Proverbs

Proverb

Explanation / Meaning

A

 Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

  When you are away from someone you love, you love them even more.

 Accidents will happen.

  Some unfortunate events must be accepted as inevitable.

 Actions speak louder than words.

  What a person actually does is more important that what they say they will do.

 Advice is cheap.

  It doesn't cost anything to offer advice.

 Advice is least heeded when most needed.

  When a problem is serious, people often do not follow the advice given.

 Advisers run no risks.

  It's easier to give advice than to act.

 All cats are grey in the dark.

 People are undistinguished until they have made a name.

 All good things come to those who wait.

  Patience brings rewards.

 All that glitters is not gold.

  Appearances can be deceptive.

 All days are short to Industry and long to Idleness.

  Time goes by slowly when you have nothing to do.

 All is fair in love and war

  Things that are done  in love or war can often be excused.

 All's well that ends well

  There is a solution to everything even though there are doubts.

 All that glitters is not gold.

  What look good on the outside may not be so in reality.

 All things grow with time - except grief.

  As time goes by, grief subsides little by little.

 All things are difficult before they are easy.

  With practice things become easier.

 All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

  Everybody needs a certain amount of relaxation.  It is not good to work all the time.

 An apple a day keeps the doctor away.*

  Eating an apple every day can help to keep you healthy. Other interpretation : A small preventive treatment wards off serious problems.

 An empty purse frightens away friends.

  When one's financial situation deteriorates,  friends tend to disappear.

 An Englishman's home is his castle.

  An Englishman's home is a place where he feels safe,  enjoys privacy and can do as he wishes.

 An idle brain is the devil's workshop.

  When you work you avoid temptation.

 An onion a day keeps everyone away.*

 *A humoristic version of "an apple a day..."

 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

  It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair the damage or   cure the disease later.

 Anger is the one thing made better by delay.

  When you are angry, it is best not to speak or act immediately.

 Any time means no time.

  If the date of an event remains vague, it will never happen.

 April showers bring May flowers.

 Something bad or unpleasant today may bring good things in the future.

 A bad tree does not yield good apples.

  A bad parent does not raise good children.

 A bad workman blames his tools.

  Blaming the tools for bad workmanship is an excuse for lack of skill.

 A bird in hand is worth two in a bush.

  It's better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by searching for something better.

 A broken friendship may be soldered but will  never be sound.

  Friendships can be rebuilt after a dispute but will never be as strong as before.

 A burden of one's own choice is not felt.

  Something difficult seems easier when it is done voluntarily.

 A burnt  child dreads the fire.

  A bad experience will make people stay away from certain things.

 A cat has nine lives.

  1) Cats can survive many accidents because they land on their feet without injury.   2) Three lives = 3 years to play, 3 years to stray, 3 years to stay.

 A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.

 The strength of a group depends on each individual member.

 A change is as good as a rest.

  A change in routine is often as refreshing as a break or a holiday.

 A dry March, a wet April and a cool May     fill barn and cellar and bring much hay.

  Harvest predictions according to the weather.

 A fault confessed is half redressed.

  Confession is the beginning of forgiveness.

 A flower blooms more than once.

  If you miss an occasion, you can avail of it at another time.

 A fool and his money are soon (easily) parted.

  A foolish person usually spends money carelessly.

 A fool at forty is a fool forever.

  If a person hasn't matured by the age of 40, they never will.

 A friend in need is a friend indeed.

  Someone who helps you when you are in trouble is a real friend.

 A friend to all is a friend to none.

  Someone who is a friend to everyone makes none of them feel special.

 A friend's eye is a good mirror.

  A real friend will tell you the truth.

 A good example is the best sermon.

  Giving an example is better than giving advice.

 A good beginning makes a good end.

  If a task is carefully planned, there's a better chance that it will be done well.

 A good conscience is a soft pillow.

  You sleep well when you have nothing to feel guilty about.

 A guilty conscience needs no accuser.

 A leopard cannot change its spots.

  It is not possible for a bad or unpleasant person to become good or pleasant.

 A loaded wagon makes no noise.

  Really wealthy don't talk about money.

 A loveless life is a living death.

 A man can die but once.

 A man is as old as he feels himself to be.

 A man is known by the company he keeps.

  A person's character is judged by the type of people with whom they spend their time.

 A monkey in silk is a monkey no less.

  No matter how someone dresses, it's the same person underneath.

 A new broom sweeps clean.

  A newly-appointed person makes changes energetically.

 A problem shared is a problem halved.

  It will be easier to deal with a problem if you discuss it with someone.

 A rising tide lifts all boats.

  Describes something that will be helpful to all.

 A rolling stone gathers no moss.

  If a person keeps moving from place to place, they gain neither friends nor possessions.                                   Another interpretation is that, by moving often, one avoids being tied down!

 A rotten apple spoils the barrel.

  A dishonest or immoral person can have a bad influence on a group.

 A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.

  Overcoming adversity leads to competence.

 A stitch in time saves nine.

  It's better to deal with a  problem at an early stage, to prevent it from getting worse.

 A stumble may prevent a fall.

  Correcting a small mistake may help you to avoid making a bigger one.

 A swallow does not make the summer.

  One good event does not mean that everything is alright.

 A tree is known by its fruit.

  A man is judged by his actions.

 A watched pot never boils

  If you wait anxiously for something, it seems to take a long time.

 A young idler, an old beggar.

  If you don't work, you won't have any money when you're old.

 After dinner rest a while, after supper walk a mile.

 Today 'dinner' is usually called 'lunch', and 'supper' more often called 'dinner'.

 As you sow, so shall you reap

  You have to accept the consequences of your actions.

 Ask me no questions, I'll tell  you no lies.

  There are subjects I'd rather not discuss.

B

 Bad news travels fast.

  People tend to circulate bad news (accidents, illness etc.) very quickly.

 Beauty is only skin deep.

  A person's character is more important than their appearance.

 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

  Different people have different tastes.

 Beauty is the wisdom of women. Wisdom is the  beauty of men.

 Be swift to hear, slow to speak.

  Listen carefully before speaking.

 Better be alone than in bad company.

  Be careful in the choice of the people you associate with.

 Better be the head of a dog then the tail of a lion.

  It's better to be the leader of a small group than a subordinate in a bigger one.

 Better flatter a fool than fight him.

  It's better to avoid disputes with stupid people.

 Better the devil you know than the devil you  don't know

  It's better to deal with somebody difficult but familiar, than change and risk dealing with somebody worse.

 Better late than never.

  It's better to do something, even if it's late,  than not do it at all.

 Better lose the saddle than the horse.

  It's better to stop and accept a small loss, rather than continue and risk losing everything.

 Better safe than sorry

  It's better to be too careful than to be careless and regret  it later.

 Better to drink the milk than to eat the cow.

  Be careful not to destroy the source of your income or welfare. 

 Better untaught than ill-taught

  It's better not to be taught at all than to be taught badly.

 Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

  Don't trust your enemies.

 Birds of a feather flock together.

  People of the same sort are usually found together.

 Blood is thicker than water  

  Family relationships are stronger than relationships with other people.

 Blood will out.

  A person's background or education will eventually show.

C

 Charity begins at home.

  A person's first duty is to help and care for his own family.

 Children and fools tell the truth.

 Cleanliness is next to godliness.

  A clean body is just as important as a pure soul.

 Clear moon, frost soon.

  If the atmosphere is clear, frost may form.

 Clothes don't make the man.

  Appearances can be deceiving.

 Constant occupation prevents temptation.

  When you work you avoid temptation.

D

 Dead men tell no tales

  A dead person cannot cause difficulties by revealing something that it would be preferable to conceal.

 Diamond cuts diamond.

  Refers to two people equally matched in wit or cunning.

 Diligence is the mother of good fortune.

  Hard work brings rewards.

 Discretion is the better part of valour

  It is useless to take unnecessary risks.

 Diseases of the soul are more dangerous than  those of the body.

 Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

  When you are separated from the person you love, your feelings are even stronger.

 Dogs of the same street bark alike.

  People from the same background have the same behaviour.

 Don't bark if you can't bite.

  Don't complain if you can't enforce your point of view.

 Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

  You must not be too confident that something will be successful.

 Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork.

  Don't do something yourself which causes your own downfall.

 Don't judge a book by its cover.

  Don't judge by appearances.

E

 Early to bed and early to rise makes a man  healthy, wealthy and wise.

 Easier said than done.

  What is suggested sounds easy but it is more difficult to actually do it.

 Elbow grease is the best polish.

  Hard work gives the best results.

 Empty vessels make the most noise.

  The least intelligent people are often the most talkative or noisy.

 Every ass likes to hear himself bray.

  People like to listen to themselves talking.

 Every cloud has a silver lining

 There is a positive or hopeful side to every unpleasant situation.

 Every man for himself.

  You must think of your own interests before the interests of others.

 Every man has his price.

  Everyone's loyalty can be bought for a price.

 Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

  Life is what you make it.

 Every path has its puddle.

  Progress is rarely without difficulty.

 Every rose has its thorn.

  Every good thing has an unpleasant side.

 Every why has a wherefore.

  There is an explanation for everything.

 Everything in the garden is rosy.

  Everything is satisfactory.

 Experience is the father of wisdom.

  Experience and knowledge result in better judgement.

F

 Facts speak louder than words.

  People show what they are really like by what they do, rather than by what they say.

 Failure teaches success.

 False friends are worse than open enemies.

 Familiarity breeds contempt

  Knowing somebody very well may lead to a lack of respect for them.

 Fine words butter no parsnips.

  No amount of talking can replace action.

 First come, first served.

  The first person in the line will be attended to first.

 Fool me once, shame on you;  fool me twice, shame on me.

  One should learn from one's mistakes.

 Fools rush in where angels fear to tread

  Inexperienced people act in situations that more intelligent people would avoid

 Friendship is love with understanding.

G

 Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade.

  Nothing is achieved without effort.

 Give someone an inch and they will take a  mile (or yard).

  Give someone a little and they will want more - some people are never satisfied.

 Give someone enough rope and they will hang  themselves.

  Give someone enough time and freedom and they will get into trouble.

 God helps those who help themselves.

 Good accounting makes good friends.

  You will keep your friends if you avoid disputes over money.

 Good and quickly seldom meet.

  A well-done job takes time.

 Good management is better than good income.

 Great minds think alike.

  Said when you express the same opinion as another person at the same time.

 Great oaks grow from little acorns.

  Large successful operations can begin in a small way.

 Grief divided is made lighter

  If you share your grief it is easier to bear.

H

 Half a loaf is better than none.

  You should be grateful for something, even if it's not as much as you wanted.

 Hard words break no bones.

 Haste makes waste.

  If something is done too quickly, it may be done carelessly and need to be redone.

 Hatred is a blind as love.

  A person who feels hatred does not see any qualities in the person he/she hates.

 He can who believes he can.

  If you believe you can do something, you will be able to do it.

 He has enough who is content.

  A happy person needs nothing more.

 He who hesitates is lost.

  If you delay your decision too long, you may miss a good opportunity.

 He who is everywhere is nowhere.

  It's not good to do too many things at the same time.

 He who knows nothing, doubts nothing.

  Knowledge leads us to make choices.

 He who pays the piper calls the tune.

  The person who provides the money for something should control how it is spent

 He who plays with fire gets burnt.

  If you behave in a risky way, you are likely to have problems.

 He who wills the end wills  the means.

  If you are determined to do something you will find a way.

 He laughs best who laughs last.

  Don't express your joy, or your triumph, too soon!

 Health is better than wealth.

  It's better to be in good health than to be rich.

 Home is where the heart is.

  You call home the place where the people you love are.

 Honesty is the best policy.

  It's always better to be honest.

 Honey catches more flies than vinegar.

  You can obtain more cooperation from others by being nice.

 However long the night, the dawn will  break

  Bad things don't last forever.

 Hunger is a good sauce.

