Phrases
10,000+ English phrases, collocations, and idioms, tagged by the CEFR level of the vocabulary they contain. Start with A1 — phrases built from the most common words.
New
Mastered
Verb + noun (342)
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add a drop
to put a very small amount of a liquid into something
admire beauty
to look at and appreciate something beautiful with pleasure
answer the door
to go and open the door in response to a knock or ring
ask a favor
request a kind act from someone
attend a meeting
be present at a meeting
become a mother
have a child for the first time; take on the role of a mother
become a queen
take on the role or title of queen
become a teacher
take up the profession of teaching
block a street
obstruct a street so that traffic cannot pass
blow a kiss
send an air kiss by kissing one's hand and blowing it toward someone
board a plane
to get on a plane in preparation for a flight
board a train
to get onto a train
book a hotel
reserve accommodation at a hotel in advance
book a place
reserve a spot or position in advance
book a restaurant
to make a reservation at a restaurant
book a room
to reserve a room in a hotel or other accommodation
book a seat
reserve a seat in advance
book a stay
reserve accommodation for a visit
book a table
reserve a table at a restaurant in advance
book a trip
to reserve transport and accommodation for a journey
borrow a book
to take a book temporarily from a library or another person
break a record
to surpass a previously established best performance or highest figure
break a window
To shatter the glass of a window
break one's neck
to fracture the cervical vertebrae, typically in a serious accident
break the law
to do something that is illegal
brew tea
to steep tea leaves in hot water to extract their full flavour
bring luck
to cause or be associated with good fortune
bring rain
to cause rain to fall (said of clouds, weather fronts, or seasons)
build a fire
to arrange wood and other fuel and ignite it to create a fire
build a road
to construct a new road
buy beer
to purchase beer from a shop or bar
buy land
to purchase a piece of land
call someone's name
to say someone's name aloud to get their attention or summon them
call the police
to telephone the police to report an incident
carry a gun
to have a gun on your person
carry cash
to have physical money on your person
catch a cold
become ill with a cold
catch a killer
to apprehend someone who has committed murder
catch a plane
to board a plane before it departs, often implying a rush
cause a problem
to create a difficulty for someone or something
cause an accident
to bring about an unexpected harmful event
cause death
be directly responsible for someone or something dying
cause trouble
to create problems or difficulties for others
cause worry
to produce feelings of anxiety or concern in people
celebrate a birthday
to mark the occasion of a birthday with festivities
change a life
to transform someone's circumstances fundamentally
change one's name
adopt a different name officially
change position
move to or adopt a different location or stance
change the world
have a transformative impact on society or humanity
change your mind
to alter a previous decision or opinion
charge the phone
to replenish the battery of a phone by connecting it to power
clean a window
To wash and polish the glass of a window
clear the table
remove dishes and items from the table after a meal
come to a stop
to cease moving
commit a crime
carry out an illegal act
contact an agent
to get in touch with an agent for assistance or representation
copy a key
to make a duplicate of a key
correct a mistake
fix or put right something done incorrectly
cover an area
to extend over or span a region
cover one's mouth
to place a hand or cloth over the mouth
cross a road
to go from one side of a road to the other
cross one's legs
to sit with one leg placed over the other
crush ice
to break ice into small fragments, typically for use in drinks
cut down a tree
to fell a tree by cutting through its trunk
deal cards
To distribute playing cards to the players in a game
decorate a tree
to hang ornaments, lights, or other items on a tree, especially a Christmas tree
do a favor
perform a helpful service for someone
do business
to engage in commercial activity or trade with someone
do magic
to perform magic tricks or illusions
do some walking
engage in walking, especially for fitness or leisure
drill a hole
to create a circular opening in a surface using a drill
drink beer
to consume beer as a beverage
dye hair
to change the color of one's hair using chemical dye
enjoy a stay
To have a pleasant experience at a place during a visit.
