /ˈmɒdɪfaɪ/ to change something slightly, especially in order to The repair work involved modifying two of the windows.
improve it or to make it less extreme
pleasant change phrase /ˈplez(ə)nt tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that is enjoyable or attractive in a way that It was a pleasant change to eat dinner on the balcony in
makes you feel pleased and satisfied the fresh air.
political change phrase /pəˈlɪtɪk(ə)l tʃeɪndʒ/ a situation related to politics in which something After the elections, the country saw a drastic political
becomes different change in all its systems.
refreshing change phrase /rɪˈfreʃɪŋ tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that is welcome because of being unusual It makes a refreshing change to talk to someone
or exciting who’s happy.
significant change phrase /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that is very large or noticeable Bronwyn’s stylish new haircut was a significant change to
her normally plain image.
social change phrase /ˈsəʊʃ(ə)l tʃeɪndʒ/ a situation related to society and to people’s lives in For social change to occur, the speaker said that we would
general in which something becomes different have to address unemployment and health care.
sudden change phrase /ˈsʌd(ə)n tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that happens very quickly and without The sudden change in her heart rate alarmed the doctors.
any sign that it is going to happen
sweeping change phrase /ˈswiːpɪŋ tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that has a major effect Our principal has made sweeping changes to the sports
programme since the onset of Covid-19.
switch over to verb phrase /swɪtʃ ˈəʊvə(r) tuː/ to stop doing one thing and start doing another He played football for ten years before switching over
(something) to coaching.
switch with verb phrase /swɪtʃ wɪð/ to do someone else’s work in their place, usually I’m going to a wedding on Friday, so I will switch my shift
(somebody) in exchange for them doing your work on some with Amy.
other occasion
vary verb *** /ˈveəri/ to be different in different situations The details may vary, but all of these savings plans have the
same basic goal.
vary according to verb phrase /ˈveəri əˈkɔː(r)dɪŋ ˌtuː/ to be different depending on something else Car taxes will now vary according to the amount of carbon
dioxide a particular car emits.
welcome change phrase /ˈwelkəm tʃeɪndʒ/ a difference that makes you feel better The classical music makes a welcome change to the usual
rock music blaring from Stephanie’s room.

Information and research
accurate adjective ** /ˈækjʊrət/ correct or true in every detail We need to get an accurate estimate of what the new lab
equipment will cost.
clearer adjective /klɪə(r)ə/ easier to understand I wish researchers would make the descriptions of their
experiments clearer.
compile verb ** /kəmˈpaɪl/ to make something such as a list or book by bringing The database was compiled from statistics published by
together information from many different places the Tourist Board.
comprehensive adjective ** /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ including many details or aspects of something Our guide to university courses is very comprehensive.
determine verb ** /dɪˈtɜː(r)mɪn/ to decide something It’s hard to determine whether the weight loss programmes
advertised on social media are based on scientific evidence.
finding(s) noun ** /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/ information that you discover, or opinions that you The government seems to have ignored the findings of its
form after doing research own report.
hypothesis noun * /haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/ an idea that attempts to explain something but has Our findings support the hypothesis that these patients are
not yet been tested or proved to be correct at increased risk of heart disease.
misinformation noun /ˌmɪsɪnfə(r)ˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ false or incorrect information, especially when it is The police spent hours searching the wrong area for the
intended to trick someone missing child because of misinformation from the public.
misleading adjective * /mɪsˈliːdɪŋ/ intended or likely to make someone believe Several aides made misleading statements to
something that is incorrect or not true the committee.
privacy noun * /ˈprɪvəsi/ the freedom to do things without other people Staff are entitled to a certain amount of privacy when
watching you or knowing what you are doing making personal phone calls.
prove verb *** /pruːv/ to provide evidence that shows that something is true Bright’s study proves that adolescent boys need strong
male role models, such as fathers, uncles or teachers, in their
lives to prosper.
put forward verb phrase /pʊt ˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d/ to offer an idea, opinion, reason etc, especially so that He rejected all the proposals put forward by
people can discuss it and make a decision the committee.
relevant adjective *** /ˈreləv(ə)nt/ directly connected with and important to what is Once we have all the relevant information, we can make
being discussed or considered a decision.
significant adjective *** /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ very important There has been some significant progress in the
development of a vaccine.
source noun *** sɔː(r)s/ someone who provides information for a journalist The article quoted a senior source at the UN.
uncover verb * /ʌnˈkʌvə(r)/ to find out about something that has been hidden or The initial investigation failed to uncover a number of
kept secret important facts.
valuable adjective *** /ˈvæljʊb(ə)l/ very useful and important The research should provide valuable insights into
organizational arrangements.
Point, use, purpose and advantage
a clear sense of phrase /eɪ klɪə(r) sens əv to have a good idea of the aim that you want to Cassandra’s charity work gave her a clear sense of purpose
purpose ˈpɜː(r)pəs/ achieve during the holidays.
be to your verb phrase /biː tuː jɔː(r) ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ to do something that makes you more likely It would be to your advantage to prepare questions
advantage to tuː/ to succeed in advance.
be useless at verb phrase /biː ˈjuːsləs æt/ to be very bad at something I am useless at cooking, but I am a good baker!
come in useful verb phrase /kʌm ɪn ˈjuːsf(ə)l/ to be helpful in a particular situation Your medical training might come in very useful on
this trip.
for a purpose phrase /fɔː(r) eɪ ˈpɜː(r)pəs/ the aim that something is intended to achieve We have school rules for a purpose: to keep pupils safe and
to develop their sense of responsibility.
make good use of verb phrase /meɪk ɡʊd juːz əv/ to use someone or something for a particular purpose, I hope you will make good use of your revision time before
especially one that brings a benefit to you the examination.
purpose in life phrase /ˈpɜː(r)pəs ɪn laɪf/ an aim or meaning in your life because there is Isla’s purpose in life was to empower disadvantaged
something that you want to achieve women with business skills.
put you at a verb phrase /pʊt juː æt eɪ to be less likely to succeed than other people Not being familiar with the Internet puts you at a
disadvantage ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ or things disadvantage when needing to research subjects quickly.
see the point of verb phrase /siː ðiː pɔɪnt əv/ to understand what someone is trying to say, Our principal didn’t really see the point of introducing
especially when you disagree with it tablets in the lower grades because children need to learn
to write first.
seem a bit pointless verb phrase /siːm eɪ bɪt ˈpɔɪntləs/ to lack any purpose or use It seems a bit pointless to wait here; she’s obviously
not coming.
take full advantage verb phrase /teɪk /fʊl ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ əv/ to use a situation or opportunity to get what you want Many teachers don’t take full advantage of the free
of Internet-based activities available.
there comes a phrase /ðeə(r) kʌmz eɪ pɔɪnt to reach a particular stage in your existence There comes a point in life when you realise whether you
point in life ɪn laɪf/ are living to work or working to live.
Body and movement idioms
cover your back verb phrase /ˈkʌvə(r) jɔː(r) bæk/ to take action to protect yourself against criticism, I think you should keep those emails to cover your back in
blame or legal problems case anything goes wrong.
get your head verb phrase /ɡet jɔː(r) hed daʊn/ to continue doing something by concentrating and Sorry, I can’t go out this weekend; I need to get my head
down working hard down and revise for the psychology exam on Monday.
have the stomach verb phrase /hæv ðiː ˈstʌmək fɔː(r)/ to have enough determination to do something I have to do all the work because Brett doesn’t have the
for unpleasant or dangerous stomach for dissecting frogs.

