Unit- 4

Words often misspelt

Words that are often misspelled" refer to words that are frequently spelled incorrectly by many people due to their
spelling patterns, unusual letter combinations, or similar sounding words. These words can cause confusion and
mistakes in writing, and may require additional effort to learn and memorize the correct spelling. It is important to
be aware of such words and make a conscious effort to spell them correctly to avoid errors and
miscommunications in written communication
The misspelled word of "Arithmetic" is "Arithmatic".
The misspelled word of "Entrepreneur" is "Entreprenuer".
The misspelled word of "Jealousy" is "Jelousy".
The misspelled word of "Formidable" is "Formidible".
The misspelled word of "Indomitable" is "Indomitible".
The misspelled word is "Courtecy" which should be spelled as "Courtesy".
The misspelled word is "Exageration" which should be spelled as "Exaggeration".
The misspelled word is "Surender" which should be spelled as "Surrender".

List of most commonly misspelled words. The correct spellings are mentioned in small
brackets.

 absense (absence)  kernal (kernel)

 adress (address)  liesure (leisure)
 advise, the verb, is often  liason (liaison)
switched with advice, the  libary (library)
noun.  lisense (license)
 alot (a lot)  maintainance (maintenance)
 aquit (acquit)  medevil or mideval (medieval)
 arguement (argument)  millenium (millennium)
 artic (arctic)  miniture (miniature)
 begining (beginning)  miniscule (minuscule)
 beleive (believe)  mischievious (mischievous)
 broccolli (broccoli)  mispell (misspell)
 borough and bureau are  momento (memento–momento is Spanish for “moment”)
confused  misterious (mysterious)
 calender (calendar)  neccessary (necessary)
 comraderie (camaraderie)  nieghbor (neighbor)
 cieling (ceiling)  noticable (noticeable)
 cemetary (cemetery)  occassion (occasion)
 changable (changeable)  occurence (occurrence)
 collegue (colleague)  oddyssey (odyssey)
 consciencious (conscientious)  peice (piece)
 concious (conscious)  playwrite (playwright)
 daquiri (daiquiri)  preceed (precede)
 decieve (deceive)  presance (presence)
 definately (definitely)  privelege (privilege)
 desparate (desperate)  prophecy is a noun, while prophesy is a verb.
 disasterous (disastrous)  pumkin (pumpkin)
 dumbell (dumbbell)  rasberry (raspberry)
 embarass (embarrass)  recieve (receive)
 enviroment (environment)  rtyhm (rhythm)
 existance (existence)  sacriligious (sacrilegious)
 experiance (experience)  sience (science)
 facinating (fascinating)  sissors (scissors)
 Febuary (February)  seperate (separate)
 firey (fiery)  sinserely (sincerely)
 flourescent (fluorescent)  supercede (supersede)
 foriegn (foreign)  thorough and through are often mixed up
 goverment (government)  truely (truly)
 gratefull or greatful (grateful)  untill (until, or till)
 guarantee  Wensday (Wednesday)
 harrass (harass)  wether (whether)
 hieght (height)  wich (which, or witch)
 hipocrite (hypocrite)  wierd (weird)
 humerous (humorous)  you’re is often used in place of your
 innoculate (inoculate)
 independant (independent)

These words are often misspelled because they have tricky spelling patterns or unusual combinations of letters.
It's always a good idea to double-check the spelling of any word you're unsure of, especially if you're writing
something important.

One Word Substitution

One Word Substitution can often express the idea of a phrase or a clause and can help in writing or communicating
precisely.

One Word Substitution is a linguistic term that refers to a word that replaces a group of words or a lengthy phrase
with a single word. It is also known as an "Eponym" or "Nominalization." One-word substitutions can be a noun,
adjective, verb, or adverb that conveys the meaning of a complete phrase or sentence. The use of one-word
substitution can make a sentence more concise and precise. Examples of one-word substitutions are
"Ambidextrous" for "able to use both hands equally well," "Anachronism" for "something out of place in time,"
and "Omniscient" for "having complete knowledge or awareness."

Obsolete - Meaning: Words no longer in use. Example: The typewriter is now an obsolete technology.Popular -
Meaning: The one who is liked by people. Example: The movie star is very popular among his fans.Accelerate -
Meaning: To increase the speed. Example: He pressed the accelerator pedal to accelerate the car.Destination -
Meaning: The place that one wants to reach. Example: My dream destination is to visit the Eiffel Tower in
Paris.Punctual - Meaning: To do something at the exact appointed time. Example: He always arrives at work on
time, he is very punctual.Frugal - Meaning: The one who is very careful about spending money. Example: My
grandfather is very frugal and never wastes his money.Recently - Meaning: A short time ago. Example: I recently
started a new job and I am really enjoying it. Orphan - Meaning: A child whose parents are dead. Example: She
was raised in an orphanage after her parents died. Atheist - Meaning: The person with no belief in religion.
Example: John is an atheist and does not believe in God.Contagious - Meaning: That can be spread by touch.
Example: The common cold is a contagious illness that can easily spread from person to person.Atheist - Meaning:
The person with no belief in religion. Example: John is an atheist and does not believe in God. Contagious -
Meaning: That can be spread by touch. Example: The common cold is a contagious illness that can easily spread
from person to person. The one-word substitution for

List of some common one-word substitutions are given below.

Common One Word Substitution List

Abdicate Renounce a throne, high office or dignity

Abolish Do away with

Accelerate To move faster

Accomplice One associated with another especially in wrong-doing

Acoustics Science of the production, transmission, reception and effect of sound

Acrobat One who performs gymnastic feats

Adolescence The period of life from puberty to maturity

Actuary One who calculates insurance and annuity premium etc

Adulterate Make impure by the addition of inferior substance

Aggression Unprovoked attack of one country by another

Amnesty General pardon

Abattoir A building where animals are killed for meal (or slaughterhouse)

Ad hoc Made for a particular purpose

Aeronautics The science of the operation and flight of aircraft

Aesthete A person with a highly developed sense of beauty

Agnostic One who believes that nothing can be known about God

Agoraphobia Fear of open spaces

It is Latin for elsewhere. It is actually a plea of having been elsewhere at the time
of commission of an act. But it is now used in the sense of an excuse. Example:
Alibi He offered no alibi for his absence from duty.

Alimony Compensatory allowance given to wife after divorce

 Allergy means, a heightened sensitivity to a substance as food, medicine etc.
Allergic Allergic means having an aversion to. He is allergic to hard work.