enjoy one's stay
have a pleasant time during a visit
enjoy walking
get pleasure from walking
expect a baby
to be pregnant
expect rain
to anticipate that it will rain
feel fear
experience the emotion of fear
feel pressure
to experience stress or the sensation of being forced to do something
fight a fire
to work to extinguish a blaze
fill the sky
to cover or occupy the greater part of the visible sky
film a scene
to record a particular scene for a film or television production
find a girlfriend
To meet and begin dating a romantic partner
find a husband
to meet and choose a man to marry
find an apartment
search for and locate an apartment to live in
find work
to obtain a job or employment
fire a gun
to shoot a gun
fold clothes
to arrange clean clothes neatly by folding them
fold pants
to fold pants neatly after washing or before storing
follow a plan
to act in accordance with a set strategy
follow a rule
to act in accordance with a rule
follow orders
to carry out instructions given by someone in authority
form a group
bring people together to create a new group
fry fish
to cook fish in hot oil or butter
get a joke
To understand the humour in a joke
get a mark
to receive a grade or score on a piece of work
get a pass
obtain an official permit allowing entry or access
get a push
to receive a physical push, moving one forward or setting one in motion
get a shot
to receive an injection of medicine or vaccine
get some air
to go outside for a breath of fresh air; to allow fresh air into an enclosed space
give a chance
offer an opportunity to someone
give a cry
emit a single cry
give a knock
knock on a door or surface, usually once
give a push
to apply force to someone or something to move it forward or start it
give a reason
to explain why something happened or was done
give a talk
to deliver a speech or presentation to an audience
give advice
to offer guidance or suggestions to someone
give blood
to voluntarily donate blood for medical use
give hope
to provide a reason for optimism or confidence
give pleasure
cause enjoyment or satisfaction in someone else
give support
to offer help, backing, or encouragement to someone
give thanks
to express gratitude
go running
to run outdoors as a form of regular exercise
go walking
go on a walk as a leisure activity
grab the handle
take firm hold of a handle
grant a wish
to make someone's desire come true
have a child
to become a parent; to give birth to or father a child
have a conversation
to engage in a spoken exchange with someone
have a feeling
to experience an emotion or intuition
have a fight
to engage in a quarrel or physical conflict with someone
have a read
to spend some time reading something (informal)
have a reason
to possess a justification or motive for an action
have a rest
to pause from work or exertion in order to relax
have an accident
to be involved in an unexpected harmful event
have experience
to possess knowledge or skill acquired through past events or practice
have trouble
to experience difficulty with something
hear a knock
perceive the sound of someone knocking on a door
hide one's face
to turn away or conceal one's face to avoid being seen
hire a car
to pay temporarily for the use of a car
hire a lawyer
To pay a lawyer to represent or advise you
hire an agent
to employ an agent to act on one's behalf professionally
hold a meeting
organize and conduct a meeting
host a party
be the organizer and main provider of a social event
improve health
to make one's physical or mental condition better
increase speed
to make something move faster
install a system
to put a new system in place and make it operational
introduce a boyfriend
present one's boyfriend to others for the first time
iron clothes
to smooth wrinkles from clothes using a heated iron
iron pants
to press pants with a hot iron to remove creases
join a church
To become a member of a church congregation
join a company
to become an employee of a business organization
join a conversation
to begin participating in a discussion already in progress
keep animals
to own and care for animals at home or on a farm
last a month
to continue or endure for the duration of a month
lay the table
put out cutlery and dishes on the table ready for eating
lead a group
be in charge of and direct the activities of a group
learn a song
to memorize and practice a song until you can perform it
learn magic
to study and acquire the skills of conjuring or illusion
leave a club
end one's membership of a club
leave a husband
to end a marriage by departing from one's spouse
leave a job
to stop working at a job, especially voluntarily
leave a mess
To depart without tidying the disorder one has caused
leave school
to finish one's schooling, especially before university
leave town
to depart from the town where one lives or is staying
light a fire
to ignite fuel so that it burns
lose a friend
to no longer have someone as a friend
lose a job
to no longer have employment, typically involuntarily
lose a life
to die; to cause a death
lose blood
to have blood flow out of the body, especially through injury
lose contact
To stop communicating with someone over time
lose control
to no longer be able to manage a situation or restrain oneself
lose count
to fail to keep track of a number
lose hope
to stop believing that a good outcome is possible
lose one's place
to no longer know where one was in a text, list, or sequence
make a change
alter or modify something deliberately
make a couple
to form a naturally matching or well-suited romantic pair
make a deal
reach or agree on an arrangement with another party
make a film
to produce or direct a film
make a guess
to attempt an answer without being certain
make a joke
To produce a humorous remark or story
make a mark
to create a visible spot or impression on a surface
make a mess
To produce disorder or a dirty, disordered state
make a mistake
do something incorrectly or wrongly
make a movie
to produce or direct a film
make a pass
throw or kick a ball to a teammate
make a point
express a clear argument or draw attention to something
make a rule
to establish or create a rule
make a stop
to halt briefly at a place during a journey
make a turn
to change direction while driving or walking
make an escape
successfully get away from a place or dangerous situation
make an excuse
to give a reason, often weak or untrue, to explain one's behavior or avoid something
make an offer
to formally propose a price or deal to someone
make contact
To get in touch with someone for the first time or after a gap
make music
to create or perform music, often collaboratively
make sense
be logical, coherent, or easy to understand
make trouble
to behave in a way that creates problems for others
manage a store
To be responsible for the day-to-day running of a retail shop
meet the queen
have an official or personal encounter with a queen
melt ice
to cause ice to change from solid to liquid by applying heat or a chemical
miss a call
To fail to answer a phone call, typically because you were unavailable.