keep an eye on verb phrase /kiːp æn aɪ ɒn/ to look after someone or something Could you keep an eye on the children while I go to the shop?
kick yourself verb phrase /kɪk jə(r)ˈself/ to be very annoyed because you have made a Tam kicked herself for not buying the television when it
mistake, missed an opportunity etc was on special last month.
leap in verb phrase /liːp ɪn/ to do something immediately, and often with When they see a free marketing opportunity, companies
enthusiasm, as soon as you have the chance to do it leap in.
lend a hand verb phrase /lend eɪ hænd/ to give someone support or help Patricia is always ready to lend a hand when the whole
family is sick.
walk before you verb phrase /wɔːk bɪˈfɔː(r) juː kæn doing more basic things first before trying to achieve You need to learn your chords first before you can play full
can run rʌn/ something very difficult songs on the guitar; don’t walk before you can run!
Phrasal verbs
catch out verb phrase /kætʃ aʊt/ to show that someone has made a mistake or is not He asked her casual questions to see if he could catch
telling the truth, especially by asking them questions her out.
check out verb phrase /tʃek aʊt/ to look at someone or something to see whether you Have you checked out the local sports centre yet?
like them (informal)
come down to verb phrase /kʌm daʊn tuː/ to be the most important aspect of a situation or problem In the end, it all comes down to who wants the job the most.
cover up verb phrase /ˈkʌvə(r) ʌp/ to hide the truth about something by not telling what It was a real scandal, but the school tried to cover the
you know or by preventing other people from telling whole thing up.
what they know
cut out for verb phrase /kʌt aʊt fɔː(r)/ possesses the right qualities or character for doing Bill was never cut out for parenting.
something
let up verb phrase /let ʌp/ when an unpleasant, or continuous situation lets up, it The icy wind never let up for a moment.
slows down or stops
pay off verb phrase /peɪ ɒf/ to give someone all the money that you have Only another six months and the house will be paid off.
borrowed from them
put off verb phrase /pʊt ɒf/ to cause someone to lose interest or enthusiasm for Lack of parking space was putting potential customers off.
someone or something
see through verb phrase /siː θruː/ to realize what someone is really like or what they are We can all see through your little game, Adam.
really doing and not be tricked by them
start out verb phrase /stɑː(r)t aʊt/ to begin a process in one way that later evolves into He started out as a salesperson before turning to poetry.
something else (often about a career)
talk into verb phrase /tɔːk ˈɪntuː/ to persuade someone to do something I talked her into going to London with me.
turn out verb phrase /tɜː(r)n aʊt/ to develop in a particular way or to have a particular result I’m sure the project will all turn out well in the end.

Verb + noun collocations
avoid arguments verb phrase /əˈvɔɪd ˈɑː(r)ɡjʊmənts/ to prevent an angry disagreement between people I try to avoid arguments about money.
build up verb phrase /bɪld ʌp/ to increase or to make something increase Don’t allow resentment to build up between you and
your partner.
declare a ceasefire verb phrase /dɪˈkleə(r) eɪ ˈsiːsˌfaɪə(r)/ to announce an agreement to stop fighting for Sophie and Jessica declared a ceasefire when their mum
a period of time, especially in order to discuss became ill so that they could focus on her instead of
permanent peace arguing all the time.
fall out verb phrase /fɔːl aʊt/ to stop being friendly with someone because you I hope they don’t fall out over who gets the promotion.
have had a disagreement with them
find common verb phrase /faɪnd ˈkɒmən ɡraʊnd/ to discover something that people can agree about, While they disagree on just about everything, they find
ground especially when they disagree about other things common ground in playing cricket.
give up on verb phrase /ɡɪv ʌp ɒn/ to stop hoping that someone will improve and stop Sadly, most of the teachers gave up on her years ago.
trying to help or change them
make peace with verb phrase /meɪk piːs /wɪð/ to end an argument with someone and stop feeling Lesley plans to make peace with her in-laws at the party.
angry towards them
move out verb phrase /muːv aʊt/ to leave the house or flat where you live, or the place We will be selling our house and will move out in August.
where you have your business, permanently
resolve our verb phrase /rɪˈzɒlv aʊə(r) ˈdɪfrənsɪz/ to solve a problem or to find a satisfactory way of The siblings agreed to resolve their differences for the
differences dealing with a disagreement sake of the family.
spark it all off verb phrase /spɑː(r)k ɪt ɔːl ɒf/ to make something happen, especially something There was widespread rioting in London; the trial sparked
involving violence or angry feelings it all off.
Relationships
get on like a house verb phrase /ɡet ɒn laɪk eɪ haʊs ɒn to become good friends very quickly and have a lot to Timothy and Kent get on like a house on fire.
on fire ˈfaɪə(r)/ talk to each other about
get on my nerves verb phrase /ɡet ɒn maɪ nɜː(r)vz/ to have someone or something make you feel His constant humming is really beginning to get on
annoyed or nervous my nerves.
have a (fairly) rocky verb phrase /hæv eɪ ˈrɒki to have a relationship in which there are a lot Peter and Joy have a fairly rocky relationship; they are
relationship rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nʃɪp/ of problems always fighting!
have it in for verb phrase /hæv ɪt ɪn fɔː(r)/ to want to cause trouble for someone because you The police stopped Josh again last night. He thinks they
dislike them have it in for him.
keep in touch with verb phrase /kiːp ɪn tʌtʃ wɪð/ to maintain communication with someone Do you still keep in touch with Jo?

