If you want a thing well done, do it yourself. - proverb

Promise little, but do much. - proverb

Handsome is that handsome does. - proverb

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. - proverb

Do at Rome as the Romans do. - proverb

What is done cannot be undone. – proverb

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. - proverb

to make (made, made) v. t/i

1.to produce sth. for example by putting parts together or combining substances: I'm going to show you how to make a box for your tools

2.used with some nouns to say that someone does sth. as to make an arrest / an attempt / a (the) bed / a decision / an effort / a fuss / a joke / a list /a mistake /a phone call / a report/a start/a suggestion

to make oneself at home - used to tell someone who is visiting you that they should relax: Come in and make yourself at home.

to make friends with sb - to become friendly with someone: She easily makes friends.

3.to have the qualities that are necessary for a particular job, use, or purpose: I'm sure she'll make an excellent teacher.

3. to force someone to do sth: We'll have to make him take the medicine

4. to cook or prepare food or drink: When was the last time you made a cake?

5. to cause sth to happen, or cause a particular state or condition: His attitude made him very unpopular with friends.

to make do - to manage with the things one has, even though this is not really enough: I hardly had any food in the house so I just had to make do.

to make oneself heard /understood / known, etc - to succeed in getting someone to hear you, understand you, or know that you are there: I had to shout to make myself heard above the music.

make or break - to be the factor which decides whether sth will succeed or fail: Critics can make or break a young performer.

to make up as a phrasal verb

1. to prepare: Before packing make up a list of things you are going to take.

3. to invent a new story, song, game, etc. by thinking: You are the fool to listen to his story. He has made it all up.

5. to apply cosmetics to: She was so much made up that I didn't recognize her at first.

6. to become friendly with sb again after an argument: I am sorry for what I said let's make up

8. to compensate for. Won't you let me try to make up for all I've failed to do in the past

to make up one's mind - to decide: Have you made up your mind what to do?

to make up for lost time - to work more quickly, or at times when you do not usually work, because sth has prevented you from doing the work before: We rehearsed all day Saturday, to make up for lost time.

make up n - cosmetics applied to the face: The woman uses too much make-up

way n

1.a road, track, path or street: The way we took lay through the forest.

Syn road, path, track

2.a specified direction: Can you show me the way to Trafalgar Square?

WORD CHOICE: way is but seldom used to denote a specially built means of communication between two places, the usual word for which is road; way is more often used to denote direction, e.g. I can show you the way to the nearest village (I e. I can tell you what direction you should take in order to get to the village). But: I can show you a very good road to the village.', path denotes a track made by the feet of people who pass along (стежка) as a path through the woods Of the three synonyms abstract usages are most typical of way, as way to knowledge, way to happiness, etc : path is also sometimes used in such combination, as "The Path of Thunder, dangerous path. etc.

to make one's way - to go towards sth, especially when this is difficult or takes a long time: They made their way through the silent streets of the sleeping city.

to lead the way - to go first along a route to show someone the way: The guide led the way through the forest till we reached a narrow path. This way.please. – Проходьте сюди,будь ласка.

to lose one's way - to become unable to find the way: The children lost their way in the forest.

to be / stand in sb's way - to be blocking a road, someone's path, etc. so that one cannot move forward easily: Let me pass, don't stand in my way.

to be / get out of sb's way - to be/go somewhere where one cannot cause a problem, need attention, be annoying, etc.: I shall get her out for ten minutes, so that you can have the opportunity to settle the matter. Get out of my way!

to have / get one's own way - to do what you want to, even though someone else wants sth different: She likes to have her own way in everything. Have it your own way.

to go out of one's way to do sth - to do sth with more effort than is usual or expected: She went out of her way to make me feel welcome.

on the way - travelling towards a particular place: Let's discuss it on the way home.

by the way - used when saying sth what is not related to the subject you were talking about before: By the way. what was it she told you⁷

(in) one way or another, also one way or the other - used to say that someone does or will do something somehow, although you are not sure how: We'll find the money, one way or another.

in one's own way - to a certain extent: The music was unusual but quite beautiful in its own way.

way out - a way to escape a difficult or bad situation: That seems to me a very good way out.

Where there's a will there's a way – proverb

anxious adj

1.experiencing worry or unease: I am anxious about his health.

Syn. worried, troubled

2.very eager and concerned to do sth: He works hard because he is anxious to succeed.

Syn. eager, keen

anxious to do sth - keen to do sth: The company is anxious to improve its image.

anxiety n

1.the feeling of being very worried about sth: All these anxieties made him look pale and tired.

Syn. worry, concern

2.the feeling of wanting to do sth: That anxiety for truth made Philip rather unpopular with some of his schoolmates.

anxiously adv. She waited anxiously by the phone.

WORD CHOICE: the synonyms to be anxious, to worry, to trouble, to bother. The range of meaning of worry is wide: it can denote emotional states of different intensity whereas its synonyms are narrower in meaning. In the sentence His long absence worried his mother very much worry expresses a strong feeling of anxiety. It is also possible to say: It made her very anxious. The intensity of feeling is slightly weaker here; trouble denotes a still weaker emotion; bother describes rather a state of irritation and dissatisfaction than of anxiety. Sometimes either of the synonyms can be used in one and the same sentence. The difference lies in the intensity of the emotion expressed by each verb, e.g. Don't let that bother you (don't think about it; it is unimportant). Don't let that trouble you (nearly the same, but also: Don't get nervous about it). Don't be anxious about it (The feeling of fear and anxiety is stronger here than in the previous example). Don't let that worry you (don't let that spoil your mood: don't fear that sth bad will happen).

to hold (held, held) v, t/i

1.to have sth in one's hands or arms: She was holding a red rose in her hand.

to hold a meeting - to arrange or to take part in a meeting: A students' meeting was held in our department yesterday.

2.to contain or be capable of containing: How many people will this lecture- hall hold?

3.not to change (of the weather): Will this weather hold⁹

to hold on as a phrasal verb

1.to wait for a short time: Hold on, I'll just get my coat

2.used when one has just noticed, heard or remembered sth interesting or wrong: Hold on a minute! Isn't it your husband's car over there'!'

3.used to ask someone on the telephone to wait: Can you hold on? I'll try to find her.

to hold on to sth - to have one's hands or arms tightly around: Hold on to my arm

hold n - the action of holding sth with one's hands

to have / keep hold of sth - be holding sth: With every minute it became harder and harder to keep hold of the slippery ropes.

to get / take hold of sth - start holding sth: She got hold of the knife and stabbed him.

to catch / grab / seize hold of sth - take hold of sth quickly and firmly: He

nearly fell down, but managed to catch hold of his companion 's arm.

to lose hold of sth - accidentally let go of sth: It wasn't her nature to lose hold of anything she had got hold of.

gossip n

1.[C, U] conversation or information about other people's behaviour and private lives, often including unkind or untrue remarks: What's the latest gossip?

have a gossip Phil's in there having a gossip with Maggie. \ idle gossip (gossip not based on facts)

2.[C] someone who likes talking about other people's private lives: He is a famous gossip.

to gossip v. i - to spend time talking to someone about other people's behaviour and private lives or about other things that do not concern you (+ about) Julie was gossiping about Jane and Mick's affair

gossipy adj informal

1.a gossipy person likes to gossip.