miss a chance
fail to use an available opportunity
miss a plane
to fail to board a plane before it departs
miss a step
to fail to place a foot properly, especially on stairs
miss a turn
to lose one's opportunity to act in a game or rotation
miss one's father
feel the absence of one's father
miss one's mother
feel the absence of one's mother
miss work
to be absent from one's job
mop the floor
clean the floor with a wet mop
need a lawyer
To require legal representation or advice in a situation
need space
require room, physically or emotionally, often to think or recover
nod your head
to move your head up and down, typically indicating agreement
notice a smell
To become consciously aware of a scent through the nose
open a bar
to start operating a bar as a business
open a restaurant
to start or establish a restaurant business
open a shop
To start operating a retail business
order a coffee
to request coffee from a server or barista
order beer
to request beer from a bar or restaurant
pack a bag
put belongings into a bag in preparation for travel
park a car
to stop a car and leave it in a chosen location
pay a bill
settle a payment owed
pay attention
concentrate and listen carefully
pay cash
to pay using physical money rather than a card or bank transfer
pick up the phone
to lift the receiver or accept a call
plan a trip
to organise and prepare the details of a journey in advance
plan a weekend
to organise or arrange activities for a weekend in advance
plan an escape
organize the details of getting away from captivity or danger
plan the day
to organize what you will do during the day
plant a tree
to put a young tree in the ground so that it grows
play a card
To lay down a card from one's hand during a card game
play a piece
to perform a musical composition
play a queen
take the role of a queen in a performance
play a song
to perform a song on an instrument or play a recording
post a notice
put a written announcement in a public place
prepare food
to get food ready for eating, especially by cooking or assembling ingredients
protect the planet
keep Earth safe from pollution and damage
provide information
to supply details or facts to someone
pull the handle
draw a handle toward oneself to open or activate something
punch a hole
to make a hole by piercing or pressing through a surface
put on a show
organize or stage a performance
raise a daughter
bring up a female child
raise a family
to bring up children through childhood
raise a glass
To lift a glass as a gesture of celebration or toasting someone
raise a kid
bring up a child from infancy to adulthood
raise a son
to bring up a boy from childhood to adulthood
reach an age
arrive at a particular point in one's life
reach the finish
arrive at the end point of a race or challenge
reach the station
arrive at a station, typically after hurrying
read a paper
to read a newspaper or an academic article
receive a bill
get a statement requesting payment
receive a call
to get an incoming telephone call
receive a message
get a message sent by someone else
record a video
to capture moving images and sound on a device
record music
to capture a musical performance as a digital or physical audio recording
remember a birthday
to keep track of and acknowledge someone's birthday
rent a car
To pay for temporary use of a car from a rental company
rent an apartment
pay to use an apartment belonging to someone else
repair a machine
fix a broken machine
report a crime
inform the police or authorities about an illegal act
rescue a dog
to save or adopt a dog from a shelter or dangerous situation
rescue an animal
to save an animal from danger, neglect, or harsh conditions
reserve a seat
set aside a seat for someone
return a call
to telephone someone who has previously called you
rob a bank
to steal money from a bank by force or threat
rub your eyes
to press and move your fingers against your closed eyes, typically when tired
ruin the weekend
to spoil or destroy the enjoyment of the weekend
run a business
to manage and operate a company on a daily basis
run a check
carry out a systematic search or verification, often using a database or system
run a club
manage and organize the activities of a club
run a group
organize and manage a group on a regular basis
run a restaurant
to manage and operate a restaurant
run a store
To manage and operate a retail shop on a daily basis
save a life
to prevent someone from dying
save a place
keep a seat or spot available for someone
save space
use less physical room by being compact or efficient
save the planet
protect Earth from environmental harm
save the world
prevent a global catastrophe or dramatically improve humanity's situation
say grace
to recite a short prayer of thanks before a meal
search an area
to look through a region systematically
see a difference
to observe or perceive that something has changed or that a contrast exists
see a play
to attend and watch a theatrical performance
see the world
travel widely to many different countries and places
sell a house
to transfer ownership of a house in exchange for money
serve dinner
to bring food to people at a table or at a formal event
serve food
to bring food to people at a table or event
set a date
to decide on a specific day for an event
set one's watch
to adjust a watch to show the correct time
set the table
arrange plates, cutlery, and glasses on the table before a meal
set up a system
to establish a system so it is ready to use
share a bed
to sleep in the same bed as another person
share a room
to occupy the same room as another person
share a video
to send or make a video available to others
share an apartment
live in an apartment with one or more other people
share an idea
to tell others about a thought or proposal