  All food tastes good when you are hungry.

I

 In times of prosperity friends are plentiful.

  You have many friends when you have no difficulties.

 If a camel gets his nose in a tent, his body will  follow.

  If you let something intrusive enter your life, your life will become difficult .

 If in February there be no rain, 'tis neither good  for hay nor grain.

  Plants and crops will grow badly if there is no rain in early spring.

 If you are patient in one moment of anger,  you will avoid 100 days of sorrow.

  Avoid regrets by taking time to think before speaking or acting angrily.

 If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either  one.

  If you try to do two things at the same time, you won't succeed in doing either of them.

 If two ride a horse, one must ride behind.

  When two people do something together, one will be the leader   and the other will be the subordinate.

 If you want a friend, be a friend.

 If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.

  Wishing alone is of no use;  you must act as well.

 Ignorance is bliss.

  Possible interpretation: What you do not know causes no worry or sadness.

 In for a penny, in for a pound.

  If you start something, it's better to spend the time or money necessary to complete it.

 In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

  A man of even limited ability has an advantage over a person who is less able.

 It never rains but it pours.

  Misfortunes usually come in large numbers.

 It is always darkest before the dawn

  The most difficult time is just before a problem is solved.

 It's no use crying over spilt milk.

  Don't express regret for something that has happened and cannot be remedied.

 It takes all sorts to make a world.

  People vary in character and abilities, and this is a good thing.

J

 Justice delayed is justice denied.

If the law is applied too late, there is no justice.

K

 Knowledge in youth is wisdom in age.

  What you learn when you are young will be invaluable when you grow old.

 Knowledge is power.

  Knowledge makes it possible for you to act.

 Kill one to warn a hundred.

  Warn many by punishing a few.

 Kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

  Destroy something that would be a source of wealth or success.

 Kindness begets kindness.

  If you are kind to people, they will be kind to you.

L

 Laughter is the best medicine.

 Learn to walk before you run.

 Don't rush into doing something until you know how to do it.

 Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner  everywhere.

  Education is something you keep forever.

 Least said soonest mended.

  The more discreet you are, the less damage you  cause.

 Let bygones be bygones.

  Let's forgive and forget past quarrels.

 Let not the sun go down on your wrath.

  Do not stay angry for more than one day.

 Let the chips fall where they may.

  We should not try to control our destiny.

 Liars need good memories.

  People who do not tell the truth must be careful to remember what they say.

 Lightning never strikes in the same place twice

  An unusual event is not likely to occur again in exactly the same circumstances.

 Like father, like son.

  A son's character can be expected to resemble his father's.

 Little strokes fell great oaks.

  If you divide a task into small parts, it becomes easier to do.

 Look before you leap.

  Consider possible consequences before taking action.

 Loose lips sink ships.

  Disclosing important information ( to the enemy or a competitor) could result in large   losses.

 Losers weepers, finders keepers.

 If you lose something you weep, if you find something you keep it.

 Love is blind.

  A person in love does not see the faults of the person he/she loves.

M

 Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

 Manage to produce something good using poor material.

 Man is the head of the family;  woman is the neck that turns the head.

 Man proposes, God disposes.

 Our destiny depends on God's will.

 Manners make the man.

 Possibly:  a person's manners show their origins.

 Many hands make light work.

 Sharing work makes work easier.

 Marry in haste, repent at leisure.

 If you get married too quickly, you may spend all your life regretting it.

 Memory is the treasure of the mind.

 Men make houses, women make homes.

 Might as well be hanged for a sheep as (for) a lamb

 If the penalty is going to be the same, you might as well commit the greater offence.

 Money begets money.

 If you have money you can make more money.

 Money doesn't grow on trees.

 You shouldn't waste money because it is not plentiful.

 Money is the root of all evil.

 Money is the main cause of wrongdoing and problems.

N

 Necessity is the mother of invention.

  The need for something forces people to find a way of obtaining it.

 Need teaches a plan.

  Necessity will make you find a solution.

 Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today

  Don't postpone something you can do now.                                        

 Never say die.

  Never give up.

 Nobody is perfect.

 No man can serve two masters.

  It's impossible to follow instructions from two different sources.

 No man is an island.

  We all need other people.

 No news is good news.

  If the news was bad, we would hear of it.  Since we have heard nothing, we can assume that all is  well.

 No smoke without fire.

  There could be some truth in the rumour...

 No wind, no waves.

  Similar to : 'no smoke without fire'.

 Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  You cannot expect to achieve anything if you don't take risks.

O

 Once bitten, twice shy.

  After an unpleasant experience, people are careful to avoid something similar.

 One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.

 One good turn deserves another.

  You should be helpful to someone who helps you.

 One of these days is none of these days.

 'One of these days' remains vague.

 One today is worth two tomorrow.

  What you have today is better than what is promised or hoped for.

 One man's meat is another man's poison

  People don't always like the same things.

 One man's trash is another man's treasure.

  What is useless to one person could be valuable to another.

 One swallow doesn't make a summer.

  A single satisfactory event does not mean that all the others will be as good.

 Only real friends will tell you when your face is  dirty.

 Only a real friend will tell you the truth.

 Opportunity seldom knocks twice.

  Don't miss opportunities that come along.

 Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings

  Children often speak wisely.

 Out of sight, out of mind.

  We tend to forget people or things that we do not see.

P

 Patience is a virtue

  It is good to be patient.

 Penny wise, pound foolish.

  Refers to a person who is careful about spending small amounts of money, but not careful about spending large amounts of money.

 People who live in glass houses should not throw  stones.

  One should not criticize others for faults similar to one's own.

 Poverty waits at the gates of idleness.

  If you do not work you will not make money.

 Practice makes perfect.

  Doing something repeatedly is the only way to become good at it.

 Practise what you preach

  Do yourself what you advise others to do.

 Prevention is better than cure

  It is easier to prevent something from happening than to repair the damage or cure the disease later.

 Pride comes before a fall.

  Don't be too self-confident or proud; something may happen to make you look foolish.

 Procrastination is the thief of time

  Delaying an action for too long is a waste of time.

 Punctuality is the soul of business

  You should always be on time for your business appointments.

 Put all your eggs in one basket

  Risk everything by relying on one plan (by putting all one's money in one business).

R

 Revenge is sweet.

 There is satisfaction in returning an injury.

 Rome was not built in a day.

  It takes a long time to do a job properly.  You should not expect to do it quickly.

S

 Save me from my friends.

 Friends can be more dangerous than enemies.

 Saying is one thing, doing is another.

 People don't always do what they announce.

 Short reckonings make long friends.

 Debts paid quickly encourage friendship.

 Sickness in the body brings sadness to the mind.

 Silence gives consent.

 If you don't object to something it can be assumed that you agree with it.

 Snug as a bug in a rug.

 Feeling very comfortable.

 Spare the rod and spoil the child

 If you don't punish a child when he does wrong, you will spoil his character.

 Sticks and stones will break my bones but names  will never hurt me

 Physical attacks may harm me, but cruel words will not.

 Still waters run deep.

  A quiet person can have much knowledge or wisdom.

 A stitch in time saves nine

  It's better to deal with a problem in its early stages, because if you don't, it will get worse.

 Stolen fruit is the sweetest.

 What is forbidden is the most tempting.

T

 Tall oaks grow from little acorns.

  Great things may come from small beginnings.

 The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

  Children resemble their parents.

 The best advice is found on the pillow.

  After a good night's sleep we may find an answer to our problem.

  The best things in life are free.

  You don't have to pay for what is important : happiness, friendship, good health.

 The darkest hour is just before dawn.

 There is hope even in the worst of times.

 The devil looks after his own.

  Success comes to those who deserve it least  .

 The devil makes work for idle hands

  People who have no work, or are idle, often get into or make trouble.

 The die is cast.

  A decision has been made and it's impossible to change it.

 The early bird catches the worm.

  If you want to do something successfully, you should do it as soon as you can.

 The end justifies the means.

  Wrong or unfair methods may be used if the result of the action is good.

 The first step is the hardest.

  The most difficult thing is to begin.

 The more haste, the less speed.

  A person makes more progress if they do things less quickly.

 The more you have, the more you want.

  People have a constant desire to possess more.

 The mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken.

  If you depend on just one thing, and it fails you, you will have no alternatives.

 The pen is mightier than the sword

  Words and communication have greater effect than war and fighting.

 The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

  The real value of something can be judged only after it has been tried or tested.

 The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

  It's not enough to intend to do something, you must actually do it.

 The tongue wounds more than a lance.

  Insults can be more hurtful than physical injuries.

 The truth is in the wine.

  People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol.

 The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

  Feed a man well and he will love you.

 The wish is father to the thought.

  You think that something is true because you want it to be so.

 There is a black sheep in every flock.

 There is always one who doesn't  behave or perform like the others.

 There is a trick in every trade.

 There is an established way of doing things.

 There is no fool like an old fool.

  A older person is expected to behave more sensibly.

 There is safety in numbers

  Being in a crowd makes you feel more confident.

 Time and tide wait for no man.

  Delaying a decision will not prevent events from taking place.

 Time has wings.

 Time goes by quickly.

 Time is money.

 Time is valuable and should not be wasted.

 To err is human, to forgive divine

  It is human nature to make mistakes, therefore one should forgive.

 Too many cooks spoil the broth.  (Humoristic version :  Too many clicks spoil the browse!)

  If too many people are involved in something, it will not be done properly.

 Too much bed makes a dull head.

  If you sleep too much, you are not able to think clearly.

 True friends are tested in adversity.

  It's when you have problems that you realize who your real friends are.

 Trust not a horse's heel nor a dog's tooth.

  Be careful of the reaction of animals.

 Truth has no answer.

  You cannot argue against facts or refute what is true.

 Truth is stranger than fiction.

  Events in real life are sometimes stranger than in fiction.

 Two wrongs don't make a right

  It is wrong to harm someone because they have harmed you.

U

 Union is strength.

  A group has more force than an individual.

 Unwillingness easily finds an excuse.

  A person who doesn't want to do something always finds a reason to avoid it.

V

 Variety is the spice of life.

  Doing a lot of different things makes life more interesting.

 Virtue is its own reward.

  You should not expect praise for acting in a correct or moral way.

W

 Walls have ears.

  Be careful.  People could be listening.

 Waste not, want not.

  If you never waste anything, you will have it when you need it.

 What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve  over.

  If a person doesn't know about something, it cannot hurt them.

 What a man says drunk, he thinks sober.

  People speak more freely under the influence of alcohol.

 What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals.

  People are less discreet under the influence of alcohol.

 When the cat's away, the mice play.

  People misbehave when their boss, or the person in authority, is absent.

 When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

  You should adopt the customs of the people or country you are visiting, and behave in the same way.

 When poverty come in the door, love goes out the  window.

 Where there's life there's hope.

 Where there's a will, there's a way.

  A person with determination will find a way of doing something.

 Who makes himself a sheep will be eaten by the wolves.

  Possible interpretation:  an easily influenced person can be mislead.

 Wisdom is better than strength.

 Wonders will never cease!

  Expresses surprise at an unexpected pleasure or event (ironic).

 Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.

  Worrying over small details can make them seem worse.

Y

 You are what you eat.

  What you eat has an effect on your well-being.

 You are never too old to learn.

 You can lead a horse to water but you can't  make it drink.

  You can offer someone an opportunity to do something but you can't force them.

 You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

  A person who is used to doing things a certain way cannot change.

 You never know what you can do until you try.

  Try first before deciding not to do something.

 You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

  You help me and I'll help you.

 Phrasal  Verb

Meaning

Example

A

abide by

 respect or obey. (the law, a decision, a rule)

 If you want to stay at this school, you must abide by the rules.

account for

 explain, give a reason

 I hope you can account for the money you spent!

add up

 make sense, seem reasonable

 Her story just doesn't add up.

agree with

 have the same opinion as somebody else.