2.talk or writing that is gossipy, is informal and full of gossip: a long, gossipy letter.

gossip column n [C] - a regular article in a newspaper or magazine about the behaviour and private lives of famous people

steady adj

1.firmly held in a particular position and not moving or shaking: Keep the camera steady while you take a picture. \ a steady hand You need a steady hand for such a delicate job.

2.moving, happening, or developing in a continuous gradual way: a steady decline in manufacturing output \ Paul has made steady progress this year | a steady stream of visitors/enquiries etc: A steady stream of East Germans making their way through the new gap in the wall. Syn. Constant

3.not changing steady level, speed etc stays about the same: We were driving at a steady 60 mph.

4.someone who is steady is sensible and you can depend on them: a steady worker.

Syn. industrious

steady job / work / income a job or work that will definitely continue over a long period of time

steady boyfriend / girlfriend someone that you have been having a romantic relationship with

steady relationship a serious and strong relationship that continues for a long time

steadily adverb

steadiness noun [U]

to steady v. t/i

1.to hold something steady or make it steady: steady yourself (get back your balance in order to prevent yourself from falling): He tried to steady himself by grabbing the tree.

2.to stop increasing or decreasing and remain about the same: The dollar has steadied after early losses on the money markets

steady your nerves to make yourself calm: She had a brandy to steady her nerves.

steady adv - go steady (with sb) to have a long regular romantic relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend

steady n [C] - AmE informal a boyfriend or girlfriend that someone has been having a romantic relationship with: Jill is Ray's steady.

spirit n

1.an inner part of someone that includes their thoughts and feelings, and is thought of as making them what they are: His spirit was untamable. \ strong in spirit | independent /proud/ free etc spirit (a person with a particular type of character): a toddler already showing an independent spirit

2.[C] the part of someone that is believed to continue to live after they have died: Although Laurie is dead, I can feel his spirit with me. Syn. soul

3.[C] a dead person who is believed to have returned to this world and has strange or magical powers, syn. ghost): Some people believe that evil spirits can be removed by exorcism.

4(PI!) the way someone feels at a particular time, for example if they are cheerful or sad. Syn. Mood

5.[C usually PI] especially BrE a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky or brandy

6.the attitude that you have towards something: You've got to approach this meeting in the right spirit. | a true spirit of friendship

7.[U] approving courage, energy, and determination: Our team played with great spirit.

be in good / low spirits - be happy or sad

be in high spirits - be excited: We started our journey in high spirits.

keep sb's spirits up - make sure someone does not become less cheerful)

raise / lift sb's spirits - make someone feel happier and more hopeful: long, hot summer days that lift the spirits

sb's spirits lift / sink - become more or less cheerful: My spirits sank when I saw the mess they'd left.

in spirit you say you will be somewhere in spirit or with someone in spirit, when you cannot be with them but are thinking about them: I can't come to your wedding but I'll be there in spirit.

get into the spirit/enter into the spirit BrE to start to feel as happy, excited etc as the people around you: Judith couldn't really enter into the spirit of the occasion.

fighting spirit - brave determination

break sb's spirit - make someone lose their courage and determination.

that's the spirit spoken used to express approval of someone's behaviour or attitude team / community / public etc. spirit a strong feeling of belonging to a particular group and wanting to help them

the spirit of the age / times the set of ideas, beliefs, and aims that are typical of a particular period in history

when / as the spirit moves you when you feel that you want to do something

to spirit v, t - spirit sb/sth away/off to remove someone or something in a secret or mysterious way: At the end of the press conference Jackson was spirited away through a back door

spirited adj approving, having energy and determination: Raphael is so young and spirited.

a spirited defense/debate: a spirited defense of her decisions

high-spirited, low-spirited, mean-spirited, public-spirited

spiritual adj

1.connected with your spirit rather than with your body or mind: As a priest I'm responsible for your spiritual welfare. \ spiritual values

2.connected with religion: the spiritual authority of the church

spiritual home a place where you feel you belong because you share the ideas and attitudes of that society

spiritually adv

taste n

1. [Sg, U] the special feeling that is produced by a particular food or drink when you put it in your mouth: Sugar has a sweet taste. | Has the milk gone sour? It's got a funny taste.

2.[U] someone's judgement about what is good or suitable when they choose clothes, music etc : have (good) taste - make good judgements: She has instinctive good taste. | have bad/no taste Mick has really bad taste in clothes

3.[C,U] the type of thing that you tend to like (+ for/in): His tastes in films and books were very different from her own.

have a taste for: I've always had a taste for jazz and blues music.

to sb's taste - in a way that someone likes: She had the whole house redecorated to her taste. \

have no taste for - not like something at all:

1.[Sg.] a small amount of food or drink that you put in your mouth to try it: Have a taste of this soup and see if it needs more salt.

2.[U] the sense by which you know one food from another: You need a good sense of taste to be a chef.

be in bad/poor taste jokes, remarks etc. that are in bad taste are unacceptable, especially because they upset someone: I thought your terrorist joke was in pretty bad taste.

a taste of fame/success etc. a short experience of something that you want more of

leave a bad/nasty taste in your mouth to feel angry or upset as a result of seeing or hearing something unpleasant: The way he spoke to those children left a nasty taste in my mouth.

to taste a phrase meaning as much as is needed to make something taste the way you like, used in instructions for cooking: Add salt and pepper to taste.

an acquired taste something that you like only after you have tried it several times: Olives are something of an acquired taste.

there is no accounting for taste used to say that you do not understand why someone has chosen something: He's so nice -1 don't see why you don't like him. But there's no accounting for taste.

to taste v, t/i

1.to have a particular kind of taste : taste delicious/sweet/fresh etc: The

mangoes tasted delicious. | This wine tastes too acidic. | taste like: This chicken tastes more like turkey. | What does pumpkin taste like? \ taste of: over-ripe cheese tasting of ammonia | sweet-tasting/strong-tasting etc - having a sweet, strong etc taste: strong-tasting coffee

2.to put a small amount of food or drink into your mouth to see what it is like: You'd better taste the soup to see if I put enough salt in it. | Come on, just taste it!

3.to experience the taste of food or drink: I can hardly taste what I'm eating because of my cold.

taste fame/freedom etc to have a short experience of something that you want more of: We had tasted success and wanted more.

WORD CHOICE: taste, try, sample, savour ( BrE ) / savor ( AmE ) If you eat or drink a little of something just in order to find out its taste or flavour, you taste it: Have you tasted this wine yet? However, taste is much more often used in other meanings, where you receive the taste of something but do not actively search for it: Can you taste the spices in this dish? | This wine tastes great (NOT This wine is very good taste ). In fact most often people use the word try for when they eat or drink something deliberately to see if they like it - not just what it tastes like, but also what it looks like, its smell etc: You must try this wine/our local dishes/the salmon. You may also sample food or drink, that is try just a little, perhaps not a full dish or meal: You'll have a chance to sample all the cheeses of the region. If you spend time enjoying the taste of something you savour it: Here you can relax, chat and savour a variety of local dishes.

tasteful adj - made, decorated, or chosen with good taste, a simple but tasteful arrangement of flowers

tastefully adv tastefully decorated

tastefulness n[U]

tasteless adj

1.food or drink that is tasteless is unpleasant because it has no particular taste: The vegetables were tasteless and soggy

2.tasteless joke/remark/comment etc. a joke etc that is unacceptable in a particular situation

3.made, decorated or chosen with bad taste: a tasteless outfit

tastelessly adv

tastelessness n [U]

tasting n [C] - an event that is organized so that you can try different foods or drinks to see :f you like them: a v/me and cheese tasting

tasty adj

1.food that is tasty has a good taste: a wide selection of tasty cold meats compare tasteful

2.informal tasty news, gossip etc. is especially interesting and often connected with sex or surprising behavior

3.informal a word meaning attractive, used especially by men about women She's well tasty.

advantage n [C. U]

1.something that helps you to be better or more successful than others (+ of): the advantages of a university education

2.a good or useful quality or condition that something has: one of the many advantages of living in the city | Is there really any advantage in getting there eaity? | have the advantage of: For children of this age, cereals have the advantage of being rich in iron.