Altruist One who is habitually kind to others

Alumnus A former student of a school or college

The word means simultaneous attraction towards and repulsion from an object,
person or action. The attitude of educated Indians to love-marriages is
Ambivalent ambivalent

Anachronism That which appears to be in the wrong period

Anarchy Lawlessness and disorder caused by absence of control

Anecdote A short interesting or amusing story

Anthology A collection of poems or writings

Aphorism (or maxim) A wise saying in a few words

Aphrodisiac A medicine causing sexual excitement

Apiary A place where bees are kept

Apprentice A person who works under someone to learn that person’s skill

Arboreal Those who live in trees

Armistice (or cease-fire or truce) An agreement to stop fighting

Ascetic One who avoids physical pleasures and comforts

Astrology The art of understanding the influence of heavenly bodies

Astronomy Scientific study of heavenly bodies

Aviary A place for keeping birds

It means an accumulation of arrears. Example: I must clear my heavy backlog of

Backlog arrears.

Backwater A Dart of a river out of the main stream, where the water does not move

Barbarian An uncivilised person

Barbecue A metal flame on which meat etc. is cooked over an open fire

Barometer An instrument for measuring the air pressure

Beverage A liquid for drinking

Bibliography A list of writings on a subject

Biennial Happening once every two years

Bigamy System of two marriages

(or resume or curriculum vitae) A short written account of one’s education and
Biodata past employment

Black Hole An area in outer space into which everything near it, including light, is pulled-

Bleach Make white or pale by mean~ of chemicals or sunlight

Blue Blood The quality of being a noble person by birth

The word originated in the engineering industry where it means the final stage of
paper design. So it may mean the final plan or layout. Example: The blueprint of
Blueprint the Five-Year Plan is ready.

Bonsai The art of growing a plant in a pot that is prevented from reaching its natural size

Bon Vivant One who likes good wine and food and cheerful companions

Bookworm (or nerd) One who is too fond of reading and study

Botany The scientific study of plants

It is a narrow passage, a place, stage or condition that checks progress. Example:

Bottleneck We must rem o”e all bottlenecks in the swift implementation of policies.

Boulevard A broad street having trees on each side

Bourgeois Belonging to the middle class

Bric-a-brac Small objects kept for decoration

Bullion Bars of gold or silver

Bust A piece of sculpture showing a person’s head, shoulders, and upper chest

Cabal A small group of people who make secret plans for political action

Calligraphy The art of beautiful writing by hand

Canine Of a dog

Cannibal One who eats human flesh

Cardiac Connected with the heart

A situation from which one is prevented from escaping by something that is part
Catch-22 of the situation itself

Celestial Of the sky or heaven

Cerebral Connected with the brain

Chalet A wooden house with a steeply sloping roof

Charlatan One who deceives others by falsely claiming to have a skill

Calmistry The art of telling one’s character or future by examining one’s hands

Celibacy One who does not indulge in carnal pleasure

Clean sweep A complete victory

Clock-and-
Dagger Stories that deal with adventure and exciting mystery

Clot A half-solid mass or lump formed from a liquid, especially blood

Clubfoot A badly-shaped foot twisted out of position from birth

Coagulate Change from a liquid into a solid by chemical action

Cold war Severe political struggle between countries, without actual fighting

Colloquial Suitable for ordinary, informal, or familiar conversation

Colonnade A row of pillars supporting a roof or arches

Coma A state of long unnatural deep unconsciousness

Combustible (or Inflammable) That can catch fire and burn easily

Comrade A close companion who shares difficult work

Congenital Existing at or from one’s birth

Connotation The feeling or ideas that are suggested by a word

Consortium A combination of several companies, banks, etc. for a common purpose

A person appointed by a govt. to protect and help its citizens and its interests in
Consul trade in a foreign city

Contemporary A person living at the same time as another

Contretemps An unlucky and unexpected event, socially uncomfortable

Corinthian Typical of the most richly decorated style of ancient Greek building

Corrigendum Something (to be) made correct in a printed book

Counterfeit Made exactly like something real in order to deceive

Countervailing Acting with equal force but opposite effect

Couture The business of making and selling fashionable women’s clothes

Cradle A small bed for a baby

Creativity The ability to produce new and original ideas

Criminology The scientific study of crime and criminals

Crossroads A point at which an important decision must be taken

Cruise A sea voyage for pleasure

Cuisine A style of cooking

Daredevil One who is prepared to take dangerous risks

D-day A day on which an important operation is to begin

Debacle A sudden complete failure

Decanter A container for holding alcoholic drinks, especially wine

The practice of thinking in a way that shows an expectation of being

Defeatism unsuccessful

Deficit The amount by which something is less than what is needed

The feeling of remembering something that in fact one is experiencing for the
Déja vu first time

Depression A long period of seriously reduced business activity and high unemployment

Designate Chosen for an office but not yet officially placed in it

Disarmament Reduction of weapons by a government

Dissection Cutting up the body of a plant or animal for studying

Dividend The money which is divided among shareholders

Dome A rounded roof on a building

Dormitory A large room containing a number of beds

One who is suffering from lack of money, work, etc, and is unable to change the
Down-and-out situation

Dragnet A system of connected actions and methods for catching criminals

Dregs Sediment in a liquid that sinks to the, bottom and is thrown away

Drudgery Hard uninteresting work

Dutch Of the Netherlands (Holland)

Eagle-eyed Looking with very keen attention and noticing small details

Eaves The edges of a roof which come out beyond the walls

Eddy A circular movement of water, wind, dust, etc.

Elastic Able to spring back into shape after being stretched

Electrocute To kill by passing electricity through the body

Embargo An official order forbidding trade with another country

Empirical Based on practical experience of the world we see and feel

Enigmatic That which is mysterious and very hard to understand

Entomology The scientific study of insects

Epic A long narrative poem

Epicurean Lover of physical/material

Ergonomics The study of the conditions in which people work most effectively with machines

Estuary The wide lower part or mouth of a river

Evaporate To change into steam and disappear

Evolution Gradual development from simpler forms

Excise Tax on goods produced and used inside a country

Expletive An often meaningless word used for swearing

A style of painting which expresses feelings rather than describing objects and
Expressionism experiences

Extrovert One who likes to spend time with others

Facet Any of the many flat sides of a cut jewel

Faeces The solid waste material passed from the bowels

Fallacy A false idea or belief

Farce A light humorous play full of silly things happening

Farrier One who makes and fits shoes for horses

Febrile Of or caused by fever

Felony A serious crime such as murder or armed robbery

Fiance (feminine fiancée) The person one is going to marry

Filament A thin thread

Flogging Severe beating with a whip or stick

Flora All the plants of a particular place, country, or period

Fluvial Of, found in, or produced by rivers

Foible A small rather strange and stupid personal habit

Foolscap A large size of paper, especially writing paper

Foray A sudden rush into enemy country

Foreman A skilled and experienced worker in charge of other workers

Fortnight Two weeks

Fourth Estate Newspapers and their writers, considered with regard to their political influence

Freckle A small flat brown spot on the skin

Freight Goods carried by ship, train. plane, etc.