 I agree with you. I think she deserves the award too.

allow for

 take into consideration,  include in a calculation

 You'd better leave early to allow for traffic jams.

answer back

 reply rudely

 Don't answer back your mother!

apply for

 make a formal request for something  (job, permit, loan etc.)

 He applied for the job he saw advertised in the newspaper.

avail (oneself) of

 take advantage of something (an opportunity)

 When the company is privatized, you should avail yourself of  the opportunity and buy some shares.

B

back away

 move backwards, in fear or dislike

 When he saw the dog, he backed away.

back down

 withdraw,  concede defeat

 Local authorities backed down on their plans to demolish the building.

back up

1) give support or encouragement 2) make a copy of (file, program, etc.)

 1) If I tell the boss we've got too much work, will you back me up?  2) It is recommended to back up all files in a secure location.

bank on

 base your hopes on someone/something

 Don't forget the date. I'm banking on your help.

beef up

 improve, make more substantial

 He beefed up his presentation with diagrams and statistics.

black out

 faint, lose consciousness

 When he fell off the horse he blacked out.

block off

 Separate using a barrier.

 The area was blocked off during the demonstration.

blow up

1) explode; 2) be destroyed by an explosion

 1) The terrorists said the bomb would blow up at 9 o'clock.  2) The car blew up but luckily there was nobody in it.

boil down to

 be summarized as

 The problem boils down to a lack of money.

boot up

 start a computer by loading an  operating system or program.

 Just give my a few minutes to boot up the computer.

break away

 escape from captivity

 A few horses broke away from the paddock.

break down

1) go out of order, cease to function 2) lose control of one's emotions

 1) John's car broke down so he had to take the bus.  2) The parents broke down when they heard the bad news.

break into

 enter by force

 Burglars broke into the house around midnight.

break out

 start suddenly

 Rioting broke out as a result of the strike.

break out of

 escape from a place by force

 Three prisoners broke out of jail.

break up

 come to an end (marriage, relationship)

 After her marriage broke up, Emma went to live in London.

bring up

 raise (a child)

 She stopped working in order to bring up her children.

brush up on

 improve, refresh one's knowledge of something

 Mary had to brush up on her Spanish before going to South America.

bump into

 meet by accident or unexpectedly

 Pedro bumped into his English teacher at the supermarket.

burn out

1) stop (something) working 2) become exhausted from over-working

1) The fuse has burnt out. 2) Tom will burn himself out if he doesn't slow down.

butt in (on sthg)

 interrupt impolitely

 It's rude to butt in on a conversation like that!

C

call back

 return a phone call

 I'll call you back as soon as possible.

call off

 cancel

 The meeting was called off because of the strike.

call on/upon sby

 formally invite or request

 I now call upon the President to address the assembly.

calm down

 become more relaxed, less angry or upset

 He was angry at first but he eventually calmed down.

carry on

 continue

 He carried on gardening in spite of the rain.

carry out

1) do something as specified     (a plan, an order, a threat) 2) perform or conduct (test, experiment)

1) The plan was carried out to perfection. 2) Tests are carried out to determine the efficiency of a new drug.

carry over

 postpone until later

 As regards holidays, can you carry over any days from one year  to the next?

check in

 register at a hotel or airport

 For security reasons you have to check in two hours before your flight.

check out

1) pay one's bill and leave (a hotel) 2) investigate

 1) Is Mr. Blair still at the hotel?  No, he checked out this morning.  2) I don't know if the address is still valid. I'll check it out.

clam up

 refuse to speak

 When the teacher arrived she clammed up.

clamp down on

 act strictly to prevent something

 The government has decided to clamp down on smoking in public places.

close down

 stop operating (company, restaurant, cinema).

 When the factory closed down, the employees lost their jobs.

come across

1) find by chance 2) appear, seem, make an impression

1) Julie came across some photographs of her grandparents in the attic. 2) The candidate came across as a dynamic person during the interview.

come forward

 present oneself

 The police have asked any witnesses to come forward.

come up against

 be faced with or opposed by

 The project came up against a lot of criticism.

conk out

1) stop working 2) stop or fall asleep (from exhaustion)

 1) The car conked out on the motorway.  2) He was so exhausted, he conked out in front of the TV.

count on

 rely or depend on (for help)

 I'm counting on the taxi driver to find the theatre.

cross out

 remove by drawing a line through

 In some exercises, you are asked to cross out the incorrect word.

cut down on

 reduce in number or size

 The doctor told him to cut down on cigarettes.

cut out

1) remove using scissors 2) stop doing something

 1) She cut out a picture in a magazine.  2) I'm going to cut out eating between meals.

D

deal with

 handle, take care of  (problem, situation)

 The manager is good at dealing with difficult customers.

die down

 calm down, become less strong

 When the applause died down, she started to sing.

do without

 manage without

 The shops are closed so we'll have to do without sugar.

drag on

 last longer than expected

 We expected a short speech but it dragged on and on!

draw up

 write (contract, agreement, document)

 An agreement was drawn up and signed by the two parties.

dress up

1) wear elegant clothes 2) disguise oneself

 1) Do people dress up to go to the opera in your country?  2) Children love to dress up at Halloween.

drop in

 visit, usually on the way somewhere

 I sometimes drop in to see my grandparents on my way home from school.

drop off

1) deliver someone or something 2) fall asleep

 1) I'll drop you off at the bus stop if you like.  2) Granddad often drops off in front of the TV.

drop out

 leave school without finishing

 She decided to go to art school then dropped out after the first term.

E

ease off

 reduce, become less severe or slow down  (pain, traffic, work)

 After Christmas the workload generally eases off.

end in

 finish in a certain way; result in

 Their marriage ended in divorce.

end up

 finally reach a state, place or action

 If he continues his misconduct he'll end up in prison.

even out

1) eliminate differences of opinion. 2) become level or regular

 1) After a long discussion they managed to even out their differences.  2) The road was evened out  to make it safer.

F

fall through

 fail; doesn't happen

 Our planned boat trip fell through because of the storm.

figure out

 understand, find the answer

 I'm trying to figure out how to assemble the bookshelves.

fill out

 complete (a form/an application)

 Please fill out the enclosed form and return it as soon as possible.

find out

 discover or obtain information

 I'm going to call the cinema to find out what time the film starts.

focus on

 concentrate on something

 The advertising campaign will focus on the quality of the product.

figure out

 understand; find a solution

 We'll have to figure out a way to deliver the goods faster.

G

get along (with)

 be on good terms; work well with

 I get along (well) with my mother-in-law.

get at

 imply

 What exactly are you trying to get at?

get away

 escape

 The robbers got away in a black car.

get by

 manage to cope or to survive

 It's difficult to get by on a low salary.

get in

 enter

 How did the burglar get in?

get into (+noun)

enter

 How did the burglar get into the house?

get off

1) leave (bus, train, plane) 2) remove

 1) You should get off the bus at Trafalgar Square.  2) She can't get the stain off her sweater.

get on

 board (bus, train, plane)

 You can pay when you get on the bus.

get on with (something)

 continue to do; make progress

 Be quiet and get on with your homework.

get on (well) with (somebody)

 have a good relationship with

 I get on very well with my colleagues.

get out

 leave

 How did he get out?

get out of (+noun)

 leave

 How did he get out of the house?

get out of

 avoid doing something

 Some husbands manage to get out of doing any housework.

get over

 recover from (illness, disappointment)

 My grandmother had pneumonia but she got over it.

get rid of

 eliminate

 It's difficult to get rid of old habits.

get together

 meet each other

 Let's get together for lunch on day.

get up

 rise, leave bed

 I usually get up at 7 o'clock.

give up

 stop doing something

 Sarah gave up smoking 5 years ago.

go through

 experience

 Pete went through a lot of pain after the accident.

grow up

 spend one's childhood; develop; become an adult

 He grew up in a small village in the mountains.

H

hand in

 submit (report, homework)

 All application forms must be handed in before the end of the month.

hand out

 distribute

 Samples will be handed out at the end of the demonstration.

hang out

 spend time in a particular place,  or with a group of friends

 Where does he hang out these days?  Who does he hang out with?

hang up

 end a phone conversation

 "Don't hang up. I haven't finished yet."

hit at

 aim a blow at

 He hit at the wasp with the newspaper.

hit back

 retaliate; reply to an attack

 When he was attacked by the others, the boy hit back.

hit on/upon

 find unexpectedly or by inspiration

 She hit upon an idea for her new collection.

hold on

 -wait  -grip tightly

- 'Hold on please.  I'll put you through to Mr. Brown." - She held on to the railing as she crossed the bridge.

hurry up

 be quick, act speedily

 Hurry up! We'll miss the bus.

I

iron out

 resolve by discussion, eliminate differences

 The meeting tomorrow will be an opportunity to iron out difficulties.

J

join in

 participate

 She was too shy to join in the game.

join up

 -engage in, become a member of - meet and unite with

- John was in the Army and  Tom joined up as soon as he left school. - The two groups of tourists joined up at the hotel.

jot down

 take quick notes

 I jotted down the address while watching the programme on TV.

K

keep on

 continue doing something

 It told him to be quiet but he kept on making noise.

keep up with

 stay at the same level as someone or  something

 Bill walks so fast it's difficult to keep up with him.

kick off

 begin, start

 The football match kicked off at 3 o'clock.

L

leave out

 omit, not mention

 The child's name was left out of the report.

let down

 disappoint

 You promised to come to the party, so don't let me down!

look after

 take care of

 A babysitter looks after the children when they go out.

look ahead

 think of the future

 It's time to forget the past and look ahead.

look down on

 consider as inferior

 He tends to look down on anyone who is not successful.

look on

 be a spectator at an event

 Billy didn't take part in the fight.  He just looked on.

look for

 try to find something

 Jane went to the shops to look for a pair of shoes.

look forward to

 await or anticipate with pleasure

 I look forward to seeing you soon.

look up to

 admire

 He was a wonderful teacher and many students looked up to him.

M

make fun of

 laugh at/ make jokes about

 The old lady dresses so strangely that the kids make fun of her.

make up

 invent (excuse, story)

 Some employees make up excuses when they arrive late for work.

mix up

 mistake one thing or person for another

 I don't know my neighbours' names yet.  I keep mixing them up.

move in

 arrive in a new home or office

 You've bought a new house? When are you moving in?.

move out

 leave your home/office for another one.

 My neighbour is leaving.  He's moving out next Saturday.

N

nod off

 fall asleep

 My grandfather often nods off in front of the television.

note down

 write something

 I'll call the station and note down the departure times.

O

opt out

 leave a system or decide not to participate

 I enjoy tennis but I'm so busy I had to opt out of the tournament.

own up

 admit or confess something

 The boy owned up.  He said he kicked the ball through the window.

P

pass away

 die

 The old lady passed away peacefully.

pass out

 faint

 She passed out when she heard the bad news.

pay back

 reimburse

 I'll lend you 20€ provided you pay me back before the end of the week.

put off

 postpone, arrange a later date

 The meeting was put off because of the strike.

put on

 turn on, switch on

 Could you put on the light please?

put out

 extinguish

 It took a long time to put out the fire.

put up

 accommodate, give somebody a bed

 We can put you up if you'd like to come for a week-end.

pick up

 collect somebody

 I'll pick you up at the station when you arrive.

point out

 indicate/direct attention to something

 She pointed out the mistake.

R

rely on

 count on, depend on, trust

 Don't worry.  You can rely on me.  I can keep a secret.

rule out

 eliminate

 The police ruled out political motives.

run away

 escape from a place or suddenly leave

 He ran away from home at the age of fourteen.

run into

 meet by accident or unexpectedly (also: bump into)

 Sophie ran into Maria at the shopping centre.

run out of

 have no more of something.

 What a nuisance!  We've run out of coffee.