share information
to communicate information with others
show a pass
present an official permit for inspection
shut down a computer
to close all running programs and switch a computer off properly
sign a card
To write one's name on a greeting card
sign your name
to write one's signature on a document
skip stones
to throw flat stones so that they bounce along the surface of water
solve a crime
find the answer to who committed a crime and how
solve a problem
to find an answer or solution to a difficulty
spend a year
to pass a year doing something or being somewhere
spend an evening
pass time during an evening doing something
spread the news
to share information with many people
start a business
to create and begin operating a new company
start a club
create and establish a new club
start a company
to establish a new business
start a conversation
to initiate talking with someone
start a family
to have your first child
start a fight
to initiate a physical or verbal conflict
start a machine
switch a machine on so that it begins running
start a war
to initiate armed conflict between nations or groups
start school
to begin attending school for the first time
stream a movie
to watch a movie via an online streaming service
stroke a cat
To run your hand gently along a cat's fur
sweep the floor
clean the floor by brushing away dirt with a broom
take a call
to answer a telephone call
take a chance
risk doing something uncertain
take a course
enroll in and attend an educational course
take a month
to require a month of time to complete
take a rest
to stop activity and relax for a period of time
take a road
to travel along a particular road to reach a destination
take a shot
to fire a weapon, attempt to score in a sport, or try something
take a step
to move one foot forward; also to take an action toward a goal
take a trip
to go on a journey or excursion, usually for a short period
take a turn
to act when it is one's time in a rotation or shared activity
take a year
to require a year of time for something to be completed
take an order
to receive and record a customer's request for food or goods
take control
to assume authority or command over a situation, organization, or process
take part
join in and participate actively in an activity or event
take up space
occupy a significant amount of physical area
teach a dance
instruct others in how to do a particular dance
teach history
instruct others in the subject of history
tell a joke
To narrate a joke to an audience
tell the truth
to say what is factually correct; to be honest
train a dog
to teach a dog commands and appropriate behaviour
travel the world
visit many countries across the globe
turn the handle
rotate a handle in order to open or operate something
unpack a bag
take one's belongings out of a bag after arriving
upload a video
to transfer a video file from a device to the internet
use an agent
to employ an agent's services for a specific purpose
use force
apply physical power to achieve something, especially to control people
use your brain
to think carefully or make a mental effort to solve a problem
wait one's turn
to remain in a queue and act only when it is one's time
waste an hour
to use an hour unproductively or without purpose
watch a film
to view a film
watch a play
to observe a theatrical performance as an audience member
win a cup
to be awarded a trophy cup in a sporting competition
write a report
to compose a written account or analysis of something
write a song
to compose lyrics and melody for a song
write a story
compose a narrative in written form
Adjective + noun (369)
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a good shot
a well-placed, accurate shot; also, a person who shoots accurately
a happy couple
two people in a relationship who appear content and well-matched
a home office
a dedicated workspace set up in someone's home
a lucky shot
a shot that succeeds by chance rather than skill
a married couple
two people who are legally joined in marriage
a world war
a war involving many of the world's nations simultaneously
a young couple
two people who are romantically involved and are both relatively young
an elderly lady
a polite way of referring to an older woman
ancient history
the history of early civilisations in the distant past
apartment building
a large building divided into individual flats or apartments
back cover
the outer back face of a book or magazine
back door
a door at the rear of a building
background check
an investigation into a person's past history, typically conducted for employment or security purposes
bad joke
A joke that is not funny or is in poor taste
baggy pants
pants that are noticeably large and hang loosely from the body
bare legs
legs that are uncovered and not clothed
bare wall
a wall with nothing hung or placed against it
basic fact
a fundamental piece of information that forms a foundation for understanding
basic rule
a fundamental, simple rule that is easy to understand
big brother
one's older male sibling (informal)
big deal
something of great importance or significance
big favor
a significant or difficult thing to ask of someone
big game
an important or high-stakes contest
big hit
something that achieves great popularity or success
big jump
a large leap or a significant sudden increase in something
big trouble
a situation involving considerable problems or the prospect of severe consequences
big win
a significant or important victory
big worry
a major source of anxiety or concern
black coffee
coffee served without milk or cream
boarding pass
a document entitling a passenger to board a plane or ship
bouncy ball
a small, highly elastic rubber ball that springs back easily
brand name
the commercial name used to market a product