Frill A decorative edge to a piece of material

Frontispiece A picture or photograph at the beginning of a book

Fumigate To clear of disease, bacteria etc. by means of chemical smoke

Furrow A long narrow track cut by a plough

Galaxy A large group of stars

Gastronomy The art and science of cooking and eating good food

Gelatine A clear substance used for making jellies

Geocentric Having the Earth as the central point

Gigolo A man who is paid to be a woman’s lover

Glacier A mass of ice moving very slowly down a mountain valley

Glut A larger supply than is necessary

Goatee A little pointed beard on the bottom of the chin

Go-Getter One who is forceful, determined, and likely to succeed in getting what one wants

Good Samaritan One who helps others in trouble, without thinking of oneself
Gorge A deep narrow valley with steep sides

Graffiti Drawings or writing on a wall

Grange A large country house with Farm buildings

A stretch of land, around a town or city, where building is not allowed, so that
Green Belt fields, woods, etc. remain

Grunt Short deep rough sound of a pig

Gubernatorial Of a governor

Guinea pig A person who is subject of some kind of test

Halitosis A condition in which one has bad breath

Handbook ‘A short book giving all the most important information about a subject

Hangar A big building where aircraft are kept between flights

Harpoon A spear with a long rope, used for hunting large sea animals

Haven A place of calm and safety

Headgear A covering for the head

Headstrong Determined to do what one wants in spite of all advice

Heat-stroke Fever and weakness caused by too much heat

Heirloom A valuable object passed on for generations

Herbivore A plant-eating animal

Hide An animal’s skin, when removed to be used for leather

Hinterland The inner part of a country

Histrionics Behaviour resembling a theatrical performance

Holocaust Great destruction and the loss of many lives

Holster A leather holder for a pistol

Hooligan A noisy rough person who causes trouble

Hothead One who does things too quickly, without thinking

Hub The central part of a wheel

Hump A lump on the back of a camel

Ideology A set of ideas on which a political or economic system is based

Idolatry The worship of idols

Illegible Difficult or impossible to read

Immortal That which will never die

Implacable Impossible to satisfy, change, or make less angry

Improvident One who does not save for the future

Incarnate In physical form rather than in the form of a spirit or idea

Incorporeal Without a body

Inedible Not suitable for eating

Inflate To fill until swelled with air or gas

Ingest To take food into the stomach

Innate That which one is born with

Inseminate To put male seed into a female

Those who are highly educated and often concern themselves with ideas and new
Intelligentsia developments

Intestate Not having made a will

Invective A forceful attacking speech used for blaming someone

Invoice A list of goods supplied, stating quantity and price

Irreproachable So good that no blame at all could be given

Journal A serious magazine produced by a specialist society

Junta A council or assembly that deliberates in secret upon the affairs of government.

Juxtapose To place side by side or close together

Kennel A small hut for a dog

Kimono A long loose garment made of silk

Knuckle The joint between the finger and the hand

Lackey One who behaves like a servant by always obeying

Lead Time The time taken in planning and producing a new product

Lecher One who continually looks for sexual pleasure

Leonine Of or like a lion

 An embankment beside a river or stream or an arm of the sea, to prevent
Levee overflow.

Levy An official demand and collection, especially of a tax

Libertarian One who believes that people should have freedom of expression

Lien A legal claim or hold on property, as security for a debt or charge.

Limerick A humorous short poem with five lines

Linchpin An important member which keeps the whole group together

Literati People with great knowledge of literature

Livery Uniform of a special type for servants

Locale A place where something particular happens

Logger V One whose job is to cut down trees

Loom A machine on which thread is woven into cloth

Lore Old beliefs, not written down, about a particular subject

Lowbrow One who has no interest in literature, art, etc.

Lullaby A pleasant song used for causing children to sleep

Machete A knife with a broad heavy blade

Magnum Opus A great work of art

Malady That which is wrong with a system

Malaise A feeling of pain without any particular pain or appearance of disease

Malcontent One who is dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs.

Male Chauvinist A man who believes that men are better than women

Malign To speak evil of, especially to do so falsely and severely.

Mane The long hair on the back of a horse’s neck

Manual A book giving information about how to do something

Market Forces The free operation of business and trade without govt. controls

Mascot Chosen as a symbol and thought to bring good luck

Massacre The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing of human beings.

Materialism Too great interest on in money & material etc, rather than spiritual matters
Mechanics The science of the action of forces on objects

Megalomania The belief that one is more important than one really is

Mercantile Of trade and business

Meteorology The scientific study of weather conditions

Midriff The part of the human body between the chest and the waist

Militia Those trained as soldiers but not belonging to a regular army

Miniature A very small painting

Mirage The appearing of objects which are not really there

Misnomer A name wrongly or mistakenly applied.

Moccasin A simple shoe made of leather

Modus Operandi A method of doing something typical of someone

Mogul A person of very great power. wealth, and importance

Monarchy Rule by a king or queen

Monomaniac One who keeps thinking of one particular idea only

Moralistic Having unchanging narrow ideas about right and wrong

Morbid Caused by or denoting a diseased or unsound condition of body or mind.

Motto A few words taken as the guiding principle

Multinational A company having operations in many different countries

Mundane means Worldly/earthly

Mycology The study of fungi (plural of fungus)

Namesake A person with the same name as yours is your

Nautical Of sailors, ships, or sailing

Necromancy The practice which claims to learn about the future by talking with the dead

Nemesis Just and unavoidable punishment

Newfangled New (idea. machine etc) but neither necessary nor better

Nihilism The belief that nothing has meaning or value

Nodding lower and raise one’s head slightly and briefly, to give someone a signal
Acquaintance A very slight familiarity

Nosegay A small bunch of flowers, to be carried or worn on a dress

Notary A public official who makes written statements official

No-win Situation That which will end badly whichever choice one makes

Nursery A place where small children are taken care of

Oar A long pole used for rowing a boat

Obstetrics The branch of medicine concerned with childbirth

Obtrude To be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence.

Obtrusive Tending to be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence.

Obviate To clear away or provide for, as an objection or difficulty.

Odoriferous Having a smell, especially a pleasant one

Off-White White with some grey or yellow

Oligarchy A collective government formed by a few persons

One-Upmanship The art of getting an advantage over others without actually cheating

Ontology The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of existence

Operational The study of how best to build and use

Opprobrium The state of being scornfully reproached or accused of evil.

Orderly A soldier who attends an officer

Ornithology The scientific study of birds

Ostentation A display dictated by vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery.

Ostracism Exclusion from intercourse or favor, as in society or politics.