3.to good advantage in a way that shows the best features of someone or something

4.TENNIS advantage X used to show that the person named has won the point after deuce: Advantage Agassi.

have an advantage (over): For certain types of work wood has advantages over plastic.

give sb an advantage: New tax regulations had given them an advantage over their commercial rivals

big / great / definite advantage: Her previous experience gives her a big advantage over the other applicants.

unfair advantage: Government subsidies give these industries an unfair advantage.

be to your advantage - give you an advantage

be at an advantage - have an advantage Candidates with computer skills will ha at an advantage.

gain / seek advantage - get or try to get something that will help you against your opponents: seeking political advantage by exploiting this sensitive issue

take advantage of sb. to treat someone unfairly to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded: Don't lend them the car-they're taking advantage of you!

take advantage of sth. to use a particular situation to do or get what you want: / took advantage of the good weather to paint the shed.

advantageous adj- helpful and likely to make you successful (+ to): terms advantageous to foreign companies

advantageously adv

temporary adj

1.lasting for only a limited period of time: A lot of work now is temporary or part-time. \ The accident caused a temporary disability.

2.intended to be used for only a limited period of time: The council have placed us in temporary accommodation.

Syn. permanent, provisional

temporariness n [U]

temporarily adv

to select v/t - to choose something by carefully thinking about which is the best, most suitable etc: I selected four postcards and handed them to the i:,ishier. | select sb to do sth: Simon's been selected to represent us at the conference in Rio.

select adj formal

1.a select group of people or things is a small special group that has been carefully chosen: The information was only given to a select group of reporters. | select cuts of beef

2.only lived in, visited, or used by a small number of rich people.

Syn. exclusive: a select apartment block

selection n

1.[U] the careful choice of a particular person or thing from among a group of similar people or things: the process of jury selection \ make a selection

Please make your selections and move along.

2.[C] something that has been chosen from among a group of things (+ from): a program of selections from Gilbert and Sullivan

3.[C, Sg] a collection of things of a particular type, especially of things that are for sale; syn. range (+ of): a fine selection of perfumes

selective adj

1.careful about what you choose to do, buy, allow etc. (+ about): We're very selective about what we let the children watch on TV.

2.affecting or concerning the best or most suitable people or things from a larger group: the selective breeding of horses

selectively adv

selectivity n [U]

to choose v, t/i

1. to decide which one of a number of things, possibilities, people etc that you want because it is the best or most suitable: choose sth: The party has finally chosen a woman as leader. | choose to do sth He chose to learn German rather than French in school. | Eleanor was chosen to play the role of Juliet.

2/(+ between): Maria was forced to choose between happiness and duty. \ choose whether/which/when etc: You should choose where we eat -1 don 't mind. | choose from a story chosen from a collection of fairy tail

3/ to decide or prefer to do something or behave in a particular way: We can

if we choose, take the case to appeal. | choose to do sth: We chose to ignore her rudeness

there is little / nothing to choose between used when you think that two or more things are equally good and you cannot decide which is better: Then was little to choose between the two candidates.

to pick v/t (syn.)

1.to choose someone or something good or suitable from a group or range of people or things: Students have to pick three courses from a list of 15. \ pick your words - be careful about what you say: Trevor was picking his words with great care. \ pick sb as. The group picked me as their spokesperson. | pick sb/sth for Harris was picked for the England team. | pick sb to do sth She has been picked to represent us in Rome.

2.to pull off or break off a flower, fruit, nut etc from a plant or tree: The cotton was picked by teams of men. | We picked some blackberries to eat on the way. | pick sb sth: He picked her a single red rose. | pick a bunch / a basketful etc: Amy picked a small bunch of wild flowers. | newly / freshly picked: Runner beans should be eaten young and freshly picked. |

pick your way through / across / among etc to move slowly and carefully, choosing exactly where to put your feet down: She picked her way between the piles of books.

pick a quarrel / fight (with sb) to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone: He got drunk one night and picked a quarrel with his girlfriend.

pick sb/sth to pieces informal to criticize someone or something very severely and in a very detailed way

to pick up as a phrasal verb

1.to lift something up from a surface: She kept picking up magazines and putting them down again. | pick sth up by sth. The lioness picked up her cub by its neck. \ bend / stoop (down) and pick sth up Seth bent to pick up the papers. \ pick your feet up - used to tell someone to walk properly

2.to collect someone who is waiting for you or something that you have left somewhere or need: I'll pick my things up later. | She just dropped by to pick up her mail.

3.to get a skill, language, habit, idea or piece of information by chance rather than by deliberately trying to get it: If you sing it several times, your children will begin to pick up the words. \ There's a tip I picked up from a professional model.

4.to stop and let someone get into your car, boat etc: It is an offence to pick up or set down a hitchhiker on a motorway.

5.to become friendly with someone you have just met because you find them sexually attractive: I wish I could just go out and pick up a nice man

to confuse v, i

1.to make someone feel that they cannot think clearly or do not understand: Don't give me so much information - you're confusing me!

2. to think wrongly that one person, thing, or idea etc is someone or something else: confuse sb/sth with I always confuse you with your sister - you look so alike. | Donald Reagan, not to be confused with former President Ronald Reagan

confuse the issue/matter/argument etc to make it even more difficult to think clearly about a situation or problem or to deal with it: He kept asking unnecessary questions which only confused the issue. Syn. to embarrass

confused adj

1.unable to understand clearly what someone is saying or what is happening: I am totally confused. Could you explain that again? (+ about): If you're confused about anything, phone my office.

2.not clear or not easy to understand: There was an argument and a confused fight followed. I a lot of confused ideas

confusing adj - difficult to understand because there is no clear order or pattern: The instructions were so confusing I've done it all wrong.

confusingly adv

confusion n [U]

1.a state of not understanding what is happening or what something means because it is not clear (+ about/over/as to): There was some confusion as to whether we had won or lost. | create / lead to confusion: This complicated situation has led to considerable confusion.

2.a situation in which someone wrongly thinks that one person, thing, or idea is someone or something else: To avoid confusion, the teams wore different colours. (+ between): There is confusion between 'tax avoidance' and 'tax evasion'

3.a feeling of not being able to think clearly what you should say or do, especially in an embarrassing situation: His confusion at meeting her there was quite apparent. | in confusion: She stopped in confusion as everyone turned to look at her.