keep yourself verb phrase /kiːp jə(r)ˈself tuː to stay alone or with your family rather than spending Sometimes keeping yourself to yourself keeps you out of
to yourself jə(r)ˈself/ time with other people trouble, but it can get a little lonely.
look down on verb phrase /lʊk daʊn ɒn/ to think that you are better or more important than She looks down on anyone who hasn’t had a university
someone else or to think that something is not good education.
enough for you
look up to verb phrase /lʊk ʌp tuː/ to admire and respect someone He’s a role model for other players to look up to.
put a great strain verb phrase /pʊt eɪ ɡreɪt streɪn ɒn/ to experience pressure caused by a difficult situation Samuel’s irresponsible spending puts a great strain on
on their relationship.
put you down verb phrase /pʊt juː daʊn/ to criticize someone, especially when other people are He’s always trying to put you down in front of
present, in a way that makes them feel stupid your girlfriend.
take an instant verb phrase /teɪk æn ˈɪnstənt to not like someone or something immediately The dog and the cat took an instant dislike to each other.
dislike dɪsˈlaɪk/
take to verb phrase /teɪk tuː/ to begin to like someone or something I took to Sean immediately because of his sense of humour.
turn sour verb phrase /tɜː(r)n ˈsaʊə(r)/ to be unsuccessful or to not develop in a The relationship turned sour over a financial disagreement.
satisfactory way
turn your back on verb phrase /tɜː(r)n/ jɔː(r) bæk ɒn/ to refuse to accept someone or something that you Do you think you could turn your back on your sister until
have previously accepted she gets help for her drug addiction?

Intelligence and ability
be a bad liar verb phrase /biː eɪ bæd ˈlaɪə(r)/ to be not at all skilful in convincing someone of I am such a bad liar: I turn completely red when I lie.
something that is not true
be a competent verb phrase /biː eɪ ˈkɒmpɪtənt to be capable of skiing in a satisfactory or Michael is a competent skier, but I stick to the
skier ˈskiːə(r)/ effective way beginner slopes.
be a computer verb phrase /biː eɪ kəmˈpjuːtə(r) to be someone who has a particular skill or who Matt is the best person to ask when you are having
expert ˈekspɜː(r)t/ knows a lot about computers problems with your laptop. He is a computer expert.
be a skilful card verb phrase /biː eɪ ˈskɪlf(ə)l kɑː(r)d to be very good at (and often involving special ability She is a skilful card player; I always lose when we play
player ˈpleɪə(r)/ or training) playing cards poker for fun.
be a strong verb phrase /biː eɪ strɒŋ ˈswɪmə(r)/ to be good at swimming I am a strong swimmer, so I am going to train to become
swimmer a lifeguard.
be a talented artist verb phrase /biː eɪ ˈtæləntɪd to be someone who is very good at art (painting, Michelangelo was such a talented artist.
ˈɑː(r)tɪst/ drawing, sculpting etc)
be a terrible singer verb phrase /biː eɪ ˈterəb(ə)l ˈsɪŋə(r)/ to be very bad at singing I hate it when Steve does karaoke because he is a
terrible singer!
be academically verb phrase /biː ˌækəˈdemɪkli ˈɡɪftɪd/ to have an impressive natural ability that is related to The professor is so academically gifted that he has earned
gifted education or learning six degrees.
be an verb phrase /biː æn əˈkʌmplɪʃt to be good at and have a lot of skill in music Vanessa Mae is an accomplished musician.
accomplished mjʊˈzɪʃ(ə)n/
musician
be an ace at tennis verb phrase /biː æn eɪs æt ˈtenɪs/ to be very good at playing tennis Andy Murray is an ace at tennis.
be an awesome verb phrase /biː æn ˈɔːs(ə)m to have a very impressive ability to draw Axel Scheffler is an awesome illustrator who drew the
illustrator ˈɪləˌstreɪtə(r)/ pictures for The Gruffalo.
be an expert cook verb phrase /biː æn ˈekspɜː(r)t kʊk/ to show a special skill or knowledge in the area of Gordon Ramsay is an expert cook.
cooking
be enormously verb phrase /biː ɪˈnɔː(r)məsli to be extremely good at something My dad is enormously talented at coding new
talented ˈtæləntɪd/ computer programs.
be exceptionally verb phrase /biː ɪkˈsepʃ(ə)nəli to be extremely good at something Vivienne is exceptionally talented at organising events on
talented ˈtæləntɪd/ a budget.
be extremely verb phrase /biː ɪkˈstriːmli ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/ to have a very high likelihood of success Our new drug trial is yielding results that are
promising extremely promising.

be highly gifted verb phrase /biː ˈhaɪli ˈɡɪftɪd/ to have an impressive natural ability that is thought to Your child is highly gifted and could skip two grades.
be very good or important
be highly promising verb phrase /biː ˈhaɪli ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/ to have a very good likelihood of success The projections of profit for next year are
highly promising.
be highly talented verb phrase /biː ˈhaɪli ˈtæləntɪd/ to be very good at something You should ask our designer to build you a new website. He
is highly talented.
be hopeless at verb phrase /biː ˈhəʊpləs æt ˈkʊkɪŋ/ to be unlikely to improve or succeed in cooking Fiona burns everything she makes! She is hopeless
cooking at cooking.
be hugely talented verb phrase /biː ˈhjuːdʒli ˈtæləntɪd/ to be very good at something The new player on our football team is hugely talented at
goalkeeping.
be musically gifted verb phrase /biː ˈmjuːzɪkli ˈɡɪftɪd/ to have an impressive natural ability that is related to Charlotte Church was so musically gifted that she sang
music opera for an audience when she was just eleven years old.
be naturally gifted verb phrase /biː ˈnætʃ(ə)rəli ˈɡɪftɪd/ to have an impressive ability that is thought to be a The batsman is naturally gifted at all sports.
basic quality or feature of someone
be quite promising verb phrase /biː kwaɪt ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/ to have a fairly high likelihood of success The score was quite promising at half time. Our team
might just win!
be very promising verb phrase /biː ˈveri ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/ to have a high likelihood of success Lucas has started his art project and it looks to be
very promising.
be weak at maths verb phrase /biː wiːk æt mæθs/ to not be good at maths Jeffrey is weak at maths and could benefit from some extra
lessons.
brainy student phrase /ˈbreɪni ˈstjuːd(ə)nt/ a very intelligent person who goes to The most brainy student in our class is Jerome … he can
a university, college or school solve even the hardest maths equations.
bright child phrase /braɪt tʃaɪld/ a young person who is intelligent and likely to do well This year I have a very bright child in my science class.
at school
brilliant student phrase /ˈbrɪljənt ˈstjuːd(ə)nt/ a very intelligent person who goes to Your son is a brilliant student, who excels in all the
a university, college or school learning areas.
child prodigy phrase /tʃaɪld ˈprɒdədʒi/ a child who is extremely skilful at something that Mozart was a child prodigy who started playing songs on
usually only adults can do the harpsichord at the age of four.
gifted student phrase /ˈɡɪftɪd ˈstjuːd(ə)nt/ a person with an impressive natural ability Shihaam is a gifted student in music.
who goes to a university, college or school
have a flair for verb phrase /hæv eɪ fleə(r) fɔː(r) to be very skilful at learning or speaking different Our seven-year-old daughter has a flair for languages; she
languages ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒɪz/ languages can already speak five!

