TEMA 0Dew pointPunto del roco

To roll outImplementarThegovernmentplanstorollout aseriesoftaxcutsover the next fewyears

TradeOficioHe's acarpenterbytrade

CowboysChapuzasThosebuildersareabunchofcowboys - they made aterriblejobofourextension.

A botched jobUna chapuzaOurlandlordredecoratedthebedroom, but it was such a botchedjobthat wedecidedtoredoit.

The gist, to get the gistIdea generalIthinkIgot(=understood)the gistofwhat she was saying.

NewsworthyRelevanteNothing newsworthyeverhappensaround here. It's soboring.

SwarthyMorenoa swarthyface/complexion

To bolsterReforzar, fortalecerMoremoneyisneededto bolster theindustry

To fend offAhuyentar aShespenttheentireeveningfending offunwantedadmirers.

To pass onContagiarIt'spossibletopasson thevirustoothersthroughphysicalcontact.

To stumble upon/on/acrossCome acrossWorkmenstumbledupon themosaicwhilediggingfoundationsfor a newbuilding.

To throw upTo introduce new problems or ideasThemeetingthrewup someinterestingideas.

HecticFrentico, agitadoa hecticschedule

To ponderTo take into considerationHe pondered (on) the suggestion.

To chokeAhogar, asfixiarThe gas choked him

To lickLamerThe dog licked her hand.

To dripGotearHis hand was dripping blood.

OverdueRetrasadoThe train is overdue

To stumble across/on/upon sth/sb

Discover by chanceWorkmenstumbledupon themosaicwhilediggingfoundationsfor a newbuilding

BoothStallPuesto, caseta, stand

UNIT 2SpeakingGet off the beaten trackUn lugar donde va poca genteThefarmhousewestayedin wascompletelyoff the beatentrack.

Be able to chill outRelax

Possibly have to rough it?to manage without luxury

End up spending a fortune

on a shoestringWith limited budgetThefilmwas made on a shoestring.

Enjoy being a culture vulture?AficionadoHe's abitof aculturevulture- always out atgalleriesandtheatres.

Get back to nature

Be in lap of luxury

Collocations with travellerFrequent travellerIndependent traveller

Seasoned traveller (experimentado)Intrepid traveller

Weary traveller (cansado, agotado)Discerning traveller (perspicaz)

An armchair travellerAn inveterate traveller (habitual)

Unwary traveller (incauto, confiado)

To express probabilityTo be bound to + infinitiveTo be certain to + infinitive

To be certain to+ infinitiveTo be likely/unlikely to + infinitive

To express near futureTo be about to + infinitiveTo be on the brink of + noun

To be on the point of + gerund/nounTo be on the verge of + gerund/noun

Prepositional phrasesIn the region ofOn behalf ofOn the brink of

In vainOn the verge ofTo some extent

In conjunction withOn the grounds (of)/(that)With the exception of

She issuingthecompanyongroundsofunfairdismissal.SpeakingTo get my goatTo annoy very muchThatsortofattitudereally gets my goat.

To carry awayBecome excited and lose controlThere'sfartoo muchfood- I'mafraidI got abitcarriedaway.

To fork outDesembolsarIforkedout tenquidfor/ontheticket

HeftyConsiderable, importantea heftybill/fine

Run wildOpenlyShe let her imagination run wild when she painted the room

To be dead set onTo like very muchIm dead set on going to university and getting my degree

In line withThe sameThe company'sresultsare in line withstockmarketexpectations.

A man of clothA priest

Chattering classes Los intelectuales

Some 200 people voted last night (alrededor de)

Petty theftRobo de poca importancia

UNIT 3Phrase spotThick and thinRespaldarThebrotherspromisedtheywouldsticktogetherthroughthickandthin.

Fame and fortuneWhen Joe was 18 he left home to find fame and fortune

Touch and goSituaci inestable, impredecibleThedoctorsays that it's touch-and-gowhetherMary will beokay.

First and foremostPrimero y ante todo

Time and againAlwaysTime and again, we need to solve the budged problem and then we can move on to other issues.

Give and takeDar y recibirIn everyfriendshipthere has to be some give and take.

The life and soul of the partySb who is energetic and funny and at the centre of activity during social occasions.