4.a very confusing situation, usually with a lot of noise and action, so that it is difficult to understand or control: a scene of indescribable confusion

concern n

1. a) [C] something that worries you: The main concern is that the health of the employees will be at risk Syn .worry, anxiety

b) [U] a feeling of worry, especially about something such as a social problem, someone's health etc: The recent rise in crime is a matter ot considerable public concern. (+ about/over): There is growing concern about the effects of pollution on health. \ concern for sb A government spokesman expressed concern for the lives of the hostages. | cause concern / be a cause for concern: The depletion of the ozone layer is causing widespread concern among scientists.

be of concern (to sb) if something is of concern to you, it is important to you and you feel worried about it: The use in unemployment is of great concern to the government.

2.[C_: U] something that is important to you or that involves you: His main concern is to be able to provide for his family.

3.Sg, U] a feeling of wanting someone to be happy and healthy (+ for): parent's loving concern for their children

4.sb's concern if something is your concern, you are responsible for it: The money side of the business is your concern.

5.[C] a business or company: The restaurant is a family concern. | a going concern - a business that is financially successful

not sb's concern/none of sb's concern if something is not your concern, you are not interested in it and you do not need to worry about it or become involved in it: How much money I earn is none of your concern.

to concern v, t/i

1.if an activity, situation, rule etc concerns you, it affects you or involves you: The tax changes will concern large corporations rather than small businesses.

2.to make someone feel worried or upset: The fact that she spends so much time on her own really concerns me. Syn. to worry

3.if a story, book, report etc concerns someone or something, it is about them: This article concerns a man who was wrongly imprisoned.

Syn. to have to do with

concern yourself with/about sth to become involved in something because you are interested in it or because it worries you: More and more people are concerning themselves with environmental problems.

to whom it may concern an expression written at the beginning of a formal letter when you do not know the name of the person you want to communicate with

concerned adj

1. involved in something or affected by it: The affair is greatly regretted by everyone concerned. | Divorce is very painful, especially when children are concerned. (+ in): Everyone concerned in the incident was questioned by the police (+ with): all the people concerned with children's education

2.worried about something: Concerned parents approached the school about the problem.

'syn. worried, anxious

(+ about): Ross has never been particularly concerned about what other people think of him. (+ for): Rescuers are concerned for the safety of two men trapped in the mine. | concerned that: He's concerned that he won't get his money back.

Syn. Nervous

3. believing that something is important (+ with): Congressmen seem to be far more concerned with getting elected than with passing legislation. | be concerned to do sth We are concerned to sort this out as quickly as possible.

where/as far as sth is concerned spoken used when saying what particular thing you are talking about: Where money is concerned, I always try to be vety careful

as far as I'm concerned spoken used when giving your opinion about something or saying how it affects you, especially when you do not care what other people think: As far as I'm concerned the whole idea is crazy.

4.caring about someone and whether they are happy and healthy (+ for/about): How can you expect me not to be concerned about my own son? Syn. love, care

be concerned with if a book, story etc is concerned with a person, subject etc it is about that subject: This stoiy is concerned with a Russian family in the 19th century.

concerning prep formal - a word meaning 'about', used to show you are talking or writing about a particular thing or person: Police are anxious to hear any information concerning his whereabouts.

Syn. about, regarding

favour n

1.[C] help, something that you do for someone in order to help them or be kind to them : ask a favour (of sb). Can I ask a favour of you? \ do sb a favour: Could you do me a favour and turn off that light?

2.[U] support or approval for something such as a plan, idea, or system : find/gain/win/favour. The idea may find favour with older people.

3.[U] unfair support - support that is given to one person or group and not to others in a way that seems unfair: show favour to sb Judges have to be careful not to show favour to either party in a dispute.

in favour of - if you are in favour of a plan, idea, or system, you agree with it and support it: Are you in favour of the death penalty^?

in favour - popular, liked: be in favour with: She's very much in favour with the management at the moment.

out of favour - unpopular or not liked: Once a presidential candidate falls out of favour it is very difficult for them to regain popularity

to favour v. t

1.to prefer something: The president is believed to favour further tax cuts.

2.to give an advantage: A tax cut that favours rich people.

3.to provide suitable conditions for something to happen: The state of the economy does not favour the development of small businesses

to favour sb with sth - to give someone something such as a look or reply: The Captain favoured her with a salute.

favourable adj

1.making people like or approve of someone or something; favourable impression The young girl made a most favourable impression on them.

2.a favourable report, comment, or reaction :The film received favourable reviews.

3.suitable and likely to make something happen or succeed (+ for/to). The conditions are now favourable for economic recovery.

favourite adj- the kind that you like the most: Who's your favourite actor?

favourite n

1.something that you like more than other things of the same kind: my/your etc favourite I like all her books but this one is my favourite./ an old favourite/a special favourite: This dress is an old favorite of hers.

2.someone who is liked and treated better than others by a teacher or parent: You always were Dad's favourite.

3.the horse, runner etc that is expected to win a race or competition: Italy were favorites to win the World Cup.

to follow v i/t

1.to walk, drive, run etc behind someone else, going in the same direction as them: follow sb/sth: If you'll just follow me, I'll show you to the office.

2.to happen directly after an event or period: There was a major increase in immigration in the years that followed the First World Wat. \ be (closely) followed by The lightning was followed by a great crash of thunder. | in the days/weeks etc that followed: We saw a lot of each other in the months that followed.

as follows is used to introduce a list of names, things, instructions etc that come next: The results are as follows: First was Sweden, then Germany, then Ireland.

3.to obey rules, teachings etc; to follow sb's orders/wishes/advice etc: If

you'd followed my advice. none of this would have happened.

4.to understand something such as an explanation or story: I didn't quite follow what he was saying. | easy/hard to follow I must admit I found the plot a bit hard to follow.

5.to do the same thing as someone else after they have done it: We all had to follow the teacher.

follow sb into - do the same job as someone else especially a member of your family: None of my children seem to want to follow me into journalism. \ follow sb's example: They have an excellent childcare policy, and we're hoping other companies will follow their example.

follow (in) sb's footsteps: My father was a jazz player, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

6.to be interested in the way a situation or set of events develops: Have you been following that crime series on TV?

to follow through - to do what needs to be done after the main part of something is finished, in order to make sure it is complete or successful: The success of any healthcare program depends on its ability to follow through.

to follow up - to do something as a result of something you have found out, someone has suggested etc: The police were criticized for failing to follow up the complaint.

follower n - someone who believes in a particular system of ideas, or who supports a leader who teaches these ideas: Marx and his followers were convinced that capitalism would destroy itself

following adj something that go or will be mentioned next

the following afternoon/month/page/chapter etc: He was sick in the evening, but the following day he was better.

a following wind - a wind that is blowing in the same direction as a ship, and helps it to move faster.

to ignore v, t

1.to behave as if you had not heard or seen someone or something: Sam rudely ignored the question.

2.to deliberately pay no attention to something that you have been told or that you know about: As far as homelessness goes, the vast majority of people just sit back and ignore it.

WORD CHOICE: ignore, be ignorant of: if you ignore something, you know about it or have seen or heard it. but choose not to take notice of it. Some drivers simply ignore speed limits. If you are ignorant of something, you do not know about it. No driver can pretend to be ignorant of speed limits

Syn disregard, neglect, omit, overlook

disregard v. t - to ignore something or treat it as unimportant: The judge ordered the jury to disregard the witness's last statement

neglect v, t - to not look after someone or something properly: They were accused of neglecting the children, to pay too little attention to something that you should do: Many of these ideas have been neglected by modem historians.

omit v, t - to not include someone or something, either deliberately or because you forget to do it: leave out: Please don't omit any details, however trivial they may seem.

overlook v. t

1.to not notice something: It is easy to overlook a small detail like that.