brave act
an action that requires courage
brief moment
a very short period of time
broken leg
a leg with a fractured or broken bone
broken neck
a neck with a fractured cervical vertebra
broken window
A window whose glass has been cracked or shattered
brown bear
a large bear with brown fur, found across Europe, Asia, and North America
bunk bed
a pair of single beds fixed one above the other in a frame
business card
A small card bearing a person's professional name and contact details
business meeting
a meeting held for professional or commercial purposes
busy road
a road with a large volume of traffic
busy station
a station with heavy passenger traffic
busy weekend
a weekend filled with many activities or commitments
calm sea
the sea in a flat, untroubled state with little wave action
careful thought
thorough, deliberate consideration
casual clothes
informal, everyday clothing
casual wear
clothing suitable for informal or everyday occasions
children's book
a book written for and aimed at young readers
classical music
a genre of art music rooted in European traditions, typically orchestral or chamber-based
clean air
air that is free from pollution and harmful substances
clear answer
a response that is easy to understand and unambiguous
clear case
an obvious or straightforward instance of something that is easy to identify
clear sign
an obvious and unmistakable indicator of something
close contact
A relationship or physical situation of being very near to someone
close family
a family whose members share strong emotional bonds
close friend
a friend you know very well and trust deeply
cloudy sky
a sky covered with clouds
cold beer
beer served or stored at a low temperature
cold wind
wind that carries a noticeably low temperature
comic book
a magazine-format publication with illustrated sequential stories
common mistake
an error that many people frequently make
corner store
A small neighbourhood shop, typically on a street corner
correct answer
a response that is accurate and right
credit card
A payment card that lets the holder borrow funds up to a set limit
crushed ice
ice that has been broken into small pieces, commonly used in drinks and food presentation
current boyfriend
the boyfriend one has at the present time
cutting board
a flat board used as a surface for cutting food in the kitchen
daily life
the ordinary activities and routines of each day
day trip
a leisure excursion to a place and back within a single day
dead body
a corpse
deep sleep
a state of profound, undisturbed sleep
deep voice
a voice with a low pitch
department store
A large retail shop divided into sections selling different types of goods
desert island
An uninhabited island with no people or infrastructure
desktop computer
a full-sized computer unit designed to sit on a desk rather than be carried
difficult question
a question that is hard to answer
difficult situation
a situation that is hard to deal with or resolve
digital watch
a watch that displays the time as numerals on a screen
dinner party
a social occasion at someone's home centered on a meal
distant cousin
a cousin who is not closely related through the family line
domestic animal
an animal that has been tamed and is kept by humans
dotted line
a line made up of a series of dots or short dashes
double bed
a bed wide enough to sleep two people comfortably
double-decker bus
a bus with two passenger floors
double room
a hotel room with a bed large enough for two people
dream house
the ideal house one aspires to own
driving test
an official examination to prove one can drive safely
dry land
solid ground, as opposed to sea or water
dry mouth
a condition in which there is insufficient saliva, leaving the mouth uncomfortably dry
dry summer
a summer with little rainfall
early hours
the first hours after midnight; very early in the morning
early start
a beginning at an early hour or time
easy fix
a solution that requires little effort or skill
easy read
a text that is simple and effortless to understand or get through
easy win
a victory achieved without much effort or difficulty
elderly aunt
an aunt who is old
eldest son
the first-born male child in a family
electric car
a car powered by an electric motor rather than a petrol or diesel engine
evening class
a course of instruction held in the evening for adult learners
everyday wear
clothing or material intended for regular daily use
ex-girlfriend
A former romantic partner
express train
a fast train that stops at fewer stations than a regular service
extra care
additional caution or attention beyond what is usual
extra cash
additional money beyond what one normally has
family business
a company owned and operated by members of the same family
family doctor
a general practitioner who treats all members of a family and knows their medical history
fancy restaurant
an expensive, upscale restaurant
fashion show
an event where designers present their new clothing collections on a runway
final check
a last inspection or review done immediately before completing or submitting something
final count
the last and definitive official tally
final scene
the last scene of a film, play, or book
first cousin
the child of one's aunt or uncle
first date
the initial romantic meeting between two people
fishing village
A village whose economy and identity are centred on fishing
foreign country
a country other than one's own
formal letter
a letter written in an official, professional style
free pass
a ticket or permit obtained at no charge
fresh air
clean outdoor air, especially as opposed to stale or stuffy indoor air
fresh coffee
coffee that has just been brewed
fresh fish
fish that has not been frozen, smoked, or otherwise preserved
fresh food