Flesh and bloodDe sangre, familiaresMy aunt treats her relatives really badly, considering they are her own flesh and blood

High and dryTiradoWhen the company closed down I was left without a job

Black and whiteMeridianamente claroHow could you not understand? Look at this letter, its all there in black and white

ModifiersFairly= moderatelyRather= before negative adjectives to mean moderatelyRather= before positive adjectives to mean more than expectedQuite= from moderately to totally

To be dubious of/aboutCautious aboutSceptical of

Mystified by/aboutAnnoyed by/aboutConvinced by/about

Certain of/about

Express extreme emotionsAngerRage, fury

FearDread, terror

HappinessBliss (dicha), delight

SadnessSorrow, dejection (abatimiento)

SurpriseIncredulity, astonishment (asombro)

boredomTedium, apathy

DisgustRevulsion (asco), loathing (odio)

To rangeOscilarDresssizesrangefrompetitetoextralarge.

PoundingA regular sound of something hitting something else or of aloud noisethe pounding of hisheart

To avertEvitar algo maloto avert acrisis/conflict/strike/famine

GazeMirada

Hair-raisingEspeluznanteShe gave a hair-raising report of herescapethrough thedesert.

UNIT 4ReadingNonchalantTranquiloa nonchalantmanner/shrug

To bulgeSobresalirHerbagswere bulgingwithshopping.

To coilEnrollerShe coiled herhairintoaneatbunontopof herhead.

CaneMimbre

SemolinaSmola

CrumbsMigas

To smudgeMancharShe wascryingand hermascarahad smudged.

UnstintingAbundanteunstintingsupport/generosity

Morass(figurative) montaaThe morass of rules and regulations is delaying the start of the project

To veerVirar bruscamenteAll of asudden, thecarveeredofftheroad.

To wobbleTambalearseThatbookcasewobbleswheneveryou put anything on it.

Fuzzy BorrosoIs thepicturealways fuzzy onyourTV?

MuttonCarne de carnero

PattyMedalln de carne

LonginglyCon anheloShegazedlongingly at thecakesin theshopwindow.

To glowBrillar, replandecerThissubstanceis soradioactivethat it glows in thedark.

CorianderCilantro

CleanseLimpiar, purificarRomanCatholics go toconfessionto be cleansedoftheirsins.

SalverbandejaA silver salver

Dimtenue, dbil (luz)Thelampgave out a dimlight.

To dim

To dye outDesaparecer, sobretodo especiesDinosaurs died out millions of years ago.

Small printLetra pequea

To be in awe offearful and respectful of someone or somethingI love my new car. In fact, I'm in awe of it.

Out of the bluePor sorpresaOne day, out of the blue, she announced that she was leaving.

Combining wordsSpoon-feed withDar de comer con cuchara a, dar informacinBy guving out printed sheets of facts and theories, the teachers spoon-fed us with what we neede for the exam

Knife-edgeEstar pendiente de un hiloAt themomenttheelectionseemsbalancedon aknifeedge.

Silver-platedPlateado

Gold-platedChapado en oro

Foil-wrappedEnvuelto?

Sugar-coatedGolosina

Flesh-eatingCarnvoro

Beer-swilling

Blood-suckerSanguijuela, parasito

Oven-proofrefractario

Foolproofinfalible

Tamper-proofResistent to interferenceDrugmakersare encouraged to use tamper-proofpackagingfor theirproducts.

Clown-like

Doll-like

Owl-like

Beer-matposavasos

Idiom spotThe icing on the cakeLa guinda del pastel

Have a lot on your plate

Pull all your eggs in one basketJugrselo todo a una cartaI'm applying for several jobs because I don't really want to put all my eggs in one basket.

Have a bigger fish to fryTo have sht more important to doI won't waste time on your question. I have bigger fish to fry.

Sweeten to pillDorar la pldoraThe government has cut income tax to sweeten the pill of a tough budget.

Take something with a pinch of saltTomarlo con pinzasYou have to take everything she says with a pinch of salt, she does tend to exaggerate.

Spill the beans Irse de la lenguaSo who spilled the beans about her affair with David?

Sell like hot cakesVenderse como rosquillasThe new game is apparently selling like hot cakes.

Get egg on your faceQuedar en ridculoYou'll be the one who has egg on your face if it goes wrong.

Eat humble pieAdmitir que estabas equivocadoI think I'm right, but if I'm wrong, I'll eat humble pie.

Identifying appearanceFleshycarnosoChewyDuro

SensuousSensualWateryAguado, acuoso

TenderTiernoLusciousSabroso

FibrousFibrosoSharpPuntigudo, afilado

AppetisingApetitosoSugaryazucarado

JuicyJugosoBitteramargo

ExquisiteExquisitoPulpypulposo

OverripeDemasiado maduroSourAgrio

SoftBlando, mullidoSweetDulce

UNIT 5Phrasal verbsTo set outTo intendShe set out with the aim of becoming the youngest ever winner of the championship.