S

set off

 start a journey;

 Early Saturday morning we set off for the ski slopes .

set up

 start a business

 She set up her own company 10 years ago.

shop around

 compare prices

 It's always wise to shop around before buying anything.

show off

 brag or want to be admired

 There's David showing off in his new sports car!

show up

 appear/arrive

 We expected David to come but he didn't show up.

shut up  (impolite)              

 be silent, stop talking

 Oh shut up, you idiot!

sit down

 take a seat

 Please come in and sit down.

stand up

 rise from a sitting position

 The pupils stood up when the headmaster arrived.

stick up for

 defend

 It's important to stick up for one's principles.

T

take after

 resemble, in appearance or character

 Jamie really takes after his dad.

take care of

 look after

 I'll take care of your plants while you're away.

take off

 leave the ground

 The plane took off at 6 a.m.

take on

 hire or engage staff

 Business is good so the company is taking on extra staff.

take out

 remove; extract

 She took out a pen to note the address.

tell off

 reprimand/criticize severely

 The teacher told her off for not doing her homework.

think over

 consider

 I'll have to think over the proposal before I decide.

try on

 wear something to see if it suits or fits

 I'm not sure about the size.  Can I try it on?

turn down

 refuse

 I couldn't turn down an offer like that!

U

use up

 finish a product (so that there's none left)

 The kids have used up all the toothpaste.

V

vouch for

 express confidence in, or guarantee something

  You can give the keys to Andy.  I can vouch for him.

W

watch out

 be careful

 Watch out! There's a car coming.

wear out

 1) become unusable  2) become very tired

 1) Julie wore out her shoes visiting the city.  2) At the end of the day Julie was worn out.

work out

 1) do physical exercise  2) find a solution or calculate something

 1) I work out twice a week at the gym club.  2) It's expensive but I haven't worked out the exact cost yet.

wipe off

 clean (board, table).

 The teacher asked Lee to wipe off the board.

       @

     at

       IPO

     initial public offer

a/c

     account

       Jr

     junior

       AGM

     annual general meeting

       K

     thousand

       a.m.

     ante meridiem  (before noon)

       lb

     pound (weight)

       a/o

     account of  (on behalf of)

        £

     pound (money)

       AOB

     any other business

        Ltd

     limited company

       ASAP

     as soon as possible

       mo.

     month

       ATM

     automated teller machine (cash dispenser)

       N/A

     not applicable

       attn

     for the attention of 

       NB

     Nota Bene (it is important to note)

      approx.

     approximately

       no.

     number

       cc

     copy to 

       PA

     personal assistant

       CEO

     chief executive officer

       p.a.

     per annum  (per year)

       c/o

     care of  (on letters : at the address of)

       Plc

     public limited company

       Co

     company

       pls

     please

       cm

     centimetre

       p.m.

     post meridiem  (after noon)

       COD

     cash on delivery

       p.p.

     per pro 

       dept

     department

       PR

     public relations

       e.g.

     exempli gratia (for example)

       p.s.

     post scriptum

       EGM

     extraordinary general meeting

       pto

     please turn over

       ETA

     estimated time of arrival

       p.w.

     per week

       etc

     et caetera  (and so on)

       qty

     quantity

    GDP

     gross domestic product

       R & D

     research and development

    GNP

     gross national product

       re

     with reference to

    GMT

     Greenwich mean time  (time in London)

  ROI

     return on investment

    i.e.

     id est (meaning : 'that is')

       RSVP

     repondez s'il vous plait (please reply)

     Inc

     incorporated

       s.a.e.

     stamped addressed envelope

     IOU

     I owe you

       VAT

     value added tax

  Advertisement

 Item of publicity to promote a product or service in  newspapers, magazines, on TV etc.

  Advertising agency

 Marketing services firm that assists companies in planning advertisements

  AIDA

 Attention, Interest, Desire, Action  -  the aim of all advertising

  Benefit

 Advantage of a product or service

  Billboard

 Signboard for advertising posters

  Broadsheet

 Newspaper printed in a large format.

  Campaign

 Organized course or plan of action

  Circulation

 Average number of copies of newspapers or magazines sold over a period of time

  Classified ads

 Small advertisements in newspapers or magazines, divided into categories.

  Commercial

 Advertisement on radio or TV

  Coupon

 Part of a printed advertisement to be used to order goods or samples

  Direct mail

 Advertisement sent by post to prospective customers

  Double-page spread

 Advertisement printed across two pages in a newspaper or magazine

  Editing

 Reviewing or rewriting in order to make suitable for publication.

  Eye-catcher

 Something that particularly attracts one's attention

  Features

 Special characteristics of a product

  Generic advertising

 Advertising for a whole sector, such as tourism, rather than a specific product

  Hoarding

 Wooden structure, or signboard,  used to carry advertisements

  Hype

 Excessive or intensive publicity; exaggerated claims made in advertising.

  Jingle

 Catchy tune, with a short simple rhyme, used to promote a product.

  Key words

 Informative words chosen to indicate the content of a document

  Launch

 To start an action in order to introduce something (e.g. a new product)

  Mailshot

 Piece of advertising material sent to potential customers by post

  Mass media

 The main means of mass communication (newspapers, TV & radio)

  Plug

 Favourable publicity in the media for a commercial product (e.g. a book)

  Poster

 Large sheet of paper used in advertising

  Prime time

 Hours on radio & TV with the largest audience, usually the evening

  Promote

 Use advertising and publicity to try to increase sales of a product

  Roadside signs

 Large panels along roads and motorways used for outdoor advertising.

  Slogan

 Phrase used to advertise a product, or to identify a company or organization.

  Slot

 Specific time in a broadcasting schedule allotted for a commercial

  Sound bite

 Short extract from a recorded interview or speech.

  Spam

 Unsolicited advertising sent through the internet as an email message

  Spot

 Position of a commercial in a radio programme or TV schedule.

  Tabloid

 Newspaper printed in small format, usually with a lot of photographs.

  Target

 Objective; what is aimed at

  U.S.P.

 Unique Selling Proposition; a declaration of what makes a product different

  Write copy

 Write a text to be printed or spoken in an advertisement or a commercial.

   Adware

  A software application which displays unwanted pop-up advertisements on your   computer while in use. Adware is often installed on your computer at the same   time as free software or shareware.

   Application

  An application is any program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook or Adobe Photoshop are examples of  application programs.

   Browser

  A program or tool such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla that enables you to browse or surf the World Wide Web and view internet sites.

   Bug

  A defect or fault in a computer program that prevents it from working correctly.  Bugs are caused by mistakes or errors made by the people who write the   programme.

   Cache

  A sort of fast memory used for temporary storage of recently accessed web pages, which enables the browser to display them more quickly on the next visit.

   Cookies

  A cookie is a small piece of information on the times and dates you have visited  web sites. A web server can temporarily store this information within your browser.  The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized  web pages for them.

   Crash

  A crash, in computing, is what happens when a program, or the entire operation system, unexpectedly stops working. 

   Cursor

  A blinking symbol on the screen that shows where any new text will next be entered.

   Driver 

  A special program which enables a computer to work with a particular piece of  hardware such as a printer. 

   E-business

  Business done over the internet or any internet-based network.

   E-mail

  Electronic mail :  messages sent from one computer to another over the Internet.

   FAQ

  Frequently asked questions

   Firewall

  Specialized hardware or software designed to prevent unrestricted or unauthorized   access into or out of a computer or network.

   font

  A particular kind of lettering (for example : Arial, Bookman, Times New Roman).

   Hardware

  The physical equipment or touchable parts of a computer system, the CPU (central processing unit),  the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, the external speakers, the scanner, the printer, etc,

   Hit

  A visit to a website.

   Home page

  The main page or opening page that appears when you visit a web site.  It usually   contains links to the other pages.

   Login

  Process by which a user enters a name and password to access a computer.

   Modem

  A device that enables a computer to send and receive information over a telephone   line. You need a modem to connect to the Internet, to send email and to fax.

   Netiquette

  Network etiquette : a set of informal rules defining proper behaviour on the Internet   

   Portal

  A website that acts as a gateway or entry point to the internet (for example, Yahoo). Typically, a portal offers a search engine and links to other sites grouped into   categories,  as well as news or other services.

   Program

  A sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute in order to do a particular job.  Programs are collectively referred to as "software".

   Provider

  Company that provides access to the Internet.

   Scanner

  A piece of hardware, or peripheral device, used to scan a document and create a digital copy. 

   Spam

  Unwanted, irrelevant or inappropriate e-mail messages, especially commercial advertising.   Also referred to as "junk e-mail". 

   Spyware

  Software that collects information, without your knowledge, about your web-surfing   habits and uses it for marketing purposes.  Very often contained in free downloads   or shareware programs.

   Trojan

  A Trojan is a computer program that is hidden in a useful software application and actually used  to gain access to your computer. It then performs malicious actions such as displaying messages or erasing files. Trojans may be found in a hacked legitimate program or in free software .

   Videoconference

  Interactive, audiovisual meeting between two or more people in different geographic   locations using two-way video technology.

   Virus

  A virus is a malicious self-replicating program that spreads by inserting copies of itself into other executable code or documents, and whose sole intent is to cause problems on a computer. It acts in a way similar to a biological virus, and the infected file is called a host.

   WYSIWYG

  What you see is what you get.  (pronounced 'wizzy-wig'). A WYSIWYG application enables you to see on the screen exactly what will appear when the document is printed.

   WWW

  World Wide Web: A hypertext information system consisting of a network of web pages which runs on the Internet and can be accessed with a browser.

   Worm

  A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program, similar to a computer virus.   It infects additional computers (typically by making use of network connections),   often clogging networks and information systems as it spreads.

   Zip

  To zip a file is to compress it so that it occupies less space in storage and can be transferred quickly over the Internet.

  Assessment

  Evaluation of one's abilities

  Apply

  Submit an application for a job or position

  Background

  Education - qualifications - experience

  Bonus

  Additional payment to an employee as an incentive or reward

  Curriculum Vitae

  Summary of one's education and experience to date; résumé

  Dismiss

  Discharge from employment; (to fire, to sack, to let go)

  Employee

  Person who works for a firm or company

  Employer

  Person or firm who employs people

  Fire

  To dismiss from a job.

  Fringe benefits

  Advantages offered in addition to salary (life insurance, retirement scheme, company car, etc.).    Also called "perks", abbreviation for perquisites.

  Interview

  Oral examination of an applicant for employment

  Make redundant

  Dismiss for economic reasons

  Maternity leave

  Period of absence for a female employee when having a baby

  Notice

  Advance warning of intention to leave one's job -  to give or hand in one's resignation

  Personnel

  People who work for a firm or company (employees)

 Personnel officer

  Manager responsible for recruitment, training and welfare of personnel (employees)

  Promotion

  Advancement in rank or position in the company

  Prospects

  Opportunities for success or promotion in a career

  Recruit

  Look for and hire personnel

  Resign

  Leave a job voluntarily

  Retire

  Leave employment because of age

  Sick leave

  Absence because of illness - to be on sick leave

  Staff

  People who work for a firm or department;  employees

  Strength

  Strong characteristic or particular ability

  Strike

  To go on strike : to stop working in protest against   something

  Take on

  Employ or hire

  Trainee

  Person being trained for a job e.g. a trainee salesman

  Training course

  A course of study to prepare for a job   e.g. a computer course

   Unemployment    benefits

  Payments made by the state to an unemployed person

   Vacancy

  A position to be filled

   Weakness

  A lack of ability or a shortcoming in character

 Presenting visuals

• As you will see from this graph...

• I'd like to show you ...

• Let me draw your attention to this part of the graph

• Let's look more closely at this month's figures

• This figure refers to the sales in China only.

• The pie chart shows our share of the European market today.

• As you can see, our main competitor has an even bigger share.

• The bar chart represents sales in our Asian outlets.

• Here you can see a comparison between ...

• On the line graph you will note:    - a strong upward trend in the sales of product A...         ▪ despite occasional fluctuations...         ▪ with a slight drop during the holiday season ...         ▪ with occasional variations due to ...