Outcast One who is forced from one’s home or without friends

Overhaul Thorough examination and repair if necessary

Pacemaker A small machine that regularises heartbeats

Palaeography The study of ancient writing

Panacea A remedy or medicine proposed for or professing to cure all diseases.

Panache An admirably stylish manner of doing things effortlessly

Panegyric A formal and elaborate eulogy, written or spoken, of a person or of an act.

Pariah One who is not accepted by society

Parricide Act of murdering one’s father

Parting Shot A last remark made at the moment of leaving

Passive Smoking The breathing in of smoke from the cigarettes that others are smoking

Patent The right to make or sell a new invention

Paunch A man’s fat stomach

Peanuts Too small a sum of money

Peeping Tom One who secretly looks at others when they are undressing

Penance Making oneself willingly suffer for one’s wrongs

Perdition Everlasting punishment after death

Perjury A lie told on purpose

Persona on Grata One who is not acceptable or welcome

Petrology The scientific study of rocks

Phonetics The study and science of speech sounds

Phylum A main division of animals or plants

Pigment The natural colouring matter of plants and animals

Pillion A seat for a second person on a motorcycle

Pithead The entrance to a coalmine

To bring from a state of angry or hostile feeling to one of patience or

Placate friendliness.

Plaintiff One who brings a charge against someone in a court

Platitude A written or spoken statement that is flat, dull, or commonplace.

Platonic A friendly, not sexual, relationship between a man and a woman

Plebeian Of the lower social classes

Poetaster A writer of bad poems

Poker Face A face that shows nothing of what one is thinking or feeling

Porcine Of or like a pig

Pork Meat from pigs

Portend To indicate as being about to happen, especially by previous signs.

Post-Haste In a great hurry

Pot-Boiler A book of low quality produced quickly to get money

Powder Keg Something dangerous that might explode

Précis A shortened form of a piece of writing

Prescient Able to imagine or guess what will probably happen

To use ambiguous or evasive language for the purpose of deceiving or diverting

Prevaricate attention.

Prey An animal that is hunted and eaten by another

Prima Donna The main woman singer in an opera company

Prodigal One wasteful or extravagant, especially in the use of money or property.

Profile A side view of someone’s head

Projection Something that sticks out from a surface

Propellant An explosive for firing a bullet or a rocket

means first actor in a play. It means one who takes the leading part in a drama,
novel or any other sphere. Clearly the word is not an antonym of antagonist
Protagonist which means one who contends with another.

Proscribe To reject, as a teaching or a practice, with condemnation or denunciation.

Prosody The rules by which the patterns of sounds are arranged in poetry

Postscript (or
P.S.) A note added at the end of a letter

Pulmonary Of or having an effect on the lungs

Punctilious Strictly observant of the rules or forms prescribed by law or custom.

Punter One who makes a bet on horserace results

Pus A thick yellowish liquid produced in an infected wound

Putsch A sudden secretly planned attempt to remove a govt. by force

Quartet Four singers or musicians performing together

Quixotic Trying to do the impossible, often so as to help others, while getting oneself into
 danger

Raconteur One who is good at telling stories in an interesting way

Raillery Friendly joking al someone’s weakness

Ranger The keeper of a forest

Real Estate Property in the form of land and houses

Real Politick Politics based on practical facts rather than on moral aims

Rebuff A peremptory or unexpected rejection of advances or approaches.

To withdraw formally one’s belief (in something previously believed or

Recant maintained).

Recumbent Lying down on the back or side

Red-Handed In the act of doing something wrong

means exceeding what is natural, usual or necessary. The idea of too much is
Redundant inseparable from it. It is not a synonym of inappropriate.

Reflation A govt. policy of increasing the amount of money

Relic Something old that reminds us of the past

Renaissance A renewal of interest in some particular kind of art, literature, etc.

Renal Of the kidneys

Requisition An official demand or request

Rescind To make void, as an act, by the enacting authority or a superior authority.

Resonance Sound produced in one object by sound waves from another

Retribution A severe deserved punishment

Revisionism The questioning of the main beliefs of an already existing political system

Rhyme To end with the same sound, including a vowel

Right-hand Man One’s most useful and valuable helper

Ringleader One who leads others to do wrong or make trouble

Riviera A warm stretch of coast, popular with holiday makers

Rodent A small herbivore with strong sharp long front teeth

Rolling Stone One who.travels around a lot and has no fixed address or responsibilities
Rosary A string of beads used for counting prayers

Roving eye Sexual interests that pass quickly from one person to another

Rubber Stamp One who acts only to make official the decisions already made by another

Ruling An official decision of a court

Rung Any of the cross-bars that form the steps of a ladder

Saboteur One who practices sabotage

Salve (or Ointment) An oily substance for putting on a cut, wound, etc.

Sapient Wise and full of deep knowledge

Scaffold A structure built up from poles and boards for workmen to stand on

Scalp The skin on the top of the human head

Sceptical Unwilling to believe a claim or promise.

Scraps Pieces of food not eaten at a meal, and thrown away

Scuba An instrument used for breathing while swimming underwater

Seam A line of stitches ‘joining two pieces of cloth, leather, etc.

Sedentary Done while sitting down

Seer One who can see into the future

Seismic Of or caused by earthquakes

Seller’s Market Where there are not many goods for sale

Sensationalism The intentional producing of excitement or shock

Septic Infected with disease bacteria

Sexagenarian One who is between 60 and 69 years old

Sexism The belief that one sex is not as good as the other

Shaman A priest believed to have magical powers and cure people

Shibboleth A once-important custom which no longer has much meaning

Shoot A new growth from a plant

Short-change To give back less than what actually should be given back

Siamese twins Those joined together from birth at some part of their bodies
Side Effect An unwanted effect happening in addition to the intended one

Signatory Any of those who sign an agreement

Sill The flat piece at the base of a window

Singsong A repeated rising and falling of the voice in speaking

Skyscraper A very tall modern city building

Sleeping Partner A partner in a business who takes no active part

Slip-up A slight unintentional mistake.

Small Fry A young or unimportant person

Smokestack The tall chimney of a factory or a ship

Snippet A short piece from something spoken or written

Socialite A person well known for going to fashionable parties

Sociology The scientific study of societies and human behaviour in groups

Solidarity Loyal agreement of interests, aims, or principles among a group

Somnambulism The habit of walking about while asleep

SOS An urgent message from someone in trouble

Souvenir An object kept as a reminder of something

Spatial Connected with space

Spectacle A grand public show or scene

Spindle A machine part round which something turns

Splinter A small sharp-pointed piece of wood broken off something

Sportsmanship A spirit of honest fair play

Sprig A small end of a stem or branch with leaves

Stallion A fully-grown male horse kept for breeding

Standard-bearer An important leader in a moral argument or movement

Statesman A political leader who is respected as being wise, honourable, and fair-minded

Stellar Of the stars

Sticking Point Something that prevents an agreement

Stock Broker One whose job is buying and selling shares and debentures for others

Stoic One who is indifferent to joys/sorrows

Stooge One who habitually does what another person wants

Stratagem A trick to deceive an enemy

Strategist A person skilled in planning, especially of military movements.