To take onTo agree to do I'll take on that job for you

To look intoTo investigate

To check outTo make inquiries

To stand outTo be highlightedThe black lettering really stands out on that orange background.

To find outTo discover

To try outTo test

To put up withTo tolerate

To point outTo mentionHe was planning to book a rock-climbing holiday, till I pointed out that Denis is afraid of heights.

To back downTo concedeEventually, Roberto backed down and apologized.

Phrase spotThe right way roundEn el sentido correctoTurned it the other way, you cant read it if it isnt the right way round

To serve someone rightSe lo tiene merecidoItll serve Michelle rights if no one ever speaks to her again

To be right under your noseDelante de tus naricesThe police never found the murder weapon, even though it was right under their nose

To be within your rightsEstar en tus derechosYoud be well within your rights to take that dress back to the shop.

By rightsSi la situacin fuera justaBy rights you should go to bed at 9 p.m.

As right as rainFeel better after an illnessIve had a cold but Ill be as right as rain when Ive had a holiday

In the rightTener la raznI refused to apologise because I knew I was in the right

Right on timeJusto a tiempoHelena turned to the meeting right on time for a change

The film rightsLos derechos del filmHis book has been very successful and it looks like hes all set to sell the film rights too

Nouns reviewA burst of applauseA pane of glassA window pane

A stroke of luckUn golpe de suerteA grain of sand, rice

A gust of windUna rfaga de vientoA speck of dustUna mota de polvo

A ray of sunshineLa luz del albaA source of amusement

An item of clothing, newsA rumble of thunderEl ruido de un trueno

A puff of smokeUna nube de polvoA state of emergency

To run amok: correr a lo locoDim: -

Showing possessionThere are three ways of showing possession in English:a. The apostrophe: Used with people (customers rights) Used with time and distance (days pay)b. Using of Usually used with objects, the price of petrol Used to talk about position, the back of the roomc. Using a noun as an adjective (travel leg, travel agency)

UNIT 6Take exception to somethingto object strongly to somethingofenderse por algoI take great exception to the fact that you told my wife before you told me

take noticeobserve with special attentionTake notice of the great architecture

Take placeTo happenThe film festival takes place in October

take part (in something)to be involved in somethingHow many countries took part in the last Olympic Games?

Take a back seatto allow somebody else to play a more active and important role in a particular situation than you doMany managers take a back seat and leave recruitment to specialists.

Take the view that:believe thatConsiderar que.I take the viewthat education should be available to all

To take into accountTo take into consideration. E.g..You should take account of what he said

take issue with somebody (about/on/over something)(formal)to start disagreeing or arguing with somebody about something. I must take issue with you on that point.

Stick to:1 to continue doing something despite difficulties.She finds it impossible to stick to a diet.

Stick to:2.to continue doing or using something and not want to change it. Ceirse aHe promised to help us and hestuck to his word

Take advantage of something/somebodyto make use of something well; to make use of an opportunityShe took advantage of the children's absence to tidy their rooms.

take somebody by surpriseto happen unexpectedly so that somebody is slightly shocked; to surprise somebodyHis frankness took her by surprise.

take somebody/something for grantedSubestimar, dar por hechoHer husband was always there and she just took him for granted.We take having an endless supply of clean water for granted

Take a firm line/ (firm) stand (on/against something):Tomar una posturaWe need to take a firm line on tobacco advertising.They took a firm stand against drugs in the school.The government has taken a firm line on illegal immigration.We have totake a stand against racism.

Express probabilityThe chances are that Allan accepted to study music at OxfordIt is doubtful that he will take early retirement

Hes bound to get the Heads job if there isnt a last-minute hitchIn all likelihood the cause of the fire in the gum was an electrical fault

Its a foregone conclusion that a gold medal for the taking in the 100 metres this yearIts highly that the audience take no notice of any mistakes she makes at the concert

Idiom spotTo be of noteOf importance or of great interest. a scientist of note.The museum contains nothing of great note.

Be in/out of tune (with somebody/something):To be/ not be in agreement with somebody/ something; to have/ not have the same opinions, feelings, interests, etc. as somebody/ something. These proposals are perfectly in tune with our own thoughts on the subject.The President is out of tune with public opinion.

Bid (for something)an offer by a person or a company to pay a particular amount of money for something.At the auction(= a public sale where things are sold to the person who offers the most), the highest bid for the picture was 200.Any more bids?