- the overall performance of product B is good        ▪ the initial surge in sales was followed by  a period of slower growth in

the second half of the year.          ▪ the instant success of the product was followed by  a period of

stabilization in the level of sales

   Commenting trends

• Increases : - a slight/constant/marked/substantial increase in sales - an increase of about/roughly/approximately/in the region of ...% - a little over/above what we predicted - the recovery/upturn began in (month) - an overall increase in... - an upward trend in the demand for... - sales reached record levels/reached a peak in (month) - a strong surge in the sales of ... - by (month) the figure had risen to ... - we predict that sales will soar in the coming year/over the next ...months.  

• Decreases : - just under our target - way below our expectations - a slight/notable/significant decrease in - a drop of about ...% in ... - a  slight/regular/dramatic decline/reduction in ... - the downturn began in (month) - the situation began to deteriorate in (month) - the number has continued to fall  

• Fluctuations/Variations : - a slow start developed into steady progress in sales - an initial upward trend was followed by ... - we note slight fluctuations throughout the year - normal seasonal variations are the cause of occasional  downward trends - sales have been (rather) irregular - the level/the rate has been unstable since ... - you will note a certain instability in the rate of ...

  Conclusions

• We must focus our attention on ...

• What I suggest is ...

• There is a necessity for ...

• We need more ...

• We have no choice but to ...

• Appropriate measures must be taken

• The only option we have is to ...

• These changes are inevitable.

• We will have to revise our estimation.

• The result/outcome will be ...

• To conclude, I am happy/I regret to announce that ...

  Bid

  The price a buyer is willing to offer for shares in a company.

  Blue Chip Stocks

  Stocks of leading companies with a reputation for stable growth and earnings.

  Bond

  Certificate issued by companies and governments to its lenders.

  Capital

  Money and other property of companies used in transacting the business.

  Capital stock

  All shares representing ownership of a company.

  Commodities

  Products such as agricultural products and natural resources (wood, oil and metals)   that are traded on a separate, authorized commodities exchange.

  Dividend

  A portion of a company's earnings which is paid to the shareholders/stockholders   on a quarterly or annual basis.

  Equity

  The value of stocks and shares;  the net value of mortgaged property.

  Equities

  Stocks and shares which represent a portion of the capital of a company.

  Futures

  Contracts to buy or sell securities at a future date.

  Insider

  All those who have access to inside information concerning the company.

  Insider dealing/trading

  Buying or selling with the help of information know only to those connected with the   business.

  IPO

  Initial Public Offering - selling part of a company on the stock market.

  Issue

  Put into circulation a number of a company's shares for sale.

  Liabilities

  The debts and obligations of a company or an individual.

  Mortgage

  Agreement by which a bank or building society lends money for the purchase of property,   such as a house or apartment. The property is the security for the loan.

  Mutual fund

  Savings fund that uses cash from a pool of savers to buy securities such as stock,   bonds and real estate.

  Option

  The right to buy and sell certain securities at a specified price and period of time.

  Par value

  Nominal face value.

  Penny stock

  Shares selling at less than $1 a share.

  Portfolio

  Various types of securities held by an individual or institution.

  Securities

  Transferable certificates showing ownership of stock, bonds, shares, options, etc.

  Share

  The capital of a company is divided into shares which entitle the owner, or shareholder,   to a proportion of the profits.

  Share certificate

  Certificate representing the number of shares owned by an investor.

  Shareholder

  Owner of shares.

  Speculator

  Someone who buys and sells stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit through   changes in their value.

  Stock

  Shares (portion of the capital of a business company) held by an investor.

  Stockbroker

  A licensed professional who buys and sells stocks and shares for clients   in exchange for a fee, called a 'commission'.

  Stockholder

  Person who owns stocks and shares.

  Trader

  Investor who holds stocks and securities for a short time (minutes, hours or days)   with the objective of making profit from short-term gains in the market.   Investment is generally based on stock price rather than evaluation of the company.

  Trading session

  Period during which the Stock Exchange is open for trading.

  Venture capital

  Money raised by companies to finance new ventures in exchange for percentage   ownership.

  Yield

  Return on investment shown as a percentage.

Salutation

• Dear Mr Brown

• Dear Ms White

• Dear Sir

• Dear Sirs

• Dear Madam  

• Dear Sir or Madam

• Gentlemen

Starting

• We are writing to inform you that ...                       to confirm ...                       to request ...                       to enquire about ...

• I am contacting you for the following reason.

• I recently read/heard about  . . . and would like to know . . .

• Having seen your advertisement in ... , I would like to ...

• I would be interested in (obtaining/receiving) ...

• I received your address from ...      and would like to   ...

• I am writing to tell you about ...

Referring to previous contact

• Thank you for your letter of March 15 ...

• Thank you for contacting us.

• In reply to your request ...

• Thank you for your letter regarding ...

• With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday ...

• Further to our meeting last week ...

• It was a pleasure meeting you in London last month.

• I enjoyed having lunch with you last week in Tokyo.

• I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed on Tuesday . . .

Making a request

• We would appreciate it if you would ...

• I would be grateful if you could...

• Could you please send me . . .

• Could you possibly tell us/let us have...

• In addition, I would like to receive ...

• It would be helpful if you could send us ...

• I am interested in (obtaining/receiving...)

• I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.

• Please let me know what action you propose to take.

Offering help

• We would be happy to ...

• Would you like us to ...

• We are quite willing to ...

• Our company would be pleased to ...

Giving good news

• We are pleased to announce that ...

• I am delighted to inform you that ...

• You will be pleased to learn that ...

Giving bad news

• We regret to inform you that ...

• I'm afraid it would not be possible to ...

• Unfortunately we cannot/we are unable to ...

• After careful consideration we have decided (not) to ...

Complaining

• I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...

• I am writing to complain about ...

• Please note that the goods we ordered on (date) have not yet arrived.

• We regret to inform you that our order n°--- is now considerably overdue.

• I would like to query the transport charges which seem unusually high. 

Apologizing

• We are sorry for the delay in replying ...

• I regret any inconvenience caused

• I would like to apologize for (the delay/the inconvenience) ...

• Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.

Orders

• Thank you for your quotation of ...

• We are pleased to place an order with your company for ...

• We would like to cancel our order n°...    

• Please confirm receipt of our order.

• I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your order n°...

• Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.

• It will take about (three) weeks to process your order.

• We can guarantee delivery before ...

• Unfortunately these articles are no longer available/are out of stock.

Prices

• Please send us your price list.

• You will find enclosed our most recent catalogue and price list.

• Please note that our prices are subject to change without notice.

• We have pleasure in enclosing a detailed quotation.

• We can make you a firm offer of ...

• Our terms of payment are as follows :

Referring to payment

• Our records show that we have not yet received payment of ...

• According to our records ...

• Please send payment as soon as possible.

• You will receive a credit note for the sum of ...

Enclosing documents

• I am enclosing ...

• Please find enclosed ...

• You will find enclosed ...

Closing remarks

• If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know

• If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me

• If you require more information ...

• For further details ...

• Thank you for taking this into consideration

• Thank you for your help.

• We hope you are happy with this arrangement.

• We hope you can settle this matter to our satisfaction.

Referring to future business

• We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future

• We would be (very) pleased to do business with your company.

• I would be happy to have an opportunity to work with your firm.

Referring to future contact

• I look forward to seeing you next week

• Looking forward to hearing from you

•     "           "      to receiving your comments

• I look forward to meeting you on the 15th

• I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience.

Ending business letters 

• Sincerely,          }

• Yours sincerely, } (for all customers/clients)

• Sincerely yours, }  

• Regards,             (for those you already know and/or                                    with whom you already have a working relationship.)

   After-sales service

   Service that continues after the sale of a product (maintenance, etc.).

   Agent

   Person or company that acts for another and provides a specified service.

   B2B e-commerce

   Business to business e-commerce : use of commercial networks, online product catalogues and other online resources to obtain better prices and  reach new customers.

   B2C e-commerce

   Business to consumer e-commerce : online sale of goods and services directly to consumers.

   Benchmarking

   Comparing one's products to those of competitors in order to improve   quality and performance.

   Buyer

   1)  Any person who makes a purchase.      2)  A person employed to choose and buy stock for a company.

   Cash refund offer

   Offer to pay back part of the purchase price of a product to customers who send  a "proof of purchase" to the manufacturer.

   Chain store

   Two or more shops or outlets that have the same owner and sell similar lines of merchandise.

   Client

   A person who buys services or advice from a lawyer, an accountant or   other professional.

   Close

   Finalise a deal or sale.

   Convenience store

   Small shop located near a residential area that opens long hours, seven days a week.

   Customer

   A person who buys something from a shop or business.

   Coupon

   Certificate  that gives customers a saving when they purchase    a specific product.

   Deal

   A business transaction.

   Department store

   A large shop or store that carries a wide variety of product lines.

   Direct investment

   Entering a foreign market by setting up assembly or manufacturing  facilities in that country.

   Discount

   A reduction in price.

   E-commerce

   Buying and selling by electronic means, primarily on the Internet.

   E-marketing

   Promotion of products and services over the Internet.

   Extranet

   A network that connects a company with its suppliers and distributors.

   Follow-up

  To maintain contact after the sale to ensure customer satisfaction.

   Franchise

   Association between a manufacturer or wholesaler (franchiser) and an independent business person (franchisee) who buys the right to own and operate a unit in the franchise system.

   Guarantee

   A promise that a product will be repaired or replaced if faulty.

   Intranet

   A network that connects people within a company to each other.

   Joint Venture

   A way of entering a foreign market by joining with a foreign company to    manufacture or market a product or service.

   Market leader

   The company with the largest market share in an industry.

   Mark up

   The percentage of the price of a product added to cost to reach a selling  price.

   Opinion leader

   Person within a reference who, because of competence, knowledge, or other characteristics, exerts influence on others.

   Packaging

   Designing and producing the container or wrapper for a product.

   Product

   Anything that can be offered on the market, usually for sale.

   Product line

   A group of products that are closely related.

   Prospect

   A potential customer.

   Representative

   A sales representative is a person who represents and sells for a company.

   Retail

   To sell in small quantities, as in a shop, directly to the consumers.

   Shopping centre

   Group of shops or retail businesses developed and managed as a unit.

   Telephone marketing

   Using the telephone to sell directly to customers.

   Trade fair

   An exhibition at which companies in a specific industry can show or demonstrate their products

   Viral marketing

   The Internet version of word-of-mouth marketing - email messages that customers pass on to friends.

Wholesale

   To sell goods and services to those buying for resale (e.g. a shop) or for business use.

   A.G.M.

 Annual General Meeting

   Absentee

 Person not at the meeting, not present

   Agenda

 Written list of points to be discussed at a meeting

   Alternative

 Choice of two or more possibilities

   Attendee

 Participant or person attending a meeting

   Ballot

 System of secret voting;   voters place their ballot-papers in a ballot-box

   Casting vote

 Deciding vote, usually by the Chairman, when votes are in equal number.

   Chairman/chairperson  

 The person who conducts the meeting.

   Clarify

 Make something clearer by giving more information.

   Conference

 Formal meeting for discussion or exchange of views

   Conference call

 Telephone call between three or more people in different places

   Consensus

 General agreement

   Deadline

 Future date at which something must be done

   Decision

 Reach a conclusion or resolution concerning future action

   I-conference

 A meeting or discussion between two or more people via the Internet.

   Interrupt

 Stop a person who is speaking in order to say or do something.

   Item

 A separate point for discussion on an agenda

   Main point

 What is most essential

   Minutes

 A written summary of the proceedings at a meeting

   Objective

 What is aimed at, what one wants to achieve or obtain.

   Point out

 Draw attention to something e.g. point out an increase in demand

   Proposal

 A course of action put forward for consideration; to make a proposal.