have a gift for verb phrase /hæv eɪ ɡɪft fɔː(r) to have a natural ability to do well in music He has a gift for music, which he inherited from his pop
music ˈmjuːzɪk/ star father.
have a poor verb phrase /hæv eɪ pɔː(r) ˈmem(ə)ri/ to not be able to remember things Zamo has a poor memory; he couldn’t remember meeting
memory me last week!
whizz kid phrase /ˈwɪzˌ kɪd/ a young person who is very intelligent or Capriati was once the whizz kid of American tennis.
very successful
Phrases with thought
be lost in thought verb phrase /biː lɒst ɪn θɔːt/ to be too interested in something, or concentrating Martin was lost in thought and did not hear the door open.
so hard on it, that you do not notice other things
around you
hold that thought verb phrase /həʊld ðæt θɔːt/ to tell someone not to forget what they were saying Hold that thought! The rest of the class will be here soon;
then we can discuss our thoughts on the book.
it’s the thought that phrase /ɪts ðiː θɔːt ðæt kaʊnts/ used for saying that caring about someone is more My wife gave me socks again for my birthday, but it’s the
counts important than spending a lot of money on them thought that counts.
lost my train of verb phrase /lɒst maɪ treɪn əv θɔːt/ to forget what you were thinking Just a minute, I’ve lost my train of thought.
thought
on second phrase /ɒn ˈsekənd θɔːts/ to indicate that you have changed your mind about On second thoughts, let’s leave the biscuits and rather buy
thoughts something you were saying or doing a cake.
one school of phrase /wʌn skuːl əv θɔːt/ a way of thinking about a particular subject or idea One school of thought in psychology is behaviourism.
thought that is shared by a group of people
thought as much verb phrase /θɔːt æz mʌtʃ/ to say that you are not surprised that something Margaret is considering divorcing Dave? I thought as
is true much!
to give it some verb phrase /tuː ɡɪv ɪt sʌm to think about something in a careful and You want to buy a bigger home? We’ll have to give it some
serious thought ˈsɪəriəs θɔːt/ detailed way serious thought.

Risk and health
blocked nose phrase /blɒkt nəʊz/ a nose congested with mucus and other secretions The patient has a sore throat and a blocked nose.
(as well as swelling) causing difficulty breathing and
smelling (often due to a cold or allergies)
bring misfortune verb phrase /brɪŋ mɪsˈfɔː(r)tʃ(ə)n to make something harmful or unpleasant happen I warned Peter, ‘You are going to bring misfortune upon
upon yourself əˈpɒn jə(r)ˈself/ to yourself yourself’, but he still insists on cycling without a helmet!
bruised rib phrase /bruːzd rɪb/ a mark that you get on one of the long curved He was lucky to escape the car crash with only a
bones that are in your chest if you are hit or if bruised rib.
you knock against something
bruised thigh phrase /bruːzd θaɪ/ a mark that you get on the top part of your leg I always seem to have a bruised thigh because I keep
(above your knee) if you are hit or if you knock walking into the coffee table!
against something
chipped bone phrase /tʃɪpt bəʊn/ a bone that is damaged because a small piece has The doctor said it was an avulsion fracture, which is basically
broken off its edge a chipped bone.
chipped tooth phrase /tʃɪpt tuːθ/ a tooth that is damaged because a small piece has Her chipped tooth made her embarrassed to smile.
broken off its edge
dislocated hip phrase /ˈdɪsləkeɪtɪd hɪp/ a bone such as a hip that is forced out of its normal Mark was treated for a dislocated hip at the hospital due to
position in its socket the skiing accident.
dislocated jaw phrase /ˈdɪsləkeɪtɪd dʒɔː/ a bone such as a jaw that is forced out of its normal After the fight, the boxer had a dislocated jaw and a black
position in its socket eye.
dislocated shoulder phrase /ˈdɪsləkeɪtɪd ˈʃəʊldə(r)/ a bone such as a shoulder that is forced out of its The gymnast left the arena with a dislocated shoulder
normal position in its socket after falling off the high bar.
immune system phrase /ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm/ the system in your body that protects you My immune system was very weak last winter, so I caught
against diseases many colds.
live life on the edge verb phrase /lɪv laɪf ɒn ðiː edʒ/ to have a life with many dangers and risks, especially Savannah likes to live life on the edge; she is always doing
because you like to behave in an extreme and some extreme sport … this weekend it’s bungee jumping.
unusual way
risk life and limb verb phrase /rɪsk laɪf ænd lɪm/ to be put, or to put yourself, in physical danger He has risked life and limb to bring us these news reports.
scared to death phrase /skeə(r)d tuː deθ/ extremely scared Arthur is scared to death of snakes.
seek out new thrills verb phrase /siːk aʊt njuː θrɪlz/ to look for something different and exciting in a Josh has been free climbing and skydiving, but he is still
determined way seeking out new thrills.
sprained ankle phrase /spreɪnd ˈæŋk(ə)l/ a joint such as an ankle that is Magda’s sprained ankle means she can’t run in the race
injured by suddenly stretching or turning it too much next Wednesday.

sprained wrist phrase /spreɪnd rɪst/ a joint such as a wrist that is I have to fill out all the paperwork because Kellen has a
injured by suddenly stretching or turning it too much sprained wrist.
swollen feet phrase /ˈswəʊlən fiːt/ feet that increase in size because of an injury or illness After walking around town all day, George was glad to rest
(or other factors such as pregnancy or standing/ his swollen feet.
walking for a long time)
swollen glands phrase /ˈswəʊlən ɡlændz/ small organs in your body that help to remove harmful An obvious symptom of mumps is swollen glands.
bacteria from your blood or that produce a chemical
substance that your body needs (glands) that increase
in size because of an injury or illness
torn ligament phrase /tɔːn ˈlɪɡəmənt/ a part that holds bones together or keeps organs in Recovery from a torn ankle ligament can take many weeks.
place (ligament) that is damaged through stretching
until it pulls apart
torn muscle phrase /tɔːn ˈmʌs(ə)l/ a piece of flesh that connects one bone to another Charlie will not play in the game next week due to a torn
(muscle) that is damaged through stretching until it calf muscle.
pulls apart
upset stomach phrase /ʌpˈset ˈstʌmək/ the soft part at the front of your body between After eating all that rich food last night, I had a very
your chest and your legs (stomach) that is painful or upset stomach.
uncomfortable because of indigestion, heartburn,
nausea etc.