For a song:(informal)Very cheaply; at a low price.She bought the painting for a song.The property isgoing for a songbecause they need to sell it fast.

Have another string/more strings to your bowTo have more than one skill or plan that you can use if you need to.The exhibition shows that he has other strings to his artistic bow.

Settle a score/an account (with somebody)/settle an old scoreTo hurt or punish somebody who has harmed or cheated you in the past.Who would do such a thing? Maybe someone with an old score to settle.

Hit/strike the right/wrong note: To do, say or write something that is suitable/ not suitable for a particular occasion.It is a bizarre tale and the author hits just the right note of horror and disbelief.The speech seemed tostrike the right note withthe crowd.

Strike/touch a chord (with somebody)to say or do something that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasmThe speaker had obviously struck a chord with his audience.

UNIT 7Idiom spotCatch somebody's eye:if something catches your eye, you suddenly noticeOne of the books on the top shelfcaught my eye, and I took it down to look at it.

Look somebody in the eye(s)/face

to look straight at somebody without feeling embarrassed or ashamedCan you look me in the eye and tell me you're not lying?I'll never be able to look her in the face again!

Cast/run an eye/your eyes over somethingto look at or examine something quicklyCould you just run your eyes over this report

Have an eye forsomethingto be able to judge if things look attractive, valuable, etcHehad an eye forthe unusual and the exotic which made him a very good shopping companion

Turn a blind eye (to somethingto pretend not to notice something bad that is happeningManagement oftenturn a blind eyetobullying in the workplace

Be in the public eyeTo be well known to many people through newspapers and televisionPoliticians find themselves constantlyin the public eye.

See eye to eye(about/on someone or something)(with someone)to agree about someone or something with someone elseMy father and Isee eye to eye on/aboutmost things

Participlesawe-inspiringimpressive; making you feel respect and admirationThe building was awe-inspiring in size and design. There is something very awe-inspiring about this image

Indistinct /ndstkt/that cannot be seen, heard or remembered clearlyAn indistinct figure in the distance.His memory of the incident was somewhat indistinct.

Dazzleto impress somebody a lot with your beauty, skill, etcHe was dazzled by the warmth of her smile

Dazzling: (adj) e.g. a dazzling display of oriental dance.

Flamboyant: /flmbntExuberante, extravagante.He was flamboyant and temperamental on and off the stage

Flamboyant: /flmbntVistoso, llamativoFlamboyant clothes/designs.

Gratuitous: /rtjuts/unnecessaryGratuitous violence on television.

Inspiring: /nsparExciting and encouraging you to do or feel somethingAn inspiring teacher.

Toweringextremely tall or high and therefore impressivetowering cliffs

Grandeur: /rndj(r)/the quality of being great and impressive in appearancethe grandeur and simplicity of Roman architecture

Paintings which inspirebridge the gap/gulf/divide (between A and B)to reduce or get rid of the differences that exist between two things or groups of peoplethe media were bridging the gap between government and people

break the mould (of something)/mld/to change what people expect from a situationShe succeeded in breaking the mould of political leadership.

reassessReevaluar, reexaminarAfter reassessing the situation, she decided to do nothing.

prevailingCurrent,predominant.the prevailing economic conditions

RobeToga, sotanaCoronation robes.Cardinals in scarlet robes.

be on the lookout/ keep a lookoutto watch carefully for somebody/ something in order to avoid danger, etc. or in order to find something you wantThe public should be on the lookout for symptoms of the disease.

provenance:/prvnns/Procedencia, origenAll the furniture is of English provenance

stiffNot friendly or relaxed.The speech he made to welcome them was stiff and formal.

shrewdListo, astuto, inteligenteShe is a shrewd judge of character.

wily: /wali/Cunning, astutoThe boss is a wily old fox.

To outwitSer ms listo queIn thestory, thecunningfoxoutwits thehunters.

StatelyMajestuoso, seorial

To commissionEncargar, contratatShe has been commissioned to write a new national anthem.

regality:/ralti/the state or condition of being royal

To conveyCommunicateHispoetryconveys agreatsenseofreligiousdevotion.

VeracityVeracidad

.

UNIT 8To contraveneto do something that is not allowed by a law or rule, infringeThe company was found guilty of contravening safety regulation

To infillCambio de uso (inmuebles)The mayorincluded$2 million in hiscurrentcitybudgettobuylandforinfill andredevelopmentthroughout the city.

To fosterFomentar, promoverShe fostered the childs talents.

To lag (often withbehind) tomovetooslowlyandbecomeleftbehindWe waited for the smaller children, who were lagging behind therest.