2.if a building, room, or window overlooks a place, you can look down on that place from it: Our room overlooks the ocean.

ignorance n - lack of knowledge or information about something: My mistake was caused by ignorance, not malice.

keep sb in ignorance - not tell someone about something that they should know about: Adopted children shouldn't be kept in ignorance about their true origins.

ignorance is bliss is used to say that if you do not know about a problem, you cannot worry about it.

ignorant adj

1.not knowing facts or information that you ought to know: an ignorant and uneducated man; (+ of): They were ignorant of any events outside their own town.

(+ about): I'm very ignorant about politics.

2.caused by a lack of knowledge and understanding: What an ignorant thing to say!

to shout v, i/t

1.to say something very loudly: There's no need to shout, I'm not deaf! | shout at sb I wish you'd stop shouting at the children. | shout sth at sb' He'll be writing on the blackboard and the kids will all be shouting at him.

shout yourself hoarse - make your voice rough and weak by shouting a lot:

2.to call out loudly, for example because you are angry or in pain: My brother shouted in pain as the ball hit him.

shout sth from the rooftops - to tell everyone about something because you want everyone to know about it: But she was in love, and she wanted to shout the fact from the rooftops

shout sb down - to shout in order to prevent someone from being heard: Unpopular speakers were shouted down by the crowd.

shout out - to say something suddenly in a loud voice: Don't shout out the answer in class, put up your hand.

Syn. to yell, to scream, to shriek

to yell v, i/t - also yell out to shout or say something very loudly, especially because you are frightened, angry, or excited: The spectators yelled and cheered.

(+ at): Don't you yell at me like that! | yell at sb to do sth They yelled at him to stop.

to scream v. i/t

1.to make a loud high noise with your voice because you are hurt, frightened, excited etc: Shots rang out. and people stalled screaming. (+ with/in): The woman lay there. screaming with pain.

2.also to scream out - to shout something in a very loud high voice because you are angry or frightened: "Get out “she screamed. (+ for): / screamed for help.

(+ at): Calm down and stop screaming at me!

3.to make a very loud high noise' The police car approached, its siren screaming.

to shriek v. i - to make a very high, loud sound: Judith suddenly shrieked and looked to see what had bitten her. \ shriek with joy/pain/fright etc Everyone was shrieking with laughter in the bar.

mind n

1.[C, U] the part of a person, usually considered to be the brain, that he/she uses to think and imagine things: I don't know what's going on in her mind.

get sb/sth out of your mind to stop yourself thinking about someone or something: / just can't seem to get her out of my mind.

2.to decide: make up your mind ~ a) to decide which of two or more choices you want: / just couldn't make up my mind, so in the end I bought both .b) to become very determined to do something, so that you will not change your decision: I'm sorry but my mind's made up - I'm leaving.

change your mind - to change your opinion or decision about something: I've changed my mind - I'll have a beer instead. (+ about): Try and get her to change her mind about coming with us.

be in two minds about informal - to be unable to make a decision about something: We're in two minds about whether to sell the house or not.

3.to think about;

be the last thing on sb's mind - to be the thing that someone is least likely to be thinking about: One thing was for sure, marriage was the last thing on Nick's mind.

turn your mind to - to begin to think about a subject after you have been thinking about something else: Let's now turn our minds to tomorrow's meeting.

take your mind off sth - make yourself stop thinking about something that is worrying you: I decided to clean the car to take my mind off the events of the day.

set / put sb's mind at rest - to make someone feel less worried or anxious: Call your mom and tell her you've arrived safely, just to set her mind at rest.

be out of your mind / not be in your right mind informal to behave in a way that is crazy or stupid: She must he out of her mind to marry him.

be of sound mind law to have the ability to think clearly and be responsible for your actions.

out of sight, out of mind - used to say that if you cannot see someone or something, you stop thinking about them and forget about them.

put sth out of your mind - to deliberately try to forget about something unpleasant: Put the whole experience out of your mind and try to sleep.

bring / call sth to mind - a) to make yourself remember a name, fact etc: / couldn't quite call his name to mind. \ b) to remind you of something: These violent scenes bring to mind the riots of last year.

keep sth in mind - to remember a fact or piece of information because it will be useful to you in the future: It's a good idea - I'll keep it in mind.

bear sth in mind - to remember a useful or important piece of information: You should bear in mind that these exams affect your final result.

be of one mind I of the same mind / of like mind - to agree with someone about something: It's not often that / meet people who are of like mind in politics. (+ on/about): We're all of the same mind on this issue.

know your own mind - to be very clear about what your opinions or beliefs are and not be influenced by what other people think.

put your mind to - to decide to do something or achieve something by thinking and working very hard at it: It won't take long to sort it out once you put your mind to it.

keep your mind on to keep paying attention to something even if it is boring or if you want to think about something else: It was difficult to keep our minds on the job with all the talk of war.

it's all in your mind - used to tell someone that they have imagined something and it does not really exist: He is one of those doctors who say you're not really sick and it's all in your mind.

have sth / sb in mind - to be thinking about or considering a particular person, plan etc for a particular purpose: It's a nice house, but it wasn't quite what we had in mind.

to mind v, i/t

1.to feel annoyed or upset about something: We'll have to leave early. Do you mind? \ mind sb doing sth I hope you don't mind me bringing the dog with me. / wind that She didn't mind that lie ivas late as long as he got there.

2.not care which one not mind: I don't mind whether we see the film or not.

3.to be responsible for something or somebody for a short time; watch: Will you mind my bag while I buy my ticket? My sister minds the baby so I can go to my yoga class.

4.AmE to obey someone's instructions or advice: Mind what your mother says, Anthony.

mind your own business - to not get involved in or ask questions about other people's lives or personal details: Why don't you just mind your own business and leave me in peace?

mind your manners/language/p's and q's - to be careful about what you '.;iy or how you behave so that you do not offend anyone.

never mind - used to say that something is not important or serious, especially when someone seems worried or is saying sorry to you: "I'm afraid I have broken the chair." "Never mind. I can easily get it fixed."

would/do you mind - used to ask someone something politely: Would you mind opening the window please?

I wouldn't mind - used to politely ask for something: I wouldn't mind a drink it \ nil have one.

If you don't mind - used when checking that someone is willing to do something or let you do something: I'll come along if you don't mind.

Mind! BrE - used to warn someone to be careful because something bad or dangerous might happen: Mind the window! It's only just been repaired. | mind sh/sth doesn't do sth Mind you don't fall off the chair. Mind out! - Look out!

minded adj

1.serious-minded / evil-minded etc - having a particular attitude or way of thinking: She is a very serious-minded girl who studies hard.

2.safety-minded / efficiency-minded etc believing in the importance of safety etc: People need to be more safety-minded in the home.

3.be minded to do sth formal - to want or intend to do something: He has enough money to travel, if he were minded to do so.

face n

1.the front pail of the head from the chin to the forehead: She has such a pretty face. | Bob's face was covered in cuts and bruises.

pale-faced / round-faced etc - having a face that has a particular shape or colour; serious-faced / grim-faced etc - showing a particular expression on your face: Negotiators emerged grim-faced after the day's talks.

