population explosion: a sudden, large increase in the size of a population. high-rise flats: multi-story apartments places of interest: buildings that have a particular interest for visitors sprawling city: a city that has grown over time and which covers a wide area metropolis: the capital or chief city of a country or region. cosmopolitan: including…
Ease off: Reduce pressure: She EASED OFF the accelerator to let the car slow down. Eat away: Destroy slowly: The disease EATS the liver AWAY. Eat out: Eat in a restaurant: We couldn’t be bothered to cook so we ATE OUT last night. Egg on: Encourage: The other students EGGED him ON when he started…
Dawn on: Finally realise or understand something: The truth only DAWNED ON me much later. Deal in: Do business, trade: She DEALS IN paintings. Decide upon: Choose, select: Jane spent a long time looking at houses before she bought one, but eventually DECIDED UPON one near her office. Die for: Want something a lot: I’m…
Call forth: Make something happen: The protests CALLED FORTH a strong reaction from the police. Calm down: Stop being angry or emotionally excited: When I lose my temper, it takes ages for me to CALM DOWN again. Carried away: Get so emotional that you lose control: The team got CARRIED AWAY when they won the…
Ball up: Confuse or make things complicated: The new project has BALLED me UP- I have no idea what to do. Bank on: Count or rely on: I’m BANKING ON your help; I can’t do it alone. Bargain down: Persuade someone to drop the price of something they’re selling: I BARGAINED her DOWN to half…
Abide by: Accept, follow or obey a decision, agreement or rule: I have to ABIDE BY what my father says. Account for: To explain: Can he account for his action? Ache for: Want something or someone a lot: My partner’s been away for a fortnight- I am ACHING FOR her. Act out: To express your…