To caterAbastecer, proveerThecollegecaters for alleducationalneeds.

CatererProveedor

To mismatchNo combinarI alwaysthoughtChris and Monique were mismatched, so I wasn'tsurprisedwhen they gotdivorced.

pie-in-the-skyCastillos en el aire, something good promised for thefuturebut which one is notcertainorlikelyto getHe says he will get a well-paidjob, but its just pie in thesky.

Compound adjectives and their collocationsQuick-thinking politicianPoorly thought-through plan

Long-running tv seriesPoorly thought-out plan

Short-sighted policySmashed-up carDamage by violent action

Well thought-through argumentCarefully considerBlown-down trees

Well thought-out argumentBien pensadoBlown-out windows

Poorly-constructed buildingBlown-up windows

Poorly-fitting cupboards

Idiom spotTo burn a hole in your pocketHave money that you want to spend

To burn the midnight oilWork late into the night

To get your fingers burned/burnedHave something go wrong

To fiddling while Rome burnsFocusing on something trivial during a crisis

To have money to burnHave a lots of money

To burn your bridgesTake actions which you cannot reverse

Phrases with takeTo take placeDuring the festival, there are a lot of exciting events taking place in different parts of the city

To be in placeTraffic restrictions have been in place for several months

All over the placeThe amount of litter on our streets is appalling there are empty drinks cans and discarded packaging all over the place

First placeThe city of Derry has been awarded first place and is the UK City of Culture next year

To feel out of placeI felt really out of place at the party

UNIT 9VocabularyA dress-down dayTo dress casual clothesThe office manager decided that Friday should be dress-down day

To be stuckAtascado (unable to figure out)I'm really stuck - do you have anyideashow toanswerthese questions?

The outlay on my weddingGasto, desembolsoThe outlay on my wedding

To steer clear ofTo avoidIwantto steerclearoftroubleifpossible.

To raise some eyebrowsTo show surpriseMy wearing jeans to the interview really raised some eyebrows

To get up somebody noseTo annoy somebodyPeople whodrivelike that really get up my nose.

To opt for sthOptar porAlicia wasnt sure which pair of jeans to opt for as both fitted well

Phrase spotTo come overChange sidesHe gave you apresent!What's come over him?

To come up with the goodsTo produce what is wantedWhat theypromisesoundsimpressiveenough - let'sseeif they come up with thegoods.

To come in forTo receive or blame criticismThedirectorhas come in for a lot ofcriticismover hishandlingof theaffair.

To come out in sympathy withTo stop working in order to show your support for others Therailwayworkerscame out in sympathy with theminers.

To come aroundChange your mindHe'll come roundtomypointofview, given abitoftime.

To come betweenSeparar (figurado)Don'tletone littlequarrelcome between you.

To be coming alongDeveloping or improvingMy essay is becoming along quite nicely, now Ive found out which resources to use

First come, first servedThe first people to arrive will be able to get the best choiceYoucan'treserveaseatatthemovietheater;it'sstrictlyfirstcome,firstserved.

To come to terms withAceptar, asumir algo difcilIthinkhe's still coming totermswith thedeathof hiswife.

To come about To happen or start to happenIt was funny how my look came about

To come apartTo be separated from somethingTheyd soon come apart

Vocabulary (prefixes)To redoTo do again

Self-consciousConscious of themselvesSelf-contained (independiente)

Counter-productiveGoing against something, not productiveCounter-argument

Pro-governmentFor something, in favorPro-American

OverworkedToo much of somethingOver-hear

SubzeroUnder/belowSub-tropical

SuperhumanMore than humanSuper-concentrated

Anti-smokingAgainst somethingAnti-lock

Pre-arrangedBeforePre-packed

OutdoTo do moreOutlive (live longer than)

UndervaluelessUnderestimate

Types of personalityMorbid personSomebody who is interested in unpleasant subjects, especially death

Opinionated personSomebody who has a lot to say on every subject

Pompous personSomebody who is full of their own importance

Vivacious personSomebody lively and excitable

Acquisitive personSomebody who hoards things

Meticulous personSomebody who checks everything they do very carefully

Discriminating personSomebody who has good taste

Complacent personSomebody who sees no need for change even if needed

Unobtrusive personSomebody who likes to remain in the background

Manipulative personSomebody who tries to control people

Boastful personSomebody who is inclined to tell everyone about their possessions and successes

UNIT 10To mournLlorar a, lamentar la muerteShe was still mourningforherbrother.

To striveEsforzarse, lucharMr Roe haskindledexpectationsthat he must now strivetoliveup to.