Cost and amount
extra charge phrase /ˈekstrə /tʃɑː(r)dʒ/ more money than the usual or expected amount Breakfast may be served in your bedroom at
an extra charge.
full refund phrase /fʊl ˈriːfʌnd/ money that was yours that you get again, especially You will receive a full refund if you cancel the holiday two
because you have paid too much for something or or more weeks prior to your arrival.
have decided you do not want it
great deal phrase /ɡreɪt diːl/ a large amount or quantity of something She spent a great deal of time on the project.
high cost phrase /haɪ kɒst/ the large amount of money that is needed in order to The high cost of travel means that more people are staying
buy, pay for or do something home for the holidays.
in large part phrase /ɪn lɑː(r)dʒ pɑː(r)t/ mainly The shelter remains open in large part because of help
from volunteers.
large number phrase /lɑː(r)dʒ ˈnʌmbə(r)/ a big quantity of people or things A large number of refugees have no job or shelter.
modest fee phrase /ˈmɒdɪst fiː/ a fairly small amount of money you pay for something There is a modest fee for the cleaning of your chalet during
your stay.
no limit phrase /nəʊ ˈlɪmɪt/ any number, amount or effect There was no limit to the number of times we could ride
the rollercoaster.
small discount phrase /smɔːl ˈdɪsˌkaʊnt/ a minor reduction in the price of something Customers can get a small discount by booking their
flights in advance.
Verbs formed with up, down, over and under
download verb /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd/ to move information to your computer from another You can download this software for free.
computer system or the internet
downplay verb /ˌdaʊnˈpleɪ/ to deliberately make a situation seem less serious or The senator is downplaying the significance of the issue.
important than it is
downsize verb /ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz/ to make a company or organization smaller by The shop I worked for had to downsize, so now I am
reducing the number of workers unemployed.
overhear verb /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈhɪə(r)/ to hear what people are saying during a conversation I overheard him saying he was thinking of leaving his job.
that you are not involved in
overrule verb /ˌəʊvəˈruːl/ to officially change a decision that someone else Orders given even by the most senior military commanders
has made could be overruled by the President.
overtake verb * /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈteɪk/ to take control of someone or something He was overtaken by violent anger.
overthrow verb * /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈθrəʊ/ to force a leader or government out of their position Her father was overthrown in a military coup in the
of power seventies.

undergo verb ** /ˌʌndə(r)ˈɡəʊ/ to experience something, especially something that is She had to undergo emergency surgery for suspected
unpleasant but necessary appendicitis.
understate verb /ˌʌndə(r)ˈsteɪt/ to say that something is less important, serious, big The report understated the social costs of the new
etc than it really is development.
undertake verb ** /ˌʌndə(r)ˈteɪk/ to agree to be responsible for a job or a project and The court will undertake a serious examination of the case.
do it
upgrade verb * /ʌpˈɡreɪd/ to make a computer or other machine more powerful The system has been upgraded to meet customers’ needs.
or effective
uphold verb * /ʌpˈhəʊld/ to say something (such as a claim) is correct in a court The Home Secretary’s decision was upheld by the House
of law or similar institution of Lords.
uproot verb /ʌpˈruːt/ to leave the place where you live and go to live Don was unwilling to uproot from his home in California.
somewhere else, especially when you do not want to
leave, or to make someone do this

Describing an adventure
arid desert phrase /ˈærɪd ˈdezə(r)t/ a large area of land that is very dry and without many One of the most famous arid deserts is the Sahara.
plants because of a lack of rain
arid island phrase /ˈærɪd ˈaɪlənd/ a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water The ship was wrecked on an arid island, and the survivors
but is very dry and without many plants because of a were worried about where they would find drinkable water.
lack of rain
arid landscape phrase /ˈærɪd ˈlæn(d)ˌskeɪp/ an area of land that is beautiful to look at or that has Just looking at the arid landscape made me thirsty.
a particular type of appearance but which is very dry
and without many plants because of a lack of rain
exquisite flower phrase /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt ˈflaʊə(r)/ flowers that are extremely beautiful and delicate This plant has the most exquisite white flowers.
exquisite view phrase /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt vjuː/ the ability to see something from a particular place We had an exquisite view of the mountains from our
(view) which is extremely beautiful hotel room.
exquisite waterfall phrase /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt ˈwɔːtə(r)ˌfɔːl/ a place where water flows over the edge of a cliff, While in Venezuela, we visited the most exquisite
rock or other steep place onto another level below waterfalls called the Angel Falls.
(waterfall) that is extremely beautiful
gruelling climb phrase /ˈɡruːəlɪŋ klaɪm/ a gradual movement to a higher position by someone The trip includes a gruelling climb up a dormant volcano.
who is walking or climbing (climb) that is very difficult
and involves a lot of continuous effort
gruelling hike phrase /ˈɡruːəlɪŋ haɪk/ a long walk in the countryside (hike) that is very We went for a gruelling hike through the woods on
difficult and involves a lot of continuous effort Sunday.
gruelling race phrase /ˈɡruːəlɪŋ reɪs/ a competition that decides who is the fastest at doing The most gruelling race I have ever run is the
something, especially running (race) that is very London Marathon.
difficult and involves a lot of continuous effort
idyllic conditions phrase /ɪˈdɪlɪk kənˈdɪʃ(ə)nz/ the perfect situation or environment in which There will be idyllic weather conditions on Sunday to fly
something happens or exists our kites.
idyllic setting phrase /ɪˈdɪlɪk ˈsetɪŋ/ extremely beautiful and peaceful place where Our hotel is in the most idyllic mountain setting.
someone or something is as well as all the things,
people or emotions that are part of that place
idyllic spot phrase /ɪˈdɪlɪk spɒt/ an extremely beautiful and peaceful place where The fountain in the park is the idyllic spot for our wedding.
someone or something is
intrepid group phrase /ɪnˈtrepɪd ɡruːp/ a small number of people who are not afraid to do The intrepid group of friends signed up for cageless
dangerous things shark diving.
intrepid traveller phrase /ɪnˈtrepɪd ˈtræv(ə)lə(r)/ a person who travels and is not afraid to do Marwaan is an intrepid traveller who loves exploring the
dangerous things highest mountains in every country he visits.