2. an expression on someone's face: The children's happy faces surrounded us.| make /pull a face (change your expression to make people laugh, or to show that you are angry, disappointed etc): Emma was making faces at me through the window. \ sb's face was a picture spoken (used to say that they looked very angry, surprised etc) | sb's face brightened/ lit up (they started to smile and look happy): David's face lit up when I mentioned her name. | sb's face fell (they started to look disappointed or upset): His face fell when I told him the news. \ a face like thunder (a very angry expression): Mr Neeson came striding towards us with a face like thunder.

3. .person: a) a famous/well-known face - someone who is famous from television, magazines, films etc.: b) new/different face - someone who you have not seen before: There are a few new faces in class this year.

4. the front of a clock.

5. one of the outside surfaces of an object or building: A cube has six faces.

face to face: I've never met her face to face. We've only talked on the phone.

come face to face with - suddenly meet someone who makes you very frightened, surprised etc: At that moment he came face to face with Sergeant Burke.

in the face of - in a situation where there are many problems, difficulties, or dangers: He displayed bravery in the face of danger.

on the face of it - used to say that something seems true but that you think there may be other facts about it which are not yet clear: On the face of it, Norman seems the ideal man for the job.

lose face - to make other people lose their respect for you: He doesn't want to back down and risk losing face.

save face - if you do something to save face, you do it so that people will not lose their respect for you: Rather than admit defeat, Franklin compromised in order to save face.

blow up / go up in sb's face - if a situation blows up or goes up in your face, it goes wrong, especially in an embarrassing way.

disappear / vanish off the face of the earth - to suddenly disappear: I haven't seen Paul in ages, he seems to have vanished off the face of the earth.

sb's face doesn't fit - used to say that someone is not the right kind of person for a particular group, organization etc.

put a brave face (on) - to make an effort to behave in a happy cheerful way when you are upset or disappointed: He was shattered, though he put on a brave face.

face v,t

1.to accept that a difficult situation or problem exists, even though you would prefer to ignore it: face the fact that Many couples refuse to face the fact that they have problems with their marriage. ] face the truth He had to face the awful truth that she no longer loved him.

2.to be opposite a person, building etc so that you are pointing towards them, or to point in a particular direction: They stood facing each other for a few minutes. | face north / east etc (point towards the north, east etc): My bedroom faces south. | south-facing / west-facing etc a south-facing garden.

3.to have the possibility that something bad or unpleasant might happen to you: If he can't pay up. he's faced with losing his home.

4.to play against an opponent or team in a game or competition: Martinez will face Robeitson in tomorrow's final.

5.to deal with someone who is difficult to deal with, or talk to someone who you do not want to talk to: You're going to have to face him sooner or later

face sb down - to deal with someone in a strong and confident way: The police chief faced down reporters who were calling for his resignation.

face up to sth - to accept and deal with an unpleasant fact or problem: They'll never offer you another job; you might as well face up to it.

face sb with sth - to show someone evidence that proves they have done something wrong

to hesitate y, t

1.to pause before saying or doing something because you are not sure or nervous: Harriet hesitated a moment before replying.

2.to be unwilling to do something because you are not sure that it is right: Don't hesitate to contact me if you need any more information.

hesitation n [C. U] - the action of hesitating: After some hesitation one of them began to speak. \ have no hesitation in I would have no hesitation in declining the post. | after//without a moment's hesitation Without a moment's hesitation she kissed him.

to feel v, i/t

1. to experience a particular feeling or emotion: You can never tell what he's feeling. \ feel fine / sick / hungry / guilty etc I felt a bit awkward having to ask them for money. \ feel as if / as though I felt as though I'd won a million dollars.

2. if something feels smooth, dry, cold etc, this is the feeling it gives you. especially when you touch it" Her skin felt cold and rough.

3. to have a particular opinion, especially one that is based on your feelings, not on facts : feel (that): I can't help feeling that he deserved it. (+ about): How do you feel about all these changes in the curriculum? \ feel sure / certain (think that something is definitely true): She felt sure she'd made the right decision

4.to touch something with your fingers to find out about it: She could feel a lump on her breast.

feel like - a) to want to have something or do something: I felt like another glass of wine. | b) to give you a particular feeling: It's nice fabric - it feels like

velvet.

feel the force / effects I benefits etc of sth - to experience the good or bad results of something: The company is beginning to feel the effects of the strike.

feel your way - a) to move carefully, with your hands out in front of you because you cannot see properly: He felt his way across the room and found the light switch | b) to do things slowly and carefully, because you are unsure about a new situation: He hasn't been in the job long and he's still feeling his way.

not feel yourself spoken - to not fee! as healthy or happy as usual: Don't take any notice of hei - she's not feeling quite herself today

feel your age - to realize that you are not as young or active as you used to be: It was only looking at his son that made him feel his age.

feel the cold - to suffer because of cold weather: Old people tend to feel the cold more.

feel a death / a loss etc - to react very strongly to a bad event, especially someone's death: Susan felt her grandmother’s death more than the others.

feel for sb - to feel sympathy for someone- I really feel for the parents of that little boy who was killed.

' to relieve v. t

. 1.to make a pain, problem, unpleasant feeling less severe: Drugs helped to relieve the pain.

2. relieve the boredom / monotony etc to make something less dull and boring: I went for a walk to relieve the boredom of the day.

3. to replace someone when they have completed their duty or when they need a rest: The guard will be relieved at midnight.

4. to free a town which an enemy has surrounded.

relieve sb of sth - formal to help someone by taking something from them, especially a job they do not want to do or something heavy that they are carrying: Jessie could relieve you of some of the chores. \ relieve sb of their post / duties / command etc - formal to take away someone's job because they have done something wrong: After the defeat General Meyer was relieved of his command.

Syn. to lighten, to alleviate, to assuage, to mitigate

to lighten v, i/t

1.to reduce the amount of work, worry, debt etc that someone has. Maybe we should hire another secretary to lighten Barbara's workload

2.if someone's face or expression lightens, they begin to look more cheerful: His whole face would lighten when anyone mentioned Nancy.

3.to become brighter or less dark, or to make something brighter etc: As the shy lightened we were able to see where we were.

Ant. darken.

4.to reduce the weight of something or become less heavy

Lighten up! AmE spoken - used to tell someone not to be so serious about something: It was a joke, Kath - lighten up!

To alleviate v, t - to make something less painful or difficult: a medicine to alleviate cold symptoms \ measures to alleviate poverty.

to assuage v. t - literary to make an unpleasant feeling less painful or severe, relieve: Nothing could assuage his guilt.

to mitigate v. t formal - to make a situation or the effects of something less unpleasant, harmful, or serious: Measures need to be taken to mitigate the environmental effects off burning more coal.

to reduce v. i/t

1.to make something smaller or less in size, amount, or price: We were hoping that they would reduce the rent a little. | reduce sth by half / ten percent etc: The workforce has been reduced by half

2.to change something into a shorter simpler form' The report can be reduced to three main points

reduce sb to tears / silence etc - to make someone cry. be silent etc: David's extraordinary reply reduced me to silence

reduce sb to doing sth - to force someone into a particular kind of behaviour or way of life: Eventually Charlolte was induced to begging on the streets

reduce sth to rubble / ashes etc - to destroy something, especially a building, completely.

Syn. to decrease, to diminish, to lessen, to abate

to decrease v, i/t - to go down to a lower level, or to make something do this: In the last ten years cars have generally decreased in size. Ant. to increase

to diminish v. i/t

1.to become or make something become smaller or less important: The party's share of the electorate has diminished steadily.