Stride A long step in walking.

Strobe Light A light which goes on and off very quickly

Subcutaneous Beneath the skin

Sub Judice A legal case being considered in court

Subsidy Money paid by the govt. to make prices lower

Superannuated Too old for work

Surety One who takes responsibility for the behaviour of someone

Surreal Having a strange dreamlike unreal quality

Swarm A large group of insects moving in a mass

Sweet Tooth A liking for sweet and sugary things

Sword of
Damocles Something bad that may happen at any time

Tactile Of the sense of touch

Take-home Pay Wages left after all taxes, pension payments, etc. have been paid

Tannery A Place where animal skin is made into leather

Tarot A set of 22 cards used for telling the future

is redundancy, which consists of needless repetition of meaning in other words.

Tautology Example: audible to the ear return back, One after another in succession.

Taxonomy The system of putting plants and animals into various classes

Technocrat A highly skilled specialist in charge of organisation

Teller One who is employed to receive and pay out money in a bank

Tenure The act, right, or period of holding land or a job

Territorial waters The sea near a country’s coast over which it has legal control
Testamentary Of or done according to a will

Thatch Roof covering of straw, reeds, etc.

Thermal Of heat

Thorax The part between the neck and the abdomen

Thromhosis Having a clot in a blood tube or the heart

Topiary The art of cutting trees into decorative shapes

Touchstone Something used as a test or standard

Tract A short piece dealing with a religious or moral subject

Traitor One who is disloyal to one’s country

Transient One who or that which is only of temporary existence.

Transmogrify To change completely as if by magic

It does not mean to happen or occur but to become known. Example: It

Transpire transpired at the meeting that he was going to be our next President.

Treatise A serious book or article that examines a particular subject.

Tribunal A court of people officially appointed to deal with special matters.

Troglodyte One who lives in a cave.

Trousseau The personal possessions that a woman brings with her when she marries.

Tunnel Vision A condition in which one can see only straight ahead

Turf A surface made up of earth and a thick covering of grass

Tutelage The act of training or the state of being under instruction.

Tyrant A ruler with complete power, who rules cruelly and unjustly

Tyro One slightly skilled in or acquainted with any trade or profession.

Underling A person of low rank in relation to another

Undermanned Not having enough workers

Unguent A thick oily substance used on the skin

Unisex Of one type used by both male and female

Upholstery A comfortable covering and filling for a seat

Valise A small bag used while travelling

Vase A decorative container used to put flowers in

Vendor A seller of small articles that can be carried about

Vertebrate A living creature which has a backbone

A change, especially a complete change, of condition or circumstances, as of

Vicissitude fortune.

Vinous Of wine

Voluntary Done willingly, without being forced

Wade To walk through water

Walkout Leaving a meeting as an expression of disapproval

Wardrobe A large cupboard in which one hangs up clothes

Wasteland Empty, unproductive, usually ugly land

Waterloo A severe defeat after a time of unusual success

Weakling One who lacks physical strength or strength of character

To transfer (the young) from dependence on mother’s milk to another form of

Wean nourishment.

Westher-beaten Marked or damaged by the force of wind. sun, rain. etc.

Wheeler-dealer One who is skilled at making profitable or successful deals

Whirlpool A place with circular currents of water, which can pull objects down into it

Wholesale The business of selling goods to shopkeepers

Wit The ability to say clever and amusing things

Wizard One who has magic powers

Word Blindness (or dyslexia) Difficulty in seeing the difference between letter shape

Workaholic One who likes to work too hard

Working
knowledge Enough practical knowledge to do something

Wreckage The broken parts of a destroyed thing

Wretch An unfortunate or unhappy person

Xenophobia Fear of strange or foreign people, customs, etc.

 Yeoman service Great and loyal service, help, or support

Yuppie A young person in a professional job with a high-income

Zeitgeist The intellectual and moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch.

Zoology The scientific study of animals

Phrasal Verb

A phrasal verb is a type of verb phrase that consists of a main verb combined with one or more particles or
prepositions. The particle or preposition can change the meaning of the verb, making it more specific or adding
a different nuance to its original meaning. Phrasal verbs are commonly used in everyday conversation, and
they can be separable or inseparable.

A separable phrasal verb is a verb phrase in which the particle can be separated from the main verb, and other
words can come in between them. For example, "I need to look up the meaning of this word in the dictionary."
The phrasal verb is "look up," and the particle "up" can be separated from the verb "look" by the word "the
meaning."

An inseparable phrasal verb is a verb phrase in which the particle cannot be separated from the main verb. For
example, "She's always looking after her children." The phrasal verb is "looking after," and the particle "after"
cannot be separated from the verb "looking."

Phrasal verbs can also be transitive or intransitive. A transitive phrasal verb requires an object, while an
intransitive phrasal verb does not require an object. For example, "I'm going to put on my coat" (transitive) and
"The sun is coming out" (intransitive).

"Look after" is a phrasal verb that means to take care of someone or something. Here's an example sentence:
"Can you please look after my dog while I'm away on vacation?"
In this sentence, the speaker is asking someone to take care of their dog while they are away. Here are a few more
examples:
"My parents looked after me when I was sick."
Bring up - to raise a topic or a person; to mention something that happened in the past
Example: "I don't want to bring up the argument we had last night, but I need to tell you how I feel."
Example: "My parents brought me up to be respectful and responsible."
Gave up - to stop doing something; to quit
Example: "I gave up smoking last year, and I feel so much healthier now."
Example: "He gave up on his dream of becoming a professional athlete when he got injured."
Turn up - to appear unexpectedly; to arrive
Example: "I didn't expect him to turn up at the party last night, but he did."
Example: "The package still hasn't turned up, even though it was supposed to be delivered two days ago."
Keep on - to continue doing something; to persist
Example: "I know it's difficult, but you have to keep on studying if you want to pass the exam."
Example: "He kept on trying until he finally succeeded."
Get to - to have the opportunity to do something; to arrive at a place
Example: "I'm excited to get to travel to Europe next month for work."
End up: To reach a particular point, especially an unexpected or undesired one. Example: "I didn't plan to stay out
so late, but I ended up missing my last bus home."
Turn off: To switch off a machine, light, or other device. Example: "Please turn off the lights when you leave the
room."
Clean up: To make something clean and tidy, typically after it has been used. Example: "After dinner, we need to
clean up the kitchen and do the dishes."
Go ahead: To begin or proceed with something. Example: "If you're ready, you can go ahead and start the
presentation."
Roam around: To move or travel without any specific destination or purpose. Example: "We decided to roam
around the city and explore some new neighbourhoods."