To staggerTambalearseAfter he wasattacked, hemanagedto staggertothephoneandcallforhelp

To cause a stirCausar revueloWhenBobappearedwithoutjacketandtie,itcausedastiratthestatedinner.

Phrase spotTo take a turn for the betterTo start to improveThingsaretakingaturnforthebetteratmystore.Imaymakeaprofitthisyear.

To have a nice turn of phrasetheabilitytoexpressyourself wellShehasaniceturnofphrasewhichshouldserveherwellinjournalism.

To not to know which way to turnNot to know what to do Theuncertaintyhasleftmanycompaniesnotknowingwhichwaytoturn.

To turn/go as read as a beetrootSonrojarseWhenever Italkedabout his pastlife, he would go beetroot.

To turn of the centurythe period from about ten years before to ten years after a new century

To not turn a hairNo inmutarseI wasexpectinghim to behorrifiedwhen heheardthecostbut he didn't turn ahair.

To toss and turnTo move about from side to side or turn a lot in bed, especially because you cannot sleepI was tossing andturningallnight.

To take it in turnsRotarThe male and female birds take turns in sitting on the eggs

A turn-up for the books asurprisingorunexpectedeventHe actually offered to help? That'sa turn-up for the books!

UNIT 11Phrasal verbsTo fend offAhuyentarHemanagedto fend off hisattackerswith astick.

To blurt outDecir algo sin pensarloHe blurted everything out about thebaby, though we'dagreedtokeepit asecretfor a while.

To bottle upReprimirseBottle up a problem, emotions

To choke backContenerse las lgrimas"John has had anaccident," she said,chokingbackthetears.

To keep upCarry onKeep up appearances

To shoot downEchar algo abajoShoot down an argument

To sweep asidetorefusetoconsidersomething or totreatit asimportant:Theyswepthisdoubtsandobjectionsaside.

To tease outDesenredar, separar informacinIt took me a while toteasethetruthoutofhim.

To tone downBajar el tonoSome of thelanguagein theoriginalplayhas beentoneddown for thetelevisionversion.

To whip upSuscitar, depistarHe wastryingtowhipup someenthusiasmfor theproject.

Idiom spotTo tie the knot To get marriedSo when are you two going to tie theknot?

To cast my netTo look around for someone else

To bold from/out the blueA total surpriseThenewsof hismarriagewas a bolt from theblue.

To have time on your handsPlenty of free timeMary hasfoundthat she has time on herhands, so she is taking a collegecourse.

To call the tuneIn chargeHe'd let her call the tune ; there was a tremendous relief in giving up the fight

To carry a torch forIn love withTerry has beencarryingatorchfor Liz foryears, but sheseemsnot to notice.

To roll up someone sleevesBehaved very practicallyThere's a lot ofworkto do, so roll upyoursleevesand getbusy.

To be at deaths doorVery illIwassoillthatIwasatdeath'sdoorforthreedays

To give someone the cold shoulderIgnoring meIthoughtshe reallylikedme, but the nextdayshe gave me thecoldshoulder.

To get a grip onTake charge, get in controlI justthinkhe ought to get a grip on himself - he'sbehavinglike achild.

GradabilityAbsolutely staggeringDeeply angryAbsolutely awful

Doubly disappointingExtremely cheerfulCompletely broken-hearted

Fairly laid-backFairly happyEntirely impossible

Remarkably accurateImmensely hurtTotally terrible

Slightly embarrassedRather irritableUtterly wonderful

Somewhat enviousVery upset

Utterly miserable

SuffixesAlternativeAlternateHypocriticalHypocrisy

CautionaryCautionPhilosophicalPhilosophy

CollapsibleCollapseRepulsiveRepel

DetestableDetestTenaciousTenacity

Honorary, honourableHonourTheatricalTheatre

LaboriousLabourVirtuousVirtue

LoathsomeLoatheVoluntary Volunteer

Reformulate phrasesAbsenceAbsentBiasedBias

Deceptively, deceptionDeceiveDesirabilityDesire

ExtremistExtremeFailingsFailure

HomogeneityHomogeneousInclinationsInclined

InflexibilityInflexibleInvincibilityInvincible

OppositionOpposeRadicallyRadical

RigidityRigidSuppressionSuppress

UNIT 12Idiom spotThe final nail in the coffinSomething that has finally caused failureThatreportdrovethefinalnail in the company'scoffin.

To call a spade a spadeTo speak directlyLet'scallaspadeaspade.Themanisaliar.