2.to deliberately make someone or something appear less important or valuable than they really are: Don't let him diminish your achievements.

to lessen v, i/t - to become smaller in size, importance, or value, or make something do this: Garlic is supposed to lessen the risk of heart disease

to abate v. i/t formal - to become less strong or decrease, or to make something do this We waited for the storm to abate

keep v t/i

1.to stay in a particular state, condition, or position, or to make someone or something do this

keep (somebody/something) warm/safe/dry etc We huddled around the fire to keep warm. keep calm/awake/sane etc I was struggling to keep awake. keep something clean/tidy Keep your room tidy. keep somebody busy/amused/occupied Bring some toys to keep the kids amused You won't be able to keep it secret for ever .Peter cycles to work to keep fit .Don't keep us in suspense any longer!

2.keep on to continue doing something or to do the same thing many times

keep (on) doing something: I keep thinking about Joe, all alone in that place. I keep telling you, but you won't listen! She pretended not to hear, and kept on walking.

3. to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily: Where do you keep your tea bags? George kept a bottle of whiskey under his bed.

4. to do what you have promised or agreed to do: keep your word/promise How do I know you'll keep your word?

5.keep a secret - to not tell anyone about a secret that you know :Can I trust you to keep a secret?

keep as a phrasal verb

keep somebody at something- to force someone to continue to work hard and not let them stop

keep back - to deliberately not tell someone all that you know about something: I got the feeling he was keeping something back.

keep somebody/something down -to prevent the size, cost, or quantity of something from increasing or being too great: We need to keep costs down.

keep from something - to prevent someone from doing something or prevent something from happening: His ex-wife had kept him from seeing his children. I hope I haven't kept you from your work.

keep somebody in - to make someone stay in hospital because they are too ill to go home: They kept her in overnight for observation.

keep on - to continue doing something, or to do something many times: You just have to keep on trying. synonym go on

keep n

1.the cost of providing food and a home for someone

earn your keep (=do things in return for the things that are provided for you) It's time you got a job and started earning your keep.

2. informal for ever: Marriage ought to be for keeps.

keeping n

1.matching something or suitable in a particular situation: In keeping with tradition, everyone wore black.

2 not matching something or not suitable in a particular situation: The cheerful cover of the book is out of keeping with the sad story told inside it.

3 in somebody's keeping: being looked after or guarded by someone

write v t/i

1 a) to produce a new book, article, poem etc: He wrote some very famous books. Who wrote 'Harry Potter'?I can't come with you - I have an essay to write

well/badly/poorly etc written The article is very well written.

b) someone who writes earns money by writing books, plays, articles etc: Sean decided he wanted to write, and quit his job.

write for: Maureen Dowd writes for the New York Time.

2. to write a letter to someone: I've written to my MP, and to the city council.

3 to state something in a book, letter, advertisement etc, or on a label: Isabella wrote that she was dying, and asked him to visit her for the last time.

3 to write a piece of music or a song: Mozart wrote the music. The song was originally written by Leonard Cohen.

4.write out: to write information on a cheque, form etc: Wouldn't it be easier if I just wrote a cheque for the lot? The doctor wrote me a prescription for sleeping pills.

have something/be written all over your face-to show very clearly what you are feeling or thinking: He had guilt written all over his face. I know you're lying, Tyrell - it's written all over your face.

have something written all over it -to show a particular quality or fact very clearly: This awful film has 'career-killer' written all over it for the actors involved.

nothing to write home about- informal not particularly good or special: The hotel was good, but the food was nothing to write home about.

somebody wrote the book on something- spoken used to say that someone knows a lot about a subject or is very good at an activity: Motorola wrote the book on quality control.

write back - to reply to a letter that someone sent you, by writing a letter to them: I sent them a card once, but they never wrote back.

write something down - to write something on a piece of paper.

writing n

1 words that have been written or printed: What does the writing on the back say? a T-shirt with Japanese writing on it

2 books, poems, articles etc, especially those by a particular writer or about a particular subject: Some of his most powerful writing is based on his childhood experiences.

3 the activity of writing books, stories etc: In 1991 she retired from politics and took up writing as a career.a short story that stands out as a brilliant piece of writing a class in creative writing (=a subject studied at school or college, where you write your own stories, poems etc) travel/feminist/scientific etc writing

4 the particular way that someone writes with a pen or pencil - synonym handwriting: Your writing is very neat.

5 the skill of writing: At this age we concentrate on the children's reading and writing skills.

6 in writing- if you get something in writing, it is official proof of an agreement, promise etc: Could you put that in writing , please?

7 writings [plural] the books, stories etc that an important writer has written: Darwin's scientific writings.

commit v t\i

1 to do something wrong or illegal: Women commit fewer crimes than men. commit murder/rape/arson etc Brady committed a series of brutal murders.

commit suicide - to kill yourself deliberately

2 to say that someone will definitely do something or must do something

commit somebody to doing something - He has clearly committed his government to continuing down the path of economic reform.

commit somebody to something - Meeting them doesn't commit us to anything.

3 to give someone your love or support in a serious and permanent way: Anna wants to get married, but Bob’s not sure he wants to commit.

4 to decide to use money, time, people etc for a particular purpose: commit something to something - A lot of money has been committed to this project.

5 British English to send someone to be tried in a court of law: The two men were committed for trial at Bristol Crown Court.

6 to order someone to be put in a hospital or prison: commit somebody to something- The judge committed him to prison for six months.

committed adj

1.willing to work very hard at something: The party has a core of committed supporters.

search n

1an attempt to find someone or something: search for- Bad weather is hampering the search for survivors.

2 a series of actions done by a computer to find information: a computerized search of 10,000 medical journals A search found 46 websites. an online search perform/run/do a search Do a search on 'rabbit' and see what it brings up.

3 in search of something- looking for something: Mark went in search of water.

4 an attempt to find an explanation or solution: search for - the search for a cure

search v, t/i

1 to try to find someone or something by looking very carefully: It was too dark to search further. The area was thoroughly searched .

2 to use a computer to find information: Search the Web for cheap flights.

3 if someone in authority searches you or the things you are carrying, they look for things you might be hiding: He was searched by the guards for weapons.

4 to try to find an explanation or solution: Scientists are still searching for a cure. She paused, searching for inspiration.

5 to examine something carefully in order to find something out, decide something etc: Anya searched his face anxiously.

search out - to find something by searching: We were too tired to search out extra blankets.

searching adj

1 intended to find out all the facts about something: searching questions/investigation/examination etc Interviewees need to be ready for some searching questions.

2 searching look/glance/gaze: a look from someone who is trying to find out as much as possible about someone else's thoughts and feelings : She avoided his long searching look.

gain v t/i

1 to obtain or achieve something you want or need : gain control/power: Radical left-wing parties gained control of local authorities. After gaining independence in 1957, it was renamed 'Ghana'. gain a degree/qualification etc He gained a doctorate in Chemical Engineering.

2 to gradually get more and more of a quality, feeling etc, especially a useful or valuable one: She has gained a reputation as a good communicator. Many of his ideas have gained popular support . an opportunity to gain experience in a work environment The youngsters gradually gain confidence in their abilities.

3to get an advantage from a situation, opportunity, or event: There is much to be gained from seeking expert advice early.