food that has not been frozen, preserved, or processed
fresh water
water from rivers, lakes, or rain that is not salty
fried fish
fish that has been cooked by frying in oil
friendly game
a game played for enjoyment rather than in formal competition
front cover
the outer front face of a book, magazine, or document
front door
the main entrance door at the front of a building
full control
complete authority or power over something, with no limitations
full month
a complete month with all its days counted
full stop
the punctuation mark (.) ending a sentence; also used for emphatic finality
full-time job
employment for the standard number of working hours per week
furnished apartment
an apartment that comes equipped with furniture
gentle kiss
a soft, tender kiss
gentle knock
a quiet, light knock on a door
gentle walking
slow, easy walking suitable for recovery or relaxation
gold ring
a ring made of gold
gold watch
a watch made of or plated with gold, traditionally given as a retirement gift
good advice
guidance that is sound, helpful, and worth acting on
good chance
a reasonable likelihood that something will happen
good deal
a favorable bargain or transaction
good fun
something genuinely enjoyable and worthwhile
good mark
a satisfactory or above-average grade
good move
an action that proves to be advantageous
good read
a book or text that is genuinely enjoyable and engaging
good sign
an indication that things are going well or that a positive outcome is likely
good start
a promising or positive beginning
great beauty
an exceptional or striking degree of beauty
great favor
a very helpful or generous act
great fun
something very enjoyable
great honor
a distinction of high significance or importance
great pleasure
a lot of pleasure; strong enjoyment
ground floor
the floor of a building at street level
grown son
a son who has reached adulthood
happy ending
a conclusion to a story or situation that is positive and satisfying
hard drive
the main data storage device inside a computer
healthy baby
a baby that is born in good physical condition
healthy food
food that is nutritious and good for physical wellbeing
heavy rain
rain that falls in large amounts
herbal tea
an infusion made from herbs, flowers, or other plant material rather than tea leaves
high jump
an athletics event in which competitors jump as high as possible over a bar
high mark
a top grade or score on a test or assignment
high speed
a rate of movement that is fast
high-speed train
a train capable of travelling at much greater speeds than conventional trains
huge difference
a very great contrast or change in effect
human brain
the brain belonging to or characteristic of the human species
iced coffee
coffee served cold, over ice
iced tea
tea that has been chilled and is served over or with ice
important part
a section or role that is especially significant within a whole
important question
a question that is significant or has serious consequences
ironing board
a narrow padded board on legs used when pressing clothes with an iron
junk food
food that is high in calories, fat, or sugar but low in nutritional value
language course
a course focused on learning or improving a foreign language
laptop computer
a portable, foldable computer light enough to be carried and used on the go
large company
a business employing many people or operating at great scale
large number
a great quantity of people or things
last hope
the only remaining chance of success or survival
late summer
the final part of the summer season
latest news
the most recent information currently available
light rain
rain that falls gently and in small amounts
live music
music performed in front of an audience rather than played from a recording
live show
a performance that takes place in front of an audience in real time
live video
a video broadcast in real time rather than recorded in advance
local area
the region immediately surrounding a particular place
local bar
a bar situated near one's home or workplace
local bus
a bus that serves routes within a local area
local church
The church serving one's own community or neighbourhood
local club
a club based in the nearby community
local government
the tier of government responsible for a town, city, or region
local police
police officers responsible for law enforcement in a particular area
local station
a station serving the immediate neighbourhood or town
local team
a team based in or representing a nearby area
locked door
a door that has been secured with a lock
long history
a history extending far back in time
long jump
an athletics event in which competitors jump as far as possible horizontally
long stay
a visit or period of residence that lasts a significant time
long throw
a throw that travels a great distance
long weekend
a weekend extended by a public holiday on a Friday or Monday
loose pants
pants with a relaxed, non-tight fit
loud knock
a strong, clearly audible knock
loud laugh
A laugh that is clearly audible and projects across a space
loud voice
a voice that produces a high volume of sound
lucky escape
an escape from danger that occurs by good fortune
lucky guess
a correct answer arrived at by chance rather than knowledge
main cause
the primary or most important reason for something
main point
the central argument or most important idea
main road
a principal road that carries heavy traffic
main station
the principal station in a town or city
main worry
the primary or most significant concern
mental health
a person's psychological and emotional wellbeing
metal handle
a handle made from metal
minor accident
an accident with little harm or minimal damage
missed call
a phone call that was not answered
mobile phone
a portable wireless telephone
modern apartment