   Proxy vote

 A vote cast by one person for another   

   Recommend

 Advise a course of action;  make a recommendation

   Show of hands

 Raised hands to express agreement or disagreement in a vote

   Summary

 A brief statement of the main points

   Task

 A piece of work to be done; to assign a task to somebody

   Unanimous

 In complete agreement

   Videoconference

 Conference linking people in different locations by satellite, TV etc.

   Vote

 Express one's agreement or disagreement;  to cast a vote.

    Agent

  Person or company that acts for another and provides a specified service

    Agreement

  Arrangement between two or more people or companies

    Bargain price

  Reduced price

    Bedrock price

  Lowest possible price

    Commitment

  Engagement or undertaking;  to commit oneself

    Compromise

  Each party gives up certain demands in order to reach an agreement.

    Condition

  A stipulation or requirement which must be fulfilled

    Contract

  Written agreement between two or more parties

    Counter-offer

  Offer made in response to an offer by the other party

    Counter-productive

  Having the opposite effect to that intended

    Deal

  A business transaction

    Discount

  Reduction in price

    Estimate

  Approximate calculation of the cost

    Facilities

  Equipment (e.g. parking facilities)

    Feasible

  Possible, something that can be done

    Figure out

  Find a solution;  estimate the cost

    Know-how

  Practical knowledge or skill

    Joint Venture

  A way of entering a foreign market by joining with a foreign company to manufacture or market a product or service.

    Negotiate

  Discuss a business deal or contract in order to reach an agreement

    Point out

  Draw attention to something (e.g. the advantages of your proposal)

    Proposal

  Course of action, or plan, put forward for consideration; to make a proposal

    Quote

  Give an estimated price (a quotation)

    Range

  A selection of products sold by a company

    Rebate

  Reduction or discount

    Supply

  Provide customers with goods or services

    Supplier

  Person or company that supplies goods or services

    Tender

  An offer, in writing, to execute work or supply goods at a fixed price

    Turnkey

  Describes equipment ready for use or operation (e.g. plant or factory)

    Underestimate

  Make too low an estimate of something (cost, danger, difficulty)

    Work out

  Calculate (e.g. the price of something);  find a solution

   Audience

 Group of listeners or spectators

   Body language

 Communication through facial expressions, body movements, etc.

   Chart

 Sheet of information in the form of a table, graph or diagram

   Diagram

 Graphic representation of a situation e.g. the results of an action

   Flip chart

 Pad of large paper sheets on a stand for presenting information

   Focus (on)

 Concentrate on something

   Graph

 Diagram showing the relation between variable quantities

   Guidelines

 Advice or instructions given in order to guide or direct an action

   Handout

 Written information (report etc) given to people at a presentation

   Key point

 Essential or main point

   Ladies & Gentlemen

 Polite way of addressing an audience of men and women

   Marker

 Pen with a felt tip used for writing on a whiteboard

   Microphone

 Electrical instrument used to amplify the speaker's voice

   O.H.T.

 Overhead transparency : sheet of film with an image or printed information for overhead projector

   Objective

 What one wants to achieve;  aim

   Outline

 Brief description or presentation

   Overhead projector

 Device that projects an O.H.T. onto a screen

   Overview

 Short presentation of the main points

   Pointer

 Rod or stick used to indicate things on a map, screen, etc.

   Screen

 Flat, reflective blank surface on which films, slides etc. are projected

   Signposting language

 Phrases used to help focus the audience's attention on different parts of a presentation

   Slide

 Small photographic transparency

   Summarize

 Make a summary of the essential points; sum up

   Topic

 Subject of a discussion or talk

   Transparency

 Image or information printed on transparent plastic or film

   Visual aids

 Aids such as charts, slides, etc used at a presentation

   Whiteboard

 Flat white board on which to write or draw with markers

  ►Starting the presentation

   • Good morning/good afternoon ladies and gentlemen    •The topic of my presentation today is ...    • What I'm going to talk about today is ...

 ►Why you are giving this presentation

   •The purpose of this presentation is ...    •This is important because ...    • My objective is to ...

 ►Stating the main points

   •The main points I will be talking about are      firstly ...      secondly...      next, finally... we're going to look at ...

 ►Introducing the first point

   • Let's start/begin with ...

 ►Showing graphics, transparencies, slides etc.

   • I'd like to illustrate this by showing you...

 ►Moving on to the next point

   • Now let's move on to  ...

 ►Giving more details

   • I'd like to expand on this aspect/problem/point    • Let me elaborate on that    • Would you like me to expand on/elaborate on that?

 ►Changing to a different topic

   • I'd like to turn to something completely different

 ►Referring to something which is off the topic

   • I'd like to digress here for a moment and just mention that ...

 ►Referring back to an earlier point

   • Let me go back to what I said earlier about ...

 ►Summarizing or repeating the main points

   • I'd like to recap the main points of my presentation      - first I covered      - then we talked about      - finally we looked at    • I'd  now like to sum up the main points which were:

 ►Conclusion

   • I'm going to conclude by... saying that/inviting you to/ quoting ...

  • In conclusion, let me... leave you with this thought /invite you to

 ►Questions

   • Finally, I'll be happy to answer your questions.      • Now I'd like to invite any questions you may have.    • Do you have any questions?

  ►Making contact

• Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon ..

• This is John Brown speaking.

• Could I speak to .......... please? I'd like to speak to .......... please. 

• I'm trying to contact ..........

    ►Giving more information  

      •  I'm calling from Tokyo/Paris/New York/Sydney       •  I'm calling on behalf of  (Mr. X ...)

  ►Taking a call

• X speaking

• Can I help you?

  ►Asking for a name/information  

• Who's calling please?

• Who's speaking?

• Where are you calling from?

• Are you sure you have the right number/name?

  ►Asking the caller to wait

• Hold the line please

• Could you hold on please

• Just a moment please

  ►Connecting

• Thank you for holding

• The line's free now  ..... I'll put you through

• I'll connect you now / I'm connecting you now.

  ►Giving negative information  

• I'm afraid the line's engaged.   Could you call back later?

• I'm afraid he's in a meeting at the moment

• I'm sorry.  He's out of the office today / He isn't in at the moment.

• I'm afraid we don't have a Mr/Mrs/Miss ... here

• I'm sorry.  There's nobody here by that name.

• Sorry.  I think you've dialled the wrong number.            I'm afraid you've got the wrong number.

   ►Telephone problems  

• The line is very bad.  Could you speak up please?

• Could you repeat that please?

• I'm afraid I can't hear you.

• Sorry.  I didn't catch that.  Could you say that again please?

     ►Leaving/taking a message  

• Can I leave/take a message?

• Would you like to leave a message?

• Could you give him/her a message?

• Could you ask him/her to call me back?

• Would you like him/her to call you back?

• Could you tell him/her that I called?

• Could you give me your name please?

• Could you spell that please?

• What's your number please?

   Advent

  The arrival of a person or an important event. Here it refers to the month before Christmas   and the arrival of Jesus.

   Bethlehem

  The town thought to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

   Boxing Day

  In the UK, December 26 is called Boxing Day.  It was traditionally a day to give presents   to the poor.

   Candle

  A round stick of wax with a central wick which is lit to give light as it burns.

   Chimney

  A vertical structure which extends through the roof of a house and allows smoke to   escape from the fireplace.   Santa Claus (Father Christmas) traditionally enters a house through the chimney.

   Christmas

  The annual celebration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December.

   Christmas cake

  A rich fruit cake covered with marzipan and icing, eaten at Christmas

   Christmas card

  A greetings card sent to friends and family at Christmas

   Christmas carol

  A joyful traditional song or hymn sung at Christmas.   Singers visit people's houses at Christmas to sing carols and collect money, usually   for charity.

   Christmas Day

  25 December, the birthday of Jesus Christ.

   Christmas Eve

  24 December, the evening or day before Christmas Day.

   Christmas tree

  An evergreen tree which people decorate with lights, tinsel, etc. at Christmas

   Cracker

  A decorated cardboard tube wrapped in paper, that makes a sharp explosive noise   ("crack!") and releases a small gift when two people pull it apart.

   Egg-nog

  A traditional Christmas drink in the US made of beaten eggs, milk or cream, sugar   and alcohol.

   Frankincense

  Sweet-smelling gum from a tree, burnt as incense : one of the gifts that the three wise   men gave to Jesus.

   Holly

  Evergreen shrub with red berries used for decoration at Christmas.

   Joseph

  Husband of Mary (mother of Jesus)

   Mary

  The mother of Jesus

   Mistletoe

  A parasitic plant with evergreen leaves and white berries, traditionally used as a   Christmas decoration. When 2 people walk under the plant, they are supposed to kiss.

   Myrrh

  Gum from a tree, used for perfume or incense :  one of the gifts given to Jesus by the   three wise men.

   Ornament

  A decoration which, at Christmas, is hung on a Christmas tree.

   Reindeer

  A large deer with branching antlers found in some cold climates, and thought to pull   Santa's sleigh.

   Santa Claus

  An imaginary bearded old man, wearing a red suit, who lives at the North Pole and   brings presents for children at Christmas.  Traditionally Santa Claus travels in a sleigh   pulled by reindeers and enters the house through the chimney on Christmas Eve.

   Sleigh

  A sledge or light cart pulled by horses or reindeer over snow and ice. 

   Tinsel

  A glittering material produced in strips and used for decoration at Christmas.

   Turkey

  Large bird very often eaten at Christmas.

   Wreath

  Circular band of flowers or leaves used to decorate the front door of homes at   Christmas.

   Xmas

  Abbreviation for 'Christmas'.

  Acid rain

  Acid rain is rain mixed with sulphuric, nitric and other acids formed   by gases released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned (factory smoke, cars, etc.). Acid rain is considered responsible for damaging forests and crops,and is particularly harmful to fish and other aquatic life in rivers and lakes.

  Aquifer

  An aquifer is an underground layer of rock and sand that stores water  and transmits it to wells and springs. This water, called ground water, can be used for drinking or other   purposes.

  Arid

  Land or climate that is extremely dry due to very low rainfall. Agriculture in arid regions is impossible without irrigation.

  Asbestos

  A fire-resistant mineral once used in insulation and home products that  can cause respiratory diseases

  Asthma

  Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder which is characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness of the chest. Asthma often arises from allergies or can be caused by exposure to polluted environments.

  Awareness

  Consciousness that a condition or event exists.

  Ban

  Forbid or prohibit something.

  Biodegradable

  Capable of being broken down or decomposed by natural biological processes.   The term is used to refer to "environmentally friendly" products. Many chemicals, food scraps, cotton, wool, and paper are bio-degradable;  plastics and polyester generally are not.

  Biotechnology

  The application of technology to the study or manipulation of living things in areas such as agricultural production, hybrid plant development, medicine, environmental research, etc.

  Carbon footprint

  A measure of the effect that human activities have on the climate   (measured in units of carbon dioxide).

  Carcinogenic   Carcinogen

  Capable of causing cancer.   A substance that may cause cancer in animals or humans.

  C0

  Carbon monoxide : a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, produced   by incomplete burning of organic materials such as oil, coal, and wood.

  C02

  Carbon dioxide: a colourless, odourless, non-poisonous gas that is a normal part of the air.   It is absorbed by plants and exhaled by humans and animals. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, wood) increases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

  Climate change 

  Climate change, which is often called global warming, refers to changes in weather patterns including:   - a rise in global temperatures   - changes in rainfall patterns, which result in flooding and droughts   - a rise in sea level.   Climate changes can be caused both by natural forces and by human activities.

  Compost

  A mixture of decaying organic matter, such as leaves, wood and manure.Compost is used in gardening and agriculture to fertilize and enrich the  soil.

  Conservation

  Protecting, maintaining or improving natural resources, to keep them  safe from destruction or degradation and conserve them for future  generations. Clean rivers and lakes, wilderness areas, wildlife, healthy soil, and clean  air are natural resources

  Dead zone

  Area of water containing low levels of oxygen in which fish, plants and other aquatic life find it difficult to survive.