intrepid voyage phrase /ɪnˈtrepɪd ˈvɔɪɪdʒ/ a long journey, especially by boat or into space, that On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 began its intrepid voyage to
may be dangerous the Moon.
kick in verb phrase /kɪk ɪn/ to start to have an effect My nerves only kicked in as I was about to jump out of
the plane.
ring out verb phrase /rɪŋ aʊt/ to produce a loud clear sound Rob’s laughter rang out in the large canyon.
run into verb phrase /rʌn ˈɪntuː/ to start to have trouble/difficulty/problems Our ran into difficulties with our travel plans when we lost
a sponsor.
set off verb phrase /set ɒf/ to start a journey or to start going in a particular direction We set off early the next morning as the sun was rising.
set out verb phrase /set aʊt/ to start doing or working on something in order to When we set out, we knew this climb would be difficult.
achieve an aim
swirling mist phrase /swɜː(r)lɪŋ mɪst/ a mass of small drops of water in the air close to the The swirling morning mist made it difficult to see the road
ground (mist) moving quickly in circles and the traffic ahead.
swirling water phrase /swɜː(r)lɪŋ ˈwɔːtə(r)/ the clear liquid that falls as rain and is used for things The swirling water made me think swimming here would
such as drinking and washing (water) moving quickly not be safe.
in circles
swirling wind phrase /swɜː(r)lɪŋ wɪnd/ a natural current of air that moves fast enough for you The swirling wind has made it difficult for the firefighters to
to feel it (wind) moving quickly in circles contain the bushfire.
turn out verb phrase /tɜː(r)n aʊt/ to develop in a particular way or to have a After signing up for base jumping, it turned out that she
particular result was scared of heights.
win through verb phrase /wɪn θruː/ to succeed after great difficulty She considered giving up during the hike many times, but
her pride won through in the end.
Anger
become irate verb phrase /bɪˈkʌm aɪˈreɪt/ to get very angry The customer became irate when the manager would not
give him a full refund.
cross with people phrase /krɒs wɪð ˈpiːp(ə)l/ to be angry with a group of people Sharyn gets cross with people who play their music too
loudly after eight o’clock.
fly off the handle verb phrase /flaɪ ɒf ðiː ˈhænd(ə)l/ to suddenly become extremely angry without a He flies off the handle every time the mail is late.
good reason
get on your nerves verb phrase /ɡet ɒn jɔː(r) nɜː(r)v/ someone or something making you feel annoyed Is her constant whistling getting on your nerves yet?
or nervous
get worked up verb phrase /ɡet wɜː(r)kt ʌp/ to become upset, angry or excited Chloe gets so worked up when her sister borrows her
clothes without asking.

go berserk verb phrase /ɡəʊ bə(r)ˈzɜː(r)k/ to become violent and uncontrolled because you are One man went berserk when approached and stabbed
very angry two police officers.
heated argument phrase /ˈhiːtɪd ˈɑː(r)ɡjʊmənt/ a discussion in which people get angry and excited They were engaged in a heated argument about
global warming.
irate customer phrase /aɪˈreɪt ˈkʌstəmə(r)/ a person who buys goods or services (customer) who The irate customer began shouting at the shop assistant
is very angry because none of the special offers was in stock.
let off steam verb phrase /let ɒf stiːm/ to express your feelings of anger or excitement The meeting will be a chance for the protesters to let
without harming anyone off steam.
lose your temper verb phrase /luːz jɔː(r) ˈtempə(r)/ to suddenly become angry He lost his temper with the children when he found they
had not tidied their rooms.
seethe with anger verb phrase /siːð wɪð ˈæŋɡə(r) ænd to be extremely angry about an unfair situation or The teacher was seething with anger and indignation at the
and indignation ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ about someone’s unfair behaviour bullying within her class, but she managed to remain calm.
sudden outburst phrase /ˈsʌd(ə)n ˈaʊtˌbɜː(r)st/ a sudden spoken expression of a strong feeling, His colleagues were shocked by his sudden outburst
of temper əv ˈtempə(r)/ especially anger of temper.
throw a tantrum verb phrase /θrəʊ eɪ ˈtæntrəm/ to suddenly behave in a very angry and unreasonable Alex threw a tantrum and screamed loudly when his
way, often screaming, crying or refusing to obey mother would not give him a biscuit before dinner.
someone (usually in relation to children)
Tourism
achieve sustainable verb phrase /əˈtʃiːv səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l to succeed in maintaining tourism for a long time at Some countries have managed to achieve sustainable
tourism ˈtʊərɪz(ə)m/ the same level (without negatively affecting the host tourism, but others have lost their cultural identity due to
country) tourists demanding Western comforts.
improve living verb phrase /ɪmˈpruːv ˈlɪvɪŋ to make the way in which people live, for example The influx of tourists can dramatically improve the living
standards ˈstændə(r)dz/ how comfortable their houses are or how much standards of the locals.
money they have to spend on food and clothes, better
preserve the verb phrase /prɪˈzɜː(r)v ðiː to take care of a place in order to prevent it from Tourists are requested to preserve the environment and
environment ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ being harmed or destroyed avoid leaving any garbage behind.
provide verb phrase /prəˈvaɪd ɪmˈplɔɪmənt to give someone the chance to work/get a job The tourism industry provides many employment
employment ˌɒpə(r)ˈtjuːnətiz/ opportunities for popular towns.
opportunities
regulate an industry verb phrase /ˈreɡjʊleɪt æn ˈɪndəstri/ to control a particular trade officially by using rules Regulating an industry, such as tourism, is important to avoid
negative social and economic impacts on local communities.
violate cultural verb phrase /ˈvaɪəleɪt ˈkʌltʃ(ə)rəl to do something that is not allowed by a particular During his trip to Indonesia, Toby patted a child’s head,
taboos təˈbuːz/ religion or culture which violated cultural taboos because the head is
considered sacred.