4 to increase in weight, speed, height, or value: Carrie's gained a lot of weight recently. The dollar has gained 8% against the yen.

gain access/entry/admittance etc (to something): to manage to enter a place, building, or organization: New ramps will help the disabled gain better access. methods used by burglars to gain entry to houses

gain an understanding/insight/impression etc: to learn or find out about something: We are hoping to gain a better understanding of the underlying process. This enabled me to gain an overall impression of the school.

gain ground : to make steady progress and become more popular, more successful etc: The anti-smoking lobby has steadily gained ground in the last decade.

gain time: to deliberately do something to give yourself more time to think- opposite lose time

gain n

1 an advantage or improvement, especially one achieved by planning or effort: The party made considerable gains at local elections.

gain in: substantial gains in efficiency, gain from: the potential gains from improved marketing,gain to/for: There are obvious gains for the student.

2 an increase in the amount or level of something - opposite loss: Retail sales showed a gain of 0.4%.The Democratic Party needed a net gain of only 20 votes. Eating too many fatty goods could cause weight gain .

3 financial profit, especially when this seems to be the only thing someone is interested in: financial/economic/capital etc gain They are seeking to realize the maximum financial gain.

ill-gotten gains - money or advantages obtained dishonestly - used humorously

earn v t/i

1 to receive a particular amount of money for the work that you do: He earns nearly £20,000 a year. You don't earn much money being a nurse. He did all sorts of jobs to earn a living . I was the only person in the house who was earning . She was earning good money at the bank. Chris will pay - he's earning a fortune .

2 to make a profit from business or from putting money in a bank etc: The movie earned £7 million on its first day. You could earn a higher rate of interest elsewhere.

3a) to do something or have qualities that make you deserve something: I think you've earned a rest. He soon earned the respect of the players. He hopes to earn a place in the Olympic team. The company has earned a reputation for reliability.

b) if your actions or qualities earn you something, they make you deserve to have it: That performance earned her an Oscar as Best Actress.

4 earn your/its keep: a) to do jobs in return for being given a home and food: We older children were expected to earn our keep. b) to be useful enough to be worth the time or money spent: These aircraft are still earning their keep.

hard-earned adj earned or achieved after a lot of effort :hard-earned money/cash etc Don't be too quick to part with your hard-earned cash.

well-earned adj something that is well-earned is something you deserve because you have worked hard : a well-earned rest ,a well-earned drink

deal n

1 an agreement or arrangement, especially in business or politics, that helps both sides involved: They made a deal to sell the land to a property developer.

deal with rumors that the company had struck a deal with Microsoft to market its products, deal between Twelve US soldiers were released after a deal between the army and the guerillas.

2 a great deal ￚsynonym a lot: It took a great deal of time and effort. His work has been attracting a great deal of attention.

a great deal more/less etc (=a lot more, less etc) He knew a good deal more than I did. She's married to a man a good deal older than herself.

3 treatment of a particular type that is given or received : a better/fairer etc deal a better deal for nurses The prime minister promised farmers a new deal (=a new and fairer system) . a rough/raw deal (=unfair treatment) Women tend to get a raw deal from employers.

deal v t/i

1 deal something out to give playing cards to each of the players in a game: Whose turn is it to deal?

2 to buy and sell illegal drugs :Many users end up dealing to support their habit.

deal a blow (to somebody/something) to cause harm to someone or something - used in news reports deal a heavy/severe/serious etc blow The sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the local tourism industry. This will deal a blow to consumer confidence.

deal in - to buy and sell a particular type of product

deal in shares/securities etc investors dealing in stocks and shares deal in drugs/stolen goods etc He then began dealing in heroin. deal in antiques/second-hand books etc

deal something out - to give playing cards to each of the players in a game: I began dealing out the cards.

3 to do business with someone or have a business connection with someone: Most travel agents do not deal directly with these companies.

4 to succeed in controlling your feelings about an emotional problem so that it does not affect your life ￚ synonym cope with: How's he dealing with the whole thing?

dealing n

1 dealings [plural] the business activities or relationships that someone is involved in : an investigation of his financial dealings

2 the activity of buying, selling, or doing business with people: penalties for drug dealing plain/honest/fair dealing (=a particular way of doing business) a reputation for fair dealing

develop v t/i

1 to grow or change into something bigger, stronger, or more advanced, or to make someone or something do this: Knowledge in the field of genetics has been developing very rapidly. Corsica has developed its economy around the tourist industry.

2 to design or make a new idea, product, system etc over a period of time: Scientists are developing new drugs to treat arthritis. She should have developed her own style instead of copying him. Researchers are developing technology for the US military.

3 to start to have a feeling or quality that then becomes stronger: He had developed a certain affection for me. develop a sense/awareness/knowledge of something The children are beginning to develop a sense of responsibility. It was in college that he developed a taste for (=started to like) rugby football.

4 if you develop a skill or ability, or if it develops, it becomes stronger or more advanced: The course is designed to help students develop their speaking skills.

5 if you develop a disease or illness, or if it develops, you start to have it: Some alcoholics develop liver disease. Pneumonia can develop very quickly.

developed adj

1.a developed country is one of the rich countries of the world with many industries, comfortable living for most people, and usually an elected government : under developed energy consumption in the developed world developed countries/nations The charity works with children in less developed countries.

2 a developed sense, system etc, is better, larger, or more advanced than others: Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell. plants with well developed root systems Labour has a more fully developed programme for the unemployed.

developing adj

1a developing country is a poor country that is trying to increase its industry and trade and improve life for its people: developing countries/nations aid to developing countries poverty and hunger in the developing world developing economies/markets the developing economies in Eastern Europe

2growing or changing: the growth of the developing embryo, a developing crisis in Washington

Study verb

1. [intransitive and transitive]to spend time reading, going to classes etc in order to learn about a subject

I've been studying English for 6 years.

I can't study with that music playing all the time.

study at

Stephen is currently studying at Exeter University.

study to be a doctor/lawyer etc

My brother's studying to be an accountant. study for an exam/diploma etc

I've only got three weeks left to study for my exams.

study law/business/history etc (=study a subject at a school or university)

Anna is studying French literature.

study under somebody

(=be trained by a famous teacher)

a psychologist who studied under Jung in Zurich

2. [transitive] to watch and examine something carefully over a period of time, in order to find out more about it

Goodall was studying the behavior of chimpanzees in the wild.

study how/why/when etc

They're studying how stress affects body chemistry.

3. [transitive]to spend a lot of time carefully examining or considering a plan, document, problem etc

study how/why/when etc

Managers are studying what needs to be done to improve efficiency.

Study noun plural studies

1. RESEARCH

[countable]a piece of work that is done to find out more about a particular subject or problem, and usually includes a written report

More studies are needed before anything can be proven.

Recent studies show that women still get paid a lot less than men.

study of/into/on

a study of Australian wild birds

make/carry out/conduct a study

The study was carried out between January and May 1998.

ￚsee also case study

2. LEARNING

[uncountable] when you spend time learning, especially at home or by yourself rather than during school

Set aside a period of time specifically for study.

ways to improve study skills (=skills that help you study efficiently and be successful in school)

3. SUBJECT

[uncountable] also studies

a) a subject that people study at a college or university

study of

Linguistics is the study of language.

Environmental Studies literary/historical/scientific etc study the scientific study of earthquakes