  Deforestation

  Destruction of forests to make land for agriculture. Cutting down trees, which provide oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, is seen as a cause of increased greenhouse effect.   Deforestation also entails the destruction of animal habitats.

  Desalinisation

  Desalinisation is the removal of salts from saline water to obtain fresh   water suitable for animal and human consumption, or for irrigation.

  Desertification

  The change from once fertile land into desert as a result of factors including climatic variations and human activities (overgrazing by animals, deforestation, poor irrigation practices).

  Disposable

  Refers to material designed to be thrown away after use.

  Drought

  A prolonged period of abnormal dryness, with little or no rainfall.

  Dump

  Location where garbage, rubbish or waste is taken and just dumped,  without environmental controls. Problems associated with dumps include multiplication of disease- carrying organisms together with air and water pollution.

  Ecology

  The study of the relationship of living things (plants, animals and humans)   with each other and with their environment.

  Ecosystem

  A community of plants, animals and other organisms living in an area which provides what they need in order to survive. The different species depend on the environment and the environment   depends on them. An ecosystem can be as small as a tiny pool or as large as a huge desert.

  Emission

  The release or discharge into the air of pollutant substances such as gas  or smoke.

  Endangered species

  Animals and plants in danger of becoming extinct.

  Environment

  The  surroundings and external conditions that affect the growth and  development of living things

  Food chain

  A representation of the relationship between plants and animals showing what eats what (for example : grass, mouse, snake). Energy is passed from one organism to another through the food chain.

  Fossil fuels

  Fuels that are formed in the ground from the remains of dead plants and animals.  Oil, natural gas and coal are all fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are not a renewable resource. Once consumed they are gone forever. When burned, they are a major cause of  greenhouse gases and global warming.

  Fungi (plural of fungus)

  Plantlike organisms, without leaves or roots, that lack chlorophyll, so they must obtain their nutrients from their environment.   Mildew, yeast and mushrooms are fungi.

  Fungicide

  A pesticide used to control or destroy fungi on food or grain crops.  

  Genetic engineering (GE)

  Technology used to modify the genetic material of a cell or organism in order to produce desired effects or traits and to eliminate undesirable ones.

  Genetic modification   Genetically Modified (GM)

  Modification of the characteristics of an organism by inserting genes from another organism into its DNA  (also called genetic engineering).

  Global warming

  A gradual warming of the earth's surface temperature reportedly caused   by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the earth's atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.   These gases form a blanket around the earth (similar to the walls of a greenhouse), holding heat and raising temperatures on the ground.   Climate change is believed to be linked to global warming.

  Greenhouse gases  

  Greenhouse gases are gases that trap the heat of the sun in the earth's atmosphere, producing the greenhouse effect. The result is an increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface.Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.

  Ground water

  Water found below the surface of the land, usually in porous rock formations.Ground water is the source of water found in wells and springs and is frequently used for drinking.

  Habitat

  The natural home of a plant or animal.

  Herbicide

  A chemical used to kill or prevent the growth of unwanted plants.

  Insecticide

  A pesticide compound used to kill or prevent the growth of insects.

  Irradiation

  A process that uses radiation to reduce or destroy bacteria and germs in food products in order to prevent illnesses and to lengthen the shelf life  of the products. Some people are unsure of the long-term health effects of irradiated food.

  Landfill

  A landfill is an area designated to receive household garbage, solid waste and construction debris. Also referred to as a garbage dump.

  Methane

  An odourless, colourless, flammable gas formed when organic matter decomposes.   More than 80% of methane comes from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

  Nuclear energy

  Energy produced by the process of nuclear reaction (fission or fusion) inside a nuclear reactor, or by radioactive decay.

  Oilrig

  Structure used in drilling for oil or gas  

  Organic

  General term used for a type of gardening or agriculture using  no chemical or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

  Pesticide

  Substance that repels or kills plant or animal pests. Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. are all pesticides.

  Plume

  A visible or measurable concentration of a contaminant from a given   point of origin.

  Pollution

  Contamination of the air, water, or soil with substances that can cause harm to human health or the environment.

  Recycling

  The process of minimising waste by recovering materials and transforming  them into new products.

  Septic tank

  An underground storage tank for wastes from homes not connected to   a municipal sewer system.

  Smog

  Originally smog meant a mixture of smoke and fog.   Today, it is used for any kind of air pollution found in cities, including dust, smoke, exhaust gases or chemical fumes.

  Surface water

  Water above the surface of the earth, including lakes, rivers, seas, streams, ponds, floodwater etc.

  Sustainable development

  Economic development which ensures that the use of resources and the environment today does not compromise the needs of future generations.

  Volatile

  Any substance that evaporates quickly.

  Waste

  Anything that is unwanted or unused and is thrown away.

  Wetlands

  Areas of marshy or swampy ground, or any land area that tends to be regularly wet or flooded. Wetlands are among the most fertile, natural ecosystems in the world and often host plants, birds and animals specially adapted to life in very wet conditions.

  Wind farm

  Large open site on which a number of wind turbines generate wind power electricity for private or commercial use.

  Wind turbine

  A device for converting wind energy into electrical energy. A wind turbine typically has one, two or three blades.

   Ace

   A hole in one

   Away

   The player whose ball is furthest from the hole.     "Who's away?"

   Birdie

   One stroke under par

   Bogey

   One stroke over par

   Bunker

   A sand trap or hazard

   Caddie

   Person who accompanies a player, carries their golf bag and gives advice.

   Cart (also: buggy)

   Small vehicle for transporting two players and their golf bags.

   Chip

   A low short shot to the green

   Course (golf course)

   A large area of land designed for playing golf.    The course is divided into 9 or 18 holes.

   Dog leg

   A fairway that turns left or right

   Drive

   The first shot on every hole.

   Driver

   Wood n°1.

   Driving range

   Practice area with mats, or on grass.     Some driving ranges are sheltered or have overhead protection.

   Eagle

   Two strokes under par, which is the standard score for the hole.

   Fairway

   Part of the golf course between the tee and the green which is kept free of rough grass.

   Flag stick

   Pin supporting a flag on the green.

   Fore!

   A warning call when a ball is heading towards another player.

   G.A.S.P.

   Grip, address, stance and posture : what you need to check before starting your swing.

   Green

   Part of the golf course, with grass cut very short, surrounding a hole.   The hole contains a cup into which players try to "putt" their ball.  A flag shows the position of the hole.

   Green fee

   Fee paid to play a round (a game) of golf.

   Handicap

   A numerical representation of a golfer's playing ability.

   Hazard

   A difficulty or obstruction on a golf course such as lakes, ponds, fences or bunkers.

   Honour

   The player with the best or lowest score on the previous hole has "the honour" or the right to tee off first on the next hole.

   Irons

   Metal golf clubs numbered 1 to 9.

   Lie

   Position in which the ball lies on the course. "I was lucky.  I had a good lie."

   Links

   A golf course beside the sea.

   Mulligan

   A second drive which players grant each other in a friendly game, on the first   tee only, when the first shot is poor.  Mulligans are not officially permitted.

   Nineteenth hole

   Humorous way of referring to the club house (bar/restaurant).   "See you at the 19th!"

   O.B.

   O.B. is an abbreviation for "out of bounds" or beyond the limits indicated by stakes or fences.

   Par

   The standard score (or number of strokes) given to each hole on the golf course. 

   Rough

   Area on the golf course where the grass is longer and thicker than on the fairway.

   Round (of golf)

   A round of golf is a game of golf.     "Do we have time for a round of golf? / How about a round of golf on Saturday?"

   Scratch

   A scratch golfer is a player who has a 0 handicap.

   Stroke (or shot)

   Movement of the club aimed at hitting the ball.

   Swing

   Rhythmic movement which enables a golfer to hit the ball.

   Tee

   A small peg (wooden or plastic) on which the ball is placed for the first shot of    each hole.

   Tee box

   Flat area from which golfers play their first shot on each hole.

   Tee shot

   The first shot on each hole.

   Teeing off

   Playing your first shot in a game of golf.

   Tee time

   Time at which a player starts a round of golf.    "On some golf courses it's difficult to get a tee time."    "What time are you teeing off?"

   Trolley

   A stand, with wheels, for transporting golf bags.  Can be electric. 

   Woods

   The longest clubs, which were made of wood in the past, but are now usually    made of metal.

   bat

    Small mouse-like animal that flies at night

   carve

    To cut with a large knife in order to form something, for example a scary face  in a pumpkin

   bobbing for apples

    A traditional Halloween game : apples are put in a barrel of water and people try to remove them using only their mouths.

   costume

    Scary clothing or disguises worn at Halloween

   costume party

    A party or gathering where everyone dresses in scary costumes

   ghost

    Spirit of a dead person.  At Halloween, ghosts are usually dressed in white sheets.

   ghoul

    (in stories) a spirit that robs graves and eats the bodies

   goblin

    Small ugly creature that plays tricks on people.

   haunted

    Inhabited or visited by ghosts, usually a house or a castle.

   jack-o-lantern

    Scary faces are carved out of pumpkins and a candles are placed inside. These are called "jack-o-lanterns" and are made at Halloween to scare away evil spirits.

   mask

    Covering for the face worn as a disguise.

   pumpkin

    Large round orange-coloured vegetable used at Halloween to make lanterns.

   scarecrow

    Figure resembling a person which is used to scare people at Halloween.     (Scarecrows are normally used in fields to frighten away birds (crows).

   scary

    Frightening

   skeleton

    The bones of the body

   skull

    The bones of the head

   spider

    Small crab-like insect with 8 legs.

   warlock

    A sorcerer or wizard ; a man with magic, usually evil, powers.

   witch

    A ugly woman, wearing a black cloak and pointed hat, thought to have evil powers.

Word

Meaning

  Affluenza

  A blend of 'affluence' and 'influenza'.  A social disease resulting from extreme materialism and excessive consumerism: earning more money and consuming more, which can lead to overwork, debt, waste, stress, anxiety, etc.

  Agritourism

  A form of tourism in which tourists stay on farms or in agricultural villages, and often participate in farm activities.

  Alcopop

  Fruit drinks fortified with alcohol, designed and marketed to appeal  to young people.

  Audiophile

  Person who loves and collects high-quality audio equipment.

  Baggravation

  Blend of the words 'bag' and 'aggravation'. A feeling of annoyance and frustration at the airport when your   baggage has not arrived but the other passengers' bags have.

  Burkini or Burquini

  Blend of 'burqa' and 'bikini' A swimsuit worn by Muslim women which covers the whole body   i.e. the arms to the wrist, the legs to the ankle, with a hood to   cover the hair and neck.

  Busking

  Performing on the streets and other public places, while soliciting donations. Busy urban areas will attract street performers (buskers) who sing, play, juggle, etc

  Buzz

  Excited interest or attention surrounding, for example, a new invention,   a recent event or something that has become fashionable.

  Buzzword

  A new word or expression that is commonly used in specialized work environments or age-groups, and has become fashionable.  Terms used in advertising can often convert into buzzwords and become widely used.

  Captcha

  Completely Automated Public Turing Test To Tell Computers and Humans Apart.     A distorted image of letters and numbers used to ensure that a  response is not generated by a computer, in order to prevent  spamming.

  Carjacking

  Blend of 'car' and 'hijacking'  When a car driver is forced to give up his vehicle or drive to a   destination designated by the attacker.

  Citizen journalism

  News collected and reported by ordinary people, especially  through the use of blog software.

  Daycation

  A trip or short vacation which lasts only one day - daycationers do not stay away overnight.

  Decruitment

  Euphemism for laying-off staff or downsizing a company.

  Docusoap

  Blend of 'documentary' and 'soap'. (soap opera: sentimental TV serial) A 'docusoap' is a reality television programme in the style of a documentary.