Describing places
bright and cheerful phrase /braɪt ænd ˈtʃɪə(r)f(ə)l/ full of strong shining light with elements that make Candice’s new apartment is so bright and cheerful; she
you feel happy because of being pleasant or enjoyable painted the walls orange, and the huge windows let in so
much light in the morning.
cheap and cheerful phrase /tʃiːp ænd ˈtʃɪə(r)f(ə)l/ not expensive and of reasonable quality It’s not the best place you’ll ever eat at, but it’s cheap
and cheerful.
cramped and phrase /kræmpt ænd ˈklʌtəd/ small, crowded and untidy We will have to get rid of some things because our new
cluttered house is just too cramped and cluttered.
dark and dingy phrase /dɑː(r)k ænd ˈdɪndʒi/ dark in an unpleasant way, often looking dirty The basement was so dark and dingy.
dodgy adjective /ˈdɒdʒi/ dishonest, criminal or not reliable We don’t like visiting Jake because he lives in a dodgy area.
edgy adjective /ˈedʒi/ up-to-date, fashionable and cool On Friday, we are going to the edgiest new restaurant
in town.
handy adjective * /ˈhændi/ useful It’s handy that we live near the library.
hot and stuffy phrase /hɒt ænd ˈstʌfi/ too warm and has an unpleasant smell because there The interview room was hot and stuffy, which made me
is no fresh air in it even more uncomfortable.
laid-back adjective /leɪd-bæk/ calm and relaxed Our neighbourhood is so laid-back, and everyone gets on
really well.
leafy adjective /ˈliːfi/ a place containing a lot of trees and plants I wish I lived in a leafy neighbourhood in the suburbs.
light and airy phrase /laɪt ænd ˈeəri/ full of light with a lot of fresh air and space The bedrooms were all light and airy.
neat and tidy phrase /niːt ænd ˈtaɪdi/ looking nice because everything is in the correct place Rupert keeps his garden so neat and tidy.
or arranged or is organized properly
retro adjective /ˈretrəʊ/ deliberately intended to be like clothes, music etc Her house is very retro, with lava lamps in every room.
from the recent past
rowdy adjective /ˈraʊdi/ noisy and causing trouble There are some rowdy gangs in our area that make life
difficult for us all.
run-down adjective /rʌn-daʊn/ in bad condition because no one has spent money This area of Liverpool is poor and run-down.
on repairs
steep adjective ** /stiːp/ very high, especially in price The price of takeaway coffee at the cafe on the corner
is steep!
upmarket adjective /ʌpˈmɑː(r)kɪt/ services or goods are designed for people who have a Tasha stayed in the most upmarket hotel in London.
lot of money

warm and cosy phrase /wɔː(r)m ænd ˈkəʊzi/ pleasant temperature and comfortable, making you With the fire going, the lounge is warm and cosy.
feel relaxed
Expressions with house and home
bring the house verb phrase /brɪŋ ðiː haʊs daʊn/ to make a group of people or an audience react in a Gerard Kelly’s performance brought the house down.
down very enthusiastic way, especially by laughing
eat you out of verb phrase /iːt juː aʊt əv haʊs ænd to eat too much of someone’s food when you are I didn’t realise that two teenage boys would eat me out
house and home həʊm/ living with them (especially if you are a guest in of house and home!
their house)
get on like a house verb phrase /ɡet ɒn laɪk eɪ haʊs ɒn to become good friends very quickly and have a lot to From the moment they met, they got on like a house
on fire ˈfaɪə(r)/ talk to each other about on fire.
hit home verb phrase /hɪt həʊm/ to say something that people understand and accept The President hit home with his call for responsible saving.
home comforts phrase /həʊm ˈkʌmfə(r)ts/ things that make your life easier and more pleasant I miss my home comforts when I’m away, especially
sleeping in my own bed.
home from home phrase /həʊm frɒm həʊm/ a place where you feel as relaxed as you do in your New York felt like a home from home for Jim.
own home
house speciality phrase /haʊs ˌspeʃiˈæləti/ a food or drink that a restaurant is well known for and All their food is good, but the house speciality is prawns.
that you cannot always get in other places
make yourself at verb phrase /meɪk jə(r)ˈself æt to feel relaxed and behave in the same way as you do Make yourself at home while I go and find those
home həʊm/ in your own home photographs.
on the house phrase /ɒn ðiː haʊs/ given to you free in a restaurant, hotel, pub or club Your dessert is on the house.
very close to home phrase /ˈveri kləʊz tuː həʊm/ a remark or joke that makes you embarrassed or upset Her comments about alcoholism were very close to home.
because it is closely related to your personal problems

Sight
a breathtaking view phrase /eɪ ˈbreθˌteɪkɪŋ vjuː/ the ability to see something from a particular place A breathtaking view of the city is why we keep coming
(view) which is extremely impressive or beautiful back to this hotel every year.
a familiar sight phrase /eɪ fəˈmɪliə(r) saɪt/ something that is common and happens a lot Horse-drawn carts used to be a familiar sight.
a rare sight phrase /eɪ reə(r) saɪt/ something that is not often seen or found Squirrels are now a rare sight in our neighbourhood.
a unique look phrase /eɪ /juːˈniːk lʊk/ not the same as anything or anyone else Jemba gave us a unique look at his culture.
catch sight of verb phrase /kætʃ saɪt əv/ to see someone or something suddenly As she stood up she caught sight of her reflection in
the mirror.
catch your eye verb phrase /kætʃ jɔː(r) aɪ/ to notice something suddenly There was one painting that caught my eye.
come into view phrase /kʌm ˈɪntuː vjuː/ become able to be seen The castle came into view as we turned the corner.
have a look at verb phrase /hæv eɪ lʊk æt/ to examine something (usually an expert) and decide I’d like a skin specialist to have a look at that rash of yours.
what to do
hide from view verb phrase /haɪd frɒm vjuː/ to make something difficult or impossible to see clearly She watched until a bend in the road hid them from view.
in full view of phrase /ɪn fʊl vjuː əv/ easily seen by many people Godfrey smashed the window in full view of the
police officers.
in the public eye phrase /ɪn ðiː ˈpʌblɪk aɪ/ to be well known to people in general Her job as Chancellor keeps her in the public eye.
in-depth look phrase /ɪn-dɛpθ lʊk/ a thorough and detailed examination of something In this class, we will take an in-depth look at the fall of the
Western Roman Empire.
keep out of sight verb phrase /kiːp aʊt əv saɪt/ to place someone/something where others cannot Security kept the actors out of sight of the photographers.
see them/it from where they are
look out for verb phrase /lʊk aʊt fɔː(r)/ to take care of someone and make sure that they are I’m the oldest, so I always look out for my younger sisters.
treated well
on view phrase /ɒn vjuː/ in a public place for people to see There are almost 500 artworks on view at the Modernist
exhibition.
poor vision phrase /pɔː(r) ˈvɪʒ(ə)n/ not having a good ability to see They took away his driver’s licence because of his
poor vision.
take a closer look at verb phrase /teɪk eɪ kləʊsə lʊk æt/ to look carefully at something He got out of the car so he could take a closer look at the
wounded deer.
visible to the naked phrase /ˈvɪzəb(ə)l tuː ðiː ˈneɪkɪd able to be seen without using special instruments, At night, the planet is clearly visible to the naked eye.
eye aɪ/ despite being very small or far away

vision of the future phrase /ˈvɪʒ(ə)n əv ðiː someone’s idea or hope of how something should be Our manager outlined his vision of the future of our
ˈfjuːtʃə(r)/ done or how it will be in the future department during his presentation.
X-ray vision phrase /ˈɛksˈreɪ ˈvɪʒ(ə)n/ someone being able to see inside things using only Superman used his X-ray vision to check inside Lois Lane’s
their own eyes (in stories and films) body for injuries.