an apartment with up-to-date design and facilities
modern art
art created in the modern era, often experimental or non-representational
modern world
contemporary society with its current technology and conditions
monthly bill
a payment that is due every month
mountain village
A village situated in a mountainous area
national park
a large area of land protected by the government for its natural beauty or wildlife
national team
a sports team that represents an entire country in competition
natural beauty
beauty found in nature or achieved without artificial enhancement
natural stone
unprocessed stone as it occurs in nature, used in construction or decoration
new beginning
A fresh start in life, a relationship, or a situation
new girlfriend
A romantic partner who has been with someone for only a short time
new mother
a woman who has recently given birth for the first time
newborn baby
a baby that has been born very recently
news report
a journalistic account of a recent event broadcast or published in the news
old age
the later period of a person's life
old joke
A joke that is so well known it has lost its freshness
older brother
a male sibling who was born before oneself
online course
a course delivered and studied over the internet
online search
a search performed on the internet
only child
a child who has no siblings
only daughter
a female child with no sisters
only son
a male child with no brothers
open air
the outdoors; not enclosed within a building
open fire
a fire burning in an exposed hearth, not enclosed in a stove
open kitchen
a kitchen not separated from the living or dining area by a wall
open mind
a willingness to consider new ideas without prejudging them
open space
an area with no buildings or obstructions, free to move around in
opening scene
the first scene of a film, play, or book that establishes the story
outdoor space
an area outside a building available for use
overnight stay
a visit that lasts one night
paid work
employment for which one receives money
part-time job
employment for fewer hours than the standard working week
part-time work
employment for fewer hours than a full working week
perfect moment
a time that is ideally suited to doing something
permanent address
the fixed, long-term address where someone is officially registered
personal computer
a small computer designed and priced for use by an individual
personal information
data that relates to a specific individual and is considered private
personal letter
a private letter written to an individual, not official
photo shoot
a session in which a photographer takes photographs of a person or subject, often for professional use
playing card
A card from a standard deck used in card games
pleasant evening
an enjoyable, agreeable evening
polar bear
a large white bear that lives in the Arctic
poor health
a state of being unwell or suffering from persistent illness
popular song
a song widely known and liked by many people
postal address
the address used for receiving physical mail
precious stone
a rare, valuable mineral used in jewellery, such as a diamond or ruby
pregnant woman
a woman who is carrying a baby
primary school
a school for young children, typically ages 4–11
private school
a school funded by fees rather than the government
proud father
a father who feels deep pride in his children
public park
a park that is open to and maintained for the general public free of charge
public place
a location open to everyone, not privately owned
quick call
a brief telephone conversation
quick fix
a fast but often temporary or superficial solution
quick read
a text that can be finished in a short amount of time
rainy day
a day with rain; also used figuratively for a future time of need
raw fish
fish that has not been cooked
real problem
a genuine, significant difficulty rather than a minor inconvenience
real world
actual everyday life as opposed to theory, school, or fantasy
recent months
the months that have just passed
regular guy
an ordinary, unpretentious person
regular walking
walking done consistently as a habit
relaxing weekend
a weekend spent resting and enjoying calm activities
remote control
a handheld device for operating an appliance from a distance; the act of operating something remotely
rental car
a car hired from a company for temporary use
rough sea
the sea in a turbulent, stormy state with large waves
running water
water supplied continuously through pipes to a building
rush hour
the busiest time of day when many people travel, causing heavy traffic
safe return
the act of arriving back somewhere without harm
school play
a theatrical performance produced and performed by students at a school
school year
the annual period during which schools are in session and teaching takes place
scrap paper
paper used for rough notes or informal calculations
secondary school
a school for older children, typically ages 11–18
secret agent
a spy or intelligence operative who works covertly for a government or organisation
security check
an inspection carried out to verify safety or prevent potential threats
serious accident
an accident involving significant injury or damage
serious case
an important instance of something that requires significant attention or concern
serious crime
an illegal act considered to be of great severity
serious talk
an important or grave conversation
sharp turn
a sudden, abrupt change of direction
shaved head
a head with the hair cut very short or completely removed
short course
a brief, focused programme of study lasting days or a few weeks
short film
a film significantly shorter than a standard feature-length production
short message
a brief written or spoken communication
short stay
A visit or period of residence lasting only a brief time.