Get ahead: To advance or make progress in one's career or personal life. Example: "If you work hard and stay
focused, you can get ahead in your career."
Put up: To erect or set up something. Example: "We need to put up a tent before it starts to rain."
Put off: To postpone or delay something. Example: "I had to put off my dentist appointment until next week."
Ran out of: To exhaust or use up the supply of something. Example: "I ran out of milk this morning, so I had to
drink my coffee black."
Ran into: To encounter or meet someone or something unexpectedly. Example: "I ran into my old friend from
college at the grocery store."
Showing off: To display one's skills, talents, or possessions in an excessive or boastful manner. Example: "He's
always showing off his expensive watch to impress people."
Showing up: To appear or arrive at a place or event. Example: "I was worried she wouldn't show up for the party,
but she came a little late."
Drop off - to leave someone or something in a particular place
Example: Can you drop off the package at the post office on your way to work?
Drop in - to visit someone informally and without making an appointment
Example: Feel free to drop in if you're in the area.
Turned up - to appear or arrive unexpectedly or suddenly
Example: The actor turned up at the premiere wearing a bright red suit.
Turned out - to be discovered or revealed as something
Example: It turned out that the concert had been cancelled.
Give way - to yield or surrender to someone or something
Example: The old bridge finally gave way under the weight of the heavy truck.
Give off - to emit or release something
Example: The flowers give off a sweet fragrance in the morning.
Give up - to stop doing or trying something
Example: I'm not going to give up on my dream of becoming a doctor.
Give in - to surrender or yield to someone or something
Example: After hours of arguing, my dad finally gave in and let me have my way.
Make out - to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty
Example: I can't quite make out what she's saying.
Make up - to invent or create something, or to reconcile with someone after a disagreement
Example: She made up a story about her adventures in Africa.
Come by - to obtain or acquire something
Example: I managed to come by a pair of tickets for the concert.
Come into - to inherit or receive something, especially after someone's death
Example: She came into a large sum of money after her grandmother passed away.

To stop doing something or admit you were wrong because people oppose yo
1. Back down
If we keep protesting the new city taxes, the mayor will back down.

To explode
That truck crashed into the building and blew up!
2. Blow up
To lose your temper
He was annoying me so much that I blew up at him.

To suddenly stop functioning (used for machinery)

3. Break down We were on our way to the party when our car broke down. To become emotion
When we told her we were moving to Canada, she broke down.

To mention something
4. Bring up
He’s still very sad about his divorce, so don’t bring it up.

To see or meet someone unexpectedly

5. Bump into
She was shopping today and she bumped into her old primary school teacher!

To cancel
6. Call off
Because of the pandemic, we had to call off our wedding.

To make sure someone is okay or safe

7. Check on
My friend broke her leg and she’s stuck inside. I check on her every day.

To examine something to get information about it

Before we decide on that flat, we should check out the neighbourhood.
8. Check out
To pay your bill and leave (usually a hotel)
Have you packed yet? We have to check out by 11 a.m.

To ask someone if something is okay or permitted

9. Check with
I’m pretty sure I can come to your house. I just have to check with my dad.

10. Come across To find something unexpectedly

When I was cleaning my room, I came across my old photo album.
To seem a certain way
 I’m sure he’s great, but he always comes across as an unfriendly person.

To return
11. Come back
We had a lovely visit. We’ll come back soon!

To enter
12. Come in
You don’t need to knock – just come in!

To think of a plan or an idea

13. Come up with
Have you come up with a good idea for our group project?

To make something fall by cutting it at its base

To build this housing complex, they had to cut down hundreds of trees.
14. Cut down
To do or use something less
I’m feeling rather nervous lately – I think I need to cut down on coffee.

To go somewhere (usually someone’s home) for a casual visit

15. Drop by
I’ll be home all day. You can drop by for tea whenever you’re free.

To take something or someone to a specific place

16. Drop off
You forgot your jacket in my car. I’ll drop it off at your house later.

To become less strict about something

17. Ease up on
When I was younger, my mom didn’t let me see my friends on weeknights, but she’s

To break into pieces

I think I finally need to get new shoes – these ones are falling apart.
18. Fall apart
To stop working well due to many problems
When they couldn’t agree on a fair price, the business deal fell apart.

To collapse and fall to the ground

19. Fall down
That big storm last night caused the old tree in our garden to fall down.

To discover
20. Find out
I did a DNA test and found out that I have a brother!

To have a good, friendly relationship with someone

21. Get along
My brother and I never fought when we were growing up. We always got along wit

To escape
The police almost caught the bank robber, but he got away.
22. Get away
To go on holiday
I really need to get away for a week. Work has been very stressful lately.

To be able to live through a difficult situation

23. Get by
We don’t have a lot of money for food, but we’ll get by.
 To recover from a negative experience or an illness
24. Get over
I know she’s mad at you now, but she’ll get over it.

To stand
Can you please get up? I think you’re sitting on my glasses.
25. Get up
To leave your bed in the morning/after sleeping
I always get up at 7 a.m. – even on Saturdays.

To give something to others for free

None of these dresses fit me anymore. I think I’m going to give them away.
26. Give away
To provide information about something that should be kept secret
This farewell party is supposed to be a surprise. Don’t give away the secret!

To finally agree to someone’s requests after refusing for a while

27. Give in
Our kids have been asking us for a puppy for six months. We finally gave in and go

To stop doing something permanently

My health is getting worse. I need to give up drinking.
28. Give up
To stop trying
We’ve been working on this maths problem for an hour. I give up!

To start or continue a planned activity

29. Go ahead
Despite the social distancing rules, the music festival will go ahead.

To leave home and go somewhere

We’ve stayed home for months! I just want to go out and have fun.
30. Go out
To have a romantic (dating) relationship with someone
My girlfriend and I have been going out two years now.

To develop into adulthood

31. Grow up
When I grow up, I want to be a biologist.

To wait for a short period of time

Can you hang on for two minutes? I just need to finish writing this email, then I’ll b
32. Hang on
To hold something tightly
This boat ride will be a little bumpy – hang on!

To spend time relaxing or socialising casually

33. Hang out
My favourite thing to do at the weekend is to hang out with my dog.

To forcefully tell someone to leave a place

34. Kick out
She was so angry at her teenage son that she kicked him out of the house!

To allow someone to enter a place

35. Let in
Let me in the house! It’s freezing out here!

36. Look after To take care of something or someone

 Can you look after my plants while I’m on holiday next month?