Expressions and phrases with work
a good working phrase /eɪ ɡʊd ˈwɜː(r)kɪŋ enough understanding of something to be able to use Marius has a good working knowledge of tax law.
knowledge of ˈnɒlɪdʒ əv/ it to perform a specific task
a vigorous workout phrase /eɪ ˈvɪɡ(ə)rəs wɜː(r)kaʊt/ active and energetic exercise Cassie felt exhausted after a vigorous workout at the gym.
(at the gym)
do (someone’s) verb phrase /duː ˈdɜː(r)ti wɜː(r)k/ to do an unpleasant or dishonest job for someone so He never sacked the staff himself but got someone else to
dirty work that they do not have to do it themselves do his dirty work.
groundwork noun /ˈɡraʊn(d)ˌwɜː(r)k/ work that you do in order to prepare for something We’re busy laying the groundwork for another campaign.
it’s all in a day’s phrase /ɪts ɔːl ɪn eɪ deɪz wɜː(r)k/ used for saying that you are willing to do something ‘Thanks so much for helping.’ ‘It was nothing – it’s all in a
work or are able to deal with it because it is part of your day’s work.’
normal job or activities
keep in good verb phrase /kiː ɪn ɡʊd ˈwɜː(r)kɪŋ to keep something working correctly, without I keep my bike in good working order.
working order ˈɔː(r)də(r)/ any problems
work all hours verb phrase /wɜː(r)k ɔːl ˈaʊə(r)z/ to work all the time available We’re two days behind with the orders, so everybody’s been
working all hours.
work around verb phrase /wɜː(r)k əˈraʊnd/ to deal successfully with a person or problem that A skilled craftsman can work around these difficulties.
might prevent you from achieving your aim
work around the verb phrase /wɜː(r)k əˈraʊnd ðiː to work all day and all night Rescuers worked around the clock to free people trapped
clock klɒk/ in the wreckage.
work ethic noun /wɜː(r)k ˈeθɪk/ the belief that hard work is important for developing Punctuality and a good work ethic will get you far in
someone’s moral character your career.
work off verb phrase /wɜː(r)k ɒf/ to get rid of a feeling or weight by doing something She generally works off her anger by going for a long run.
that involves a lot of physical activity
work on verb phrase /wɜː(r)k ɒn/ to spend time producing or improving something He’ll have to work on getting fit before the game.
work out verb phrase /wɜː(r)k aʊt/ to be successful or to end in a particular way If it doesn’t work out, you can always live here.
work through verb phrase /wɜː(r)k θruː/ to deal with something such as a problem or a strong Amaya needs to work through some of the resentment
feeling by thinking and talking about it she has towards her mother.
work towards verb phrase /wɜː(r)k təˈwɔː(r)dz/ to do things that help you to make progress towards Both countries are working towards peace in the region.
something that you want to achieve
work up to verb phrase /wɜː(r)k ʌp tuː/ to prepare yourself to do something difficult or to try Are you working up to telling me that you are resigning?
to prepare someone for bad news
work your way verb phrase /wɜː(r)k jɔː(r) weɪ/ to have a job when you are at college/university in Eva worked her way through college by waitressing in
order to help to pay for your studies the evenings.

Adverbs expressing attitude or opinion
apparently adverb *** /əˈpærəntli/ based only on what you have heard, not on what you Apparently, she resigned because she had an argument
are certain is true with her boss.
astonishingly adverb /əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋli/ very surprising Astonishingly, Kevin awoke from a coma after eight years.
believably adverb /bɪˈliːvəbli/ seeming possible or true I knew that Essie could present the unlikely results of the
experiment believably.
clearly adverb ** /ˈklɪə(r)li/ used for showing that what you are saying is true and Clearly we wouldn’t want to upset anyone.
that most people will realise this
conveniently adverb * /kənˈviːniəntli/ in a way that is easy to use, find, deal with etc The shop is conveniently located just off the High Street.
curiously adverb * /ˈkjʊəriəsli/ in a way that shows that you want to find out Sandra looked at him curiously, wanting to know more.
about something
disappointingly adverb /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋli/ not as good as you had hoped for or expected Disappointingly, the singer had a throat infection and
cancelled the concert at the last minute.
fortunately adverb *** /ˈfɔː(r)tʃənətli/ used for emphasizing that something good has There was a proposal to change the exam system again, but
happened, especially because of good luck fortunately it was rejected.
hopefully adverb ** /ˈhəʊpf(ə)li/ feeling or showing hope Rachel was hungry and looked at Simon’s lunch hopefully.
miraculously adverb /məˈrækjʊləsli/ extremely lucky and unexpected Miraculously, Bailey survived the helicopter crash with
barely a scratch.
obviously adverb *** /ˈɒbviəsli/ in a way that is clear for almost anyone to see or Richards was obviously disappointed at being left out of
understand the team.
predictably adverb /prɪˈdɪktəb(ə)li/ happening in the way you would expect The opposition, predictably, accused the Government of
incompetence.
presumably adverb ** /prɪˈzjuːməbli/ used for saying that you think something is true based They are students, so presumably they won’t have a lot of
on what you know, although you are not really certain money.
rightly adverb ** /ˈraɪtli/ for a good reason The public is worried about the pandemic, and rightly so.
strangely adverb * /ˈstreɪndʒli/ something that is surprising or unusual Strangely, I knew the grizzly bear wouldn’t hurt me.
surprisingly adverb ** /sə(r)ˈpraɪzɪŋli/ in an unusual or unexpected way It’s a small house, but the garden is surprisingly large.
understandably adverb /ˌʌndəˈstændəbli/ normally and reasonably They are understandably upset at being given the
wrong information.
undoubtedly adverb ** /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli/ used for saying that something is certainly true or is The next few days will undoubtedly prove crucial in the
accepted by everyone treatment of his disease.


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C1 Advanced Student’s Book – Unit 1 Wordlist

Word/Phrase Part of speech *** IPA (UK) Definition Sample sentence

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