To go down the tubesTo failIfbusinessdoesn'tpickupsoon, thecompanywill go down thetubes.

A weak link in the chainUnreliable part of something, usually used of peopleIf Davina had set this up, then Elsie had been the weak link in her chain.

To blow a fuse/gasketTo lose your temperWhen he told her how much itcost, sheblewagasket.

With (no) strings attachedUnconditionalMost of theseso-calledspecialofferscomewithstringsattached.

To get your wires crossedMisunderstandSomehow we gotourwirescrossedbecause I'd got the 23rd written down in mydiaryand Jen had the 16th.

To shoot your boltTo failHestartedoff thegamewell butseemedto haveshothisboltbyhalf-time.

To get into gearTo start to deal with something effectivelyAfterafewdaysoutoftheofficeitalwaystakesmeawhiletogetintogearwhenIcomeback.

To twist the knifeTo deliberately make someone feel worseJust toturnthe knife a little, he told me he'dseenmyoldgirlfriendwith her new man

ExpressionsIn the vanguard = at the cutting edgeA double-edged sword = having advantages and disadvantagesThe lay person = non-expert

For its own sake = as an end in itselfSubject to enough regulations = effectively controlled by lawThe greater good = the benefit of society at large

Phrase spotSet the wheels in motionto do something that willcauseaseriesofactionstostartIthoughtaphonecallto therightpersonmight set thewheelsin motion.

Not to set the world on fireto not be veryexcitingorsuccessfulHe has aniceenoughvoicebut he's not going to set theworldonfire.

Set the scenetodescribeasituationwhere something is about tohappen:First, let's set the scene - it was adark,wetnightwith astrongwind blowing.

Set your sights ontodecidetoachievesomethingJenny has set hersightsonwinningthecompetition.

Set your teeth on edgetoannoyyou very muchThekidsscreamingin the nextroomreally set myteethonedge

Set out your stalltoshowotherpeoplethatyouaredeterminedtodosomethingWe'vesetoutourstalltowinthechampionshipaandwe'llbedisappointedifwedon't.

Set your heart ontowantto get orachievesomething very muchShe's set her heart on having apony.

Set the record straightto write or say something inorderto make thetruefactsknown:She'sdecidedto write hermemoirsto set the recordstraightonceand for all.

Set a dangerous precedentSentar un peligroso precedente

Not be set/carved in stoneto not befixedandableto bechangedThese are just a fewideas- nothing is set in stoneyet.

Pull and runPull your weighttoworkas hard as otherpeoplein agroupTheothershadcomplainedthat Sarah wasn'tpullingherweight.

Pull your socks upto make an effort to improve your work or behaviour because it is not good enoughHe's going to have to pull hissocksup if hewantstostayin theteam

Pull the other leg/onePull the other one, its got bells on itused when you do notbelievewhat someone has just saidHelen,mountainclimbing? Pull the other one she cant even climb a ladder without feeling sick!

Pull the stringsto be incontrolof anorganization, oftensecretlyIwanttoknowwho'spullingthestringsaround here.

Pull a fast onetosuccessfullydeceivesomeoneIt's neverworththat much - Ithinkhepulledafastoneonyou.

Run rings aroundIf someonerunsringsround you, they are very muchbetter, faster, or moresuccessfulat something than you are:Ourgirls'hockeyteamhaverunringsround alltheiropponentsthis year.

Run the risk ofto do somethingalthoughsomethingbadmighthappen because of itIf youtellhim thetruth, yourunthe risk ofhurtinghisfeelings.

Run counter totobeinoppositiontosomething;to run agains somethingHisidearunscountertogoodsense.

Run a tight ship or run a taut shipTo run a ship or an organization in an olderly and disciplined mannerThenewofficemanagerreallyrunsatightship.CaptainJonesisknownforrunningataut ship.

Unit 13Vocabulary Environment collocationsFossil fuelSevere famine/shortagePristine (inmaculado) environment/ice capFinite resources

Greenhouse gasesWater shortages/resourcesClimate changeSolar energy

Population density/changeMelting ice capRising sea levelsLife expectancy

SynonymousPeople/personsAmelioration/improvementBloke/manStuff/things

Frequented/went toReckon/thinkBoozing (trago)/drinkingMates/friends

Fellow/guySnaps(sacar una foto)/photographsPluses/advantagesLousy(terrible,asqueroso)/terrible

Prudent/carefulMad/annoyed

Im broke/Im destituteYoure slender/skinny

Youve been sneaking into/entering the roomThe evening will commence/The match will kick off

Pablo struck (golpe) the jammed windowI felt the rain trickling/flooding slowly

AdverbsPassionatelyConfidentlyCategoricallyPeevishly (malhumorado)

TentativelyReluctantlyResignedlystubbornly

EnvironmentNounVerbAdjective

PredatorPredationPreyPreyPredatory

DemographyxxDemographic

XxDomesticateDomestic

ConiferXxConiferous

DiversityDiversificationDiversityDiverse

EvolutionEvolveEvolutionary

InevitablyXxInevitable

UNIT 14VocabularyYankTo findThe boys found some interesting old photos

HarangueDisprovingTheteamwas given theusualhalf-timeharangue by themanager.