To try to find something

37. Look for
We’ll leave in a minute. Help me look for my keys!

To search for information (usually in a book or online)

38. Look up
I want to try that new Japanese restaurant. Can you look up their menu online?

To become friendly with someone again or forgive them after a disagreement

39. Make up
You two haven’t spoken to each other in three weeks! When are you going to make

To repay the money you borrowed from someone

Can I borrow some money for lunch? I’ll pay you back tomorrow.
40. Pay back
To take revenge
I can’t believe she ate all the biscuits I made! I’ll pay her back for this!

To lift something from a surface

My dog has got so big! He’s too heavy for me to pick up now.
To go somewhere and collect something or someone
41. Pick up
Let’s go to the cinema in one car – I’ll pick you up at 8 o’clock.
To improve or increase
Business was slow last year, but sales are finally picking up!

To delay doing something

42. Put off
I know I should clean my bathroom, but I’ve been putting it off for weeks.

To begin wearing something

43. Put on
If you want to play outside in the snow, make sure to put on a coat.

To tolerate something
44. Put up with
The neighbour’s dog barks all night long, but I put up with it because I love my

To have no more of something

45. Run out
Oh, no! Why didn’t you tell me we ran out of coffee?

To leave somewhere suddenly

He didn’t even say goodbye. He just took off!
To go into the air (used for aircraft)
46. Take off
Our flight is taking off at 2 p.m. so we need to be at the airport by 11 a.m.
To remove something (like an article of clothing)
I can’t wait to get home and take off these tight shoes!

To cause something to start working; to activate

47. Turn on
It’s getting dark; let’s turn on the lights.

48. Turn up To increase the volume, heat, or lights

This is my favourite song! Turn it up!
 To appear suddenly
Would you believe our cat turned up after being lost for six months?

To stay awake because you are waiting for something or someone

49. Wait up
I’ll be home late tonight. You don’t have to wait up for me.

To be careful of danger (usually said as a warning)

50. Watch out
Watch out! There’s a car coming!

Idioms
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal definition of the words used,
but rather through cultural and contextual understanding. Idioms are often figurative in nature and may involve the use
of metaphor, simile, or hyperbole to convey their meaning.

For example, "raining cats and dogs" is an idiom that means it's raining very heavily, but the meaning cannot be
deduced from the literal meaning of the individual words "cats" and "dogs."

Idioms are often unique to a particular language or culture, and they are frequently used in everyday speech. They can
add color, humor, or emphasis to language, but can also pose challenges for non-native speakers who are unfamiliar
with their usage and meaning.

Up to his ears in debt: To be deeply in debt, with a large amount of money owed. Example: "He's up to his ears in debt
after losing his job and maxing out his credit cards."Down-at-heel: To be in a state of poverty, destitution, or neglect.
Example: "The old man looked down-at-heel, with worn-out clothes and holes in his shoes."In the red: To have a
negative balance in one's financial accounts, owing more than one has. Example: "The company is in the red this
quarter, with declining sales and rising expenses."Strapped for cash: To be short of money, with limited funds or
resources. Example: "I'm strapped for cash this month, so I can't afford to go out to eat." Stinking rich: To have an
excessive amount of wealth, usually implying a flaunting of one's riches. Example: "The celebrity's mansion and private
jet show that she's stinking rich."On the dole: To receive financial assistance from the government or other
organizations, often referring to unemployment benefits. Example: "After losing his job, he had to go on the dole to
make ends meet." Can't make ends meet: To have difficulty covering one's expenses with the available income.
Example: "Even with two jobs, she still can't make ends meet and has to rely on credit cards." Pays him chickenfeed: To
pay someone a very small amount of money, often implying unfair compensation. Example: "The restaurant pays its
kitchen staff chickenfeed, even though they work long hours in hot conditions."Well off: To have a comfortable or
affluent financial situation, with ample resources and few financial worries. Example: "Despite retiring early, he's still well
off and can afford to travel and enjoy his hobbies."Money to burn: To have an excessive or wasteful amount of money,
often implying a lack of concern for financial prudence. Example: "The billionaire has money to burn, with a fleet of
luxury cars and a private island." 24/7: Refers to something that is available or happening around the clock, all day and
all night. Example: "Our customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns." Crying
wolf: Refers to someone who consistently and falsely raises an alarm or warning, often resulting in others ignoring their
pleas for help. Example: "After several false alarms, the school principal warned the students about crying wolf and
wasting valuable resources ."Draw the line: Refers to establishing a limit or boundary that one will not cross, indicating
a point of no compromise. Example: "I support freedom of expression, but when it turns into hate speech, I have to
draw the line and speak up against it."Easier said than done: Refers to a task or action that may sound simple or easy to
accomplish, but in reality, it is quite difficult or challenging. Example: "It's easy to say that we should all exercise more,
but finding the time and motivation is easier said than done."Go the extra mile: Refers to putting in additional effort,
time, or resources beyond what is required or expected, usually to achieve a better outcome or show extra kindness.
Example: "The receptionist went the extra mile to make sure the guests felt welcomed and comfortable during their
stay at the hotel." "The ball is in your court" is an idiomatic expression that means that it is now up to someone to take
action or make the next move in a situation. This phrase is often used when one person has completed their part of a
task or negotiation, and it is now the responsibility of the other person to respond or take the next step.For example, if
you have completed your part of a project and sent it to a colleague for review, you might say, "Okay, I've sent you my
work. The ball is in your court now to review it and get back to me with any feedback."" Spill the beans" is an idiomatic
expression that means to reveal a secret or information that was previously unknown or secret. It is often used when
someone accidentally or intentionally reveals information that was supposed to be kept confidential or private.For
example, if you accidentally reveal your friend's surprise birthday party plans by telling them about the party, you might
say, "Oops, I didn't mean to spill the beans about the surprise party!" The idiom "early bird" refers to a person who
wakes up early or arrives at a place before others. The phrase is commonly used to suggest that being proactive and
starting something early can lead to success.For example, "She always gets to the office before everyone else. She's
such an early bird."

"To bell the cat" is an idiom that means to undertake a difficult or dangerous task. The phrase comes from a fable in
which a group of mice come up with a plan to put a bell around a cat's neck to warn them of its approach. However, no
mouse is willing to undertake the task of attaching the bell to the cat, and so the plan fails. 'to shed crocodile tears' is
'hypocrisy'.Hypocrisy refers to pretending to have emotions or beliefs that one does not actually possess. When
someone sheds crocodile tears, they are faking or insincere in their display of emotions.Example: The politician
shed crocodile tears at the funeral of a colleague he had always disliked, but everyone knew that he was just
trying to gain sympathy from the public

Common Idioms Definitions

It cost me an arm and a leg to take Very expensive
my trip to Australia.
I was over the moon when he asked Extremely pleased or happy
me to marry him.
You are taking your IELTS test next Doing or stating something too
week?? Aren't you jumping the gun. early
You've only just started
studying.
He comes round to see me once in Happening very rarely
a blue moon.
He's got a chip on his shoulder. Feeling inferior or having a
grievance about something
I reckon getting a band 7 in IELTS Very easy
will be a piece of cake! I'm very good
at English.
The money sent by comic relief to A very small part of
help poverty in Africa is just a drop in something much bigger
the ocean. They need far more
than this.
Gebing a low score the first time I took Something positive that isn't
IELTS was a blessing in disguise. It recognized until later
forced me to study
extremely hard so I got a much better
score the next time.
We must actually do something about It's better to actually do
global warming. Actions speak louder something rather than just
than words. talking about it
A hard nut to crack

Explanation: usually a person who is very difficult to deal with

Example: I gave my best to be friendly with her, but she is simply a hard nut to crack.