short story
a brief work of prose fiction
short visit
A visit of limited duration
sick leave
authorized absence from work due to illness
simple answer
a response that is straightforward and not complex
simple pleasure
a small, uncomplicated enjoyment
single bed
a bed designed for one person
single father
a father who raises children alone without a partner
single mother
a mother who raises children alone without a partner
single room
a hotel room intended for one person
single woman
a woman who is not in a romantic relationship or who is unmarried
slow dance
a dance performed to slow music, typically in close embrace
small apartment
an apartment of limited size
small business
a privately owned company with a limited number of employees and revenues
small company
a business with few employees or limited scale of operations
small number
a limited quantity of people or things
small step
a minor or incremental action toward a larger goal
small village
A village with a low population, often with only basic amenities
social life
activities involving friends, socializing, and leisure
soft knock
a very quiet, light knock
soft voice
a gentle, quiet voice
solid rock
rock that is dense, continuous, and hard throughout
sore throat
a painful or inflamed throat, often a symptom of illness
spare key
an extra key kept as a backup in case the main one is lost
spare room
a room not in regular use, often set aside for guests
special offer
a temporary reduction in price or an added incentive to encourage purchase
spinning top
a toy shaped like a cone or cylinder that spins rapidly on its point when set in motion
sports car
A low, fast car designed for high performance
steady boyfriend
a committed, long-term romantic partner
stiff neck
a neck that is tense and difficult to move, typically from strain or a bad sleeping position
stone floor
a floor made of stone, typical in older or rustic buildings
stray cat
A cat that has no owner and lives outdoors
strong coffee
coffee brewed with a high concentration of caffeine or flavor
strong drink
an alcoholic beverage with a high alcohol content
strong feeling
an intense or powerful emotion
strong smell
A scent that is intense and easily detected
strong tea
tea brewed for longer or with more leaves, producing a bold, full-bodied flavour
strong wind
wind blowing with considerable force
sudden death
death that occurs unexpectedly and without prior warning
sweet smell
A pleasant, fragrant scent
talk show
a television or radio program in which a host interviews guests
teenage boy
a male between thirteen and nineteen years old
teenage girl
a girl between the ages of thirteen and nineteen
teenage son
a male child who is between thirteen and nineteen years old
test drive
a trial drive of a vehicle to evaluate its performance before purchasing
the main reason
the most important or primary cause or justification
the whole truth
everything that is true, with nothing omitted
thick wall
a wall with considerable depth
thin ice
ice that is not thick enough to be safe to walk or skate on
tight pants
pants that fit closely and snugly against the body
top floor
the highest floor of a building
torn pants
pants that have rips or holes in the fabric
tough guy
a person who appears strong, aggressive, or emotionally hard
tough kid
a child who is resilient, difficult to manage, or who has faced hardship
toy gun
a gun-shaped object made for play, not actual use
traditional dance
a dance that forms part of a culture's heritage
traditional song
a song passed down through generations as part of a culture
tropical island
An island located in or near the tropics, typically warm, humid, and lush
true story
an account based on real events
twin sister
a female sibling born at the same birth
underground station
a metro or subway station located below ground level
used car
a car that has had a previous owner
water gun
a toy device that squirts water
wedding ring
a ring worn as a symbol of marriage
wide mouth
a mouth or opening with a large diameter
winning team
a team that achieves victory or performs consistently well
wooden floor
a floor made of wood
wooden handle
a handle made from wood
world record
the best performance or highest figure ever achieved globally in a given activity
written test
a test completed on paper rather than orally or practically
wrong move
an action that proves to be a mistake
younger brother
a male sibling who was born after oneself
Verb + preposition/particle (15)
-
agree with
to share the same opinion as someone, or to think something is correct
ask about
to inquire or seek information concerning something
believe in
To have faith, trust, or confidence in something or someone; to think that something exists or is right.
bring along
To take someone or something with you to a place or event.
die of
to die as a result of a disease or bodily condition
find out
to discover information or learn a fact
hear about
to receive information or news about something
hear from
to receive contact, news, or communication from someone
help out
to give assistance, especially in a time of need
put back
to return something to its original place
run away
To flee or escape quickly from a place or situation.
run out of
To use up or exhaust an available supply of something.
try on
To put on a garment or item to see whether it fits or suits you before deciding to keep it.
try out
To test or use something for the first time in order to see whether it works or is suitable.
use up
To consume or exhaust a supply of something completely