ResolveTo decideLaura resolved to give up chocolate at New Year

SwearTo promiseI swear I wont use your bike again without asking first.

SeetheTo be angryJo was seething when his mobile was stolen

UnearthTo ignoreTrevor unearth

CraveAnsiarMy sister really craved coal when she was pregnant

FloutDesobedecer intencionadamenteManymotorcyclistsflout thelawby notwearinghelmets.

ScroungeGorrearCan I scrounge 5 from you, do you think?

Phrase spotTo live throughTo experience a difficult situation or eventHe could never know the pain and fear this child had lived through

To live downSuperar la vergenzaIwishI'd neveropenedmymouthin themeeting- I'm never going to live it down!

To live it upDisfrutar de la vidaHe'saliveand well andlivingit up in the Bahamas.

To live by your witsTo makemoneyin acleverand usuallydishonestwayTom lived on the streets from an early age but lived by his wits

To learn to live withToaccepta new but unpleasant situation that cannot change.It's hard not having him around but Ive learn to leave with it.

To live up to your expectationsEstar a la altura de tus expectativasDoes the city and your (new) job live up to your expectations?

Idioms or expressionsBy word of mouthBy speaking onlyAll the orders were given by word of mouth to avoid leaving written evidence which might be later discovered

To lie face downwardsOn its stomachThe child lay face downwards in the sand and screamed

To set foot onLandedMan first set foot on the island in the nineteenth century

To have a heart to heartA good chatMy mother took me aside and suggested we have a heart to heart about my new boyfriend

To walk hand in handHolding handsThey walked down the street hand in hand

To stroll arm in armWith arms linkedPhil and I strolled arm in arm along the beach

To be nose to tail Bumper to bumper (embotellado)Traffic is nose to tail every morning on the road into the city centre.

To come face to face withMet unexpectedly someone she didnt want to meetLiz came face to face with Roger at the party

To live from hand to mouthTo be very poorHis family lived from hand to mouth while he was growing up because his father was unemployed

To be made by handNot by machineAll our pottery is made by hand

To fight tooth and nailTo fight very hardThe MP fought tooth and nail to get the bill through Parliament

To see eye to eyeTo agree withIm finding it increasingly difficult to see eye to eye with my boss

UNIT 15A golden handshakeFinancial reward for long service

Cut their teethGet experience

Progress up the rungsClimb the career ladder

A mixed blessingGood and bad

Dog-eat-dogFiercely competitive

The slightest whiff ofA tiny bit of

Snapped upRecruited immediately

A track recordEvidence of previous success

MindsetWay of thinking

The jurys still outPeople havent decided

A quantum leapHuge improvement

Quick fixesApparently simple and instant solutions (which dont succeed)

Keep their heads downAvoid trouble by behaving in a quiet way

CollocationsQuick biteSomething quick to eatLets get a quick bite before the play stars

Fast laneThe quickest but most competitive route to successLife in the fast lane was proving even more hectic than Henry had imagined

Quick buckEarn money fastBenson had a reputations for trying to make a quick buck

Fast trackThe quickest line in e.g. airport check-inTravellers in business or fist class may use our fast track channel

Brisk nodA quick move of the head in acknowledgmentWith only a brisk nod in our directions, the man carried on with his presentation

Swift denialA public announcement to say that something isnt true, given quickly to prevent media interestBoth parties issued a swift denial, but most of the tabloids ran the story in any case

Rapid responseAnswering/reacting quicklyThe team pride themselves on their rapid response, generally one to two days maximum

Quick catnapBrief sleep, usually during daytimeAfter a quick catnap, he has ready to face the press

Collocations with slowSlow growth

Slower pace

Slow signs

Slow process

Slow decline

Slow line

Idiom spotThe jurys still out

A quantum leap

The slightest whiff of

Quick fixes

Track record

A mixed blessing

Red ink

Green shoots

Clue chip

White goods

Golden hello

White knight

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