All ears

Explanation: very concentrated or keen to listen to the other person who has your full
attention.

Example: Children are all ears when the teacher tells them fairytales.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Explanation: It’s better to show than to tell; illustration conveys a stronger message than
words.

Example: Such a beautiful portrait of a little girl represents how a picture is worth a thousand
words.

A piece of cake

Explanation: something easily done, simple task, or work.

Example: Anne said the test would be difficult, but it was a piece of cake. I’ll pass with no
problem at all.

Better late than never

Explanation: It’s better to arrive late than not to come at all.

Example: We’ve been waiting for you for three hours, but better late than never.

Born with a silver spoon in mouth

Explanation: Someone who is born in a very wealthy family.

Example: He does not need this job as much as I do; he is born with a silver spoon in his
mouth.

Bread and butter

Explanation: earnings of a person; indicate when a person earns for a living.

Example: You have to earn your own bread and butter.

Break the ice

Explanation: to try to become friends with someone; to make a start of something.

Example: It’s always easiest to break the ice after I’ve had a few drinks.

Break a leg

Explanation: Good luck, best wishes.

Example: You have a test tomorrow? Break a leg!

Can judge a book by its cover

Explanation: you can’t judge something just by its appearance.

Example: The candidate doesn’t look very promising, but you can't judge a book by its
cover.

Chasing rainbows

Explanation: to follow your dreams, trying to do something that can’t be achieved.

Example: I understand you want to be a famous singer, but don’t chase rainbows. You are not
a good singer!

Cool as a cucumber

Explanation: to be very calm and relaxed

Example: How could the murderer be as cool as a cucumber after doing such serious crimes?

Costs an arm and a leg

Explanation: when something costs too much money, it’s way too expensive.

Example: The show is excellent, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg.

Cry over spilled milk

Explanation: to be upset about something that is already done or a mistake that can’t be
changed.

Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk. It was a bad investment.
Draw a longbow

Explanation: to exaggerate, to lie.

Example: Anne is drawing a longbow. Do you believe her at all?

Easier said than done

Explanation: not as easy to do as it seems harder than you think.

Example: It's a lot tougher than that. It's one of those things that are easier said than done.

Eat like a bird

Explanation: to eat very little.

Example: Look at you! You have to eat more. You are eating like a bird.

Feeling under the weather

Explanation: to feel ill, sick, having a hangover.

Example: I have my final test, but I’m feeling under the weather. I think I have a fever.

Find your feet

Explanation: become confident in what you are doing, or familiar with some new situation or
experience.

Example: I'm new to this city, so I'm still finding my feet.

Food for thought

Explanation: an idea to think about; think about things that can arise from an event or
situation.

Example: My daughter has given me some food for thought about how she organizes her
toys.

Forty winks

Explanation: sleep a while mainly during the day; take a nap.

Example: My dad always likes to catch forty winks after lunch.

Give a shot

Explanation: to try something you are not quite familiar with.

Example: I’m not prepared for my exam today. I will give it a shot.

It’s not rocket science

Explanation: It’s not difficult; it’s not complicated.

Example: Driving a car isn’t rocket science. I don’t understand why people don’t drive better.

Keep your chin up

Explanation: be brave and courageous in a tough situation.

Example: Don't let the difficulties intimidate you; keep your chin up.

Kill two birds with one stone.

Explanation: accomplish two different things, jobs, or actions; solve problems at the same
time.

Example: Cycling to work kills two birds with one stone. It saves money and gives you some
exercise.

Lose your marbles

Explanation: to go crazy, insane.

Example: I’ve been so bad lately that I thought I’m losing my marbles.

Make ends meet.

Explanation: make enough money to survive, to manage expenses.

Example: We need to start saving money in order to make ends meet.

Pull someone’s leg

Explanation: To joke with someone, to trick someone in a humorous way

Example: I think he was just pulling your leg when he said you’ve fallen in the exam.

Rain cats and dogs

Explanation: rain heavily, tremendously.

Example: It’s raining cats and dogs when the Monsoon comes.

Speak of the devil

Explanation: The person we were talking about showed up.

Example: Did you hear what happened to Anne yesterday? Oh, speak of the devil, there she
is.

Square peg in a round hole

Explanation: When a person doesn’t fit into society when you find in a surrounding that
doesn’t suit you.

Example: That lifestyle really doesn't suit Sally at all; she's like a square peg in a round hole.

Takes two to tango.

Explanation: Specific actions can’t be performed alone; it takes two persons to participate;
both persons are responsible for an action.

Example: If you want to play that game, you need a partner who plays with you. It takes two
to tango.

That’s the last straw

Explanation: Someone’s patience has run out, to be the latest in a sequence of unpleasant
things that can’t be accepted.

Example: I’m not going to wait for the last straw. I’ll do something about the problem much
sooner than you.

To cut corners

Explanation: to do something in an easy and very cheap way; to reduce time, money,
expenses.

Example: My mom often had to cut corners when we were kids to feed all of us.

To go Dutch

Explanation: When everyone pays his bill.

Example: Last night we had a date, but we went Dutch because I’ve paid for my coffee and
he paid his.

To have sticky fingers

Explanation: to be a thief.

Example: The manager fired his employee because he had sticky fingers. He stole 100$.

To sit tight

Explanation: wait patiently and take no action; stay where you are.

Example: Just relax and sit tight; we'll solve the problem for you.

Up in the air

Explanation: unresolved, undecided about something; full of doubt.

Example: I am not sure what the plans are. Everything was up in the air when I last spoke to
him about it.

What goes around, comes around.

Explanation: how you treat and behave to others will eventually come to you, too.

Example: All of his life, he treated his family with no respect, and now his son is doing the
same to him. What goes around, comes around.

When pigs fly

Explanation: something that will never happen or highly unlikely to happen.

Example: He plans to clean his house every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs
fly.

Zip your lip

Explanation: To remain a secret or silent.

Example: I’ll tell you a secret about Marry, but zip your lip about it!
The End