  Dramedy

  Combination of  'drama' and 'comedy'. A film, play or TV programme that mixes drama and comedy.

  Earworm

  A tune that keeps repeating itself over and over again in our heads.

  E-cruitment

  Online recruitment of employees, including online submission of resumes and cover letters.

  Emoticon

  A blend of 'emotion' and 'icon'. A symbol, used in email messages, which is made out of   punctuation marks and resembles a human face.

  E-stalk

  To stalk (follow) someone using Internet searches and email.

  Fashionista

  Person who dresses according to the latest fashion trends.

  Flame war

  A period during which angry or rude email messages are exchanged.

  Flash mob

  A crowd that gathers in a pre-determined place, performs an action   then disperses very quickly. The mob is not told exactly what to do until just before the event.

  Flexitarian

  A vegetarian who sometimes eats meat or fish

  Freemale

  A woman who is happy to stay single and independent so that she can do what she wants when she wants.

  Flightmare

  Blend of 'flight' and 'nightmare'. Unpleasant air travel experience (lost luggage, missed connections, etc.)

  Funkinetics

  A form of energetic step aerobics that mixes exercise and soul music.

  Gastropub

  A pub which, in addition to beer and alcoholic drinks, offers  gastronomic cuisine.

  Gastrosexuals

  A new generation of men who see cooking more as a hobby than a household chore, and use their cooking skills to impress friends and potential partners.

  Greycation

  Going on holiday or vacation with grandparents in order to reduce the cost.

  Guesstimate

  Blend of 'guess' and 'estimate'. A rough estimate without any claim of accuracy.

  Hacktivist

  A person who manipulates information on the internet in order to transmit a message, usually political.

  Hoody or hoodie

  A person, especially a youth, wearing a hooded top.

  Hotspot

  Location in which wireless Internet access is available for example airports, hotels, train stations, etc.

  Infomania

  Constantly checking and responding to email and text messages.

  Infotainment

  Blend of 'information' and 'entertainment'. Online services connected to information and leisure activities.

  It bag

  High-priced designer handbag that is the bag "of the moment", or a "must-have" item.

  It girl

  A girl who has become a celebrity more through intense media coverage than through any personal achievements (e.g. Paris Hilton).

  Jumbrella

  Blend of 'jumbo' and 'umbrella'. Very large umbrella set above tables outdoors at a coffee shop,   pub or restaurant.

  Landline

  A telephone connected to wires in a fixed location as opposed  to a mobile or cell phone.

  Mailbomb

To deliberately try to disrupt another computer system by sending massive amounts of email to it.

  Meritocracy

  The idea that merit and individual effort determine one’s success rather than wealth or birth.

  Mocktail

  Non-alcoholic drink that looks like a cocktail.

  Netbook

  Small laptop computer which weighs less than 3 pounds and has a 7 to 10 inch screen.

  Netiquette

  Blend of 'network' and 'etiquette'. Set of rules governing appropriate behaviour and courtesy on the internet.

  Netizen

  Blend of 'internet' and 'citizen'.  A person who spends an excessive amount of time on the internet.

  Newbie

  A new member of any group, community, or activity.

  Nonliner

  Someone who rarely or never uses the Internet, usually because  they cannot access it.

  Noogler

  New Google employee.

  Notspot

  An area where there is slow Internet access or no connection at all.

  Noughties

  The years between 2000 and 2009 which contain a 'nought' (zero), in the same way as other decades are called the 'thirties', 'sixties', etc .

  Offshorable

  Something that can be done or produced in another country, especially  at reduced costs.

  Oversharing

  Providing too much information on the Internet (credit card details, personal information, etc.) especially through social network sites.

  Overworking class

  A segment of today's working population where there is a desire or need to work long hours.

  Password fatigue

  Being tired of having to remember a large number of passwords for different electronic devises.

  Recessionista

  Popular new term for a person who succeeds in dressing stylishly on a tight budget.

  Road rage

  Aggressive habits often resulting in violence against other drivers.

  Sandwich generation

  A generation of people who care for the needs of their children as well as those of their own elderly parents.

  Screenager

  A young person or teenager who spends a lot of time in front of  the computer screen.

  Sitcom

  Blend of 'situation' and 'comedy'.   A drama, on television, based on humorous everyday situations.

  Slumdog

  Very poor, underprivileged person who lives in an overcrowded squalid area of a city called a slum.

  Smirt

  Blend of 'smoke' and 'flirt'  Smoking prohibition laws have led to a new sort of social pastime :   'smirting', smokers getting to know each other when outside on   the pavement.

  Snail mail

  The standard system of delivering mail which is very slow in contrast to electronic mail.

  Spinnish

  The language used by spin doctors, spokes-persons, campaign managers, etc. when trying to present information in a favourable light.

  Staycation

  A vacation in which you stay at home and relax or visit places close to where you live.

  Textual harassment

  Sending text messages to mobile phones which insult or abuse people.

  Tombstoning

  Jumping or diving into water from a dangerously high place such as a hotel balcony, a cliff, bridge, wall, roof, etc.

  Trekkie

  A fan of the TV science fiction series Star Trek.

  Tweet

  People who 'tweet' send short messages via the microblogging service Twitter.

  Upskill

  Teach an employee new or additional skills.

  Videophile

  Person who is very interested in watching videos and making recordings, and values high-quality results.

  Viral marketing

  Marketing strategy that consists in encouraging people to pass along information to friends, family and colleagues through e-mail messages, blogs, video-sharing, etc., so that the marketing message spreads  like a virus.

  Web rage

  Anger or frustration as a result of difficulties or problems encountered when using the Internet.

  Webinar

  Presentation or seminar conducted over the web.

  Winterval

  Blend of 'winter' and 'festival'. A festival that takes place in winter.

  Wordle

  The words of a piece of text arranged into a sort of graphic.   The more frequent a particular word appears in the text, the bigger its size in the wordle.

French

English

Example

Incorrect English (Faux Ami)

Correct English Translation

 Achever

 Achieve              (=réaliser, accomplir)

  Complete/   finish/reach the end of

 The renovation was finished at the end of 2005.  We have reached the end of our programme.

 Actuellement

 Actually               (=en fait, à vrai dire)

  At the moment, currently

 At the moment I am revising my English.

 Affluence

 Affluence                                  (=richesse)

 Crowds

 There were crowds of people in the streets.

 Agenda

 Agenda                     (=ordre du jour)

  Diary

 I note all my appointments in my diary.

 Ancien

 Ancient    (=antique, des temps anciens)

  Former

 Our former chairman was more dynamic.

 Assister à

 Assist                   (=aider)

  Attend

 All the personnel must attend the meeting.

 Avertissement

 Advertisement    (=publicité)

  Warning

 The message was sent as a warning.

 Bail

 Bail                    (=caution)

  Lease

 We can move in as soon as we sign the lease.

 Blesser

 Bless                    (=bénir)

  Hurt/injure

 He was injured in a road accident.

 Chance

 Chance   (=hasard/possibilité)

  Luck

 Good luck!  I hope you'll be as lucky as Tom.

 Coin

 Coin      (=pièce de monnaie)

  Corner

 The cinema is at the corner of the street.

 Commander

 Command         (=ordonner)

  Order

 He ordered food for everybody.

 Conducteur

 Conductor      (=chef d'orchestre / contrôleur)

  Driver

 She told the driver to be careful on the roads.

 Confection

 Confection            (=friandise)

  Clothing industry/   ready-made clothes

 He works in the the clothing industry.  He sells ready-made clothes.

 Contrôler

 Control   (=maîtriser, dominer)

  Check

 Tickets are checked before boarding.

 Déception

 Deception                       (=tromperie,duperie)

  Disappointment

 His failure was a big disappointment.

 Decevoir

 Deceive       (=tromper, duper)

  Disappoint

 The players were disappointed not to win.

 Délai

 Delay                  (retard)

  Time limit/deadline

 We cannot extend the time limit.  Friday is the absolute deadline.

 Envie

 Envy                    (=jalousie)

  Want/feel like

 I don't want to go/I don't feel like going.

 Eventuellement

 Eventually                 (=à la fin, pour finir)

  Possibly/ perhaps/   if need be

 If need be, I could send a fax.

 Formidable

 Formidable                (=redoutable, effrayant)

  Great/terrific

 You did a great/terrific job!

 Fortuné

 Fortunate          (=chanceux)

  Wealthy, well-off

 The money was donated by a wealthy man.

 Fournitures

 Furniture      (=ameublement)

  Supplies

 Julie is responsible for office supplies.

 Gentil

 Gentle                    (=doux)

  Nice/kind

 She's a nice person.  She has a kind word for everyone.

 Habit

 Habit                  (=habitude)

  Clothes, dress

 The old man was wearing his Sunday clothes.

 Ignorer

 Ignore            (=ne pas prêter attention/                 meconnaÎtre)

  Not pay attention/   take no notice/   know nothing

 It's best not to pay attention to his behaviour.  I know nothing about the incident.

 Important

 Important             (=avoir de l'importance)

  Big/large

 There was a big crowd waiting for the Queen.

 Inconvenant

 Inconvenient             (inopportun, mal choisi)

  Improper

 Improper behaviour will not be tolerated.

 Injure

 Injure                          (=blesser)

  Insult

 Please don't take that as an insult.

 Large

 Large                    (=grand)

  Wide

 The Champs Elysées is a very wide avenue.

 Lecture

 Lecture             (=conference/formal talk)

  Reading

 Anne likes reading.

 Librairie

 Library           (=bibliothèque)

  Bookshop

 A bookshop is where you buy books.  (You borrow books from a library.)

 Location

 Location*      (=emplacement)

  Rental/lease   To rent/to let

 They signed a 2-year rental/lease agreement.  The house was let for two years.

 Monnaie

 Money                   (=argent)

  Currency/change

 I need change for the parking meter.  What currency is used in Finland?

 Nuisance

 Nuisance            (=embêtant)

  Harm/damage//pollution

 Noise is a form of pollution that can be harmful.

 Organisme  (autorité/administration)

 Organism            (=organisme biologique)

  Organization/agency

 A relief agency is providing food and shelter.

 Pièce

 Piece                  (=morceau)

  Room/play

 How many rooms are there in the house?  I saw a good play at the theatre yesterday.

 Prévenir

 Prevent                  (=empêcher)

  Warn

 He shouted to warn us of the danger.

 Professeur  (collège/lycée)

 Professor     (=tit.d'une chaire)

  Teacher

 My father is a teacher at the high school and  my mother is a professor at the university.

 Propre

 Proper                     (correct)

  1) Clean   2) Own

 1) The kitchen is clean.  2) Tom has his own car.

 Propriété

 Propriety     (=les convenances)

  Property

 The property belonged to an rich family.

 Realiser

 Realize     (=se rendre compte)

  Carry  out/accomplish   Come true (a dream)

 The plan was carried out perfectly.  I hope all your dreams will come true.

 Regarder

 Regard              (=considérer)

  Look at

 Let's look at the pictures.

 Reunion

 Reunion           (=rassemblement/retrouvailles)

  Meeting

 A meeting was held to discuss the problem.

 Resumer

 Resume          (=reprendre/recommencer)

  Summarize, sum up

 The report summarizes the main points.

 Sensible

 Sensible                 (=sensé)

  Sensitive

 This cream is for sensitive skin.

 Situation (geo.)

 Situation       (=emplacement)

  Location* / situation

 The offices are in an good location.  The situation of the building is ideal.

 Store

 Store                      (=magasin)

  Blind

 We have blinds on our windows.

 Supporter

 Support               (=soutenir)

  Put up with

 Teachers have to put up with noisy children.

 Sympathique

 Sympathetic   (=compatissant)

  Nice/friendly/likeable

 Our new neighbours are very nice.  Jack is a very likeable guy.

 Tentative

 Tentative            (=provisoire)

  Attempt

 He made an attempt/he attempted to escape.